#I spoke to that third party again and she was like ‘I am so happy for you’ like omfg it was a curveball but we’ll take it!!!

[melrosing]

anyway in an absolutely wild turn of events I think I’m free of my hideous job and like. substantially richer for it??? lmao 2023 you really owed me

[certaimromance]

𝜗𝜚 So Close, Quantico.

Post prison Reid x Fem!reader

Read part one here!

Summary: A strange visit to the prison ends with an unexpected confession of love and makes you run away again. You were ready to leave, but maybe this time he'll make you stay.

Words: 2,5k.

Warnings & Tags: literally none, just drama and sweet love+emily being a bestie. english is not my first language (sorry for my mistakes, be kind please).

Note: I didn't expect to be asked for a second part because I'm still new here and I don't think anyone will read me (intrusive thoughts lol), but here I am giving it to you because Spencer needs a happy ending!

♡ Enjoy! ♡

Just as you sat down and pulled out a travel magazine to read while you waited for your flight, you got a call from Emily. You frowned and were confused for a few seconds until you remembered that you hadn't told her that you were going back to London so soon and that the possibility of having a drink together would not be fulfilled. You hadn't even said goodbye in person, and it was only now that you realized it.

You hadn't noticed anything after working on Spencer's case for four days straight and losing your mind over it. It was the first time you hadn't seen your client or personally briefed him on the progress of the investigation, and that impersonality made everything strange, but you knew he didn't want to see you, and you weren't going to push him. At least you managed to get him released on parole after you found some evidence of third party involvement in his alleged crime. And as soon as you were informed of this decision, you assigned a trusted lawyer to the case, booked a flight, and packed your bags.

“Don't hate me, but I'm about to catch a flight and I forgot to tell you.” You said quickly as soon as the call started and you could hear a sigh of shock from the other end.

“You what? Why? You just got here and we haven't even had a chance to talk and drink wine.” She replied after a few minutes of processing the information.

“I'm really sorry, Ems. I have things to do at my office and my work here is already done.” You tried to explain as you fiddled with the hem of your skirt. You didn't like the idea of looking like you were running away again, even if you were. “I really have to go.”

“You have or you want?”

The question alone made you sigh and question being best friends with a profiler. It was impossible to hide your feelings and thoughts from her.

“It doesn't matter...anyway, you can visit me whenever you want, I have plenty of wine at home.” You spoke trying to avoid her question at all costs. “Penelope and JJ can come, girls' night out and all.”

“And Spencer...?” She asked in a cautious tone, knowing that this was a complicated subject. After all, Emily was the one who had to put up with your sighing and crying over Reid for years.

“He's not a girl.”

You could almost see her roll her eyes at your answer, and by the tone of her voice when she told you she meant it, you knew she did.

“Seeing him was as strange as I imagined, but confirming that he doesn't want to see me and that he hates me felt worse than I thought. I have to face this from a distance.” You tried to explain and put into words the feelings you were avoiding.

“He doesn't hate you, and he definitely wants to see you.” She corrected you, making you frown.

“What? Please don't try to make me feel better with emotional profiling tricks.” You said wearily, looking up at the big screen with the flight schedules and realizing that it was still more than half an hour before your plane was due to arrive.

“These are not tricks. Seriously, if he didn't want to see you, he wouldn't have asked me for your hotel address yesterday.”

Your heart stopped at that moment, and any attempt to focus your attention on something else, or even keep your cool, failed. You didn't want to get your hopes up again and sound like a fool for getting excited about something so minimal.

“I'm not even at the hotel anymore, and he never went there.” You tried to control your nervousness and conceal how this information had thrown you. “Ems, my flight arrives in 30 minutes, I have to leave you, but I promise to call you more often and visit you sometime. I love you.” You ended in a chaotic way.

“Well, me too. But don't disappear, I'll wait for that girls' night.” She replied, defeated by your insistence, and paused before speaking again. “And tell Reid we have a case in Utah, we're leaving in 30.”

“What?” You asked immediately, not understanding if you had heard wrong, but she had already hung up.

You looked up again, expecting to see the central screen with the schedules, but instead of seeing your flight number in bright letters, you saw Spencer's brown eyes searching for you a few feet away. You had to blink several times to confirm that it was him and that you weren't hallucinating, and only then did Emily's last words make sense.

Was he here to see you? Was it possible?

You remained motionless in your seat, as if bound to it, and watched as Reid walked at a brisk pace straight towards you. It was the first time you had seen him since that chaotic visit to the prison, and you still had a bittersweet taste in your mouth from that interaction. He was wearing a suit now, probably the clothes he wore to work, and he looked like he had run several miles, judging by his disheveled hair and labored breathing.

“What are you doing here?” You asked as soon as you had him in front of you, rising from your seat to be at his height even though you were several inches shorter.

“I needed to talk to you for days and you never came to see me again.” He explained, still trying to regulate his breathing after searching for you all over the airport. “About what you told me before you left.”

“I didn't come back because you made it clear that you didn't want to see me, and I respected your wish.” You explained as calmly as you could. “And as for what I said, there's no need to talk about it. It's outdated and I shouldn't have brought it up.”

You saw him sigh and fidget chaotically for a second before he spoke again. He seemed nervous, as if he had rehearsed the conversation a thousand times in his mind.

“I need to talk about this. You told me you were in love with me...I just found out and I couldn't stop thinking about it, it's stuck in my head because you never told me.” He tried to speak slowly, but it was as if the old Spencer you once knew had reappeared and started babbling. “You said you were leaving because you were offered a better position and you were bored with this job, you never mentioned that...that you liked me.”

“My flight leaves in less than 30 minutes, I can't talk now.” You tried to get out of the situation, but he gently grabbed your arm before you could escape. And with a sigh, you spoke again. “Good. I never told you how much I liked you, but that doesn't change anything.”

You pulled away from his touch and putting your hands on your bags so you could leave soon.

“It changes. It really changes everything.”

“What? How?” You dropped the suitcases and looked at him in confusion.

He remained silent for a few seconds, looking at the clock on the bright screen above you, trying to use the little time he had to talk to you and express himself. He felt the words catch in his throat, and it was a disappointment after having only you as the protagonist of all his thoughts since you had visited him, pushing away any possibility of holding a grudge against you because the only thing on his mind was doubt about what would have happened if he had known.

Spencer had spent so many years locked in hate, trying to hold a grudge against you for leaving, leaving nothing but torturous memories in an eidetic memory and a ridiculous need for a hug from you every time things went wrong. And suddenly you showed up, looking as beautiful as ever, saving him from a traumatic experience and delivering information he never expected.

He had only been free for a few days and yet everyone looked at him differently, from pity to fear, knowing that prison had changed him forever. But not you, you looked at him as if he were the same as always, even though years had passed and you had only seen his worst face again.

“If I had known...if you had told me I...” He stammered, trying to find some courage to stop feeling like the same young man you had left. “You would know that I felt the same way.”

At that moment, you almost had to sit up again because of the impression his words had made on you. You closed your eyes and opened them again to make sure that you were not hallucinating and that it was really the one you had been dreaming about for years who was telling you that he also felt something for you before.

“You don't have to lie...no, don't lie to me like that just because I got you out of jail.” You started to blurt out, completely denying the strong beating of your heart.

“I appreciate you doing this, but I won't lie to you. I could never do something like this.” He assured you, looking you straight in the eye for confirmation. “And if you don't believe me, I can tell you exactly when I first realized I liked you, it was November 8, 2005, it was 11:35 in the morning because I looked at the clock. You had completed your third month with us and you went to talk to Gideon and Hotch because you wanted to get out in the field and stop doing paperwork. You were so nervous about getting fired that you grabbed my hand before you left, but you didn't notice because you were busy listening to my comments about your performance. I thought it was nothing and that I was just nervous because you were the only one I was talking to and I was afraid of losing you, but before you left you smiled at me and I knew everything was going to be okay. Again I thought it was nothing...but every time things went wrong I thought about it, I still do because that smile is probably the cutest thing I've ever seen in my life.”

“I...” You tried to speak and formulate even one word, but it kept getting stuck in your throat.

“Wait, I'm not done yet.” He interrupted you, saving you from a possible babble. “I never told you because I thought you didn't feel the same way and that you saw me as a younger brother to be taken care of. I'd rather have you as a friend than not have you at all, so I left it in my mind as an impossibility and I thought I was completely over it until you left and I lost my mind...and it's happening again.”

“God, I need to sit down.” It was all you could say at the time as you tried to process everything he said.

You sat down with his help and watched him relax a little as he finished speaking, as if he had waited a long time to say it and had practiced it many times. You felt your heart pound after years of dreaming of hearing those words from him. You had never imagined a life where Spencer felt anything more than friendship for you, and now it was real. He had loved you as much as you wanted, and you had been too blind to see it before other people came along.

“I know it's been years since you got over me and that I was a jerk to you when you came to see me, but you need to know that ever since I saw you I couldn't stop thinking about what my life would have been like if I had told you from the beginning.” He spoke again, trying to look closely at you to decipher what was going through your mind. “I'm sorry, I'm really sorry if this has upset you or...”

“Do you know how long I've waited to hear you say that?” You said, still surprised, taking the opportunity to get up from your chair.

“I'm sorry, I know it's too late and now you're going to leave again, but this time I'm here to ask you not to do it again.” He came over and took you by the hands, bending down a little to be at your level, as if he was begging you. “And I know it's selfish because you have to go and you have a life away, but I really...”

“Spencer.” You stopped him before he started babbling, and he looked at you anxiously for your answer. “It's not too late.”

“Really?” He asked, as if he could not believe he had heard you correctly.

“Really.”

You gave him a small smile of affirmation and felt your eyes glaze over with emotion as you felt him release your hands and grab your cheeks to wipe away the stray tear that had fallen. The look of tenderness he gave you along with his touch made you tremble.

“Are you planning to kiss me already or are you going to wait 13 more years?” You spoke without even thinking.

He didn't have to think once before closing the distance between you and fulfilling the longing that had been in your mind for so long. You couldn't say anything because his lips had been on yours before and the first contact had almost made you melt. His hands were still on your cheeks, but one of them went down to your waist to pull you closer and make sure you were real.

Your lips tasted like cherries and that made him smile immediately in the middle of the kiss, thinking that you were still wearing the same lipstick that you had applied in front of him so many times and that he had only dreamed of tasting. Finally, the reality was far better than any fantasy and the softness mixed with the intensity of a repressed love during the kiss because finally the stars had aligned for the two of you.

“Are you going to go out on a date with me?” He asked as soon as you both parted.

“I have a girls' night out first.” You replied, letting it be known that you were tired of running away. “But I'd love to go on a date with you.”

He came over and gave you a quick kiss before you could say anything else. You returned the kiss and then pulled away, putting your arms around his neck.

“You're kissing me like this before the first date?” You joked, still trapped in the bubble of love you felt you were in.

“I don't intend to wait any longer now that I have you here.” He responded by giving you a kiss on the head and wrapping his arms around you to hug you. “So please don't go away for 6 years again.”

“I don't plan to go anywhere now.”

[melgolbach]

SHE’S MINE. [Sam Golbach x Reader x Colby Brock]

warnings: possessive!samuel, jealous!samuel, mad!samuel, reader does get attacked sadly in this one-shot 😔 so be careful reading this! (SA— if you don’t know what that means it means sexuality assaulted),

((Part ONE))

It was another night in a different suburban neighborhood, your hands were tightened around a red solo cup. Your best friend, Ava, decided to throw a party in honor of you getting a promotion at your job (yet people just went just to get fucked up). You were supposed to go with your boyfriend Sam, but he and his best friend got caught up with something an hour before the party started.

You were probably on your third cup of whatever alcohol you were having, not even tipsy. Whoever brought this alcohol was definitely a light weight and have no good taste in real drinks, you were a bit sad about it, but at least you’ll still be sober when your boyfriend comes in.

“Wooo!” Your friend yelled, taking a shot and flipping it over and going to the next one on the white table. There was lots of shots on said table, one for your friend, one for the person she was competing with to get to the end of the table without getting fucked up. As soon as your friend finished, she had to do five spinning circles at the end and land with two feet standing up. She was so close, until she fell on one of the guys that came to the party.

“Woah there!” The guy said laughing, she laughed along with him. You walk your way over to the two, greeting the guy and having conversation. The conversation got heated with Ava and the said guy; so you went over to the kitchen to let them have their own thing going on. You were happy for her, only because she never has any guys coming into her life.

You were about to get your fourth or fifth drink of alcohol, you weren’t sure, when all of a sudden a tall blonde came up to you. It was definitely not your boyfriend, and definitely a guy you’d try to ignore. “Hey there cutie,” he started.

You gave him a look, “I have a boyfriend.” You flat out spoke. “I can’t call you cute?” He scoffed with a smile, his arm resting on the fridge and leaning towards you. “No, because I do not know you.” You said. “Well, my name is Dylan. What’s your name?” He gave you his hand to shake, and you didn’t do it in return.

You ignored him once again, trying to get out of the kitchen when only he blocked your path. Your eyes widened, “Will you please move? I’m trying to get back to my friend.” You huffed out. “Oh come on, I know you want a piece of me.” His words slurred, and he attached himself onto you.

You yelped, slapping his shoulder as his head dived into your neck. You cried out, but because of the music being so loud nobody could really hear you. You felt his lips attach your neck and that’s when you really started to scream, kick, and yell out for help.

“Shut up, quit being a pick me girl. You know you like this,” you felt his voice vibrate off of yours. You scoff at his words, unable to speak with the tears coming down your cheeks. You keep yelling, trying to push him off as his hands started to roam your body.

Sam finally made his way to the party. He greeted his friends that were already there, Colby walking off to who knows where. He headed inside, hearing the familiar song he was just playing in his car.

He smiled at the people around him, greeting, and then seeing the host of the party. “Ava!!” He yelled, hugging her tightly. “What’s up Sammmmeeeyyy?” She yelled, rocking back and fourth with the music. He laughed, and then his eyes wandered. His eyebrows furrowed. Where were you?

“Hey, where’s (y/n)?” He yelled over the music, “I dunno… I think she went to the kitchen!” She yelled, he nodded and walked that way. He felt his smile growing, he hasn’t seen his girlfriend since 1 and it’s barely getting to 12 am. It’s been a long, stressful day and all he wanted to do was be with his loving girlfriend and relax at a party that was made for her.

Sam’s smile dropped when he heard his girlfriend. He knew that scream, he knew that crying. He ran quicker to the kitchen, and he immediately saw red.

He screamed, “get the fuck off of my girlfriend!” As loud as he could, people around stopped talking and watched from afar, seeing the smaller blonde tear the random guy off of the poor girl who was crying and struggling for the past ten minutes.

The music suddenly stopped playing, everyone was gathering around the kitchen as soon as they heard the sound of a slap. Ooo’s and aah’s could be heard from across the room, as Sam punched the ever living soul out of the guy that was sexually assaulting you.

You backed up into the corner, a hand on your mouth as you sobbed. Ava, now sober as ever, ran to your side and hugged you tightly. The only ever time you saw Sam like this, was at the 10 million subs party and it wasn’t as bad as this was.

Corey and Colby came rushing in from the back, shoving people as they reached the scene. “Oh shit…” Corey whispered, Colby wasted no time to grab ahold of Sam and wrap his arms around his best friend’s waist. “What the hell happened dude?” Colby asked. “This— this- this— this guy was—was touching her!” Sam yelled angrily, his cheeks were stained with tears already going down his face. Colby’s eyes darkened to the guy who laid lifeless on the checkered floor. Sam did a number on him, but Colby didn’t.

Corey grabbed ahold of Sam as his best friend shoved him that way, Colby got the guy’s bloodied white shirt with his fist, and punched him right in the nose. He shook his knuckles, then dropped the guy he was holding. His best friend gave him a look, and Corey gave him a big approving smile.

“Who the fuck is this guy?” Ava spoke up. “Don’t know, but can we call the cops?” Corey asked. “Erm, after I just demolished him? And we’re having a party with loads of strangers?” Sam spoke sheepishly. “Ooo you’re right brother.” Corey hummed. Sam looked over at the corner, who Ava was hugging and covering.

“Hey, hey,” Sam thanked Ava, and hushed you quietly and cradled you in his arms. “You wanna go home?” He whispered, you nodded with hiccups. “Take me home,” your voice was horse and he winced. He nodded, “thanks for the party Ava.” He gave her a hug, you stayed put to his side. “Wanna come home with us Colby?” His best friend nodded, and the two waved goodbye to Ava and Corey once again.

You sat in Sam’s passenger seat, or as he likes to call it “passengers princess seat”. Colby sat in the middle of the car. The light from the mirror was on, tears were still rolling down your cheeks, Sam’s hand on your thigh as Colby’s was placed on your shoulder.

You were looking at yourself in the mirror, more specifically your neck. You choked back a sob when you see multiple bruises, instantly disgusted with it. “Shh, hey it’s okay it’s okay.” Sam rubbed his hand on your thigh, up and down, “you’ll be okay. You’ll have us, we will do whatever you tell us to do princess.” Colby’s voice can be heard from behind you and you sniffled. “I just wanna go home,” your voice scratched.

