#I might make moodboard to calm down today (didn’t get to be small last night which tbf was my fault)

[pumpkin-n-mc]

pancakes with cute designs,, when is it my turn

[jobean12-blog]

Top Shelf: Chapter 12-Bookaholics

Pairing: Bucky x reader (Bookshop/Bartender AU)

Word Count: 1,515

Summary: You and Bucky try to get the ball rolling and explain your idea to Sam and Nat all while having a little fun :)

Author’s Note: Hey everyone! Happy Monday! Thank you for all your continued amazingness! Love you all! If anyone hasn’t been to the High Line you can check out the website here It’s one of my favorite places in the city and really is that beautiful! I like taking you on a little tour of NYC through this story, it helps with how badly I miss my city (we are doing well though so one thing at a time right!) All the pictures I use in my moodboards are real photos of these places. Here is the link for attaboy  again in case you want to see that too. Thank you all for reading! Much love to you always ❤❤❤

Warnings: Fluff, some super light smut (mostly implied), flirting, romantic fluff :)

Previous Chapters

Chapter 1: Enchantment

Chapter 2: Cookie Crumble

Chapter 3: Sweet Anticipation

Chapter 4: Read Between the Limes

Chapter 5: Secrets on the Shelf

Chapter 6: Love Between the Covers *

Chapter 7: Love Lines & Soul Finds

Chapter 8: Drunk in Love *

Chapter 9: Pour it onto the Page

Chapter 10: Recipe for Love *

Chapter 11: The Pages in Between 

When you awake the next morning it’s to the sound of more rain hitting the sky light, Bucky’s even breathing warm against your neck. You slowly shift and stretch to grab your phone. Seeing that it’s not even 6am you unlock the device and lazily search through your Pinterest, saving recipes that look worth trying.

“Looking up some new stuff to bake, sweetheart?” His voice is low and raspy from sleep and you love the sound, turning and smiling as he rubs his eyes. “I hope I didn’t wake you?” He curls his arms around your middle and pulls you against his chest, “nope.” You rest your head under his chin, closing your eyes and listening to the rain.

“How about we just stay up here forever. Forget work, read books, eat pizza…” You continue, your breath hitching as Bucky’s hand creeps under your shirt. “Listen to the rain…Bucky.” He rolls on top of you, gently pulling your shirt above your head. “What else?” he asks between kisses. “This. Lots and lots of this,” you whisper, shimming out of your shorts.

“How long do we have before you have to leave for work?” His fingers inch below the waistband of your underwear, easily slipping inside you. “Enough time,” is the last thing you say before his lips capture yours, swallowing your moans.

You find if hard to concentrate at work, every free minute your mind wanders to thoughts of the bookshop and your idea and to Bucky. It’s hard to shake the feeling of wanting to dive in headfirst and just do it, go all in. But you know you can’t. You must do this right. You shoot Bucky a quick text, ‘hey babe, want to talk to Sam this weekend? Maybe we can hang at the bar after closing and go over our idea?❤❤’

His reply seems enthusiastic and you smile. ‘Definitely!❤ I can’t stop thinking about it, especially being in the bookshop now. I keep imagining where we could put things and how to move things around and all that.😁😍’ Letting out a breath you let him know you’re excited and try to get back to work. The rest of the day is boring, and the work week drags, however, your nights with Bucky are anything but.

Saturday night rolls around and you and Nat stroll into the bar late. You wade through the crowd of already drunk people, searching for Bucky behind the bar. You spot him leaning against the back counter, his button down open at the front and his sleeves rolled up, the buttons looking like they may pop off any moment. His jeans do little to hide his thick thighs and perfect ass. Sam slides up next to him and you follow their line of sight over the bar to find two girls giggling at something they said.

“Hey Nat, I think our boys caught some attention,” you snicker, pointing their way. Nat raises her brow, whispering in your ear before heading to the other end of the bar. She makes her way to the bar, getting the attention of Peter. “Hey Pete, could you get y/n and I some shots please,” she asks, batting her eyelashes.

He nearly falls over, grinning wide at you both before looking nervously over at Bucky and Sam. “Uh, yea, sure of course ladies. What’ll it be?” You pretend to think it over for a second, “you know what, why don’t you pick for us? Whatever you think we’ll like. And make one for yourself so you can join us!” He simply nods, rushing off to make your shots. “Could he be any more adorable,” Nat whispers, giggling. “No. But could he be any more afraid of the boys?”

You both let out a laugh, having way too much fun and looking over at them. They’re staring, Sam with his arms crossed over his chest and Bucky with his hand on his hip, all four eyebrows raised in your direction. You smirk at Bucky just as Peter appears with the shots. “Thanks Pete, can’t wait to try these.” He lifts his shot up, clinking the small glasses with yours and Nat’s. You keep your eyes on Bucky while you down the cold liquid, slamming the glass down on the bar and licking your lips. “That was great, good choice, thanks.” Nat heartily agrees, sliding the glasses back and smiling at Sam.

“You’re welcome, can I get you anything else?” A large hand lands on Peter’s shoulder, Sam’s deep voice answering his question. “No, thanks Pete, we’ll take care of the girls from here on out.” You watch him visibly stiffen, shaking his head vigorously before practically running off in the other direction.

“No need to scare the pants off the kid, baby,” Nat coos, her smirk reappearing. “And it looks like you were handling those girls on the other side of the bar just fine from here.” Bucky and Sam look at each other and scoff before they start laughing. “So, that’s what this is about!? They’re Steve’s cousins that are visiting from out of town,” Sam says, eyeing Bucky before laughing again. “You were jealous!” Bucky adds, his eyes bright. “I love it.”

His smile is so wide you want to punch him and for a moment you and Nat are silent. “Well, how were we supposed to know! And we were only having a bit of fun! AND might I add, I was not jealous!” Nat chimes in, “but clearly you two were! Coming over here and scaring Peter half to death!” They start laughing again and Bucky leans over the bar to whisper in your ear, “I love you.” Sam throws Nat a wink and waves over the two girls who quickly head toward you. After introductions are made and everyone laughs over your misunderstanding you spend the rest of the night enjoying your new friends and having some drinks.

By the time 2am arrives and the bar closes you’re all tired but still willing to talk things over.  Sam cleans off a back table and grabs some waters. “Ok. Let’s hear this plan of yours,” he says, smiling brightly despite the time and fact that he’s been at work for almost 12 hours. Your heart swells. You love them all so much.

Before you start you reach into your bag, pulling out a small Tupperware. “Ok, but first, some cookies!” Sam whoops along with Bucky, two large hands grabbing for the container. Bucky looks to you, his mouth full of cookie, “go for it baby.” You hold his hand the whole time, laying out what you’ve come up with so far.

Nat’s smile never falters, and Sam’s excitement is clear as they listen to all you have to say. When you’re finally done, they naturally have questions which you and Bucky do your best to answer. “Listen, I think it could really work if you do it right. People love books. They love food. They love coffee. You just need to bring it all together,” Sam says, suggesting you set up a meeting with his friend Tony who owns several businesses and has a really good head for this stuff.

“He sounds like he could be a huge help,” you say excitedly. Sam nods, chewing his last cookie. “Oh definitely. He’s brilliant and honest and if anyone can help you navigate through this it’s him. And of course, us!” he adds, putting his arm around Nat. “Of course, guys! Did you tell Steve yet?” she asks. Bucky shakes his head no. “He and Peggy couldn’t make it tonight so they are going to stop by tomorrow, actually later today, so we can fill them in.”

When you finally leave the bar, it looks as if the sun is about to come up. “Summer is really here! I love how early the sun comes up these days. And how long it stays out,” you say, leaning into Bucky. He has his arm around your waist as the two of you walk slowly down the quiet street. Suddenly, he stops. “Hey, I have an idea. You wanna go on a little adventure before we head home?”

With a little squeeze to his middle you happily exclaim, “yes,” not needing to ask any questions as you follow him into the subway. About twenty minutes later you emerge back to the surface and see you’re at the High Line. “Oh, Bucky! I love it here!” He smiles down at you, walking up the steps. “I hope we can see what I want to see,” he whispers, holding your hand as you head down the path.

You reach a spot where you have a clear view of the water and Bucky sits on a bench, pulling you into his lap. It’s close to 6am and the sun is starting to peek over the horizon, the bright orange and pink hues dancing across the calm water. “Good morning,” he says against your ear, his eyes fixed on you instead of the rising sun. Turning your head, you kiss him softly. “It’s the most perfect morning.”

@aesthetical-bucky @auro-ora @azurika-writes @book-dragon-13 @buckys-broody-muffin @bucky-on-my-mind @bugsbucky @eurynome827 @hiddles-rose​ @hailmary-yramliah @hawksmagnolia @ikaris-whore @imgaril-lindru @itsunclebucky @jhangelface0523 @jewels2876 @loricameback @littledarlinhavefaithinme @littleredstarfish @mushyjellybeans @marvelandotherfandomimagines @marvelgirl7 @nano--raptor @randomfandompenguin @sallycanwait68 @scarletsoldierrr @softpeachbarnes​ @the-wayward-robot​ @throwmyheartawayagain​ @flyawaybay​ @amandatar-06​ @nd1998sc​ @yansi1923​ @captainchrisstan​ @vherriepie​ @godofplumsandthunder​ @when-the-hell-is-bucky​ @fire-flv​ @jamesbarnesappreciationclub​ @irishflutiegirl​ @rinthehufflepuff​ @moonybarnes​ @nordlysinthewoods​ @inflxmes @lauratang​ @my-favorite-fics-and-imagines​ @buchanansebba​ @emilylyoness​ @curlyred2020 @kaosera​ @breezy1415​ @metal-armed-cuddly-dork​ @devynsdiary​

[ineloqueent]

christmas eve of disaster

Brian May x Reader

synopsis: when Brian’s cousin announces her imminent arrival in town, the night before christmas, Brian sets out to find his niece a present for the occasion, and enlists his best friend to help.

warnings: swearing

word count: 1.4k

see the moodboard here!

⭒

in a parallel dimension, 2019

Brian had called you, sounding completely out of sorts, an incessant anxiety to his tone which announced his desperation for your aid, even before his words did.

“Please, you’ve got to help me,” he said, and you bit back a laugh, because you would never have refused a friend in need, despite how convinced Brian was that you were going to say no to helping him. “Spending Christmas in my dingy flat is going to be horrid enough as it is. I won’t be responsible for ruining the poor girl’s Christmas as well—”

“Brian—”

“—and her mother’s got nothing, with that stingy, slimy bastard husband of hers gone off to god knows where—”

“Brian—”

“—and I simply won’t— no, god dammit, I refuse to be the reason that— fuck’s sake— this is an absolute disaster—”

“Brian, will you shut up?!” you cried, and the other end of the line went silent, aside from a muffled apology. “Of course I’ll come with you to Hamleys, just let me get my blooming coat and shoes on.” You sighed, not with exasperation, but with the effort that it took to stand up from the sofa, when you’d spent the majority of the day curled up very comfortably in its depths. You held the phone between your ear and shoulder as you tugged on your shoes, hopping from foot to foot after nearly losing your balance. “When can you be here?”

The doorbell rang, and you frowned.

“Now,” said Brian over the phone, and you grinned involuntarily, at once hurrying down the stairs and throwing open the door.

Brian stood there with his phone to his ear, and he smiled in greeting as he ended the call and put his mobile away.

Tall and seemingly imposing, though not at all once you got to know him, your best friend had always been a sort of anchor to you. Slim and angular too, one would not have thought him an adept hugger, but that he was.

When you threw your arms around him now, Brian laughed and embraced you with equal enthusiasm, the weight of his arms around your waist and his unusually long, curly hair against your face familiar sensations, ones of comfort and homeliness.

“Have you missed me that much?” he asked, laughingly. “I saw you yesterday, you know.”

“Yes, but I haven’t seen you today,” you sighed into his shoulder, and he patted your hair with a chuckle.

“Thought you said we spend too much time together,” he mused, and you rolled your eyes as you released him.

“Not true. I said that some people might think we spend too much time together, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

“Oh, you’re a sap,” he said, but his tone was as fond as you were of him.

You stuck out your tongue at him, and when he reciprocated, you grabbed your coat from its hook by the door and slipped it on before looping your arm through his.

“C’mon,” you said, shutting the door behind you, “let’s go to Hamleys.”

⭒

Hamleys was packed to the rafters, and you couldn’t have chosen a worse day to go shopping in central London than Christmas Eve.

You and Brian were currently standing in the doorway to the place, feeling rather overwhelmed. Brian looked a little pale, in all honesty.

“So,” he said, “where in the world do we start?”

“Good question.”

It was a good question.

There were screaming babies and mothers fighting over the last sets of Star Wars Lego, bored looking fathers, and other young people your age, who looked as panicked and confused as yourself and Brian.

This was bound to be a disaster.

But luckily, if Hamleys had anything, it was signs, and rather well-placed, informative signs, at that. It would make your quest for a Christmas gift for Brian’s niece quite a bit easier.

You turned to Brian. “How old is she, again?”

He narrowed his eyes, thinking. “Four, I think.”

“So…” You tapped your finger against your lip, as Brian stood and stared rather helplessly into the abyss of Christmas shoppers. “What about watercolours? Versatile, neutral, but also promoting creativity..?”

“Perfect. Let’s go and then let’s get out of here.”

You nodded in agreement, and the two of you made for the staircase which led to Hamleys’ arts and crafts department.

The arts and crafts department was a significantly more calm atmosphere than the Lego department, and you breathed a sigh of relief upon reaching the top of the stairs.

“Got stamina yet?” Brian asked, and you raised your eyebrows. He explained, “I was hoping we could go for dinner afterwards.”

“Alright then,” you agreed, with a wink. “It’s a date.”

Brian flushed. “No! No, I didn’t mean it like that—”

“Oh, relax, Brian. I was just teasing you.”

He blushed further, and for the life of you, you couldn’t understand why. This was how it’d always been, the two of you batting flirtatious or spiteful remarks at each other, those the nature of both was always feigned. You and Brian had been friends for as long as you could remember, and nothing would change that.

“Right,” he said, quietly. You opened your mouth to ask him whatever the matter was, but he had already turned on his heel and gone down one of the many art department aisles.

Thinking this would be over faster if the two of you split up, you meandered down the neighbouring aisle, muttering to yourself as you sought the already-elusive watercolours.

“No luck?” you queried when you encountered Brian turning the corner, and he shook his head, his curls falling about his face prettily.

“None at all.” He sighed. “This is a disaster.”

You folded your arms as you glanced around, your jaw set in determination.Why should it be so hard to find the most timeless present for a child? And in a toy shop, for fuck’s sake.

Just then, an idea popped into your head. “If I’m not mistaken,” you said, “Hamleys has an online directory.”

“Oh brilliant,” Brian muttered. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

“Because I’m the clever one,” you deadpanned, and your best friend, the astrophysicist, barked a laugh.

“‘Course you are.”

Pulling your phone out, you realised with dismay that it was dead, and you stuck your hand out with beckoning fingers. “Mine’s dead,” you told Brian.

“Ah.” He handed you his own, and wandered back down the aisle, still in search of a sign that would lead to the watercolours.

“Passcode?!” you called, before he could get too far away.

“You should know that!” he returned, and disappeared around the corner again.

“I should know that?” you asked yourself, tapping your index finger against the side of his phone. Nothing popped into your head, so you shrugged and decided it would serve him right to get locked out of his phone for being so confident in your recollection abilities.

But you lost your train of thought when the screen of Brian’s phone lit up, because smiling back at you, was you.

Well, you weren’t exactly looking straight at the camera, and you didn't remember when or why you’d been laughing, and much less that a picture had been taken, but there you were— laughing as you turned to face the photographer, who, undoubtedly was Brian, your eyes bright and your complexion rosy, the sunlight catching on your hair.

Your heart stuttered in your chest.

“Brian,” you called, beginning to walk in the direction he’d gone. “Brian!” you walked faster, propelled by an urgency you didn’t know the source of. “Brian—”

You had turned a corner, and found him. He was facing away from you, staring straight ahead, as though frozen.

Biting your lip, you walked forward slowly, and reached out your hand to touch his shoulder.

“Bri,” you said softly.

He turned, one hand fisted at his side, his lower lip between his teeth and his eyes narrowed to an apprehensive squint.

“I’m—” you started. “I’m your lock screen?”

Brian pressed his lips together. “You, uh,” he cleared his throat, “you weren’t supposed to see that.”

He glanced down, and his hand rose to muss his curls. You took a tentative step closer.

“Bri.”

That always got him. He looked up.

“Go out with me?” you asked softly, your voice small. “Actually go out with me? On a date?”

A slow smile crept across his lips. “Yeah,” he said in a rush of breath. “I’d like that.”

Butterflies fluttered in your stomach, and your smile mirrored his.

Maybe this day wasn’t so much of a disaster after all.

[nano--raptor]

Plea

Pairing: Bi!TJ Hammond x Female Therapist!Reader

Word count: 3k

Summary: TJ comes to you in a moment of weakness because he doesn’t know where else to go.

Warnings: Angst, mild panic attack, kissing, oral (male rec), sex, smut, soft smut, light bondage, some fluff, feelings etc

A/N: written for @the-ss-horniest-book-club​ , inspired by the prompt below from @littledarlinhavefaithinme​. Huuuge thank you to Allie @hawksmagnolia​ for all the help and support on this one, helping me with plot points, and making this lovely moodboard. ❤️❤️ TJ is a soft precious bby and I love him, and I'll be definitely be writing more parts for this💕

-----

Amber light streamed into the car from the street lamps above as TJ gripped the steering wheel with white knuckles, trying to calm his racing heartbeat. He wasn’t sure how long he’d been sitting here, parked just down the street from her house, at nearly one in the morning. His mind wouldn’t stop running, he didn’t even remember the drive here, which added to his panic. He couldn’t think, he couldn’t focus, he felt pulled in a thousand directions. He forced himself to look at her house, to notice the details about the roof, the porch, the shrubs that lined the pathway down to the street. It was familiar, he’d walked that path before.

This time, however, he couldn’t get himself to move.

“Go, fuck,” he hissed into the darkness. He hated himself right now, how he couldn’t even get out of the goddamn car on his own. Pathetic.

“Fucking go, you coward!”

Squeezing his eyes shut, he finally got himself to release the wheel, wrenched the door open and scrambled out of the car, slamming the door behind him. He took off towards the house and didn’t stop running until he reached the front door, hammering the doorbell several times before he could stop himself and run away.

Then he waited. Fidgeting, panting, closing his eyes again and clenching his fists.

Help me.

-----

“Coming! Hold on!”

You hurried down the hall towards your front door, pulling a robe over your sleep shirt and shorts, cursing whoever was frantically ringing your doorbell at 1am. Yanking the door open, the rant died on your lips and you were shocked to see TJ standing there, of all people. He was a mess; red eyes, dishevelled hair, looking hopeless and on the verge of panic.

“TJ? Oh my god, what are you doing here?”

“I-I didn't know where else to go…” his voice trailed off, small, defeated, and you reached out to grab his wrist, fearing he might run if you waited even one more second.

You pulled him inside and wrapped your arms around him while he leaned into you, arms hanging down by his sides. You held him tight and stroked his hair, trying to provide comfort.

He'd been here before, outside of your sessions, that's not what surprised you. What surprised you was that he'd shown up here in the middle of the night, completely on his own, out of the blue. It must have been really bad today.

TJ started leaning his full weight against you, and you carefully lowered the both of you down to the floor. He curled up against you and tucked his head under your chin, and you instinctively started rubbing his back. You just held him, and you’re not sure how long you sat there before you could finally feel him starting to relax.

“What do you need, honey? You wanna talk about it?” You kept your voice gentle, soft, not wanting to add to his panic. He shrugged, and you could feel his warm breath and his soft-as-sin lashes against your chest. You held him tighter, trying to shield him from the whole world in your arms.

“It’s safe here,” he finally spoke, so quietly you almost didn’t hear him. “I’m losing control… I can’t stop it.” He sounded so helpless and defeated that your heart was breaking. The fact that he came here, to your house, to you, at his most desperate hour, spoke volumes. 

“I’m so glad you came here TJ, I don’t even care what time it is.” You meant it to be soothing, to be a sentiment, but TJ misunderstood, and suddenly pulled sharply away from you.

“Shit. I shouldn’t have come here, this isn’t your burden.” His eyes were wide with panic again and he tried to jump up, but you caught his wrist at the last second and held it with everything you had.

“Stop.” The word came out more biting than you intended, but it worked, stopping him in his tracks. He stared at you, wide-eyed, and your grip on his wrist tightened, pulling him back down to your level. He dropped to his knees and you held his face in your hands, forcing his eyes to meet yours.

“No. You do not get to come to me like this and then take off right away without letting me help you. Let. Me. Help you.” Your eyes flicked back and forth between his, searching, waiting and praying for him to come back to you. TJ was prone to panic attacks and rash decisions, and you were beyond grateful that he’d come here so that you could help him through it. But now, he had to fucking let you help him.

TJ blinked a few times as he processed your words and slowly raised shaking hands to grasp your wrists. A hundred emotions flashed through his eyes before they closed and he leaned into you again, letting out a shuddering breath against your skin.

“I’m just so fucking lost, every goddamn day is a struggle, I’m loosing my grip, I’m exhausted. I - I can't do this anymore.” When you felt hot tears against your skin, that did it for you, and your own tears that had been threatening to fall finally did. You lifted his chin and held his face again, but his eyes flicked away, ashamed of admitting the depth of his struggles to you. As if you hadn’t already known. But this was different, this was raw and real and off the record. This was in the moment.

“Look at me TJ.” Another sharp delivery and his eyes slowly slid up to yours. He looked so defeated. “I’m glad you’re here. Okay? You’re not a burden.”

A beat passed and you held each other's gaze for a moment, your eyes flicking down to his mouth and back, his doing the same, before he was crushing his lips to yours and leaning into you, desperately trying to hold onto something tangible. You kissed him back, all your emotions pouring into it, trying to show him that he did mean something to you, that you cared. He was hurting, but he kissed you with a fervor that was fighting to break free, and you yearned to help him. But you had to keep him from running.

An idea struck you and you pulled back slightly, still cupping his cheek, searching his eyes. He blinked, lips parted and swollen, cupped his hand over yours to keep that connection.

"Do you trust me?" You whispered. You knew he did, it was himself he didn't trust. TJ nodded, and you moved to stand, guiding him to his feet with you. His hand still clasped in yours, you led him down the hall, away from the doors he would normally go through, and up the stairs to your private home. Once inside you closed and locked the door, then turned and pressed your body against him, gently urging him back against the wall. His lips found yours again and his hands circled into your robe and to your waist, fingers gently fumbling around the hem of your shirt. Your breath hitched once he touched your skin, and you let a soft moan escape your mouth, encouraging him.

TJ lifted his hands to your shoulders to push the robe off, and it fell to the floor, along with his jacket. You pulled away briefly to get another look at his eyes and the way he looked back at you, with a spark of hunger, made your stomach flip with excitement. He cupped your cheek again and pulled you back in, almost possessively, and for a moment you were proud of him. 

It only lasted a moment though because soon you were both stripping each other’s clothes off, desperate to get hands on skin. When you were down to your underwear you led him to the bedroom and pushed him down onto the bed, then slowly peeled your panties off, hips rolling side to side. TJ's eyes were wide, glued to your movements. You pushed them down your legs and stepped out, bare before him now, crawling onto the bed. You were happy to see that he finally looked a little more relaxed, the tiniest of smirks pulling at the corner of his mouth.

“Do you trust me?” you asked him again. He nodded and responded, his voice hushed but a little more confident.

“Yes.” You leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to his lips before sliding off the bed and moving to grab something out of your dresser. Turning back to face him, you pulled a strand of silky fabric through your hands, letting it glide between your fingers. TJ raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t move, which was a mini win in your mind. You crawled back onto the bed and nibbled your bottom lip, watching his eyes as you straddled his legs.

“Give me your hands,” a gentle command, but TJ obliged without hesitation. You took his hands in yours and slowly wrapped the scarf around his wrists, looping it over and around, binding them together. Your heart was racing, and you wondered if his was too as he watched you work. You raised his hands to your lips and pressed kisses over his fingers, his knuckles, and he followed your movements again with soft eyes. It made your heart leap to see him looking more calm, more relieved, and you couldn’t stop the smile that spread across your face.

You leaned in to kiss him again, urging him back against the pillows as you guide his arms up above his head. His mouth only left yours for a second as he raised them, and you smiled against his lips, wrapping the end of the scarf around your headboard, securing it tightly. You pulled back to examine your work and TJ bit his lip as he tested the binding, pulling at it just a little bit. You both smiled, yours slightly more devious, but you could see the spark in his eyes and it made your heart soar. If you could help him navigate the darkness by finding a way to get him out of his own head, you were more than happy to try.

