#I really gotta be careful when I listen to him now he's always punching me right in the heart | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

orbitariums · 8 months ago

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rum punch | patrick zweig x black fem reader

writing this because patrick is definitely the type to text you like “if you wanna pull up just to get fucked here’s the addy”

obsessed with this song right now (rump punch by cash cobain) and listened to it over and over while writing this. i recommend listening to compliment your reading experience 🙏🏾 it’s sooo challengers especially patrick zweig coded. let’s review: “top five nasty, you ain’t even gotta ask me” and “soon as you leave i miss u too, like damn”; “don’t be asking questions like a interview cuz you really know what we finna do”... “i just made her cum twice you ain’t make her cum once”?!!>!##? that’s patrick DOWN. sorry it must be said…

so a little drabble-ish thing is ahead! contains: cheating (ooops), degradation, smut

it started when you started dating your current boyfriend, or at least that’s what you would tell yourselves to make you feel better about the whole ordeal — not that patrick cared much to begin with. but anybody who knew you and patrick knew that this had been going on for far longer than either of you would care to admit, or that either of you had enough introspective ability to even realize. every single playful shove, every time you squeezed his hand to deflect from parting at the end of a hangout, the way he’d stack his legs on top of yours while you were studying even though he knew you “hated” it, his thumb circling your hand, your head on his shoulder during a late night movie sesh with art and tashi, eyes fluttering closed until you found sleepy heaven in the perfect crevice of his neck. nearly every time you saw each other, which was frequent, you were touching without touching. art, who wasn’t one to make crass comments often, would always tell patrick: “it wouldn’t even make a difference, you should just go ahead and fuck each other. the shit you two do is more than just sex.”

it was 11:16 pm when you called him. your boyfriend had sped off in the middle of the night in a fit of anger after an intense argument about the same thing for the hundredth time. you were so tired. you’d been so close to texting or calling him before, but you refrained — you didn’t want things between the two of you to get messy when nothing in your life was going right in the first place. but now that you were nearly slumped against the wall with tears hot against your face, so tired beyond comprehension, you could blame it on the delirium brought on by exhaustion. you told yourself you just needed the comfort of your close friend, who always made you laugh.

“patrick, can i come over?” you’d asked, your voice trembling, your face buried in your sweater sleeve.

patrick had never heard you sound so upset — he’d never even seen you cry. when you were around him, you were always so jovial and giggly. so when he heard your voice on the phone, so late at night, sounding so fragile and fractured, his eyebrows immediately knit together with concern, and he sat up on his couch.

“yn, are you okay? is everything alright, you sound—”

“i’m fine,” you sniffled, breath catching on your voice multiple times. “just-just need a friend. please, can i come over?”

you couldn’t see it, but his features softened, and some wedge in his heart seemed to shift over,

“yeah. yeah, of course you can.”

he was so confused, but just glad to know that you were at least okay, taking pride in the fact that he was who you wanted to be around, whatever was going on. he made some rushed efforts to tidy up his bachelor apartment, sweeping crumbs under the rug, tucking in pillows on the couch, throwing yesterday’s takeout into the overflowing trashcan, and swiping the trash off his coffee table.

he couldn’t believe how shrunken you looked when you appeared in front of his door that night, clad in an oversized stanford hoodie and sweatpants, slippers, tears still welling up in your eyes. this couldn’t be the same yn pushing him off of her with excessive force and maniacally cackling at his stupid jokes.

“wh-”

before he could get a word out, you threw your arms around your waist, plopping your head down on his chest. he stilled for a moment out of shock, then relaxed into your touch, embracing you with his arms around your shoulders and down your back, holding you because he knew that’s what you needed right now.

and then you were pulling away, sniffling and wiping away your tears, finally feeling some ounce of comfort now that you were with him. you knew, you knew, this was what you needed, as much as you had resisted this very thing.

“it’s chris,” you said, moving past him and inside his apartment, groaning as you plunked down onto the couch.

now, looking out the open door at the hallway ahead of him, patrick was nodding to himself silently, like he had come to some realization. he sat beside you, and you turned to him with a pout. and it was then that patrick knew he was not a good man for thinking about how pretty you looked with tears streaking your face and your lips pressed together in a girlish pout.

“he’s like… intimidated by me or something. every single thing i tell him about my day, about work, about my friends, my wins… he’s always finding some thing to harp on like i’m some villain stopping him from achieving his finance bro dreams. he hates that i’m living my life because he isn’t living his yet. so every thing i earn, he just picks it apart and tears it down, questions my motives for everything.”

“he’s a dick, alright?” patrick said, in that ever so frank tone that you honestly missed, and wished you could hear during these arguments with your boyfriend. “yn, i’d never… we wouldn’t treat you like that, me and art and tashi. we’re your real friends, we celebrate you. that’s how a relationship’s supposed to go. he’s a stupid fuck.”

you grinned a bit at his correction, the corner of your lips turning up.

“i know you wouldn’t.”

“can i ask you something though, yn?”

“mhm?” you looked up at him with such innocent doe eyes that he didn’t want to call bullshit, but he was calling bullshit.

“why… why’d you come over here? why not to tashi or your mom’s or… anyone else? why me?”

you sighed deeply, shaking your head,

“because, patrick, i… i just… want you right now.”

his face impossibly close to yours, intruding your senses and all your walls before you even realized they were up.

“how do you want me?” he asked, his voice the softest it had ever been, his breath tickling your cheek.

you were hoping you wouldn’t have to finish your sentence, and patrick knew it — his hands gripped the sides of your face with a stronghold, and then your lips were crashing against each other like a wave coming to the tide, foaming and sputtering and wetting the cracked sand at the shore. and it didn’t take long before you were climbing on top of him and straddling him, your clothes falling off one by one. his rough hand clutching your breast and squeezing, another in your panties navigating your clit like a fucking expert, making your back arch against the air. then your legs by your head as patrick drove himself into you, tender and slow and making you see stars instead of his face and the ceiling. fucking every tear out of you, turning your sobs of pain into sobs of pleasure. your moans were like a choir to him, licking flames against his earlobes each time you whimpered his name, leaving little half-circle imprints in his back with his nails. sweat dripping down his forehead as he clutched his eyes shut and tried not to come too fast, tried not to let the way you wrapped around him like a fucking snake— pussy squeezing his cock, legs trapping him inside you, hands roaming his back like new found land — make him lose focus.

“fuck, your fucking moans. d’you have any idea how much i’ve thought about this? f- fuck, if you come to me crying again, i’m not gonna go so easy on you.”

if he had an ounce of self-respect, he’d have stopped you after the first time (he didn’t have the discipline to deny you completely), but something about him stirred at the unpredictable predictability of it all. he knew that at least once a week, you’d come crying to him over something your asshole boyfriend did to you, it was just a matter of what day of the week.

he liked when you came over on friday nights most, because more often than not you’d stay the night, sometimes the weekend, making the excuse to your boyfriend that you were sleeping over at a girlfriend or your mother’s house. but really you were just spending the whole weekend getting fucked by your recovery boyfriend patrick, who would scrape up the little money he had to order food from your favorite thai restaurant every night and watch what were, in his opinion, the most insipid movies he’d ever seen — because he knew that less than halfway through you’d be split open on his cock, sobbing with pleasure into his shoulder as princess diaries became a distant echo in the background. his hand on the small of your back, his vision glazing over as he stares ahead at the tv, too enraptured by the sweet whimpers you make while you’re (attempting to) ride him, the sounds of your slick pussy swallowing him whole in slow intervals, panting and gasping as he speared you open because he was: “so big, patrick you’re so big.”

he’ll snap out of it then, find his hands wrapped around your waist and his lips buried in the crook of your neck,

“it’s okay, baby. you can take me.”

“i’m trying,” you wailed, the frustration so clear in your voice that it almost made him laugh.

instead, he wrapped his hands around your waist firmly, leading you down onto his cock himself.

“fuck!” you shouted out, practically collapsing forward onto him. “patrick, please—”

“if you can come to me crying just to get dick, you can take it.”

you gasped at the directness of his words, punching yourself for how much it turned you on. and he knew it too, by the way your pussy throbbed around his dick. you couldn’t see his face, but you could practically hear the shit-eating smirk in his voice as he grabbed your asscheek,

“yeah, your pussy loves it though. and you love being my little slut behind closed doors when your boyfriend isn’t acting right.”

you couldn’t control the moan that tumbled out of your lips when he said that, and definitely not the screech you let out when he started to thrust up, jackhammering into you so his cock reached the hilt.

“that what you wanted?”

“yes, yes!” you wailed, nodding desperately, positively wrecked as your head practically hung over his shoulder, enveloped in a world of pleasure.

“yeah… i know…”

and sometimes he won't be so nice. he'll be damn near using your pussy like a fleshlight, his body practically covering yours as he fucks you like an animal, hard and fast and rough, your pussy squelching around his cock each time he rams it into you. he'll use you like he's the one that needs comforting, like your pussy is the only safe haven he knows. and it's only fair, the way you hide out in his house and act like his dick is your life source. he fucks you like he's an athlete and this is his sport, tennis be damned. he'll degrade you anyway he knows how — because he knows you love it, knows it makes you finish two times as fast.

"he doesn't fuck you like this."

"you're such a fucking slut. come over here crying acting like you don't pull up just to get fucked." he'll laugh as he says this, and you want to smack his chest in indignation, but you can't manage anything but moans.

“you’re such a good girl. letting me use this pussy when i want.”

"there you go, squeeze my cock like it's yours."

"pussy's so greedy, getting fucked by the both of us. still so fucking tight."

"your boyfriend's probably wondering where you are." this has made you come twice now.

"whose pussy is it?" (and even though you have a man, you tell him it's his every time. sometimes he doesn't even need to ask, sometimes he fucks you so good that you just scream out: "it's your pussy — it's your pussy, daddy", and he'll chuckle and say: "i know.").

and you let him say these things and more, because he fucks you like no one ever has, like he knows something you told him in complete and total secrecy. like it's something so complex — but all it ever takes is one touch.

your friends have noticed something is different between you two, but it's honestly not a big jump from before — only this time, you guys sealed the deal and were actually fucking now. of course, patrick can't keep his mouth closed for long and ends up bragging to art, and you tell tashi because she's one of the girls, and now there's this unspoken understand between all of you. but no one feels the need to intervene, because honestly... it makes sense.

and you’ll have a conversation with him every other time, telling him “we have to stop doing this.” and one day he replies,

“yn. not to be a dick or anything, but you’re the one who calls me. you act like you're coming over for comfort, but we both know it's my dick doing all the comforting."

and you know it’s true, you know patrick is right even if he is an asshole. but you won’t let that stop you from texting him: thai food and a movie? everytime your boyfriend fucks up. and patrick won't stop you either.

#might continue this in bits and pieces #comfortfriend! patrick who stands in when your man isn't acting right #might need a better name for that #but not best friend patrick cuz that's a whole different vibe #we haven't even entered that universe #x reader #x black reader #challengers #challengers smut #challengers fic #patrick zweig x black reader #patrick zweig #patrick zweig smut #patrick zweig x reader #patrick zweig imagine

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jeansplaytoy · 2 years ago

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“Ain’t shit.” - c.springer

(part four here.) (part six here.)

part 5

when this might be you and connie’s last conversation, you couldn’t care less about an argument.

violence, mentions of medium blood/bleeding, arguments, language.

it was another friday, a week after you made up with connie.

but coming to your senses, you realized he did admit to cheating on you, which didn’t end well for him because you were now in his car calmly telling him how much of a bitch he was for even thinking about doing that and how “you shouldn’t even have admitted to that shit cus that just pissed me off the moment i heard it.”

“mm-hmm.” connie hummed, nodding slowly.

the whole floch thing had ended, and you forgave each other. but the whole cheating thing just caught you off guard as you thought about it.

a whole week later.

“and who was the bitch? cus i know damn well she wasn’t better than me.” you raised your eyebrows and pointed to yourself while looking at him.

connie shook his head. “nah, she wasn’t.”

“i know. cus you piss me off. how you gon get mad at me for putting yo dumbass out and you was the one lyin to my motha’ fuckin face.” you spoke to him in such a calm voice, but he sucked in air through his teeth with every harsh shot you threw at him.

“peach-“

“matter fact, i don’t even know why i’m in yo damn car when i could’ve brought my own shit. i don’t know why you wanted to pick me up.” you cut him off, completely ignoring that dumb nickname he gave you.

“y/n-“

“and then you had the nerve to blame me for all the shit i did when it wasn’t even as bad at what you did? shit, i must’ve been in my feelings when you admitted that shit cus i would’ve punched you in yo shit.” you looked at him with a frown. “see this exactly why ion listen to yo ass because you be having me forgive you for that dumb shit, nigga i should run this car off the road.” you nudged his shoulder a little.

“y-“

“and then i was dumb enough to keep you at my house? boy fuck you— i should whoop yo ass in this fuckin’ car. but i can’t mess up my nails again.” you mumbled the last part while looking at your nails that he paid for.

“you done?” connie asked after a long amount of silence. you nodded and looked out the door.

he looked at you and then at the road before softly inhaling to say something.

of course he couldn’t.

“and i fuckin hate you. we never getting back together. ever. we ain’t even together right now. i don’t even know why i’m wasting my time wit’cho ass, knowing you prolly gon do the same shit again.” you nudged his head to the side while staring at him with a pissed face.

connie sighed. “are you done?”

“yes.” you said quietly.

“so we really not getting back together?” he asked, glancing at you from the road. you raised your eyebrow and looked at him again.

“fuck. no.” you said in almost a whisper.

all he did was nod before parking his car somewhere near the house before turning it off. as he got out, you stayed in the car, giving him a mean look as he walked around the car to open your door and close it behind you.

“i gotta open the door for you too?” he mumbled with a small smile. you gave him another mean mug and fully ignored him while walking on the concrete up to the entrance.

connie only followed closely behind you, looking around at all the people that looked at you two — like they always did — because of the way you argued last week and was walking together this week.

it could’ve been a never ending cycle. if you were dumb. but you couldn’t even forgive the dude for what he did it you.

as you opened the door for yourself, you walked in, and just like last time, everything filled your ears and nose. “aye ima go wit the gang. don’t get in no trouble.” connie poked your back before walking off somewhere else. you stared at him before humming and rolling your eyes.

you’ve never even been to whoever’s house this was, but it was more spacious for a party.

you went to the kitchen, again, getting compliments on your outfit along the way.

you rubbed your glossed and lined lips together before pouring yourself a drink, taking a long sip before swallowing the whole bit, sucking the bitter flavor off your own tongue. looking around to find sasha or mikasa, or anyone other than one of the guys in that case, you couldn’t find them.

so you just decided to walk over to where connie was, in hopes of finding someone other than him, and to your surprise, everyone was there.

“girl where you been?” mikasa smiled looking you up and down. you smacked your lips. “ain’t nobody tell me the whole group was over here.” you said before glancing at connie who was already smoking weed. “my bad.” he said before exhaling.

you looked around for any source of alcohol, just to get your mind off of the normal things. but the only cup around you was connie’s. you looked at him before leaning down to get it and stared at him as you used his t-shirt to rub the rim of it before drinking the whole thing.

“so y’all back together? again?” eren raised his eyebrow as his arm rested around mikasa. connie shook his head. “nah. we cool off each other. just hanging around each other.” he mumbled before taking another swift hit of the blunt in his hand, already looking high as hell before sitting the rest on the ashtray and reaching towards the cup you had, looking at you when he saw it was empty. “thirsty ass.” he mumbled, grabbing another bottle to fill the cup.

“so y’all just chillin for now.” ony said, rolling up another blunt. you nodded slowly. “for good.” you corrected him.

“yall ain’t getting back together? crazy.” sasha chuckled at you. you shook your head. “i can’t get back wit his ass.” you mumbled to yourself, but loud enough for connie to hear. “man you look like friends sitting over there. like when yall asses first met.” ony laughed at you.

“suck my dick.” connie smiled a little before taking a sip from his cup.

“aye bro, ain’t that floch?” eren frowned, pointing behind you and connie. connie didn’t even try to look back, and when you did, he looked at you and then ony. ony widened his eyes a little before resting them again.

“you ain’t gon fight him again, right?” sasha squinted at connie. “cus if you do ima whoop yo ass.”

connie smacked his lips. “i ain worried bout him.” he mumbled. “i already beat his ass, as long as he don’t come over here fuckin wit nobody, i’m straight.” he held his hands up in defense with a light smile.

everyone but you looked at him suspiciously. you were too focused on the way floch glanced at you.

‘don’t bring yo ass over here.’ you thought to yourself. but it was too late because as soon as he saw you, he was.

you sighed. “fuck.” you muttered lowly to yourself before scooting closer to connie, who looked at you. “you good?” he asked. you nodded. “mhm.”

you tried to see if anybody else noticed the fact that he was literally walking over to you, and of course they didn’t. you felt someone touch your shoulder. “y/nnn, long time no see. it’s been what, a week?” floch said, leaning towards you.

everyone went silent and looked at connie, who licked his lips and stretched his legs out, taking a deep breath in and out.

“didn’t you just get yo ass beat by connie? so what the fuck you doin over here?” mikasa squinted at floch. “did i? oh, ion remember that.” floch mumbled before moving around the couch and sitting right beside you, gaining stares from ony and eren.

as much as you wanted to get disrespectful, you didn’t wanna get that nigga jumped, so you kept your composure and bit your lip, looking at the ground as he wrapped his arm around your waist, moving you slightly closer to him.

connie’s eyes moved to floch’s hand, before he side eyed you and looked forward again, grabbing his drink and taking a sip.

“aye, you don’t see she uncomfortable?” ony frowned, dabbing his blunt with his tongue while staring at floch. “she ain’t say she was uncomfortable, did she?” floch pursed his lips together. your hands rested underneath your thighs and you deeply inhaled.

“why you acting so different from last week? you just wanted me all up on you.” floch mumbled, loud enough to make sure connie heard, and he did, manspreading and grabbing his phone, scrolling through instagram.

“that wasn’t for real. i was tryna make somebody jealous.” you laughed a little.

“mh. it did work, didn’t it?” he said, keeping his eyes on you, taking one quick glance at connie who kept his eyes on his phone.

“ion know.” you shrugged while looking around the crowded house. “you know you ain’t always gotta stay wit the same person. i could give you sum better.” he said, moving his free hand to your thigh. you smacked your lips. “man get away from me, i don’t want yo ass.” you pushed him off of you.

that’s all it took for ony to put his blunt down, eren to start laughing, and connie to put his phone down, exhaling.

“c’mere.” connie grabbed your hand, leading you to the other side of him. before you could sit down, floch grabbed your wrist. “nah she good over here.” he said, pulling you towards him. connie finally looked at floch before chuckling.

“didn’t she just tell you to get away from her?” connie squinted. floch stood up. “you still got a problem huh.”

connie bit his lip before standing up along with floch. “ight chill con’.” sasha said, looking at him and floch.

“nah cus you wanna get’cho ass beat again so ion know why the fuck you still testing me.” connie pulled his pants up, pushing you back a little. “connie don’t even worry bout it-“ you tried to stop him, but it seemed like this time he was more mad than annoyed.

“you tryna start wit me bout a female that don’t even want yo ass, connie.” floch laughed and squinted.

“ight, but it’s still war over her ass when it come to me.” connie bit his lip, while raising his eyebrows.

“war, huh? you ain’t so shit yet tho.” floch muttered.

“listen, i ain wit allat talkin shit cus i’ll hit’cho ass right now.” connie chucked a little, reaching and resting his hand under his shirt. “connie, for real, just go outside.” eren said, sitting up.

“nah if he wanna do sum he can do sum.” floch raised his eyebrows.

“oh i can?”

“hell yeah you can, so wassup?”

suddenly you saw connie quickly reach in his waist band and you heard a gunshot, jumping and flinching.

everyone started to scream.

you looked down to see that floch was holding his thigh, panting as he looked up at connie with a frown. “what the fuck?!” he yelled before connie tucked his gun in his waistband and pulled his tshirt down, grabbing you by the arm and dragging you outside.

“what the fuck is wrong wit’cho ass?” you frowned, trying to release his grip from your wrist, but he was far more strong than you. suddenly, connie was grabbed by someone else. one of floch’s lil friends.

“you think you finna get away wit that shit?” he frowned and pointed backwards. “fuck away from me.” connie mumbled, pushing the guy. the guy pushed him back, but before he could even throw a punch, you reached in connie’s pants, grabbing his gun and pointing it at the dude.

“get the fuck back, before you get shot too.” you mumbled, finger itching to pull the trigger.

“and connie, get the fuck back. go.” you waved the gun back.

boom.

everyone paused, it’s like the screams that got louder, blurred out and everything was moving in slow motion. you looked at connie.

blood soaking the side of his waist.

you looked behind the guy in front of you, seeing floch. “the fuck? what the fuck?!” you panicked, looking at connie.

that’s when eren and ony rushed out of the house, guns in their hands too.

“shit…” you whispered.

last comments left me a lil astonished, cs that’s how y’all feel? jk hope you like this. :)

#aot x reader #aot x y/n #connie springer #connie x reader #poc reader #aot connie #connie x black y/n #connie x black reader #connie springer x y/n #connie springer x reader #connie springer x black reader #connie x you #connie x y/n #connie aot

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beautifulchris · 8 months ago

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obsessed

pairing: dancer!lee minho x videographer!gn!reader

summary: minho was the most perfect guy you had the privilege of encountering—and working with. without even trying—or meaning to—, he got you wrapped around his fingers

genres: fluff, angst, strangers to lovers to exes!au, colleagues!au, first person pov!!

wc: 4,4k

tw: obsession, toxic relationship, swearing (in lyrics only, who would've thought), violence, injuries, mention of blood

notes: heyyy! this fic is part of my collection of fics! indented are the lyrics, banner made by me on canva. andddd i'd appreaciate it greatly if you could tell me what you thought about it!! happy reading!

listen to the song for a more immersive experience: spotify link | youtube link

networks: @kflixnet @k-labels @kwritersworld @whipped-kpop-creators @straykidsland

permanent tag list: @soobin-chois @exfolitae @linos-catnip @prettymiye0n (tell me if you want to be added/removed)

stray kids tag list: @raethethey

Lee Minho (1998).

Have you seen this man?

Perfect skin, heart face shape, a sharp nose, wide cheekbones, cat-like eyes, long eyelashes and pretty, pouty lips.

The moment I laid eyes on him, I knew it was over. He was just so attractive, always walking like he owned the place, and, without realizing it, I became infatuated with him.

I was a newbie videographer in this dancing company called Twinkle Toes. Yes, I did apply there because of its name, being an ATLA fan and all. Anyway, Minho was the best dancer they had.

The obsession started when I first saw him dance. His technique and control were perfect, I could clearly see why he was a professional dancer. All the fluid and effortlessly looking movements he made gave me goosebumps every time I was behind the camera. Or anywhere inside the room, really.

I approached him first. Complimented him on his dancing, which seemed to please him. I kept being supportive and throwing seductive glances his way every now and then. I became hungry for his attention.

Oh, my Lord, never met someone like you before Think I'm kinda going overboard Now I'm obsessed, how can somebody be so perfect? Boy, you really got me by the neck Whatever you want, you just gotta ask

I made no secret of my admiration. Soon, everybody knew but I couldn’t care less.

“You’re so strong, Minho,” I mused from behind the camera. “Thanks to your efforts, the video will come out perfectly.”

He failed to suppress a smile, yet dismissed the compliment with a vague movement of his hand. “It’s a team effort.”