You could hear Colby look for something in the back as Sam spoke sweet nothings towards you, his hands squeezing your thigh every once in a while. Colby finally got what he wanted, and pushed it up to the front. You looked to your left, to see a water bottle. “Thank you,” you murmur. You took a sip and felt relieved. “Can we all have a sleep over?” You asked, looking at your boyfriend then towards Colby. Colby looked over at Sam for permission. “Of course, whatever you want Babes.”

The three of you finally got home, and you instantly walked towards Sam and your’s shared room, taking your clothes off and turning on the shower. Sam looked over at Colby, he shrugged. “Could you get the living room all ready for us? Im gonna go take care of her.” Colby nodded and walked off, Sam went up the stairs to you. “Baby?” He yelled, taking his clothes off and walking to the shower. He knocked on the wall, just to make sure it was okay to come in with you.” “Hey love,” he smiled at you. His eyes wandered your body as he stepped in, his arms wrapping around your naked waste.

The two of you stayed like that before doing your shower routine, then getting out and doing your nightly routine. You went to grab the concealer, Sam stopped you. “I know you don’t like what’s on your neck right now,” he whispered, his hands slightly touching your face then running down your neck gently. “But if you cover that up it won’t really get better, so let’s search something up to get rid of bruises better okay? I’ll search it up for you. You don’t gotta worry about a thing,” he kissed your cheek, then kissed your forehead.

“Go downstairs, I’m pretty sure Colby’s waiting for us. Let me get comfy,” he still had his towel just hanging on his waist. You nodded, hugging him tightly then walking down stairs. “Colby,” your voice croaked. He looked over to you and smiled. “Hows my favorite princess?” He asked with a brighter smile, scooting over to the end of the mattress he brought down from who knows where. “Better,” you climbed ontop, sitting next to him “where’s Sam?” He asked.

The two of you heard footsteps coming from above, “here!” He yelled, then threw two pillows down and both of them plopped right in front of you. “Oh, pillows are important.” You whispered, Colby chuckled at your comment. Sam cleaned his feet, then got ontop of the mattress the three of you would be sharing. You smiled, getting comfortable as you grabbed both of Sam and Colby’s arm to get close to create warmth. Colby’s arm wrapped lower onto your waist, his hand resting on your thigh as your boyfriend’s wrapped just tightly around your stomach. “My favorite boys,” you whispered.

[sandy-the-glader]

Happy Halloween Stranger

Character: George Karim x Fem!Reader

Type: Fluff

Length: 1.5k words

Summary: George comes across a beautiful Fittes agent he's never seen before. She's there to cure his boredom at the Fittes Halloween party and he wants to know more about her by the minute. Did I mention this is a masquerade and he has absolutely no idea who she is or how to find her?

Trope: Strangers to Lovers

A/n: This was fun to write so lmk if you want a part 2 or smth but this is a special for Halloween. A few more one-shots should come out next month so I'll get on that but like I'm in the mood to write for Mike Schmidt since the fnaf movie just came out soo hit up the inbox lol but anyways Happy Halloween everyone!!

George sat lonely at a table with a glass of champagne in his hand. He watched the dance floor as couples twirled together giggling at each other. One of those couples being Lucy and Lockwood. For the past few months at Portland Row, he had to deal with the constant third wheeling between them. Even on missions or even simple research jobs.

He swirled his drink in his hand and sighed. They had been dancing for hours and having fun by barely giving him a second glance. A mysterious woman seemed to take notice of it. George took a swig of champagne and slumped further into his seat wanting very much to leave the event and entirely disappear. He hated parties, especially a posh masquerade where he didn't know who anyone was beneath the mask.

He would honestly rather be handing out candy to the trick of treaters that came by and he hated that too.

-

I scanned his features well the ones I could see without him taking off his mask. After asking around the party I found out his name was George Karim. He works for the small agency of Lockwood and Co. There was something that drew me towards him. I don't know he looked so lonely and he wasn't like the rest of the guys here.

My feet started to walk over to his table, moving past all the rest of the masked folks. I couldn't care about any of these people here. My team was god knows where and I couldn't tell them apart from the other people here for the life of me. They were probably tipsy and making out with their partners on the dance floor. I want to have a little fun tonight. It was Halloween and I was not about to have a boring and wasted night.

I pulled out a chair at the table and sat down. The boy's eyes were immediately attached to my face out of confusion. They were a beautiful brown and they danced in the light.

His mask was also insanely creative. It was half gray half orange with swirls of black. Some of his dark curls fell over it.

"Some friends you have hm?" I spoke up nodding towards the other two members of Lockwood and Co. which were Lucy Carlyle and Anthony Lockwood. They were much more well-known than George Lockwood always being in the spotlight lately with his amazing achievements and Lucy as his partner in crime. George wasn't in the pictures they had in newspapers, let alone he wasn't mentioned much.

"What?" He quite obviously heard the question he was just startled that someone seemed to be talking to him.

"Your team," I spoke again. "they're out on the dance floor just enjoying themselves but I mean what about you? You look bored and don't seem to be enjoying your time here. Am I correct?" His brown eyes softened beneath the mask and he nodded slowly. He looked skeptical of this conversation but he seemed to be leaning into it. "Look, I've noticed they haven't been over here in perhaps an hour or more."

"Yeah but why is that your concern?" He huffed. I took out a pen and started to draw on a napkin on the table.

"I know I'm right. And you're right too, it isn't my concern but, you haven't told me to leave you alone yet." I pointed out. He sat up.

"Because I appreciated the company." He admitted. I finished writing on the napkin and shoved it in my pocket.

"So George Karim of Lockwood and Co. tell me why you're here in the first place? Since you seem to hate parties so much?"

"They forced me to. They wanted me to get out of the house and do something fun like go to a dance because 'I need someone to love' and dance with. They knew I wasn't going to dance here." He crossed his arms with annoyance.

"How about we dance?" He furrowed his eyebrows and looked at me oddly. "Look I'm not saying you gotta love me but if your friends see you dancing and at least looking like you are enjoying yourself, you could go home quicker. I mean that was the whole point of coming here right?"

"And the fact they wanted to have a romantic outing." He rolled his eyes and I laughed. "I suppose that's not a bad idea. But sorry to tell you I don't dance with strangers I need to know who's behind the pretty mask." The flirt took me slightly aback.

"Y/n L/n. Come on Karim. The sooner you dance the sooner you're out of here and you can get back to whatever you were doing before."

"Do we need to shake on it since you're so eager to dance with me?" Oh, so he can joke I thought he almost wasn't able to for a second.

"Hey, I'm trying to save a bored boy at a posh old person's party be grateful." He smiled softly and we stood up. We made our way to the dance floor. He was insanely stiff.

"Do you even know how to dance Karim?" His eyes widen.

"Erm.. no." He said nervously shaking his head.

"It's okay. Lemme help you so you don't look like Bambi on ice." I took both of his hands and guided them to my hips and I draped my arms over his shoulders. "Now you're just going to move your feet in a smooth pattern. And relax your shoulders you look like a brick." He listened to my advice and I noticed him start to relax under my hands. "There you go! Perfect."

"How'd you learn how to dance?" He asked as we swayed. "Just as a kid. I've bounced around many agencies and they always had balls like these." He nodded understanding. "Though Fittes was the only one I stuck with because of its high reputation."

"Do you enjoy your job though?" He asked genuinely curious.

"The job is definitely something I enjoy doing It's just my team I'm not extremely fond of." I frowned. I looked into my eyes wanting me to continue my small rant. "They're always off on their own and they're extremely careless! I want to put my abilities to good use but I can't with them around." I noted.

"I know what you mean. I used to work here and I didn't think very highly of my team either."

"You did? Why don't you work here anymore? I mean not saying your team now isn't lovely." I glanced over across the dance floor at the duo.

"I got fired." He said throwing me off.

"You got fired? Jeez Karim, what did you do?" I said shocked that he would even be considered a problem. He seems so relaxed.

"Because I asked too many questions and was doing things above my pay grade." He said and shrugged his shoulder lightly.

"Fired for being a smarty pants." Cute. "Now that's something I could see. That's idiotic of them though. Your brain could be used for some good things here. But If you're happy at Lockwood and Co. then I'm happy for you." His cheeks flushed slightly and he looked puzzled but happy.

"Thank you." He murmered. I wanted to see the rest of what was under his mask. I took my hands and cupped his cheek and he copied my action. Maybe he was wondering the same thing. Maybe this could be more than a one-time thing. We seemed to get closer to inch closer together.

Lucy and Lockwood stumbled up to us unexpectedly. We backed away from each other. They were tipsy and they were giggling like school children. George looked surprised to see them and waited for them to talk. While George was distracted I took the napkin I drew on earlier and slipped it into the boy's pocket without him realizing.

"Georgieeeee" Lucy wined. "Your girlfriend is pretty but it's late we have to go." She tugged on his shirt and he stumbled.

"Lucy!" He tried to get her to stop yanking him away but she wouldn't budge. He looked backward at me and I waved.

"Goodnight 'Georgie' Happy Halloween." I smiled. He looked upset leaving but that was what he wanted wasn't it? To get home and not have to deal with these people. That was the whole plan.

-

As soon as I got home, I guided Lucy and Lockwood upstairs so they didn't fall they giggled the entire way up. The entire way.

"Goodnight Georgie!" Lucy said before slamming her door. I shook my head and finally entered my room. I collapsed onto my bed. Once I lied down I heard the crinkle of paper. I looked at my bed confused. I cleaned up all my research papers before we left so it couldn't be those.

I felt around the bed and then my pocket. I felt a small indent and I reached into the pocket and pulled it out. There was a small not that said

Just in case you need another dance partner ;)

xxx xxx xxxx

I smiled to myself and placed the napkin on my side table. Defiantly could put that to use later. I ended up having so much more fun than I could have ever thought. Happy Halloween to me.

[youreallyshouldtalkmore]

That’s the Real Question

A.N: Happy New Year!! I hope everyone had a great holiday!! 

Came up with two oneshots for Firelit Sky/ Al'ab Nariya event! My second most sought after event after Fairy Gala!! (Halloween would be third)

Mia gets to meet Jamil’s sister!! 

Twisted Wonderland Masterlist  

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

“Wa!! Are you the Mia Anderson?” 

Mia blinked as she suddenly had Najma standing before her with a huge grin. 

“Uh, yes?” 

“You are famous! Mia Anderson, the only non-magical student at Night Raven College and the only female to boot! I’ve seen you on Magicam. You blew up during Halloween last year!” Najma rattled off. 

Mia blinked, at a lost for words. 

“Najma, take two steps back, you are crowding her!” Jamil snapped. 

Najma obeyed, but still her eyes glittered, “Mia, I’ve always wanted to ask you....what’s it like?” 

“What is?” 

“Being the only female at an all male college, of course?” 

Carter wheezed while Trey’s eyes widened. Malleus only blinked and Grim looked unimpressed. 

Jamil snapped, “Najma! What is wrong with you? Stop asking stupid questions!” 

Mia was a little embarrassed by this, “Uh, I’m not sure how to answer that, actually.”

“Okay, but just answer me this! You are surrounded by all guys, surely you think some of them are cute!” 

“NAJMA!!” Jamil was almost ready to pop a cork while Carter laughed louder. 

“That’s quite a question….” Trey trailed off.  

“My brother is ugly as sin, so we won’t count him. What about the others?” Najma whispered, not being deterred, “My friends and I have always wondered what it would be like to be the only female amidst a bunch of guys. Come on, there has to be some benefits!” 

Jamil had enough and reached out to haul Najma towards him, “You can leave if you insist on being a nuisance.” 

Najma pushed back, “Come on, brother! I just a simple question.” 

“Sounds like a loaded one to me!” Carter cackled, “But now I’m curious! Mia, how is it being surrounded by all guys. I’ve never thought to wonder.” 

Trey shook his head with a sigh, “Don’t encourage this situation!” 

Carter crowed, “Come on, Mia!!” 

Mia glared, “Very tiring, sometimes. Like now….” 

Najma nodded, “I would think so. Having to be the voice of reason amidst a sea of testosterone. As young refined ladies, sometimes it’s asking too much.” 

Mia reached out with a fist bump that Najma gleefully returned. 

Jamil just sighed.  

“Is it truly that troublesome?” Malleus asked, looking distressed at the idea. 

Carter spoke up, “Having sisters, I can say, probably is sometimes. At times, they seem to get mad at me for simply existing.”

Najma glared, “I can promise you, it almost always something you did or didn’t do. But men can be so clueless sometimes that it’s irksome to us women.” 

Mia slid her another fistbump that Najma returned. 

“Why do I feel like I’m being ganged up upon?” questioned Trey. 

“That’s because we are.” sighed Carter. 

“But seriously, Mia, please tell me, do you find any of the guys at college cute?” 

“WHY are we back there again?!” Jamil cried. Why was his sister stuck on this? 

Najma growled, “Ain’t nobody talking about you!”   

Mia heaved a sigh, “Well, I will say…..” 

The boys perked up at this, staring at her intently. 

“You do not have to indulge my sister’s whims.” Jamil stated, providing her an out, he hoped she would take, “She doesn’t understand that she is making this awkward for all parties involved.” 

Carter gave a fleeting smirk, “I’m a bit intrigue, actually.” 

“Not! Helping!” Jamil bit out. 

“Thank you, but it’s not a problem. I am a young lady surrounded by young men. That’s a fact. But I’m not blind, just so you know. I can see…that’s all I have to say on the subject.” Mia gave a lazy ripple of shoulders. 

Najma giggled, “I know, right?! That’s exactly what I was thinking. In this kind of situation, you aren’t blind. It’s makes perfect sense.” 

Malleus blinked and cocked his head, “What...makes sense?” 

“I think I get it….” Trey trailed off. Don’t ask him to explain it though... 

Jamil just grumbled under his breath. 

“It’s girl talk.” said Carter, “Basically, in not so many words, Mia had acknowledged that she finds some of the guys on campus cute because she isn't blind, even if she would never come out and say so directly.”

“Ahh, I see.” Malleus murmured. 

Najma gave a wicked smirk, “But my brother isn’t one of them, correct?”  

“NAJMA!”

Mia giggled.  

[askthepsychic]

Part 2

Rey blinked.

Hades continued “I do not have to kill you to incapacitate you. And your capabilities are far more limited than mine. If I chose to end Ambrosia’s time in this world, could you actually prevent it? I find the concept… doubtful.” Hades turned to face Rey fully again and started walking towards her and the young mare behind her. Rey tensed up, and shivered as Hades passed next to her, only for him to stop when Ambrosia began talking.

“Hades, we’ve all made mistakes through this crisis. But I think you should know before you do something you might regret, your mistake has been noticed. Twilight came to me yesterday to ask about you. My talent makes our connection fairly obvious. She asked if I knew your whereabouts. But what really stuck with me is the fact that she wasn’t asking for herself.”

Hades blinked, then actually began to tremble a little “did she say who she was inquiring to my whereabouts for?”

Ambrosia nodded, then simply says “Her.”

Hades sighed resignedly “so be it. This performance review is over. If the two of you would like to join me, I believe I had better go to see Harmonia so this mess can gain the appropriate attention. If you are coming, stand near me.”

A moment later, while I was looking over some manuscripts to see if there was some way I could make the task of locating Hades easier, I was made to realize that such research wasn’t needed, as a massive skull appeared before me before vanishing, leaving Rey, Ambrosia and Hades behind. Hades had used his version of divine teleportation to come to me. I remember smiling ruefully at him as I closed the book I was looking through before I approached.

“Hades. Thank you for making this easier on all of us. I see you brought your protege and one of my daughters with you as well. A speaker for yourself and a third party to speak for the common folk. Good. She’ll be happy you’re being so cooperative.”

Hades nodded “if I have garnered Her attention, there is no point in delay. It would only serve to frustrate her.”

I couldn’t help but smirk a little hearing him talk and said “still contraction free in your speech?”

Hades scoffed and said “contractions are useful only to those who have no patience to be completely clear in their words. I prefer that I am understood the first time I speak.” As he spoke, Hades looked around, and I couldn’t help but notice that he was taking note of the various tomes we were surrounded by. “It is not truly my business, but as a divine being, would it not be easier to simply access the well of knowledge if you wish to learn something.”

I chuckled and said “perhaps. But the well doesn’t really compare to the smell and feel of inked parchment and the pages of books.”

Hades scoffed “we will never wean you of those bibliophile tendencies of yours, will we Harmonia?”

I smiled and said “highly unlikely.” After that, I used my divinity to send a message to the ruler of the divines that I had Hades with me. A moment later, we were in Her realm. She appeared with us within moments.

When Hades saw Her, he immediately kneeled and said “greetings, Allmother. I understand you have been wanting to see me?”

She nodded and said “yes, Hades. Reading what has happened today, I see that you have already been asked the first question I will ask. You have declined to respond to Rey. You will answer to me. Where have you been?”

Hades sighed and said “I will answer. But if you would allow it, I would like a brief moment to explain my answer prior to giving it.”

The Allmother blinked, then nodded and said “very well. I will allow you an explanation. Proceed.”