“Are you comfortable, sweetheart?” You cupped his cheek and stroked it gently with your thumb, and TJ nodded, leaning into your touch again, nibbling his lip in anticipation. You trailed your fingers up his arm to test the bindings, gently fingering the silk, ghosting your fingers over his skin. Goosebumps were forming already from your light touches, and you looked forward to making him feel even better. You kissed him once more and he was hungry for it, licking into your mouth, gentle moans rumbling up from his chest.

You trailed kisses over TJ’s jaw, to his throat, lingering over his pulse point before continuing downward. Gentle kisses along his collar bones, over his chest and down his stomach, abs flexing under your light touches. He moaned again, the sweetest sound, it was soft and needy and it shot straight to your core. You were trying to put his needs and care before your own, but you couldn’t deny your desire for him either, TJ was charming and downright gorgeous, and had a knack for making a partner feel like they were the most important person in the world.

As you trailed your lips further down, fingers ghosting along his sides, he started squirming, whimpering as your tongue traced along his hips. You peeked back up at his face, his eyes were closed, lips parted, and he looked perfectly beautiful. Hooking your fingers into the waistband of his boxers, you slid them down over his hips and out of the way, finally freeing his cock from its confines. He squirmed more as you teased him, your lips going everywhere except where he needed you. He was murmuring and rolling his hips, trying to get your mouth on him, and when you finally licked a hot stipe up the underside of his cock he whined loudly and his back arched off the bed.

“Ahh, fuck baby, yes…” You took him all the way into your mouth now, and his eyes shot open with a gasp, before he dropped his head back to the pillow with another moan. He tugged on the binding, arms flexing deliciously, and you felt him twitch in your mouth, loving that boundary set for him. You knew he wanted to touch you, any time you’d had him in your mouth before his hands always ended up tight in your hair, and while you longed for his hands on you now, you knew this limit was good for him. He’d come to you tonight begging for your help, and while this maybe wasn’t what he’d had in mind, it was keeping him occupied and keeping his mind out of that dark place. You’d tie him up and hold him tight as much as he needed if it meant he felt safe.

You hummed around him and swallowed him down until he bumped against the back of your throat and the sound it pulled from him was fucking music to your ears. Sure he’d bared his soul to you before, but the vulnerability he’d show in the bedroom always made your heart melt. You swirled your tongue around him as you moved your mouth up and down the length of his cock and you could tell he was close. Speeding up your motions you smoothed your hands up his thighs and along his sides, then dragged your nails gently back down the planes of his stomach. Soon TJ started mumbling under his breath and seconds later he tensed all over with a gasp and shot his hot climax straight down your throat. Moaning around him, practically purring, you grasped his hips and dug your fingertips in, holding him tight, milking him for everything he had as he rode out the waves of his orgasm.

Pulling off him gently, TJ’s eyes fluttered open and he looked utterly spent. Flushed cheeks and chest, he was panting and sweaty, his eyes followed the motions of your tongue along your lips as you liked them clean. He pulled on the bindings again with a whine, trying to reach out and touch you, grunting in frustration. 

“You okay sweetheart?” You crawled over him again to press your lips to his, voice dripping sweetness as you checked in on him. He kissed you back, hungry, desperate, pulling your bottom lip between his teeth as a tiny show of defiance. You pulled back and smirked at him, lightly patting his cheek. “Answer me honey.”

“Yeah baby,” he croaked, his eyes still hungry. His hips rolled up against yours and you smiled, sitting upright, splaying your hands on his chest. You wanted him as badly as he wanted you, and while you wanted to tease him more and make him squirm, you were aching for more of him.

“What do you want sweetheart?”

“I want you,” TJ gasped, clenching his hands into fists. “I need you. Please baby.” You nearly purred out loud as he started begging. 

“Oh honey, you want me so bad don’t you?” You cupped his cheek and your heart soared as he nuzzled into it, nodding and looking up at you through his lashes, his plea barely a whisper. 

“Please…”

Oh god. He looked so beautiful and needy and he was absolutely loving being tied down. Looking at him sent a fresh spark straight to your core and you backed your hips right onto his needy cock without being able to wait another second. 

TJ tried to hold eye contact, he really did, but as soon as you moved your hips down and your dripping wetness slid around his cock he couldn’t help the desperate, carnal moan that tore from his throat. His hips bucked hard into yours and his back arched and it was so hot that you wanted to remember this, the way he looked beneath you, as long as you lived. You started rocking your hips, angling them so he’d reach as deep as he could and soon you were both writhing and moaning and it was glorious. Throwing your head back you ground down on him, your moans and his both filling the room. Nothing else mattered in this moment, you controlled the pace and the pressure and it was exactly what you both needed.

“Baby,” TJ’s shuddering voice drew you back and folded over him, bracing yourself on one arm and carding your hand through his hair with your other. He was close again - so were you - and you held his gaze until his head dropped back again and his eyes fell closed, burying your face in his neck as he came with a shuddering gasp that trailed off into a moan. Even with his wrists bound above his head, TJ writhed and moaned and bucked his hips into you as he rode through his climax and it was enough to push you over the edge too. Wrapping your arms around his neck you whined into his ear, wrapping yourself around him, needing him as much as he needed you in that moment.

The two of you lay panting, trying to catch your breath. You rolled over to your side and reached up to undo the scarf from the bedframe, but left it wrapped around TJ’s wrists for the moment. You pulled him close and he brought his hands down to stroke your cheek, sighing at the relief of finally being able to move his arms.

“How you doin’?” you whispered, wrapping your leg over his hip and stroking his cheek, and then his back. His eyes flicked between yours and he looked satisfied, comfortable.

“‘M so good, baby, thank you.” His voice was soft, heavy with sleep already. He reached to kiss your lips, and it was soft and gentle and full of feeling, the kind reserved for lovers. Your heart flip flopped again and you pulled the blanket up around you both, content to drift off to sleep with him safe in your arms.

-----

Tags! ❤️ @sfreeborn @jobean12-blog @crushedbyhyperbole @mannatgalhotra @bubbabarnes @buckysthing @marvelgirl7 @ikaris-whore @aesthetical-bucky @littleredstarfish @godofplumsandthunder @winterboobear11 @stuckyinamoose @our-whitetulips-us @throwmyheartawayagain @cristie24 @jesslovesyouall @buckybarney @my-own-private-library @hawksmagnolia @peaceinourtime82 @infinity-saga @kenzieam @sallycanwait68 @hailmary-yramliah​ 

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[springday-aus]

Ghost!AU with Jungkook

—

moodboard link

Group: BTS 

Member: Jeon Jungkook

Other Characters: mentions of ghost!Yoongi and neighbor!Taehyung

Genre: fluff, platonic bc he’s literally dead 

Type: Bulletpoint AU 

Word Count: approx. 1.5k 

A/N: totally late bc Halloween, but better late than never 

Jungkook died in an embarrassing way

not like, on the toilet embarrassed

more of… he forgot to drink water while he was playing some video games….

so……... dehydration

even though he died in the 21st century, dehydration is probably the stupidest way to die 

so he died fairly recently

around 5ish years

recently enough to still be roaming around earth

especially in the apartment he died in

the nice landlady tries to rent it out to other people and while the price is lower

(primarily bc he DIED in there)

people just keep leaving

it’s not Jungkook’s fault but also his fault

like he doesn’t mind having other people

but the other people………. don’t really wanna live with him

lowkey he gets hurt whenever people move out

bc when the landlady asks

they always say there’s a chill that brushes by and it freaks them out a bit

(homeboy is just trying to walk from place to place)

and then how things move without them moving them

(it’s more convenient for Jungkook if people have coasters under their glasses, just saying)

and how in the evenings, the electronics would turn on

this is actually Jungkook’s fault bc he’s in the habit of playing games at night and watching tv until late

so when a tv turns on its own and flips channels and you know that no one else is in your living room……………….. people move out the night that he starts turning on shit

yeah, when your shit starts to turn on by itself…… I would be moving out too

that’s paranormal activity shit

and most don’t wanna mess with that

Jungkook isn’t intentionally pushing people out

it’s just an accident bc he just forgets he’s not alive

Yoongi, the ghost from two floors up, says that it’s because humans tend to fear the unknown

he’s got a point too

that’s why humans fear death—they don’t know what happens after you die

there was one guy who ended up “living” with Jungkook for the longer time period

Namjoon was a good guy

he’s so great that after seven months of moving here, he moved out to live in a bigger space with his partner

Jungkook was upset but he was happy for him, even though he hasn’t spoken a word to him

so that was his current situation: another empty apartment that the landlady is trying to rent out once more

this is where you come in

you rent out this place and within a week, you’re moving in

Jungkook stays in the corner a bit, just observing you

he makes note of your pictures, knick-knacks, and other supplies

it’s about another week or so until you’re settled and established some kind of routine

he doesn’t mind you

you’re consistent

it’s about another two weeks or so until he makes his presence known

one night, you were working on an assignment late at night with the tv on

you just picked something off of netflix and let it play

it was just the soft sounds of the television and the typing of your laptop keys

and then

you felt it

there was shift in the temperature and a chill brushed against your neck

even with your hoodie on, you shivered from the cold

and moved from your spot to grab a heavier blanket 

when you came back from your bedroom, you didn’t notice how one of the throw pillows have slightly shifted over

by slightly, I mean moved over to the other side

you didn’t think much of it and shrugged it off, thinking you might have moved it earlier

the sleep deprivation was getting to you

to Jungkook tho, it meant acceptance

small, but still meaningful

again, you didn’t think much of it

until it was happening for a solid month

even during daytime

so……….. you asked around the building

they didn’t really say much, just that a lot of people tended to move out because of some of the stuff that happened there

it wasn’t until you met Taehyung that you found out about Jungkook

he was pretty close with him, since they were close in age and bonded over video games and dogs

when he died, he actually attended the funeral and it was…. upsetting to see such a young man die

Taehyung: “you know, most people tend move out about a month after moving in”

Taehyung: “they all seem freaked out and the landlady even called a shaman to check out the place because it was deemed as ‘unliveable’”

You: “well, has anyone found evidence that he’s still there?”

Taehyung: “I don’t think anyone could handle it if they found out”

You: this is a bad idea but oh well

so you may or may not have bought a ouija board (you did)

and you try talking to him

you set up candles and a picture (which you got from Taehyung himself)

once the sun sets, you officially start

Jungkook thinks it’s hilarious so he plays along

You: “hello spirit of Jungkook, I’m (Y/N) and I wanted to ask if you are here”

after a couple of minutes of no response, you sigh, feeling ridiculous

You: well, this is stupid

and then

it moves

your eyes widen as your hands push towards the yes

you didn’t actually think you would get an answer so you were at a bit of a lost

You: “is it okay if I’m living here?”

he moves it towards the no

you let out a sigh of relief

You: “cool, so you aren’t a murder ghost, great”

he’s laughing but you can’t really hear him

although, you do hear a faint sound of wind chimes—even though you are very sure that none of your neighbors even have wind chimes

so you “talk” with him a bit more and eventually, you head to sleep

You: “thank you for not killing me and please look away when I’m in the bathroom or changing”

if Jungkook wasn’t dead, he was very sure there would have been blush on his cheeks

so you two live side by side peacefully

you were wearing a lot more hoodies to avoid the cold breezes that pass by

if you forget where something was, most of the time, they show up in front of you in courtesy of Jungkook finding it

when you often forgot, he would help you with

one time you didn’t push the cook button for the rice cooker

(he saved you from throwing the whole batch out)

sometimes you even leave a small bowl out for him like an offering

and, yeah, he can’t eat it but he does appreciate it

it goes like this for a while and you’re both content

and then Halloween comes

at previously midnight when Halloween begins

there’s another cold breeze that passes by and you wake up, dazed and confused

and, in the darkness, there’s a shadowy figure you spot at the end of your bed

and suddenly you’re awake, sitting up in your bed

you wrap yourself a bit tighter in your blanket as you hear your name being whispered

Jungkook: “I didn’t mean to wake you”

You: what. the. fuck.

Jungkook: “go back to sleep”

the last thing you hear is soft singing from an angelic voice before you drift back to sleep

you wake up the next morning

putting on Halloween movies, putting on the Monster Mash, and prepping candy for the kids that stop by your apartment

it wasn’t until Jungkook makes an appearance that you remembered what happened last night

and I mean APPEARANCE

you physically saw him in your kitchen

and screamed

he was just as startled as you

but you haven’t even seen him until today

(expect for the pictures Taehyung showed you, which is the only reason you recognized him)

Jungkook: “did I not mention that on Halloween I can physically appear?”

You: “NO BITCH YOU DIDN’T TELL ME”

Jungkook: “well, I’m telling you now” :(

after you calm down from the miniature heart attack, you get to spend a day together

well, mostly on your part since you can actually see him now

he’s just more…… visible

it’s fun, it’s like a longtime friend coming over and spending the day with you

so you spend the night watching more movies, dressing up (at least, you did), and giving candy to the kids

you learn more about him and it’s a super fun time for the both of you because it means actual conversations

like how good he is at singing

(it’s very clear how much he loves music)

how often he likes to play computer games

his cleanliness

how much he likes the romantic comedies you put on

his weird obsession with trying different ramens

Jungkook: “I had like 6 cups in a row once”

You: “well jesus, no wonder you died”

Jungkook: “stop making fun of me” ​😭​

he’s not sure how long he’ll be here, but he’s glad he’ll be living with you while he’s here

and when midnight comes and you’re falling asleep as Hocus Pocus plays in the background

you hear it 

“good night, (Y/N), until next Halloween” 

[keanuficfiles]

Babyhood Drabble

Note: I just woke up this morning in a fluffy, domestic kind of mood, made a moodboard, and this Keanu tooth-rotting -fluffy drabble followed.❤️

Keanu woke to the early morning light shining on his face. He winced against the brightness and quietly slipped from the bed to lower the shades. Rubbing his palms over his eyes and letting out a silent yawn he looked over at the bed where his wife was curled up still sleeping. It had been a short night. The small sleeping bundle in the bassinet beside the bed being the reason. He smiled softly. In the three weeks since they brought Harper home from the hospital, sleep in the Reeves household had been inconsistent at best. As much as he appreciated the sunshine, he wasn’t about to let it rob his girls of any of their rightful rest. A quick glance at the clock showed that it was just before 7, which meant that Harper would probably be waking before too long anyway.

He slipped back into bed and smiled as his wife immediately snuggled into is side and rested her head on his chest. He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes. Within moments they were both asleep again.

The next time Keanu awoke it was to the soft fussing noises of his daughter. She wasn’t quite crying, but she was letting them know she was awake and wanted attention. He loosened his hold on Y/N as she sat up and leaned over to pick up the baby, who immediately settled a bit at the sight of her mother.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” Y/N cooed. “Did you get a nice rest? Are you hungry?” She glanced at the clock. “It’s 7:30. That’s not too bad. You slept for 3 hours that time.” She pressed soft kisses into her daughter’s neck as she whispered to her, unwrapping her from her swaddling blanket and smiling as Harper stretched.

Keanu scooted behind Y/N and looked over her shoulder as she leaned back against him. “Good morning, little love.” He said as he reached his hand around Y/N to tickle his daughter’s tiny palm. Immediately she grasped on to his finger and let out a happy squirm. He chuckled softly, still amazed at the feeling such a small gesture gave him and pressed a smiling kiss into his wife’s neck. “And good morning to you, gorgeous.”

Y/N turned her head and kissed his whiskered jaw. “Morning babe. Thanks for the extra 40 minutes of sleep.”

She moved Harper so she was nestled in the crook of her arm and leaned back against Keanu as she lowered her sleep shirt and brought Harper to her breast. She immediately latched on, and Y/N gave a small wince. The baby had a strong suckling reflex. She settled back fully against her husband’s chest as he wrapped his strong arms around her and watched his daughter eat, occasionally stroking her soft little cheek.

“I will never get over how perfect she is at moments like this.”

Y/N shook her head with a smile. “Yes. Right now it’s easy to forget about the two hours last night when we couldn’t get her to calm down.”

They snuggled in bed as a family until Harper ate her fill, then Y/N gently passed the baby to her husband. “Could you burp her? I’m in desperate need of the bathroom.”

“Sure.” Keanu took a cloth and the baby and propped her against his shoulder like a pro. This was a maneuver he’d become quite adept at over the past few weeks. And he was pretty proud of the fact that he could usually get a burp out of the baby in record time. It was one of his newfound “Dad” skills.

Keanu smiled when he heard the shower turn on a couple minutes later. “Looks like your Mom will be a little bit longer,” he commented to Harper as he patted her back. She responded with a loud belch, making him laugh.

By the time Y/N emerged from the bathroom toweling her wet hair, father and daughter were no longer in bed. She dressed in a pair of loose lounge pants and a clean t-shirt and went in search of her family, finding them in the kitchen. Harper had been changed and was wearing a fresh onesie, and was strapped into her baby seat, while Keanu was making eggs and sipping from his coffee cup, carrying on a one-sided conversation with the baby. “And later this morning, maybe you and I can talk your Mom into going on your first outing? Would you like to see the bookstore?”

Keanu startled slightly as a pair of arms wrapped around his waist and a familiar body pressed against his back. “Oh she’s pretty agreeable. I think she could be coaxed into it,” Y/N murmured as she kissed the back of his shoulder, and ran her hands underneath his t-shirt to feel his warm skin.

Keanu set his mug down and turned so he could return Y/N’s embrace. “You do, huh?” He pressed his lips against hers in a slow, lingering kiss.

When they broke apart, Y/N was slightly breathless. Even after nearly four years together, his kisses could still make her dizzy. “Keep that up, and share some of that coffee with me, and you stand a very good chance of getting whatever you want.”

Keanu winked. “It’s a deal.”

Y/N took a sip of his coffee and then greeted her daughter. “You look so cute in that outfit from Grandma. Daddy did a good job of getting you ready today!” she tickled her belly and pressed kisses into her cheeks. Harper wiggled in delight at the attention, causing the chair to bounce lightly.

While Y/N played with Harper, Keanu finished plating breakfast and brought it over to the table so he could sit next to his wife as they ate and watched their daughter. Y/N took a bite of eggs and toast and smiled in bliss. “Mmm. Babe, if I didn’t already love you before, I’d be head over heels now.”

Keanu shook his head. “It’s eggs and toast, not really Michelin star cuisine.”

“Hush you! I’m a new mother, and I just got a shower and slept for like 5 hours last night. This meal right here might as well be breakfast at the Ritz.”

“Well then I’m happy to oblige,” Keanu replied fondly as he reached out to tickle Harper’s kicking foot.

Y/N glanced around the kitchen and deflated slightly. “However, before we try to venture out with Little Bit, I think we need to clean this kitchen. It’s a bit of a disaster.”

Keanu just shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. I called the cleaning service and asked if they could come today. I also upped the regular frequency. They’re coming twice a week now to do light cleaning and help keep up with everything. I’m still amazed that one tiny baby can cause so much extra work.”

“Keanu I—"

But Keanu cut her off by gently pressing a finger to her lips. “Don’t. It’s something we can easily afford, and it means we can spend more time together with Harper. You’re still recovering from her birth, and I don’t want you worrying about the house too. Just let me handle this.”

Y/N hesitated for a moment. It wasn’t as though she was the first person to have a baby, but she also recognized this was one way Keanu liked to take care of her. And he was right; Harper’s birth had been difficult, and she wasn’t bouncing back as quickly as she’d hoped. Besides, she HATED cleaning the kitchen, so she relented and nodded, kissing his finger that was still pressed to her mouth. “Thank you.”

They finished breakfast, and Y/N did insist on loading the dishwasher while Keanu took his turn getting ready for the day. Once that was done, Y/N took Harper into the living room and laid her in the pack-n-play, so she could stretch out and squirm while Y/N gathered together everything they needed for their outing to the bookstore. By the time Keanu emerged, the diaper bag was packed, and they were ready to go.

At the bookstore, Keanu insisted on being the one to carry Harper, securing her against his chest in the baby carrier. Y/N couldn’t stop smiling as she watched her husband browse the aisles with their daughter sleeping against him, and took out her phone and discretely captured several photos to add to her growing collection.

Y/N picked out a couple of books for herself as well, though she doubted she’d be reading them anytime soon. Most days since Harper was born, if she wasn’t taking care of the baby, she was watching her sleep or sleeping herself. Still, it was always nice to have new books on hand. Keanu found several for himself, and after they’d checked out, he asked her if there was somewhere else she wanted to go.

“Let’s just walk for a little bit? It’s not too hot and there’s lots of shade on this street. It feels good to be out of the house, and Harper seems to be enjoying her nap.” Keanu smiled down at his daughter, whose little mouth was open slightly in her sleep. He adjusted her gently and held out his hand for Y/N. They walked past their car, stowed their purchases inside, and proceeded to walk around the neighborhood, stopping for smoothies at one of their favorite juice bars, and window shopping. They’d been at it for about an hour when Y/N’s energy started to fade and she suggested they head back home. Keanu quickly agreed as he’d just spotted a photographer and didn’t want to have their day intruded on. The timing turned out to be perfect as Harper started fussing about 2 blocks from the house. Still, they’d enjoyed their short outing and considered it a success.

“Hey Reeves,” Y/N said as they pulled into the driveway. “We did it!” She grinned and held up her hand for a high five.

Keanu laughed and clapped his hand with hers, and then entwined their fingers together and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. “Yep, nailed it.”

He leaned in to press another kiss to her lips, before getting out of the car and retrieving Harper and her car seat from the backseat.

When they walked into the house, the cleaning service had already whipped the living room and kitchen back into order. Y/N felt her eyes suddenly fill with tears as she hugged the startled woman who was putting away the cleaning supplies.

“I’m sorry,” Y/N laughed, wiping her eyes. “I just appreciate this so much.”

Anna smiled. “I have two kids of my own. I remember what it was like. We’ve got things straightened up in here, you just take care of your little one and rest when you can.”

“Thanks, Anna.” Keanu called as she left.

Y/N took Harper from him, her fussing now escalating into outright crying. “I’ve got her. Don’t you have that meeting this afternoon that you should get ready for?”

Keanu frowned and checked the time. He had almost forgotten about the conference call with his production team about an upcoming project. He nodded. “Yes. It’s in an hour. I’ll start prepping in my office, but let me know if you need me. I can always reschedule.”  

Y/N shook her head as she gently shushed and rocked the baby. “We’re fine. Go be brilliant!” She took Harper back into the nursery to change her diaper and then settled into the rocker to nurse. Keanu waited until he heard the baby’s cries quiet down before going into his office.

Later in the afternoon, Keanu emerged to a quiet house. He checked the nursery first and, finding it empty, went into their bedroom to find Y/N and Harper curled up in the center of the bed, both napping away. Keanu smiled and settled into the deep armchair in the corner of the room, happy to be able to begin one of his new books and watch over his girls. Within minutes however, he also had fallen asleep.

[evanstanwrites]

The CEO - 4 -

summary:  y/n Photographer meets James Bucky Barnes CEO of White Wolf Industry, they fall head over heels for each other. But Bucky has many secrets, will she find out who or what he really is? And more so will she accept it or will she run as far as she can when she finds out?

A/N: based on elements of an rp with the lovely @loricameback​

A/N: proofreaded by my favo kiwi: @pawfect-melody​

moodboard below by @imanuglywombat​

warnings: here comes the angst train :-) 

The CEO masterlist

The following morning bucky woke up early to start his workday, he had a lot to take care of to make sure today would go smoothly and without any problems. He wants his girl safe, he doesn’t want to admit it but that letter had shaken him, there is nothing more he wanted than to protect her. When he had come to bed y/n was already deep asleep, he had crawled in bed next to her, held her close to him and watched her sleep for most of the night fearing that it might be the last time he could hold her. The fear that when he finally told her what his real job was that she wouldn’t want anything to do with him anymore and he’d lose her was stifling. He really hoped that he could reassure her that he would always do everything in his might to keep her safe and that nothing would change between them because of it. He longed to tell her how much he loved her, never finding the right time to tell her so he wanted to be sure to let her know how he felt before she finds out the truth.

So when he woke up from his short nights sleep he softly untangles himself form her and before he starts his workday he stops in the kitchen to make sure breakfast would be ready when his girl got up and she would have all her favorite foods and drinks. It had become the normal, it was something he always did when y/n spends the night at his place, just one of the small romantic things he did to show her how he felt without actually saying it out loud. 