Of course, I knew that. Yeah. The fourteen other dancers were good, but none of them were in the same league as Minho. He was above everyone in this company.

I was usually right.

After filming ended, I took my stuff—camera, tripod, laptop—and walked towards my designated studio where I could work on editing. I wasn’t totally installed when someone knocked on the door. It was so faint I thought I’d dreamed it, until they knocked again.

I opened the door, revealing a shy looking Minho, who didn’t seem to be able to meet my eyes. I found it adorable.

“Yes?”

“Uh, I… Can I come in?”

Now, why would he even want to come inside? Was my flirting so powerful that he already wanted to spend more time with me? I wasn’t one to complain about that.

“Sure,” I said, taking a step back and closing the door behind him.

“So that’s what your studio looks like,” he commented, looking around.

It was a small room with a large desk filled with everything I needed to do my job. The stuff I had with me in the danceroom plus a computer, lenses, microphones, cables, memory cards… Everything was perfectly organized. Bigger equipment—camera bags, studio light, reflectors, tripods—were tidied next to the desk. A gaming chair was in front of it, and on the other side was a two-seater sofa.

“Do you mind if I stay with you while you work?”

I smiled internally. It was so easy.

“No, of course. Are you done for the day?”

“Yeah, finally. Thanks.”

“What for?”

“For letting me stay with you.”

SCREAMING. PUNCHING THE WALL. I could’ve smacked his arm right now for saying this so casually. Sure enough, I didn’t. Instead, I motioned for him to sit on the sofa while I placed my laptop on the desk before opening it.

I could tell I was professional with how well I handled the situation I was in. I kept my desire to turn around and stare at him buried inside me as I edited the video. I had a week to finalize it for an upcoming dancing contest. I was determined to show the dancers’ best side through the video. I also tried not to show Minho too much, even though he was around 20% more present than the rest. It wasn’t my fault the videos he was in were better.

Oh, well. It was common knowledge he was our best hope at winning.

It was getting late, and I was feeling hungry. I saved my progress, switched off the computers and turned around. I’d imagined Minho to be fast asleep, as my job could be found boring from the outside. To my surprise, he was looking straight at me.

“Are you OK?” I asked, conscious he had been waiting for a long time.

See, I checked the time before closing my laptop. I had been working for a bit more than two hours.

He nodded. “Are you, though? Don’t you feel sore?”

Now that he mentioned it, I couldn’t feel my butt anymore. A common occurrence in this field. I got up, stretched arms, back, legs and unintentionally yawned.

“Do you want to get dinner?”

He seemed nervous all of a sudden. Ah, if I could make him mine right now…

“Only if you pay.”

“Deal.”

Ten minutes later, we were walking side-by-side toward a little restaurant owned by a strict-looking yet lovely grandma near our workplace. We’d eaten there before, with our coworkers.

As a typical small-business Korean restaurant, the room was approximately ten times bigger than my studio. Twelve four-seater tables were placed around the room at a relatively safe distance from each other. On every one of them were a wooden cutlery holder for four, and a matching little box full of thin napkins. The walnut-colored counter was on the far end of the room, and the hole that was supposed to be a door behind it led to the kitchen. The only thing giving a bit of privacy to the cook were white lace curtains attached to each side of the… door-shaped hole. On the left side of the room, a TV screen and posters—with pictures—of the menu were displayed on the wall. While on the right side, as well as a bathroom door, were decorations and an ‘appreciation wall’ with a lot of little notes and doodles from customers.

I wanted to sit next to it. If we ran out of things to say, we could always talk about that.

Grandma greeted us with a smile when she saw us, showing us to a table on the opposite side. “Hello grandma, can we actually sit at that one? It’s easier to watch TV there.”

Of course, I had no intention to watch TV, but no one needed to know that.

“Sure, my child, go sit. I’ll be right there.”

Thanking her, we sat right next to the rating wall.

There was one other customer closest to the counter. A regular, by the looks of it. Grandma went to the kitchen and came back with a steaming dish. She delicately put it down in front of the man before providing us with the menus. He thanked her and resumed his reading of a journal. Which I couldn’t identify because I don’t read journals.

Minho and I looked at the menu like we had no idea what to order. While I already knew what his favorite dish was, I opted for something I hadn’t tried before. You see, I like to try everything on the menu. It was a habit in restaurants I often went to. Of course, if it were to be a one-time restaurant, I would order the food that makes me salivate the most. Minho preferred savory foods. The tastier, the better.

He rapidly scanned the plastified paper on the table before looking up at me. “I’ve chosen. You?”

I straightened up, flashing my signature grin, and nodded once. “Same. Any drinks?”

“Soju?”

“Sure.”

Three young people entered the place. Grandma placed them on the left side of the room and came to us. “What would you like, my children?”

“Bulgogi bibimbap for me, please.”

“Jajangmyeon and a bottle of soju, please,” Minho ordered, taking the menu from me and giving them both back to grandma with a sweet smile.

She smiled like a lovely grandma would—contently with a hint of nostalgia.

We never got to speak about the appreciation wall nor did I once glanced at the TV, because we talked a lot and there were few moments of silence.

After that dinner, we spent a lot of time together outside the company. I believed he enjoyed my presence as much as I savored his. We flirted, went on dates every now and then, and recently started dating.

Then, around two months after our first day together, a new, talented dancer entered the company. Her body had beautiful curves. She had long, black silky hair, and toned abs. It didn’t help that she was gorgeous, social, and easygoing.

In just a few days, she had befriended the whole building. It felt like she had always been there. To my dismay, even Minho seemed to like her.

“What do you think of Soojin?” I asked as casually as manageable, considering I was eager to get an answer.

“She’s cool.” Minho shrugged, looking up at the blue sky. “And a good dancer. Why do you ask?”

How he could manage to look so ethereal under the sunlight yet give me such a soft glance was beyond my understanding. He got a hold on me, that was for sure.

“I agree, she’s good. You might have to share your spotlight in the next competitions and projects.”

He smirked. “Was about time. It’s been lonely up there.”

I knew he was joking. He never considered himself as above his colleagues. I frowned for another reason. I couldn’t ignore the thought from overwhelming me. Was I not enough for him? Was I just a pastime? I wasn’t a dancer. Was it a dealbreaker for him?

Minho’s gentle glance became a concerned stare as he stopped in his tracks. “What’s wrong?”

“Do you like me?”

He opened his mouth, but I couldn’t wait for his response.

“Am I good enough? Do you like Soojin more? Do you want to date her? Are you just playing with me?”

Because I would still be wrapped around your finger either way.

“Hey, breathe, babe. I’m here, I’m with you.”

I did as told, and my next words came out as a whisper.

“Are you though?”

“Where is all this coming from? Why would I be interested in Soojin?”

“She’s gorgeous, talented, and a sweetheart. Who wouldn’t like her?”

He smiled softly, taking my hand in his. “Is this your way of telling me you’re interested in her?”

“I’m serious.”

“You have nothing to worry about. I like you.”

I wanted to believe him, but I couldn’t get rid of the voices.

Soojin and Minho were the jewels of the company. Meaning they had way more screen time—which was my job—and training sessions together—which was their job. I had to stand behind my camera for hours while watching them dance together. Helplessly watching their bodies touch and their breaths tangle. The sensual moves made me want to break something.

Jealousy stirred up inside me, and I think it showed, because several colleagues around the room sent me looks of pity and sorry.

I knew it was just the job for Minho, but I couldn’t help it. It was beyond my control. Ever since the choreographers created this dance, I have been vile to Minho. Exposing my jealousy to him in private.

“I’m sorry, sweetie. I hate hurting you. Really. However, I can’t simply stop dancing. It’s my dream life.”

“I’m not asking you to stop doing what you love, I’m asking you to stop doing it with her!” I snapped.

“Doing that will get me fired, you know that. I told you I picture you whenever I’m dancing with her. Is it not enough?”

He was pleading, but I could sense he was tired and frustrated.

“I like you, not Soojin. I need you to understand that.”

“You say that now,” I said in a low voice, “but I see the way she looks at you.” My voice broke, and I looked away.

Minho shook his head. “Please, stop. I’m exhausted. I’m dating you, aren’t I? What more do you need to be satisfied?”

It stinged. The worst part was he didn’t scream. His voice was stern and accusing. No words would leave my lips. He took my silence as a cue to leave the toxic environment I created. I couldn’t blame him for wanting to stay away.

But I could blame someone else.

I tried to film Soojin in her less good angle, but it felt like she was flawless under any angle. It was frustrating, not even being able to compromise her while doing my job.

Minho, being smart and all, realized what I was trying to do while Soojin was doing a solo dance. His eyes were glued to me the whole time. He grabbed me by the arm the minute I finished for the day and brought all my stuff back to my studio. He made me turn around to face him.

“What did you do back there?”

I was hurt by his suspicion, even though he was right. I stood my ground and lied through my teeth. “I didn’t do anything.”

He sighed in exasperation and let go of me. “Look, I won’t say I know you because clearly, as much as I thought I did, I actually don’t. But I know you did something.” His face softened, but his lips stayed pressed in a thin line. “Please, help me understand. Why would you resent Soojin so much you’re willing to risk your job? What do I ignore?”

I was angry. Why would he defend her if nothing was happening between the two?

“Why do you care so much, Minho? Who is she to you?”

He stepped back, blinking a few times. “This again? I don’t recognize you anymore, Y/N. I thought I knew you. Since Soojin joined our crew, you’ve changed. I believe I didn’t give you any reason to be jealous of her, excluding my job. Then again, I know how to separate professional and personal matters. I chose not to where you’re concerned because I liked you. But now, I don’t think I want to do this any longer. It’s draining me, and I lost my will to fight for us.”

Wait. What?

“Are you breaking up with me? Is that it?” I sounded frantic—and I was. All I understood from his tirade was that he was leaving me, probably for her. This bitch. She dared steal my boyfriend.

“All these past weeks fighting made me reconsider our relationship. I’m sorry, Y/N. I like you, but I can’t be with you.”

He silently stared at me for a moment, hurt and determination visible on his face, before turning heels and heading out.

My legs gave out. Minho broke up with me. I had no intention to accept this. It was all this woman’s fault. She had bewitched him, I was sure of it.

When I ran into Minho the next day, he avoided looking me in the eyes. Everybody could see something was wrong. They could even sense it, as the tension was thick in the air.

“Is something wrong?” Soojin asked as she entered the room. She looked around the room and offered me a sweet and innocent smile.

I wanted to lunge at her. It took everything in me to stand still.

“Let’s get started,” the director said as soon as his left foot touched the floor. He clapped his hands, getting everyone’s attention. He stopped at the center of the room. “Today we’re going to film a two-minute promotional video for our project. I count on you, Y/N, to make this video as appealing as all the other ones you made until now.” He winked at me. “Dancers, I expect you to be in good shape. I need you to accentuate your moves.” This time, he winked at Minho and Soojin.

I was close to rip my hair out.

We did as told. While the dancers gave their all in their dancing, I moved around them with my camera to capture their moves from different angles, creating a nice flow. Nowadays, videographers would use a gimbal to provide support and stabilization, but my camescope and feet were all I needed. This type of work called for a more natural flow, which could only be done without any device.

I knew how to be professional, too, but hated every second I spent filming the top dancers sensually touching each other’s bodies, especially from this close. The looks they gave one another, were they really only professional? I wasn’t sure Minho had ever looked at me like he was staring at Soojin at this moment.

I decided to put aside my anger for the sake of my job, and made the best promotional video yet. Not that I would ever admit it, but their chemistry was undeniable and greatly increased the quality of the video.

Slowly, but surely, I watched Minho and Soojin grow closer. I tried multiple times to reconnect with him to prevent the inevitable, but he was unyielding. He wouldn’t let me touch him and refused to be in a room alone with me. I found his reactions a bit over the top and insulting. But, even worse, he seemed to be protective of Soojin, as if he was scared I would hurt her if he let her out of his sight.

I would, but it was still vexing.

If you go and get yourself somebody new I don't know what the hell I'd do But if I found out, I will go and turn up at her house Break a nail and rip her hair right out Huh, and I hope you like that I'm crazy like that

Life went on, Minho still got me by the neck unbeknownst to him, and I was still wary of Soojin. A month had passed and a new project started.

“This time, crew, the theme is love. I want to feel it, alright? Do whatever it takes. I’m not worried though, because I believe in you all.”

The little speech the director gave ended up with a round of applause and a whistle from several of the dancers. The choreographers were sending each other smirks, as if they were waiting for this moment. I, obviously, loathed the idea. I had barely managed to contain myself this past month. That was going to be torture.

I was right.

The first official practice for the dance, a week after the announcement, I was behind the camera. If I thought they were close during the past month, I was mistaken. For the most part, their bodies were colliding with each other in a way that made the young managers embarrassed. My blood boiled. If there weren’t all these people around, I would’ve ripped Soojin’s hair out already.

When the song ended, their faces were mere millimeters from one another. They closed the gap between their mouths. I heard a few gasps from the crowd. My eyes lost focus. The fury building inside me sent a throbbing pain in my head. I left the room in a hurry before I could regret my actions. The last thing I saw in the long mirrors were their lips connected in a heated kiss.

I wanted to throw up. I ran to the restroom and sat on the ground in one of the cabins. I touched my cheeks with the back of my hands to check my temperature and realized I was crying. I couldn’t possibly be sad, could I? I stayed seated for what felt like hours, developing a plan to get revenge on Soojin. I was not going to let her go unscathed after what she had done.

The pain eventually subsided. Rage was all that was left in me. I was determined to make the bitch pay. I checked myself in the mirror, relieved to see there was no trace of me crying, and nodded to myself to give me courage. I came back to the dance room like nothing happened. Everybody stopped moving and watched me walk to my camera.

“Sorry, I had an emergency,” I told no one in particular, shooting an apologetic smile around the room. “Please, continue.”

I changed a few parameters on the camera and the room came back to life.

I was one of the first ones to leave the room. I stored my stuff in their respective places. Minho was waiting for me when I walked out of my studio.

“Y/N, I’m sorry—-It just happened—”

I scoffed. “Whatever.”

I'll do anything for you, boy, anything Yeah, I'll do anything, anything for you Yeah, I'll do crazy shit And I'll get away with it Boy, I'll do anything, anything for you

I raced to my car and waited there until Soojin entered her own car. I watched Minho go to her window and talk to her when she rolled it down. She nodded and smiled at him. Sickening. He went to his own car and I followed Soojin when she exited the parking lot. I stayed at a safe distance, but what if Minho knew what I had in mind and warned her?

I shook my head. It didn’t matter. She drove around fifteen minutes and parked in front of what looked like a family house. Was it her own place or did she come to her parents thinking I wouldn’t dare touch her there?

I smiled conspiratorially. None of them really knew me. I parked right behind her and stormed out of my car. I stopped at her window like Minho had done earlier and waited for her to roll it down. She stared at me with fear in her eyes and gulped.

I put on a fake smile and my sweetest voice. “Come on out, Soojin, don’t be scared.”

She slowly reached for the handle and opened the door.

“Look, I’m sor—”

I grabbed her by the neck and threw her on the asphalt. She grunted and rolled over. I pulled her hair up and ignored her faint struggle, whispering in her ear. “You really thought you could steal my boyfriend from me and get away with it?” I let out a nasty laugh.

She shuddered, tears welling up in her eyes. “You’re not together anymore,” she cried. “I’m sorry for hurting you. I didn’t mean to, I swear.”

“You’re too cute. I guess that’s your advantage.”

I pulled her hair a little higher and balled my other hand into a fist. I moved my arm back to gain momentum, but never got to use it. Minho shouted my name from his car, parked right behind mine. I let go of Soojin and watched him dash towards us.

“What’s happening?”

He kneeled next to her, checking her face and scratched arms. She cried, burying her face in his chest and wrapping her arms around his stomach. I huffed and folded my arms over my chest. The second she calmed down, Minho got up and faced me. He frowned.

“What did you do?” His tone was accusing. It angered me.

“Are you for real? How could you get over me that easily? Was I nothing to you?”

“Y/N,” he warned, pinching his nose bridge. Then he gave me a firm stare. “I’m sorry I hurt you. I never meant to. I just assumed you got over it the way I did.” His voice matched the look on his face.

Got over it? Oh, boy.

“I guess I loved you more than you ever did me.”

His surprised expression made no sense to me. He did not comment on it. Instead, he reached for Soojin’s hand and helped her up. “I’ll get you home,” he said softly.

He used to talk to me like that. Take care of me like that. My blood boiled but I just watched, feeling abandoned, as they walked away from me.

When he returned, a few minutes later, I was waiting, my back pressed against the driver’s side door of my car. “What was that about?” he inquired, stopping around three meters away from me, arms crossed over his chest.

“I’ll do anything for you, Minho. Anything. And I got angry at the way she snatched you from me.”

He stepped back, dropping his arms at his sides. “What do you mean, anything?”

“Literally anything.”

“But, Y/N, we broke up. You don’t have to. Besides, she didn’t snatch me, I fell for her.” My heart hurt. Did he really stop loving me that easily? “I’m sorry. Really, I am. I can’t undone our history, nor can I control my feelings.”

“You would undone our history if you could?” That was what hurt the most, I think. That, right there. He regretted being with me.

“No, but what you did today… I’m not sure I can forgive you. You scared Soojin, you scared me. If I knew you would be like this, I—”

“Don’t finish that sentence, please.”

Minho sighed. “I enjoyed being with you, Y/N, honestly. However, that was too much. I won’t ask you to quit your job, but can you please, leave Soojin and I alone? I feel like a dick asking you, especially since you’ll have to watch us a lot, and I also don’t want to quit this amazing company.”

“I’ll do it,” I breathed. A single tear ran down my face. “I’ll quit. I can’t stand by and watch you both all lovey-dovey. And I don’t want to hurt you. I’m sorry.”

It was my fault. I planted the seed of desire in Minho’s head, and my jealousy nourished it. The plant grew and he fell in love with her. I should've known. He never explicitly told me he loved me.

Minho reached for me and for a second, I was tempted to just let him, but that would've been wrong. I wasn’t sure I could leave if he showed me affection. I turned around and hopped in my car.

“Have a good life,” were my last words to my beautiful ex boyfriend before I took off.

The next day, I gave my resignation letter to my boss, and apologized a ton for leaving so suddenly. I pretended to have an urgent family matter hundreds of kilometers away, and moved out during the week. I wanted to put as much distance between Minho and me as possible to help me forget about him. It wasn’t an easy feat. But I moved into a small apartment in another city, got a job in a dancing company named “Encore Dance” and resumed my life.

There, I met a man so pretty I could cry.

Hwang Hyunjin.

Have you seen this man?

thanks for reading! feedback is always appreciated :) masterlist

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hanasnx · 1 year ago

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Hi Bittyyyyyy :D !!!! Your Han stuff has been killing me I love the way you write him, I think you get his energy down pat, a big ol' meanie who lovesss his pretty little girl EEEE. When I picture Han, it's always sitting in his lap, like he's just so large, takes up so much space, chronic man-spreadder, I've gotta be in his fucking lap kissing him all over or talking his ear off, or listening to him tell stories about his past adventures, literally anything. The thought of being in his lap drives me fucking crazy. You know me and my love of dirty talk, what kind of dirty talk do you think gets him going? What does he like to hear? -donnie

thank you for your compliments :) the reassurance is appreciated bcos like i said, i am an anakin blog. so han's voice is something i have to switch into and take time to embody before i can sit down and focus on writing for him. he rly is a big ol meanie who loves his pretty little girl <3

calling him a "chronic man-spreader" is so real. thats the only way he sits. sometimes he rests his ankle on his knee, but that's still spread. it's only cos he wants to rest his hand somewhere on his calf and his elbow on the back of his chair. a real open stance, for a real confident man.

the idea of you sitting in his lap, this large ass man (who "takes up so much space" as you said 😵‍💫) while you listen oh-so-intently. big eyes looking up at him while he tells you his stories, absentmindedly stroking your head and down your hair, sending you those tingles right up your neck. his fingers catch on the last bits of your hair, closing in on them as his fingertips brush your back. then he starts all over again, big hand palming the top of your head only to slide down.

he'd tell his exciting stories so nonchalantly. as if they're uninteresting now that he's lived them through, but they still have that punch to them to you.

the kind of dirty talk that he likes is actually pretty basic. if you're able to admit to him that you "want" him or "need" him, putting him in that position of power over you, he really likes that. sometimes it works, and he's wants to get going, all because you gave him a green light. but other times, he needs a little more. sacrifice yourself on the altar of humiliation. beg a bit. tell him you can't take another step without his help, his cock, be dramatic with it. be so exaggerated and hyperbolic all so he can say, "okay, okay," roll his eyes, "i get it, sweets. where do you want me?" making a big show of finally being worn down so he can suit your needs. he, himself, doesn't like to feel too desperate, so it's satisfying to see someone else do it. makes him feel desired, necessary. pride's important to him, so show him you don't care about your own.

if you talk a big game about exhibitionism he digs that. tell him you want him to fuck you in front of all these guys at the cantina. right on the bar. he'll say no, but he likes the idea. the fact you're willing to show your most sacred parts to strangers, all for him. all to prove you're willing for him. "c'mon, han. you know you want to. i want to. i know how much you like to show off. brag about me. boast about this pretty cunt by fucking it in front of everyone. that'll show 'em."

that'll most definitely earn you a: "get your little ass back on the falcon."

#indy: headcanons #ch: han #han solo headcanons #donnie #thanks for the msg!!#indy shoots the shit #cw size kink #reader insert #han solo smut #han solo prompt #han solo x reader #han solo x you #han solo imagine #han solo fanfiction #han solo fanfic

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mrhowells · 2 years ago

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Smallville 4x16

*this episode put me through it, also the character building for Lois is perfection (also, if you see any typos just close your eyes, it was late and I was emotional)*

Clark looks so suspicious😭😭 Jonathan too, the way he's eyeing that food lmaooooo

Please😭

"I'm willing to sleep in the barn." "No that's okay, Lois can sleep in the barn." LOL Clark

sass levels through the roof today for him

Look at how proud Lois is listing all of Lucy's achievements😭 She's the best wtf I love her

"Wow, that's impressive. What happened to Lois?"

He has the time of his life dragging her PLS

"You're gonna find that Clark's charm is an acquired taste, much like his sense of fashion." he had that coming

Lois said TRY ME BISH

pls even Lucy is noticing the tension😭

she wasn't playing with that shoulder punch💀

Yeah, Jason is not letting those stones go💀

I really feel for Lana, I feel like she just lives in constant fear bc there's always some weird shit happening around her

Lucy flirting with Clark, just pls no💀

"Lois I don't want you to get the wrong idea, but ever since Lucy came to town you've been grumpier than normal."

I love this whole conversation between them🥹

Also Clark making it so obvious he's an only child from a loving family, bless him

"You might be a little rough around the edges but as far as sisters go, Lucy could do a lot worse." EXACTLY

anyone who has Lois in their life won the lottery, not even an exaggeration she's the absolute best🤷🏻‍♀️

"I guess there was just a part of me that was always jealous she got out and I didn't."