Hades nodded, then sighed and said “some time ago, I noticed that the space that my realm, the land of the dead, occupies is somewhat… finite. I became concerned at the time that as souls moved from the living world to the land of the dead, they could eventually fill it to bursting. In fact, a near miss of just such an event was what initially made me take notice. For this reason, I… made changes. The first was in essence the reason that Ambrosia’s gift exists. I created a law of this reality that makes it exceptionally difficult for a soul with unfinished work in the living world to move on to the next. Not impossible, mind, but nearly so. This affords the land of the dead a greater chance to expand in order to accommodate those souls.”

I couldn’t help but interrupt upon hearing that, saying “excuse my interruption, but do you mean to say that the lands of the dead… grow?”

Hades looked at me and nodded “indeed they do. But certain sorts of events lead to influxes of newly deceased souls greater than the growth rate. Natural disasters, disease outbreaks, famine and… wars being the most widely known such events. If enough happens in a short time period, overcrowding is a distinct possibility. Getting back to my explanation. Along with creating the difficulties so called lost souls experience, I did attempt another method of easing the tension as well. Though… the result of my other attempt is… barely functional if I am to be honest. I created a machination of reality that, if it worked properly, would periodically reincarnate good souls who desired to revisit the mystery of life or formerly evil souls who had found a sense of peace great enough to make them worthy of a second chance. And before anyone criticizes me over that second category, the criteria I instilled for such to be possible is strict to the extreme. Only formerly evil souls who fit the criteria to an excruciatingly exacting degree are eligible.”

I nodded in understanding, then said “all that being said, from what you’re saying, there’s still some sort of issue with this process.”

Hades nodded “indeed. The only way I can explain why it doesn’t work the way it should is this. I am the divine of death. Death is my realm, and I understand my realm to a fault. The realm of life, on the other hoof… I am not so familiar with. The process I created for reincarnation involves both. And… I worked alone on that project.”

With that declaration I finally understood. Not just the issue with Hades’ reincarnation function, but also where he’d been. “You’ve been searching for her, haven’t you?”

Hades looked at me and nodded again “I have. If she had worked with me on that project, I am certain it would function perfectly. The issue is…”

“She’s still missing.” This from the mouth of the Allmother.

Hades nodded. “She cannot be dead. Her divinity forbids it. As the divine of life, Vitalia can only die if there is no other life left anywhere in this universe with the sole exception of you, Allmother.”

The Allmother nodded in acknowledgement “this is true. So long as life aside from me exists in this space time, the divine of life can never experience death. But no one has seen her in millennia. Her divinity is utterly incorruptible, so she must have been imprisoned somehow. But her prison escapes even my gaze.”

I couldn’t help but shiver at hearing that. No matter how many times I hear of it, the implications of that thought are always terrifying “how many divines are looking for her now?”

The Allmother looked at me and said “at last reckoning, only nine have yet to engage in the search. Nine, out of dozens of divines. So many searching for the one who has been lost, and seemingly no closer to finding her than ever. Yet… getting back to the current matter, it is also prudent to point out that none but you, Hades, have engaged in the search to the detriment of their realms. Why have you thrown yourself so deeply into the search for Vitalia that you couldn’t even be bothered to intervene when your realm was on the verge of collapse?” What followed the asking of this question was something I never could have expected.

[lovelykhaleesiii]

I think this might be my favorite part 🤭🤭

.

.

.

.

The next few days after the limo incident - as Aegon liked to call it - he felt conflicted...to say the least. He didn't regret what happened, of course and he was pretty sure you didn't either, but the fact that you two still weren't on good terms, at least not yet, spoke volumes. You been at each other's throats for longer then he can remember now it got more completed after sleeping together. But he was determined to show you he was serious...if he could just talk to you. You see, you never took his calls or texts and when did manage to get you to talk to him - like in the one class you had together - you were silent. Only giving him one worded responses and if he was bring honest, he was a little bit hurt. And as fate would have it yet again, your birthday was tomorrow so he was going to go to your party you threw every since middle school, win you over with his wonderful personality and maybe a gift, and maybe he'll finally have you back. Even if it was as a friend.

You tossed and turned the entire night you got home after the restaurant. You still had butterflies in your stomach and you wondered why you had done it.

Why did you sleep with Aegon? You admit you may have feelings but you could squish those feelings like bugs, so your mind got off of that quickly. It had to be to release tension. His family, just like yours, was a nightmare. While his family was overbearing, your family was the opposite. Your mother worked as a designer and never once made it to any of your birthday parties. Not once. And your dad split a long time ago. Leaving only you and your maid as company throughout elementary school and high school. But now, your mother promised she would be able to make it your twenty-third birthday. You were counting on it.

After showering, you go to a jewelry store to place some jewels on hold, one in particular you had your eye on, before meeting with your friends for breakfast. You had a few days off so you were planning on enjoying it while it lasts. But it all goes down hill when a limo pulls up beside you and rolling down the window is Aegon, sporting his signature grin.

You roll your eyes, placing your sunglasses on the top of your head. "Go away, Aegon. I'm busy."

"Relax. Maybe you would you consider avoiding me over breakfast?"

Fuck. Had you really been that obvious?

"Sorry," you say. "But as is tradition on the day before my birthday, I'm heading to the jeweler's to put some pieces on hold and-"

"Nate?" He finishes.

Fuck. Again. How does he know that? You forgot to mention that just a few weeks prior to the whole dancing and taking Aegon back to your place thing, you had broken up with your exe, Nate. You caught him cheating on you and you nearly broke his nose when you threw your shoe at him. The only reason you never mentioned to anyone is that A. It was embarrassing and B. It your mother was hoping you would get back together to secure a position at his own family's company.

"Ho-how did you know about that?"

"Oh, I didn't." He says. "Until now. So, I don't think he'll be singing happy birthday this year. Sorry babe."

"Don't call me babe," you put up your index finger. "Besides, no one knows. I still have until midnight tomorrow to fix it."

"Not if I told him just how much fun we had in the back of this limo just a few nights ago," he says, flashing you a grin.

"You're disgusting you know that? And as of today, none of that happened. Ever. Do I make myself clear?"

"Not as clear as the memory of you purring in my ear, which I have been replaying over and over."

You swore that if your face heated up more than it already has, it would explode. "Quit! Erase the tape! As far as I am concerned, none of it happened. None of it. If anything, it was a pity fuck."

"Back at ya," he says, still flashing his grin. "Anyway, I'll see you at your party tonight, okay?"

"I am officially uninviting you," you simply state.

"Hey, that never stopped me before," he points out before driving off.

Ugh, you hated that man.

Speak of the devil, and he doth appear, wearing his trademark smirk. Hell hath no fury like a Aegon Targaryen scorned.

The next day, as per birthday tradition, you got up, went shopping, and had breakfast with friends before going to get yourself one personal gift. At around seven, the guest started arriving with one of the few being your friends...and Aegon. You sigh out of annoyance before pulling him aside.

"Hi."

"Shut up. What the hell are you doing here?"

"Are you ready for your present?"

You grab him by his lock locks which you come to find are soft. Very soft. Soft enough for you to want to run your fingers through them.

"Ow!" He yelps. "If you wanted to play rough, all you had to to do was ask."

One of your friends walks by. "Hey!"

You turn to her. "Hey! Happy birthday to me!" Before turning back to Aegon. Sighing, you say, "you nauseate me." You then let go of his hair.

"All this big talk about you are "destined to be with Nate or else the world will fall apart. Face the facts babe. It's over.

You scuff. "You almost sound like jealous boyfriend."

Aegon scuffs back. "You wish."

Then, it clicks.

"No. You wish." You point your finger at his chest.

He rolls his eyes. "Oh please. You forget who you're talking to here.

You tilt your head. "So...do you?"

"Do I what?"

"Are you going to make me say it? Like me? Do you like me?"

Aegon avoids looking at you.

"Oh my god."

"Define like."

"You have got to be fucking kidding me. I can't believe this!"

"How do you think I feel? I haven't slept. I feel sick, like my stomach is fucking fluttering!

Your eyes widen. "Butterflies?! No. No. Nope. Not happing. Not a chance. This is NOT happing!

"Believe me, no one is more surprised or ashamed then I am."

"As you know, I adore all of God's beautiful creatures and the metaphors they inspire but those butterflies have got to be murdered!"

"Fine it wasn't that great anyway."

As you leave you turn around. "Right back at you."

As midnight approaches, your mother hadn't arrived and Nate hadn't called. You kept telling yourself there was time. And as you go to rooftop to get some air, Aegon follows.

You roll your eyes. "Stalk me much?"

"It's your birthday. Why are you still up here all alone?

You sigh, shaking your head. "I don't know. I don't know what i was expecting. My mother never comes to these things and I have no idea where Nate is and he always calls before midnight. Even if we had fought."

"I wouldn't count on it this time"

"Nate Loves Me." You painfully state. "Whatever he is and whatever he is doing, he will call. You'll see."

"Want to make a bed? If he calls, I'll stop bothering you. For good. He doesn't, you spend the night with me."

"Pass."

Aegon raises an eyebrow. "I thought you were sure."

"Fine. But you're going to lose. He has never missed my birthday. Not once.

As the hour to midnight passed, you were having do much fun, almost forgetting the time. That is, until one of your friends pointed out it was twelve. Right on the dot.

Nate didn't call.

Twelve o' one you escaped the eyes of the curious guest and into a empty room. Aegon soon followed.

"It's twelve o' one. I'm sorry.

You quickly dry your watery eyes. "If you're coming to collect, you can forget it"

"Turn around."

You scuff. "You get grosser by the second.

Aegon sighs, clearly over this banter between the two of you. "You get older. Look."

"Really not in the mood," you sigh. "This is pretty much the worst birthday ever.

"It could still be saved."

"Oh? How?"

Aegon then pulls something out from behind his back.

"Is that our sex tape?" You jokingly say. He laughs, shaking his head. He then hands you the box and you open it. "The earrings!"

Yes, the Tiffany earrings you had placed on hold and the ones that, where you were sure you would get back together with Nate, you called the jewelers and said someone had already picked them up!

"I couldn't-"

"They'll look great on you," he says, placing them gently into your palm before closing your hand around it. "Happy birthday."

OMG THIS WAS LIKE ONE OF MY FAVE SCENES!!! BLAIRS BIRTHDAY SO ANGSTY SO TENSE !!! 😍😍😍

loved this nonnie, as always 💘💘💘

[glen-powells]

Enamoured - Part I | Too Hot for Golf

Pairing: Rafe Cameron x OFC

Warning(s): Language, brief drug use. 18+ due to explicit unprotected sex

Summary: Haley Davenport and Rafe Cameron had known each other since they were in diapers. With both of their families considered to be Kook royalty, they were constantly around one another, whether it was the weekly dinner parties or social functions at the country club. There was always more to their relationship than friendship but they were both too stubborn to acknowledge it. Until now.

Part Two

(GIF credit to @tairoberts)

Saturday

She honestly couldn’t remember why she agreed to spend her Saturday morning carting Rafe Cameron around the golf course but here she was. With her long, bare legs propped on the dash of the golfcart, Haley smoked the joint pressed to her lips in the most non-conspicuous way possible as she watched the boys play the third hole of the day. “I’m just sayin’. You could make a shit ton of money as a bev cart girl,” said Kelce, waiting for his turn as Topper lined up for his shot. She rolled her eyes before laughing, carefully exhaling the smoke and passing the joint to Rafe, who sat to her right. “Like she needs anymore money?” He commented before taking a hit off the joint. “Is that all I’m good for, Kel? Mindless flirting, eye candy and fetching beers?” She asked, raising her brow in his direction, although it was hard to detect under the dark sunglasses that sat on the bridge of her nose. “Isn’t that what you’re doing for Rafe now?” Topper was quick to answer after taking his shot, heading back to his own cart after his ball landed in the green. She could barely hear Kelce snicker due to her best friend choking on the smoke he tried so desperately to hold in. “You okay there, Cameron?” She peeked over her sunglasses and he quickly nodded. “Not my fault you can’t get cute girls to caddy for you, Top. Maybe Kelce can wear a skimpy little golf skirt for you next time.” She bit her bottom lip, stifling a laugh as Kelce shanked his shot due to his lack of concentration, causing a slew of expletives to fall from his lips.

She drove to the next hole as Rafe cracked open an ice cold beer, taking a long swig. “Thank you for coming,” he said after swallowing. She smiled, glancing in his direction before focusing on the course ahead. “Happy to. Care to share why I’m crashing your boys day?” He laughed, lifting the cap from his head to run a hand through his hair. “I, uh, didn’t want to come. I wanted to spend the day with you but they booked the tee time before I could cancel.” He placed his cap backwards on his head before continuing. “I figured you’d at least make this enjoyable.” She smiled brighter, pulling up to the next hole and parking. “I am honored. Are you enjoying yourself?” He took another sip of beer before getting out and grabbing the appropriate club from his bag on the back of the cart. “You have singlehandedly caused Kelce to fuck up on every hole so far. I’m never golfing without you again.”

To Haley’s surprise, the hours flew by and she was having a blast. After her high wore off, she shared a few alcoholic beverages with the boys in between keeping a tally of their scores and belly laughing at their idiotic antics. After the final hole, they headed back to the clubhouse. “Hate to break it to you, gentleman but Topper was the better man today.” She faked a pout as she looked at Kelce, patting his shoulder tenderly. “You tried your best. Maybe next time.” The sound of their laughter echoed before Topper spoke, looking at his watch. “I gotta go pick up Sarah.” Kelce nodded, hugging the short brunette before following behind the blonde male. “He’s my ride so I’m gonna dip out too. You’re playing next time!” She waved goodbye, turning on her heels to look at her best friend, who was already watching her. “I wanna hit a ball!” He laughed, heading towards the direction of the restaurant as she jogged to keep up with his long stride. “Are you serious?” He looked down at her at his side, watching as she quickly nodded her head. “Yes! I need to practice my swing.” She pretended to swing at an invisible golf ball in front of her, causing the boy to laugh hysterically. “Jesus Christ. You need all the help you can get. Come on,” he grabbed her hand and made a quick left, now walking towards the practice range. He figured they could spend a few minutes working on her swing before grabbing some food and calling it a day.

There was no one around, so he guided her to one of the tees before dropping her hand. “Wait right here,” he said before jogging back to the clubhouse. After a few minutes, he emerged with his golf bag on his shoulder, a bucket of balls and a giant smile on his face. “What’s gotten into you?” She smiled, watching him slide the bag from his shoulder and set the first ball on a tee. “Well, apparently, this area is closed but the Cameron name saved the day.” He flashed his signature smirk, making her roll her eyes. “We’ve got this place to ourselves. You’re welcome.” She couldn’t hold back her laugh, taking the club that he handed to her and walking to the tee. “Show me what you got, Hales.” She nodded, attempting to line up the club to the ball but before she could even swing, he was laughing, running a hand down his face in dramatic fashion. “What?” She asked innocently, trying to hide her embarrassment. “You’re holding it all wrong. May I?” She simply nodded. He walked behind her and carefully took the club from her hands. “Watch how I hold it,” he said as he stepped closer, towering over he small frame as he gripped the club correctly, one hand on top of the other. She focused on his hands, studying the placement as the smell of his cologne quickly invaded her senses. Still holding the club with his left hand, he took his free hand and grabbed her right, placing it where his was before repeating the movement with her left hand. “You wanna hold it tight so when you swing, it doesn’t launch out of your hands but not too tight that your hands get sore.” She nodded, trying to focus as he stepped even closer, nudging her right foot with his. “Spread your legs a little wider.” She did as he said, adjusting her stance accordingly, fighting urge to make an inappropriate comment about his choice of words. Never in a million years did she think she’d hear those words leave his lips, especially not directed to her. “Perfect,” he murmured, his lips directly beside her ear, not realizing that she was now nervously nibbling on her bottom lip. “Now when you swing, keep this arm straight and bend the other.” As he spoke, he placed his hands on top of hers again, guiding her to bring the club backwards. “And make sure that you follow through.” He slowly guided her to move the club forwards, mimicking a full swing. “Have at it,” he stepped backwards, unwrapping his arms from around her so she could try. She released a breath that she didn’t realize she was holding, her head now spinning. She took a moment to collect her thoughts, checking her stance before attempting to swing at the ball. She made contact but sadly, the ball only traveled three feet. She laughed, turning to find Rafe biting his bottom lip, attempting to hide his smile as he shook his head sympathetically. “Can we just go eat? I may need more than one lesson after all.” She stuck out her bottom lip, knowing Rafe couldn’t deny her signature pout and of course, he gave in. However, over dinner, she promised to meet him at Tanneyhill for more lessons. Who knew being athletically challenged could be such a gift?

Sunday

As promised, Haley wasted no time before heading to the Cameron residence to spend another day with her best friend. She followed the directions from his text earlier in the morning and headed to the backyard as soon as she arrived, where she found Rafe with his setup. “Mornin’ coach,” she teased with a sweet smile. “Don’t look yet!” He hollered with a smile, attempting to jump in front of something before she had a chance to see what it was. She froze in place, throwing her hands over her eyes to shield her vision. She heard his laugh as he walked closer, guiding her forward by her shoulders. “Alright. You can open them now.” When she opened her eyes, she found a pink golf bag that held a new set of clubs, wrapped in big white bow. “Rafe!” She gasped, reaching for one of the clubs, which was much lighter and shorter than the one from the day before. “I hope you were serious about wanting to learn. Because now I’m invested,” he laughed, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. “Are you kidding me? I’m all in.” If he only knew, she thought to herself. He smiled wide as he spoke, “Okay, good. I have this so we can practice here.” He motioned to the large net that was set up behind them. It warmed her heart knowing how excited he was that she wanted to learn his favorite sport, despite her lack of athleticism. He always loved how competitive she was.