Y/n had woken up with a strange feeling like things were going to change for the worse that morning and in a way she knew it was more of a fact than a feeling. Today she was going to talk to Bucky about all the secrets he held from her and she feared that she wouldn’t like the answer she would get and things would end badly, so she tried to enjoy her time she had left with him before everything went south later at lunch. She knew they would be the only ones there so it was the best opportunity to talk to him about everything. She was surprised that he came to bed last night and cuddled her close like he always did, when she saw the breakfast he prepared for her she started to wonder if he would act like there was nothing wrong. When she had met him in his office later that day to go get lunch he got up from his chair giving her a warm smile and greeted her with his usual passionate kiss and guided her to his car. During the ride to the restaurant he kept up the small talk, talking about some of the stupid things his friend and coworker Steve had done and said. Just when Bucky was about to park the car she noticed a few cars coming their way blocking the road in front of them so Bucky couldn’t park, they had come out of nowhere it seemed. Bucky cursed and pulled the car into reverse ready to take a different route to park. Just some road jerks she thought but when she looked up at Bucky she saw a look on his face she had never seen before and couldn’t place but it scared her a bit as she realised that this wasn’t random people, Bucky knew them. The moment Bucky started to move the car backward two new cars blocked their path, they were surrounded with no way out. Something was definitely going on and it started to scare her. “Bucky, what’s going on? who are those guys?” she asked as she saw men exiting the cars. Before Bucky could even respond the men lifted their hands pointing their guns at them and y/n went into a full-on panic at the sight, what the hell was going on? Bucky didn’t answer but took direct action by pushing her down so she wasn’t in sight anymore. “sweetheart, I know I’ve got much to explain and I will but right now I need you to listen to me. I need you to stay down, whatever happens or whatever you hear stay down until I say otherwise. I’m gonna get the car as close as I can to the building, once I say go you run out of the car and into the restaurant.” he says as he looks her deep in the eye communicating that he doesn’t want her to talk back and just do as he says. When y/n gave a small nod he got into action, the car shot forward with screeching tires speeding to the sidewalk to avoid the men. As soon as the car moved bullets were fired at them, y/n shrieked at the sound of the bullets hitting the car and she made herself as small as she could. The moment the car slowed down her door was pulled open making her scream out in surprise and fear “it’s just me, Steve” a voice sounded beside her as she was pulled out of the car and pushed down beside it. Just as she looked up she saw Bucky getting out of her side of the car but what caught her eye was the fact that Bucky had a gun in his hand, where the hell did that come from? does he always carry a gun with him? the moment he crouches down beside her he cups her head and the angry scowl on his face disappears as she looks back at him. 

“sweetheart, listen to me. I love you, but I need you to go with Sam, he’s gonna make sure you’re safe” he says calmly

y/n’s mouth falls open, how could he stay so calm in a situation like this? it shocked her so much she almost missed the fact that he had just admitted that he loved her, she was stunned for a moment before she practically threw herself at him and kissed him deeply. She had no clue why but just for a second she felt like nothing was wrong and they weren’t hiding behind a car while being under fire. The kiss didn’t last long but they both could feel emotion passing between them, the passion behind it and it was over way too soon. Sam pulled her away from the car, from Bucky and she was surrounded by men she didn’t see coming while Sam led her into a building and he gently pushed her into a chair and handed her a glass of water. Most of the men made their way back outside only a few took place at the door, ready to jump to action if needed. It was a lot to take in for her and she still felt confused at everything that was happening around her. What she knew for sure was that they got surrounded on their way here, they had guns and started shooting at them the moment Bucky took action and moved the car into safety. She also knew that Bucky was out there fighting back, she had heard him shouting orders to men she had never seen before. Hell she didn’t even know how Sam and Steve got here or why they even were here. It was only when Sam put his hand over hers that held the glass she noticed she was shaking. “y/n, it’s okay. you’re safe here.” Sam said.

“what’s going on, why are there men trying to shoot at us?”  she asks, looking around her as if at any moment people would barge in and start to shoot. Sam only gave her an apologetic smile and softly said “I’m sorry, I’m not the person to tell you. I can only say that Bucky hadn’t planned on telling you it like this.”

“Tell me what?” she asked raising her voice a bit almost demanding answers.

“I’m sorry y/n, just believe me when I say that everything will be alright in the end” he speaks softly before making his way to where the other men stood, fiercely talking about something to them. Of course his words didn’t calm her it only made her worry even more, thinking about all the things that would explain this, the things Bucky hides from her but the first possible explanation for it all that she can think of makes her shake her head in disbelieve. She didn’t want to think of that because she didn’t see a criminal in him. Time seemed to go in slow motion from the moment Sam had pulled her away from the car, she didn’t know how much time had past since then but it hadn’t been long before she started to pace around the room not even noticing the footsteps that walked into the room until a hand stopped her pacing as it found its way to the small of her back. “Doll?” the owner of the hand called out. 

she knew that voice, “Bucky!” she sighed as she turned to the voice and threw her arms around his neck hugging him close as she buried her face into his neck. “Oh Bucky, I was so scared” she says as Bucky softly grunts as he wraps his arms around her “ it’s okay, I’m here, I got you”

But as soon as she had heard the pained tone in his voice she pulled back letting her eyes run over his face, noticing how he had a pained look in his eyes, down his torso. 

“OH MY GOD! Bucky! you’re shot!” she points out seeing the bloody spot on his side. “It’s okay, it’s just a flesh wound, nothing too bad.” he shrugs as he cups her cheek as if to make sure she’s alright too. 

“Just a flesh wound? Bucky you’re fucking bleeding!”

“doll, trust me I’m okay” he says with a small smile.

“trust you? trust Bucky, I don’t even know what’s going on! Nobody tells me anything and you’ve been keeping secrets from me since day one and now you expect me to trust you?” she huffs almost on the verge of angry tears. 

“I know sweetheart but let me explain” he says as he takes her hand and leads her back to the chairs waiting till she sits down before he starts to talk.

“Before I start I want you to know that I truly love you and never would do something that could get you into danger, you’re safety and wellbeing is a priority to me. But you’re right, there is something that I didn’t tell you,” hearing him admit what she already knew, that he was hiding something made her suck in a deep breath, “It’s my job, I’m not really a CEO, well I am but it’s more of a front for what I really do. y/n, I’m running a family business, I’m the boss of the New York Mobster clan.”

y/n felt like the world had stopped around her, the air had left her lungs and she forgot how to breathe. She didn’t know how to process what she had just heard! 

“you…. you’re a criminal?” she stammers

“Yes, I am” he confirms her statement with a sad look on his face. y/n just nods not really knowing what to feel or think about what Bucky had just told her, she needed time, time to think about this all, about what she should do with this information. Suddenly a wave of panic came over her, she needed air, she needed to get out of there. so that’s what she did, she got up and just ran out of the building and onto the street that looked like nothing had happened there as she started to walk in the direction of her home. 

“y/n! get in I’ll drive you home.” she heard Sam’s voice from the car that pulled up beside her. She didn’t argue with him and got in the car, too tired to walk the full distance. Sam didn’t say anything for the entire ride as y/n stared out the window with teary eyes thinking if this was it? were they over?

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Every Breath You Take Chapter 7: Reach Out, I’ll Be There

Hiiii guys! Sorry for the long ass wait! School was kicking my ass, but I’m on summer break for a month now so YAY! And I’m back with a nice long chapter for you and man are you guys in for a ride! Btw thank you @hufflebucky for the beautiful moodboard! I love it so much! And thank you @probably-a-velociraptor for the certain line you mentioned in your ask that I just had to put in here! You know which one I’m talking about ;) Without further delay....enjoy!

Masterlist

Chapter 7: Reach Out, I’ll Be There

The men of Nelson & Murdock were both on missions today. While Matt was following Iris to make sure she was safe, Foggy took that opportunity to stop by Sweet Heaven to see a certain stunning brunette he might or might not have already told his mom about.

Foggy Nelson has done his fair share of chasing after women he was attracted to throughout his life, though admittedly not all of those times were successful since beautiful women seemed to flock towards Matt instead. But the moment he laid eyes on Lucy Addams, all those memories of women he chased in the past had erased from his mind. He only had eyes for Lucy, and it appeared the feeling was mutual.

He couldn’t even begin to explain this feeling he had in his heart that was stronger than anything he had ever felt before. Why so sudden for someone he just met? Love at first sight couldn’t possibly exist, right? And with that, Foggy’s heart argued, Why the hell not? Would that really be so wrong?

Whether or not it was love or just attraction, Foggy was determined to get to know the dark haired goddess who runs the adorable bakery that’s quickly becoming his favorite spot.  

Which has lead to the present moment where Foggy was currently standing outside of the bakery, seeing the woman of his dreams handing out cupcakes to a couple of excited little kids while their parents paid. Seeing her interact with the kids with a genuine glowing smile on her face made the butterflies in Foggy’s stomach flutter like crazy.

As if feeling his eyes on her, Lucy’s eyes shifted until they met his through the window. Her grey eyes brightened to greyish blue as she brightly grinned at him and waved for him to come in.  Foggy couldn’t contain the grin on his face that shined brighter than the sun as his cheeks flushed into a rosy pink.  Foggy quickly pulled out his phone to leave Matt a message telling him to meet him at the bakery to talk about a potential client instead of the office. He smoothed back his hair and straightened his tie before entering the bakery to see about a girl.

2 Hours Later

The bakery was empty aside from Foggy and Lucy currently occupying one of the small tables. There laid two half empty porcelain mugs of coffee and hot chocolate as well as an array of different pastries and cakes for Foggy to “sample”, only for him to split between them, always giving Lucy the bigger half.

But those desserts were ignored as the two occupants only had their attention focused on each other, the song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” by Frankie Valli playing appropriately in the background.

“What’s your favorite show?” Lucy asked with eager curiosity as she leaned closer to him with a dreamy gaze in her eyes.

Without missing a beat, Foggy replied “I Love Lucy.” It took him a second to snap out of his daze to realize how that might sound. “I mean, not because it’s your name,” he cleared his throat, his face flushing tomato red. “It’s just a great show! My mom had me watch it with her growing up, you’d love her by the way, I already told her about you- I mean, it’s a funny show!” Foggy was trying so hard to save face, he didn’t realize he was babbling.

The melodic sound of Lucy’s giggles stopped him from babbling any further. Foggy felt incredibly embarrassed by his word vomit, but all Lucy did was smile.

“You’re really cute when you get all flustered.” She told him, causing him to blush even harder. “And I love that show. She’s hilarious! And by the way…” She trailed off as she leaned toward him even closer. “I would love to meet your mother, since she’s raised such a fine young man.” She gave a flirtatious wink.

I love you baby And if it's quite alright I need you baby To warm the lonely nights I love you baby Trust in me when I say

Oh pretty baby Don't bring me down I pray Oh pretty baby Now that I've found you stay And let me love you, baby Let me love you

Foggy’s heart raced as the song declared everything he was already dying to say. He took a big gulp of his warm coffee before quickly asking her, “So what’s your favorite show?”

“The Addams Family.” Lucy replied with a smile.

“Really?” Foggy asked, his eyebrows raised in surprise.

She gingerly nodded. “Yep! I’ve always loved the dark, creepy and kooky stuff. And since my last name also happens to be Addams, I always imagined that I was related to them.” Lucy’s cheeks turned into a light rosy pink. “I love The Munsters too, but Addams Family has always had a special place in my heart.” Lucy’s eyes locked with Foggy as she reached for his hand before she continued, “Plus, I’ve always dreamed of having a love like Gomez and Morticia.”

Oh god, me too. Please let me be your Gomez! Foggy thought.

Before he could respond, however, the bell rang as the door opened. Foggy turned to see who rudely interrupted his time with Lucy, only to see Matt enter the bakery.

“Matt, so nice of you to join us.” Foggy greeted, his mood dampening slightly.

“Don’t sound too excited to see me, Foggy.” Matt sarcastically replied as he took the seat Lucy led him to at their table.

Foggy could see how visibly tense his friend was as he took a good look at him. His body was straight and tiff from tension, his fists tightening then loosening up. Foggy looked closer at Matt’s fists, noticing the knuckles were red with angry scrapes from punching something...or someone.

“Holy shit, Matt! Did you get in a fight?” Foggy exclaimed in concern.  Lucy saw Matt’s fists and rushed to the back room.

“No, I didn’t get in a fight.” Matt replied through clenched teeth. “I just needed to blow off some steam, and the punching bag was the best option.”

“Well I’m glad it’s just a punching bag and not a person.” Lucy said as she returned to the table with a first aid kit. “It’s a little too early in the day for you to be doing your Daredevil thing.”

Matt’s stomach dropped at Lucy’s words. His fists clenched even tighter as he addressed his best friend. “Foggy?”

“What?” Foggy shrugged defensively. “I can’t start a relationship based on lies! Besides, she’s cool. We can trust her.”

“What the fuck, Foggy?!” Matt snapped, thankful that the bakery was still empty. “You told a dangerous secret to some woman you just met?!” Lucy’s grip tightened on Matt’s hand as she continued treating it. “No offense, Lucy.”  He muttered apologetically.

Foggy, on the other hand, took great offense to Matt. “First of all, watch your language in front of this beautiful lady,” He angrily pointed out. “Second, we may have ‘just met’, but I’ve already named our future children!  And I know for a fact that Foggy Jr. and Lucy Jr. would appreciate total honesty in this family!” He finished with a pound of his fist atop the table.

The bakery went silent. Matt’s lips twitched while he tried to keep his angered expression. Unfortunately for him, it wasn’t meant to last as he let out and amused snort.

Lucy didn’t bother hiding her giggles, she found the blonde teddy bear so adorable and endearing.

Foggy looked confused as to what was so funny. “What?”

Matt couldn’t hold it in anymore, he let out a belly laugh, “Foggy, you make it really hard to stay mad at you.”

Foggy still looked clueless until Lucy leaned her head on his shoulder affectionately, still giggling, “Foggy, you are too precious for words, but let’s hold off on baby names until we’ve had our first date at least.” She finishes with a kiss on his cheek, causing him to blush into a bright tomato.

Before Foggy could think of how to respond, the bell chimed as a few customers entered the bakery. Lucy quickly rose from her seat to assist the customers, her fingers softly grazed through Foggy’s blonde hair as she passed by.

Matt smiled, knowing his best friend kept his “heart eyes” (as Iris called them) on the enchanting baker that’s captured his heart.

“You must really like her a lot if you trust her with this kind of information.” Matt spoke quietly, sounding more calm and understanding.

Foggy’s eyes turned downcast in guilt before facing Matt again. “I’m really sorry, Matt. You know I wouldn’t announce it to the world, or tell just anyone.”

He paused to gaze at Lucy, who was chatting with a middle aged couple while showing them her delicious creations. He felt his heart practically dancing when her eyes shifted towards him and she gave a blushing radiant smile.

“I’m in love with her.”  Foggy continued softly, not realizing he voiced his feelings out loud; his eyes still on Lucy. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, man. I know it’s crazy and it’s sudden, I mean we’d only met yesterday! But the moment I saw her, it just hit me like I got punched with lightning or something. I know this feeling I have is real. I mean, sometimes you just know as soon as it hits you, you know?”

“Yeah.” Matt softly replied in complete understanding. “I know exactly how you feel.”

Foggy’s eyes widened as he snapped out of his love daze. “Oh shit, how is Iris? Is she okay?!” Foggy didn’t notice his voice had raised in alarm, catching the attention of the two remaining customers in the bakery.

“I would also like to know how Iris is doing, Matt.” Lucy chimed in as she walked towards the middle aged couple to deliver their treats.

Matt hesitated, “It’s...a little personal. Actually it’s extremely personal...and..disturbing.”  He finished with a strained angry grimace.

Foggy’s eyes narrowed in concern as he leaned towards his friend. “What’s wrong? She is in trouble, isn’t she?” He asked, already knowing the answer.

Lucy rushed to their table and yanked back the chair next to Foggy to take a seat. “What’s going on with my best friend, Matt?” She asked, sounding more serious and intimidating than either of the two men have heard yet.

Matt, while touched by their concern, was still hesitant. “I don’t know if I should really say. It’s bad enough that I know when she hasn’t actually told me herself. It’s..” Matt felt his throat tighten and his eyes dampen at how painful it was to hear everything Iris had said. “It’s horrible.”

Foggy and Lucy stiffened at Matt’s words, trying to imagine what it was that Matt knew.

“Matt, we care about Iris, too.” Lucy replied.

Foggy fervently agreed. “Seriously, man. I’ve only known Iris for a day and a half, but if anything happened to her, I would kill everyone in this room and then myself!”

Foggy didn’t realize how loud his voice carried until he heard how silent the bakery got. The middle aged couple clearly heard Foggy’s passionate statement, because without a second thought, they jumped out of their seats and bolted out the door.

Matt, Foggy and Lucy were alone once more.

Foggy bashfully asked, “Do you think they heard me?”

Matt’s eyebrows raised in perplexity while Lucy let out a soft chuckle.

“Yeah, sweetie. I think they did.” She said with a pat on his head.

Foggy shrugged, “Well, I said what I said. But that’s not important right now.” He leaned towards Matt once more. “Please tell us. We want to help Iris, too.”  

Matt sat quietly, contemplating his decision before faintly replying, “Okay.”

Iris

Claire’s impromptu checkup was relatively quick and painless. I cringed at her sympathetic gaze as she examined all the bruises and scars on my body, I felt embarrassed that she saw the extent of what he had done to me. She was considerate enough to not dwell on it, for now anyway. She did, however, diagnose the bruised ribs I didn’t realize I had. That explains why that hideous bruise on my torso hasn’t healed yet. Unfortunately, nothing can be done about that, except to take it easy and let it heal naturally, which will apparently take six weeks at the most.

After the exam was over, Claire gave me a prescription for some pain relief and antibiotics, as well as demanding I get some sleep.

After promising Claire I would rest on the condition that she stopped by the bakery for any treat on the house, I hugged her goodbye and exited the hospital.

I still wasn’t ready to go home yet. Not only out of fear of the lingering nightmares, but also out of fear of facing Matt. Despite Claire’s reassuring words, I still felt doubtful about whether or not he’ll want anything to do with me.  I still can’t get over the crushed look on his face when I walked away from him.  But maybe Claire’s right. I should just swallow my pride and talk to him. I owe him that much.

I snapped out of my inner thoughts and paused in my aimless wandering when I heard music in the air. I turned to the right of me, in the direction the music came from, and saw the tall building with the red neon sign in the shape of a guitar that read Guitar Center.

My fingers twitched with an aching need that I’ve repressed for far too long, my feet made the decision for me and led me inside the music store.

A wave of euphoria flowed through me as I took in the view of various instruments as far as the eye can see.  The sound of live instruments playing sounding more and more prominent.

I walked further into the store towards the music until I found a small group of three guys and a young woman just lounging around. They all had a unique style, mix of rock & roll edge with a wild and colorful bohemian flair. The choices of instruments were oddly mismatched. The woman, who had a rockabilly style black and pink polka dot wiggle dress, was on her feet playing an upright bass, one guy was playing the violin, the second was playing an acoustic guitar, and the third guy sat on the floor playing a tambourine with drum sticks like it was a mini drum set. This was such an odd and fascinating mix of musicians, I couldn’t help but be drawn to them.

My eyes drifted past them and landed on a beautiful red upright piano. My fingers twitched with the urge to play. Should I? It’s been so long since I’ve touched a piano, I was afraid that I would be so rusty that I really would sound as mediocre as he always said I did.

Well He was an asshole who didn’t want you to enjoy anything that didn’t involve him. Play the damn piano. It’s been too long since we’ve done anything we were passionate about. We deserve this. You deserve this!

My feet obeyed my thoughts quicker than I did as I now found myself seated in front of the piano. I barely noticed the quirky musicians go quiet next to me, all I could really hear was my heartbeat thumping in my ears. My hands trembled as I delicately caressed the keys, saying hello to an old friend.

Without any more hesitation, my muscle memory kicked in as I played the beginning notes of the first song my mom taught me. I started slowly at first, then my fingers sped up as the song began to build up. I could faintly hear the jingles of the tambourine, and it was quickly followed by the instruments of the musicians next to me. One of the musicians started singing, the lyrics confirming that they were playing my song alongside me.

She comes in colors everywhere

She combs her hair

She's like a rainbow

Coming, colors in the air

Oh, everywhere

She comes in colors

I looked over my shoulder towards the quirky group. The man with the guitar, who had his long hair tied back and wore a red Hawaiian shirt with black jean, met my eyes and nodded with a smile, signaling me to continue playing.  

My heart was dancing as I played on, my confidence growing more and more. I didn’t even bother holding back the beaming smile from my face, as I played the music box-sounding notes on the keys. My eyes began to mist from the pure joy of doing something I thought I’d never be allowed to do again.  I continued playing, with an energy and passion that have waited years to be reawakened.

Have you seen her dressed in blue?

See the sky in front of you

And her face is like a sail

Speck of white so fair and pale

Have you seen a lady fairer?

She comes in colors everywhere

She combs her hair

She's like a rainbow

Coming, colors in the air

Oh, everywhere

She comes in colors

Oh how I wish Mom was here with me, she would’ve loved to hear me play her favorite song again.

Have you seen her all in gold?

Like a queen in days of old

She shoots colors all around

Like a sunset going down

Have you seen a lady fairer?

She comes in colors everywhere

She combs her hair

She's like a rainbow

Coming, colors in the air

Oh, everywhere

She comes in colors

I wish Matt was here too. Would he like hearing me play? Would he say he loved it? Would he ask me to play more? Would he want to sit beside me as I played? Oh how I wished I knew for sure.

She's like a rainbow

Coming, colors in the air

Oh, everywhere

She comes in colors

The room went quiet as the final notes faded in the air. The quiet didn’t last long, though, as a few patrons of the store had started applauding; I didn’t even realize we had actually drawn an audience.  My face heated up, my cheeks flushed bright red amongst my pale skin. It’s been so long since I’ve played in front of everyone, I forgot how amazing it felt to get a positive response.

The musicians that accompanied me nodded with approval at me, and that simple gesture warmed my heart with a sense of belonging.

The tambourine man, who wore heavy eyeliner and a wildly colorful abstract shirt with leather pants, stood up to sit next to me on the bench and eagerly asked, “Play us another song, darling?”

I hesitated for a second, not used to getting such a request. “I’m not sure what you would like to hear.” I replied meekly.

“Anything you want.” The violinist replied. He wore black and white striped pants with a fitted pink and blue paisley buttoned shirt topped with a black bow tie and a black vest. “Just start playing and we’ll follow along.”

My brows furrowed in concern, “What if you don’t know the song?”

“We don’t need to,” The guitarist spoke up. “We just let the music guide us through.”

The pinup bassist sweetly chimed in, “That’s how we always play, so don’t even worry about that, dollface. Play us something.”

I took a second to think over what other songs I knew before I started playing with my musical acquaintances for the next couple of hours.

After we were done playing together in the music store, my new friends dragged me along with them to an indie record store that also had a small cafe inside.

I easily lost track of time, I was too caught up in my new friends; the sun had already set by the time we had all parted ways. I left the record store with a bag full of new CDs, a chocolate chip muffin for the walk home, four new phone numbers added on my phone, and a smile of contentment on my face.

Claire was right. I wasn’t alone in this anymore. I don’t have to be.

My thoughts drifted back to Matt. The thought of telling him the truth terrified me still. I want so badly to let him in, but I can’t help but let that shred of doubt nudge it’s way into my mind.

Can he accept me completely? Will he judge me for what I’ve done? Will he hate me for lying? Or will he still want to help me?

I was too lost in my thoughts, I wasn’t alert enough to notice I was being watched, and also being followed.

I felt a hand grab my arm in a painful grip as I was yanked into a dark alley, a second hand covered my mouth before I had a chance to scream for help.

Oh god. He found me! How the hell did he find me?! He’s gonna kill me before I can even tell Matt how sorry I am. I didn’t even get to see Mom. I wish I had actually spoken to her-

My thoughts were cut off when an unfamiliar voice growled from my captor. “Give me your money now, and you won’t get hurt.”

Oh thank god, it’s only a mugger! My body sagged in relief.

The man then held a knife against my throat, causing me to stiffen up again. Oh shit, it’s a mugger!

I started to panic as I struggled to get out of his grasp, biting hard into his hand in the process.

The mugger growled in anger as he moved his now free hand into my hair, yanking it to the point where I feared it would be pulled out of my scalp.

“You fuckin bitch!” He sneered as he shoved my face against the wall.

I was hyperventilating at this point, unable to hold back the tears that flowed down my face. “Please let me go! I don’t have any money!” I pleaded desperately.

The mugger then pressed himself against my back, pressing his groin into my back.

“Then I’m just gonna have to get something else from you, huh?” He replied as he licked my ear, my body shivered in fear and disgust.

Then suddenly the pressure from his body was lifted abruptly as he was pulled off me and thrown against the wall.

I quickly turned around and was staring in stunned silence as I saw my mugger getting his ass handed to him by a mysterious man dressed in head to toe black. The man in black moved with speed and grace as he punched and kicked the mugger around like a ninja. The mugger tried to get some hits in, but he never stood a chance. The man in black hurled him against the wall, landing a foot away from me.

I shrieked in surprise as the mugger grabbed my ankle.  I kicked and stomped repeatedly on his wrist, but he wouldn’t budge. The man in black rushed to my aid and pulled the mugger away from me. He let out a growl of anger as he threw him against the opposite wall.

“Keep your hands off of her!” The man in black threatened, his voice low and deep with rage, sending thrilling shivers down my spine.

He knocked the mugger out with one last anger-fueled punch, causing said mugger to collapse like a jenga tower.  He squatted down towards the mugger and proceeded to restrain his hands and feet, causing the mugger to start twitching back into consciousness, prompting the man in black to deliver one more knockout punch to the face.