LOIS BBY LET ME HUG YOU LET ME LOVE YOU

the way she's like 'oh fuck I was vulnerable, gotta blast🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️', same Lois, same

Clark looks so worried too😭

this is so wholesome🥹

I think those electric shocks left him with some permanent damage because Jason seems obsessed now👀

Okay let me rephrase, he doesn't just seem obsessed, he's completely unhinged. They fried his brain🤡

Clark is in disappointed dad mode again, he's so natural at it too😭

"You're not mom alright, so stop trying to be." That hurt me personally, goddamn

LMAOOOOO

also, is this the first episode where we see Lex and Lois in the same frame?👀

Lucy you snake

LOIS DON'T YOU EVER SAY OR THINK THAT

To everyone who contributed to her feeling this way, I just want to have a talk

This is breaking my heart, the world doesn't deserve her😭😭

Their dad really failed at parenting HARD

no because this hurts fr, I want to hug her so bad

she deserves to know that she's wanted and loved, SOMEBODY TELL HER

I can't get over the fact that she thinks that her life is less important than that of her sister

Clark defending Lois is something that can be so personal😭 (She deserves a good support system and friends who have her back idc)

I'm getting very emotional about this excuse me

You know I love a character when I need everyone else to love them too. Like I need every other character on this show to appreciate how amazing Lois is.

"I'm a product of my father's breeding. He needed an heir. But your parents chose you out of love."

No because that's so important and I think it explains why both Lex and Lois are so (for the lack of a better word) fascinated with the Kents.

(ok I paused the episode and wrote like 4 paragraphs of character analysis prompted by that quote but idk what to do with them and if they make any sense, maybe I'll make a separate post🤡)

I need you guys to understand how much it means to me that he really cares about Lois😭

Not even in any sort of romantic context, just that someone genuinely cares if she's okay or not because she's obviously never really had someone take care of her😭😭😭

I mean listen, good for Lionel that he's not an absolute monster anymore but he really needs to stay out of Lex's business💀💀

WAIT A MINUTE HOLD ON.

HOLD ONNNNNN

Did Lana vandalize her own apartment? Or did she just hide the stone and whoever searched for it didn't find it? In any case she's learning how to play the game, good for her😌😌

Okay, first of all: More reasons to love Lois, she's self-aware and she can admit when she's wrong about something. Seriously I love her.

Second: Again, they way she's ready to be kicked out of the farm for something that wasn't even her fault??? MR. SAM LANE, SAMMY, GENERAL LANE, I'D LIKE TO HAVE SOME WORDS WITH YOU. Seriously though, this speaks volumes about how she grew up and it breaks my heart.

Third: The way she tries to be so casual and 'Lois' when she says it, I have very similar defense mechanisms and again, it hurts my heart.

"Yeah... actually I came here to tell you we have food in the oven if you're hungry."

Lois learning what unconditional love looks like through the Kent family is the only thing that matters to me, actually

"You know, all these years I thought I had my sister pegged but... in reality? She's a complete stranger to me." "Even if that were true, I think that if she called you tomorrow you'd be there in a second to help her."

I CAN'T DO THIS RIGHT NOW, HE DOES KNOW HER😭

SHE KNOWS HIM TOO😭😭

"I guess that explains why we're friends." "Oh, we're friends now?" "Well, I mean, I won't tell anyone if you don't."

Yes you are and I'm so glad bc you're the most amazing people to ever exist😭

Clark deserves someone like Lois in his life and Lois deserves someone like Clark in her life, yes I'm on the verge of tears AND WHAT ABOUT IT

CHEMISTRYYYYY

shoulder punch my beloved🥹

CHEMISTRYYYYYY

do you think these people knew they just created perfection?😭

🎶now it all begins🎶

written in the stars and all that, I love my OTP

More importantly though, I love Lois Lane she's everything and she deserves all the love in the world.

#ellie's smallville thoughts #smallville #4x16 #lois lane #clark kent #clois #lex luthor #lana lang #lucy lane

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babybammargera · 10 months ago

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You're supposed to be rivals Pt.2

Bf bam x fem skater gf

(this is the vibe i imagine)

Somehow you've managed to drag Bam out of bed early so he can go with you to the promo shoot your manager is insisting on. You had April help you with your hair first, now your boyfriend is sitting on the bathroom counter watching you do your makeup as if it's the most interesting thing he's ever seen. “Babe I feel like I don't tell you this enough but you're so hot.” You lean over to kiss him leaving him with bright red lipstick that you wipe off with the sleeve of your sweatshirt before he forgets “I've gotta get dressed and you need to fix your bed head before we leave.” He looks in the mirror before following you back into his bedroom, “Well if you didn't want my hair to be this messy you wouldn't have your hands tangled in it for hours every night.” You roll your eyes and start to get dressed, “Keep it up Margera and that won't happen again for a while.” He steals a kiss and actually starts to get ready himself, “Okay okay no need to make threats, especially when I have to look at you like this all day.” You smile and pull on a pair of socks not wanting to have to wear heels the whole way to the shoot, “Thankfully I have skate shoes in your car. This is really impractical like who's gonna skate dressed like this?” You shrug grabbing your nice heels and he grabs his keys and guides you out of the room, “impractical but hot.” The two of you get in his car and head to the shoot, as he parks the car you touch up your makeup in the rearview mirror and can feel his pretty blue eyes burning holes into you, “Bammy you’re staring more than usual.” He smiles and looks over his sunglasses at you, “I can’t help it babe, I mean you’re always hot and this is different.” You roll your eyes taking off your socks and replace them with the tall black heels, “Just don’t get too used to it babe this is wayyy too much effort to be a common occurrence.” You pull him into a quick kiss then climb out of the car, he rushes to your side like a puppy still eyeing you up and down as he slips his hand into yours. Your manager rolls his eyes the moment he spots you and rushes over, “About time you got here come on!” Adjusting your bodysuit you make a face behind his back as you follow him to the skate ramps, “this whole thing was your idea so don’t complain it took so long for me to get ready. I’m here, I look hot let’s do this.” You’re rushed onto the makeshift set and handed a skateboard to pose with, the photographer hyping you up as Bam stands next to her grinning with his eyes glued to you the entire time and not so sneakily taking pictures on his phone as well. Once she shoot is over you sigh and sit down on one of the boards and kick off your heels, Bam strides over with your socks and your “emergency”pair of DCs (skate shoes) from his car, “we could go home and have a real skate sesh on the ramps if you want but my one request is that you keep the outfit on for a while.” You smile and he helps you up after you put your shoes on, “I think I can work with that.” As you kiss him your manager walks up with his arms full of boards, “ before you even say anything I don’t care about you two just don’t let it affect your skating and remember on completion days you two hate each other from the moment you enter the event until you skate, understood?” Bam tries to pretend he’s listening but you know he’s not. You nod at your manager and he pushes the 5 boards into Bam’s arms, “These are yours, you’re free to go home and be out of my hair for the day.” Bam cracks up a bit and mumbles, “you mean lack of hair.” Your manager shoots him a look, “you said something?” You both stifle laughter and turn towards where he parked. As soon as you get to the car you punch his arm, “Really Bam.” His smile matches yours and he tosses the boards into the back seat, “What? I’m not wrong, Dico has more hair than that guy!”

#jackass #cky #viva la bam #bam margera #brandon margera #jackass headcanons #bammywrites #bammy writes #jackass boys #bf bam energy #bam margera hcs #bam margera imagines #bam margera imagine #bam margera brainrot #bam margera x reader

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take-a-minute · 7 months ago

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19/05/2010, 17:24

Gus wakes up confused.

Everything is weirdly sterile and bright, the room smells of disinfectant, it's cold, and his right eye feels like it's been scooped out and covered with a bandage. He thinks he can hear someone crying next to him.

As he opens his eye properly, he realises that he's in the hospital, the quiet sobbing he hears being his grandmother's, which stops abruptly when she notices that he's awake.

"Oh, il mio povero angelo, what happened to you?" she asks tearfully, clearly concerned. Her accent is stronger than he's ever heard it. "The doctor said you were malnourished – Do they not feed you?"

It takes Gus a couple of seconds to find his tongue, coughing like a 90 year old chainsmoker. "I'm fine, Nonna, really... Jus' haven't had much of an appetite lately."

His grandmother frowns, always quick to fret over her family. "You're sick, piccolo angelo. Have you been sleeping, dear?"

"'S not that bad, Nonna, I swea–"

"Augustus. No sleep, no food– Your friend tells me you've been sick often since you started university," Nonna chides, making Gus attempt to hide in the blanket. "I knew I should have made you visit us more, how could you treat yourself so poorly?"

"Why'm I even in the hospital?" he grumbles, though he knows that she's right.

"You collapsed the moment you went up to get your diploma. Fell on a loose nail and managed to pass out with it stuck in yer eye," Max, who had definitely not been there a moment ago, explains, setting a glass of water on the small table beside the hospital bed.

"That's why my eye's been feelin' funny since I woke up..." That checks out. Is it even still there?

Max's fist clenches, as if he wants to punch Gus for being so negligent of his own wellbeing. "Auggie, I'm always tellin' you t' get some sleep, why can't you ever listen t' me?"

"I'm sorry, Max, I– Wait, how come yer not at graduation?"

"I care about ya too much, du–"

Gus gives him a pointed look, gesturing with his eye to Nonna in the chair.

"... Dingus. If I gotta take care a' you outside'a college, I will. Yer movin' in with me or yer granny when ya get outta here, Augs." It's clear through Max's tone that this is not up for debate.

Gus goes quiet before flopping back down into the bed with a frustrated noise. "Only if ya promise not ta coddle me," he eventually relents, glaring at Max with a pout.

"Sure. Now, get some sleep, alright? Doc's orders."

Gus isn't sure if Max is referring to himself or the doctor that treated him, but he is exhausted. Soon enough, he's fast asleep, snoring softly.

He's got a lot of rest to catch up on.

#everything all of the time (posts)#apathy's a tragedy (lore)#a great guy (max lothman)#nonna! (francesca danthis)

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aajjks · 1 year ago

Note

i made up my mind 🙂

TC!dad!JK

tears falls from yeonjin’s face “quit acting like you didn’t write me, jungkook. you know you did! THE ONLY REASON YOU’RE WITH HER IS BECAUSE I’M INFERTILE!!!!! WE PROMISED TO HAVE A FAMILY TOGETHER!!”

everyone says to be mad at the man not the woman because it was he who stepped out of the marriage and made a choice to throw it all always. here you are, mad at the man but you should know jungkook would never EVER cheat on you. yes, this is loads of evidence stacked against him and the two of you have to work on trusting one another but dammit, you love this man so much.

you don’t even care about whether or not yeonjin is telling the truth because in a blind rage you push the woman onto the ground, get on top of her, and punch the woman in the face repeatedly. however, if you think yeonjin isn’t going down without a fight then you’ve severely underestimated her. she rolls over on top of you and deals blows of her own, even scratching your face with her long nails.

“OUCH!!!!! YOU FUCKING BITCH!!!” yeonjin curses as she lets go of your locks of hair to look at the bleeding bite mark you dealt to her arm. once you’re free of her grasp, you kick yeonjin right in the face but before you could kick her again, jungkook gets ahold of you and instructs the guards to lock yeonjin in the dungeon.

“GET OFF OF ME JUNGKOOK!!! I’M NOT FINISHED FUCKING HER UP!! LET GO!!! LET GO OF ME RIGHT NOW OR I’M FIGHTING YOU TOO!!!” you kick and scream in jungkook’s arms.

“oh my—what happened to mom?” jinseoul panics but jungkook tells him to make sure all of his siblings are in their rooms including him and hyunjin before leading you to his office.

“I AM SO SICK AND TIRED OF EVERYONE UNDERESTIMATING ME AROUND HERE INCLUDING YOU!! you always say i never believe you, i never fight for you, WELL I FUCKING DID! if you want me to fight jungkook i will fucking fight. this is what you wanted right? a wife that will ride for you until the wheels fall off and that’s what i’m doing because i love you. i’d kill for you and i bet she couldn’t. maybe if you get out my way, i could kill her!!” you scream at jungkook who is shocked, upset, and angry at your behavior but he’s impressed at how well you held your own when fighting yeonjin.

your hand touches the bleeding cuts on your face from yeonjin’s nails and it only makes you want to beat her ass even more.

you didn’t fuck her up enough to your liking but of course jungkook won’t let you go until you’ve calmed down and listen to what he has to say.

~🫧

What the fuck just happened he has no idea.

As he is staring at your scratched up and bloody face. You’re screaming at him to let you go on and finish her off but he’s not going to let you do that.

You’re the mother of his nine children and he doesn’t really want you to have blood on your hands, and it flutters his heart that you would kill for him, but you don’t have to. He believes you. But that bitch deserved to be beat up and you did a damn good job at that.

Although he is not sure at how and where did you learn to fight like that but he’s gotta be careful around you now, he’s touching your face. Jungkooks fuming because she hurt you too. “Oh baby… shhh just calm down. I know you love me and I know you’d kill for me but you don’t have to.” he tries to assure you, but he’s not sure that you still believe him or not.

“I just need to know that if you believe me or her? Yn sweetheart you know in your mind that I did not write those letters and I do not know where she got them from.”

For the first time in his life, he has stopped someone from fighting. And it’s you because he always wants to protect you.

He has no doubt that you were going to kill her and you would’ve if he was a little late. “Yn sweetheart. I’m so sorry that you had to deal with her. I don’t even know how and why she got here.” he looks into your eyes, and he hopes that you even see the sincerity in them. “let me call the doctor and have them look at your wounds. Please just calm down.” He breathes out, holding you really close to him.

Your heartbeat is a mess right now because you’re really angry and your body feels really hot and you’re scary right now

But so damn hot too but maybe it’s not the right time to let you know that.

This is so weird because your roles are now reversed because you’re always the one calming him down when he gets into fights or kills someone so he’s not sure at how to go on about this without making you even more mad.

He honestly didn’t think you had it in you. And it’s so weird because for the first time he actually feels loved and protected by you.

“i’ll deal with her on my own. You don’t have to do anything just focus on our children and the boy because he’s innocent!” he hopes that you won’t get angry

“Also, Baby..” he breaths out, staring into your anger filled eyes. “I didn’t know that you had it in you… I swear to God you have me so hard right now.” He whispers into your ear, holding you close to his chest.

What can he do? He’s a hopeless man when it comes to you.

It was really hot with the way you were on top of her, punching her face, he was a little shocked, but soon he was there to stop the fight, even though he wishes that it could’ve gone on for a little bit more but it’s better if you don’t kill anyone.

#ask: tc!jungkook #LMAOOO WHAT A CATFIGHT I LOVE IT OH MY GOD I’M GONNA READ THIS OVER AND THIS IS SO GOOD.#AND I THINK THIS ONE WAS A BETTER CHOICE RATHER THAN THE PRANK ONE

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shaampoo · 2 years ago

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So im kinda writing another fic (damnit this stuff gonna kill me but its like a drug i cant stop it jlksjk) where Emmet shares a body with Rex but in tlm 1 and it kinda made me wonder what if Rex and Emmet shared a body in Apocalypseburg before tlm 2 happened? cause imagine if everyone knew

let's assume they've been sharing a body in tlm1 and now they're in Apocalypseburg since everyone there is like really obsessed with being tough they like Rex more than Emmet like if they're with Rex they're ok with him but with Emmet? The only reason they arent hostile with him is because they know if they were Rex would knock their light out so imagine if Emmet knew that people felt this way about him and his friends only let Rex go to patrols so he just lets Rex go out and do whatever and he mostly only takes control when he's home or whenever he's with Lucy and his friends cause imagine how much his confidence took a hit from knowing that.

Uh well yall probably already know im gonna write a oneshot about this

Rex went home after a long day out on patrol with the others, he stretched and went inside his apartment, and closed the door

Swishh

Emmet went to the bookshelf and pulled out a book and went to the couch to sit and read, as always Rex noticed that Emmet was sad. Whenever he tried to talk to Emmet about it he just brushed it off, saying that he was just having an off day

Hey, Broski you okay? Rex asked

"Yeah Rex im fine," Emmet said "Probably just having an off day that's all"

Oh please you have an "Off day" everyday Rex said Just tell me, Broski

"Rex is fine," Emmet said

Swishh

Rex threw the book behind him

"No way" Rex said "Listen you've been putting this off for long enough just tell me"

Emmet stayed silent

"I'll make you drink black coffee for a month straight if you don't" Rex said

Fine Emmet said It's just people like you more

"Well you shouldn't care what people think of you" Rex said "Plus you haven't even hung around them recently haven't you noticed that they're actually tolerable?"

Well yeah but thats because you're the one talking to them! Plus you and i both know that they're only nice to me because I share a body with you! They know you'll probably punch them if they're mean

"Listen just dont let them get to you" Rex said "They're a buncha nobodies,"

Its not just them even our friends like you more! Emmet said, ever since they've been sharing a body they've been sharing feeling too, so Rex could feel Emmet's sadness and slight bitterness

"They just need me for patrols," Rex said "Its not like they're gonna ditch you completely" Emmet was silent for a few seconds

Its just im scared that if you weren't with me they would just ditch me Rex's eyebrows flew up

"What are you talking about?" Rex said, "Listen i know they did that to me, but in the next few years they would never ditch you and I'll make sure of that!"

... Emmet was silent It's just if you're in control then maybe they would go and look for us...I mean at least I know they like you. In your timeline, it was just me and they never came, maybe if I or at least you were tough they would come back, right?

"Listen, you made me realize that they would've came for me if they knew" Rex said "So i guess i gotta do the same for you, I'm calling the others because one you guys need group therapy second you need to let them know how you feel" rex got up and went for their phone

Swishh

"No!" Emmet said "Listen Rex I'll tell them when I'm ready"

Broski. Rex said If you put this off its gonna get worse

"Let me at least think about it okay?" Emmet asked "It's late they would be annoyed if i called them this late" Emmet went to bed and could tell Rex was planning something

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

Rex woke up around 4 am, he was a light sleeper unlike Emmet.

"Alright wheres the phone?" Rex said searching the house, for some reason whenever Rex or Emmet was awake the other wasn't awake until later. Finally, Rex found his phone, he debated whether or not he should call the others but decided that if he didn't Emmet would just put this off forever. He went to his friends group chat and made a group meeting, the phones rang and everyone answered

"Ugh Emmet or Rex or both of you what are you doing calling this early?" Lucy said

"Yeah a girl need her beauty sleep" Unikitty said, then yawned

"Yeah you kinda disturbed my stargaz- i mean brooding" Benny said

"Hey guys Rex here sorry bout callin ya this late" Rex said "Actually I'm not, but anyways its about Emmet, he's kinda asleep right now"

"How does that even work?" Benny said

"Dunno" Rex said "And i kinda don't think about it, but back to the topic" Rex proceeded to tell them about the conversation he and Emmet had

"Oh wow" Benny said "He's been feeling this way the entire time?"

"I always kind of thought Emmet was a bit sad lately" Lucy said "But i didn't think it was because of this"

"I know!" Unikitty said "Let's visit Emmet to cheer him up"

"Yeah!" Benny said "It's the least we can do"

Swishh

Emmet almost collapsed when he found that he wasn't in bed, though he had plenty experience to know what to do

"Woah" He said as he hit the floor

Or maybe not

"Uh Rex what were-" he spotted the phone that was on call "Rex...?"

"Hey Emmet" Unikitty said "We're coming to your apartment later kay?"

"Uh sure" Emmet hung up the call before glaring at Rex in the mirror

"What did you tell them?" Emmet asked

Listen you would've just put off the problem forever Rex said I should know because I've been doing that when I was you, in fact, i was in this position before but i didn't have anybody to make the call for me so i just ended up putting it off forever

"..." Well Rex had a point Emmet would've just put it off, after all it would've been a 'weak' and 'pathetic' thing to do...

When did asking for help become something that made him look weak?

There was a knock on the door and Emmet opened it to see all his friends

"Oh" Emmet wasn't ready to come by this fast, he expected that he would have enough time to comprehend what was probably gonna happen "You guys were fast"

"Well yeah we wouldn't miss this" Lucy said giving Emmet a kiss on the cheek

"Now how about we sit down?" Benny said, when they were sat Benny began "Listen, Emmet, Rex told us that you felt a bit...unliked"

"To quote him" Lucy said "He said 'Emmet feels like that without him we would just leave you in a moments notice'"

"I-" Emmet hesitated, did Rex really have to phrase it that way "I wouldn't put it that way"

But its true Rex said you need to be honest with them Emmet Emmet sighed

"It's just you guys seem to like him more" Emmet confessed lacing his hands together, sometimes making his fingers go up and down, like how he always does when he's nervous, "And everyone else like's him more, i..." Emmet paused "Well Rex was me in some point of time, of course you guys know this, and you guys know that in his time it was just me, and well..." Emmet looked away from them "You guys know that you guys from that time just never found him and I'm scared that its because he wasn't 'tough' enough. That you guys didn't like him, that you guys just didn't like me" Emmet tried hard not to cry, it wasn't 'tough' after all, but his hands shook whenever he stopped making his fingers moved

Lucy put her hand on his, she could feel his hands shaking, she looked at him with pity, a look he was used to when he was the one in control, but this time she hugged him

"Oh Emmet..." Lucy said "Im so sorry we made you feel this way"

"Yeah" Unikitty said "I don't know how we can fix it but we'll find a way, we always do" Unnikitty joined the hug, soon everyone was hugging emmet, who hugged them right back

Told ya Rex said

"Shut up Rex we're having a moment" Emmet said, laughing, everyone laughed too, while they didn't hear Rex they knew what Rex probably said.

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

The others already went home after confirming that Emmet was fine. Emmet sat on the couch

"Hey, Rex?"

Yeah?

"Thanks," Emmet said "I really needed that"

Anytime Ems anytime

#the story looks so shit lmao #wyldstyle/lucy #tlm wyldstyle #tlm rex #rex dangervest #the lego movie #the lego movie 2 #emmet brickowski #tlm emmet

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galacticwildfire · 1 year ago

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Fire Meet Gasoline | Poe Dameron

Eight

Poe Dameron x Solo Original Character

Hope Solo’s haunted by the night the temple burned. Having gone rogue she hunts the First Order in search of answers until a fateful encounter with Poe Dameron brings her back to the Resistance and Leia puts her daughter under his command to find Luke Skywalker.

Word count: 9k

Tags/warnings: slowburn is slowburning, flashbacks, string theory, attachment issues, teenage sapphic angst in flashback, punching senators and stealing ships, hux being a dramatic opportunist and exposing family secrets, solo's stalling horribly, cursing, panic attack/ptsd episode, mother-daughter cover ups, references to Freefall and Bloodline

All my stories are written for adults with adult themes, I use tags but read at your discretion.

A/N: the flashbacks included are from the prequel I've published on ao3 and wattpad. It's a work in progress but mostly complete.

Hope

Poe and I prepare ourselves in our EVA suits as we go over the plan one last time.

"I'm still a little mad I can't use my own one of these," I remark as he helps me seal the ill-fitting dome around my head, having to take one of the Resistance issue suits onboard instead of my custom one, but the visors in these unlike my own are tinted, rendering us both unrecognisable. The supposedly breathable ventilation garments underneath only providing so much comfort in the white bags we're wearing. "I'll need to get one with a tinted helmet to save wearing these damn things."

"If this becomes a regular thing I'll be getting one made as well," he says as I return the favour in sealing his suit, taking a look at his face before ensuring his own tinted helmet's sealed. At least that eliminates one problem.

I'd been prepared for a fight when I stepped on board, but he's surprised me. He really has.

"Hurtling ourselves through the vacuum of space? Let's hope so," I grin, a little too excited for that part of the plan.

And maybe I don't mind the fact it's with him. Especially after I'd remembered something, a conversation I'd overheard between Dad and Lando talking about Poe's father.

"It's gotta be twenty years since I've seen Kes, heard he cut everyone off after his wife died," Lando had said, the name Shara Bey having been familiar to me. "It's sick, spending years away from your kid fighting only to die like that after the war was finished."