“Okay, golf 101.” Rafe took the time to break out each golf club, teaching her the appropriate name and explaining its use before handing her what he called a Putter for today’s ‘lesson.’ “You remember that time we played putt putt in Myrtle Beach?” He asked, effortlessly twirling the club in his hand, waiting for an answer. She nodded, “Mhm. I owned your ass.” He rolled his eyes, deciding to ignore her snide comment. “Putting in golf is the same. You use this when you need to move the ball short distances.” As he explained, he set up a ball and gently tapped it, making it roll towards the net. “Your stance and swing stay the same, regardless of what club you’re using. Like I showed you yesterday.” She nodded wordlessly before he continued. “The only thing that changes is how hard you hit the ball. Come here,” He said, using his pointer finger to motion her over. She didn’t hesitate walking to where he stood but as she turned, getting into the same position as yesterday, she carefully brushed her ass against the crotch of his khaki shorts. Rafe immediately froze, sucking in a harsh breath. It was an accident. There was no way that was intentional, he thought to himself. Little did he know that her heart felt like it was beating out of her chest. She never had a problem with guys. She was always confident and therefore, never had problems being forward but this was different. Rafe was not only her best fiend but the boy she’s loved since the second grade. She bit her bottom lip, attempting to hide her smile at his reaction to her movements. He took a moment before wrapping his arms around her, guiding her hands to the handle of the club. Since her new clubs were much shorter, he had to lean forward even more to reach her hands, causing him to shift even closer than before. “Good girl,” he murmured after observing how she properly gripped the handle. It took every ounce of control she could harness not to back her ass into him in that moment. The sudden change in her breathing didn’t go unnoticed by the tall brunette due to their close proximity. “Stand up straight.” She rolled her shoulders back, following his directions and adjusting her posture. He nodded before tapping the ground. “Your feet are too close. Adjust your stance.” Another perfect opportunity presented itself. With a jolt of confidence, she spread her legs further apart, bending over ever so slightly and rocking her hips against his crotch. He audibly gulped, both of his hands finding purchase on her hips, keeping her pressed against him. “Davenport,” he breathed, voice low and slightly strained. She looked over her shoulder at the handsome boy, flashing a bright smile, which made her signature dimples to appear. “Cameron,” she whispered, easing back for the third time. Rafe didn’t hide the groan that passed his lips as he leaned his head forward, his lips brushing the shell of her ear as he spoke, “Are you trying to kill me?” She bit her bottom lip, faking innocence as she shook her head. “No, I’m trying to get you to touch me.”That’s all it took. Rafe didn’t waste another second before he spun her around, instantly cradling her face in his large hands and crashing his lips to hers. He kissed her as though it was their last day on earth. It was sexy and slow but intense, all at once. She gripped his button-up shirt with both hands, holding on for dear life as she lost herself in his taste as his tongue entered her awaiting mouth. The only reason they parted was for air as they both panted, gazing into each other’s eyes. “I’ve wanted to do that for so long,” he admitted, his eyes flickering from her eyes to her lips and back again. “You’re all I’ve ever wanted, Cameron,” She said, barely above a whisper. She watched the smile light up his flawless face before he brought her lips to his again. His hands quickly moved from her cheeks to her hair as her hands remained fisted in his shirt. As the kiss got deeper, she started walking backwards, pulling him with her. “Take me upstairs. I’m yours. Make me yours,” she begged, looking up at him with her hazel eyes.

He nodded his head with a smile, grabbing her by the hand and practically bolting inside the house, grateful that no one else was home. He carefully but quickly guided her up the staircase and down the hall before they were finally inside his room. As soon as the door closed, Rafe had her back pressed against it as he attacked her lips. This time it was her that had her hands tangled in his hair, keeping him from pulling away. In one swift moment, he effortlessly lifted her from the ground and placed her on the bed with him perfectly nestled between her long legs. “Hales,” he said against her lips before breaking apart. “We don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to.” He searched her eyes for any sign of uncertainty. Instead, she smiled as she traced his jawline with her fingertips, staring in pure adoration. “I’ve loved you since seventh grade. I want you,” she whispered, watching as he smiled brighter than she had ever seen. He turned his head, kissing the palm of her hand sweetly before finding her lips again. This time, he thrust his hips forward, grinding against her. “Fuck,” she gasped, feeling his cock against pressed against her clothed core, where she ached for him the most. She desperately reached for his shirt, working to unbutton it from the top to bottom. Once every button was undone, she pushed it down his arms as he attacked her neck with a perfect mix of open mouth kisses, sucks and sinful licks that sent chills down her spine. He threw his shirt in a random direction, attaching his lips to her collarbone as her hands roamed his now bare chest. He grabbed the hem of her tank top and with her help, yanked it from her body, tossing it to join his shirt as well. He sat back for a moment, admiring the flawless sight before him. “You’re so fucking beautiful, baby,” he said with a bright smile, slowly running his hands up her bare calves and to her thighs. He wanted to drink on every inch of her. She felt a blush creep onto her cheeks at his compliment but she didn’t bother hiding it. “Say that again,” she practically begged, pushing herself onto her elbows. “You’re beautiful.” She shook her head, smiling. “No, the other thing.” He couldn’t help the wicked grin that appeared as he placed his lips directly below her navel, kissing her slowly, inching his way to the middle of her breasts. “Baby,” he whispered before licking a single stripe from her breasts to the sweet spot on her neck, directly beneath her ear. She could have finished right then and there as a pornographic moan left her lips.

As he reached behind to unhook her bra in order to remove the fabric from her body, her feeble hands were quickly at work on his shorts. They were in a desperate race to rid the other of clothes so they could be even closer. Once her bra was unhooked, she pulled the fabric from her chest as Rafe pushed his shorts and boxers down in one swift moment. Her shorts were all that remained. She was busy drinking on the sight before her. Rafe was fucking hot when he was fully clothed but now that he was completely naked above her, she could barely focus on anything. He felt her eyes studying every inch of him, making his heart swell. Amongst other things. “Haley, baby,” he said softly, grabbing her attention. “Are you sure this is okay? This is what you want?” He massaged her thighs, waiting for an answer. He was giving her one last out, although she wouldn’t need it. She looked deep into his eyes with a wide smile before biting her bottom lip. “Yes. Absolutely, yes,” she giggled, carefully raking her nails down his stomach. “Please fuck me, Rafe.” He flashed his signature smirk, dipping the tips of his long fingers onto her shorts as he gazed lovingly into her eyes. “I’m going to take such good care of you.” With that, he pulled her shorts and panties down her legs, tossing the fabric on the floor. He tried so hard not to stare but he was so turned on, he couldn’t help himself as she opened her legs, exposing her core to him. He subconsciously licked his lips once he saw how wet she was. “Such a pretty pussy,” he whispered, his eyes flashing to her face as he reached forward, barely running a fingertip through her folds. He watched her eyes fall shut and her head fall backwards as her mouth opened, only for no sound to escape. She felt the bed shift and before she could process anything, Rafe’s mouth was on her and she lost her fucking mind. He started slow, giving gentle kitten licks to her clit but she tasted so good, he quickly began devouring her. “Oh my god,” she gasped, gripping onto the sheets with one hand and fondling her right breast with the other. He wrapped his mouth around her clit, sucking as he pushed his middle finger deep into her cunt. Her walls clenched around him and the sweetest, most sinful sounds left her lips, going straight to his cock. She stopped playing with her nipple and gripped his hair, tugging roughly as he moaned into her, pumping his finger in perfect rhythm. She couldn’t control her hips as she bucked into him but he quickly put a stop to that. With his free arm, he pushed her down to the bed by her stomach, forcing her to stay in place as he added another finger. She sang his name like a mantra in between lustful moans and desperate little whimpers as he fucked her with his mouth and long fingers.

He couldn’t wait any longer. He needed to be inside of her and he knew Haley was just as desperate as he was. He removed his mouth first so he could watch her take his fingers as he stroked his cock with his free hand. He looked up to find her watching as she fondled her hardened nipples. He locked eyes with her, slowly removing his fingers from her core and placing them into his mouth, sucking and licking them clean. “That was a dream come true for me,” he admitted, kissing his way up her body. “You taste like heaven,” He whispered before taking her left nipple into his mouth, tweaking the other with his free hand. She tangled both hands in his hair as he slowly made his way to her lips. Once they were connected, she moaned at the taste of herself on his tongue. He briefly pulled away, supporting his weight in his forearms that were placed at each side of her head, looking into her hazel eyes as he spoke, “I love you.” She gazed at him through hooded eyes, her hands grasping his biceps. “I love you.” Rafe reached down and grabbed his painfully hard cock, stroking his length a few times before rubbing the tip against her slit, collecting the wetness on his head. She bit down on her bottom lip hard, trying not to buck her hips at the feeling. He lined himself up and studied her face as he slowly pushed forward, giving her inch by inch. “Oh shit,” she cried out, her head falling back into the pillow once he was fully sheathed in her welcoming pussy. His eyes never left her face as he slowly started moving his hips. Every time he would pull his hips back, almost pulling out completely, her mouth would open but when he would send his hips forward, shoving his dick back in, her eyebrows would furrow. She was absolutely perfect. He was convinced she was made for him. With his lips attached to her neck, leaving dark marks everywhere he could, he soon developed a rhythm that caused her moans to fill the entire room. “That’s it, baby. Let me hear those pretty sounds,” he encouraged, fucking her even harder but keeping the pace nice and slow. He knew that’s what she preferred because she would clench her walls so tightly around his cock while digging her nails into his arms. His hands roamed every inch of her body as his lips continued their assault against her smooth skin. He didn’t know which was hotter: the sound of skin against skin filling the room, her wet pussy or the dirty sounds falling from her lips. Rafe was convinced he had died and gone to heaven. He was desperate for her lips, kissing her with everything he had as he fucked her into the mattress. He caressed her neck with his dominate hand while the other gripped her hip tight enough to bruise her tanned skin. He hit that forbidden spot deep inside of her that caused her to go absolutely mad. “Right there, right there,” she panted against his lips, making him smirk. He readjusted his hips so he could pound that spot over and over again as she milked his cock, clenching so hard around him. “Right here? You like that, baby?” He watched her nod quickly as she guided his hand to her neck, wrapping his fingers around her. “Fuck yes. I’m so close,” she warned, trying to keep her eyes open as he fucked the living daylights out of her. He tested the waters by tightening his hand ever so slightly around her neck. When he felt her pussy throb, he couldn’t help but smile. “You’re so goddamn perfect. My gorgeous girl. Made just for me.” He leaned down, kissing her as his hips continued. “I’m gonna cum,” she moaned, clawing at his back to keep his body as close to hers as possible. Little did she know that he already knew she was close as her thighs started shaking against his hips. “Let go, baby. I’m right here, I’ve got you.” With his permission, she gave in, the knot in her stomach finally broke loose and her back arched, bliss spreading throughout every inch of her body. Like a perfect gentleman, he fucked her through it, his hips never letting up until her breathing started evening out.

“That was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen,” he admitted with a smile, releasing the hold he hand on her neck and kissing her collarbone, giving her time to catch her breath and regain her composure. It took a few minutes for Haley to gather herself but once she did, a bright smile was plastered on her face. “Thank you,” she whispered with a giggle, pulling him up her body to kiss his lips, getting lost in him all over again. “Mmm, you’re very welcome,” he murmured, sliding his hands down her sides and gripping her hips tightly. “Can you turn around for me?” She nodded, biting her lip all over again until he pulled out of her so she could maneuver underneath him. She felt so empty, she hated every minute of it. Once on her hands and knees, she lowered the top half of her body to the mattress, arching her back and keeping her ass in the air. Rafe had to catch his breath at the sight, his hands roughly kneading her ass. “Now this may be the hottest thing I’ve seen,” he whispered, leaning down to kiss her shoulder blades, licking down her spine before lining himself up. He entered her without warning, pushing his cock all the way in before immediately finding a wicked rhythm that had her writhing underneath him already. “Goddamn, you feel so good,” he spoke through gritted teeth, already lost in her. Haley grasped onto the bedsheets as he railed her, fucking her with such intensity that she could almost see stars. He gripped her hips with all his might, neither of them caring about the bruises that would surely be there in the morning. She allowed all of her moans to escape into the pillow beneath her as Rafe fucked her for all her worth. By now, he decided that his favorite sound in the world was a tie between her delicious sounds and the wetness of her pussy. “You take me so good, baby. I’m not going to last much longer,” he warned, which encouraged her to use what little strength she had to push back against him, moving herself on and off his cock on her own. He smirked, his hand moving up her spine, ghosting over her shoulder and neck before tangling in her hair, pulling her upwards. Therefore, her back was flush against his chest. She could feel every muscle of his flex as he thrusted inside of her even harder. He took her breasts in his hands, rubbing her nipples, earning more moans and whimpers to escape from her throat. His right hand disappeared between her legs, gently rubbing figure eights against her clit. She turned her head so she could stare at him with pleading eyes, her jaw slack as she felt that familiar knot building yet again. “Rafe, I can’t,” she warned, her nails digging into his wrist. He used his free hand to caress her neck, turning her head more so he could kiss her swollen lips. “Yes, you can, baby. I told you, I’ve got you.” As he spoke against her lips, he moved his fingers against her clit faster, adding more pressure as he quickly approached his own high. He drank in all of her moans, feeling her legs shake and her pussy clench around his cock, signifying she was on the cusp on another orgasm. She could feel his thrusts become sloppy and before he could ask where she wanted him to cum, she was already volunteering. “Please cum inside me.” With that, Rafe was pushed over the edge, spilling everything he had deep inside of her as her dam broke at the same time. If it had not been for Rafe holding her against his body, she would have collapsed onto the bed after finally coming down from her second high. He fought to catch his breath, leaving sweet kisses against her neck before slowly pulling his cock out of her. He couldn’t stop himself from looking, watching his cum drip out of her pussy, down her thighs and onto the sheets. She was marked in more ways than one. She was finally his.

He carefully lowered her down to the mattress, ensuring that she was comfortable before he disappeared into the bathroom, returning with a warm, damp wash cloth. “Can I?” He asked as she slowly rolled onto her back. This was brand new to her. None of her other partners offered any kind of aftercare so she gladly welcomed it, the thought alone making her heart best faster. She nodded, watching as he carefully cleaned her up before tossing the cloth into the hamper and pulling the covers over her. He wasted no time joining her, pulling her close so she could rest her head on his bare chest, listening to the sound of his heartbeat. “That was unexpected,” he laughed, running a hand through his messy hair. She laughed, rolling over, resting her chin against his chest as she gazed up at him. “Yeah but I’m so happy it did. You’re absolutely perfect.” She placed a chaste kiss to his neck, making a wide smile appear on his already flawless face. “Since second grade, huh?” He asked, brow raised as she blushed, nodding her head. “Yup. Had a crush then but I fell head over heels in seventh grade. Started having inappropriate thoughts about you sophomore year though.” She teased, making both of them erupt into laughter.

[extremelyblackandwhite]

timeless - 11

PAIRING: medieval!james “bucky” barnes x reader

WARNINGS: mentions of war and wounds, fire

A/N: i’m so so happy to be back!

NEXT CHAPTER | MASTERLIST

Some time in the past

     - You’re late. 

Bucky looked up to see her standing there, in the elegance that every single people of high birth carried whenever they entered a room. Although, comparing her to anyone of her peers was an insult in his eyes. She was much too ... extraordinary to be compared to the high class he had grown accustomed to. Perhaps it was the infatuation talking, but he thought her different from everyone else, with her tricky smiles and pale colours of her gown which almost dimmed her from the rest of her family in jewel tones. There were many words he could use to describe her, actually, he could write a whole saga on the loveliness of the woman who stood in front of her. However, whenever he did stand in front of her, all he could do was gawk at her like a small child at a dessert. 

    - I apologise, your Highness. - her curtsied. 

    - I had to dance with the Viscount Williams. Twice. And my mother said you didn’t even reply to her answer. Surely you know how incredibly unpolite it is to ignore the Queen. 

    - Ah yes, I heard her daughter gets ... impatient. - he smirked. - Unless you’re tired from you two previous dances, I’d love to have your third. 

She smiled, her face bright as she took his hand and joined him on the dance floor. Bucky always enjoyed these, the parties where she was present, in her baby blue dresses, dancing around like any nymph from mythology. He specifically liked it when she took his hand. She’d first taken it during a Spring festival, before even knowing his name; ever since, she would wait for him, wait to teach him some new dancing or to tell him of what her lecturers had taught her. 

    - Your Grace, if I may be so bold ... how much longer will I have to wait for you to make me an offer?

    - What kind of offer, your Highness?

    - Firstly, Duke Barnes, I have told you countless times I do not like to be called your Highness. I am no higher than you and considering I’m my father’s second child, I have less power than you.

    - Shall I call you Elizabeth then? 