My breathing slowed down as he stood up and turned to face me. My heart started to beat faster as he started walking tentatively towards me.  I took in his full appearance before me.  He stood almost a foot taller than me, his fitted black outfit did nothing to hide his muscular build that my eyes struggled to stray from.  The top half of his face was covered by the thick black fabric that tied around his head, leaving the bottom half visible; which of course drew my attention to those perfect full lips of his.  

Perfect full lips that started speaking.

“Are you okay?” His deep voice was gentle with concern.

I shakily nodded, taking a deep breath as I replied. “I am, thanks to you.”

He tilted his head as his hand reached toward the side of my face that had been shoved against the wall.  Even though his hand was gloved in thick material, my cheek came alive with a spark of electricity at his gentle touch.

“Are you hurt?” He asked with genuine concern.

My heart skipped a beat as his kindness reminded me of a certain neighbor, causing my eyes to water. “No, I’m fine.” I replied.

His head tilted once more as he asked with uncertainty. “Are you sure? He made you hit that wall pretty hard.” His thumb gave gentle feather light caresses across my newly bruised cheek.

I gave a shrug and replied tensely, “I’ve had worse.”

His whole body stiffened at my answer, he was close enough for me to hear him grind his teeth. I could just barely hear him mutter angrily under his breath, “I know.”

My brows wrinkled in confusion at what he could have meant by that. Before I could question him, though, he slowly began to step away from me, his lingering fingers grazing my cheek until he dropped his hand completely.

“You should go home.” He declared when he stood an extra couple feet away from me. “And be careful. The city’s dangerous at this time of night.”

“Okay.” I readily agreed. He started to turn around to walk away, prompting me to call out, “Hey!”

He abruptly stopped in his tracks, tilting his head once more to patiently listen.  

“Thank you.  You saved my life.” I finished, my voice heavy with gratitude.

I could just barely see the side of his mouth rise into a small smile as he replied, “You’re welcome. Please be safe.”

And with that, he disappeared into the shadows.  I didn’t waste another second to bolt out of the alley and rush home.

I finally made it back to the familiar apartment building and didn’t stop running until I made it safely inside the elevator.  Now that I had stopped and taken a breath, I began to feel the lead weight my legs had become; along with the exhaustion from lack of sleep and the series of events from this long day hitting me all at once. I definitely needed to go to sleep.

I got off the elevator on my floor and tiredly stumbled to my door. Before I unlocked it, I turned my attention towards Matt’s apartment. My run in with the mugger gave me a serious wake up call. I can’t keep wasting time being miserable and alone like this. I need to talk to Matt and tell him the truth, or forever wish I did. But not tonight. Not when I already felt dead on my feet. Tomorrow. I’ll tell him first thing tomorrow.

With my decision set in my mind, I entered my apartment and locked the door before I stumbled to my bed and finally succumbed to sleep.

I woke up the next morning feeling far more rested than the day before. I slept so heavily, I couldn’t even remember if I dreamed, much to my relief. I got up to brush my teeth and get dressed for the day, but not before texting Lucy to let her know I needed an extra day off, which she happily replied was no problem at all.

I could feel my stomach twist and tangle in anxiety at how this conversation with Matt can possibly turn out; I was ready to throw up. I was determined, but still terrified to tell him everything. I hate how scared I am about this. Matt has been nothing but sweet to me, I should feel comfortable enough to talk to him. But with the way I’ve acted towards him, and the weight of my secret, will he even want anything to do with me again?

My thoughts were interrupted by music playing muffled through the wall connecting my apartment to Matt’s. It was the beginning notes to The Four Tops’ “Reach Out I’ll Be There”, as if he knew what was going through my mind

Now if you feel that you can't go on (can't go on)

Because all of your hope is gone (all your hope is gone)

And your life is filled with much confusion (much confusion)

Until happiness is just an illusion (happiness is just an illusion)

And your world around is crumbling down, darlin'

(Reach out) Come on girl reach on out for me

(Reach out) Reach out for me

Hah, I'll be there with a love that will shelter you

I'll be there with a love that will see you through

My eye started tearing up again as I paid attention to the lyrics. Was Matt trying to tell me something through this song, or am I just reading too much into it?

When you feel lost and about to give up (to give up)

'Cause your best just ain't good enough (just ain't good enough)

And your feel the world has grown cold (has grown cold)

And your drifting out all on your own (drifting out on your own)

And you need a hand to hold, darlin'

(Reach out) Come on girl, reach out for me

(Reach out) Reach out for me

Hah, I'll be there to love and comfort you

And I'll be there to cherish and care for you

(I'll be there to always see you through)

(I'll be there to love and comfort you)

My heart was beating uncontrollably, my skin riddled with goosebumps. Matt doesn’t usually play music out loud, and now he plays this song. He was definitely telling me something, and the song couldn’t spell it out anymore clearly.

I can tell the way you hang your head (hang your head)

You're not in love now, now you're afraid (you're afraid)

And through your tears you look around (look around)

But there's no peace of mind to be found (no peace of mind to be found)

I know what your thinking

You're a loner, no love of your own, but darling

(Reach out) Come on girl reach out for me

Reach out, just look over your shoulder

I'll be there to give you all the love you need

And I'll be there you can always depend on me

I'll be there

Don’t worry

More determined than ever, I finished getting dressed and bolted out the door, and walked straight to Matt’s door.

My palms began to sweat, but I forced myself to stay strong as I rose my hand up and knocked on the door. The footsteps I could hear coming towards the other side of the door matched the heavy heartbeat within my chest.  The door opened revealing Matt, dressed in grey sweatpants with the ends tucked into his grey tube socks, a navy blue hoodie zipped up but revealing a peak of a white t-shirt, his hair combed back and slightly wet from the shower he must’ve just taken; and for the first time since I’ve met him, his eyes were free of his usual red sunglasses, revealing his deep soulful brown eyes. He looked more beautiful than ever, and it simply took my breath away.

“Hi, Matt.” I spoke before I lost my nerve, keeping my focus on the task at hand.

Matt’s perfect lips rose in a soft and sweet smile. “Hi, Iris. Are you okay?” He asked, being the sweet gentleman he is.

“Yeah, I’m-” I started to automatically say before I cut myself off. Honesty. I have to start with honesty. I took a deep breath before I continued meekly, “No. I’m actually not okay. I haven’t been for a long time.”

Matt frowned in concern and sympathy. I spoke up once more, “That’s actually why I came to see you. Can we talk? I mean, if I’m not taking up your time of course. I can always come back later if this isn’t a good time.”

Matt rushed to respond before I considered backing off, “You’re not taking up my time, I’d love to talk to you. Please come in.” He opened his door wider to welcome me inside.

I stepped inside the apartment for the first time and noticed the space was almost identical to mine in terms of size, minimal amount of furniture as well.

“Would you like anything to drink?” Matt asked, being a gracious host. “I don’t have much except for beer and water, or I can make some coffee if you’d like.”

I shook my head with a smile, “No thank you, I’m fine.”

He then directed me towards the couch in the center of the room and took a seat with enough space apart to face each other. My hands started shaking as I tried to figure out what to say first. I decided the best to start with was an apology.

“I’m sorry.” I began as I shifted to face him. “For yesterday. The way I acted was inexcusable.”

Matt shook his head, “You don’t have to apologize, Iris.”

I fervently replied, “Yes I do. You’ve been nothing but kind and gentle to me, and I’ve been so terrible in comparison. You were so concerned about me and wanted to help me, and I repaid you by pushing you away and being so rude to you. You deserved better than that, and I’m so sorry, I’d understand if you didn’t want anything to do with me ever again. I wouldn’t want anything to do with me either-”

“Iris, stop.” He cut me off as he grabbed my hands in comfort. “I hate hearing you degrade yourself like that. You’re not a bad person. You’re a sweet and wonderful person, who has clearly been through something painful. And as long as you’ll let me, I’d really like to stay by your side more and help you in any way I can.”

My fingers gripped tightly to his hands, my eyes powerless to keep the oncoming tears at bay.  

I took another deep breath before I finally got to the point. “You were right.” I started. “I am in trouble. I did go through something painful. I…”

Matt squeezed my hands slightly tighter in reassurance. “It’s okay, you can tell me.” He spoke with the utmost gentleness.

I used that bit of encouragement to finally reach the point of no return.

“His name is Paul.”  Matt cocked his head in curiosity before I continued.

“My husband.” There it is. No turning back now. “He was hurting me. All the time.” My throat began to tighten at the memories. “At first he was so charming, sweet, loving. I thought he was so handsome and mysterious. He swept me off my feet instantly. Always doting on me, gave me gifts. I never really cared that he had money though, I just cared that he made me feel so loved, like I was all that mattered. When Mom had her stroke, I was devastated. It was just her and me, she was the only family I had left and I didn’t know how to take care of her. I was 20 years old, working minimum wage, I had no idea what to do. And Paul came in like a knight in shining armor. He paid for Mom to stay in one of the best nursing homes, he proposed to me and promised to move her in with us and provide a nurse to help me take care of her. He promised to make me so happy and loved.” I let out a scoff at my naïvet�� from back then. “I believed him of course. I married him in this big, expensive, show off ceremony he insisted we had to have. I was so in love and stupidly happy. I thought, ‘Life couldn’t possibly get any more perfect.’ And it didn’t.”

I looked away from Matt with a frown as I delved even further into the worst years of my life. “As soon as we came back from our honeymoon, everything changed. He had little obsessive compulsive quirks I didn’t know about before. The towels always had to hang perfectly neat and even on the rack. The cans in the cupboard had to be stacked neatly with the labels facing out. The house had to be completely spotless. The table had to be set appropriately. I learned the hard way how much he hated rules being forgotten.”

Matt’s body tensed up and his hands started shaking over mine. I continued further. “You could probably guess that he never followed through on his promise to move my mom in with us. His reasoning was that he loved me so much that he wanted to keep me all for himself.” I shook my head in disgust. “That’s also the reason we never had kids. He hates kids and hates the idea of someone stealing my attention away from him even worse. He got a vasectomy a month before we got married.” I cleared my throat to swallow down the lump of tears in my throat. “He took away my mom, my chance of being a mom, my music, my spirit. It didn’t take much to set him off and punish me as he saw fit. I was dying in there. He had been killing me slowly for three years.”

Matt’s voice cracked as he finally spoke up. “Oh god Iris, I’m so sorry.” He shifted a hand to intertwine our fingers together. “How did you get out of there?”

I knew he would ask me that.  This was the part I dreaded. “I tried calling the police. A lawyer too. They were no help whatsoever. The best they offered was a restraining order. As if that would keep him away.  I realized the only one who could help me was me. So I made the necessary arrangements I needed to make, and I escaped.”

Matt looked skeptical like he knew I wasn’t elaborating enough. “Is he looking for you?”

I shook my head, “No. He couldn’t possibly be looking for me. He has no idea what I did.”

His face scrunched in confusion. “That doesn’t make sense. How could he not be looking for you?  How could he not know you left?”

My heart was beating rapidly as I took a deeper breath and replied.

“Because he thinks I’m dead.”

A/N: Annnnd that’s chapter 7! Chapter 8 will come A LOT SOONER this time around and it’s gonna be a flashback chapter.  It’s gonna be rough, so be ready. I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter, I hope it was worth the wait.  PLEASE comment what you thought of the chapter and reblog, be sure to follow me and hit me up if you wanna get on the taglist.  Thanks for your patience, I love you all! Until next time...*kiss noise*

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@jobean12-blog @cametobuyplums @tomhollandeu @emilymarie0422 @lullabylike

[dreamwritesimagines]

Don’t You Love Me? 14- Twisted [Steve Rogers x Reader]

A.N.: Your feedback makes me so happy and helps me write faster, please keep it coming! <3

Characters: Steve Rogers x Reader, Tony Stark x Pepper Potts, Bucky Barnes, Natasha Romanoff.

Warnings: Drinking, mentions of addiction, self destructive behavior, cussing, explicit language, mentions of sex. Read with care please.

Summary: Sometimes, gifts aren’t welcomed.

Word Count: 2642

Chapters:

1         2       3       4       5       6     7         8       9        10     11   12   13

The beautiful moodboard is made by fictionwillneverdie

Gif’s not mine!

You filled yourself some coffee from Tony’s coffee machine, trying to wake up. The last couple of days had been tough, especially after your talk with Bucky. So far, Trent had been silent and you couldn’t decide whether that was a good thing or a bad thing but one thing was for sure, it meant he was planning something.

HYDRA was planning something.

“You can’t ask me that.” Bucky shook his head, “You- Y/N, you don’t even-“

“Bucky, if HYDRA uses me,” You cut him off, “Or if they get to… if they get to something that I know, the world will be a very different place. Not in a good way.”

Bucky shook his head fervently, “There will be a solution.”

“You of all people know how bad they get.”

“Doesn’t matter. I won’t do that to you, or Steve,” he paused, “Or myself.”

You were pulled out of your thoughts when you felt a pair of arms sneaking around your waist and Steve’s cologne filled your nostrils, making you smile almost automatically and lean back to his chest.

“Hey there.”

“Hey.” Steve pressed a kiss on the top of your head, “Penny for your thoughts?”

You turned around with the cup in your hands, looking up at him. He still looked sleepy, considering almost all of you were staying at the Tower for a couple of days just in case an emergency happened, not that you were complaining.

Especially with moments like these.

“Oh nothing,” You shrugged, “I was just trying to make a mental list, I have a lot to do today.”

“Like what?”

“I gotta meet Jake,” You shrugged, “He said he wanted to see me and for some reason, he couldn’t tell me on the phone.”

Steve frowned, “Why not?”

“Wouldn’t know. Then I gotta come back and do more research on Trent, maybe something escaped our notice-“

“You’ve barely slept for the last two days.”

“Ruining Trent is more important.”

“No, it really isn’t.” Steve said, his eyes intense on you, “Can I come with you?”

“To Jake?”

“Yeah.”

You scoffed, “Sure but why?”

Steve shrugged, “Just in case,” he said, “We don’t know how far HYDRA goes.”

“I’m pretty sure HYDRA doesn’t employ bartenders, capcake.” You grinned, “It’s cute though, this whole thing.”

“What whole thing?”

“Secret jealousy thing.” You motioned at him and he had the audacity to look confused.

“I’m not jealous.”

“Threatened?”

“No.”

“Sensitive?”

“Sensitive?!”

“Who’s sensitive?” Bucky asked, as soon as he walked in, “Or do I want to know?”

You leaned sideways to look at Bucky around Steve’s arm, “I’m meeting Jake and Steve is being weird about it.”

“I’m not being weird-“

“Jake, the bartender who you used to hook up with?”

“Once!” You pointed out, “Just once and it wasn’t even that good, so no reason to feel threatened.”

“I don’t feel threatened,” Steve announced, “Just in case anyone is listening to what I’m saying here.”

“We always listen to what you say, Stevie.”

“Yeah capcake, you’re the boss.” You winked at him and Tony walked in,

“Please tell me you didn’t finish all the coffee.”

You heaved a sigh, and walked towards the counter, “You’re a fucking billionaire Tony, why don’t you have two machines?”

Tony grinned and stole a look at Steve, “Language.”

Steve shook his head, “That will never go away, will it?”

“Not really.” You yawned, “I’m leaving in half an hour, meet you here?”

Steve nodded and you walked past them, then made your way to your room.

                                       *

“You know,” Jake said as he sat down across from you, “The whole point of having a cellphone is to be able to reach people.” He turned to Steve and nodded at him, respectfully. “Captain Rogers.”

“Hi Jake.” Steve greeted him and you shook your head slightly.

“I’ve been busy.”

“I could tell,” he motioned between you two, “So… Should I say congratulations?”

“Or curse my whole existence because you also wanted to hook up with him.”

Jake thought for a second, “Oh yeah, let me know if you ever need to spice it up.”

“You can’t handle one person, let alone two people.”

Jake clutched at his chest while Steve gawked at you two, “My emotions.”

“Oh wow, you still have those?”

Jake’s lips turned upwards, “Listen, two men came in the other day.”

“TMI, Jake-“

“Asking about you,” he cut you off, “They had suits on, and looked very… sort of like an army?”

Steve sat up straighter, “An army?”

“Yeah like one of those- private army types.”

Your heart skipped a beat, “Can you describe their faces?”

“I can show you their faces,” Jake reached into his pocket “I took their photos pretending to text.”

You raised your brows and took the phone from him, and your stomach flipped. Even if it’s been years since you had last seen them, you could still recognize Trent’s bodyguards –which you had commented weren’t necessary, but Trent had said you could never be too careful.

“You know them?” Steve asked and you hesitated only for a second before you shook your head.

“No,” you lied through your teeth, “No idea.”

Knowing Steve, the minute he found out you knew them, he’d want to track them down and-

There was no way you’d ever let him put himself in harm’s way.

Put himself in Trent’s way.

“What did they ask?” Steve turned to Jake, who thought for a second.

“Whether I knew her or not, and if she- if she hangs around here a lot.”

Of course Trent would put a tail on you. Of fucking course.

“What did you say?” you asked and Jake shrugged,

“I said I never heard from you after that one night stand.”

Steve shifted in his seat beside you and Jake cleared his throat.

“I figured they already knew, so I had to make it sound convincing.”

“Yeah.” You nodded and ran a hand over your face, “Sorry about that man, I never wanted to drag you into this.”

“Oh I’ve been through worse.”

“No, you really haven’t.” You said silently as Steve reached out to entwine his fingers with yours, as if trying to assure you everything was fine. Jake averted his eyes and turned to you,

“What do you want me to do if they come back, Y/N?”

“Stay somewhere crowded,” You said, “Make sure people see you’re talking to them. And call me.”

He nodded, and stood up, “I’d better get back to work.” He said, “Captain.”

“Jake.”

With that, Jake walked away and you ran your fingernails on the smooth surface of the table.

“Trent?”

“HYDRA,” you said, and shook your head, “Same thing.”

“Hey,” Steve said, gently tilting your head up “Come on. We already knew he would try something like this.”

“We didn’t know he’d have me followed.”

Steve gave you a small, assuring smile, “I meant what I said, Y/N. No matter what he does, he will never get to you.”

You tried to blink the tears back, “I need a drink,” you said silently, then pulled back, “And a smoke.”

“Y/N…”

“Then we gotta go back to the Tower and never speak of it again.”

                                           *

But you couldn’t go to the Tower that afternoon. Fury had texted Steve, saying that all the Avengers were called into another meeting at SHIELD, so you figured you’d get some of your equipment from your desk to move them to Avengers Tower. In addition to that, rookie agents still managed to look pretty star-struck by Captain America, and some of them even came up to talk to him while you were grabbing stuff from your desk, while Bucky, Natasha and others waited at Fury’s office.

“Y/N!” Eddie, another agent approached you and handed you a file, “You need to go through this one.”

You frowned, “Fury was supposed to sign them already.”

“Yeah, Fury was busy with Alexander Pierce, head of the Council, and Pierce is seeing Wilson Fisk, so Fury said you’re supposed to-“

“What?” You interrupted him, the name having the same affect on you as an ice cold shower, “Wilson Fisk?”

“Yeah, he’s supposed to be this big shot, huge businessman.” He handed you the file, “Just get it back to me before you leave, alright?”

You could feel your heartbeat getting faster as Steve got rid of agents asking him questions, then approached you.

“You’re done?”

“HYDRA is here.” You managed to say, through frozen lips.

Steve’s brows pulled into a frown, “What?”

“Come- just come with me.” You said as you walked out of the office, then made your way to Fury’s office and opened the door without knocking, taking everyone by surprise.

“You let him bring the HYDRA here?” you asked Fury, ignoring Bucky, Tony and Natasha’s glances and Fury raised his brows,

“What?”

“Wilson Fisk is here right now?”

A look of realization crossed Fury’s face, “Pierce says there’s no actual evidence. The whole Council thinks that.”

“Pierce is wrong, so is the whole Council.” You tried to keep your calm, but the whole day was taking its toll on you. The anger and fear you had tried your hardest to suppress was boiling in the pit of your stomach and Steve crossed his arms.

“There’s a HYDRA agent in here?”

“Not an agent. Money donor.”

“The whole room is under surveillance, Captain. And I’m baiting him-“

“He’s one of the biggest names doing business with-“ You turned to Steve, “Can you hold him down while I punch his lights out?”

“Steve-”

“Yeah, where is he now?”

“Jesus Christ, there’s two of them now,” Bucky shook his head as Fury interfered,

“If we can get his trust, he might lead us back to HYDRA. And Von Struckers. I don’t give a fuck what the Council says, he can’t be trusted and if we track him and his finances down…”

“Does Pierce know about that plan then?” Tony asked and Natasha scoffed.

“That man doesn’t know shit.”

Fisk.

He was one of the most important businessmen that did business with Trent, and by extension, HYDRA. While you could find no record of him actively working in it, he still gave them money. You had even met him multiple times when you were still with Trent, and he had always given you creeps. It was as if even back then, you had known something was wrong with him, and his whole attitude.

Just remembering it made you feel like someone had knocked your breath out of your chest and you ran a hand over your face, then left Fury’s room to get to the nearest balcony, Steve darting after you. You walked to the edge of the balcony to hold onto the steel rails and closed your eyes, taking a deep breath.

“Fuck this shit…” You muttered as Steve squeezed your shoulder, pulling you closer to him and pressed a kiss to the top of your head, making you heave a sigh, tension on your body getting less and less with his touch.

“Fury has a point.” he muttered into your hair, and you pulled back to look up at him. “We will get Fisk too, we just- we need to get to Von Struckers first.”

“Both of them are extremely careful, Steve.” You said, “That’s not how it works.”

“We will take them down, doll. One by one.”

You opened your mouth, but were distracted when someone opened the door to balcony and all your blood ran cold.

Fisk took a step inside the balcony, then smiled at you.

“Y/N.” he turned to Steve, “Hello, Captain.”

If looks could kill, you were sure Fisk would drop dead by now because of Steve’s glare on him.

“Wilson Fisk, I presume?”

“It’s an honor,” he had the audacity to say, “You weren’t around when I got here, Y/N. I was wondering where you were.”

Jesus Christ, you really needed a huge bottle of whiskey right now.

“You should go.” Steve offered, but his voice was anything but polite. “Now.”

“I got it, it’s fine,” You muttered to Steve, and crossed your arms, “Why were you looking for me, asshole?”

Fisk shrugged, “To give my condolences, about your…” he clicked his tongue, “Divorce? Or do you call it a break?”

“I’ll break your whole face if you keep talking.”

He looked around, “You know you don’t have to work in SHIELD, right? If you’re doing freelance, we could make use of you in my company.”

You raised your brows, “Me?”

“Yeah.”

“Go fuck yourself.”

Fisk looked almost taken aback for a second before he turned to Steve, “Captain-“

“What my girlfriend said.” Steve’s voice was like a whip and Fisk nodded slowly, then reached inside his jacket, making Steve push you behind him almost automatically. Fisk paused and raised his hand, mocking surrender.

“I’m just a businessman, Mr. Rogers.”

“Yeah and Hannibal Lecter was just a doctor.” You said, as he pulled out a small box with a ribbon on it.

“Our mutual friend sent you this.” He held it out but when neither you, nor Steve moved, he put it down to the floor, “It’s nice to see you again, Y/N.”

With that, he walked away and you grabbed the box, then lifted the lid slightly just enough to peek inside.

“What is it?”

You closed the lid, and heaved a sigh.

“A flash drive.” You said, “Come on. We can’t check it here, it’s not safe.”

“Tower?”

“Yeah,” You nibbled on your lip, “Tower.”

                                     *

Tony gave you a disposable, old laptop as soon as you got to the Tower. While you were sure that there was no way Trent or anyone who worked for him could come up with a virus that would go undetected by your systems, like Tony had said, it was better to be safe.

“It’s like twelve days of Christmas, but an evil version,” Tony commented as you switched the laptop on. Bucky and Steve were talking in low voices at the corner of the room, and Natasha was by your side, eyeing the flash drive.

“You’re sure it’s safe?”

“I’ll get rid of the laptop as soon as we see what’s inside.” You nodded, “Yeah, it should be safe.”

“And there are no files in it.”

“That too.” You opened the box, and a paper stuck on the lid that you had missed before dropped to your lap. You opened the folded paper, the simple writing making you frown.

Don’t do what she told you to do, or else you will regret it.

“You ready?” Tony asked as he plugged the flash drive in and you nodded, then he clicked on the clip after Steve and Bucky approached you.

There was a man strapped to a chair while three other men surrounded him and when the vision got clearer you held your breath, jumping on your feet.

It was Bucky. Strapped to the chair.

HYDRA days.

One of the men pushed a button, making Bucky’s whole body spasm and you slammed the laptop lid shut, your heart beating in your throat.

“Bucky, I’m so sorry-“ You turned to him while he stared at the laptop, then tried to pull himself together.

“Where did he get that footage?” he asked in a whisper and you shook your head, trying to make sense of-

You looked down at the paper, then your eyes snapped up at Bucky, your brain working nonstop.