"Yeah," Dad said heavily. "Leia wrote the condolence letter, messed her up for a while since Ben was only a few years younger than their son. I can tell you she was a hell of a lot more careful with her missions after that. It's a shame, Kes was one of my best men on Endor. In the twenty years I've only heard from him once and that was when his kid ran away from home," Dad paused, struggling to remember the details at the ancient age of sixty. "He was in a panic and reaching out to any contact he could think of, turns out the kid had gotten in with a group of smugglers, or spice runners, one of the two. Kes thought I could be some help."

Ben had been there, stuffing his face with food but listening enough to take a jab at Dad and his past that Ben had always seemed to be ashamed of. "Wonder why."

"Anyways," Dad said, hardly phased by Ben at that point. "I put Kes on the right track though it seems if the kid's in the Navy now. Shara was a hell of a pilot, saved Leia's life during Cinder, only right the boy would take after her."

I look at Poe a little differently having remembered that conversation, knowing that maybe Mom had her reasons for putting us together on this mission. That he isn't the squeaky clean golden boy I'd imagined him to be, but something deeper, more flawed.

Someone I could actually find common ground with.

"I don't suppose you've ever ejected in space before?" he asks, unaware of my revelation.

"Can't say I have but there's a first time for everything."

Even with the helmet obstructing his face I can feel his grin, wishing I could see it, but it's important that they're properly sealed upon takeoff since the alternative is suffocating in space.

"Alright princess let's go steal that yacht," he says as we head over to the ships but reminds me "This time-"

"No prisoners, threatening or interrogations I got it," I finish but have to ask "Can I at least punch that senator since he can't see my face?"

I'm suddenly glad I can't see his face as he exclaims "Solo-"

"He called the General a terrorist," I say, having remembered just where I'd seen the senator before and the grudge I'd almost forgotten.

His tune changes then. "Maybe, now let's get moving."

I grin to myself beneath the helmet and BB-8 and R2 stand between us and our ships, still reluctant to let us go without them. Poe bends down to BB-8's level and rubs his head as he protests.

"I'm going to be sitting in a Z-95 cockpit wearing an EVA suit," Poe tells his droid, speaking to him with a warmth that's unfortunately rare between an owner and their droid. "And you want to sit on my lap?" BB-8's not entirely opposed to the thought, sulking as a child would. Droids have their own personalities, but BB-8's is quite unusual, although I would assume it's manifested as a result of Poe treating him like a child, or a pet, instead of a thing made to serve organics and carry out complex tasks. That is certainly a quality I can't find fault with, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't endearing. "I'm going to come back. I always do."

I look at R2 now, who's somehow even more reluctant to leave me, he makes a sound that resembles a cry. The same sound he makes if I ever tell him to stay with the ship.

"I promise, I'm going to come right back to you," I tell R2 and rub his dome. "You're my best friend, you know I'd never leave you."

The thought of leaving R2 alone breaks my heart, he'd have Mom, but I can't make him suffer through losing me after Luke and Anakin. Thankfully he was never that attached to Ben, especially considering I had to stop R2 from stunning him once or twice.

R2's always had my safety at the forefront of his priorities, and I know it stems from being afraid to lose me like the others. "Don't worry R2, I promise that you'll be right there with me in spirit all the way."

Reluctantly I leave him, Poe having to physically nudge me alone towards the ships at the cry R2 makes. If it's true that owners impress upon their droids, I know he's taken on my fear of being abandoned.

"He'll be alright, they both will," Poe promises me, as an x-wing pilot he wouldn't be used to flying without his astromech either. "And we'll make it back to them."

It's then Mom emerges, coming to stand beside R2 and keeps a gentle hand to keep him in place as she bids us farewell, her voice is strong but I feel the nerves that leave her struggling to maintain her composure.

But as always, she does. "May the force be with you."

Those are words I haven't heard in a very long time, and finally I know I actually have something to return to. Which is why I can't fail.

The seven hours we wait for that damn yacht to come out of hyperspace gives me time to think. Too much time. Especially since we have to maintain complete radio silence for security measures.

But for once my thoughts aren't all bad.

I'd fully expected him to not even want to look at me, and yet I couldn't tear my eyes away from his. I can't remember the last time I'd had a conversation with someone without it resulting in a fight, especially not with someone who's sat and listened to me with the intent of understanding and not just correcting or trying to convince me to do something.

He had every reason to turn his back on me, but he hasn't and I can't help but be stunned even now. After all, I've been condemned as a Sith by people who've known me far longer for far less.

Those last days at the temple come to mind as they often do when I'm left alone in my own thoughts for too long, back when I'd grappled with the darkness almost as severely as Ben had.

I'd been reluctant to leave Mom after the scandal, but she encouraged me to finish my training. I devoted myself to it until the holonews broadcast of Mom's colleague being assassinated five feet away from her had sent me into a panic attack. I'd sought comfort, reassurance, to which Aylee had merely told me to distance myself from politics as Luke had despite the fact Mom could have just as easily been the one who was killed. It had been the most recent of her lectures regarding my emotions and attachments and frankly I couldn't listen to it for a moment longer.

Ben had even failed to reassure me when I'd gone running to him, his own anger towards Mom stronger than any concern for her wellbeing, and I'd found myself talking with Luke in the temple when he caught me trying to sneak back in. It was the last civil conversation we'd have with one another.

"Mom could have been assassinated," I stated and he lowered his eyes as I let it out. "Don't tell me my reaction is out of proportion or that I should just separate myself from politics because I won't!"

He raised his hands in his defence as he spoke slowly. "I wasn't going to, I was just going to ask how you are."

We'd been at odds with my anger towards him for leaving Mom to face the scandal alone, for forgiving Vader, for holding me back. It had consumed me to the point Ben had to intervene when I'd returned to the temple. Yet he still tried to extend a peace offering to me.

"Exhausted."

"Really? I hadn't noticed the way your brother has had you training from dawn until dusk every day like you're preparing for war," he remarked but realised with my silence there were things I hadn't told him. "Hope, this scandal and what's come of it is not an indicator of another war."

"But it is," I said and found my voice thin. "I've seen it Luke, in visions. I've seen myself shot and hiding behind cover with R2 my only chance of making it out alive from an enemy I couldn't see. I don't know what's coming, but I know something is."

He reached for my arm and inspected the minor burns from the training droids I'd rewired. "And so getting shot at is your solution?"

"I can't afford to get stunned, it knocks me out for too long when I could be training."

He nodded in fond amusement. "Has anyone ever told you patience is a virtue? Because I know your parents sure haven't."

I couldn't find it in myself to be angry with him considering how true it was. "You know patience isn't in my blood."

"It's not," he admitted. "And believe it or not it wasn't in mine either, but I had to learn it as part of the discipline it takes to become a Jedi."

"But I'm already a Jedi."

"You are a Jedi padawan, yes," he said, sitting down on one of the benches and inviting me to sit with him, and surprisingly enough I accepted. "But not yet a Jedi."

Despite our differences Luke was a good master, perhaps not the master for me, but he was my uncle and the counsel he gave me that night has stuck with me over the years. Even if I'd forgotten it the moment I'd returned to the room I shared with Aylee and found her waiting for me.

She had hardly been able to look at me after I'd become Ben's apprentice, but that was only one of the many things that drove a wall of beskar between us. I'd seen first hand the fall of the Jedi when I'd visited the temple on Coruscant, having pieced together that the complacency and arrogance of the council made them so blind they wouldn't be able to sense a Sith lord if he was standing right in front of him.

Which as it seems was the case after all.

But she believed that the fall of the order came solely as a result of the Jedi straying from the code, instead of seeing their fall as the complex cataclysm of war, ideology and failed leadership that it was. That blood is foremost on the hands of the Jedi council, the Sith could never have risen and orchestrated a massacre right in front of them if they weren't so blind.

But she never saw it that way, and I could only take so much of her righteous devotion despite Luke's advice to let us interpret the force and the code how we saw fit.

"I'm sorry," she began. "I shouldn't have been so insensitive."

"I'd use the word cold," I said and let free what I'd held back considering her promises to me before everything was exposed. The promise we would finally be together, before she decided it disagreed with the code she'd begun to follow. "It's all you've seemed to be since I've come back. You haven't looked at me the same and don't pretend it's just because you've gone and radicalised yourself with scriptures."

"Radicalised?" she repeated in disbelief before shaking her head. "I thought you'd be more cultured than to confuse devotion with radicalisation."

"I'm intelligent enough to see one leads to the other."

"Intelligent?" she scoffed "You're a lot of things Hope but intelligent isn't one of them." I huffed as she let her own grievances free. "You're arrogant and egotistical and impulsive and hotheaded and everything a Jedi shouldn't be, but you're the one who has an insane amount of power that should never have existed!"

"Oh bring it up with the force then!" I returned and couldn't help but laugh at how twisted everything had become. "It created me, it created the man I came from, so if my existence offends you bring it up with the thing that made me this way! You can't devote yourself to something and then criticise it, that's not what the scriptures say is it? No, they preach blind devotion and lack of free thinking, so if you're going to go and follow the old ways then do it properly. You might think I'm ignorant but at least I'm not blind!"

"Your existence does not offend me," she gritted out, her blue skin flushed purple with the heat that came to her face. "The way you've been acting has. Like you can come back and suddenly master the force in a fortnight whilst contributing nothing to the temple or its upkeep. At least your brother instructs the younglings when Master Luke allows it and does his best to help, you care nothing for the other students or the temple. In fact I don't think you care about anyone but yourself with how you've galavanted around the galaxy whilst I sat here sending transmission after transmission because you were missing and not returning anyone's calls after you got yourself expelled from university and-"

"I'm sorry, I was a little bit too busy finding out my grandfather was Darth Vader and getting shot at!" I yelled and that finally shut her up. "Something you've treated like it's been nothing-"

"Oh I know it hasn't been nothing because you are not the same person that left this temple," she said and finally confessed "We can all feel the shadow that follows you, it's suffocating me having to sleep in the same room as it."

"I'm sorry you're too weak to have to sense what I've lived with for years!" I yelled, my anger finally showing itself. "This hasn't just come out of nowhere Aylee, it's always been there! And I'm sorry I'm so suffocating to even be in the same room with so go kriff of with your scriptures and bullshit if you can't stand me!" She panicked as I raised my voice and reached for me in an attempt to calm me but I swatted her hands away. "No, you started this so you can finish it."

She swallowed hard as she looked at me. "I can feel the dark side in you Hope, we all can."

"Maybe I don't fear the dark side as you do," I finally said, having lived with it for so long and watched something akin to fear fill her eyes. "What is it your scriptures say? Fear leads to anger, anger to hate, and hate to-"

"To what you are," she finished, her voice wavering. "Or what I know you'll become if you continue down this path. Just because there is darkness in you does not mean you have to embrace it as Vader did. Although sometimes I look in your eye and wonder if it's too late for that."

I searched her eyes, my closest friend, someone who was more than that, and yet in that moment she felt like nothing to me. It was spite that drove me to kiss her, spite that was only further driven by the way she physically recoiled, something she'd never done before despite the isolated kisses we'd shared over the years.

And I knew there was no coming back as I looked her in the eye, because everything she said was true about the darkness that had found its way into my heart.

"You have no idea how dark it gets."

At the age of seventeen I was a tad melodramatic, perhaps I still am, but I wasn't wrong.

That wouldn't be our last fight, that came the day the temple burned, but it was the one that convinced me everything Ben had ever told me was true. I mourned her, but I don't know if I ever felt the same towards her after that fight. I'd decided in the aftermath I never wanted to let anyone that close again, never wanted to feel the cold touch of someone I'd relied on for warmth.

In fact it's ironic that that fight was the most passion she'd ever showed me. In her mind romantic feelings were acceptable, or at least until Luke granted her permission to the old order's surviving scriptures, and in her eyes anything that bordered on passion was dangerous.

Meanwhile when I think of Poe... it's a silly feeling, one I should be violently rejecting for my own sake if nothing else.

But...

I bang my head back against the seat as if that could somehow numb my thoughts, especially when I find myself playing with my hands, remembering his thumb moving against mine. If Poe Dameron is anything, he's one smooth bastard. Probably not the brightest if he's using those charms on me of all people, but admirably brave. He'll need to be to get through this mission.

And finally I feel it.

My engines are the first to ignite a split second before the Hevurion Grace comes out of hyperspace and I'm off. Poe follows only a moment after and as expected they broadcast their distress signal the second they get sight of us, and that's when I activate the control on the wristbrace of my suit, the timer being displayed out of the corner of my eye.

Eight minutes.

Without any hesitation I happily fire my concussion missiles into the yacht and Poe follows suit a second after. Defensive flares activate to cause the first missile to explode prematurely as they attempt an evasive manoeuvre, but they aren't fast enough as my second missile penetrates their shields and cuts power to the yacht while the impact of Poe's missiles ensure that whoever's inside is no doubt scared for their lives.

Poe's ship boosts forward as he activates his throttle, heading sharply for the yacht and I do the same, double checking my gear satchel is secure along with my sidearm as we prepare to eject.

"Fucking gloves," I mutter as I try to make the preparations and put the ship into autopilot with the damn oversized gloves of the EVA suit, confused for a moment when I don't hear R2 talking to me but remember he's not there.

Our ships align with the belly of the yacht, keeping an eye on the range finder as I fumble with the harness around my chest to release it, not having accounted for the difficulty of my own damn space suit. It seems Poe's in a similar dilemma as he hasn't ejected yet either and I'm slamming my fist down on the ejector plate as I reach the very limit of the acceptable range to eject and wrench the handle back as the ship's alarms scream at me, hearing the bolts on the canopy detonate the moment before I'm ejected.

I've made some emergency exists sure but never in the vacuum of space, so when I'm thrown into it I'm truly not sure what to expect, but flying through space with nothing holding me down is a feeling I don't think I'm going to forget any time soon. The momentum of the starfighter hurtles me towards the yacht, the optical illusion makes it appear as if it's the yacht hurtling towards me and not the other way around. So perhaps the sheer speed at which I'm about to hit the yacht occurs to me a little late and I'm cursing as I ignite the momentum thrusters on my suit and bring my hands up, the force counteracting with the laws of physics to enable to me collide with the hull at a thud instead of with a crushed spine.

In panic I look back to see Poe about to make contact and bring my hand up to slow his collision, he seems to momentarily panic at whatever sensation he's feeling before making contact just below me, far more softly than he would have otherwise.

Under any other circumstances I would have liked to take in the vastness of space but we don't have the time and so I reach for one of the handholds, pulling myself towards the access hatch with ease, utilising the force to manoeuvre myself without gravity far easier than Poe is below me. But this is why I was brought on this mission, to ensure if one of us doesn't make it on time the other does.

But more importantly, to make sure we both make it out alive.

He catches up as I reach the access port, being the one hanging off the edge of it he pulls the fusion torch from his belt to give me and comes to my side as I begin breaking the seals, a quick look at the timer out of the corner in my eye informs me we're down to six minutes and fifty seconds by the time I've popped the last seal and Poe reaches to try to help me pull the door open, only to struggle with no gravity to balance our own weightlessness against the physical force needed to open the door. Five seconds into wrestling with the hatch is enough for me and I swat his hand away to use the strength of the force to pull it open. Poe jolts as the edge of the door hits my hand and I slither my way inside, reaching out to pull him in with me before slamming the door shut behind us and hear him call out through the viser as he takes the fusion torch from my hand.

"I'll seal the door, you get to the cockpit!"

The timer's down to six minutes thirty five, the ship's gravity transmitters are offline along with everything else as I begin moving down the ladder while he reseals the door. Everything's pitch black except for the floodlight attached to my helmet illuminating my way down but I was trained to do far more dangerous things blind.

The moment I feel my feet touch the ground he's following me down, hearing voices in the hall I switch on the speakers in the helmet and pull my blaster free. This being the part I've been most excited for.

Just as his feet hit the ground gravity and other operations come back online, light illuminating the way into the hall and we both have our blasters extended as we find only three people huddling together. Seem's the senator can't afford any more than a pilot and a servant.

I go to step forward but Poe puts a hand out to keep me back as he takes the lead on this one.

"This ship is property of the Irving Boys," Poe announces, theirs and mine both it seems, the speakers of the suit distort his voice ensuring anonymity.

But I can't help but hear the senator's voice in my head and every accusation he's thrown against Mom and I as I tilt my head towards him.

"Do you know who I am!" the Senator splutters and I move forward, tearing off the damn oversized glove to grab him. "How dare-" he shuts up when I throw my fist into his face while Poe shoots at the deck, causing the pilot and the servant to scatter while I keep hold of the senator.

"Do you know how much ransom you'd be worth?" I ask the Senator before bringing my blaster up to his head, unable to help but put some fear into him after the bullshit he's spat as he chokes on the blood running into his mouth. "Or I could shut you up for good?"

"Now- now, let's not do anything too hasty!" he insists, holding up shaking hands as Poe aims his blaster at him for good measure. A little less righteous now he's having fun it seems. "I- I could-"

"I don't care," I say and shove him towards Poe as I remember the timer's still going down and we need to get out of here. "Throw him out the hatch."

'Wait- wait!" the Senator yells as Poe instead shoves him towards the escape pods where the rest of the undersized crew have gone and I run to the cockpit.

Five minutes thirty. This is good. This is good timing.

I'm ripping off the other glove to pull the preprogrammed data chip with the hyperspace co-ordinates out, along with dumping the rest of my own gear unceremoniously on the floor as Poe rushes back in, following suit in tugging off his gloves along with his helmet.

"They gone?"

"They're gone," he confirms, both of us sweaty from being trapped in those damn helmets for seven hours with our own body heat and recycled breath to keep us company. "How's it looking?"

"Good," I answer, although sparing no time in flicking controls as he goes to help get everything back online. "Just over five minutes on the timers and the engines should be back online within three minutes, the hyperdrive should be charged not long after. I'll get these booster cables fitted and bypass the motivator so the time to jump should be less than a minute once the engines are back online. We should have ninety seconds to spare before the Republic reach the system."

"Great, this is going good, great actually," he says to himself as much as me as I gather the parts and he calls out as I head for the door. "You know I didn't say you could hit him right?"

"You enjoyed it almost as much as I did," I shoot back and catch his grin before I run to the hyperdrive generator.

My movements are automatic as I attach the booster cables and make some not completely safe adjustments to bypass the motivator, but it should be good for two hyperspace jumps and we only have to make one. But with two minutes until the engines are even back online a wave of utter darkness washes over me and I run to one of the windows on the side of the ship only for my stomach to drop at the sight of two star destroyers.

The First Order.

"Solo!" Poe yells from the cockpit, still trying to get the engines online while alarms start to blare from the radar. "We have ships-"

"Star destroyers."

"Star destroyers?" He repeats and stammers "As in plural?"

"As in plural," I confirm as I manoeuvre the ship with what little propulsion it's still got so we're facing it head on, the sight only making the gravity of the situation hit harder. "Fuck."

"Fuck," he agrees, there's three minutes and twenty nine seconds on the timer, but the Republic's irrelevant now. What matters is how long until the engines and hyperdrive are online. "Looks like you were right."

"I really wish I wasn't," I say as I start fiddling with the controls and shake my head. "We've still got more than two minutes until the hyperdrive's charged and the engines aren't even online yet. Got any bright ideas?"

"Yeah, don't die," he answers, trying to bypass anything and everything to get those engines online as tie fighters descend from the destroyers but it's as I pull up it's identification everything changes.

"Wait-wait-"

"What?"

"It's the Finalizer," I realise and with that I'm slamming my hand down onto the console trying to send a transmission. "I can stall."

"How?" he exclaims, believing that destroying this ship and everything on it is their first priority, but if they know I'm onboard that changes everything.

"Jedi," I answer but he grabs my hand just before I can send it.

"They can't know it's us remember, complete deniability-"

"The Republic can't know it's us," I correct as the ties descend at an alarming speed.

"Really?" he exclaims, knowing this is the most explicit way I could possibly go against mission orders. "You're risking this on a technicality!"

"I'm sorry, what's worse? Getting blown up for nothing and failing the mission anyways or getting in a bit of trouble with the Republic for a hijacking!"

He looks at me in pure astonishment before making one last attempt at reasoning. "The General was very clear-"

"Oh shut up and let me talk my way out of this," I say and swat his hand away before sending the transmission, knowing my political value as a captive. "I'm too important for them to kill."

"Solo I swear-"

"Be a good flyboy and steer this while we wait for the hyperdrive to charge up huh?" I say, patting his offended face as we wait for them to accept it. "Let me take care of the First Order." He's stunned into silence as I take the data disk out of my pocket I'd intended to use to steal the data for myself and order him "Get the data and transfer it onto this, if this goes south get on an escape pod and get this to the Resistance. The First Order will want me more than that."

His face falls once he realises what my plan is but before he can object a transmission comes through "Heruvian Grace-"

"This is Hope Solo," I immediately spit out and a moment later the ties divert course, instead surrounding the ship instead of firing directly on it and Poe looks around in disbelief as I nod for him to go to the computers and get the data, very reluctantly he does as I order him.

"Hope Solo?" a surprised voice says and I immediately dislike it. "This is General Hux of the First Order. It is certainly a surprise to find a princess committing piracy."

"General Hux? I don't believe I've heard of you, and your intelligence must be pretty bad then, or you're out of the loop considering the twenty or so ties you sent after me last week," I say, knowing I can expose myself but not the Resistance. If I survive this I'll be the one dealing with the collateral in the senate regardless. "Hondo's gonna love this story. Two star destroyers just for me? I'm flattered."

Poe's face changes when he realises I'm throwing myself under the speeder to ensure this is seen as a rogue operation and there's a scoff on the other end. "The ego is a family trait I see."

So he does know Ben, and he knows exactly who he is.

"Pray tell, what the hell could be on this floating money pit that's so valuable?" I continue, stalling for time and very aware of the fact my brother's identity is unknown to most of high command, let alone a commander, and also the fact I have to ensure this is not mistaken as a Resistance operation. "I've been targeting it for weeks waiting to ambush and turn it into credits, but something tells me he must be a friend of yours."

"Really, General Organa didn't send you to hijack this ship?"

"Your intelligence is awfully terrible then after all if they can't tell you I haven't spoken to my mother in a year," I say, considering I'd returned to base only a week ago so I'm willing to bet their intelligence hasn't picked up on it. I look back at Poe and find him struggling with a firewall preventing him from accessing the data. He gives a grave shake of his head as we realise it will take the Resistance's own codebreakers to get into it, which means one of us escaping with the intelligence isn't an option. "And besides Hux, I'm sure you know by now that my style's rogue. I like to hunt your ships whilst lining my pockets, can't do that on my mother's orders can I?"

"I don't care whose orders you're operating on, yours or otherwise, because we both know that you have targeted this ship because you know precisely how valuable it is, whether it's Resistance's intelligence or your own. You know you are not running away this time."

"There is nothing onboard this ship that could be more valuable than I am alive," I state confidently. "And you won't be the one to issue the command, not when you know what Kylo Ren would do to you if you did. Men like you are willing to die for the cause, but are you willing to endure what people like us can do to people like you?" Poe's head turns slowly towards me and my voice shakes. "I demand to speak to him."

"You are in no position to demand anything-"

"Where is he!" My voice comes out as something unhinged, desperate, and I can almost feel Hux smiling at the plea in it.

"Our spy told you he was here didn't he? He doesn't stay in one place for too long, not when he's trying to hunt down Skywalker to finish what he failed to do that night. Although Skywalker isn't his first priority, you are."

Somehow all I can do is draw a shaky breath as a chill washes over me.

"It truly is a shame he isn't on board," Hux continues and I search through the force, but there's nothing, and cold tears come to my eyes. "He's been waiting for a long time to reunite with his apprentice."