    - No, not Elizabeth. That’s my mother’s name. - she smirked. - It’d be very odd to call me by my mother’s name, don’t you think?

    - Then I believe I’ll have to stick with your Highness. 

    - You could always call me Duchess Barnes.

    - But you are not the Duchess Barnes. 

    - I am merely waiting for your offer. 

    - And would you accept it, if I were foolish enough to propose marriage to a princess?

    - You’ll have to ask it and see. 

Present

Y/N was curious, she’d always been curious but now her curiosity, she dreaded, was due to some sort of inherent ... jealousy. She didn’t want to describe it as jealousy, after all she couldn’t be jealous of something that wasn’t hers. She refused. Yet again, if he had been so entranced by his wife, how come he’d kissed her the night before? Maybe he just did not care. After all, her mother always said men lied and perhaps she had been right, perhaps she had been ... deceived. She didn’t know. All she could think about was his wife and how he spoke of her as she walked back inside with him. 

      - Tell me more about her. - she blurted out, stopping him before he could open the door for her. - About your wife. 

      - My lady ...

      - Won’t you satisfy my curiosity, your Grace? 

A sad smile was painted on his features as he let go of the door handle. He swore tears gathered at his eyes as he took another look at her. Time never passed, at least that’s what the folklore told, not when she was not in love, and so there it was. Time didn’t pass. He struggled keeping his hand from reaching out and touching her, feeling the touch of her skin against his hand. 

      - I have nothing left of hers anymore. Her family demanded all her possessions after she ... I wasn’t even allowed to say goodbye. Everyday I try to remember what she looked like when I first met her, how she sounded ... but every day more, I forget small things. Like the shade of blue of the sky during our honeymoon or the colour or the colour of her dress when we first met. 

       - Blue. - she blurted. - It may ... it’s just a guess. Pretty women always wear blue. 

       - Is that why you’re wearing blue, my lady?

       - Don’t change the subject. You have barely spoken of her with me. 

       - She was mine and I was hers. What else could there be?

       - Do you have any children?

       - We were going to ... then the ... - he cleared his throat. - The fire happened. She always wanted children, she said it would make the house livelier ... although she constantly lost herself in the estate so I worried. 

       - Is it beautiful, out there in your estate?

       - Not anymore, but it used to be. - he opened the door, wishing for this conversation to be over. - I don’t wish to finish our conversation but I have to go. I have other businesses to attend to.

     - I know you’re gonna play a role in how successful Odette’s marriage to William will be. I beg of you to please be considerate of my princess’ feelings.

     - I don’t particularly dislike the alliance. 

     - It’s a good marriage. She loves him. 

     - Is love enough?

     - Is it not?

Some time in the past

The new Duchess found herself lost in the estate yet again. It was not her fault really. Every wall and every painting looked the same and the past few days had been spent in the comfort of her bedroom, with her beloved husband and his skilled hands. She sighed, turning another corner and expecting at some point to get back to where she had started but instead she found yet another new area of the estate. 

     - My darling, have you gotten lost? - she heard her husband’s voice echo through the halls. 

     - No. What makes you think that? - she spoke loudly enough for him to hear.

     - You’ve been going in circles, my love.

     - I have not, I keep finding new places. - she continued walking until Bucky appeared in front of her, exiting from one of the doors. - That’s cheating. 

     - How’s it cheating? 

     - You did not advise me upon our marriage that you lived in a labyrinth. 

     - And you never told me what name to call you, my love. I’d say we’re equal. 

     - You haven’t even been kind enough to provide your wife with a map. - she dodged one of his kisses, playfully smiling as he wrapped his arms around her. - Besides, if I tell you what I’m called other than Elizabeth, you’ll never call me those beautiful names. 

     - I could never not call you beautiful names. I’d rather be punished than not constantly tell you how beautiful you are.

     - I could exchange it for a map of this place. 

     - Darling, it’s not that big of an estate. Besides, the only thing you really need to memorise is the path to our bedroom. 

     - My offer is expiring. 

     - Alright. - he chuckled. - I exchange it for what others call you. 

     - Y/N ... but you must only use it in dire circumstances. 

     - I do prefer Duchess Barnes. 

     - Me too. 

tag list: @lookiamtrying​​​​ @kmuir1​​​​ @anxiousdreamersworld​​​ @tinymalscoffee​​​ @navegandoaciegas​​​​ @cinnabanuxoxo @sideeffectsofyou​​​​  @krismeunicornbaobei

[winter-soldier-vibes]

Hey darling ❤️ love your writing 3000 :) can u do one with Bucky x reader (they’re together) where he overhears the reader on the phone with her parents that are emotionally & verbally abusive towards her (they always have been) and the reader has to explain it all to him afterwards even tho she’s having a panic attack (bc she’s afraid bucky will leave her since she has no one else to go to ??) and bucky comforts her and reassures her that he’s gonna be there for her and like comfort fluff? I live in an emotionally abusive and manipulative household rn and I tell you your fics are like an escape for me. Even if u don’t do this thank you from the bottom of my heart :)

Hey there, I love you 3000 ❤ I am so so sorry to hear about your situation, and while I'm glad to hear that my writing is an escape for you, I want you to know that I'm here for you. No one should have to go through what you described. I hope that this can bring you some comfort but please, I encourage you to reach out to someone who can help you. My DM's are open as well, you shouldn't face this alone. I'm here for you!!!

You owe them nothing

Bucky Barnes x reader

Word Count: 3200 (ish)

Warnings: emotional abuse/gaslighting, manipulation, parent issues, tears, angst, breakdown, fluff.

---------

You really tried to keep it hidden. It wasn’t something that everyone needed to know about.

Your parents loved you, at least that’s what they had said. But it was one of those things where you felt like it was for show - the kindness that they showed when you were around others faded away once you were alone with them.

You remember once they had said “of course I love you, I’m your parent!”

But that made you wonder how they would treat you if you weren’t theirs.

They were horrible to you for as long as you could remember. Gaslighting you and making you feel like you owed them something even though they were the ones who should have taken care of you.

They were around but never…there. They would be there for family dinners but they were always riddled with criticisms of grades and who you were talking to and how you dressed. All of your hobbies were seen as a waste of time, something you should only do when you had nothing else to do. School came first, naturally, but there was always something they told you you had to do before you could do anything for yourself.

Yet when you would complain about being depressed, they told you to get a hobby because you never do anything.

Tired meant lazy, energetic and passionate meant loud and annoying. When you were quiet they thought you had nothing to say, yet when you expressed your opinions you were told to shut up.

You couldn’t win.

You could never make them happy, there was always something you were doing wrong.

They thought it was their right to monitor who you talked to and saw, what you did outside of school, what sports you could join. When you would say no to the school dances or parties you would make up an excuse about not wanting to go or having work to do. Your friends would call you a buzz kill. Little did they know you would give anything to go.

Whenever you would do something wrong (or anything, period,), your parents would yell at you. They would curse you out, make you cry, only to yell at you for crying like a little bitch.

The older you got, the worse it was.

You thought when you moved out it would be better. But you had all these years of being told you were worthless and having them be your providers. When you got your own place you didn’t really have any friends, nor did you really know how to make friends. You had a job to help you get by, you could support yourself. That wasn’t the issue. You could support yourself, you always had to.

It was that you were so lonely.

You wanted friends but you were so afraid of the criticism you would get. You were afraid to make yourself known, because you were always taught that being told what to do and taught what to think was much more appealing than having your opinion.

But this was an opinionated world.

You were good at what you did, so good that you had gotten a job at S.H.I.E.L.D. You thought that would make you happy, more importantly that it would make your parents happy, but no such luck.

“I got a really great job, guys.”

“Fantastic. I guess you’re just doing so great without us,” they had snapped.

“What? I mean… this is what you wanted right? For me to get a good job?” you had said, confused.

You heard a loud sigh on the other end of the line. “Of course we do, what are you crazy about? Of course we wanted you to get a good job but you just deserted us like we were trash. Have we done nothing for you?”

You felt your heart sink in your stomach. ‘Of course you guys have, I love -”

“Don’t say what you don’t mean. If you really cared about us you’d be helping us out. You got a great job and probably have a huge paycheck that you hoard and you left us here to struggle to make ends meet.”

You took the phone away from your face temporarily to take a shaky breath. Of course they would go there with the salary, why wouldn’t they? All of your paychecks had gone to them, since it was their house and they were feeding you, leaving you with barely enough money for your car and gas and phone bills, only for them to suggest longer hours when you complained.

“I can help you guys out if you need,” you said, trying to keep your voice steady.

You heard an exasperated sigh on the other line again. “You really should be more grateful, you know? We raised you your entire life and then you leave us alone? You never even call us? You’re so fucking selfish.”

Then the line went dead.

You shook your head and felt tears in your eyes as you spoke to yourself. “Well maybe I would call you if it didn’t always yell at me.”

Of course, you would never say that.

See, it wasn’t so bad. You never said anything because they were only ever mean to you, which would make you uncomfortable. There were people out there that would get hit or who would have to raise themselves from a young age. Once you grew thick skin it wasn’t so bad, you were just being dramatic.

Right?

Your new job was fairly successful, you were fantastic at what you did. You did a lot of behind the scenes work, weapon repair and plans of action with missions. Not that they needed much help with that. Still, they took you in as their friends.

Well, as close as you would let them get to as friends.

It took a while before you warmed up to them. Everyone tended to keep to themselves, but not as much as you. You kept the parts of you hidden away - you were there for a job, you did it, and you did it well. You knew how to do your job but interacting with the team, making friends - you didn’t want to get emotionally attached.

Not like you knew how to make friends to begin with.

Naturally you were drawn to the quieter side of the team, once you were able to open up. They were all nice but sometimes the parties and the jokes were a bit much. You just didn’t want to say or do the wrong thing that would make you the punchline.

No one needed to know about you, or how you would spend your free time being yelled at through a phone with you trying to make it better. That wasn’t part of the job, so you shouldn’t bring it up.

It wasn’t like anyone would want to help. You were just a nuisance to everyone around you.

Right?

No one talked about their life before the team much. Not many people on the team had a great life before the Avengers first came together. Natasha or Wanda had once spoken about how this team was a family. And as much as you wanted to believe it, you helped the team. You weren’t a part of the team. So even if that were true, it didn’t include you.

At least, that was your point of view.

The team viewed you as a part of the team as much as any of them. You didn’t fight with them but you made sure everything would go as smoothly. You were kind and great at what you did, but they wished you would open up more. Of course, being a team of people who had trouble opening up, they understood.

Bucky was one of the ones who took a liking to you, mostly because he saw a lot of himself in you. He could tell there was something that you were trying to get past but weren’t quite able to yet. That there was something bothering but you wouldn’t dare say it for fear of bothering someone. You threw yourself into projects and distractions and from the way you carried yourself, he guessed you were avoiding something that you weren’t ready to work through. At least, not yet.

He knew that feeling too well.

The ex-assassin was one of the easiest for you to open up to because he didn’t expect much from interactions. Both of you were quiet and kept to yourselves that there wasn’t much pressure to share anything or say anything. You knew his past but would never bring it up unless he wanted to. Which eventually, he did. You could tell he felt pressure to be who he was before HYDRA took him, and while Steve was surprised he opened up to you first, you weren’t. Steve knew Bucky before everything, and you didn’t have that bias. He was whoever he was today regardless of who he was yesterday.

And Bucky found comfort in that.

You think you would’ve too, if you thought you deserved it enough to do the same.

See, you were worried that you were making everything worse than it really was. You worried that maybe you were being too sensitive or that what you had grown up with was normal. With everything that everyone on the team went through, a few insults from your parents was hardly anything. You were being dramatic.

There was nothing to be sad or angry about. You just had to get over yourself.

Right?

You were getting by until one night when your parents called, as they did on occasion. You were in the middle of working, so you ignored it. The phone went to voicemail before it started ringing again, and you ignored it, again. The third time you sighed and picked up your phone, turning away from your work.

You took a deep breath before you answered. “Hello?”

“What the hell is wrong with you?”

You closed your eyes and brought a hand to rub your head. “Well I’m doing fine, thank you, how are you?”

“Don’t give me that attitude. What the fuck are you doing? You’ve been ignoring our calls.”

You stood up to pace the floor slightly, dreading the conversation that was coming. Is it the ‘family is most important’ or the ‘where’s my money?’ speech today? “I’ve been working.”

“What, so work is more important than family now? Is that what this is? You don’t care about us?”

Family speech it is.

“Dad -”

“What if one of us was dying? Huh? Would that be important?”

“Stop it. No one is dying, and I was working. And I have more work to do, so I really have to go.”

“You don’t get to tell me what to do, I’m your father.”

Gaining confidence you gritted your teeth and snapped, “You know what? I’m an adult now so you can’t tell me what to do.”

There was silence on the other end of the line and you could practically hear the steam coming out of your father’s ears.

At some point Bucky had come down to your working space to check on you, seeing as it was nearly morning. He stopped in the doorway, and seeing you were busy on the phone he thought he would stop by later to give you some privacy. But he stopped when he heard you snap.

You never snap.

“Who do you think you’re talking to you ungrateful little bitch?”

“I’m talking to the people who treated me like shit my entire life and ask me for money when you wouldn’t give me the time of day for 18 fucking years.”

Even you couldn’t believe the words coming out of your mouth. But god did it feel good to say them.

“Are you fucking serious right now? We did nothing for you? What do you think we’ve been doing your whole life? We’ve done everything we did to help you be the best person you could be. You have that job now because of us and you have no right to speak to me that way.”

You chuckled darkly as you looked up at the ceiling, unaware of Bucky’s presence behind you. “My entire life all I’ve ever wanted to do was make you guys proud of me. But you know what? I’m fucking done. You hated me, gaslighted me, and made me hate myself almost as much if not more than you seemed to hate me.”

“I did no such thing you ungrateful -”

“You were supposed to love me and care for me, and all you did was take advantage of me. I’m not your child, I’m a paycheck. I don’t owe you anything because you gave me nothing. So you know what? FUCK. YOU.”

You hung up the phone and tossed it across the room, adrenaline taking over your body as you tried to stop shaking. Because a small part of you felt bad.

But fuck did that feel amazing.

You heard a throat clear behind you and you turned around to see Bucky, eyebrows furrowed in concern.

“You okay?”

You nodded nervously, rubbing the sides of your arms. “Yeah, I’m fine,” you said, unconvincingly. “How much, uh...how much did you -

“Enough,” he said, pushing himself off of the door frame as he crossed over to you. “Who was that?”

“Bucky, don’t, it’s really fine. I just got a little worked up.”

“Y/n,” he started, looking at you with concern. “Who were you talking to?”

“No one.”

“You don’t get upset like that at no one,” he took your hands in his. “Y/n, you're shaking.”

It was then that you realized your hands were still shaking, trying to keep the anxiety of what happened at bay.

It’s going to be so much worse now.

I can never talk to them again.

Is that a good thing? Didn’t I want that?

Bucky could sense you getting lost in your head. “Sweetheart, tell me what happened, please. I want to help you.”

You pulled your hands away from his and crossed your arms. “You can’t help me because there’s nothing wrong, okay? I handled it, it’s over. Done. nothing to worry about.”

“Y/n -”

“No really, there’s nothing you can do, okay?”

“Will you at least let me try?”

You looked at him, adrenaline starting to drain from your system. This was Bucky, your Bucky, who had never done anything but love and support you. He had never done anything to hurt you.

But what if he left you too?

You took in a sharp breath and curled in on yourself, a scared look on your face. Bucky crossed back over to you, seeing a scared look on your face.

“Hey, hey, y/n? Can you look at me?”

You brought your eyes up to meet his, feeling your chest constricting as you tried to keep your breathing even. It wasn’t working.

“I - I’m sorry, you shouldn’t… I’m fine really I’m sorry, I’m so sorry”

“Hey, it’s alright, it’s okay, you have nothing to apologize for,” he pulled you in for a hug and kissed the top of your head. “Let’s go sit down, okay?’

He led you over to your bed and you leaned forward, hands on your knees and head in your hands. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s happening, this - I’m sorry, it’s so stupid, I’m so stupid.”

Bucky rubbed a hand up and down your back, hushing you. “It’s not stupid. If it’s bothering you, it’s not stupid.” Bucky took a small breath. “Do you remember all of those times after nightmares and all those panic attacks you would walk me through? How I thought I was being stupid?”

“You weren’t being stupid”

“And neither are you.”

You took some more shaky breaths as tears kept falling down your face. “You’re okay. It’s alright, I’m right here.”

Bucky let you calm down, knowing you would talk about it if you wanted to. He wanted you to talk about it so he could help you (and hurt whoever upset you) but he wouldn’t force you into telling him anything you didn’t want to.

The two of you sat in the silence, Bucky looking at you with soft eyes as you kept your face hidden.

“I haven’t told you a goddamn thing about me. You ever wonder why?”

You looked over at Bucky, eyebrows creased with slight confusion.

“They said blood was supposed to be thicker than water. That family comes first, right? I spent my whole life listening to them and following them and being the perfect kid. I made myself into everything they wanted me to be. And it still wasn’t enough for them.”

Bucky tilted his head slightly. He hadn’t known his parents much before they died but he had always wanted to have more time. But he wasn’t oblivious to the fact that not everyone had good parents.