Don’t do what she told you to do.

The thought hit you like a ton of bricks and Tony opened his mouth but you put your index finger on your lips, signaling him to be silent, then turned the paper over and grabbed a pen, then held up the paper after you finished writing.

Tower is bugged. No one say anything.

There was a moment of silence, all of you staring at each other before Tony heaved a sigh.

“Oh fuck.”

Chapter 15 is here! 

A.N: Now repeat after me: I’ll leave feedback because Dream loves feedback! ❤️ 😂  

Special thanks go to:  @theskytraveler @asongofmarvelanddc @thorohdamnson @girlwhoisfearless @fictionwillneverdie @lilywoood @marss-anonymous @icameforthefanfiction @pandalandalopalis @barnesrogersvstheworld   @lostkizzy @reallyconfusednow @miss-jen-winter @dollbitxhes @fandomcrazie @aikeji @dans-les-details @evanstar @thatprofessionalfangirl @minuialeth75 @leviathan-luncher @kiwngsoo @myrabbitholetoneverland @itsyaboyo @avengemebuckyy @stargeek727  @superwolfchild-fan  @loricwizardbluetoastedcake  @marauderskeeper @whogaveuspermission @thewhinersoldier@iamthemaskhewears @whatiswrongwithpeople @mischievous-fairy @agent-smoak @kimmiestrawberrykiwi @local-space-ace @iwritetoavoidmyproblems @marvels-mistress @screamimalive @probablystarlord @love-for-fanfics @nightm1me  @fandomsfitblrsandfanfics @cleargoopangelvoid  @901seconds @part-time-patronus  @zlixlle @vikrone @justthewinterstarlord @brianna-soto @delusional-of-love and lovely anons! Without you, I wouldn’t be able to write this, you’re amazing! <3

[jacksonroseroth]

Wolf In A Maiden’s Clothing Chapter 3

Warnings: Violence; slight, mentions of abuse, sprinkling of fluff

Words: 5,714

Moodboard made by me, none of the pictures are mine

~

By the time the had gotten Talia calm enough to remove the rest of the arrow, she still had to be held in place, damn near pinned down as they dug around in her shoulder. Talia screamed in pain, hurling things off the table and gripping it as she gritted her teeth at the pain.

“There, now.” The healer said, in a soothing voice as she slowly tugged the arrow out. Talia sighed and groaned in relief, the pain a little less than it was, but still very clear and present. She collapsed onto the table, panting heavily, before two men helped her, slowly lifting her to sit her into a chair so the healer could stitch up her wound. Her sleeve had been ripped off in order for them to remove the rod. The healer placed her naked arm up onto the table, telling her to hold still as she began pushing the needle through her skin, making Talia wince. “Such a fuss you made.”

Talia shot the healer a glare and hissed, “Let me sink an arrow into your shoulder from 50 paces and you tell me if you’d sit here, calm and collected, while someone dug around in your body for it.”

Talia meant to be intimidating and annoyed, but the healer simply chuckled as she continued. “My dear, I have sown up the toughest and fiercest of warriors who have slurred out their swears. I do not need to feel the pain myself to know it. I have seen more than your share.” She said. Talia looked away and huffed.

“I highly doubt that…” She muttered.

“Yet she is one of the strongest you’ve had to tend to, Leea.” Talia turned at Ivar’s voice, not having heard him shuffle his way inside during her little fit. Ivar smirked and slowly made his way over to her, sitting across from her. “Why did you go off on your own, knowing they followed you?”

“I didn't. When I left, they were nowhere around me. It was only when I was alone in the woods that they chased me down. And then they shot me while my back was turned.” Talia said. “Do not make me out to be the cause of this. They are your men and they were the ones who tied me up and dragged me through the town.”

“I am aware. I told them this myself. Surely, you remember. You were there.” Ivar said, with a nod of his head and sarcasm in his voice, not even trying to hide his smirk. Talia growled at him and looked away. Ivar chuckled and added, “I’ve clearly underestimated you, Talia. With an arrow in your shoulder, you were still ready to fight.”

Talia gave a harsh sigh as the healer, Leea, tugged a little too hard on her thread, tugging at the wound. She let out a soft huff and said, “I’ve endured worse, Ivar.”

Ivar smirked at her and chuckled. He sat forward, tugging a bag from his side, the contents jingling and clicking together. Talia’s eyes went wide and she gripped the armrest of her chair, restraining herself from shooting over to him to rip the bag from his hands.

“You seem to have dropped this.” He said, pulling himself up and dangling the bag in front of her. Talia glared up at him as the bag swayed, biding her time before she quickly reached up and swiped it from his hand before he could react. Though Ivar’s only reaction was another amused chuckle. “You stole from your late husband after you killed him?”

Ivar went around her chair to check on her wound, setting Talia on edge. She struggled to control her breathing as she tried to follow him without Leea reprimanding her to hold still as she had begun to stitch up the wound on the back of her shoulder.

“How is it you think I managed to get a boat and enough food and water to last me on my journey?” Talia said.

“Why don’t you tell me?” Ivar said, not trying in the least to hide the smug expression he wore as he shrugged at her, taking his seat again. “After all, I am finding it hard to believe that you so easily killed your husband and his guards and simply strolled out covered in blood…”

Talia gave a low growl as she eyed him, her temper nearing its end as Leea tugged at the wound again, snipping off the end and beginning to bandage it. Her nails dug into the wood of the table as she gripped it, hard enough that it made her knuckles turn white.

“And what is it, exactly, you wanted to hear, my King?” She snapped, irritated and defensive. Ivar chuckled and sat there, waiting until Leea had finished her bandaging before waving her away. Leea gathered her things and left the hall before Ivar sat forward and said, “Everything.”

Talia sneered at him, sitting back and retracting her nails from the table, flexing them to rid the ache. Her lips picked up in a smirk and she chuckled. “What is it you want me to say, Ivar? That I manipulated the men and women around me, unbeknownst to them? That I then killed every last one of those pathetic, self-righteous, God-loving Saxons and felt no worse for it? Or perhaps that I had to threaten a woman and her children into giving me their father’s boat and supplying me with enough food and water to last my journey, but I still felt pity for them and gave them my husband’s bracelet, taken from his dead body, by me, once he and his guards were dead?”

It was not the response Ivar expected and when she started to tell her tale, at first he didn't believe her. But the look of pure hatred and disgust in her eyes, accompanied by the tears welling up, Ivar’s smug look slowly dropped as she continued.

“Well, if I know you, Ivar, if the rumors are true, you’ll be pleased to hear this as well; I did not simply kill everyone in my household. I slaughtered them. The fight they all put up, oh. I think you would have been rather proud of me.” Talia said, slowly standing. Ivar had dismissed everyone from the hall once Talia was escorted in to be seen by Leea, practically swinging at everyone and anyone that got too close. Even if his men had stayed, Talia would have ripped her shirt from her body anyway, exposing the almost healed cuts and scars that lined her stomach and back. “This is how I escaped, King Ivar Lothbrok. Through the Viking blood that runs through my veins and would not allow my treatment to continue. The blood of my ancestors that guided me that night, guided my sword into the bellies of the men who had begun to show me loyalty. I could have very easily made them accompany me and do all the work for me, but I wanted to be rid of that Saxon filth, once and for all. So, before you ever again decide that my story isn’t good enough for you, remember these scars. Remember my face in this moment, and remember...That even though you are king, I would not hesitate to strike you down where you stand if I felt threatened by you.”

As she spoke, she stepped closer and closer to Ivar, making him shift in his seat as she came to stand before him. Ivar let out a harsh breath, looking over her naked body, clad in only her breast band and pants. He saw the bit of ink blooming over her hip, still mostly covered by her pants. His smirk returned as he glanced up at her, reaching out to touch her hip and slide his hand over it. It was a mistake he didn't think he was making, but Talia shoved his hand away, pulling his dagger from his side and leaning into his lap, her hand flying to the back of his neck and pressing the tip to his throat. Ivar jumped and held up his hands, lest he touch her again in a way that would make her actually kill him. He noticed Talia’s hands had begun to shake as she began to breathe harder, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the weapon.

“Talia...Remove my dagger.” Ivar warned, glaring up at her. Talia opened her mouth to speak, but stopped, letting out a soft gasp, beginning to lean away from him slightly.

“Do not ever touch me like that again without my permission. I care not if you are king, Ivar, as clear by your own weapon pressed to your throat. This is my one warning; Next time, I will not hesitate.” Talia said, her voice shaking with the intense emotion absent from her face. Her voice shook, thick with tears and fear where her face stood hard and pissed. Ivar gave a small nod and Talia slowly removed the knife, pushing it into his hand as she got off his lap and scooped up her shirt, grabbing her cloak and bag before wrapping herself up in her cloak and hurrying out of the room. Ivar sighed and slipped his knife back into its spot at his side and closed his eyes, tilting his head back slightly.

“Well. That was something, wasn’t it, brother?” Ivar’s head whipped around so fast he might as well have snapped his own neck as he glared at Hvitserk, emerging from the shadows of the doorway, carrying a tray of food and a pitcher of ale, meant for Talia.

“What did you hear, Hvitserk?” Ivar hissed, watching his brother as he approached the table and set down the tray.

“I think you should be more concerned with what I saw,” Hvitserk said, picking up a piece of meat and popping it into his mouth, turning to Ivar. He smirked and slid into Talia’s abandoned seat. “She can be useful to us, Ivar. After that display today; She was ready to fight with an arrow through her shoulder.”

“She is far to wild and unpredictable. She would kill all the men in training.” Ivar said, dismissing the thought as he stood.

“That means she has a raw talent that has yet to be molded,” Hvitserk said as Ivar took a step. Ivar stopped and exhaled, softly. His brother was right; After that display, Ivar knew the story of her escape was true, but he also saw her as his greatest weapon were he to convince her to become a shieldmaiden and serve him. But he refused to risk the lives of his men and shieldmaidens for this woman, who had killed one of his men already. With her angry outbursts, Ivar simply wanted her gone already. If he couldn’t control one woman, the people would begin to question his competence as king and he would not stand for it.

“Let us see how her shoulder heals first, Hvitserk. If she cannot train, she is of no use.” Ivar said. He looked back at him and added, “Since you seem so concerned with her, you can look after her and ask after her well being.”

With a smirk, Ivar added a final, “Let what you witnessed be a lesson, brother. I cannot promise I will weep at your funeral.”

~

Talia burst into her room, making Magnhild jump as she tended to the fire. Talia had dismissed her from the hall, sending her back to the room to prepare her bed. She dropped the ripped shirt and bag, casting her cloak aside as she paced for a moment before dropping into a chair with a sigh and a wince, reaching up to hold her shoulder in pain.

“Mistress, what has happened?!” Magnhild gasped, seeing her without her shirt, scrambling to cover her with a fur. But Talia pushed it away and shook her head.

“I am fine, Magnhild. Just...Get me another shirt, please.” Talia said. Magnhild nodded and went to the chest Ivar had sent, pulling out another tunic and handing it to her, helping her put it on. Magnhild glanced at her as she tied the front of the shirt.

“My Lady, may I ask you something?” She said carefully. Talia looked up at her and nodded. Magnhild chewed her lip, second-guessing herself, and stayed silent. Talia gave a soft sigh and gripped her wrist, stopping her from her tying and making her jump at the movement. She emitted a small whimper and Talia immediately loosened her hold as Magnhild looked at her. Talia gave her a small smile and said, “What were you going to ask me, Magnhild?”

“I-My Lady-That is…” Magnhild stuttered. “Your scars, Mistress. They are from your escape from the Saxons?”

Talia released her wrist and nodded. “They are. Some of them at least.” She said. Magnhild nodded and lowered her gaze, finishing her tying and stepping back, waiting for Talia’s next order. She let Magnhild stand there for a moment, waiting, while Talia watched her. She saw how her mind was working, trying to work up the courage to ask more questions without asking above her station. Finally, Talia stood and said, “Lift my shirt and look at my back.”

Magnhild’s head shot up at her in utter confusion as Talia turned, waiting. Slowly, Magnhild stepped closer and lifted the shirt Talia reaching over her injured shoulder to hold the fabric up as Magnhild gasped and ran her fingers over the deep and many scars that littered Talia’s back.

“Oh, my Lady…” Magnhild said softly. Talia didn't like showing her scars, much less having someone touch them as Magnhild was doing. But Talia allowed it so she would understand what she had been through. Finally, not able to take the sight anymore, Magnhild ripped the fabric from Talia’s hands, tugging it back down to cover it, placing a light hand over her back before taking a step away as Talia turned to her. “You received those as a slave?”

Talia nodded. “Yes.” She said.

“Then, those-those scars-”

“Those scars are there as a reminder,” Talia said. “A reminder of what I went through that led to me becoming a freedwoman.”

Magnhild slowly lowered her eyes to the floor, shocked that such a strong woman like Talia had such a dark past. Talia watched her for a moment, trying to figure out how to word her next command as gentle as possible. “Magnhild, will you remove your dress?”

The fear shot through Magnhild, if only for a moment before her eyes upon Talia reminded her who had asked the question. She nodded and slowly pushed the shoulders of her dress down and let it slip off her body. Talia saw the scars that lined her thighs and lifted her head a little higher, with a soft sigh.

“Turn.” She commanded. Magnhild refused to look at her, but obeyed, showing Talia her backside. Just like Talia, Magnhild also had scars along her back, though they were much fewer than Talia’s. With another sigh, Talia took a step closer, kneeling down to grab the dress pooled at her feet and lift it to dress her again. Magnhild glanced back at her as she slipped her arms into the sleeves and turned to her. “You were born a slave?”

“Yes,” Magnhild said. Talia let out a soft chuckle and nodded.

“Then there is the one thing that is different from us, Magnhild,” Talia said, softly, touching her cheek, gently and briefly. Magnhild blinked and asked, “You were not born a slave?”

An amused smile passed her lips as Talia said, “No. I was not. I was made a slave.”

Magnhild opened her mouth, no doubt to ask what happened, but Talia stopped her and said, “But that is a story for another time.”

Magnhild nodded and said, “Of course, my Lady.”

“Talia.” Magnhild blinked and Talia smiled, leaning a little closer to say, “When we are alone, you may call me Talia.”

A small smile pricked at Magnhild’s lips as she nodded. Talia gave a small chuckle and straightened before she said, “Will you fetch me some food, please, Magnhild? I fear I need something in my stomach soon.”

“Of course. What would you like, Mis-” Magnhild stopped as Talia raised an eyebrow with a smile. Magnhild didn't hold back her smile as she corrected herself and said, “Talia.”

“Anything is fine, Manghild. Thank you.” Talia said, moving past her to go to the window. Magnhild bowed her head before turning to leave. Talia sighed and spread her arms as she leaned on the window sill, looking out. She heard a soft knock and didn't move, taking a few more moments before she wanted to answer. Before she could, the creak of the door opening made Talia turn to find a smirking Hvitserk standing behind it. Talia sighed, not quite ready to endure another brother just yet.

“Do you not wait to be invited into a lady’s room?” She asked, moving from her spot at the window and picking up her cloak and ripped tunic, packing them into the chest. “What can I do for you, Prince Hvitserk?”

“I wanted to see if you were alright. You were gone when I came back with food.” He said, walking into the room and over to her. Talia glanced at him.

“I am fine. Thank you.” She said. By the time Hvitserk reached her, Talia had turned to him, waiting for him to speak. Instead, Hvitserk looked her over, lifting a hand up to pull back the shoulder of her tunic. Talia flinched so severely, Hvitserk stopped and looked at her with a chuckle.

“I merely wish to see your shoulder.” He said, gently, reassuring her. Talia nodded as Hvitserk tugged the fabric away, inspecting the wound. “You are lucky.”

“How so?” Talia asked. Hvitserk chuckled and dropped his hand.

“It missed your heart,” Hvitserk said. The corners of her lips picked up in a small smile as she nodded.

“Yes. It did. I thank the gods.” Talia said. Hvitserk gave a small sigh and smiled. Talia glanced down and shifted as Hvitserk’s gaze drifted to her neck, seeing a raised pattern on her skin. He raised a hand again, reaching for her face and Talia reacted again, gripping his wrist and digging her nails into his skin with a flinch, her eye twitching as his hand neared her face. Hvitserk stopped and slowly pulled his hand away, Talia soon releasing him. Making sure she knew what he was doing this time, he pushed back her hair to reveal a wolf branded on her neck.

“A wolf?” He asked. Talia turned her head away and gave a small sigh.

“A brand. The mark my master gave me when my uncle sold me to him.” Talia said, softly. Hvitserk looked at her and slowly lowered his hand, letting her hair fall to cover it once more. Talia looked at him and said, “He marked all his men with the brand of a wolf so everyone would know who they were.”

Talia looked up at him with a soft smile and a short laugh. “My master thought himself a wolf. He truly believed he shifted into the skin of a wolf at night. He was insane.” Talia said.

“And your Lord Husband didn't do anything to cover it?” Hvitserk asked. A small amused smirk passed Talia’s lips as she said, “He made sure my hair was arranged to keep it covered. He hated the brand. And my tattoos. He never wanted to see them.”

“You have tattoos as well?” Hvitserk asked, rather surprised. Talia chuckled and nodded.

“Yes. One on my hip and one on my thigh.” She said.

“What is the one on your hip?” Hvitserk asked in a teasingly coy tone. Talia smirked and said, “A wolf.”

Hvitserk couldn’t help but chuckle as he raised an eyebrow. “You got a wolf tattooed after the brand?” He asked. Talia shook her head.

“No. My uncle insisted on it before he sold me.” Talia said. Hvitserk blinked, his amusement melting off his face so fast, Talia had to fight her own amusement. There was a pregnant silence between them before Hvitserk spoke again, trying to change the subject.

“Can I send a slave to fetch you something to eat? You need to keep up your strength.” Hvitserk said. Talia’s smile grew a little at the kind offer, but shook her head and said, “No. Thank you. I have sent Magnhild to get something for me.”

Hvitserk nodded and gave a small bow, stepping back from her as he said, “Very well. I am glad you are well. Please send for me if you need anything.”

Talia nodded, knowing the true meaning behind what he said. Hvitserk nodded and turned to leave, but Talia’s sweet smile twisted to a coy smirk as she reached out and grabbed his hand. Hvitserk stopped, not having enough time to turn before he felt Talia pressed against him, her lips at his ear as she whispered, “Do you not wish to inspect the scars you saw?”

His eyes went wide as he turned his head toward her. Talia smirked as her eyes drifted to meet his, shifting to give a little space between them. Talia’s fingers slid over his hand as she continued, “You thought yourself well hid in the shadows of the lit hallway? I know good and well that you saw what happened.”

Hvitserk licked his lips, trying to find something to say as Talia took his hand and slipped it under her shirt, pressing his fingers to the scars over her stomach. His breath hitched, slightly, feeling the still healing scars beneath his fingers.

“I-I-I am sorry that happened to you, Talia,” Hvitserk said, softly. Talia watched his face, taking in his emotions, her smirk growing at the intention and want behind his eyes. She let out a soft chuckle and removed his hand, stepping away.

“I shall send Magnhild to fetch you and the king if something should happen,” Talia said, turning away. Hvitserk sighed and flexed his hand before bowing his head and leaving quickly. Talia let out a soft giggle as she stood in front of the fire, planning out how to handle the brothers next time. She gave a soft sigh before going to her bag on the table, rummaging through it until her fingers wrapped around a necklace, pulling it out of the bag. She stared at the iron pendant in her hand before closing her fist around it.

~

“My Lady, please!” Magnhild whisper shouted as she tried to keep up with Talia’s quick pace while they slipped through Kattegat that night. Talia glanced around, making sure they weren’t being followed or watched. Even though their faces were hidden by the hoods of their cloaks, Talia did not want anyone seeing them and where they went. “Talia, this is not wise. Please! We should go back.”

Suddenly, as Magnhild practically ran to keep up with her, Talia stopped and turned to her, making Magnhild skid to a stop.

“If you would like to return to the hall, do so. If you wish to serve me, stay quiet and listen.” Talia whispered. Magnhild bit her lip and nodded before Talia turned and continued, veering right and to the door of one of the houses. She glanced around before Magnhild knocked at the door, still keeping a look out after. The door opened and Magnhild jumped when Igor’s annoyed face presented itself. He glanced around before looking at her and demanding, “What do you want, slave?”

“My-My mistress wishes to see Asger,” Magnhild said, trying to make her voice as strong and confident as she could. Igor raised an eyebrow.

“Your mistress? Who?” At the question, Talia turned to him and gave him a sweet smile that made his eyes widen and try to slam the door in her face, but Talia was quicker. Her palm slammed against the wood, pushing the door open with a grunt as she forced her way in. “What do you want?! Why are you here?!”

Talia walked in and tossed back her hood. Once the other men saw her, their eyes went wide and they scrambled to their feet, trying to get as far from her as possible. Talia was a touch smug that these men were afraid of her, and rightly so, but she kept her mind on the task at hand. She lifted her head, cocking toward Magnhild in a signal to remove her cloak, which she did. Talia held out her arms, revealing the skin tight dress she wore and said, “I am not armed, gentlemen. You do not need to fear.”

The men glanced at each other, not trusting her, but it made no difference to her.

“Where is Asger?” Talia asked in a casual tone. Igor had long since shut the door and now glowered at the unwelcome woman in his house.

“Resting. From his wounds.” Igor said. Talia turned to him and chuckled.

“As I should be,” Talia said, tugging down the shoulder of her dress to reveal the bloodstained bandages. “I wish to speak with Asger.”

Igor sighed and looked at his slave girl. “Well? Show her to him.” He said, firmly. The young girl let out a small whimper as she hurried to Talia and held out her hand to the curtain on the other side of the room. As the slave turned, Talia reached out to grab her arm gently, but no matter how gentle Talia could have been, the slave flinched and whimpered. The action made Talia’s blood boil, but the tucked it away for now. She smiled at the slave and said, “What is your name?”

The slave’s terror never left her face as she looked to her master in fear. Talia’s eyes darkened for a moment as Igor said, “Go on. Tell her.”

She looked back at Talia and whimpered again. Talia let go of her arm and said, “You know who I am?”

The slave girl nodded. Talia smiled and said, “And you know what I am capable of?”

Again, she nodded. Talia chuckled and repeated, “Then tell me your name, child.”

“B-Bruna…” She managed to squeak. Talia nodded and asked, softly, “Bruna. Will you show me to Asger?”

Bruna nodded her head and stuttered, “T-This-This way, my-my Lady.”

Bruna crossed the room, but Talia didn't follow her just yet. She turned to Magnhild and said, “Wait for me outside.”

“But, mist-”

“I said. Wait for me. Outside.” Talia repeated. Magnhild gave a small sigh and nodded her head before leaving. Talia turned and followed Bruna over to the curtain as she drew it back to reveal Asger laying in bed, half his face covered in bandages. Talia’s heart leapt at the sight, but she kept herself in check as she turned to the men. “May I have a moment?”

“Why? You are the cause of this.” The man to her right, the one called Egil, said. Igor shook his head and the two men to Talia’s left slowly inched their way toward the door. Talia smirked and turned to him.

“Am I? Well, if I’m not mistaken, it was you and your ilk that started it all.” Talia said, slowly making her way to stand in front of him. Bruna had run off the second Egil spoke up and Igor stayed in place, knowing there was no stopping what would happen, no matter what did. “And I’m quite sure that Asger did not willingly take up the bow that held the arrow.”

“Oh, are you?” Egil asked, with a chuckle. Talia smiled and let out a soft chuckle of her own.

“Oh, yes. Quite.” She said. Egil snickered and looked away from her as if she were nothing more than a bug beneath his boot. Talia huffed out a light laugh before she shot out a hand, gripping his cock and making him whimper in pain. “I am also quite sure that if you hadn’t treated me as you did, none of this would have happened. You never once stopped to ask me who I was, only saw the Saxon flag and acted. Now. I have been quite polite in asking for a private moment with your man, and I shall ask again.”

“Let him go, woman,” Igor demanded. Talia’s head shot over to him and she smirked, still with a vice grip on his cock.

“My name is Talia and you will address me as such. Since entering your home, I have been kind and respectful and yet I have not been treated as such. Ask me nicely and I may obey.” Talia said.

“My Lady-”

“Talia.” She said again, her green eyes burning.

“Please...Talia…” Egil squeaked. Talia couldn’t help the smug smirk that spread across her face as she turned to him. With no warning, Talia released him and stepped back as Egil cupped himself and dropped to a knee in front of her.

“I ask again…” Talia said, turning to Igor. “May I have a moment in private with Asger?”

Igor didn't respond, only hauled his friend to his feet and shoved him to the door as the other two men left through it as well. Talia waited until the door had shut to step behind the curtain and close it.

“Talia.” She turned at the sound of Asger’s voice, her eyes instantly welling with tears. Asger stirred and spoke her name again as Talia went to his side.

“Asger. I’m here.” She said, softly. Asger blinked his eyes open, but Talia did not think he truly saw her as he looked around.