I feel Poe's eyes on me but I don't dare bring myself to look at him, and when I speak the cockiness has disappeared from my voice.

"I can't imagine he'd be too pleased if you blew me up before then, or Snoke for that matter," I say, my strength slowly returning to me as I remember just what I am and the value I hold. "The heir of Vader's worth more to your leader than whatever's on this ship."

"Are you?" he questions. "Because Snoke already has one of you on a leash, he doesn't need two."

I can only pray those words go over Poe's head as I spit back "Don't be so sure about that."

"And what makes you so sure Ren wouldn't issue the command to kill you himself?" Hux continues and something wrenches in my chest. "He left you for dead after betraying Skywalker."

"No, he didn't," I hiss before I'm able to get a hold of myself and know Ben would be cursing me out for acting weak.

But he didn't leave me to die.

He was the one who saved me that night.

He was the one who pulled me out.

He was the one who- I find myself blinking now as flashes come back to me of Voe, of Tai, of Hennix. Standing there hurling blame as Ben put himself in front of me with Luke nowhere to be found. I can taste the blood and ash in my mouth even now.

"Then why did he run to Snoke?" Hux mocks, and I look at the diagnostics that tell me my stalling for all the hell it's brought me has just about worked.

"He'll kill you," I warn, feeling Poe's alarm blaringly loud. "He tried to kill Luke for far less, so what makes you think he'll spare you?"

"Kylo Ren is a mad dog on a leash, he doesn't bite unless he's ordered to," Hux says while my eyes continue to burn. "We both know he's no Vader, and neither are you, so you serve no value to me alive." It's then I anticipate it and activate the thrusters the moment before those ties get the order. "Fire."

Poe's the one who grabs the controls to take charge of the ship while I divert all power to the engines, shooting forward hard enough my hand slams against the console to steady myself.

"We have forty seconds until we can make the jump," I swallow, activating the automatic cannons as he dodges the assault of laser cannon fire from the ties expertly, banking hard to the point I have to grab the back of his chair to remain standing, but somehow I can't quite bring myself to appreciate his piloting skills at present when I'm looking back at two star destroyers.

But I feel it, the hesitation coming from that general. He wouldn't dare kill me without direct orders, no, if he wanted us dead we'd be dodging direct hits from two capital ships instead of tie-fighters.

"They want to capture us not kill us."

"The two dozen ties say otherwise!" he argues and I point towards the gas giants.

"To capture us they need to get us in range of their tractor beam, they've sent the ties to try to trap us. If they were going to kill us they'd be trying harder, trust me I'd know. Just head straight for those gas giants, the yachts small enough to slip between their magnetic fields without being crushed but the destroyer won't be able to get through."

With no other plan he does as I tell him and makes a sharp turn as I begin preparing to make the jump once the hyperdrive's charged. "How much longer?"

"Twenty," I answer, the destroyers closing in fast. "But we'll make it."

He nods, not wanting to doubt that, and puts all attention into outmanoeuvring the ties that try to block us from getting through the two gas giants but even this is getting too close to my liking with the speed at which the destroyers are gaining, along with their tractor beams.

And Ben isn't on either to stop it.

But as I look back at those damn ships I wonder if he would even stop it, or if he'd be the one ordering the capture.

"How close are they?" he asks and I choose to lie for the sake of morale.

"Far, far away- just keep going and don't look back."

"So we're fucked? Gotcha," he says, as he swerves again without warning and I have to grab his arm to keep from hitting the ground before finally forcing myself into the co-pilots seat and his voice is thick with sarcasm. "Look at that, a smart idea."

"I'm not used to being the one not flying and I stalled didn't I!"

"Yeah well I don't know about your theory that they aren't trying to kill us!" he yells just before a blast from one of the destroyers explodes in front of us and suddenly I'm doubting my theory as well. "Because sorry princess but I don't think Hux likes you."

"Yeah well if he kills me he's getting brutally tortured and murdered!" I grit out with full confidence in that theory.

"Won't matter if we're dead!" he yells but that's when diagnostics notifies us that the hyperdrive is finally charged and without hesitation I pull the lever to make the jump and we're hurtled into hyperspace.

Suddenly it's completely quiet in the cockpit without the birage of lasercannon fire and I hear my own breath, sharp and unsteady alongside his own. Once I process the fact we actually made it I fall back against the chair and realise my hands are shaking, but not from almost dying.

I inhale only to feel ash in my lungs and finally Poe's voice breaks through the silence, far gentler than it was a moment ago and heavy with concern. "Hope?"

All I can do is swallow hard as I force myself to my feet, gripping the back of the chair for dear life as I find my footing. "We made it, let's hope whatever's onboard's worth it."

I go to leave the cockpit until I feel his hand covering mine before I can let go of the chair, the pity in his eyes drives home just how much he'd heard. "We completed the mission, that's all that matters."

I give a stiff nod and slip my hand free from beneath his to make my way out towards the hyperdrive, so I have some excuse to be alone right now even though he doesn't ask for one.

"Fuck," I breathe as I bury my face in my hands, having slid down to the floor before even taking in where I've ended up. The only sounds I can hear are the ones echoing in my head. Screams and tears and accusations I can't put memories to.

My fingertips slip over my arm, as if I could feel the scar tissue beneath the ventilation garment. I remember that scar, remember the scream that was torn from me as Ben's saber made contact when I tried to get past him to Luke's collapsed hut.

Then the lightning hit.

I don't know how long I'm on the floor for, only snapped out of it when Poe enters and gently brings me to my feet without questions, without accusations, he just helps me up and tells me "We've landed."

I avoid looking at his face now that he knows what he does and by the time we reach the exit I've managed to compose myself, weakly removing his hold on me before we step out and when my eyes find Mom waiting I force I smile.

"What did I tell you?" I ask, raising my arms as I motion back towards the ship. "Never tell me the odds."

"We got your yacht," Poe says, deciding to go along with it since clearly neither of us like giving her a reason to worry, and notice him also trying to ease my own worry with the look of reassurance he gives me.

"Flyboys are all the same," Mom says shaking her head.

"Hey, some of us are flygirls too," Poe points out, and my smile is slightly more genuine.

"Oh I know," Mom assures us. "It's a rare pilot who engages two star destroyers and lives to tell the tale."

"Word travels fast," Poe remarks.

"Yes, it does," she says, although becomes slightly alarmed when she sees the damage to the ship and asks "What happened?"

"The First Order happened," he answers, both of us knowing there's no hiding that fact and I brace myself for the interrogation. "But we made it out, barely."

"I had the situation perfectly under control," I insist and his eyebrows shoot up. "And considering we're alive you can't argue with that."

He tsks as he tries to correct. "Actually, we're alive because of my piloting-"

"No, no, we're alive because of my plan," I correct back and he laughs, but it's not mocking.

"You did not have a plan."

"Yes I did, it's called improvisation," I say and he's grinning now as he shakes his head. "And it worked."

Mom looks between us in amusement but her face changes when her eyes land on me, studying my face for only a moment before reluctantly asking "Hope, what did you do?"

"I stalled for time until we were able to make the jump to hyperspace," I say as the droids come over and I make my attempt at an exit. "R2-"

I go to dash over to him but she raises a hand to keep me from my droid. "You stalled?"

I sigh and look back at her, deciding to defend my decision instead of asking for forgiveness for compromising our deniability. "They sent two star destroyers and dozens of ties, I contacted their command and exchanged insults with General Hux until the engines were back online and we made it out."

Her face is difficult to read and she turns to Poe who to my surprise backs me up, sacrificing pride to admit it was my plan that got us out. Although admittedly his piloting did help. "We would have been killed if she hadn't. She took the fall for it, made it seem like a rogue operation instead of Resistance. I don't know if he believed it but he doesn't seem to have anything to prove otherwise."

"And besides, they can't have their agents in the senate expose me without exposing themselves," I add on and motion towards the ship. "I'm sure there's some blackmail in there to keep them quiet."

I don't know what to expect as she looks between us and the ship until she puts a hand on my shoulder. "I taught you well it seems, and I am beyond relieved you both made it out in one piece."

But it's when she brings me into her arms she feels how my body still shakes and pulls back in concern, keeping her eyes on me as she says "Commander Dameron, you've done good work today. Rest and then get started on the after action reports. We'll debrief in the morning."

"Yes General," he says and I catch his concerned glance towards me before he and BB-8 leave the hangar. "See buddy, told you we'd make it back."

Mom's voice is quiet once he's gone and no one else is in earshot. "What happened?"

"I- I thought I'd found him Mom, I thought I was safe," I manage to get out. "The Finalizer- he should have been on board."

She blinks in confusion. "Why would you have thought he'd be onboard?"

It's then I realise my screw up.

"Hope," she says slowly. "What don't I know?"

My voice is weak. "Please don't be mad."

Her eyes widen but she gives a single nod and promises me "As long as you tell me the truth I won't be angry."

It's the greatest lie told by any parent but I go along with it.

"When we went to Batuu to get the ships a First Order spy tried to kill me," I spit out before I can decide to lie. "I grabbed him and started asking questions, Poe took over when I got carried away but he killed himself before we could stop him."

From the look in her eye it's blindingly clear Poe definitely mentioned nothing and she purses her mouth as she looks around and keeps her voice quiet. "What do you mean by carried away?"

"I shot him after he tried to shoot me," I say and she nods along, knowing I didn't break the laws of engagement if he shot first. "Then I got out my lightsaber and stuck my blaster in his wound when he wouldn't talk."

"Hope-"

"He tried to kill me to get a promotion, he was perfectly aware of what he was doing and showed no remorse for it," I insist, even she knows that I'm aware of the difference between those who work for the First Order willingly as opposed to those who were indoctrinated into it. "But what matters is that he told me that Kylo Ren is stationed onboard the Finalizer. Hux confirmed that he's usually onboard and that he'd be disappointed he missed a reunion with his apprentice."

Her concerns shift and she grows paler. "Poe heard this?"

I nod and advise her "Have the onboard recordings from the mission wiped before intelligence get's hold of them. Hux knows who Ben is and what happened that night, or at least parts of it." Mom's face is grave as she keeps a hold on my shoulder. "Poe knows I was Kylo Ren's apprentice, Hux didn't he didn't say who Kylo Ren was word for word but he said enough about already having one of the heirs of Vader and not needing another. The Commander doesn't have a great record of piecing things together but it would have been hard to miss that."

She nods in understanding and promises me "I'll take care of it, meanwhile take care of yourself and rest. We'll be transferring back to D'Qar in the morning."

She gives me one last concerned look over before leaving me in R2's hands and boarding the ship herself before anyone else can and I bend down to R2's height, resting my head on his dome to ground myself.

I don't know who in high command knows what, Admiral Ackbar is the only person I could imagine she'd trust enough to divulge the truth about what her son has become if he hadn't put it together first. I'd suspect others have their suspicions but wouldn't dare be brave enough to confront her when the official story is that he died in the fire.

After seeing what her paternity had cost her it was a sensible decision to have the galaxy believe Ben was dead. She could be forgiven for sharing blood with an evil man she had only met in imprisonment, but for a man she birthed and raised to become the same evil that Vader was after the accusations the senate had thrown at us... it would be the final nail in the coffin for all of us.

Even the Resistance itself would be fractured, none would doubt her loyalty to the cause but they would doubt if her duty as a general outweighed hers as a mother, they would doubt her competence and capabilities. Hell the senate accused her of being a spy for Vader, there's no theory to outlandish to be believed. After all, if she couldn't keep her own son from falling to the darkness then how could she possibly keep the galaxy from falling to it? It would be the Vader scandal all over again, but there wouldn't be any returning from it this time.

And me... I'd be damned to hell right beside my brother. At sixteen years old I was damned for being the granddaughter of a man I'd never known, being the apprentice of the new Vader is something I'd never be able to escape from.

Which is why my hands shake as I look towards the exit of the hanger that Poe left through.

Mom returns and I feel her hand on my shoulder as she reassures me "I'll deal with Poe and find out what he's put together. I trust him and his commitment to the cause, but also his personal loyalty to myself. If he has his suspicions he wouldn't breathe a word of it to anyone."

I swallow hard and ask her "How much longer can we play this game Mom? People aren't blind." My voice wavers as I remember Boba Fett's words to me. "A temple is destroyed and a Skywalker dies just as a new Vader rises. History repeats and there's only so much longer we can control this before it blows up in our faces just like before."

"Your brother is yet to become a new Vader," she promises me. "Which means he isn't lost, not yet. We control this by keeping it quiet until we can find Luke and bring Ben back before greater harm is done."

"Those things aren't exclusive," I warn her, remembering what happened before the lightning struck and knowing Luke sure as hell can't bring him back. "The Resistance needs Ben more than Luke."

"You," she corrects gently. "You need him more than Luke, but what the Resistance needs is Luke Skywalker." I open my mouth but she shuts me down "But, we do need to bring Ben back before he does become what Vader did. He's the First Order's enforcer, but he's yet to commit the atrocities Vader did. As long as his identity is not known to the greater galaxy, he still has a way to come home."

"Hux said he's a mad dog on a leash," I say and her face hardens. "I told Hux what Ben would do to him if he killed me and he simply said that he wouldn't bite without being ordered to. He's a slave to Snoke Mom, I fucking warned him-"

She hushes me now, holding me by both arms as tears fill my eyes. "I know you did sweetheart, I know how hard you tried to bring him back from the brink after he discovered the truth. Luke told me what happened in the temple on Coruscant."

I still feel Ben's grip on my arm as he dragged me out the door of Dad's apartment on Theron having decided the only place we could find the truth of Anakin Skywalker would be on Coruscant.

Except I was the only one who saw the slaughter with my own eyes.

"I showed Ben the holorecording of Anakin kneeling before Palpatine and told him his hero became a slave," I tell Mom, the irony painful. "When he tried to justify Anakin's decision to turn against the Jedi and take Palpatine as his master I showed him the truth of it and he didn't listen. Now history's just repeated itself."

"You can't save someone from themself," she says, her voice gentle but firm. "It is a painful fact I have had to come to terms with. I have had to watch my husband, my brother, my son, and my daughter lose themselves and learn I only have so much power to bring them back."

A tear finally spills down my cheek. "I came back didn't I?"

She nods now and holds me tight while I bury my face in her shoulder to hide the other tears that threaten to spill after being without her for so long. "You have, because you made that decision yourself, just as Ben must." Her hand smoothes over the braided crown around my head, no doubt a horrible mess by now. "Just as I told you all those years ago, you have my strength and now you need to stay and fight instead of running when things don't go your way." I give a muffled sound of agreement and she promises me "I love you, and I am proud of the work you've done today. Now rest, and we'll debrief in the morning once you've composed yourself."

"I love you too Mom," I manage to get out but I don't let go yet, I can't, and she holds onto me until I can finally breathe steadily and I look up at that damn yacht and pray whatever's onboard is worth it.

#poe dameron #poe dameron x solo!oc #poe dameron fanfiction #poe dameron x oc #sequel trilogy #poe dameron x original character #solo original character #skywalker original character #solo!oc #poe dameron x solo original character #star wars fanfiction #star wars original character #sequel trilogy fanfiction #poe dameron x f!oc #poe dameron x female original character

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sl-newsie · 2 years ago

Text

Chapter Thirty Six: Can’t Erase (Spot Colon x Female Newsie)

“Spot. Spot. Spot!” I shove him as I try ta get outta bed. “Time ta carry tha banner!”

“I don’t wanna,” the King of Brooklyn mumbles into my hair.

“I know you don’t wanna, but I gotta! Now let me up-”

“You don’t have to, Beauty. I-”

I hold up my hand. “Stop right there, Sean Colon. I am not rely’n on nobody-”

“I’s just try’n to help-!”

“I don’t ask for help!”

“I neva said you’s was. I’s just be’n a gentleman, and provid’n for my wife.” Spot responds calmly.

I try to contain my emotions. “Aw, Spot. That’s real sweet, but you knows I can’t just sit around do’n noth’n. But if it really means so much, uh… I donno. Whaddya want me to do?”

Spot sighs. “Noth’n, it’s fine.”

“No, it ain’t fine. What can I do?”

“Noth’n. I just ain’t used to a goil who’s so independent- which is a good thing!” He adds quickly.

I chuckle. “I donno whedda I should be flattered or apologize. But either way, I gotta sell papes now. C’mon, get up!”

Spot don’t say anyth’n, but gets up. I quickly get dressed and grab an apple before head’n out. Spot still doesn't say anyth’n.

“We’ll talk ‘bout this later, ok?” I call encourag’nly from tha door.

Spot just nods.

10 minutes later, and I’ve caught up with the ‘Hattan boys at the distribution center.

“Hiya, Becs!” Crutchy calls.

“How goes it, Beccy?” Blink asks.

Their positive energy makes me smile. “Hey guys. I’s do’n ok. How ‘bout all-a you’s?”

“Hmm.” Race gets up in my face and stares straight at me. “You don’t seem ok. What’s wrong?”

I raise my eyebrows. “If you’s must know, Spot thinks I’s too independent. But maybe he’s right- maybe I should back off a little-”

“No.” Jack interrupts. He strides over from where he’s been lean’n and puts his hands on my shouldas. “Becca, you’s my sista. You’s one of the most strong, independent newsies I know, and that ain’t someth’n to be ashamed of.”

“But Jack, Spot might have a point.” Mush speaks up.

Jack turns a cold stare at him. “What’re you’s say’n, Mush?”

“I’s just say’n that it’s completely normal for a goil to be less… working?” Mush adds lightly.

“What?! Are you’s say’n she outta just sit back and let Spot do everyth’n?!”

“Uh, guys? It’s really-” I try to smooth things out, but Jack won’t listen.

“I won’t have my sista rely’n on any guy to do everyth’n for her! He’ll just abandon her-!”

“Becca can’t do everyth’n herself! She’ll work herself to death-!”

“Guys. Guys! Uh- forget this!” I hastily grab my papes and stomp away.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Becca,” Crutchy says. “You do what you feel is right.”

“Yeah… Just wish I knew what that was.”

At my usual sell’n spot, the traffic is tight. It’s still cold outside, but carts and carriages crowd everywhere, and people flood the streets.

“Extra! Extra! Mayor caught in sex scandal! Corpse found in Central Park! H-”

“Kelly!”

I stop and turn around. It’s Benny, and he don’t look happy. He’s also joined by his gang- which has grown to 30 members.

Benny storms up to me, and knocks the papes outta my hands.

“Hey-!”

“You’s real dead now, Kelly!”

I sneer. “It’s Colon now, actually.”

Benny slaps me. “I could care less whedda or not you’s tied the knot- your DEAD!”

One of his goons spits at me. “You’s messed with us long enough!”

I gape. “I’s neva messed with ya- you’s tha ones always pick’n a fight with me! Ya even tried to kill me!”

“And since that didn’t work, we’s here to end this once and for all! We’s gonna beat you so hard your brains is gonna stain tha pavement!”

Uh-oh. This again.

“Well, that seems- wait! What’s that?!” I point, and when tha goons look away I dash down the street. I’s too far away to flag down the ‘Hattan newsies…

“Get the oddas! I want that bitch dead!”

Oddas?!

I just keep runn’n, hope’n to make it to Brooklyn and get reinforcements. I can see the bridge-

“Stop her!”

Oh.

Ten more goons block the street. I turn around-

And the rest of Benny’s gang is wait’n for me.

“You’s done be’n the thorn in my side, Colon.” Ben steps up and punches me in the gut- all the air is knocked outta me! “And maybe when we’s done we’s gonna pay a visit to yer brodda too!”

“No… no!’ I wheeze. “Not Jack!”

“Quiet, slut!” A goon knocks me down and kicks my legs- a bruise is already form’n.

“And then we’s gonna visit yer precious husband!” Benny continues, slapp’n my face. “While we’s at it, we’ll give those Brooklyn kids a few lessons too!”

Binx? Tommy? Mink? All those innocent kids?!

“NO!” I scream at the top of my lungs and, using what energy that’s left, kick Benny in the crotch.

“Ugh! THAT’S IT! YOU’S DEAD MEAT!” Benny picks me up like a ragdoll and flings my body against the bridge’s wall. I hear a crack, and pain floods through me.

Death at this point feels all too familiar, that I’m afraid I won’t recognize it when it comes along for good.

“With you gone, the alliance between Brooklyn and ‘Hattan’ll be over, and we’ll be able to control all the newsies in New York. So just DIE ALREADY!” He kicks me into the wall again- this time I’s in so much pain my body goes numb.

I cough, and taste blood. My vision’s go’n blurry, my lungs are on fire…

“Never fear-” A voice calls.

I weakly look up. Spot?

“-Brooklyn is here!”

I shakily smile. He came for me.

“Let her go, Benny! Or else you’s all gonna get a soak’n you’ll neva forget!” Spot dominates clearly. He marches straight up to Benny and gets in his face.

Meanwhile, Bucky comes ova to me and tries to get me to sit up- cause’n my lungs to reject me.

“Ah!” I wince.

“You’s ok? What hurts?” Bucky asks worriedly.

“Everyth’n,” I groan.

“She ain’t leave’n unless it’s in a coffin!” Benny growls.

At this, Spot grips the jerk’s shirt and pulls his face towards his own.

“Touch her again, and I’ll kill you myself.”

“That so, Colon? Is this how ya treat old employees?”

Old employees?

“You’s know exactly why I did what I did, and I don’t regret noth’n. Leave. Her. ALONE!” Spot shoves Benny away.

Benny stumbles back, then hisses: “Get ‘em!”

The brutes charge, but the Brooklyn gang charges right back. I try to inch outta the way, but Benny comes over again and kicks me inta the wall. Through my blurred vision, I see fists be’n thrown, people be’n knocked left and right, blood and sweat fly’n.

“For Becca!” I hear ova tha noise.

Jack?

It is Jack, and all the Manhattan newsies! And-

I gasp.

Almost every newsie in New York! From Queens to Harlem to tha Bronx, they’s showed up to fight!

But Benny sees this as a perfect outcome.

“See what’ll happen when you’s dead and gone, slut? War! It’ll spread, and we’ll dominate the entire newsies network.”

No… he can’t… I won’t just let him win…!

“No,” I groan. I grip the railing and desperately ignore the scream’n pain in my ribs. Benny just laughs at me.

“Look atchya now- the tough, fearless newsie’s really just a wimpy goil!”

I grit my teeth through the pain, and use new-found strength to grip Benny’s shirt and push him towards the edge. He don’t seem to notice how close he is to the edge- someth’n to my advantage.

“You’s couldn’t earn up to noth’n more than a housewife, ya harlot! And soon we’ll have plenty-a new members after we visit them Brooklyn kids-”

“NO!” I scream and run at him. But I’m too weak, and Benny thrusts me towards the edge- and I’s look’n at the frozen wadda beneath. An instant death.

“Au revoir, sweetheart!” Benny seethes in my ear- and I feel someth’n cold and sharp pressed by my leg. It’s a knife- Benny’s knife! An opportunity…

“B-Ben,” I struggle to make out my maybe-final words as I carefully grip the weapon. “Go. To Hell!”

With this, I jab the knife into Benny’s side- the same place he stabbed me, but deeper. One that’ll leave more than just a nasty scar.

Benny himself reacts in a frozen-shocked state. He just looks up and down from me to the wound, and stumbles back. He now sees the edge, but looks at me with a murderous glare.

“I’ll take you with me-!” He grabs my jacket and pulls me with him-!

“NO!” Spot screams and shoves Benny. They go back a forth, until Benny uses his weight to shove Spot away and try to come at me again.