“You know, I remember thinking that once I made it they would be happy. That if I worked hard enough or went onto do great things that they would be proud of me. That’s all I ever wanted, you know?” you said, voice wavering as you let out a bitter laugh. “But it’s not, you know? Never is, never was, never will be. All they do is take and take and no matter how good I am they’re always gonna hate me because I can’t be perfect.”

“No one’s perfect, y/n.”

“Well that’s what they want me to be. I know I can’t be perfect so I know they’ll never be happy. That they’ll call me ungrateful and selfish for succeeding and for leaving them when they never wanted me to be there to begin with.” You felt tears spill over as you wiped them away. “And I’m ust so fucking done with being a disappointment to them and to everyone else.”

“Why didn’t you tell anyone?”

“I don’t know,” you said softly, not really wanting to be more vulnerable.

Bucky, sensing this was a time he could push you, challenged you. “I think you do.”

You shook your head. “I didn’t want anyone to see me the way they did. I thought what they said wasn’t true but...I just thought that maybe I was overreacting. Other people have it worse you know - some people have no parents or some have it so much worse. Mine just yell at me you know? Tell me everything’s my fault and that they wish they’d never had me. That I’m ungrateful for not being with them and that I owe them. I just...I heard that for the first 18 years of my life. I didn’t need any more of it.”

“y/n, that’s…” he swallowed, trying to contain his anger. “That’s not normal. No one should have to go through that. You can’t possibly think you're a bad person.”

Your shrug was enough to tell him that you did.

“Y/n, I don’t know who your parents think they are but you don’t owe them a damn thing. You may be related to them but you have no obligation to love your parents if they treat you like that. You have every right to be angry or to hate them. It doesn’t make you a bad person to be angry with someone who hurt you.”

“But they’re my family.”

“Well they didn’t treat you like it. You have us now, you don’t need them anymore. We’re your family. And we’re not gonna leave you.”

“They didn’t leave me Bucky, I left them.”

“You can’t leave someone who was never there for you.”

----------

Taglist: @buckys2thicc @babydaddy-buckybarnes @buckys-blue-eyes @peggycarter-steverogers @broadwaybabe18 @buckfics @thatfangirl42 @abitgryffindorky @barnesplums @mardema @freigeistundanderes @bucks-bunny @im-sick-of-failing @strawberrimae @sup--ernova

be added to my tag list!

Main Masterlist

[nxtsnw]

happy Birthday, Izana <3

n.a.: in Japan, it is already August 20, Izana's birthday, and that's why I post it now <3 I'm very fond of this character, which is also why it hurt a little bit to write this. This man really deserves the world.I hope you like it, and once again, happy birthday Izana <3

summary: 30th august, Izanas birthday<3

genre: angst, fluff, hurt to comfort

warnings: sad(?)

words: 1.2k

* It was a warm August morning, exactly August 30th, when Izana woke up early for the light infiltrated his room in the first hours of the day.

* As he was excited about his birthday, he immediately got up and ran into the kitchen.

* There, he found his grandfather and his older brother, Shinichiro, cooking pancakes and much other good stuff for breakfast.

* Neither Emma and Mikey had woken up yet, but Izana was too happy and couldn't resist the lure to go and wake up them

* He ran to their room and opened the windows wide before starting to scream that it was time to wake up, it was too important a day to sleep!! In response, the two siblings threw their pillows at him.

* And this is how it started a pillow fight at 8 am. It was around 9 am when Shinichiro tried to stop them, but eventually, he got involved in the fight.

* And by now, at 10 am, they were all seated at the table having breakfast.

* Between pancakes flying around the kitchen and noisy chatter, breakfast ended early.

* Shortly after, Emma ran into her room and took a small box that contained a gift, and along with the other two brothers, she gave it to him.

* In there, there were beautiful red dangle earrings, in the boy's eyes they seemed like a little treasure all for him, he was so happy that he quickly put them on.

* Maybe they were slightly heavy, but he didn't complain at all, he managed to thank everyone by giving them a big and warm hug.

* After that cheesy moment, the quartet got ready to spend the day together.

* They had spent the morning walking around the city, also having lunch in their favorite restaurant. The minutes passed, and so did the hours, and in no time the late afternoon had arrived. Mikey and Shinichiro had locked Izana in his room and while Emma had taken the birthday cake (that they had cooked the day before) out of the refrigerator.

* In a short time, the house was ready, furnished with scattered lights, a few snacks, and various drinks.

* As soon as he left the room, Izana froze, there was a new atmosphere, a feeling of pure happiness invaded the boy's heart. He looked around with a lost look, and the cake on the table caught his attention. It was grossly decorated, and it was clear that it was homemade by the three siblings, but he didn't notice any imperfections.

* Shinichiro was the first to start with the song "Happy birthday to you". But the atmosphere wasn't embarrassing, rather when the others began to sing, a sense of comfort and warmth trespassed the hearts of all present.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY IZANA!!" they yelled to him.

* Soon after, he blew out the candles, wishing he could make that day last forever.

Oh, Izana would have wanted so badly to have a birthday like that. But, even that night, he had woken up sweating, and with wet eyes from tears, it was just a dream.

That dream had all been so vivid that, even if briefly, his heart had warmed with a new pleasant feeling.

He wanted so much for that feeling to last longer. He had also turned over in bed and closed his eyes, hoping to continue his magic dream.

* He had never continued that happy dream, but he had managed to fall asleep again. He had been sleeping peacefully after a long time, so he had woken up more rested and ready to start the day.

* A slight sense of loneliness took hold of him, it was his birthday after all, but no one knew. Or rather, this is what he believed.

* While he was making his usual coffee, someone rang at his door. It was Kakucho, who entered saying that there was a very urgent task they had to do and that they couldn't waste time.

* So Izana sadly left his coffee and followed Kakucho. Waiting for them outside there was Koko, in his car driven by a private driver, who told him to get on.

* There was a lot of silence in that car, and the two black-haired boys were just intent on using the phone, never speaking a word.

* Izana tried to figure out where they were directed, but each time the other two boys had managed to sidetrack the conversation, so much so that the leader was starting to lose patience.

* Several times he would have liked to get off the car, but since it was his birthday he had promised himself to be better, and after a half-hour of driving, they arrived.

* As soon as he got out of the car, there was a small noise and a lot of colored confetti and streamers came upon him.

"SANZU! YOU DID IT TOO SOON IDIOT" Ran's voice was followed by the turning on of the lights which revealed a large room set up for a birthday party.

* A second bang and more confetti flew at Izana...

" SHION NOT YOU TOO," Ran continued yelling.

"AHHHH I'M SORRY, I WAS ONLY FOLLOWING SANZU"

"So they've already been discovered," Koko said to Kakucho.

"Yeah, I think so .." the boy replied.

* Izana meanwhile was frozen, what the fuck was going on ??

"Well that's okay, that's how it went now," Rindou said before coming out of his hiding place.

* "Y'all are idiots," Ran continued, and soon after they all had come out of their hideout.

"What's happening?" were Izana's first words.

“Um so, basically we wanted to organize a surprise for you since today is your birthday…” Kakucho replied.

"But someone has ruined everything." Ran added, glaring at Sanzu.

"Ops"

“I- I don't know what to say,” Izana spoke

"AHH YOU ARE NOT ANGRY, ARE YOU?" Rindou asked.

"No, I'm not"

* And for the third time, there was a small pop and then confetti flew at Izana.

"SHION!!! NOT AGAIN"

"SORRY, I didn't do it on purpose-"

* And at that moment a slight laugh escaped Izana, and that was followed by all present.

“Come on, shall we eat this cake or not? I bring it, and I swear to you that I paid a lot- " Koko said.

* So they headed for the cake, it was very beautiful!! all decorated with red and blue decorations.

* From the first embarrassment and sense of discomfort, the whole climate between those boys was improving.

* Izana was so happy, that sense of warmth he had felt in the dream seemed to have become true. Did he deserve all of that?

* But he wiped his eyes and smiled, he wanted to enjoy those beautiful emotions as much as possible.

“You know, it was Kakucho who wanted to organize it,” Koko told him before being hit by more confetti.

"WHAT THE FUCK? WHO'S THE IDIOT WHO LEFT THE CONFETTI SHOOTING STUFF IN SHION?" he screamed before reaching him to beat him.

* Meanwhile, Izana had approached Kakucho,

"Um Kakucho, thank you," he spoke in a low voice.

"Oh, happy birthday Izana, and that's what friends do, right?" the black-haired boy replied, looking at him and smiling.

* This was an unforgettable birthday for Izana<3

[theladyofbloodshed]

STEEL & FLAME - PART 6

A little bit of romance incoming!

‘Lucien, are we going to sit here all night or will you ask me to dance?’

Where the soft skin of Nesta’s hand brushed against his, Lucien came alive. Her hands were delicate; the skin porcelain and unmarred save for a scar near her thumb. Lucien was glad to see that her hands were not swollen or calloused from hard labour. He would ensure Nesta never struggled. She deserved a life of happiness when so much was taken from her. If she wanted to spend her days lounging on a couch reading, he’d support that life for her.

Lucien sensed she was nervous – that dancing with him was pushing her far out of her comfort zone – so he debated dancing for only one song then leading her back to her seat. But with every beat of the drum and every strum of the lute, Nesta seemed to come alive. Those fluid, easy movements were muscle memory.

They barely spoke through six dances, just shy smiles as they turned and exchanged hands with other couples. Nesta picked up the dances quickly – many were ones Lucien knew from the Spring Court parties long before Amarantha turned everything to shit.

She showed no fear of embarrassment in the face of a misstep or a collision with a new partner. At one point, Lucien was sure she’d laughed. Nesta and another female had bumped into each other when the female turned in the wrong direction. The dark-haired female was still laughing as she steered Nesta back into the right path and Nesta had a glow upon her cheeks.

When the band finished, the crowd demanded more. And then again until the singer’s voice could sing no more and the owner of the tavern turned them out for the night.

As they walked into the wind-swept night, Nesta laced her arm around Lucien’s. His heart fluttered at the contact though Nesta tried not to look at him, as if steeling her own nerves.

A low-hum buzzed in Lucien’s ear. A quiet thrill that they were walking alongside each other back to his apartment. There would be a time to seduce her. A time to make love to Nesta deep into the night. But Lucien only wanted to hear her laugh now. It hadn’t been enough to catch the ebbing of it like the tide going out, he needed to hear it for himself.

‘Thank you for this evening, Nesta. It was nice to have company.’

Nesta dipped her head, cradling her hands in front of her abdomen as they entered the apartment. ‘You have lots of friends.’

A light snort left him. ‘Not anymore.’

A small crease indented between Nesta’s brows as she frowned. Her grey eyes searched him for an injury. Then, in a quiet voice, she asked, ‘Because you helped my sister leave the Spring Court?’

‘Yes. I have always been able to make friends, but Spring had become my home.’

‘I am sorry you had to suffer. I know how it feels to have your home taken from you.’

In his head, Lucien ran through the history he knew of Nesta: she’d lost her first home to debt collectors, the second home had been a broken down hovel, the third had been given by Tamlin and decimated by war, her fourth had been the House of Wind – a perch in the mountain she could not flee from – then the fifth was the town house within the heart of Velaris. Her final home was one that Nesta had chosen with the handful of coins the high lord and lady had given her. Every root she tried to plough into the ground had been torn back out. It was enough to make Lucien’s blood boil with the unfairness of it all.

‘Thank you.’

Lucien’s breath snagged in his throat as Nesta locked eyes with him. There was something in her gaze that he could not name. Something he knew he’d crawl on broken glass to see again. Through their bond he felt that ripple of nervous energy from Nesta. She prised her hands apart so they dangled awkwardly at her side.

‘Nobody ever wants to spend time with me. Thank you. I enjoyed it. All of it.’

Lucien couldn’t put it down to alcohol; although they had drank, once they had started dancing only water had passed their lips. Both were now sober. A hand lightly rested upon his elbow and Lucien did not dare to move. Nesta leaned closer a few inches – impossibly close – so he could see the faint dusting of freckles across the bridge of her nose.

Lips, as soft as petals, touched against his own. Lucien swore the blood pounding in his veins came to a screeching halt when they kissed. By that moment, Lucien would forever be undone. His mate. His mate reaching for him. Kissing him. Wanting him.

Nesta withdrew slightly then her eyes fluttered open to meet his again. All they needed was that spark of consent and Lucien’s lips were on Nesta kissing her back gently, fervently. His hands moved to the small of her back, drawing her to him. Following his lead, Nesta’s hands reached up his back.

He could have kissed his mate for an eternity in the darkened apartment illuminated only by the silent flames glowing in the hearth. The low murmur that broke from Nesta’s lips as he cradled a hand against her neck threatened to buckle Lucien’s knees. It was a beginning and an undoing all at once. There was no other female for him.

***

Once Lucien’s footsteps had faded from the other room and she was certain he was asleep, Nesta let out a long breath. Like a plank of wood, she lay on her back staring up at the ceiling. She could not believe that she had kissed him. She had wanted to. Wanted to spin into his arms and kiss him in the Three Crowns. He’d stood so handsome, singing and laughing amongst strangers with such a relaxed manner, it had made Nesta comfortable enough to enjoy herself. So often, she’d stayed rigid against an arm chair, drinking alone and dreaming she had the courage to join the dancers. Lucien had given her that courage with his easy manner.

Part of her had wanted to rebel against her heart because knowing that he was the sort of male her mother would have approved of made her bitter. Lucien was polite, his manners were impeccable, he dressed well, was intelligent – kind too - and her mother would have declared him a wonderful man. If her mother knew his family in the Autumn Court had an entire treasury, both of her parents would have frothed at the mouth. Nesta had tried to fight her feelings. Tried to tell herself that the rough men she encountered in taverns who only wanted a quick tryst were the sort of men she deserved. That her mother was wrong – that Nesta was not worthy of a good man.

In the morning, Lucien greeted her politely and offered a walk again along the river. Nesta declined. The morning had brought more clarity and though she did not regret kissing Lucien, it was silly of her. Nesta could not promise him a future; she did not want a future for herself to begin with. It all seemed bleak like a thick, heavy fog that she wasn’t able to pierce. Lucien did not mention it either.

‘I’ll pop out for shopping then as well. I have to meet with Rhysand later and I’m sure to be given the cursory dinner invitation. Is it a safe assumption that you would prefer to remain here?’

‘You would be correct,’ she conceded, taking her favoured seat on the couch.

Lucien smiled tightly. ‘Should I inform them of your whereabouts?’

Likely they were waiting for her to hammer on the front door and demand rent. On the odd occasion that Nesta had reluctantly attended their gatherings, it was as if storm clouds followed her and she swallowed their good mood. Their conversations would dry up in Nesta’s presence for the first hour then they’d ignore her entirely. Nobody had ever made an effort to talk to her. Only Azriel had ever not sought to upset her, preferring his own silence.

‘Only if they ask. I do not want to see them for some time.’

Nesta knew that Lucien had a heart of gold, that he would keep Nesta a secret if she wished it though he owed her nothing. Her throat was too dry to thank him.

Seizing the opportunity of an empty apartment, Nesta had gritted her teeth through a bath until her jaw had ached then she sought refuge back on the couch beneath a blanket. Even Sweet Magnolias struggled to hold her interest fully. Her mind was filled with doubts about herself. She had thought that Lucien might have mentioned what had happened between them the previous night. Or maybe it had not been as enjoyable for him as it had been for her. She was a novice when it came to love. Perhaps he was embarrassed by it. He ought to be ashamed that his mate was the Cauldron-born vicious viper who could not wash herself without despairing.

***

Nesta’s head rested on a curled arm when Lucien returned. She wasn’t quite sat upright, but the position was hardly comfortable. He draped a blanket on top of her and let her sleep. He imagined she needed to catch up on weeks without it.

While Nesta slept, Lucien cooked. A kind, elderly female in the grocery store had talked him through the steps of cooking a tomato soup as if it were the most complex dish imaginable. They could not live from tea and toast forever and Lucien would not ask Nesta to cook as a conniving way to have her accept the bond.

The mortal lands beckoned. He had originally planned to return today, but Lucien could not pull himself away so easily from Nesta. Tomorrow, he vowed to join with Jurian and Vassa if only to stop them sending a mortal army hunting for him for not returning when he’d promised. Jurian would teach him to cook too - even if it was rough meals more suitable for war camps, it was far more than Lucien knew how to cook now.

As the soup simmered on a low heat, Lucien sat at the opposite end of the couch to Nesta but tugged the blanket over his own feet as he read a copy of Sweet Magnolias. It started out as the type of book that Lucien expected from Nesta; a dark haired male who was sour and quiet and a blonde haired female who was half his size and both despised each other. He skimmed through the pages awaiting the traumatic moment that would bring them together or the awkward scenario where they’d be forced to be in close contact like trapped in a broom cupboard, but there was no romance to be found. No shy glances or chaste kisses. What Lucien did find, raised his brows in disbelief. The book was absolutely filthy. Nesta hadn’t been reading epic love stories for the ages; no, she was reading about females having their clothes torn off and being fucked in a barn.

This sleeping female at the other end of the couch was a mystery. Did she want a romance or did she want that?