“Talia...He needs you...The horses...They...Ran off…” Asger mumbled, pulling a memory from years passed. Talia took his hand and cupped the uninjured side of his face.

“Asger. Asger, it’s me. I am here.” She said as a tear rolled down her face. Asger blinked again, turning his eyes to look at her as his vision cleared.

“Mother?” He asked, softly. Talia gave a small laugh and said, “No. Asger, it is me.”

“Talia? Talia, is it really-” Talia smiled and nodded, kissing his cheek as she gave a soft chuckle.

“Yes, my sweet brother. I’m here.” She whispered, laying her head on his chest.

“Talia...Talia, I am so sorry...I couldn’t-They wanted me to be the one-” Asger let out a choked sob as Talia lifted her head.

“Shh. I am well. I forgive you. I know you would not have done it freely.” She said. Asger sighed and lifted his hand to cup her cheek, smiling as he stared at her.

“My sweet sister. I feared the worst…” He said. Talia closed her eyes and smiled, leaning into the touch. She opened her eyes again to meet his as he gave a half smile. “You’ve grown so beautiful. You look like Mother.”

Talia smiled and nodded, looking down in sadness as she said, “You would remember her more than me.”

“It was not your fault, Talia,” Asger said as Talia looked up at him. “You were a child. You couldn’t have done anything or you would have been killed as well.”

Talia sniffed and reached into her dress, pulling out the necklace to press it into Asger’s hand. Asger lifted his hand to get a better look at what she gave him. Once he realized what it was, he let out a harsh breath, his lip quivering as a tear rolled down his face.

“How did you manage to keep this hidden from him?” Asger asked, looking at Talia. She smiled and said, “He hated me, but he loved Mother. It was the only thing he let me keep when he sold me.”

Asger closed his fist around the pendant, gripping it tight. “I do not know if our uncle still lives, but if he does...Talia, if he does you have my word I shall gut him like the snake he is for what he did to you.” Asger hissed. Talia shook her head and closed a hand over his fist.

“No, Asger. I will deal with him when the time comes. If he values his life, he will never return to Kattegat.” Talia said. Before their conversation could continue, the door burst open and Igor called out, “You’ve had more than a moment, woman. Now, leave!”

Asger growled, trying to sit up to be able to yell at him, but Talia stopped him. “No, sweet brother. No one must know. Not now.” Talia whispered, wiping her face.

“I am not ashamed of you, Talia,” Asger said. Talia smiled and kissed his cheek.

“I know. But please. Tell no one. Not just yet. Promise me.” Talia said. Asger sighed and nodded, tucking the necklace into his pocket as she stood, the curtain flying open, making Talia turn.

“Leave. Now. You are not welcome here.” Igor hissed at her. Talia blinked, unmoved by his anger and bowed her head.

“Thank you for allowing me to speak with him…” Talia said. She fought the urge to let her lips twist in a smirk as she added, “I will make sure King Ivar knows of this kindness.”

Igor’s anger faded into confusion as he watched Talia pass him and make her way to the door.

“Why would you tell him of this?” Igor asked, turning to watch her. Magnhild looked past her mistress as she reached her, hand outstretched to hand Talia her cloak. Talia took a moment before turning to him with a sweet smile.

“Do you wish to continue to be outside of his good graces? If that is the case, I shall keep silent of this visit.” Talia offered. Igor looked to Egil and the other two men, who all three gave him a look. Igor cleared his throat and looked back at Talia, shaking his head and remaining silent. Talia bowed her head as Magnhild draped the cloak around her, tying it around her. Talia’s gaze swept over the men as she said, “May the gods bless you this night.”

Talia turned and walked out of the house, making quick work of her walk back to the hall.

~

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[traveller-lover-dreamer]

Ballerina, pt 8

Here comes the next chapter peeps, enjoy!!

THANKS AGAIN FOR THE MOODBOARD @theblxefox YOU ARE AMAZING I LOVE YOU!!! I have troubles with the size though so if anyone knows how to fix it hit me up!!

Summary:  Ever since Y/N Y/L/N has become a spy, she has been working alone to get to Nikolai Sakharov, a Russian criminal. Little did she know that her mission was about to change everything she thought she knew about her life.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7

Pairing: Spy!Harrison Osterfield X Reader

Words: 6428

Warnings: violence, fighting, blood (ya know classic spy story). Also, smut at the end

Your POV

 You watched yourself in the mirror. You had really overdone yourself tonight. This isn’t for Harrison. Lie. It was obviously because of him. All day you hadn’t stopped thinking about what had almost happened the night before, even though he had hurt you when he had left because you were a virgin. This had to be the reason why he had left. A part of you hoped that maybe you could show him that you were a woman, that your virginity didn’t make you less… less what? Attractive? You didn’t even know why that had stopped Harrison.

You took a deep breath, trying to calm down, to untie the knots in your stomach but it proved to be useless.

Earlier during the day, you had been able to find that Sakharov was going to attend a charity event in the evening, at the Saint James Paris, a fancy hotel. You had immediately bought tickets, using a new fake identity. Tonight, you were Eliana Smith, wife of Harry Smith (Harrison).

You didn’t know why Sakharov was going to a charity event, it was weird of him, but you weren’t going to miss on the opportunity to catch him.

As you were about to get out of the bathroom, you took another look at yourself in the mirror. You were wearing a black lace bodycon dress that you had bought earlier today. You had styled your hair in a loose fishtail braid that was caressing the skin of your back. You had also put some make-up on and your lips were as red as the blood dripping from one’s wound. You looked totally stunning and you knew it.

You stepped out of the bathroom and watched as Harrison tied his black tie. He was wearing a black suit along with a white dress shirt. Classic outfit. It suited him well though.

He finished to tie his tie, only then noticing you had stepped out of the bathroom. He stared at you for a moment, his mouth slightly agape.

“You look gorgeous”, he said after a moment of silence.

You smiled as you noticed his eyes going up and down your frame a couple of times before he looked away.

“Thanks, you don’t look so bad yourself”, you replied.

His cheeks turned pink and your smile got wider. You had had the effect you wished to have on him.

“Shall we go?” you asked.

“Yeah, yeah, of course”, he said after clearing his throat.

You definitely had an effect on him. You turned around to grab the purse you had bought along with the dress, knowing Harrison would be staring at your back. The dress was opened in a triangular shape, the tip of the triangle just above your ass.

You had totally chose that dress on purpose.

“Won’t it be difficult for you to fight if we have to?” Harrison asked.

“Because of the dress?” you asked, shooting a glance at him over your shoulder. “Nah, I’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

Since you couldn’t really have your knives on you because of how tight the dress was, you chose your favourite knife and a small pistol. Even though you didn’t like guns, tonight you would maybe need one. You put both of the weapons in your purse, before heading for the door. You opened it, turning around to see that Harrison hadn’t moved.

“You coming?” you asked.

“Oh, yeah, yeah, I am”, he stuttered before following you.

You held back the laugh that almost fell from your lips as you noticed how flustered he was. You shouldn’t have done that yesterday, lover boy. Today, you had decided to make him pay for it. In fact, you had two choices: either feel bad about it or make him pay for it. The second option was much more interesting.

You walked to the elevator, Harrison behind you. When the doors opened, you let two men pass before getting inside of it.

The tension between Harrison and you was palpable in the elevator and you smirked to yourself. Tonight was going to be fun. You were going to catch Sakharov and make Harrison pay at the same time. You couldn’t wait.

A taxi was waiting for you outside of the hotel. You got in and Harrison sat beside you. He didn’t say a word all the way to the hotel where the charity was being held and you knew it was because he was stressing about the night. You were too, but you were more excited about it. This, this was what you had trained for for years. You could handle a bit of stress, right?

You paid the taxi when you got to the hotel before getting out of it.

“So, don’t forget that we’re husband and wife tonight”, you told Harrison, a smirk on your lips. “We need to act like it.”

You saw him gulp before he said: “Yeah, of course.”

“And we need to be careful”, you added. “Sakharov knows what we look like. The minute he sees us we need to move and move fast.”

“I know, we’ve talked about this all day”, Harrison said.

“I just wanted to make sure”, you concluded before turning towards the hotel.

“Here”, Harrison said, offering you his arm.

You gently put your hand on his forearm. Your heart skipped a beat in your chest and you cursed yourself mentally for it. You didn’t like the way you felt about Harrison, especially not after last night. And you had to remember that tonight, the way he would be acting toward you was just that, an act.

You walked in the hotel lobby, following the signs to the church. The charity event was going to be held there. You scanned the faces around you, searching for Sakharov but he wasn’t in sight. Only then did you begin to think the evening might have been a trap.

“Our target isn’t there yet”, you whispered in Harrison’s ear.

He turned toward you, leaning a bit to whisper in your ear.

“The event’s only beginning in an hour, give him some time.”

His warm breath tickled the skin of your neck and your heart missed a beat in your chest. Come on, Y/N, you’re stronger than this.

You walked to the places that had been assigned to Harrison and you, which were in the back of the room. You could see everyone coming in and out of the room, which was perfect. But you still felt as if something was off.

You waited in silence, your eyes fixed on the doors of the church. You could hear the buzzing of the conversations in the room, but you had nothing to say to Harrison right now. You were beginning to feel bad about the whole situation, real bad.

“I’m sorry”, Harrison whispered in your ear.

You raised your head to look at him. His blue gaze held yours for a moment.

“What for?” you finally asked.

“For yesterday night”, he answered. “We had a huge misunderstanding.”

Anger flared in your chest.

“A misunderstanding?” you spat. “You fucking left when I told you that I’m a virgin. How the hell is that a misunderstanding?”

“Don’t speak so loudly, we’re in a church”, Harrison said. “You shouldn’t swear either.”

You rolled your eyes, focusing your attention back on the doors.

“I didn’t leave because of that”, Harrison added. “I don’t do these kind of stuff with my partners or coworkers, it has nothing to do about you. Well, yeah, it has since you’re my partner but you know what I mean.”

You watched him for a moment and you couldn’t help but to notice how distressed he seemed about this all situation.

“Hey, Haz”, you said, using his nickname on purpose. “It’s fine, really, I understand.”

He smiled softly and you put your attention back on the doors.

Your will to make Harrison pay for last night faded away as you realized he hadn’t done that because you were a virgin. He seemed… less of an asshole now. You were glad you hadn’t left this morning, it felt great to understand the situation better.

You noticed a man walking in the church. He stopped and looked all around the room. His eyes scanned over you but moved on quickly.

Something about him felt… familiar. Like you had seen him somewhere but you didn’t know where.

“This man”, you said Harrison, nodding your head toward the guy. “He seems familiar.”

Harrison looked at the guy, furrowing his brows.

“He isn’t Sakharov, love, he’s way too young”, he said.

“No, dumbass, I know he isn’t Sakharov, he just seems familiar”, you repeated.

“Okay but what are we supposed to do with that?” Harrison asked.

“I’ll spy on him”, you indicated. “I think he’s searching for someone.”

Just when you were about to get up from your bench, the man’s gaze locked with yours. He smirked and started walking in your direction.

“Oh crap, he’s coming over here”, you warned. “Let’s not blow our cover up.”

As if it wasn’t already blown. You turned your head toward Harrison, leaning in to press a soft peck on his lips. Husband and wife kissed each other, right?

You pulled apart, your eyes slowly meeting Haz’s.

“What was that for?” he whispered.

“Our cover”, you stated.

“Oh, right”, he sighed.

You put your hand in his, resting your head on his shoulder before looking in front of you. The guy was a couple of meters away, still walking in your direction.

He looked around 25 years old, he had blue eyes and dark brown hair. There was something in his features that was familiar, but you couldn’t say from where.

“Miss Y/L/N”, he said.

Your heart skipped a beat at the mention of your last name, but you made sure to keep a poker face. In fact, you even acted as if you were confused.

“Uhm, sorry, that isn’t me”, you said with your best British accent.

“Sakharov said you would say that”, he observed. “I’m going to ask you to follow me. Please do, I wouldn’t want to make a scene right here in the middle of a church.”

“My wife won’t follow you”, Harrison growled. “I don’t know who you are but can you please leave us alone?”

The guy seemed to lose confidence for a moment. You quickly took advantage of it.

“I’m Eliana Smith”, you said. “I have no idea who that Sakhov guy is.”

“It’s Sakharov”, the guy hissed.

He looked around as if he searched for back up.

“You still have to follow me”, he finally said. “Boss’s orders.”

You looked at Harrison and then your eyes trailed back to the man.

“Why do you want me to follow you?” you innocently asked.

“My boss wants to see you”, he answered in an exasperated tone.

“But why would…” you began.

Suddenly, the guy had a gun in his hands and he pointed it toward Harrison. You gasped, afraid he was going to pull the trigger.

“You say another word and I blow his head off, understood?” the guy hissed.

You nodded slowly and then got up, raising your hands.

“Now, act as if everything is normal and follow me out of the church”, the guy said. “As for you, don’t move from here, I have some friends at the door that aren’t as nice as I am. Might be they’ll shoot you.”

Your heart ached in your chest as you realized you had walked in a trap. You should have listened to your uneasy feeling earlier. Now, both you and Harrison were in a compromising situation.

You shot a look at Harrison, to make sure he wouldn’t do anything stupid and then you followed the man out of the church. You thought about using your bracelet to kill him, but there were lots of civilians around you and you couldn’t just blow your cover like this. You had to wait until you were alone.

At the same time, he had said that Sakharov wanted to see you. Maybe you should wait until you were with your target. You could still make sure that this time he wasn’t going to flee.

When you were out of the church, two men started walking behind you, dangerously close. You understood they were with the man that was walking in front of you. Taking down one man with your bracelet was easy but fighting three guys at the same time… this could prove to be difficult.

You smiled to yourself when the man stopped in front of an elevator. You could take the three men down in a small space like an elevator, it wouldn’t be difficult at all. Or so you hoped.

The doors slid open and the guy walked in the elevator. You followed him, making sure to stand in one of the corners. You didn’t want to have one of them behind you.

“Before you think of doing anything”, the guy said, “you should consider this: we’re three trained men. You have no chance against us.”

“I’ve faced worst odds in my life”, you declared before kicking him in the legs.

His knees gave out under him and he fell. You quickly spun around to block one of the other man’s punch. You dodged his next hit by standing to the side, where the third man was waiting for you. Only you had raised your elbow and you hit him right on the nose. A satisfied smirk appeared on your lips as you heard the crack. His nose had broken. And from the angle you had hit him, you hoped his broken bones were going to pierce his brain and kill him.

The man that had asked you to follow him suddenly tackled you and your back hit the elevator’s wall violently. Your breath went out of your lungs and you saw stars for a moment as you fell to the ground.

Your instinct took the lead and without even thinking about it you pulled on the stone of your bracelet. You encircled the wire on the closest legs, making a man fall. You punched him in the throat as hard as you could, which was probably hard enough to crush his windpipe, but then you received a kick on the side of your head. You felt your body go limp and you crashed on the ground.

You spat blood as you struggled to get up on all fours, but you received another kick, this time in the stomach. Now, your instinct was telling you to run, but you were stuck in a small space, there was no place to run.

“Told you that you stood no chance against us”, the first guy said as he grabbed a handful of your hair to force you to get up.

You almost yelped in pain but you didn’t want to give him the satisfaction.

“Although, I’m impressed, you took down two of us”, he conceded.

You noticed the two other men were laying on the ground and both seemed lifeless.

“Now, follow me, you bitch”, the guy said, dragging you out of the elevator as the doors opened.

He walked down the corridor and stopped in front of a room, which he kicked opened before pushing you in. You stumbled but managed to stay up.

You realized you were alone in the hotel room with the guy. And your thoughts were slowly coming back to you. You had lost your purse in the elevator, which meant you had lost both of your weapons. All you had left was your bracelet.

“You still think you can fight me?” the guy chuckled.

His gun appeared in his hand and he took the safety off.

“Take a single fucking step in my direction and you’re as good as dead”, he threatened.

You didn’t move, knowing you had no chance against a gun right now. If only he wasn’t out of your reach.

“I don’t know why Sakharov wants you”, he commented. “You’re just a little bitch who thinks she can take down an empire that’s been running for decades now.”

“How many of his men have I killed up to now?” you asked. “Four or five? That’s without counting Tracy. How long has Tracy been working for him?”

“Shut up”, the guy shouted. “One more word and I’ll shoot you.”

“You won’t”, you stated. “Sakharov wants me. I don’t think he’s interested in a corpse.”

The guy glared at you for a moment, but you saw in his eyes that you were right. He couldn’t kill you.

“Maybe I can’t kill you but shooting you doesn’t mean you die”, he laughed.

He pointed towards your leg and pulled the trigger. But you had anticipated his move. You jumped to the side, glad not to feel any pain in your legs as you rolled and in a swift motion got back on your feet. You were now close enough to the guy and you hit his gun with all your strength. It flew from his hands. As soon as his hands were free, the guy moved to block your hit and then punched you. You received the blow on your jaw and once again you tasted blood in your mouth. You tried to move to the side to dodge his next hit but he feinted and hit you directly on one of your temples.

Once again your body went limp, and this time for good. You fell on the ground and watched as his feet got closer to your face. You tried to move but your body didn’t obey. The guy kneeled next to you. You were laying on your stomach and he took your arms behind your back, tying them up.

His first mistake was to not take your bracelet off.

He took you in his arms and sat you on a chair to which he tied you up. There was nothing you could do but to watch as he did so, you were completely groggy.

“Now, we just have to wait for Sakharov”, the guy stated. “Please don’t move while I’m going to take care of your little friend downstairs.”

You suddenly got out of your state of grogginess at the thought of him hurting Harrison.

“Don’t you fucking dare”, you said as you pulled on your restraints.

Which proved to be completely useless. Only painful since they were especially tight.

“Oh so you’re fond of the guy?” he asked. “I’m going to take my time with him.”

You spat in his face, which resulted in him hitting you again. He dried his face with the back of his hand and then walked away from you, far enough so you wouldn’t be able to spit on him again.

“Now, you should stay silent if you don’t want anyone else than your little boyfriend to get hurt”, the man threatened before leaving the room.

As soon as he was out of sight you tried to pull on your restraints again. You didn’t have more success this time than the first one, but you managed to pull on the second stone of your bracelet, the one you didn’t like to use at all. This wire was just too sharp, it always made a bloody mess when you used it in a fight. But when you were tied to a chair, it could be useful.

You used the wire to cut your way through the rope. It was difficult and it made your wrists hurt but you kept going. When you finally cut the rope, you let go of the stone and brought your wrists in front your face. Both of them were bruised by the restraints. You swore underneath your breath as you untied the ropes on your ankles and then got up from the chair.

For a moment you thought about searching around the room to find anything related to Sakharov, but then you thought about Harrison getting hurt and fear took control of you.

You quickly got out of the room, making your way to the stairs. You didn’t want to use the elevator, especially since there were two dead men in it.

You ran down the stairs as fast as you could and made your way to the church. Only then did you hear the gunshots. There were screams too, but you tuned out the screams to concentrate on the gunshots. They were all coming from the church. Its doors were closed and when you opened them, utter chaos fell upon you. There were lots of bodies in the room. The man that had been hosting the charity event was lying in a pool of blood right beside the church’s altar. Most of the people that had been sitting in the first row were also dying or already dead in a pool of their own blood.

The guy, which you still didn’t know the name of, was shooting at someone at the back of the room, who peeked his head over the benches once in a while to shoot back. It obviously was Harrison.

You charged toward the guy, knowing Harrison wasn’t going to shoot if you were there. The guy didn’t notice you at all, all his attention was on Harrison at the back of the church. You tackled the guy and you both fell to the ground. He lost his gun as he fell and you started to fight on the ground, both of you trying to gain dominance.

He was a good fighter, that was true. But you had your bracelet and that gave you an advantage. The guy was suddenly on top of you and both of his hands were around your throat, strangling you. You gasped as you searched for air. You knew you weren’t going to last long and you had seen lots of blood already tonight, seeing more wouldn’t change a thing. You pulled on the second stone of your bracelet and cut one of the guy’s wrist. He hissed in pain as his hands let go of your throat. You sucked in some much needed oxygen.

The guy raised his hand to punch you again but as he did so, you heard a gunshot and suddenly, his body jerked to the side. You got out from under him as your eyes trailed to the hole in his head. You sat up as you tried to catch your breath.

“We have to get out of here before the authorities show up”, Harrison declared.

You didn’t feel like arguing right now, you were just glad he was still alive. Even though staying would have been a great idea since Sakharov was supposed to come, right now you were in no state to face him.

Harrison held out a hand for you to grab and he pulled you up to your feet.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

You probably looked miserable. You had lost count of the number of times you had been hit and your dress was drenched with the blood of the guy.

“Yeah, I am”, you answered with a hoarse voice. “Let’s get out of here.”

Harrison grabbed your hand and he ran out of the room with you on his heels. He started to make his way toward the back exit of the hotel when you pulled on his hand to make him halt.

“Haz, I think it’d be a better idea to talk with the authorities”, you told him. “It’d be extremely difficult to get to our hotel without people asking questions. I mean, I’m covered in blood, if people saw us running away they might think it’s us who’ve done it.”

Harrison agreed with you and you were glad for it. You absolutely didn’t want to argue right now.

Soon enough, the police arrived and they started to take everyone’s statement. When your turn came you told them all of the story. You told them how the guy had asked you to follow him out of the room and that you had obeyed at the sight of his gun. You kept Sakharov out of the story though. The ESISC didn’t want you on their territory and you weren’t going to blow your cover, not when the MI-6 and the CIA could get in trouble. You didn’t want to start a feud between all the agencies.

You didn’t mention that you had been tied up to a chair, you just said you had lost consciousness for a moment. You didn’t want to have to explain how you got out of your restraints. You told them how you went back to the church because your husband was in there and how you had attacked the guy because you were afraid he was going to kill your husband.

The most difficult part was to explain why Harrison had had a gun. He finally said that he had taken it on one of the security agent that had been killed and somehow the cops swallowed the lie. You asked for your identities to stay a secret and the policemen accepted, even though they thought you deserved medals for your courage. To them, Eliana and Harry Smith were heroes, but whatever.

You told them that all you wanted was to get back to your own hotel and to take a shower. They said that you should get to the hospital instead, to check on your wounds, and that’s when Harrison saved your ass by saying that he was a doctor back in London and that he would see to your wounds.

Only then did the cops let you go. Even though they were suspicious, they still had a lot of witnesses to talk to. The moment they started to talk to someone else, you stepped away with Haz and started to make your way back to your hotel.

You felt heavy from the events of the night and it must have shown in the way you were walking because Harrison stopped you.

“I’m calling a taxi”, he said.

“No drivers will accept me on their backseat, Haz, I’m covered in blood”, you stated.

He knew you were right but he hated to admit it.

“At least, let me help you”, he said.

You gave in, you didn’t have the strength to argue anyway. The walk back to the hotel was long, but an hour later you finally got there. Harrison told you to get in the shower and that he was going to get some ice for your face.

You took a long shower, washing the blood out of your hair. You carefully washed your face, wincing each time you as much as touched it. You were glad your nose hadn’t been touched but the rest of your face hurt like hell. Your wrists didn’t look as bad as you thought they would, now that the blood was gone and you could finally relax under the water.

That led you to think about the man that had asked you to follow him. You wondered what had been so familiar about him. When you had first seen him, it was almost as if you knew him from somewhere. But from where? For a moment you let your thoughts wander but then your head started to ache so you just stopped thinking.

You stepped out of the shower and you wrapped yourself in a towel. You then walked back to the main room and saw Harrison sitting on the bed, a bag of ice in his hands.

“Here”, he said as he held it out for you.

You took it and brought it to your face carefully, wincing when it touched your skin.

“Jeez, my face hurts so fucking much”, you said.

Harrison chuckled.

“That guy beat you up pretty roughly, I bet it hurts”, he said.

You sat on the bed next to him and rested your head on his shoulder.

“I was trying to plan a way to save you when he came back and started shooting everyone”, Harrison stated. “I was convinced he was going to come back for me.”

“Yeah well, he brought me in a room where he tied me up to a chair”, you explained. “I fought with him and his two other men but it seems he was stronger than me.”

“What about the two other men?” Harrison asked. “I don’t recall seeing them.”

“They’re dead in the elevator”, you admitted. “I lost my purse in there.”

“You know they’ll be able to find your fingerprints on your gun and your knife”, Harrison said.

“Doesn’t change a thing”, you told him. “I don’t exist, Haz. There’s no record of me.”

“True”, he said.

A comfortable silence fell on you both. You didn’t want to move from your place beside him. At some point in the middle of the conversation, Harrison had gently put his arm around you and it felt good to be there in his arms.

“I was afraid that he was going to kill you”, you whispered.

Harrison didn’t answer. You raised your head to look at him. Your eyes found his. He seemed troubled by something that you couldn’t quite decipher. That’s when he gently leaned in and started kissing you. Although your face was hurting like hell, you kissed him back.

Your heart was beating out of your chest but you didn’t mind. Having Harrison’s lips on yours made you feel so many things inside, from warmth to happiness to something else. Lust. You wanted him. You had wanted him since the day before, but now there was something desperate in you. He could have died tonight. You could have lost him forever.