But I’ve had enough. I’ve had enough of this bastard bully’n me and all the odda newsies!

Benny comes at me- so I use momentum to swing him over the edge.

Off the edge.

It all happens in slow motion- all I see is Benny’s shocked, disbelief expression frozen on his face, fall’n to a stiff, splattering death.

I look away- I can’t stand to see him hit the ice-!

Smack!

The sounds rings out for what seems like forever, and every newsie hears it.

Spot runs over, and approaches with caution when he sees my shake’n face.

“Beauty…” He holds up his hands. “It’s ok- calm down…”

I- I’m a murderer… I killed someone…

“I’m a murderer…” I stutter, and I make the mistake of look’n down- to Benny’s splattered remains scattered on the ice, mix’n pure white snow and scarlet-red blood.

Spot now wraps his arms around me and walks me away. “You ain’t a murderer.”

��I killed someone…”

“Outta self-defense. And I’m sure every newsie here would’ve done the same.”

By now all the odda newsies are gathered around.

“You’s a legend now!”

“You’s the one who offed Slick Benny!”

My face changes from shock… to horror.

“I don’t wanna be a legend for kill’n somebody!” I scream.

“You’re not. You’re not,” Spot soothes me and rubs my back. “C’mon- let’s get you’s away from here.” He turn back and addresses the crowd: “Show’s over. Thanks for come’n, but you’s gotta scram!”

“Hey! That’s my sista! I won’t just let you-!” Jack argues.

“JACK!” I yell, make’n him jump. “Please- just let me be alone right now.”

Jack’s face still looks angry, but he obliges. The ‘Hattan newsies usher him away, with him still look’n over his shoulda.

I just wanna be alone.

“C’mon- let’s get you inside,” Spot walks me away from the wall and across the bridge.

I try to respond, but my vision goes blurry and I stumble a bit.

“Here- I’ll carry you in.”

By now we’s inside the lodge’n house. Through my spotted in-and-out vision I see Spot lay me down on the table.

“Spot- I want to be left alone. Please.”

He shakes his head. “I’m afraid I won’t allow that, Beauty. I knows you too well- you’ll beat yourself up ova this and bring harm to yourself. Am I right?” He pulls me in closer, stare’n straight into me.

I sigh, defeated. “Sean, I killed him. While you might’ve killed somebody before, I haven't! His face… the way he looked at me before he fell…” I shudda. “I donno if I’ll ever be able to go back there again.”

“Rebecca. Ya can’t blame yourself. Benny knew he had it come’n, and if you didn’t push him off he would’ve killed you. Now I donno ‘bout you, but I prefer to have Rebecca Carlyle live’n and not Slick Benny. You’s here, alive and well-” He tightens his grip on me, cause’n me to cry out in pain.

Spot’s face immediately changes. “What? What’s wrong? Are you really that hurt? What is it?”

“My… sides,” I groan.

“Lemme see.”

I sit down at the kitchen table and begin to take off my shirt when Bucky jogs in.

“Hey, boss I-” His face goes red when he sees me. “Oh! Mrs. Colon, I- I’ll just wait outside then.”

“No problem, Bucky.” I try to assure him, but I still grunt in pain.

Spot’s brows furrow. “Beauty, lemme see yer ribs.”

I have Spot unlace my corset (my shirt still cover’n part-a my chest), and immediately both Spot and Bucky’s faces change.

“Becca, that don’t look too good…”

My vision starts to black out again…

Spot’s POV

It’s all I can do not to break down myself. How can I sleep at night when Becca’ll always be in danger… But maybe now that Benny’s gone for good she’ll finally be safe?

“Just sit tight and I’ll find someone to get a second opinion-”

“No! I don’t want no stranger look’n me up and down!” Becca stands up in defiance, but it must hurt ‘cause she cries out in pain.

I frown. “Beauty, you’s hurt real bad! I gotta do someth’n-!”

“David,” Becca groans. “Get David! He’ll know what to do.”

I ain’t too convinced, but sigh in defeat and nod at Bucky, who quickly speeds off to fetch Davey. I turn back to Becca. “Davey might be smarter, but he don’t know every’n.”

Becca nods. “I know. But I trust him. And if he thinks I needs a real doctor, well…” She trails off. “We’ll see what happens.”

A doctor costs money, which is someth’n we’s don’t got much of.

Becca blacks out again, and I let her rest, on account of not want’n her to see that I’s just as scared.

In no less than ten minutes, David is hunched over pant’n and Bucky’s look’n even more concerned.

“You ok, Boss?”

I nod shakily. “Yeah, I…”

“That’s a ‘no.’”

“What if she needs a doctor?” I outburst. “I can’t afford that!”

“You won’t have to-” David says.

“Well I ain’t make’n her pay for one!” I gesture to my poor wife, who’s slowly come’n around.

“She won’t. Jack and the ‘Hattan boys went around and gathered donations from other New York newsies, even some from Jersey- she’ll be fine.”

I shake my head. “I can’t do that, David. And I’m pretty sure Becca won’t agree either. We don’t accept no charity.”

David nods. “Jack thought you’d say that, so he already ordered for a doctor to come by. You can’t say no to it.”

I- I can’t believe it.

I go over and offer my hand, and we both do the spit-shake.

“Thank you,” I say sincerely.

“No problem, Spot.”

“Wha…?” Becca groans from the table.

I attempt to look strong. “Wake up, Beauty. Davey’s here.”

Rebecca’s POV

I sit up, try’n to ignore the pain. David’s here now, so I gotta be strong.

“Let me see,” David asks. Humble, but concerned.

I lift my shirt up once more, and when David overcomes his embarrassment he looks up with a serious expression and says: “I’m sorry, Becca, but I think your ribs are broken.”

W-What?

“What does that mean?” I ask uncertainly.

“Well, it means you fractured-”

“I don’t care ‘bout the medicine talk- what’s it mean for me? Y’know- sell’n papes and such?”

David frowns. “Becca, you aren’t going to be able to sell papes for a while. You’ll need a doctor. Your ribs need to heal, and for the next few weeks you’ll need to stay in bed and only get up when you need to.”

I swallow, and hold back frustrated tears.

“So… you’s say’n I’s useless?”

“No! No, I- well, you won’t be able to do much- but that isn’t your fault!” David catches himself. “I didn’t mean-!”

“No, David,” I whisper. “You’re right. It is my fault. If I’dve just fought harder, or…”

“Or WHAT?” Spot shakes my shouldas, unaware of the pain it’s cause’n me. “Rebecca- stop blame’n yourself! Please! You ain’t perfect, so stop try’n to please everybody!”

“I can’t help it! I always remember I was never good good enough for my own fadda, and it just-! And- And I’s can’t afford a doctor-!”

I break down cry’n. Let’n the tears flow down my face, and feel’n ashamed of make’n a fool of myself. I can’t sell papes, I can’t be of service to anybody, I can’t do noth’n- I really am useless. But my outburst is make’n me pant for air- and I suddenly realize that my lungs are on fire. My vision’s go’n blurry… It hurts to breathe, and all I can do is take short, shallow breaths.

By now Spot’s guesses someth’n’s wrong.

“Beauty? Rebecca?! What’s wrong?”

“I-” Breath. “I-” Breath. “C-Can’t-” Breath. “Can’t-” Breath. “B-Br-” Breath. “Can’t breath!” I gasp.

Spot immediately reacts by pull’n me into his lap and hold’n my face.

“David! What’s going on?! What do I do?!”

David shakes his head. “I donno! She might be having trouble breathing ‘cause of her ribs. She- she could be having a panic attack?”

“So how do you stop a panic attack?” Bucky asks.

Yeah, let’s all just discuss this while I pass out!

“I once read that you can stop a panic attack by holding your breath,” David suggests.

“Ok- how’re we’s supposed to make her hold her breath?” Bucky asks.

“I know!” Spot says.

He cups my face in his hands and smashes his lips into mine. Electricity runs through me, and I forget all about breath’n- and just feel him. His lips feel like fire, and I let him explore mine. Spot deepens tha kiss by lean’n into me, and in the end we’s both star’n at each odda with our foreheads touch’n.

Meanwhile, Bucky and David are stare’n with their mouths hang’n open.

“Well… that worked,” David states awkwardly.

“How’d you know that would work?” Bucky asks.

Spot chuckles. “When ya kiss somebody you hold yer breath, so I just went with it.”

“And I thank you for that,” I breathe steadily. I try to sit up, but Spot stops me.

“Lay down, Beauty. You’s gonna hurt yourself.”

“Yeah. I’ll go get the doctor-” David dashes outta the room.

“David no-!” I protest. “David! I’s can’t afford no doctor!”

“Who said you’s was pay’n for a doctor?” Spot asks cockily.

I gape at him. “No. No, no no! Spot, I ain’t make’n you pay for a doctor!”

“You ain’t. Yer brodda Jackie boy and his friends raised the money.”

“And you’s let ‘em? I ain’t no charity case-!”

“No, but you’s was the one targeted by Benny the most. I guess everybody felt sorry ‘bout it-”

“Spot. Do ya know what that makes me sound like? A weak, fragile goil! I ain’t like that, Spot! You tell Jack I ain’t accept’n no money!”

“It don’t madda- Jack’s already sent for a doctor,” Bucky speaks up.

At this, a knock comes from the door. Bucky opens it, and David’s back with a man in a fancy suit.

“I was told that there was an injury I needed to inspect?”

“Yeah- right here.” David points at me, and Spot grips my hand to reassure me he’s here to protect me.

“Does she have a… proper guardian?” The doc asks suspiciously.

“That’d be me, her husband,” Spot states clearly.

The doc looks unconvinced. “Very well then, Mr…?

“Colon.”

“Mr. Colon. What seems to be the problem?”

“We think her ribs might be broken,” Bucky says.

“Let’s see…” The doctor sets a medical bag down next to me. “Please lift up your shirt, Mrs. Colon.”

I hesitate, but Spot gives a reassure’n look, so I do as the doc says.

Then he does someth’n I don’t expect- he pokes my ribs. Which causes so much pain I give an ear-splitt’n scream.

Spot immediately shoves the guy away and gets in his face.

“What the Hell’re you do’n? What was that for?!”

“I’m just checking to see how deep the damage is,” the doc says calmly. “And I'm happy to say that it’s only broken ribs, and no punctured organs. She will need to have plenty of bedrest, and stay off her feet for at least a week. The best I can do is say give it time to heal.”

“Guess you know best, doc.” Bucky tries to get Spot to back off, but Spot’s still uneasy.

“It’s ok, Spot. I’m fine.” I give a weak smile.

“How did this happen?” the doc asks.

“I… got in a fight.” I say, ashamed.

He frowns. “And your… husband didn’t help you?”

“Hey-!” Spot gets up again but Bucky pushes him down.

“Spot, it’s ok. It’s ok.” I try to calm him down.

“Like I said before, she should get plenty of bedrest. Drink plenty of fluids.” He goes over to his bag and begins to pack up, all the while give’n the room an uneasy look as if he’s ‘bout to get mugged. “If there are any more symptoms, let me know.”

He very quickly strides out the door, and as soon as he does Bucky gets a hint that Spot wants to be left alone with me.

“I’ll be outside, boss.”

Spot nods, still stare’n at the wall. “Thanks, Buck.”

As soon as he leaves, Spot kicks a chair.

“Spot, he was only do’n his job-”

“Yeah, and he was say’n I was a bad husband! Not to mention put’n you in more pain!”

Ignore’n the pain, I grab his shirt and pull him over to face me.

“Spot, you are a wonderful husband. That guy’s just not used to deal’n with… our kind. He’s used to more rich folks. You’s the best husband I could eva ask for, no question ‘bout it.”

“I guess,” Spot grumbles.

I bury my face in his chest. “I’s know so. And, you’s was just say’n how you wanted me to be less independent-” I turn my head up and stare into his blue eyes. “Now you got your wish.”

Spot’s mouth falls open. “Rebecca, that is not what I meant at all. I neva wanted you to get hurt-”

“Sh, sh.” I place my fingas over his lips. “I know what you means. But I won’t be have’n folks do’n everyth’n for me.”

Spot closes his eyes and sighs. “You’s one unique individual, Beauty. Never ever change.” He lifts me up off the table. “Let’s get you upstairs.”

He gently wraps his arms around me and slowly carries me up the stairs. When he lays me down on the bed he acts as if I’m a doll who’s ‘bout to break.

“I’ll go get some ice for your ribs.”

“Thanks, Sean.” I give his nose a quick kiss.

Spot, in turn, leans in to kiss my neck. “Don’t mention it.”

In less than a minute he comes back. When I lift up my shirt he cautiously looks at me.

“You ok with this? Me ice’n your side?”

I stifle a laugh, and cringe at the pain it makes.

“Spot, this ain’t the most intimate thing we’s done. Please, just numb my ribs before they fall off!”

Spot grins and begins carefully ice’n my sides, relief flood’n through my skin. “Just check’n. Y’know, I can do lots-a things to make ya numb.”

God, the things this man could do to me.

“Can I heal foist?”

Spot’s grin widens. “That ain’t a ‘no.’”

I smirk back. “Neva said it was.”

“You’s one hell of a goil, Beauty. I guess we’s both gonna be wait’n for you to heal.”

At this, Spot lets me hold the ice packs while he lies down next to me and presses himself closer.

“Let me know if you’s need anyth’n,” Spot mumbles as he begins to drift off.

“Thanks Spot. I luv you.”

“Luv you too.”

Throughout the night, I try not to squirm or more too much. Whenever I breathe too deeply, my entire body aches. But every time I groan Spot immediately wakes up, as if it’s a sixth sense whenever I’s in pain. I can’t say I ain’t flattered, and I luv him for it.

I wake up the next morn’n with Spot’s arms wrapped tightly around me. After a while, I try to wake him up.

“Wake up, Spot. Time to carry the banner.”

“I ain’t sell’n papes today,” he mumbles into my hair.

“Why?” I ask openly.

“‘Cause I’s stay’n here to make sure you’s ok.”

I can’t help smil’n. “Aw, Spot. That’s real sweet of ya, but you’s still need to sell. What ‘bout money-?”

“You comes foist, money comes later.”

I groan. “That might be fine in your book, but I say you’s can’t just stay here all day watch’n me.”

“I’s take’n care of my wife, like a proper husband. If that’s ok?” Spot asks cockily.

I respond by pulling his suspenders and smashing my lips to his. Spot cups my face in his hands and deepens the kiss. Afta a while we break away.

“Spot Colon, you’s the greatest poison I know,” I say as I lay onto his chest.

“And you’s the best wife a guy could ever have,” Spot kisses the top of my head.

Throughout the day Spot helps by gett’n me fresh water, more ice for my ribs, and keep’n my mind off the pain by talk’n to me. At ‘bout 3 o’clock my thoughts are answered: Race and Mush lead the ‘Hattan newsies into the room- even Crutchy made it!

“Hiya fellas,” I say enthusiastically.

“Hey Becs!”

“How ya do’n?”

“Your ribs still hurt?”

“David told us what happened!”

I groan. “Yeah, apparently I’s gonna be bedridden for a week or two.”

“And you’s gonna do that, right?” Mush looks at me threaten’ly.

“Yeah, yeah. I’s already heard the speech from Spot.” I look up at my husband, who grins back at me.

At this the newsies seem to realize that Spot’s sit’n on the bed with me- and I get mixed reactions. Some eyebrows raise, some eyes widen, jaws drop, some look uneasy.

Jack looks murderous, but contains any comments.

“I’s fine guys, really I’s is. It’s real sweet you’s came to visit, but you’s shouldn’t be wast’n time worry’n ‘bout me. You’s should be sell’n papes.”

“While you’s here bored outta your mind? Wouldn’t miss it!” Race jokes.

“Although looks like Spotty’s keep’n ya company,” Skittery remarks.

“Can it, Skit,” I warn, feel’n Spot tense up.

Jack walks up, and I’s can see he’s been cry’n. He pulls me into a hug and I don’t bother to remind him of my ribs. But when he squeezes a bit too hard I grunt a little and he lets go.

“Rebecca… I’m so sorry… I… We shoulda been there sooner,” Jack sighs.

I put my hand on his shoulda. “Jack, there was noth’n more you’s could do. It was only a madda of time ‘til Benny killed me or got what was com’n to him. I’s still here, alive. Don’t beat yerself up. Please.”

Jack nods stiffly, then lets Spot return to his place beside me.

“Becca’s right. We’s should still go sell, ‘cause she needs rest. Let’s move it!” He turns and looks back at Spot. “Keep an eye on her. You knows like I do how she’ll try anyth’n to get out.”

Spot chuckles. “See ya, Jackie Boy.”

They’s all leave, and Spot lays down with me. Gentle not to push my ribs too much, Spot wraps his arms around me and rests his chin on my head.

“Get some rest. I’s still wait’n for that rain check on make’n you go numb,” Spot muddas in an affectionate but seductive tone.

I smile viciously. “Sure thing, Boss.”

#newsies broadway #Newsies #jack kelly newsies #racetrack newsies #newsies 1992 #92sies #newsies x reader #spot colon x reader #spot conlon #Jack Kelly #Les Jacobs #david jacobs #sarah jacobs #racetrack higgins #mush meyers #kid blink #skittery newsies #boots newsies #specs newsies

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cynicalone94 · 1 year ago

Text

Sacrifices

“We know who you are.” Antonio shouts as he leans over his teammate, waving the badge in his face. “This comes back on us, we’ll find you.”

But as he turns to step away, Mike speaks up.

“We’ll take this guy with us. You call the cops old man, go through the procedure and make your statement but you better not tell them anything about us. We’ll be listening. Once we know you’ve followed orders, we’ll drop your pal somewhere.”

Antonio starts, looking over at Mike. Technically this follows the no bodies agreement but this crew has never done something like this before.

“If you gotta take me fine, just don’t hurt the old man.” Jay says, lifting his head from where he’s doubled over on the floor from Antonio’s punch.

Antonio stares at him before looking back at Mike.

“Whatever. We need to get out of here.”

Hastings grabs Jay’s arm and drags him to his feet, shoving him toward the door with a gun at his back. Jay keeps his right arm curled around his abdomen and Antonio really hopes he’s faking to look like less of a threat. He doesn’t think he hit him that hard.

They reach the van without encountering resistance and Antonio accepts that Voight is going to let this play. Hastings shoves Jay into the back of the van and Antonio busies himself helping Martin stack the bags of stolen Oxy against the front partition. Mike throws a roll of duct tape to Hastings.

“Tie him up. And find something to blindfold him with so we can ditch the masks.”

He slides the door closed and Antonio turns his gun on Jay, backing Hasting’s order for him to lie on his stomach. He’s grateful for the mask in that moment as it hides his clenched jaw. Once Jay’s hands have been bound, Antonio sets the gun aside to unzip the jumpsuit he wears, shrugging out of the flannel he had on underneath it.

“For the blindfold.” he says, offering the shirt to Hastings. “Tear it up if you need to, its a Wal-Mart special.”

The man shreds the shirt, wrapping one strip over Jay’s eyes before forcing another between his teeth. Antonio bites back a protest to the unnecessary gagging of his friend and works to school his features as Martin takes off his mask next to him. As Hastings sits back, taking off his own mask and spraying another misting of his drugs into his nose, Antonio takes a deep breath and takes off his mask.

“So how long do you think this will take?” he asks.

“Hard to say.” Hastings says. “Police don’t always have the fastest response time. But they usually actually care about opioid thefts so maybe a couple of hours.”

He kicks Jay in the side and Antonio can’t stop his surprised exclamation.

“Best get comfortable.” he jibes.

They reach the dumpsite and the three of them pile out of the van, leaving Jay lying alone while they move the bags of drugs to the trunk of the car. Then Hastings brings out a six pack of beer and the four of them sit around, joking and laughing while they wait for the all clear.

It’s three hours before Mike’s phone rings and Antonio is twitching to check on Jay and make sure that he’s doing okay. He knows Voight is nearby and that he’ll be here in a heartbeat to untie the younger man and make sure he’s alright once the robbery crew have cleared the site.

When the phone rings, Mike stands up and paces away from the group. After a few minutes of hushed conversation, he pockets the device again and comes back.

“Alright. Torch the van.”

“We can dump him over there.” Antonio says, pointing to an open area. “Should keep him away from the fire but make sure he gets found when the fire department gets called out.”

“Change of plans. He’s hanging around a little longer.”

“The heist went off smooth. Why go around drawing unnecessary heat? Just let the guy go.”

“Red’s had a job on the drawing board for a couple weeks. Taking this guy with us wasn’t exactly according to playbook but now that we have, we get to run with it. Because making that job work requires a hostage.”

“I don’t like it. Too much risk.”

“Then you can leave. You did okay tonight, I was gonna let you tag along with this one too but if you can’t stomach it…”

“Is there a good payout?”

“Oh yeah. It’ll be worth your while. And nobody is planning on killing this guy.”

“Alright.” Antonio reluctantly agrees, wanting to talk to Jay, to see if he wants to let this play.

“I’ll call you when we have a time set up.”

“I’d rather stick close.” Antonio says. “No offense but Hastings already got twitchy and almost blew the no bodies agreement. And I really don’t want to end up tied to a homicide.”

“Sure. We can do that. Help Martin get him in the trunk.”

Martin leads the way back to the van, sliding the door open. Jay has managed to sit up and is leaning against the wall of the van. Martin reaches in and grabs his leg to drag him forward. Jay jolts upright but the inefficient flailing of his motion tells Antonio that he’s faking his surprise at the movement.

The two of them get him to his feet and lead him toward the other vehicle. As they walk, Antonio tries to figure out a way to let him know about the change of plans and ask if he’s okay letting this continue without tipping off the others that he knows him.

“Change of plans, buddy.” Hastings jeers as he approaches them and Antonio has to suppress a smirk. “You’re hanging out with us a while longer.”

Or he could just let the unhinged addict do it for him.

Jay tenses and Antonio shifts to place himself between his friend and the other man. He put a hand on Jay’s forearm offering a gentle squeeze and hoping the man knows what he’s asking.

“Red needs a hostage for a priority job so you’ve been voluntold.” Hastings cheers, oblivious to their communication. “Told you ya shouldn’ta been eying me back there.”

On the surface, Jay’s reaction shows fear and disapproval. He pulls back, shaking his head with a muffled protest. But he “bumps” against Antonio as he does so, hand landing briefly on his arm with a returning squeeze. He wants to let this play.

“Stop taunting the guy.” Antonio tells Hastings, pushing Jay toward Martin and then stepping forward to push Hastings back.

Mike comes over.

“Hastings, stop making their job harder. Just get in the car.” he orders. “And you two, get him in the trunk and torch the van.”

Antonio turns away from Hastings, trusting Mike to keep him away from Jay for now. Jay fights back, and it takes both of them to wrestle him into the trunk of the second car as Mike and Hastings drive away with the drugs. But Antonio has fought Jay before, has seen the man fight when his life was in danger. If he wasn’t game to seeing this out, they wouldn’t have been able to get him in the trunk, even restrained.

They torch the van and then drive to a house in Englewood. Antonio and Martin take Jay down to the basement on Mike’s instructions and Antonio hangs back while the others head back upstairs, taking a minute to kneel next to Jay, taking one of his hands.

“Hey squeeze once for yes, twice for no, understand?”

One squeeze.

“You want to pull the plug?”

Two squeezes.

“You sure, man?”

One squeeze.

“Alright. Hang in there, Jay.”

He rises to his feet and sprints up the stairs.