Lucien kept reading, now completely enthralled. He did not know such books existed. Tamlin knew the dirtiest of limericks – ones he’d made up – but he’d roar with laughter if Lucien shared these books with him.

‘Why are you reading my book?’

The voice, sharp and accusatory, darted to him. Nesta had peeled open an eye like a dragon awaking from slumber.

‘This is my book,’ he clarified, a grin already tugging at the corners of his mouth. ‘Yours is on the table. You had been using it as a pillow before it fell face down onto the floor.’

Nesta’s ears pinked then she glanced at the blanket, realised she’d been sleeping, and blushed even more. She adjusted herself to sit up right. ‘Why have you purchased it?’

‘It was a curiosity. Now, however, I am completely hooked. Maura is sat on Ulrin’s face but she’s somehow arching her back like a crab to take Altur in her mouth.’

‘Stop!’

Lucien sucked in a breath as he grinned widely at Nesta. ‘I did not even know that position was possible.’

Nesta’s cheeks glowed red like two rosy apples. Quickly, she snapped, ‘Because Maura is dreaming in that scene. It doesn’t actually happen.’

‘You still look sleepy. Would you like me to read you a passage to send you off again?’

‘No, I would n-’

‘Maura gripped the thick, veiny-’

Nesta threw herself forwards, lunging towards the book, but Lucien anticipated her move. He hauled the book further from her reach so she scrambled up the couch and across his body. One of his hands latched onto her arm, holding her in place, and the other kept the book far from her reach.

‘Nesta, please, I just want to know what Ulrin is going to do with his girthy-’

Nesta’s hand clamped over his mouth to silence him.

‘Are you always like this?’ She demanded.

When his response came out as a muffled vibration against her hand, Nesta withdrew her hand but remained looming over him, supporting her weight on her wrists while her legs lay flat against his own.

‘If you mean always an avid reader and keen to learn – then yes.’

There had to be light in her eyes one day. There had to be a spark of joy one day. This female who had had everything taken from her deserved to be happy.

‘Did you buy this book to tease me?’ There was no lightness in Nesta’s voice, only hurt. She tried to pull away but Lucien kept his grip on her thin wrist.

‘I wanted to share it with you. To find a common thread to talk about- so you could have someone to share your love of books with. I want to get to know you, Nesta.’

‘Why?’

‘Because I think you’re wonderful and worth knowing.’

For a second time, Nesta tried to pull herself away, but Lucien held firm. He could not take that wistful expression clouding her eyes and tugging her mouth downwards.

‘Please, stay. If only for a moment.’

Just as she had the night before, Nesta seemed to gather her courage then lowered herself so she was flush on top of him. Her ear pressed over his heart. She would hear the thunderous racing of it from their physical closeness.

Once certain she was not about to leap to her feet and flee like a nervous animal, Lucien settled his arms around her. Nesta let out a long breath as though she was emptying her lungs of every drop of air. Was she as moved by this moment as he was?

‘Was last night – when we returned – was it unpleasant for you?’

Cauldron above, did Nesta really think Lucien found it unpleasant to kiss his mate? As if he had not spent the entire day thinking of the press of her lips against his or the contented sigh she had made.

‘Why would I find it unpleasant?’

When he tried to shift Nesta higher – to look at her – she resolutely refused to move like an ancient pillar of stone, too embarrassed to make eye contact.

‘You did not speak of it today. I had never done it before. I did not know if I did it wrong.’

Lucien was too stunned to even speak. Stars blotted out his vision.

‘It is not proper for a woman to initiate. I am sorry if you were made to feel uncomfortable by it.’

‘Nesta, I have wanted to kiss you every day since I met you. I didn’t want to scare you off or be too forward…’ His voice trailed off unable to convey how he felt properly. It had never been like this before. His heart had never fluttered every damn time he’d laid eyes on a female the way it did when he saw Nesta. Every thought in his head revolved around her; their future, the life he would provide for her, the memories they could make together, the ways they could grow with each other.

‘I would not mind if you wanted to kiss me again,’ she murmured, voice trembling slightly.

Carefully, Lucien tilted Nesta up higher, closer to him. The skin of his hand was golden-brown against her pale cheek. Even through her dress, Lucien could feel the thump of her heart against his own chest as she lay on top of him.

Softly, his lips pressed to hers. ‘I would kiss you,’ another kiss, ‘every minute,’ another, ‘of every hour,’ another, ‘of every day.’ Lucien’s thumb stroked down her cheek where he cradled Nesta’s beautiful face. ‘If you will let me,’ he murmured, kissing her deeper this time, ‘I will love you like you deserve.’

[ameliora-j]

before i fell // dm x reader

words: 2.8k

warnings: angst, talk of a breakup, mention of loss of virginity, mention of not eating, mention of not sleeping, pansy is kinda ooc and so is draco, the slytherins are assholes

a/n: i used a lot of olivia rodrigo lyrics bc i listened to SOUR while writing lol. lmk if i should add other warnings and happy reading babies!

you would be cliche and say that you fell in love the way that you fall asleep. slowly and then all at once. but you couldn’t because you didn’t. it wasn’t a john green novel and you weren’t hazel grace lancaster. falling in love wasn’t simple, and that description of it truly… didn’t describe anything. falling in love was more complicated than that. there were more layers to it than that. falling in love was rather… quick and unexpected. unexpected like snow in the middle of march. or rain when there’s not a cloud in sight. quick like waiting months for an event and finally when the time comes, it feels like you blinked and then it was over.

falling in love with draco malfoy was all of these things and more. falling in love with draco malfoy brought upon more layers than that. falling in love with draco malfoy brought pain. not just any kind of pain, no… horrible, heart wrenching, gut twisting pain. pain that began by bubbling itself in your chest right at the center of your heart, then slowly but surely worked it’s way outwards. encapsulating your entire body and making every inch of your body ache. pain like when you get attached to a character and the author kills them off. pain like when you finish your favorite book and you realize that you’re not truly in that universe and none of that actually happened. pain like when you’re two hours, fifteen minutes, and twelve seconds into avengers: infinity war and peter parker says “mr. stark, i don’t feel so good.” pain that you’ve never felt. pain that can’t be described. pain that you felt for days. pain.

you thought it was strange when the platinum blonde slytherin sought you out. he came to you one day while you sat silently at the black lake. you were alone, but only because you liked to be. you had friends of course, many actually, but you chose to be alone. the black lake was your place of solace. then along came draco. he sat beside you, a good distance away, but his presence was known. you looked to him for an explanation but he offered none. just smiled at you and turned to his notes, so you did the same. the second time he came, he sat closer, but still in silence. the third time is when he struck up conversation.

“yln, yeah?” he questioned.

“yn, actually. but yes, yn yln. and you’re draco malfoy?” you asked.

“i am,” he smirked at your knowledge of his name and then you returned to your studying. after that, the two of you talked every time he came and sat with you. short discussions about the weather or the potions assignment. you don’t know when, but soon they became longer. discussions of your day and your family. your interests and how you got your name. how you loved the rain and the stars and how you loved hogwarts, but you often missed home. draco knew you inside and out and you knew him—and before long, you called the tall, skinny blonde your boyfriend.

you walked the halls of hogwarts together, hand in hand. draco walked haughtily with a hard scowl and you with a bright smile. while you walked cheerfully and waved to your friends and to first years while draco glared at anyone who dared look at the two of you. he took you to parties in the slytherin common room and you wore his jersey proudly at quidditch games, even when he played against your house. he bought you lavish gifts at all of your trips to hogsmeade and he showered you in kisses, praise, and affection. you were whole heartedly smitten with the sole heir to the malfoy fortune.

it was one fateful day in the common room when your heart absolutely exploded. that was the day you knew that you fell in love with draco malfoy. you had been a thing for about two, going on three, months. you were sitting in the slytherin common room, reading in silence when he asked. you were pressed against his chest and he pressed a soft kiss to your head. “‘ve been meaning to ask you something,” he murmured gently. this caused you to close the book and turn your full attention to him. “want you to wear this,” he said, holding out a ring. “it’s the malfoy family crest.”

your stomach and your heart exploded into billions of butterflies and you launched yourself forward, straight into his chest. millions of emotions overcame you as you squeezed his neck as tight as possible. you nodded into his neck as a few stray tears fell. he kissed your head repeatedly as he slid the ring onto your finger before pressing his lips to your’s gently. you giggled excitedly as you stared down at the ring on your finger. “do you like it?” he asked you.

“i love it, dray. i love you. thank you s’much,” you confessed for the first time as you cuddled back into his chest. you don’t know what it was that made the blonde boy seek you out, but you’re glad he did. if only you knew the true nature of his intentions. but alas, you were oblivious.

it was the beginning of the school year, on the train to hogwarts. in the compartment of what was labeled as “the slytherin squad.” there sat theo nott, pansy parkinson, blaise zabini, and—your now boyfriend—draco malfoy.

they were all sitting around, taking the piss out of draco for all of his past failed relationships when it was brought up. “i’ll bet malfoy couldn’t get a girl to fall in love with him if he paid her,” theo spoke.

“i’ll take that bet,” draco countered.

“alright. but we get to pick the girl,” blaise decided.

“what?” pansy asked as theo began to look around the compartment. it was a few minutes before he found the victim. it was then that your fate was sealed. there, sitting in the back corner, head tucked deep into a copy of the fault in our stars, was you. you. awkward and quiet. you with seemingly no friends. poor little unsuspecting you.

“that one,” nott smirked evilly.

“what the weirdo?!” draco exclaimed incredulously. “no way!”

“so then you forfeit?” blaise asked, causing draco to release a frustrated exhale.

“alright i’ll do it,” he rolled his eyes.

“then we give you five months. make yn yln fall in love with you in five months and we’ll do your homework for the rest of the year,” theo posed.

“and if i don’t?” draco asked.

“and when you don’t… thennn,” blaise taunted as he searched for a deal that was fair.

“then we get two hundred galleons each and you have to apologize to potter for making his life hell,” theo smirked. draco scoffed at this and rolled his eyes, but nodded nonetheless.

“and what are my conditions?” he raised an eyebrow.

“she has to say it first. you can do anything you want or need to get her to say it, but you cannot say ‘i love you’ first,” blaise spoke.

“this doesn’t seem fair to yn,” pansy piped in.

“shut your mouth parkinson. no one asked your opinion,” theo growled with a roll of his eyes. but it was too late. there was absolutely nothing the girl could do to get the three to change their minds. she just had to sit idly by and watch draco malfoy break your heart as she said nothing. she wished that she could stop it, but their minds were made up. and the three of them were very stubborn.

it was a few days after draco gave you his ring when your bubble came crashing down. you were walking to meet draco at your spot at the black lake when blaise and theo intercepted you. you knew who they were, of course you did. they were your boyfriend’s best friends, however why they were currently speaking to you, you had no idea.

they told you it would be quick. that they just wanted to show you something in the slytherin common room and left little room for argument, so you had no choice but to follow them there. they sat you on the couch and began to discuss your relationship with draco. you were very confused and had no idea why you were here. “so… draco hasn’t told you?” blaise mocked a gasp of shock.

“no?” you raised a soft eyebrow as you stared on. this made theo smirk evilly as he pulled up a projector and pointed his wand at it. a picture appeared, it looked like a memory. “what’s this?” you asked before the boys urged you to ‘shh.’ you sunk further into the couch as you idly watched on.

you truly weren’t paying attention untill you heard the voice of your boyfriend. the words he spoke stung. you were soft. emotional. the way he spoke about you absolutely crushed you. it would crush anyone, but it shattered you especially. “she’s so fucking weird!” “i’ll take that bet.”

‘s all you were. all you ever were. just a stupid belt. another notch in his belt. it was that moment that draco had barged into the common room. but by then, it was already too late. the tears had already sprung to your eyes and you were preparing for a torrential downpour as you heard his voice. “i’m out!” he announced breathlessly. he froze in his run as his eyes fell on you and what was playing on the projector currently. “bunny…” he whispered softly as his hand touched your shoulder, but you quickly jerked away as if his hand had burned you on contact.

“don’t call me that. don’t touch me,” you demanded as the tears began to fall. “that’s all i was? a bet?” an involuntary whimper sounded from the depths of your throat. “i feel so stupid.” you shook your head.

“no, bunny please listen to me,” you didn’t allow the boy to finish as you wrapped your arms tightly around yourself.

“don’t call me that!” you demanded. “in fact don’t call me at all. don’t… don’t talk to me draco. ever again. i can’t believe i fell for your stupid joke. i feel so… i feel like an idiot,” you spoke. you shook your head, hastily wiping at your eyes untill you saw stars. it was then that you decided to walk away.

“YN STOP!” draco yelled. “LISTEN to me,” he demanded.

“NO!” you shouted as you turned to face him finally. “godric draco, i wish you would’ve thought this through before i went and fell in love with you,” you sniffled as you wiped your snot on your sweater sleeve.

“yn please just let me explain. please listen to me, please,” he begged.

“i feel like you betrayed me,” you shook your head. “i told you everything. you were my everything. draco i loved you. i actually loved you. i thought you loved me too but i guess you’re just a really good actor,” you sniffled once more. “i hate you draco. i really fucking hate you. i don’t want to hear your bullshit explanation because i know that you’ll never feel sorry for the way i’m hurting right now.”

“it was a bet!” draco shouted as you walked away, hand on the door knob. you scoffed as you muttered a sarcastic, ‘no shit.’ “that’s how it started yes, but then i got to know you. i figured out who you were. i learned that your favorite color is yfc and that you prefer night over day because you love the stars and that your favorite star is scorpius and you would name your son after that star one day. i learned that you love to read and you love when it storms but you're afraid of the thunder. you only dance when you’re drunk and you giggle when you’re nervous and i love that giggle. with everything in me i do. your favorite book is yfb and you choose to be alone but you let everyone be your friend. you’re gorgeous. inside and out and while it may have started as a bet, somewhere along the lines i fell in love with you so yn please. please don’t leave,” he whispered the last part as his voice came out broken.

you took a deep breath in before you began to speak. “you couldn’t have cared less about someone who loved you more. i’d say you broke my heart but you broke much more than that,” you shook your head as you furiously wiped at your eyes again. “i gave you my all draco. you were my first everything. i gave you my virginity for merlin’s sake. all to find out that i was just some stupid bet,” you scoffed.

“yn please believe me when i say that you’re so much more than that,” he begged again. “i came to tell them that they won. that i wanted out because i fell in love with you too!”

“it doesn’t matter if you don’t see me as a bet any longer. the fact is that you did. i’m worth so so much more than that.” your breaths were ragged as you spoke. “i really wish that you had thought this through before i went and fell in love with you.” you repeated with a small sniffle. “don’t you think i loved you too much to be used and discarded? don’t you think i loved you too much to think i deserve nothing?” you were openly sobbing at this point.

“yn please believe me when i tell you how sorry i am…” he spoke softly.

“don’t tell me you’re sorry. feel sorry for yourself. because someday i’ll be everything to somebody else,” with this you turned away from him. you hastily opened the door and practically ran out of the common room and away from him.

at that moment you decided to forget about it. draco, and the bet, and love, and everything. like in the vampire diaries, you decided to turn your emotions off. you laid in your dorm crying for hours before you made that decision, however. your dorm mates checked on you often, but you never offered more than merely a half hearted shrug, letting them know that you were still alive, but barely breathing. you skipped classes and meals. you were a mere shell of yourself. it was about two weeks before you could face draco again. and even then you couldn’t truly. you went into the great hall and found “the slytherin squad” sans draco.

pansy looked at you sympathetically while theo and blaise basked in the glow of their new victory. you pulled the ring off carelessly as you stopped in front of them, hair disheveled and uniform askew. you had dark bags under your eyes from the lack of sleep you’d gotten in the past fourteen days and your eyes were rimmed red with the weight of your emotions. “c’you just give this back to malfoy,” you murmured half-heartedly as you dropped the ring on the table in front of the three. just speaking his name brought you pain.

your shoulders were sunken in defeat and you were but a shell of your usual cheerful self. you don’t even know when the last time you saw daylight or had fresh air was. “wait yln,” pansy called hesitantly. you turned to face her, still staring down at your mary janes as you pulled and twisted your fingers untill you heard your knuckles pop. “you… you really love him, don’t you?”

you just shrugged your right shoulder as you used the heel of your palm to wipe the snot from your rapidly reddening nose. “i was just some stupid bet,” you replied as tears begin to spill rapidly over your waterline.

“if it’s any consolation… it was those two bozos’ idea,” pansy told you as she pointed to blaise and theo.

“doesn’t matter,” you murmured. “he’s still a traitor,” you answered as you walked away, forgetting all about the slytherin prince and his stupid friends. forgetting all about how he hit you with a train of his “love.” forgetting all about how for three months he was your everything. forgetting all about how he wrote to his mum about you and you wrote to your parents about him. forgetting all about draco malfoy. the platinum blonde boy with stormy grey eyes who had a long story buried beneath his haughty exterior. the boy who you called your first. your first kiss. your first time. your first love. forgetting all about the boy that made you fall in love just to tell you it was all a bet.

attempting to revert back to how you were before you fell.

add yourself to my taglist :)

nani’s 100 followers celebration

taglist: @hellounicorn @mollysolo @i-love-scott-mccall @veela-essence

[reimagine7]

Adopted by whom?