You deepened the kiss as you put the ice bag on the bed beside you. Harrison pushed you so you’d lay on the bed, his lips never detaching from yours.

Your pain was suddenly forgotten when Harrison bit at your bottom lip. His tongue then started dancing with yours as one of your hands got lost in his curls.

You had never felt like this before in your life. There was something in the way Harrison’s mouth was moving against yours that was igniting sparks in your heart. Your heart was beating so loud you were convinced he could hear it. But he wasn’t slowing down and you guessed his heart was echoing yours.

His mouth left yours to suck at the skin of your neck, gently, before nibbling at your earlobe. The sparks caught fire inside of you and you moaned almost inaudibly. But that was enough to set fire in Harrison’s heart too.

His lips went back to your neck and he sucked on your skin again. Harder this time. You knew he was going to leave marks on your skin (what were they called?), but you didn’t mind. You were going to wear them proudly.

He raised his head slightly, his gaze meeting yours.

“Is it okay if I do this?” he asked as he started to pull on the towel to get it off you.

You nodded your head quickly as a new warmth built up in your belly. He took the towel off of you without breaking eye contact with you. When it was off, he let his eyes wander up and down your body once before he kissed you again, with all the softness in the world.

There was something in the way his lips were moving against yours that made you feel… alive. In your life you had never let someone in like you were letting Harrison in right now. Your life had been a succession of obeying to orders, waiting for the next ones to come. But right now, right now you were doing something nobody had told you to do and it felt right. It felt right to be doing what you wanted for once.

Soon enough Harrison’s shirt was off and you let your hands roam over his muscular chest. He kissed you again, hunger for you making his lips crash rougher against yours. The kiss was needy. Not that you minded. You needed him as much as he needed you right now.

 Harrison’s POV

 He knew he had lost control of himself. Harrison knew he ought to stop, but he couldn’t. When he had seen Y/N walking away with that guy earlier in the evening, he had thought he was never going to see her again. He had tried to find a way to rescue her, but nothing had come to his mind. He had contacted Tom, asking for back-up but Tom had told him that there was nothing he could do. Harrison had then gotten up to try to find the girl but the guy had come back and made fire on the audience. The only thing he could do was to defend himself and to try to kill the guy.

If Y/N hadn’t come back at that moment, Harrison knew he wouldn’t have made it out alive of the situation. He only had a small handgun, it was nothing compared to the semi-automatic the guy was using.

He stopped his train of thoughts as he felt Y/N’s hands going lower on his chest. He wanted to stop right now, but when he opened his eyes to meet her love-struck gaze, he understood it was too late. Not that he actually wanted to stop: he wanted her so much right now his dick was aching. It was aching to feel her and he knew that, even though he wanted to, he couldn’t stop. He needed the relief more than anything.

Perhaps it was the adrenaline of the night that was controlling both of them at that moment, but Harrison didn’t mind. Not anymore. His thoughts were in a haze and he just wanted her. He tried to remind himself that she was his partner but somehow that didn’t stop him either.

He leaned in and kissed her roughly, his hands greedily roaming her body, massaging her breasts and then going to her core. He found her clit, rubbing it in circles as she started to moan softly under him. It turned him on so much he forgot all about his principles. He forgot she was his partner, right now she was just the girl he wanted more than anything.

He kissed her neck as she pulled at his hair. He then left a trail of wet kisses down her neck. He nibbled at her collarbone before continuing his way down and taking her nipple in his mouth. It immediately hardened, a reflection of the way his dick was getting so hard it was throbbing.

He raised his head to look at her face. Her eyes were dark, half shut. She was staring back at him from under her lashes and she just looked so attractive. He ignored the blue and purple that was blooming on her face in the places she had been hit. She still was so fucking beautiful even though she had some contusions.

Harrison sat back on his heels, before getting up to take his pants off. He took his boxers off along with the trousers, and his dick sprung free. He jerked it off a moment before going back on the bed. He hovered above the girl, watching in her eyes as he positioned himself at her entrance.

He then remembered she was a virgin, so he rolled over and propped himself up on one elbow. He used his free hand to rub circles on her clit, going faster when she moaned his name. Oh how that turned him on.

He started fingering her, slowly not to hurt her but it didn’t take long for him to realize she had already lost her hymen. Which made sense. Her training had probably been extremely intense, enough to make her lose it. Not that it changed a thing for him, he was just glad for her. It wasn’t going to hurt her as much as it could have.

He fingered her for a moment, finding the sweet spot inside of her that led her to roll her eyes back in her skull as she moaned louder than before. One of her hand found its way to his cock and she started pumping it. He enjoyed the feeling for a moment, but he needed more.

He climbed back on top of her, positioning himself at her entrance. He rubbed his dick along her folds, collecting her juice, before slowly pushing himself in. Her nails dug in the skin of his shoulders, so he stopped for a moment, waiting for her to give him a sign to continue. When she raised her head to kiss him, he started to move again and she moaned in his mouth.

He tried to keep his movements slow and steady. He didn’t want to hurt her, she had already suffered enough that night. He didn’t fuck her senseless, he instead made love to her. That’s what his heart was telling him, although he was trying to silence it. He didn’t have feelings for her, he was just trying to get the relief he needed, right?

Y/N moaned as she pulled him closer to kiss him. Harrison kissed her back and suddenly his orgasm hit him out of nowhere. Perhaps it was because of the way she was kissing him and moaning his name, but he totally lost control of himself and came. Inside of her. He felt like a fucking child who had never had sex before and he cursed himself mentally.

“Fuck”, he breathed when he came down from his high.

“You alright?” Y/N asked.

“Yeah, I am, love”, Harrison answered.

He leaned in to kiss her again. He had no idea why, he just wanted to kiss her again.

When he pulled apart, he rolled over to lie down next to her. That’s when he realized what he had just done. He had slept with his partner. And although it was the best thing he had ever done, it was a mistake. A huge fucking mistake.

Y/N got up to go get cleaned in the bathroom as Harrison felt the regrets taking over him. He shouldn’t have done that. Especially not to her. All her life she had been alone and now she probably believed she had him but she didn’t, oh God she didn’t. Harrison didn’t do relationships with his partners, it was his number one rule.

But when she came back from the bathroom, her cheeks pink and a glitter in her eyes, his regrets were suddenly silenced in his head and a single thought crossed his mind: Fuck the rules.

Read part nine here!

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Strike through means that I couldn’t tag you

[seouldsoul2kpop]

7| The Purge

Trailer| Moodboard | Prev | Next

Characters: Jungkook x reader| BTS| ft. Got7 Mark

Summary: For one day, every year, killing is legal, and you’ll kill anyone as long as the price is right. He’ll kill anyone as long as his orders tell him so. Both of you are the top purgers in the business, but what happens if your name ends up on his kill list? What happens if you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to kill Jeon Jungkook?

Warnings: Blood, gore & death, disrespecting boundaries

Word count: 4,013

A/N: Apologies for not posting last week, but I am back with a very important chapter! I hope you enjoy, and please let me know what you think!

Y/N

I stared at the back of his head as we walked down the chaotic roads, not a soul in sight, but life was everywhere. The distant screams of terror from my building were now piercing, reaching out from every dark corner imaginable, and howls of satisfaction followed soon after. As disturbing as it could have been, nothing disturbed me more than to see him walking ahead of me, still breathing a full, youthful existence while my parents were rotting in some long forgotten grave. I could shoot him right now, and he wouldn’t be able to stop me before it pierced his skull. My eyes burned as bloody images flashed before my eyes, a pair of cold, dead eyes pulling me back into the world I wish I could forget.

4 Years Ago

I could hear my sister rustling upstairs, probably grabbing a late-night snack while she tried to finish another book series before sunrise. I couldn’t help myself from playfully rolling my eyes just before I curled myself into my bed, wrapping my blankets in a tight cocoon around my body. I hadn’t been able to sleep despite feeling the heavy weight of slumber on my eyes since the sun decided to set. I sighed, fumbling for my phone that sat idly beneath my sheets somewhere close by. When my fingers wrapped around its familiar shape, I brought it to my face, resurrecting it from its own slumber to find the time. It read: 11:02 pm, Tuesday, March 21. I tossed my phone further down my bed, pulling my sheets back over my head. I had forgotten what today was; it was so easy for my family to forget since we were well off enough to buy the best security systems to shield us from tonight. I felt guilty because the only reason I remembered was because we had gotten out of school earlier, which was the tall tale every year. Basically, it was a normal day for my family, droning on like any other day, going slow like every other day. Only eight more hours, and then everything truly could go back to the way things were.

I could feel the time passing by slowly as I waited for sleep to hit me. It crept up gradually, but soon my mind was blank, a sheet of darkness blanketing my eyes, sleep taking hold of me for the first time since I climbed into bed.

My eyes shot open as a loud thud pierced through the floors above. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to collect myself. I didn’t move, waiting for the restlessness in my heart to subside before I could finally go back to sleep after struggling with it for so long. I groaned, it was probably one of the cats, making a mess of whatever they felt like. I struggled to reach for my phone, I had to know how long I’d slept before being scared out of my sleep. I fumbled for it, feeling the chill of it as it grazed my fingertips before I was finally able to get a firm grip on it. I brought it to my face, hoping it would say it was just shy of 6 am, that way, I didn’t have to worry for that much longer. It read: 2:32 am, Wednesday, March 22. 

I cursed under my breath just as another soft thud echoed from above me; I turned in my bed, staring holes into the ceiling. My heart screamed in my chest, and I couldn’t have been more awake. I clenched at the sheets, pulling them just beneath my eyes, waiting for the thud to come again. All I could hear was my heart beating in my ears, and feel the way it bounced around frantically in my chest. I held my breath, counting, counting, counting the seconds as they went by. It seemed like the room was getting darker with every thrum of my heart, breathing a new kind of fear inside of me. I squeezed my sheets even tighter, begging for them to protect me from whatever was to come.

That’s when I felt it, I felt the weight shifting on my bed. I jumped, staring daggers on the other side of my bed. That’s when I caught hold of a pair of green eyes staring curiously back at me. I let out a deep breath, my heart slowly regaining its calm.

“It’s just you Jiji,” I whispered, extending my hand out for my cat. She crept towards me, her grey fur blending in with the darkness, but she eagerly leaned into the palm of my hand when she reached me. I smiled at her in the darkness as she purred against my touch. I imagined either she, or one of her siblings, was the direct cause for all the noise upstairs, and I hoped it wouldn’t be a big mess; I wasn’t fond of the thought that I would have to clean it up. I shook my head, cringing at the thought as she walked towards me, nudging her face against my arm. 

Instinctively, I ran my hand along her back, but I pulled away as the dampness on her fur coated my hand. I quickly sat up, frowning at the thought that whatever she’d gotten into, it was wet and probably staining the floors somewhere. She continued to lean against me, happily disregarding the mess she was surely making. I picked her up, placing her back on the ground when I heard that familiar rustling sound. I turned my gaze to the stairs leading to the living area. I might as well go hang with my sister since we were both apparently wide awake.

The house was silent, and creepy as I closed the door behind me. I peered around, expecting my sister to be in the living room, reading some unforgettable novel, but the house was absolutely silent. I shivered—the eeriness setting in all at once. Jiji had opted out of coming with me, but I was sure she would wander up the stairs to find me, calling me back to my room where I was supposed to be at such an early hour. I pressed my lips together out of content before quietly making my way to the kitchen. To my surprise, my sister was nowhere in sight. I looked around, as if that would give me an answer to the undoubted rustling I had heard moments before. I was sure I didn’t hear her leave. I shrugged, I’d get some water, and then I would go to her room to have one of our usual restless conversations.

I grabbed a glass, fumbling through the darkness. Since our window protectors were up, there wasn’t a substantial amount of natural light to guide me, but some did peak through the small window just above our door. I stepped forward, hoping my eyes would adjust sooner rather than later. In the process, I suddenly felt something squish beneath my feet, finding its way through the spaces between my toes. I jerked my foot away, relishing in the awkward feeling. Maybe this was what Jiji had made a mess of. I sighed, figuring I should clean it up while I still cared enough to do it. I reached for the rag on the sink before kneeling to begin cleaning up the mess. 

Then I felt it.

I felt the familiar warmth of my sister; I smiled, expecting my sister to jump up at me to surprise me like she did every year, but she didn’t move as I poked her in the stomach. I poked her again and again, making sure I poked her enough to finally draw her out of her prank; the smile slowly faded from my lips.

“Jisoo?” I whispered, pausing for a heartbeat, “Jisoo, this isn’t funny anymore.”

She didn’t move, even as the warmth left my words. I drew closer, crawling to where her face laid. I stared at her, her body motionless as she stared off somewhere far away. I slowly reached down, grabbing her by the shoulder, and I gently shook her. Her body felt empty against my touch. I scoffed; I couldn’t believe she would go this far to pull a prank on me. I leaned down, meeting eyes with her. My body froze as I stared at her eyes, her hair cascading her face like a veil, but it couldn’t hide the cold look that seeped from her normally warm eyes. There was an emptiness I had never seen before, but it was so clear to me as we stared at one another that there was no life to be found in them. I pulled away, and my heart felt as though it was being ripped from my chest as I realized what was happening. I couldn’t seem to breathe; the fear I’d felt before suddenly amplified to a level I’d never felt before, and I could feel the familiar sting of tears threatening to escape.  

It took me a moment, but as I knelt there in shock, I realized something warm was seeping through my sweatpants, and it was warm against my hands. I looked down, the familiar warmth of my tears caressed my cheeks as a scream began to form deep in my throat. I stood up, staring down at the blood pooling around my sister’s body, and the blood freshly coating my hands. I opened my mouth to scream, but a hand wrapped firmly around my mouth, pulling me back, away from my sister’s lifeless body. Fear clawed through me. I was going to die here—I was certain of it. My tears persisted as the person pulled me closer to their body.

“Don’t make a sound,” he whispered into my ear, his warm breath sending frightening chills down my spine, “I promise I won’t hurt you, but you can’t make any noise.”

I nodded hurriedly just as he brought his other hand up, the cold sting of metal ghosted over the side of my neck. I pulled away, trying to free myself of his grip, but his hand only pulled me closer to him.

“If you want to make it out of here alive, you’ll do what I tell you…okay?”

A tear fell down my face as I nodded. It was slow, and cautious, but I could feel his body moving from behind me until he was staring me in the face, his hand refusing to trust my mouth. I froze as I looked at his large, mud brown eyes; my heart suddenly calmed, forgetting the fear entangling it for a brief moment. He brought his finger to his lip, begging me to stay quiet, but the large knife in his hand was much more demanding.

He nodded, waiting for me to nod in unison before he quickly grabbed my wrist, pulling me out of the kitchen towards the closet to the left of my bedroom door. He quickly opened it, grabbing me by the shoulders before my thoughts could catch up with my body. He directed me in front of the closet, anxiously looking around for a moment. When he turned back to me, his eyes were warm and understanding. I’d barely realized I had stopped crying. He squeezed my shoulders.

“Don’t make a sound no matter how badly you want to. Hold it in,” his eyes shifted around once more for a couple of seconds, “You have to trust me,” he paused, searching my eyes for a moment, “Trust me…alright?”

I nodded just as a set of heavy footsteps began descending the stairs. Hurriedly, he pushed me into the closet, forcing me down on the ground before closing the doors. I watched him walk over to the stairs from the openings in the doors.

“Is anyone left down here?” A deep, monotone voice questioned.

“No,” the boy whispered, pausing for a brief second, “No…sir.”

“Good.”

“Get off her!” My father’s voice rang, sending a brand new threatening sting to my eyes.

I pressed my back against the wall, fighting the urge to scream for my parents, especially as I heard them crashing down the stairwell. 

“Bring them to the living room,” the deep voice ordered.

I watched, waiting for my parents to come into my line of sight. Sure enough, someone pushed them through the hall, straight into the living room. I watched as my mother fell to her knees first, and soon after my father came tumbling. My mother crawled to him, her hands bound in front of her. She covered his body as tears streamed down her face, mingling with the blood smeared all over her. My father consoled her even though his face also held remnants of a severe beating—his face black and blue, blood oozing from a cut at the peak of his left cheekbone. He knelt before my mother as a man came to stand before them, his hands wrapped behind his back with his right hand caressing his left. 

I flinched at the obvious flash of a wedding ring on his finger just before he stalked over to the fireplace behind my parents. Another man followed suit, he was tall and bulky, clearly a body guard. He took his place off to the right corner of the room, blending in with the other decorations like he was supposed to. Then there was a third man, there was a pep in his step as he came to stand before my parents. He stood before them, staring at them for a second before pushing my father aside. He knelt beside my mother, and I could see the smile on his face as he grabbed her by her cheeks with one hand; he barely paused before he gave my mother’s lips a lick. She yanked away just as my father got up, ramming himself into the man. That’s when the boy came in, pulling my father away with little effort, and pushing him back down on his knees.

“Don’t you dare touch her Minsik!” my father yelled.

The man only responded with a laugh as he took a seat on our sofa, staring amusedly at my mother, his eyes never leaving her body.

“That’s no way to talk to a dear friend,” the man by the fireplace spoke.

“We’ve never been friends,” my father hissed, but his words were directed towards the man staring hungrily at my mother’s figure.

“Is that why you did it?” the man questioned, “Is that why you betrayed me, my dearest friend?”

My father finally directed his attention to the man at the fireplace, the only person who seemed to have something to say; my father bowed his head down to him as if he was giving him an offering, his hands pressed together like a prayer.

“Please, my old friend, don’t do this. I never wanted this for my family,” he paused, nodding in agreement with his own statement, “You knew that. You told me I could walk away anytime I wanted.”

“And what do you do?” the fireplace man shouted, “You betray me like I am another common thief!”

“Please,” my mother begged.

“Please what?” the man on the couch, Minsik, chuckled.

“Don’t!” my father yelled at him.

“I gave you everything,” the man by the fireplace interjected, “I gave you the clothes on your families back, the roof over their heads, the money that allows you all to live comfortably. I gave you that. I made you,” he hissed.

My father sobbed, “Please just let my family go, there is no need to kill them, yeah?”

“Why should you live after betraying us?” Minsik questioned.

“Because I made you,” my father yelled, turning his gaze towards him in response, a hateful fire brewing between them.

Minsik huffed, laughing underneath his breath, but there was nothing he could say. Instead he asked my father a question.

“You know what happens when you outlive your usefulness?”

My father turned to the man by the fireplace, who’s eyes never stopped watching my father.

“You should have never betrayed me,” he whispered.

“I’d do it again if it put you where you belong,” my father whispered back.

The fireplace man smiled a crooked smile at my father before signaling for the boy to come over to him. He placed his hand on the boys back, leaning into his ear, and he whispered something to him. I didn’t know what he was saying, nor did I want to know, but the look on the boy’s face was hard to ignore. His eyes grew big, filled with shock, and then I saw the man’s hand grab his shoulder, squeezing it for a second before his arm fell back at his side. I watched the boy grip onto his knife more firmly, staring to the ground in a daze, the shock never leaving his face.

“That’s the wrong answer,” the man whispered just as a bigger smile crept onto his lips.

The boy suddenly snapped out of his daze, staring between my parents for a second before he lunged for my mother, slashing her throat before he could think about not doing it. My mother fell forward, convulsing against the carpet she’d just cleaned. My father wailed in pain, watching my mother’s life slip away. I quickly clasped both of my hands over my mouth, fighting the sobs that were trying to crawl their way out as I watched my mother’s body slowly stop moving. That’s when the boy knelt next to my father, he paused as if my father was speaking to him, and then he jabbed his knife in the side of his neck, twisting it, making the act even more cruel than it already was. 

My father’s head fell onto the boy’s shoulder, and the boy sat there, his eyes glistening in the moonlight. I could see the boy fighting back his tears just before he pushed my father’s lifeless body away. I watched him stand upright, his hands at his sides, and he seemed numb to everything he’d just done. I couldn’t keep my eyes off him as the man I’d come to know as Minsik brought himself up to him. Minsik smiled at him, placing a hand on his shoulder that was obviously meant to be more rewarding than consoling. 

After a short pat, he made his way to the front door, laughing the whole way, leaving the bloodbath like it was already old news. The other man walked forward, stopping to stand at the boy’s side. He smiled, and even though there was still an evilness behind it, it also looked like the kind of smile a proud father would have after he’s witnessed his child’s first accomplishment; tears streamed down my face at the realization. 

He nodded his head, making a satisfied hum, “When you’re ready, we’ll be waiting for you in the car.”

With that, he left, his guard following closely after him. The boy turned his head, glancing at my parents’ dead bodies on the ground before his gaze turned to me. I held my breath, waiting for him to come for me; he turned his gaze to the door for a millisecond before coming to me. He yanked the closet doors open, revealing my curled-up form, and it took him a long moment, but he finally knelt in front of me. I pressed my back further into the wall, half hoping that I would acquire some magical power that allowed me to walk through walls. 

I gripped my shirt above my heart, staring into his eyes. They were still warm, but I couldn’t see past my parent’s blood splayed all over his face as he reached out for me. I slammed my back into the wall, turning my head away from him as I shut my eyes. I clenched my teeth, tears finding new paths down my face.

“Look at me,” he whispered after a long pause, “Look at me,” his voice resonated with demand.

I quickly opened my eyes, turning to face him again. I took in a deep breath as I looked into his eyes. In those few moments, they had changed—where once was a comforting warmth, now there was a darkness as black as the blackest abyss. I swore I could see a flash of guilt, but the darkness ate it whole before it could grow. He reached out for me again, taking my hand in his. I took in a sharp breath at how surprisingly warm his hands were. He placed his knife in my hand, forcing my fingers to close around the handle; he wrapped his hand around mine, but his eyes told me to look at him, and his face was serious all the while.

Tears streamed down my face as I stared at him—how could he do this? He looked the same age as me, and I had only just turned 16. There was something about him that was much more childlike; it could have been the way he had big teeth and eyes like a bunny. But, somehow, he had an air about him that was much more mature, even before he killed my parents. He squeezed even tighter on my hand, pulling me away from my thoughts.

“What do you want most in this world?” he asked, but after a long pause, I couldn’t find the words to speak to him, so he went on, “I killed your sister. I killed your mother. I killed your father,” he spoke, no emotion left, “You’ll never be the same after tonight,” he nodded, once again waiting for me to nod in unison, “My name is Jeon Jungkook,” he spoke softly, “Remember me, and in a few years, when you’re ready, you can kill me however you want.”

I stared at him, utterly speechless as the words left his mouth, but I couldn’t even find it in myself to shake my head in disagreement. Slowly, his hand left mine, and the coldness in his eyes sent a new kind of chill down my spine just before he got to his feet. I watched him as he stared down at me one last time, finally closing me back in the closet. I shivered as I listened to him leave me behind, my parents’ bodies a reminder of the events of the night, and the knife I couldn’t seem to let go. I brought it to my face, quickly dropping it as I saw the blood staining my skin. Fresh tears flowed from my eyes as I finally took in the large amount of my sister’s blood still marking my body. I pulled my legs close to my chest, hiding my face from the truth.

The sun peaked through the windows as our security system began opening all the windows once again. I jumped at the loud thundering. My eyes felt undeniably heavy from all the tears I’d shed. I shifted, finally letting go of my legs to grab the knife given to me. I looked at it, my reflection barely recognizable as I stared at myself. Then my eyes fell to my hand, the one he’d touched; it still felt warm as if he was still holding it. His warmth should have been consoling, but how could he console me when he was the reason I needed to be consoled? I had whispered his name all night long, a mantra I knew I’d never forget, and I gripped firmly onto the knife as the loud sirens echoed outside the window, warning me of the end of the purge, and the beginning of my new reality.

Present Day

I clenched my hand. Sometimes, I could still feel him holding my hand, no matter how unwelcome it was. I stared at the back of his head, my hand instinctively falling to the knife strapped around my thigh—the knife he’d given me. I was going to kill him with it. I was going to kill him with it after I was done killing the people that made him.

[nickireadstfc]

The Foxhole Court, Chapter 7 – The Literal Opposite Of Squad Goals

In which the Foxes don’t exactly win Squad Of The Year, everyone fights with everyone, disturbingly weird sexual tension is more disturbing and weird than sexual, and just when you think ‘oh man, it can’t go downhill from there’, spoiler alert: It does.

Sounds good? Then it’s time for Nicki to read The Foxhole Court.

Since we finally – finally! – got the gang together last time, I thought this chapter was going to be entertaining Exy practices, getting to know our new characters better and some fun squad banter.

Apparently, I had not been reading this series correctly if I assumed there was any fun to be had.

           The entire first week of summer practices was eaten up by in-fighting as the court hierarchy fell into place again.

The Foxes do not fuck around, you guys.

Let’s sum this up: Momma Dan keeps them all in check, Kevin is next in line because of his expertise but like everyone hates him, Matt is the underappreciated real MVP, next is my baby Renee who is still calm and gentle (and I’m not buying one bit of it), and then the rest is left to bash each other’s heads in at the bottom of the pecking order.