The night is spent playing cards, drinking beer and watching hockey on an enormous tv. The bags of stolen oxy are picked up just before midnight by a runner that Antonio doesn’t recognize. He knows that Voight will have the team on the street, running the man’s ID and following him back to the drop point. He can’t help but hope that he will lead them back to Irving so that Voight can pull the plug on this end of the operation.

Just after the man leaves, he decides to speak up.

“Should someone run our new friend upstairs to take a leak? Cause I really don’t want to clean it up if we don’t.”

“You volunteering?” Hastings growls, looking up from his cards to glare at Antonio.

“They dealt with him at the dumpsite.” Mike says. “You go escort him to the bathroom. Diaz is right. I don’t really want to smell that.”

“He’s just doing this cause he’s losing.” Hastings says, throwing his cards down and taking another sniff of drugs.

Mike gives him a look and he rolls his eyes but stands up, heading for the stairs. When the door opens again a few minutes later, Antonio’s attention is drawn by a thud and a muffled grunt and he looks up to see Jay angling his head away from the door frame, a red spot near his temple.

“We need him in one piece for the robbery.” Mike points out lightly.

“Not my fault the guy’s a klutz.” Hastings says, grinning as he shoves Jay toward the hall and runs him into the corner of the wall.

“Just avoid his head.” Mike says, rolling his eyes.

Hastings snorts and the two disappear down the hall, various additional thuds sounding as they go. Antonio throws down his cards (which true to Hasting’s accusation, sucked) and leans back in his chair.

“So,” he says, “What kind of job are we doing that requires a hostage? I thought the brute force grabs were going well?”

“There’s a place downstate that has some different drugs. Red thinks it could be real profitable but the security is tighter so a different approach is called for.”

“How do you like working for Red?” Antonio asks. “You ever get face time?”

“We’ve talked on the phone once or twice but Red doesn’t do face time with anybody except the guys who oversee the stash houses.”

“But its a good gig?”

“Running a heist crew is a pretty sweet gig. Pays a solid cut and even between gigs I manage the sandwich shop which pays a decent salary.”

“Do you sell product out of the shop or just screen customers?”

“Screening only.” Mike tells him. “Pickup takes place elsewhere after I put them in touch with a middleman.”

“Are you cool with running a heist gig or do you hope to move up to stash house level?”

“Trying to get my crew?” the man jokes.

“Hell yes.” Antonio laughs, “Job security, in this economy?”

The three of them are still laughing when Hastings drags Jay back down the hallway. He rolls his eyes.

“Sure, you guys are having a great time while I get stuck with the annoying jobs.” he scoffs.

“Just get him back downstairs.” Mike says, rolling his eyes. “And quit yer bellyaching.”

The door to the stairs slams behind them and Antonio takes a drink to conceal his wince. He really hopes Hastings won’t take his foul mood about this assignment out on Jay anymore than he already has.

There’s a crash from behind the door and both he and Mike jump to their feet. He allows himself to fall behind Mike as he throws the door open and peers down into the basement.

“He only fell a few steps.” Hastings says from where he’s standing over Jay who is sprawled across the basement floor, kicking his foot. “Get up.”

“I told you to watch his head.” Mike growls, jogging down the steps to push Hastings back a step.

Antonio runs down and crouches next to his friend, examining the blood welling up from a gash at his hairline.

“You said he wouldn’t get hurt.” he hisses.

“I said nobody was going to kill him.” Mike says, shoving Hastings up against the wall, “And you said yourself that Hastings is a little unstable.”

“It’s not like I pushed him.” the man whines. “Idiot tripped over his own feet.”

“He’s blindfolded, you jackass.” Antonio scoffs before turning to Mike, “We may need to consider letting him go. Drop him off somewhere. You can find another hostage for the job but.. head injuries are tricky man.”

“I’ll call Red.” the man says, “Get a medic over here to look him over. Go home, Hastings.”

The man grumbles but seems to realize he’s on thin ice and heads up the stairs.

Jay groans at his feet and Antonio looks down, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“Take it easy, man.” he says, “Don’t try to move.”

Mike kneels next to him, pulling the gag free from Jay’s mouth.

“Hey buddy.” he says, “How do you feel?”

“Like I just got pushed down the stairs.” Jay growls. “What the hell is wrong with you people?”

“A lot of things.” Mike says, sounding amused, “I sent that idiot home so you should be safe for the time being. Anything besides your head giving you troubles?”

Jay is silent for a long time before he grumbles.

“Right side. Shoulder hurts pretty good.”

Mike hums sympathetically.

“I’m gonna get someone out here to look you over, just try to lie still until they get here, okay?”

“Please just let me go.” Jay begs, his voice losing it’s hard edge.

“We’ll talk after the medic gets done.” Mike says.

“Can you at least cut my hands loose?” Jay asks, “I won’t try anything, I swear. But my shoulder is killing me.”

Mike thinks for a minute before nodding to Antonio.

“Stay with him. I’ve got to make a few calls.”

Antonio nods, leaning over to cut Jay loose as the man jogs up the stairs.

“God, Jay.” he mutters, “Are you okay?”

“I’ve been better,” Jay mutters as Antonio helps him maneuver his arms from underneath him, cradling his right arm against his chest. “That jackass pushed me on purpose.”

“I’m calling Voight.” Antonio says, reaching for his phone. “We’re getting you out of here. We’ll find Irving another way.”

“No.” Jay protests, “I’ve already shed blood for this, let’s give it a chance to pan out.”

“You might have a concussion.” Antonio argues.

“At least wait until the medic looks me over.” Jay says, “If he says its a concussion, you can call Voight.”

When he hesitates, Jay presses.

“There’s a cop missing, Tony. Maybe dead.”

“Well, I’d rather not stand by and watch them kill another one to maybe save the first one.” Antonio bites back.

Mike steps out into the backyard, dialing Red.

“Hastings messed up, didn’t he?” she says, sounding annoyed.

He sighs.

“Pushed the bastard down the stairs. He looks okay but he says his shoulder hurts and he took a knock to the head.”

“I’ll send Tuck over to check him over. If he says concussion, you dump the guy at Chicago Med. Killing one cop is bad enough.”

“Understood.”

“And it’s time to cut Hastings loose. This is one too many. If we do end up proceeding, leave him and Martin behind to set up the ‘job’.”

“Martin too?”

“The guy already wants out. He just doesn’t know how to ask. Give him what he wants.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Antonio looks up as a man dressed simply and carrying a medical bag jogs down the stairs, Mike at his heels.

Jay pushes back against the wall that Antonio has helped him prop himself against.

“I’m not here to hurt you.” the man says, crouching in front of him. “Just want to take a look at that shoulder and head of yours. Okay?”

After a moment, Jay nods slowly.

“I’m going to have to take off the blindfold to check for a concussion so you boys either need to put your masks on or clear out.” he warns.

Antonio slides his mask on and Mike does the same, none too subtly resting a handgun against his leg. The blindfold is removed and Antonio watches as his friend blinks against the sudden light.

“You can call me Tuck.” the medic introduces himself. “Can you tell me your full name?”

“Ryan Alexander Sommers.” Jay says and Antonio feels some of the tension leave him. If Jay is coherent enough to remember his full undercover name, he can’t be hurt too bad.

Tuck runs through a few more questions before checking Jay’s pupils and his ability to track movement.

“It doesn’t look like a concussion.” he says, sitting back. “I’m going to advise against gagging him again. If he gets nauseous or complains of being dizzy at all, drop him at the nearest hospital. Let’s take a look at that shoulder.”

Jay reaches to unbutton his shirt and winces. Tuck gently bats his hands aside and undoes the buttons himself, gently tugging the shirt over Jay’s injured shoulder.

“I’m going to go ahead and just cut the t-shirt off.” he tells him and Jay nods.

A pair of medical shears make short work of the cotton fabric and Antonio swallows back a gasp at the yellowing already starting to appear on his side.

“Took the brunt of the impact on your shoulder, I see.” Tuck comments as he starts probing the joint.

Jay gasps but doesn’t pull away. Tuck continues probing the joint, completely ignoring his reaction. Finally, he pulls back.

“Well, you’ll definitely need some x-rays when you get out of here tomorrow afternoon. I would recommend a follow up with an orthopedic specialist as well.”

Ignoring the look of annoyance that crosses Jay’s face, he turns to Mike.

“Don’t restrain him again if you don’t have to.” he says, “It could cause further damage to his shoulder and Red wants to avoid long-term injuries if possible. I’m going to put him in a sling to support the shoulder but I’m green-lighting tomorrow’s robbery.”

He turns back to Jay and gently maneuvers his right arm into the sling he pulls from his bag. Once he’s done he stands up.

“I’ll walk you out.” Mike says, holstering his gun and tossing a roll of duct tape to Antonio. “Get the blindfold back on and tie his ankles. Still gotta be a little careful. And stay with him. If he gets dizzy or nauseous, let me know.”

Antonio nods, watching as they retreat up the stairs before crouching next to Jay.

“Voight can be here in twenty seconds.” he tells him. “You know the whole team is probably watching the house right now.”

“I’m okay.” Jay argues. “The sling is helping. My shoulder barely even hurts anymore.”

“You are the most stubborn twat I have ever met.” Antonio growls.

“You know you love me.” Jay says with a smirk, “Now put the blindfold back on.”

Antonio rolls his eyes but ties the blindfold back into place over Jay’s eyes. Then he wraps tape a few times around his ankles before going over to the stairs and settling in, setting his mask on the steps next to him and pulling out his phone.

Jay’s asleep, or at least doing a good job of faking it, by the time Martin relieves him around noon. He’s managed to scoot along the wall to put himself in the corner and is leaning his head against the wall.

The cut at his hairline has stopped bleeding but the skin around it is already moving past yellow and starting to darken. Antonio doesn’t want to leave him but he trusts Martin to at least not deliberately hurt him so he makes his way upstairs and ends up falling asleep on the couch.

Antonio is loading gear into the van while Martin and Hastings get their hostage ready. He hates letting Hastings anywhere near Jay when he isn’t there to protect him but Mike had dismissed his protests, so he reluctantly allows the two men to disappear into the basement, Martin already hefting his automatic weapon from the previous robbery.

He regrets the choice when he finishes loading the van and hasn’t seen them ten minutes later. He jogs down the steps only to freeze in horror at the sight of Jay curled on the floor, hands bound, tape over his mouth and strapped into a bomb vest while Hastings kicks at him.

Martin is standing back, weapon loose in his hands as he looks between Antonio and the scene before him.

This time, Antonio doesn’t hesitate before pulling out his phone and dialing Voight.

“Breach now.” he snaps as soon as the line connects. “And shut down cell towers in the area.”

He brings up his own weapon, focusing his attention on Hastings.

“CPD. Step away from him, now.” he snaps, “Martin. Just put the gun down and keep your hands where I can see them.”

The man stares at him in shocked betrayal but doesn’t raise his weapon so Antonio ignores him to keep his weapon fixed on Hastings.

“Step back.” he snarls. “Don’t give me a reason.”

The man finally takes a step back, eyes blazing with fury.

“Is it armed?” he asks.

“Yeah.” the man snaps. “But I don’t have controls. Red has them. Maybe I should make a call.”

“Reach for your phone.” Antonio says, “I dare you.”

There’s a thud behind him and he shouts,

“In the basement.”

Then his team is at his back. Al takes Martin into custody, leading him back up the stairs while reading him his rights. Erin pushes past Antonio to kneel next to Jay as he presses forward, keeping his weapon up while Kevin slams Hastings up against the wall.

As soon as the man is headed up the stairs, Antonio drops his weapon and turns his attention to Jay. Erin has cut his hands free and removed the blindfold. As she pulls the tape away from his mouth, Antonio can’t take it anymore.

“We should have pulled the plug after the bastard pushed you down the stairs.” Antonio yells at him.“We’ve got nothing more right now than we had yesterday morning.”

“Sure we do.” Jay gasps, blood dripping from his lips. “Because he may be a jackass who pushes people down staircases but he’s also a dumbass who doesn’t know when to stop talking. They’ve got Irving out at the Daisy Field Meat Packing Plant. He’s still alive.”

“Stay with Halstead until bomb squad gets here and then make sure the idiot gets to Med.” Voight orders, stepping up behind him. “The rest of us will take care of Irving.”

Antonio nods and crouches next to Jay while Erin stands,

“Try not to break anymore bones while I’m gone.” she orders her partner before following the rest of the team out of the basement.

“You’ve still got zero sense of self preservation.” Antonio tells the man once they’re alone in the basement again.

“So the answer is no if I ask for your knife so I can disarm this myself?” Jay asks.

“Depends on if you actually know what you’re doing.” Antonio snaps back.

“I hung with some EOD guys over in the sandbox.” Jay says.

“Yes or no.” Antonio growls, “Do you know how to disarm this specific bomb?”

Jay sighs, coughing as the motion aggravates his injuries.

“Then I’m going to make you wait for the experts. We’ve blocked the surrounding towers. It’s safe to wait.”

“Says the guy not strapped to a bomb.” Jay grumbles, easing himself back against the wall.

“What happened anyway?”

“I think Hastings was pissed about being sent home like a misbehaving toddler last night.” Jay says. “Came in, told me the other guy had a gun on me and would shoot me if I tried to fight back. I guess I twitched wrong when he was buckling the vest on cause he slammed my head against the wall, tied my hands and gagged me, and then just started kicking.”

“You nauseous now?”

“A little.” Jay admits. “Can I go home now?”

“Yeah, if you’d agreed to us pulling you out yesterday morning…” Antonio says, “I mean you still would have gotten some x-rays on your shoulder but they probably would have sent you home afterward. Now though….”

“Definitely have a concussion now.” Jay says, sighing again and then grimaces, “Maybe a broken rib.”

“Hurts to breathe?”

“Yeah.”

“Sorry bro. I should have fought harder to be the one to help load you.”

“Hastings only told me what we needed to know because he was having fun whaling on me.” Jay says. “If that brings Irving home alive, I don’t mind getting worked over.”

“Yeah.” Antonio says, “Like I said. No sense of self preservation.”

Voight is standing in the hallway, rubbing at his temples. Jay is finally free of the bomb vest and on his way to Med to be checked out. He’s just gotten a full debriefing from Antonio on what went down in that house and isn’t sure whether to put the kid in for a commendation or strangle him. Maybe he’ll do both.

A few doors down from where he’s currently waiting, Kyle Irving has been settled in a room and is being debriefed by his own superiors.

His phone rings and he glares down at the screen, annoyed when the number is unlisted.

“Voight.”

“Hello Sergeant.” a highly distorted voice says.

“Who is this?”

“You know me as Red. I see that both of your officers have been extracted.”

“You knew they were cops.” he says, pissed off anew.

“After discovering that Joey Mortenson was actually an undercover cop, it wasn’t too hard to guess that the man who suddenly appeared to fill his newly vacant spot on the crew was another cop.”

The smugness is undeniable and Voight wants to scream.

“Then why agree to let him join?”

“Because I, correctly, guessed that you would replace the security guards at the next robbery with your own people.” is the answer, “And to be honest, I couldn’t resist conducting a little experiment to see how far your boys would go to maintain the Detective’s cover.”

“An experiment?” he growls.

“Detective Halstead’s dedication to his job, and his determination to see Officer Irving come home safely, is truly admirable. It really reflects quite well on him and you as his superior.”

“I’ll be sure to let him know you were impressed.” he says flatly.

“It’s truly a shame that Officer Irving is so undeserving of his efforts.”

“Undercover ops go sideways. Getting made happens.”

“I’m sure it does. But he didn’t get made.”

“So you had him chained up in that warehouse for fun?”

“I had him chained up in that warehouse because he stole money from me and I wanted it back. He told me he was a cop hoping that it would keep me from killing him.”

Voight is silent, rage building as he digests the information.

“You have a nice day, Sergeant.”

The line goes dead and he feels his feet moving before his mind has processed the decision. All three men look up as he storms into the exam room and Commander Perry starts to speak.

“Hank, I thought I-”

“You son of a bitch.” he growls, only having eyes for the officer seated hunched over on the exam table.

“Hank!” Commander Perry protests.

“He told them he was a cop.” Hank growls, holding the man’s gaze.

“Why the hell would he do that?” Lieutenant Granger asks.

“Because they were going to kill him for stealing drug money from them and he hoped finding out he was a cop would change their mind.”

“Is that true?” the Commander asks, turning to the officer who has paled.

“I-” he starts but Hank cuts him off.

“Jay Halstead let himself be held prisoner for almost two days to keep his partner’s cover intact long enough to find you.” he growls. “He got shoved down a staircase and still refused to be pulled because it would ruin our chance to save you. He could have been rescued at any time but he turned it down every time it was offered because he didn’t want you to die. Even after he was strapped to a bomb and beaten he still said it was worth it because it got the intel we needed to bring you home alive.”

“Hank.” the Commander says in a warning tone before turning to Irving. “Did you take money from Red?”

“Yes.” the man admits, looking at his feet.

“I will handle this, Hank.” the Commander tells him. “Where’s Halstead now?”

“They finally got the bomb vest off him maybe ten minutes ago.” Hank says, “He should be arriving downstairs any time now.”

“Why don’t you head down and meet him.”

It’s not really a suggestion and Hank nods, giving Irving one final glare before leaving the room.

He arrives downstairs just in time to watch them wheel Jay through the sliding doors. The paramedics have the stretcher at a forty five degree angle and he’s resting tiredly against it, an oxygen mask over his face.

Will Halstead comes out of a treatment room and hurries over to his brother.

“Hey.” He says, placing a hand on his arm, “How are you feeling?”

“Hurts.” Jay admits. “Chest is tight.”

“What did you give him for the pain?” Ethan Choi asks the paramedics as he joins them.

“10 mg tramadol.” Chout tells him. “We kept it light because he’s showing signs of a concussion. But a couple of his ribs are definitely broken.”

Will rubs his brother’s arm.

Choi positions himself in front of Jay, checking his pupil reactions and asking a series of questions.

“Alright, let’s get him in treatment one and get him on the monitors.” Choi orders. “Just hang in there, Jay. We’ll get you feeling better soon.”

“Thanks Ethan.”

Hank follows at a distance as they wheel him into the room, rolling his eyes as Halstead tries to sit up and assist with the transfer to the exam bed.

“Just let us do the work, Jay.” Ethan scolds gently, “We really don’t want you moving around too much until we can get a look at those ribs.”

Jay rolls his eyes but sits back. The doctors transfer him with practised ease and he can’t quite hide the wince.

Hank and Antonio step into the room as soon as the paramedics wheel their stretcher back out but stay back in the corner as the doctors work.

A nurse flits around him, attaching monitors and Ethan pulls back the blanket that is tucked up over his bare chest.

Another flash of anger passes through Hank as the developing bruising is laid bare. His right shoulder and upper arm are the darkest, having had a day and a half to develop. Even so, they are overshadowed by the reddened outline of a boot print on the left side of his chest.

Will freezes, eyes fixed on the injury, but Ethan maintains a professional detachment, bringing his stethoscope from his pocket.

Jay winces a few times as the man places it against his chest, listening carefully for a moment before moving on to another area. After a minute, he pulls back.

“Well, you’ve got good breath sounds bilaterally so I don’t think there’s any damage to your lungs but I’ll want to get a chest CT just to be sure. You’re definitely breathing more shallowly than I would like but that’s to be expected. Will, can you help me with the x-ray?”

The man shakes himself, giving his brother’s arm another gentle squeeze before letting go and moving to help bring the portable x-ray machine over.

They get several images of Jay’s chest and a couple films of his shoulder before letting the injured man relax, standing shoulder-to-shoulder to assess them.

After a moment they return to the bedside, Ethan making notes on his tablet.

“Alright,” he says once he’s finished, “You’ve got a relatively simple fracture to your shoulder, just on the ball of the joint. I’ll get an orthopedic specialist to look over the x-rays and they may want to come examine the joint themselves but from what I can see you should be good to go with a sling for six-to-eight weeks. I’ve got orders in for a head CT just to double check but it looks like we’re looking at a grade one concussion. You’ll feel miserable for a couple of days but I don’t anticipate any complications. Though we are going to make you stick around for a twenty-four hour observation just in case. We’ll also get a CT of your chest just to double check your lungs and your abdomen to check for internal bleeding.”

“Awesome.” Jay grumbles.

“It gets better.” Ethan says, giving him a sympathetic look. “You’ve got four broken ribs. Straight in a line under that nice boot print on your side. They should heal just fine without surgery but it’s going to be a miserable couple of weeks. We have to stay light on the pain meds at least for a couple of days because of the concussion so we’ll get you started on ice therapy and corticosteroid injections to ease the inflammation. And you’ll need to do some positively enjoyable breathing exercises to help reduce your risk for pneumonia.”

Jay groans.

Once the kid is wheeled off to CT, his brother taking the chance to go check on another patient, Antonio turns to Voight.

“You look ticked off. You’re not going to yell at Jay are you? Yeah, it was stupid to stay as long as he did but I don’t know that we would have found Irving if he hadn’t.”

“It’s not Halstead I’m pissed at.” Voight says, cutting the other man off as he starts to protest, “And it’s not you either. He was the one getting kicked at, he deserved to call the shots on when to end it.”

“Then who? Hastings? Cause I’d like to have a go at the bastard myself.”

“Irving didn’t get made.” he mutters and Antonio’s features twist in confusion.

“Then why was he-”

“The bastard got greedy.” Voight growls, “ Helped himself to a better cut. And then when they realized what he was doing, he told them he was a cop trying to get some kind of immunity.”

“Jay had to go through this, is going to spend the next six weeks forcing himself to breathe, because Irving is a greedy son of a bitch?” Antonio says tightly.

Voight just nods.

“Red called me.” he adds after a minute. “I think once we stopped them from killing the bastard, the back up plan was to at least destroy his life. Irving didn’t even try to deny it.”

“Then the brass are taking care of it?”

“Commander Perry is handling it personally. Should probably keep the news in house. I doubt they’ll want it broadcasted to the masses. But I figured you deserve to know. So does Halstead.”

“Feels like kicking him while he’s down.” Antonio mutters and Voight has to agree.

Jay glances between them when he’s brought back from CT, clearly worried he’s about to get yelled at.

“Sarge, I know -” he starts, falling silent at Voight’s raised hand.

“I’m not going to yell at you, Jay.” he says. “Staying in there was your call. As much as I wish you hadn’t been hurt this badly, you got the job sone.”

Jay’s eyes narrow in confusion.

“Then why do you look so pissed off?” he asks.

“What I’m about to tell you is need to know only.” Voight cautions. “Brass wants to deal with it in house and hope they can avoid too many people finding out about it.”

“Okay.” Jay says slowly.

“Kyle Irving didn’t get made.” Voight says. “The bastard got caught stealing money. He thought telling them he was a cop would keep them from killing him.”

Jay frowns.

“He got greedy.”

“I’m sorry, Jay.” Voight says. “I know that’s a kick in the pants after what you went through to bring him home.”

“He still didn’t deserve to die.” Jay says with an aborted shrug.

He can’t quite cover up the hurt that he’s feeling, no matter how nonchalant he tries to be about it.

Voight shakes his head. The brass had better make sure that Irving pays for this.

Or he’ll take it into his own hands.

#whumptober 2023 #no. 28 #sacrifices #Chicago PD #fic #undercover #kidnapping #Jay Halstead

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the-bar-sinister · 16 days ago

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Deicide: Red Shift (109023 words) by VickytheSnake, thesavagesabretooth Chapters: 23/24

Summary: A mysterious signal is drawing ships across the Grand Line to a place called Elegia for the first ever concert by the rising star singer, Uta. Following the signal are Cross Guild and fallen emperor Shanks, the Charlotte family, the Donquixote Pirates and the shattered remnants of Law's crew, and Kid's crew, and Cavendish and Bartolomeo.

And the Straw Hats and their captain Luffy, who hasn't seen Uta since they were both little children at their idol Shanks' knee.

Perhaps this meeting was ordained by fate. Perhaps, in the end, there was only ever one tragic outcome possible.

But Luffy has other plans.

catch up here

While Sabo, Ace and Koala had set up a base camp, Deuce and Isuka had gone back to the ship on an errand. Specifically they went to collect their strange guest, who had been rescued from Mary Geoise. They'd left him on the ship during the assault with the marines not knowing how it might affect him in his odd state.

Isuka leaned on the wall nearby as Deuce put his often hated but tragically useful medical skills to work giving the former Warlord Barthomew Kuma a once over to make sure nothing had happened in the siege.

She thought maybe it was overkill, the ship didn't seem to have been disturbed at all, but Deuce was always a chronic worrier.

Once that was done they headed back to check in with the others, Kuma looming and silent as a rain cloud as he followed along behind them. When they arrived, what they found was Luffy hanging around Sabo and Ace's shoulders. They were laughing together– though both of their eyes were red.

That was good, right? Isuka had to admit she didn't know Luffy too well, mostly she knew about him from brief run-ins with the rest of the Revolutionary Army gang, Ace and Sabo's stories, and Croc's grumblings from her time on his crew.

But it looked like Sabo, Ace and Luffy were having a good reunion. Koala's warm and expressive smile as she watched them sealed the deal. Things were going well—which was a refreshing change of pace.

Deuce waved to them beside her with a tired smile. "Hey everyone. Straw Hat, good to see you."

Luffy and Ace had both stopped crying. They had resolved silently not to mention that either of them had been crying at all, and just pretend like it hadn't happened. As Luffy was wiping his face with his shirt, he leaned on his brothers, his legs wound tightly around them. Ace was telling him about everything that had happened, and why they hadn't told him sooner, but Luffy was not really listening. He didn't care about the how, or why. Now that he'd gotten one good punch in he wasn't mad, either. He was just happy.

He had Uta, and Ace, and Sabo all back.

He barely even noticed when someone called out. "Straw Hat, good to see you."

Looking up, and wiping his eyes again for good measure, he didn't recognize the person. Maybe he didn't recognize them because they were wearing a mask? For a second he thought it was Vivi, but she was back with the others.

Just as he was sorting that out, he realized that he did recognize the lumbering figure that walked silently behind the masked person and the red haired girl.

Luffy's eyes widened and his grip on Sabo and Ace tightened. "Uuuuuuh….. I think we gotta get out of here!"

"....does he not recognize me? I swear we ran into one another at the Pirate Festival—" the masked not-Vivi rubbed his chin with a furrow of his brow.

The woman beside him seemed to have a different reaction, holding her hands up. "No. you're good. Look, deep breaths. I'm a friend of Vivi's—and this is Kuma. I dunno if you'd had bad experiences with the Pacifistas before—but he's not gonna hurt you."

With wide eyes, Luffy looked at Sabo and Ace. "Uuhhh."

Ace grinned. "It's okay, Luffy. We rescued him from Mary Geoise."

Luffy then looked at Hancock, for further reassurance.

Hancock nodded, resting her hand on his back with a small smile. "He's been freed from the World Government's control, Luffy. He's not back to normal yet—but he's not our enemy."

The woman—the friend of Vivi's— patted Kuma on the arm before she put her hand to her hip with a flurry of sparks like she'd disturbed an electrical current "We're the rest of Sabo and Ace's squad. I don't think we've been formally introduced."

The party atmosphere was infectious, despite, or perhaps because of the huge battle that came before it. Buggy hadn't seen Shanks this happy since they were kids. He was all smiles, flopped against him, and watching Uta chat with the Straw Hats.

Crocodile seemed pleased too, also chatting with a few of the Straw Hats, but busying himself every few minutes coordinating new groups of pirates that milled their way around the area. He was telling people not to go too far, because there was going to be a big meeting; since everyone was there already.

Even with Crocodile's threatened 'big meeting' looming on the horizon, Buggy couldn't help but grin along. Even as he kept dodging Vivi as she latched to Crocodile's side (he didn't want to deal with an awkward reunion just yet), even as he caught his breath from the madcap nightmare that was Uta's concert, he was feeling the atmosphere well.

Cross Guild got a boost in public notice, the people were celebrating, nobody was trying to kill one another yet. Things were going great. Even Cabaji looked like he was in a halfway decent mood, off to the side with Daz helping with the coordination.

Shanks looked over at Buggy, his red hair falling across his scarred face, and smiled. "It actually turned out okay, huh?"

Buggy brushed his hair out of his face with a half smile, leaning towards Shanks with a grin. "Looks like—your kid doesn't even hate you! Even if she's runnin' off with Straw Hat. All's well that ends well, right?"

"I donno if I'd say 'ends'," Shanks said, his smile taking on a slightly nervous quality. "I got the feeling there's a lot more in store. But knowing Uta doesn't hate me… and Luffy doesn't either… it's a load off my mind, for sure."

"And me too, dumbass," Buggy ribbed him playfully. "You're on your way to makin' amends. With all of us. You can finally stop moping around. Enjoy your daughter's company till we ship out, mingle with these freaks of nature we call co-pirates…I mean, have you seen the size of the fuckin' Charlotte pirates? Yikes!"

Shanks kissed his cheek and then he laughed. "The Charlottes? They're not so tough. Big Brother Pero's kind of a push over if you ask me."

"Shanks, buddy, love of my fuckin' life—" He grabbed his shoulders, even as the kiss brought a smile to his face. "I saw that bitch with the massive sword and the hat slice through like—three buildings and two dozen monsters like they were butter."

He waved his hand. "and don't even mention the devil fruit array they bring to the table."

"If I don't mention them, Croc's going to," Shanks chuckled. "You know he's going to try to get them to sign onto Cross Guild, right?"

"You mean like he's signed on every other person Luffy's beaten to a pulp? Yeah. He's trying to unite every damn pirate on the Grand Line he can name into the thing." Buggy shook his head. To think, this whole thing started with his fucking pirate delivery service and spun out from there.

"And it's working. A lot of that seems to actually be thanks to you, too."

Buggy flushed deeper, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish smile. "Awww, Shanksy—I dunno about that. I mean—I am the face of the organization, and the charm, and the glue that holds us all together…"

"Hey, Crocodile, I'm back! Did you miss me?"

Before they could get into a really good flirtation they were interrupted by another loud, colorful group of pirates approaching. Not the Charlottes this time, the Donquixotes.

…Only Doflamingo appeared to have shrunk, and was being carried around in the arms of one of his crewmen.

Buggy watched Shanks' attention turn to the miniature pirate, a sting of nerves as the sight set in on him.

"Oh god, is that an aftereffect? Does Uta's dream shit de-age you? Do I look younger?" Buggy asked with rising panic. "Shrunk? I'm the same size, right?"

Law and the whole cadre of the Donquixotes didn't seem all that stressed about it at least. Maybe it was fine? Maybe he just…

The explanation smacked him in the face a moment later when he registered that a member of the motley band seemed a little—off. New? New enough.

A young girl with long pink hair and a blotch of lipstick in the center of her lips, jogging to keep up with the crew's long legged strides as she kept trying to ask Doflamingo questions Buggy couldn't quite hear.

"...is that fuckin' Jewelry Bonney?"

Shanks laughed. "Yeah, looks like it is! Feels like every pirate on the sea showed up for this concert. And don't worry, you're the same size as ever, thankfully. Not that you weren't a cute kid."

Crocodile didn't seem worried about it either. He just rolled his eyes. "It's about damned time, Doffy! I see you've been fooling the fuck around."

"We met a new friend!" Doffy beamed cheerfully. "Oh and I have that thing for you."

"Great," Crocodile grunted. "But there's a lot of shit going on right now, so let's leave that for later.

Buggy perked up with a widening grin, glancing over his shoulder at Cabaji hard at work. The 'thing' was certainly devil fruit he'd asked for, the thing to help his man feel comfortable in the last half of the Grand Line.

It really was an aftermath worth celebrating now.

Uta was absolutely surrounded by pirates. A throng of strange, excited people that seemed to grow larger and more excited by the minute. Unlike the people of Elegia, who were a somber bunch when they weren't engrossed in music or prayer, Uta had only seen energy like this at the start of her show. Pirates were strange, not a single group of them the same, and energetic—fun.

There were looming people dressed in outfits that looked like candy, there were people dressed in draping folds of ornate dress she'd read once were the fashion in Wano, some of them looming just as massive as the others. There were clowns and acrobats, that Croccy guy that Luffy had introduced her to, suited heroes cleaning the blood from their weapons with their army of near identical soldiers, and more.

It was enough just taking that in, but more so when some of them took notice of her presence within them. It felt—exciting. She felt alive; nervous and confused but alive for the first time in a long time.

She noticed Crocodile was chatting with a couple of the people who Luffy had introduced her to. One of them looked like Doflamingo, but smaller. Before she had a chance to ask one of the Straw Hats about it, Crocodile broke off from the discussion and came over toward her.

"Hey, Miss Uta," he growled pleasantly enough, taking a drag off his cigarette. "Mind if we chat for a minute?"

Nami leaned in close from where she'd been sitting and chatting with Uta and pointed at him. "if you're gonna chew her out about the concert or something, forget about it Sandman."

Uta laughed , brushing her hair from her face. "Aw , Nami, it should be fine. He's one of Luffy's friends, right? I don't mind chatting. Sorry, Crocodile. I didn't own your wanted poster like I owned Doffy's and Sanji's…"

Crocodile chuckled and held his hand and his hook up to Nami with a long, thin, smile. "No chewing anyone out, I promise. Just a little private matter to clear up with her and I'll bring her back to keep gossiping. Even if you don't have my poster."

He offered her his hand.

"Hey, if he tries giving you shit—" Nami warned, "just shout, and I'll sic Vivi on him. Alright?"

Uta laughed cheerfully, before she impulsively gave Nami a hug. Letting go, she grabbed Crocodile's hand. "If it's just a private matter, I doubt it's gonna be a problem. Besides. I'm curious to get to know everyone!"

"You and me both, Miss Uta," Crocodile chuckled as he led her a little way from the crowd. "Your concert had a hell of a turnout. That's something, right?"

Crocodile was a tall, broad shouldered older man, probably a little older than her dad, with swept back black hair, and a long, fur trimmed coat that was much more subtle than Doflamingo's big feathered one. He had a scar across his face that looked old, and might have made him look intimidating, except for the very soft expression on his face.

Uta followed him with a nod of her head, tilting forward to look up at him with a smile. Honestly, despite how intimidating he looked when she was looking down at him from the stage, he seemed like a pretty nice guy.

Like underneath it all he was as kind as any of the other pirates she'd met today.

"It sure did. At first I was only hoping for a handful, you know? But they kept urging me to aim higher and higher, and before I knew it…the cult had gotten me an audience the whole world over."

"And a hell of a lot of them pirates." He chuckled and took a puff off of his cigar, before offering it to her with an amused look on his face. It wasn't clear whether it was a serious offer or not. "The crowd we got sticking around is part of what I wanted to talk to ya about."

Uta stared at the cigar—she'd never smoked before. The cult said it'd 'hurt her precious, divine voice'. But frankly, fuck them. Fuck Elegia. Maybe she'd enjoy it.

She grabbed the cigar with a defiant smile, and put it to her lips to try taking a puff. "....is it about how much I hated pirates on stage?"

"Nah, I'm not worried about that." He waved his hand with a smirk. "I yell about hating pirates twice a day. Careful with that. Hold it in your mouth, don't breathe it into your lungs."

The tangy smoke filled her mouth and tickled the back of her throat and nose.

She didn't breathe it into her lungs, but the way it tickled had her coughing after a moment with a flustered blush, bracing herself against an abandoned stall.

"It's good," She wheezed. As she caught her breath, she continued."...and that doesn't surprise me. But if it's not that—what is it?"

He took the cigar back from her gently with a smile and put it to her own lips.

"It's that cult of yours. I gotta figure out what the hell we're doing with 'em before the meeting gets going. With all the pirates milling around, I wanna make sure we take care of it before they get lost in the shuffle."

The cult—misguided, obsessed, manipulative.

They'd taken a young girl with an unfortunate devil fruit and put her on an altar to encourage her to kill her own ego in favor of the divine. They'd turned her thinking around, twisted her into obedience and eager sacrifice, they'd stripped her of choice and all of her dreams.

Her anger—her hurt, surely showed plainly on her face as the joy drained out of it.

Crocodile paused just long enough for a puff of his cigar, but blew it out again and kept talking before she had a chance to react. He gestured at her with the cigar. "We can lock 'em up on one of the ship's brigs. We can execute 'em, or we can turn it loose. But it's your call, Uta, and I want your opinion. Not your daddy's. Not Straw Hat's."

"....I hate them, Crocodile. I thought—I thought they loved me, but to them I was exactly what the Celestial Dragons who used to own me and my mom wanted out of me when I grew up. A slave with a pretty voice. Only they wanted that pretty voice to become all I ever was. Their God."

Crocodile nodded, very seriously and respectfully, and let her speak without interrupting her, just standing there, puffing his cigar, and letting her let out her feelings, without any kind of judgement.

"I won't let them go free," Her eyes pierced through him as she looked up, her jaw set in a sharp frown. "If I do, they'll find a way to come back for me. They'll…Gordon, his people, they'll try to trigger Tot Musica again, wake it up and make it take me over."

"That's exactly what I was thinking, dol– Miss Uta." He ashed his cigar."So what are we gonna do about 'em? If you say, 'take care of it for me, Mr. Crocodile, and I don't want to ever hear about it again', I'll take care of it, and you won't ever have to hear about it again. Or we can do things your way, whatever that is."

Uta pressed her hand to her face for a moment, taking a deep and steadying breath. Two parts of herself were at war—the part that wanted them dead, to SEE them die—and a part of her that felt a sting of guilt when the supposedly happy times flashed through her mind.

"We wouldn't be able to keep them locked up forever, I'd imagine." she murmured. "Not reliably."

"Keeping prisoners long term's never ideal, admittedly," he agreed. "We could leave 'em for the marines somewhere, but that's a gamble."

"The marines—" she scoffed. "I never trusted them to do more than tie their own shoes…and after today I expect even less."

She glanced off to the side. "...Is it cruel of me to never want to deal with them again? Lock up the cultists if you want—Gordon, though, I'd like to be taken care of for sure."

"Miss Uta, if you wanted to take care of him yourself, I'd happily hand you the knife or the pistol." A grim smirk crossed his face. "That's why I wanted to talk to you alone. Didn't want your daddy getting all over protective. I know from experience there's some things you gotta do."

Uta nodded, shutting out those memories of 'kindness'. Kindness that was only ever used to twist her into a shadow of herself, who'd nearly lost everything to some stupid god of dreams.

"Let me finish him myself. It'll be my way of saying goodbye to Elegia. I don't care what happens to the rest as long as they never bother me again."

He put his hand on her shoulder. "On my honor as a pirate, Miss Uta."

Uta gave him the best smile she could. "More honor than most people think, then."

When she put Gordon to the blade, maybe she'd finally feel free of Elegia's reaching grasp. Free of the music sheets and the fake smiles, and free from the isolated little room that was hardly more than a cell where she'd spent her days looking out at the open sea.

This was her chance to be free.

Luffy was not going to let go of his brother's hand for quite some time. That was why he dragged him back with him when he came back to where Uta and the others were hanging out. And of course Hancock came along. And the rest of the people who had been with them too– including Kuma, who he hoped wouldn't alarm everybody as bad he'd been alarmed.

There were more people there when he got back too, which wasn't surprising really. Traffy was there, so he waved at him with his free hand

Law flashed a smile at him, that lazy and jagged smile he always wore when he was in a good mood, and waved back at him from where he stood near the Donquixotes.

Hancock tutted her tongue. "Quite the collection we've got here alread—"

She was drowned out by a sudden shriek of a young girl's voice as a small figure ran passed a shrunken Mingo and stumbled out into the crowd before growing several feet and pointing towards Luffy—and his assembled crowd.

It was that girl from Sabaody. The one who ate a lot.

"DADDY??"

Luffy turned toward Ace and Sabo with confusion.

"Don't look at me!" Ace sputtered, their shared face turning bright red with embarrassment.

Koala drawled to his side. "Another surprise, Ace?" she teased as she leaned in. "She looks a little old to be yours—unless that younger form is more accurate."

But the young woman stomped her foot, jewelry glittering on her face—a ring under the eye, and another through the lip as she pointed again. "No you IDIOTS, not you! I'm talking to my DAD!"

It wasn't exactly helpful.

Hancock pointed to herself. "I'm afraid I'm not the father either…"

An 'UGH!' was punctuated with another stomp of the foot.

Luffy scratched his head. "Uhhh, it's not me, I think?" He looked around in confusion. He was pretty sure he knew this girl somehow, but he couldn't remember her name for the life of him.

"For fucks sake, Jewelry!" Law walked up behind her and lightly clonked her on the back of her head. "Nobody knows what the fuck you're talking about. So before anyone else has a parenthood crisis, just say a name!"

Jewelry? He hadn't heard that name before. Had he?

Wait… one of the supernovas, wasn't she?

"Oh!!" he swung Sabo and Ace's arm in triumph. "You're Bunny, right?"

Her eyes suddenly snapped to Luffy.

"it's BONNEY. Jewelry Bonney! Don't tell me you forgot my fucking name, Straw Hat Luffy!" She thumped her fist against her chest with a proud grin. "I'm one of your rivals after all!"

"He's just dogshit with names," Law explained, shaking his head. "...so about your dad, Jewelry?"

"Oh yeah!" Luffy nodded. "Who's your dad, anyway? I don't see anybody with pink hair around?"

"The pink hair's from my mom, anyway." Bonney grimaced as she looked away. "and I dunno what hair my…birth dad…had. But…"

She pointed up. Over everyone else. To Kuma.

"Kuma's my real dad. The one who raised me! I thought—I thought I'd never see him again! Why isn't he sayin' nothin'? He's not one of those creepy robot duplicates they made of him, is he?"

Koala and the sparky lady…Isuka?…both looked up at Kuma in shocked unison.

"...oh he did mention he had a daughter," Hancock murmured under her breath.

Ace and Sabo's smile disappeared, and that was when Luffy started to get concerned.

He hadn't said a word. He hadn't smiled that big awkward smile he always made sure to show her when she was a kid. He hadn't barreled forward to gingerly scoop her into a hug. He hadn't moved a muscle or made a sound.

Bonney's daddy was like the walking dead.

She looked up at him as tears began to bead at the corners of her eyes. The world was hard, especially for a pirate like her. She had to be harder. She couldn't cry, she couldn't stop in her pursuits of everything she wanted, and that included saving her father.

But—

Why was he like one of those robots himself? She hadn't seen him in so long, maybe he didn't recognize her?

She let herself de-age down to the last time he'd seen her with a nervous smile on her face. "I get it, he just didn't recognize me. That's all! Daddy, look! See? I'm….I'm just like how I was when you left!"

The blond guy in the hat let go of Straw Hat Luffy and came toward her. "I'm sorry, Miss Bonney. Your father's- there's something wrong with him. They did something to him on Mary Geoise, before we rescued him."

"Whoa! Bonney, your dad's Kuma?" Doflamingo, who still hadn't shaken off the age she'd changed him to, hopped down from Pica's arms and ran over to where they were talking.

"My adoptive dad, yeah!" Bonney nodded to Doflamingo , before looking up at him "...He…they did something to him in Mary Geoise?"

Her blood began to boil. It always came down to Mary Geoise, didn't it? It'd made her mom and her sick, it'd killed her mother when it left her to die. She'd been a prisoner of it, she'd been bound to it by her stupid blood—observed by spies and scientists.

And now it'd taken her real father—the man who treated her like a daughter—and taken something irreplaceable from him.

"I…I…" Her jaw set, and she found herself shaking in anger. "I'm going to kill every last one of them. I'm going to storm their gates and age them all to DUST!"

Doflamingo put his hand on her shoulder– and suddenly it was a big hand.

Suddenly he was looming tall over her again, before he knelt down next to her with a grim smile.

"And I'll help you, Bonney," he said in his low voice. "But I know about what they did to him. And I know somebody who can tell us if there's anything we can do about it for him, alright?"

"You know about it?" the blond guy who'd been with Straw Hat asked.

Doffy nodded.

Hancock raised her eyebrow at him.

"...you do, hm? Good—which means someone may be able to help." Bonney felt her boiling blood start to cool as she took several deep breaths. She wiped tears from her eyes and nodded. "You think your friend can help him?"

"Between my friend, and my Corazon, we'll be able to help him if anyone can," Doffy promised with a nod. He pet her hair for a moment, and stood up. "Straw Hat– can I borrow Caesar from you when there's a free moment?"

Straw Hat Luffy scratched his head, the vacant stare from all his pictures plastered on his face. "Uh, yeah, I guess."

"Caesar?" Bonney's nose wrinkled in thought. "...I heard that name before."

"He's a scientist. He was forced to work for the World Government for a while, is that why?" Doffy cocked his head, his hand still lingering on her.

She nodded, leaning into the steadying touch. She needed it. It felt like the world was spinning, she felt sick.

"Yeah—the World Government's scientist who was assigned to work on a disease I used to have…he mentioned him a few times now that I think about it. Old lab partners, I guess."

"Well, I'm sure you'll have a lot to talk about then. And I know he'll want to help your father, too. He hates a problem that he can't solve."

Bonney wiped her eyes one more time before she nodded. "Perfect. I hate a problem that people give up on solving."

She had too much experience with the 'incurable'.

So this Caesar better have been up to the challenge.

Once it was clear that the 'daddy' situation wasn't something that needed Luffy's attention, he let it wander, and he wandered, too, over toward the Donquixote bunch. They still felt weird to be around, but that was where Traffy was, and he wound his arm around him, tugging him over til they had a little more space.

"Hey, Traffy, do you know where Uta went?" He didn't see her around anywhere, but he was confident that if something was wrong, someone from his crew would have told him already. So he was just curious.

Law idly looped his tattooed arm around Luffy's shoulders in return with a low chuckle. "...I saw her walking off with Crocodile. I guess he must have had somethin' to ask her. Probably about if she's gonna attend that meeting or something like that."

"Meeting?" Luffy wrinkled his nose. He leaned his head against Traffy's shoulder, hanging off him.

"Oh, about the alliance I guess?"

It seemed like Crocodile thought it would be pretty important. Luffy didn't really care, but he figured if it was important to Croco it'd be important to Vivi and Robin too, so he'd sit through it and listen at least. Even if he was pretty sure he had it figured out already.

But in the meantime he had a lot more interesting things on his mind.

Before Law could answer him, he grinned wide and continued. "Hey, I wanna introduce you to someone!"

He could feel Law physically start and stop as he was about to answer and stumbled over his words. Still, the man's cheek rested on the top of his head and rubbed idly against it as he playfully sighed. "...I think I know everyone here, Straw Hat—but lay it on me."

Luffy snickered. Teasing Traffy was always fun– he was just so serious all the time. He wondered idly if that was the same sort of thing Mingo liked about him, but the thought fizzled and dissolved under his excitement.

"I think there's one person you don't know! Maybe!"

He tugged him across the grass.

#asl brothers #jewelry bonney #bartholomew kuma #uta one piece #one piece film red #film red #fanfiction #fan fiction #fanfic #archive of our own #ao3 #fic: one piece deicide

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