           It seemed Allison and Seth didn’t believe much in middle ground: either they were slinging vile insults at each other or they were making out in the locker room regardless of whoever might be around.

Oh Allison, I was just debating on whether to like your or not, but you sort of took that decision from me with your choice in sexy-time partners.

I’m sorry. I still deeply, deeply dislike Seth.

Here’s to hoping he comes around at some point.

           Even Andrew seemed quite taken with [Renee]. Neil saw them talking off to the side several times throughout the week. It was obvious no one else approved of their odd friendship, but neither goalkeeper paid any mind to the unhappy looks sent their way.

This is amazing. I cannot get over how amazing this Brotp is. Goalie BFFs for LIFE <3

Also, how is Renee so wonderful, how is she even REAL.

(She’s not. They’re all fictional. I have to constantly remind myself of that.)

I’m also beginning to realize how far we’ve already come in this book. We’re halfway, you guys, and they’ve only now got the whole team together and are starting summer practices. We may not even meet Riko and the gang in this book, let alone play any league Exy games.

Halfway, what the hell. It feels like it just fucking started.

Speaking about getting started! Remember that fun party trip with Kandreil, Exy Courfeyrac and Small, Blonde And Shady that was promised to us last chapter? Well, it’s time to suit up, guys, ‘cause we’re going to Columbia.

           “This is for you,” Nicky said. “Andrew said you don’t have anything appropriate for where we’re going. He told me what size to get you, and I picked it out. Trust me, it’s awesome.”

Not to be gay but……… How does Andrew know Neil’s size………..

Can’t be an educated guess, Nicky could have done that himself, so the only logical conclusion I get from this is that Andrew paid special attention to Neil’s clothing size when going through his duffel in case he’d need to get him an outfit for something at some point.

I can’t decide if that’s more creepy or cute.

Today’s Casually Mentioned, Yet Heart-Breakingly Sad Neil Fact is this:

           Nicky hooked the twine handle over Neil’s fingers. Neil watched him do it, trying to remember the last time someone gave him a gift and coming up blank. That his first one should be from Andrew was unsettling.

No shit dude, I’d be unsettled by that as well. Gifts from Andrew could, in all likelihood, include everything from bloody knives to living snakes to tips on how to get the freshest ‘I just murdered a dude’ look, none of which sound particularly appealing to me.

           “Ditch them tonight. Your contacts, I mean. (…) It’s not like they’re a secret. Anyone who’s looking can see the ring in your eyes that means you’re wearing lenses. I saw ‘em day one.”

I fucking called it. You can seriously always tell when someone is wearing contacts, especially if they’re coloured. I just spent an entire weekend at a cosplay convention, trust me, you can tell.

           “And seriously, brown? How boring can you be?”

           “I like brown.”

           “Andrew doesn’t,” Nicky said. “Take them out.”

And since when does Andrew’s opinion on Neil’s appearance matter? Homeboy seems to have a pretty defined taste in boyfriends. The ‘creepy or cute’ question begins to lean more towards creepy.

           Every piece of [the outfit] was black. The cargoes were light and cut to accommodate a pair of heavy boots. The shirt was long-sleeved, tight and fashioned to look like it’d been torn through in places. A charcoal inner layer peeked out through the gashes.

So what we’re saying is that Nicky shops at the Tumblr Department of the Soft Edgy Grunge Moodboard Store?

(10/10 would wear in real life. GIMME.)

Right on cue, the monsters show up again, and we’re kicking off this night of disturbing debauchery with yet another ‘creepy or cute’ incident:

           Neil couldn’t leave with Andrew in the way, so he stopped as close to Andrew as he dared and waited for Andrew to move. Andrew did, but only to reach out for Neil with one hand. Neil tensed as Andrew’s finger wrapped around the back of his neck, but Andrew only wanted to pull Neil’s head down. Neil focused on Andrew’s cheekbone so as not to go cross-eyed and let Andrew study his eyes.

A classic. Blocking your boyfriend’s way, getting into his personal space, pulling his head as close to yours as possibly to check out his eyes, who gave Andrew a handbook on how to aggressively flirt with people and how can we take it from him.

           Nicky perked up as the two stepped into the living room, but his happy expression faltered when he got a look at Neil. “Oh man. Neil, you clean up good. Can I say that, or is that against the rules? Just – damn. Aaron, don’t let me get too drunk tonight.”

           Andrew (…) put his lighter in Nicky’s face.

           “Don’t make me kill you,” Andrew said.

           Nicky held up his hands in self-defense. “I know.”

           “Do you?”

           “Promise,” Nicky said weakly.

This just in: Neil is a Banger™ and Andrew is Possessive™.

I’m still undecided on the ‘creepy or cute’ matter, although I have to admit I find this scene wonderfully funny. Because honestly, everyone having the hots for Neil and talking about how attractive he is while Neil just doesn’t care is probably one of my favourite things about this.

They drive out to Columbia and at this point I got really excited. Fun party times! Banter! Nicky fucking killing it on the floor! It’s gonna be great!!

Oh boy.

Was I an idiot.

The first stop on this night of debauchery is a nice little restaurant where they stop for some ice cream. Oh, sorry, did I say ice cream? I meant fucking drugs.

This is not off to a good start.

Next up: Fun club time!

           There was a line of people waiting to get in, and the clothes they wore made Neil’s outfit look plain. Most of the men wore leather, half the women had corsets, and a good number of both genders were covered in buckles and chains.

Fun club time at a fucking bondage house, apparently. Aaron seems to be besties with the bouncers. No biggie.

As soon as they’re in, Andrew drags Neil off to the bar, and this is the point where the ‘creepy or cute’-o-meter officially swings towards very, very creepy.

           [The bartender] flashed Andrew an easy smile. “Back so soon, Andrew? Who’s your newest victim?”

           “A nobody,” Andrew said. “It’s the usual for us.”

I am decidedly not liking the use of the word ‘victim’ in any context involving Andrew and alcohol.

                       “Cracker dust,” Nicky said as he ripped his packet open. “Heard of it? Tastes like sugar and salt and gives you a small rush. Sure you don’t want in?

           (…)

Dust isn’t bad. It just makes the night more interesting. You think Kevin would ruin his future over a night out at the club?”

           “What future?” Neil asked.

Get #rekt.

Remember when I said I’m not liking the word ‘victim’ here? GUESS FUCKING WHAT.

           As soon as it hit the back of his throat, Neil knew he’d made a serious mistake.

           His sodas had tasted sweet, but this shot as almost unbearably so, and the aftertaste on Neil’s tongue wasn’t sugar. Neil lurched to his feet, but Andrew grabbed him by the hair and slammed him back into his seat. (…)

           “Just noticed, did you?” Andrew asked. “You’re an idiot.”

WHAT THE FUCK. Are you guys DRUGGING HIM. This whole thing just flew way past ‘creepy’ and landed firmly in ‘disturbing and abusive’.

           “Did you think you were safe because you were up there ordering you own drinks? Roland knows what it means when I bring outsiders here.”

I FUCKING KNEW IT. WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL. What, is this what they do for fun at the weekends? Drive newcomers up to Columbia, drug them against their will, and then what, date rape?

           Bodies and lights blurred around him, making Neil nauseous. He clawed bloody lines down Nicky’s arm as he fought to get free. Nicky didn’t let go until they’d reached the middle of the dance floor. He pulled Neil up against him and caught Neil’s chin in his fingers to force his head back.

           Nicky’s kiss was harder than Neil expected it to be, and there was more than just tongue in it. Beneath the burn of vodka Nicky shared with him was the sweet tang of cracker dust.

Oh god. Wish I’d shut my mouth.

NICKY, I TRUSTED YOU. You’re disowned from being Exy Courfeyrac, Courf would never.

Seriously, what the actual fuck. I have nothing else to say but WHAT THE HELL YOU GUYS NO.

           “The team is split, you know. Most of them think you’re trailer trash like Dan. Renee knows better. So do I. I think you’re something a little more like us.” Andrew leaned forward and enunciated every syllable. “Runaway.”

I can’t even perk up at the mention of Renee’s name or hints at her possible backstory because this is so beyond fucked up. I’m in shock.

           “Mind your own business.”

           “Tonight is Mind Neil’s Business Night,” Andrew said. “Didn’t you notice? Give me something real or I won’t let you stay here.

           (…)

           Edgar Allan is in our district and you are on my team. You, a know-nothing from Arizona who somehow managed to catch Kevin’s eye. You, a lie from head to foot, with a bag full of money and a hard-on for everything Kevin and Riko. Do you understand?”

You bring Neil out to Columbia, drug him, practically rape him, just to find out if he’s a fucking MOLE? Are you KIDDING ME??

I’m slowly beginning to realize why Kevin puts this much trust in Andrew’s abilities if this is what the fucker is willing to do to keep him safe.

I’d love to interpret this in some funny shipping way, except I really, really can’t find this anything other than disturbing, fucked up and so, so not okay.

Also, NICKY WHAT THE FUCK. I knew Kevin and the twins were varying degrees of shitty, but I had some trust left in you. You know it’s a fucked-up story when even the comic relief is an asshole.

Come find me at the bottom of the trashcan, angrily crying over recent developments.

[beautiful-liu]

Chapter 13 - Remember me - Kryber

Title: Remember me

Pairing: Kryber [Amber Liu x Krystal Jung] Fandom: f(x) Genre: Drama, romance

Summary: The bad ass androgynous girl Amber Josephine Liu with a sex, drugs and rock-‘n-roll attitude whom everybody seemed to fear and admire at the same time, with the flash of a smug smile on her handsome face, and a sigaret or lolly pop in her mouth, depending on her mood. A leather jacket always hugging her shoulders, ripped jeans and a loose tank top that displayed just a tiny bit of her sports bra when she lifted her tattoo-filled arms. Everyone was weak for Amber Liu. Krystal simply didn’t see it. Until that one night she accidentally met her, and met a whole other person than the stories she had been made to believe. Word count: 3700 Rating: T A/N: Excuse the grammar mistakes. This is my first time writing a multi chaptered fic. Hope y'all enjoy the progress!

Read it on: AO3 & asianfanfics

Moodboard: x

Amber almost hit the break when she heard Krystal's answer. Luckily she didn't, since they were currently driving on a highway with a speed of at least 70 mph. Krystal forced herself to look out of the window when Amber didn't immediately reply, regretting it a little bit that she had said anything at all. But there was no turning back. Amber would never believe it if she told a pretty white lie now. "What's up?" she asked. Her voice has grown softer, more tender, as if she was treating a wounded puppy. But Krystal wasn't a puppy. She kept stubbornly gaze out of the window. "You don't know?" Krystal replied coldly. There was another silence. "No, I do not," she eventually admitted. "Have I missed some hints?" The streetlights flashed past the more Amber sped up. Eventually she seemed to notice what she was doing, and slowed down to a reasonable speed again. "I don't think we should talk about it now," Krystal replied softly. She didn't want to get into an accident because she might stir up Amber. Perhaps she also needed some time to calm down. It would take Amber half an hour to drive back to her apartment, maybe she could contain herself a little bit. Perhaps, Amber would even let it slide and she had some time to compose herself. Maybe it wasn't all Amber's fault. But the more she thought about it, the angier she became. It was Amber's fault, no question. "Let's talk at home then," Amber said casually, as if all that was bothering Krystal a mean stomach ache. If only... They arrived at Amber's apartment half an hour later. During the car ride, Krystal had kept her mouth shut, knowing well enough that if she said something now, she'd probably blurt out everything, even the mean little thoughts that evens he was ashamed of thinking. By now, she wondered if their relationship was going to get through this unless she had understood it all wrong. But she hadn't, she had heard enough to understand what has been going on between her father and Amber. Amber threw her keys on the kitchen table before even closing the door and grabbed a can of diet coke for both of them. Krystal wasn't thirsty. In fact, she didn't even want to stay here anymore. She had agreed upon staying the night with Amber, had already brought all her stuff here, but it simply felt wrong now. It almost felt dirty to be here. Whilst wrapping her arms around her body, she sat down on one of the chairs, knowing well enough that Amber wasn't stupid enough to forget her girlfriend felt bad. It only took Amber another minute before she took a chair too and sat down on it, with her chest towards the back of the chair and her arms leaning on it. "So what's wrong? Was it the dinner?" she asked considerately. Krystal almost had a break down because of her sweet voice and she hated herself for saying anything at all. But she knew she'd never be able to forget that conversation, it hurt her too much to just pretend nothing had happened. Her curiosity has ruined a perfect relationship. Hatred for herself was only mildly expressed how she felt right now. It was just so fucked up. "No, it wasn't the dinner," Krystal replied softly. "Then, was it your parents? Were they mean to you after I left to get the coats? Did they say anything?" Amber kept asking. But she shook her head. "No, I think they reacted very well, not as bad as I thought they would." "Come on, give me a clue here, Krys. What's up with you?" Amber asked, almost pleaded now. When Krystal looked up in those sad puppy eyes, she felt her heart ache. Her eyes turned away from her and fixated themselves on Amber's small apartment. Jack Jack's basket.. the dirty dishes in the sink.. the dirty yellow colour on the walls that once had been white but turned yellow-ish over the course of the years.. the creacking bed that sounded like it would wake up the whole building when she turned from her side to her belly... She knew that after tonight she would not sleep here anymore. "It's you..." she said. The words almost didn't left her mouth. Her voice was hoarse. Amber frowned her eyebrows and scratched the back of her neck. "What did I do wrong? Did I say something I shouldn't have?" she asked immediately. Krystal shook her head again. It saddened and angried her that Amber didn't know what she was talking about, that she still lied to her about her meeting with her father. Of course, she should have never known about it, but that didn't take away that it was simply lying. And suddenly something just snapped in her. "It's you!" she lashed out, causing Amber to bow back a few centimeters out of surprise. "It's you and my father! Don't pretend there's nothing wrong because there is. I heard you talk, I heard you-" "When we were outside?" "Of course when you were outside! I heard everything, Amber," she hissed. "How can you still lie to me? How can you consider not telling me that that night on the roof was not sincere at all! That you did that all because my father probably fucking paid you to find me someone he liked and turn me into his puppet! You knew about my life even back then, you knew it from your father, and you still decided to set me up in a complot I had no idea of so you could just earn some extra money. How do I even know you're not still lying? How do I know whether you truly liked me or not, or if you just moved with the flow to 'keep my trust with you'." Krystal was livid. Her whole body was shaking and she was breathing uncontrollably loudly through her nostrils. There was a moment where Amber could only look at her with a shocked expression on her face. The silence seemed to endure forever, until she finally cleared her throat. "You weren't supposed to hear that." Amber's voice sounded almost indifferent, causing Krystal to stand up with such a force that her chair fell over. "Yeah, I know," she barked. "I clearly wasn't supposed to know that you and my father made up a complot so I would be tied to some asshole. Obviously I wasn't supposed to fall for you, but, you know, 'you can't control who I love'. Also casually mentioning that we had sex to my father, I wasn't supposed to know that either!" Amber gulped audibly. She pressed her lips together until a thin line. "Your father was concerned about your future," she only said. "For crying out loud, is that all you have to say?" Krystal spit. "My father isn't concerned about me, he has never been. He's only concerned for his own future and Jung Internationals. If you don't know that by now I might as well leave now-" Krystal already turned around to stomp towards the door, but before she had taken more than a few steps, she felt Amber's hand lock around her wrist, sharply pulling her back. There was a tiny frown on her face, but overal it looked neutral, as if she didn't understand what was wrong. "You said you had heard the whole conversation. Then why are you making such a big deal about it?" she asked confusedly. Krystal huffed in surprise. "Why am I making such a big deal about it?" she mocked with a bad impression of Amber's voice. It was incredibly childish but she simply didn't care."Can't you understand how insecure this makes me feel? For my whole life people have used me, I've never had someone who sincerely cared for me besides Jessica and then you prove to be different than I thought you'd be. You cared for me, that day on the roof. And I.. I liked you. I really did. And you weren't my first kiss, but you were my first real kiss, where I felt something stir inside of me that I liked, something that you awakened." She was on the edge of tears by now, her voice shaking and she tried with every muscle in her body to keep herself under control. But her facade was already slipping. "And today I find out, by eavesdropping, that you didn't care about me at all. I was supposed to fall in love with someone else, not with you. And you played along. You didn't say anything or turned me down but you played with my feelings and I don't know how long you have done that or if you're still doing that, Amber. Can't you understand that I don't know what's real and what's not real between us? I feel used and alone and I need someone to hold onto and you were the only person who was able to make me happy. But I just can't... I can't trust you anymore." Tears were now freely running over her cheeks. She was out of breath when she was done, finally spilling out what was bothering her. With trembling lips and eyes fluttering shut to ban the last tears from her eyes, she looked down, unable to look at Amber anymore. She whiped with the back of her hand the dampness from her face. Amber only looked her from her chair. The only thing that punctured the silence was Krystal's sniffling. "You haven't heard the whole story..." she eventually said. Krystal managed to open her eyes a little bit. "What?" "You haven't heard the whole story," repeated Amber. She frowned her eyebrows when Amber rose from her chair. "I-I did, I heard everything you said-" Amber chuckled softly. "But not the part about me telling your father off. You didn't hear how I told him I liked you. That I love you. You didn't hear anything of that?" Krystal felt like the colour had drained from her face, and it probably already had. In disbelief she looked at Amber, who has crossed her arms in front of her chest. "You-you said all of that?" she stuttered. Amber let out a laugh and ran with her hand through her hair. "I have. I told him that I liked you. And that's why I did it in the first place. There was something intrigueing about you that was hard to resist, especially when you hated me so badly. I knew my friend would not be a match for you, he would not please you the way I could. You needed someone challenging, someone that was on your level, because you, Krystal Jung, you need someone to battle with. I told him that it was not surprising you started to like me and that he should be glad to have me as his daughter's girlfriend because he is not going to find anyone who will take of you better than I will. I told him I loved you, something I hadn't told you yet because the time was not right yet. And yes, it used to be my intention to couple you to someone else, but that was mainly because I didn't think that you'd ever like me. But you did and I didn't want to tell you that I wasn't ever supposed to like you, that it'd be better if we wouldn't have kissed backstage that day. I couldn't do that because I liked you too. And nothing of our relationship was a lie. " Krystal felt like she was about to faint. Her mouth had dropped open, ready to yell out an 'I love you too' as soon as Amber was done. But Amber's explanation didn't make her feel better. It didn't make her feel good that it was all a mistunderstanding. There simply was no other source to confirm that Amber was telling the truth. Only her father would know, but he would never tell her. He'd deny that there was a conversation or a complot to save his own skin. She could only believe Amber... or she couldn't. That feeling kept nagging in her body, as if it was slowly eating up all her organs, devouring them bite by bite. What if she lied again? There was no way of knowing. What if she twisted the truth to save her own skin, just like her father? Krystal knew she had left early and hadn't heard everything, but could Amber really have said that to her dad? And if so, why didn't she tell her? The moment Krystal had accused her, she had acted as if nothing was wrong. She had kept up the lie until the moment it became clear Krystal had heard everything. And right now she suddenly claimed that she had told her father that she liked her from the start, that she loved her? It was simply too good to be true. Tears started to well up again. Her lowerlip just like her voice shook when she forced the words out of her mouth. "I simply can't believe you anymore, Amber." For a long moment, the two girls looked at each other. Amber's face changed from neutral to shocked and Krystal's face turned wet again because of the falling tears. Both of their bodies trembled. "What is that supposed to mean?" muttered Amber finally. Krystal tried to control a sob but it was in vain. It ripped through her body, breaking it apart. She covered her mouth with her hand and looked away for a second. It took her a few moments to compose herself long enough to speak again. "That it's over. We're over." Krystal couldn't recall a moment in her life when she felt so horrible as she felt now. Do you know how it feels to loose your soulmate? Krystal now did, and it felt like Satan himself had carefully picked out a punishment that was so painful even she was barely able to get through it. Inplanted in her heart, she felt as if her whole body crumbled down, broken down piece by piece. Her heart would slowly stop beating until it stopped forever. And perhaps, that was preferable, because right now Krystal was not able to live with the pain and she knew she would not be okay for a long time. Tears and sobs ripped through her body, helping to tear it apart. Her shoulders shook and she didn't care anymore how ugly she looked. All she wanted now was to get out of here, so she could say goodbye to her perfect relationship and her girlfriend in her own house, in her own room, where no one bothered her and she could grieve by herself. Amber had not moved from her chair, but was slowly rising. When she softly touched the back of Krystal's hand, it felt like a jolt of electricity ran through her body, causing Krystal to flinch in pain. She pulled her hand back. "Krystal Jung. I'm in love with you. I love you, like I have never loved anyone else," said Amber slowly, carefully pronouncing every word with the most utter precision. Krystal lifted her eyes up to her girlfriend, who looked panicked. "And I love you too," she said, with her broken voice. "And that's why I have to do this." Because if she didn't, she would stay with Amber. She would stay here and love her and be good to her, knowing well that Amber was a liar and that was not to be trusted. If she had lied about this, what else had she lied about just to make her love her? Krystal knew very well that perhaps her diagnosis could be wrong all along, that Amber spoke the truth and that she indeed had told her father that she liked her and loved her and would treat her well. But there was no way of knowing. And if Krystal didn't knew for one hundred percent that Amber hadn't lied, then there always would be a feeling of insecureness and uncomfertableness whenever she would be with Amber. And she didn't want that, she couldn't handle that, how great Amber might be. This was the end. Krystal sought her stuff, collected everything that belonged to her and stuffed it into her backpack that would initially been used for the sleepover. Amber watched and stood by helplessly, almost as if her soul had already left her body. With open mouth she stared how a sniffling Krystal desperately tried to get the last of her stuff into her backpack. It wouldn't fit and it made her cry again, until Amber finally roughly yanked the backpack away from her , put the shirt she had been trying to fit in on top and closed the zipper with little effort. She gave it back to her. Krystal wanted to say 'thank you' but her mouth had been sewn shut, so she could only nod. They avoided each other's gaze and only stared at the ground, both with tears in their eyes and trembling hands. Krystal hated herself. She wanted to stay so badly with her, to tell her she didn't mean it, that they could start over and leave this all behind them, but she simply didn't believe anymore that it could ever the same. Their relationship wouldn't be innocent and precious and perfect anymore. It would be stained with flaws now that both had seen each other's darker parts. And Krystal had gone through much and had knew too many untrustworthy people that she couldn't stand it that her girlfriend was one too. "I will go now," she announced, when she slung the backpack over her shoulder. It was a funny sight: a girl with a with make-up besmeared face, a pretty dress, heels and a backpack that could burst at any moment on her back. You'd ask her what kind of day she had been through. Amber didn't say anything, didn't even nod or give off any sign that she had heard her. Perhaps she hadn't. It looked like she was in shock. This was the first time she had seen Amber so utterly panicked, Krystal thought. Maybe this was one of the few things that really affected the great Amber Josephine Liu. Krystal walked to the door and god, she hoped so much that Amber would stop her. But she felt no fingers curl around her wrist to pull her back. She didn't even hear footsteps. Amber had not moved an inch. She became incredibly aware how her fingers curled around the cold metal doorknob, turning it around to open it the door. Krystal was aware of every breath, every footstep she took. How her fingers slightly squeezed the knob to make her hand feel numb. The door creaked, just like the bed, enormously when she opened it. The cold air of the hallway hit her like a bomb. Goosebumps appeared all over her body. She stepped with one foot slowly through the door, so Amber would still have time to stop her. The other foot joined the first and she now had left the apartment. Krystal had to force herself to look foreward and not over her shoulder. If she would have done that, she defenitely wouldn't be able to leave anymore. It was a miracle already that she had come this far already. For a moment, she just waited, waiting for Amber to come and get her. But as the seconds passed, her hope vanished. Slowly she let the door fall shut. The thud of the door falling into its lock broke her heart. Krystal took a shaky breath and ran with her hand through her hair. It was a bit tangled, causing her fingers to get stuck. With frustration she pulled her hand back and pressed her lips firmly upon each other. She walked down the stairs because she wanted to get out as soon as possible here as soon as possible now that she had finally closen the door. It was actually over, she realized. She looked around, knowing that this was the last time she'd be here. When she had already opened the door in the hall, she heard a few loud thuds coming from behind of her, on the stairs. Krystal made the mistake to look over her shoulder and see how Amber raced down the stairs. When their eyes met, she stopped, a few steps above the floor. There was a silence. "Krystal.." said Amber softly. She didn't reply. Another silence. This one seemed to last forever. Amber's eyes looked so utterly sad that Krystal felt like she had kicked a puppy. But like her, Amber was neither a puppy. She felt tears welling up in her eyes again. "Remember me." Krystal huffed. One of the corners of her mouth turned upwards into a somewhat mocking smile. She whiped the single tear that had escaped her sockets and was now rolling down her cheek away with the back of her hand. "How can I forget the first person I ever fell in love with?" she replied. And with those words, she stepped outside and let the door fall shut.