Warnings: lighty mentions of physical abuse

This was my third camp, I was really excited. Even though I knew these womens for only a year, they became like family to me, a few of them were even closer, like Mal and Rose, probably because we are closer to age, so we have a lot of fun together. Tobin and Christen are like moms for me, since the first day of camp they took me under their wings and were super protective, they were worried about my school work and if I ate well or if I drank enough water, even after camp they kept talking and asking how I am, and I talk about them so much that my moms got jealous, and said they are my team moms.

I told this to Tobin and Christen, they laughed at it and began to call me their daughter, so I started to call them mom. They wanted to meet my parents but that didn’t happen yet. Why? Because I didn’t tell them that I am adopted, or that I have two mothers, let alone that one of them is none other than Shannon MacMillan. I know I should but it is a sensitive topic for me and I'm scared that they will treat me differently after they find out about it. That’s why I haven't told anyone on the team about it yet, but I'm thinking about doing so after this camp.

“Kid!! I miss you so much” Tobin ran towards me and gave me a big hug. “Mom, we talked yesterday.” “I know, but I can't hug you on facetime.” “Okay, I miss you too.” “I don’t get a hug?” Christen asked and opened her arms for me to hug her, so I did. “Mama I miss you too.” “Hi sweetie. Excited for camp? How is school?” “The same, boring but my grades are good. And I can't wait for everyone to get here.”

“Siisss!!!” Rose and Mal scream as soon as they spot me in the looby and come running. “Rose!! Mal!! How are you guys?”. We jumped on each other and ended up in the ground on a group hug. “Hey, you weren’t as excited when you saw us. I feel betrayed.” Tobin complained pouting while watching our interaction. “Kids get up before you hurt each other.” Christen separated us and pulled us up. “Sorry mom, but I love you too.” I said to Tobin who still had a pout on her face, so I went and hugged her again.

The rest of the team were finally arriving in the lobby of the hotel, we were talking when Jill spoke up and designated our roommates for this camp, and I was with Tobin. We went up and went to our room. We had lunch soon so we chilled and talked for a bit in our room, until it was time for lunch. So here we are, everyone eating and having fun talking about everything.

On the table was Sonnett, Rose, Linds, Sam, Mal and myself. Sonnett was telling everyone a funny story about her family.

“I’m serious, we were at this party and I kept annoying this girl, who was a douchebag. I forgot about it and started to dance and have some fun, but then suddenly a boy cornered my sister and I heard the girl saying she was the girl who annoyed her and he was about to push her when the parents stepped in. Long story, but in short my sister ended up two days grounded because of that.” “You never told them the truth?” I asked her. “A few years later. They grounded me as well, that was not fun.” “I wish I could have a twin sister, so we could switch places all the time.” Rose commented. “I wish I could have a sister.” Mal complained.

“At least you have your parents all to yourself. You are the favorite.” Sam complained only to be mocked by Linds “Someone is grumpy because it’s not the favorite child.” “And you are?” “Of course.” “Alright, this is not what your brother says.” Sonnett interfered with a smirk. “But I'm for sure not the favorite, my parents don’t hide it.” “Me neither, I’m sure they love me but I have my doubts about who their favorite is. It’s probably Wilma, I don’t blame them.” Everyone laughed at Rose's statement.

Until Mal asked me a question. “What about you Y/n? I’m sure you are your parents favorite.” “Yeah, I don't know. My brother is 10 so... pretty tough competition.” “Wait! You have a brother?” Sonnett asked incredulously. “Yeah.” “Why have we never heard about it? We actually never heard much about your family Y/n.” One of them asked me. Shit, why do I have to open my mouth. “I don’t want to talk about it.” I tried to avoid their eyes so they would know that I didn’t want to talk about it. But Sonnett didn't get it. “Why not? Your parents can’t be that bad?” “Sonnett!! Shut up. Y/n/n, that’s okay, if you don’t want to tell us you don’t have to.” Lindsey said, trying to make me look at them. “But you know that you can tell us everything right?”

I didn’t want to talk about it, and if I stayed one more minute here I would cry, so I decided to leave for my room. “Yeah… I...I think I’m going back to my room. Bye.” “Y/n. Wait! We are not talking about it again. Come back.” Rose tried to stop me, but I stood up so fast that I didn’t even register my surroundings. So as soon as I turned around, I bumped into Ashlyn and her juice spread all over my shirt. Fuck! Ash began to apologise, but now I could feel everyone's eyes on me and all I wanted was to get out of here. “Sorry Speedy, you turn so fast. I…” “That’s okay.” I interrupted her, got free of her hands and walked as fast as I could out of the dinner room.

No one's pov

Meanwhile at the youngies table.

“That was odd.” Sam broke the silence. “I didn’t do it on purpose.” “We know Sonnett. Should we follow her? Or talk to Tobin?” Lindsey asked, trying to comfort Sonnett who was blaming herself for her teammate's outburst.

“Too late for that. Tobin is already coming on her momma bear mode. I’m always scared when she is like this.” Mal spoke looking at Tobin with wide eyes.

“Girls, what happened to Y/n? Why did she get out?” The girls looked at each other until Rose decided to answer Tobin’s question. “We don’t know exactly. We were talking about our families and when we asked about hers she got weird and said she would go to her room.” Tobin sighed and nodded. “Thanks, I will go check on her.”

Tobin pov

I knocked on the door and opened it, when I entered the room I saw Y/n laying on the bed looking at the ceiling.

“Hey, kid. What’s going on?” “Not now Tobin, I just want to be alone for a minute. I’m fine.” “Yeah, you’re not.” Y/n shakes her head and asks. “And how do you know that?” “For starters, you get out of the dinner earlier than usual and without saying goodbye. Then you call me Tobin, you never do that only when you’re not okay.”

With that Y/n sighed and sat on the bed. “It’s just a hard topic for me.” “Your family?” I asked, trying to understand, she just nodded her head.

We stayed in bed for a minute. I waited to see if she was giving me anything else, but that didn’t happen. “Fine, if you don’t want to talk about it, I get it. But let's at least take this shirt off.”

I helped her get up to take the dirty shirt off, but then I looked at her back and saw some scars on it. I was about to take a better look but she quickly pulled back down, trying to hide it. But it was too late, I had already seen it.

“Y/n, what are those marks on your back?” “Are from soccer.” She told me, not looking at me. “I’m not buying it. Tell me the truth.” “It’s nothing Tobin. Give up on this.” “Nope. Right there, you call me Tobin again. Come on kid, you know I won’t give up so soon. So buy us some time and tell me what’s going on.” “It’s hard, Tobs.” “And I’m here by your side, you can tell me everything. But I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s going on.” “Everything is fine now, it’s already in the past. But I'm still learning to trust people, so I normally don’t talk about it with others. I want to, but when I do I cry and I don't want to cry in front of the team.” “Kid, we will never judge you for crying.” “I know but I never had this, not until three years ago. So it is hard to let people in.” “What do you mean? You wanna tell me about it? “

She hesitated for a minute but nodded. She was about to say something when my phone rang. I looked at it and turned off the call, it was Christen but I couldn’t talk right now.

“It’s okay if you need to go. I’ll be fine.” Y/n told me in a low voice. “I’m here for you kid, you can trust me, after all i’m your mom isn’t I?” “Yeah. You are. It’s not actually complicated. It’s just that, my dad abandoned my family when I was 7, a month later my mom found out she was pregnant. Things were already tough, but my mom did everything she could for us to be happy, but a year later she died in a car crash.”

Tears began to fall from her face, so I put my hand on her back trying to comfort her.

“I’m sorry for that Y/n/n. You don’t need to keep going if you don’t want to.” “I want to tell you everything.” After a minute she stopped sobbing and spoke again. “Well, after that my father didn’t want us so we ended up in foster care and that’s why I don’t like to talk about my family. Is not because I don't trust you, but is because for most part of my life I didn't quite have one. I have just a few memories from my biological mother and I had to take care of my little brother during seven years of my life. Is not simple to talk about it. I was abused from the age of 8 until I turned 14 years old. That's where my marks are from, they hit on me just because they wanted to.”

I hugged her, but didn’t say a thing, I knew that’s what she needed right now. After a few minutes I spoke up. “Kid, I had no idea that you passed through this all. But I want to tell you that this doesn't change our relationship, I still love you and will fight everyone who messes with you, and you know Christen will as well.” “Thank you Tobs.”

After a minute of silence, I decided to ask her what I was scared to ask. “This is still happening? I want to do something about it. I won’t let any of this happen to you again.” “No, three years ago me and my brother got adopted. I told you the truth when I told you that everything is good now. They are amazing and are helping me to get better.” “That’s good. That’s why we never meet them? You didn’t want us to know your story?” “Yeah, that’s one of the reasons.” “One?” “Yeah, well the other one you will understand when you see my moms.” “Your moms?” I asked, still not sure I had heard it right. “Yeah, I got adopted by two moms.” “Oh, Megan will love this.” “I know.” “You want to come back for lunch or do you want to stay here?” “Stay here. Can we just watch a movie?” “Fine, but I choose.”

I jumped on top of her and got the remote so I could choose the movie. “No way, we are on my bed, so I choose.” She got the remote from my hands. “No no, I'm your mother so I choose.” “There’s nothing to do with it. I won’t give it to you.” “Yes you are.”

With that I began to tickle her, trying to get the remote back. Then there was a knock on the door and it opened, but we were too occupied to see who it was. “Okay kids, let's stop the fight.” Oh, that’s Chris. “Tell that to Tobs, she is the one attacking me.” “I see.” Christen separated us. “How are my girls? I’ve been told that I should come here to check on you both, but by the look of things I guess that is all sorted out now.” I looked at Y/n and she had a smile on her face. “I think we are better now right?” “Yeah, much better. Thank you Tobs.” “Of course, I'll always be here for you.” She hugged me and I gave a kiss on her head.

“Oh, I feel left out now.” “Sorry Chris, but Tobs will tell you everything later. But I know I can count on you as well. I’m going to change my shirt now and wash my red face.”

Y/n stood up and left the remote on the bed. “Yes, I got the remote.” I could see Y/n shaking her head and then closing the bathroom door, Chris came to me, gave me a quick peck and asked me what happened.

Your pov

I went to the bathroom to change my shirt and clean myself, and I could hear Tobin telling Christen a little bit of what I told her. “‘What was that about?’ ‘The girls were talking about family stuff on the table and the topic is a little complicated for her. She lost her mom really young and lived in foster care most part of her life, and just recently got adopted. I tell you more later, don’t worry about it.’” I’m glad I finally got to share my story with someone else, and it is no surprise that the two of them were the first to know, I like them a lot.

While I was in the bathroom my phone started to ring.

“Kid, your phone is ringing and is your mom. She wants to facetime.” Tobin yelled from the bed. “Which one?” I yelled back. “Humm… mom Mac?!” Oh, maybe that is a great time to introduce them.

“Could you answer for me? I’m almost finishing.” “Me?” “Yeah, you didn’t want to meet her? That’s the time. She wants to talk to you both as well.” There was a silence in the room, until Chris spoke. “I don’t think that is a good idea.” “You’ll like to talk with her. Don’t you trust me?” “Fine.” Tobin answered me and accepted the call, ready to talk to my mom.

“Hi hon… Oh, hi Tobin!” I could hear my mom speaking. I was already changed, but I wanted to see their reactions while meeting my mom. “Hi… wait your Shannon MacMillan.” Toby speaks and stays with an open mouth. “Yes, and I was told that you are my daughter’s roommate. Oh, hi Christen I didn't see you before. How are you doing?” “Your daughter?” Now was Christen's time to stay in shock. “Yeah Y/n. Is she alright?” “Yeah, but… what?” Tobin was speechless, so I decided to intervene.

“Oh hi mom, sorry I was in the bathroom.” “Hi honey and taking by Tobin and Christen's faces I believe you hadn’t told them about me, am I right?” “Maybe? I actually didn’t tell anyone on the team, I dodged their questions about my family. You know how I am, I wanted them to get to know me first.” “I know.” “But I had told Tobin almost everything, I just kept your name out of it. She saw my scars and made me explain it.” I lightly elbowed Tobin, trying to take her off her transe. “Made you?” I think it worked. “Y/n!!”

“I’m kidding, kind of. She just got overprotective and wanted to punch the person who made me those, so I had to explain the story to her.” “Yeah, I was right she is definitely your team mom. And don’t worry Tobin, they are already taken care of.” Tobin laughed and poked me in my sides “I told you, now even your mom agrees with me. But I gotta say this is kind of crazy.” “Whatever, that doesn't mean you can choose the movie.” “Movie?” Mom asked, not quite understanding what we were talking about. So Chris came to the rescue. “When I got here they were in a tickle fight, because Tobin wanted to choose the Netflix movie and Y/n had the remote.” I completed it. “Christen saves me, but then Tobin got the remote, so it looks like we will be seeing her movie.”

“Seems like you’re having fun. I just called to tell you that the thing you buy on the internet has arrived, I hid it in the garage. I'm sure your mama won’t find it there.” Great, my mama birthday present has arrived. “Cool, and is everything ok?” “Yes, as we expected. We’ll call you later to talk more, I just took that I was alone now so I could warn you.” “Thanks mom.” “Bye honey. Bye Tobin and Christen.” “Bye Shannon.” They say in unison.

So I turned off the call and looked at them, they had a surprised look on their face so I got ready for the questions. Mainly the questions were about why I didn't tell them or the team about it, how I ended up with them and I had to explain my whole story again for Christen. In the end, it was already time for team meeting and we were getting ready to go.

As we waited for the elevator, I remembered to ask them something. “Guys, please don’t tell the team nothing about it.” “Why not? Speedy, I already told you that they won’t treat you any different.” Tobin scolded me. “I just... I will tell them when I feel comfortable, but for now just keep this secret for me. Please mom!!” “You can’t pull the mom card like this.” “Why not? You told yourself that you’re my team mom.” Tobin kept staring at me until she gave up. “Fine. But I think you should at least tell them about your mom, because if they find out about it from another person they're gonna be mad.” Christen punches Tobin in the arm. “Tobin! They are not gonna be mad at you Y/n. Just at the moment, and then they will just fill you with questions. But the last part is going to happen either way.” “Oh, so different from what I said.” Tobin said with sarcasm, but Christen sent her a killer look. “Sorry! But if by any chance, someone annoys you because of who your mother is, tell me and I will kick their ass.” Tobin told me with a serious look.

“You mean if they mocked me because Tobin Heath is my mom?” I tried to contain my laugh. “Oh, shut up!!” She got my head and began to rub it. “Mom stop!!” “Kids stop with it. Let’s go or we are gonna be late.”

With that we entered the elevator and I could see that Chris had a worried face on. My story must have affected her, she has a sad expression, so I decided to lighten her mood a little bit. “Oh Christen, you don’t need to be mad. You and mom are a couple, so that means you are my mom as well.” I hugged her and she kissed my head. She tightened the hug, and I knew some tears were rolling down her face. “Thank you Y/n, you for sure can come for me anytime you need. I’ll always be here for you.” “I know. You’re the mom I listen to but also the mom who grounds me, and Tobin is the mom who takes me out of the ground, and also the one who tries to cover my mess.” Christen rolled her eyes, understanding what I was trying to do. She cleaned the tears that had fallen out and shook her head, but now with a smile on her face. Tobin on the other hand protested. “I would never do that Christen!” “Why can't I believe that?”

With that the elevator door opened and Christen got out first, then Tobin raised her hand for me to hit it. I love these two. We got to team meeting and discussed our training sessions, how our week is going to be and other things. The meeting took about an hour. After it, the whole team went to dinner, me and Tobin were talking about the conversation we had early about my past soccer teams and how my mom is a crazy fan, so we got our food and sat at some table don’t even looking to see who was on the other ones. But as we were talking Christen, Megan, Ash, Julie, Ali, Alyssa and Carli sat at our table as well.

“I’m telling you Tobs, once she got so mad about a bad call that she almost got inside the field to yell at the referee, luckily my 9 years old brother stopped her.” Tobin was laughing her ass out. “I would die to see that.” “Who did that?” Megan asked, breaking the bubble we were on. I then noticed everyone else that was on the table with us.

“What?” I asked, not quite sure what she was talking about. “Who almost got in the field?” “My mom.” “Oh…” “She seems cool.” Ash responded. “She is, when she is not mad. Despite that, she is awesome, my family is really supportive.” “Your brother plays soccer as well?” Alis asked. “No, he hates sports. But he loves to cheer for me, so he goes for all the games he can.” “Oh, this is so cute, I would love to meet him.” JJ awed with my answer. “He for sure will love to go to the mall with you and Chris, I can guarantee that he would be a better company then Tobs.” “Hey kid! You are just as bad as I am.” Tobin protested. “Ok you're right. But I’m telling the truth, he and my mom go on walks for hours.” “I’m certainly taking him out when we meet him.” Chris gave me a wink, letting me know that this was for sure happening some time soon.

“And who encouraged you to play soccer? Your mom or your dad?” Alyssa asked, wanting to know more about my family. I took a big breath and answered her. “Oh, it’s a little more complicated than that. But I can for sure tell you that it was not my father.” “Why is that? He doesn't like sports?”

I take a look at Tobin and Christen and them both nod their heads encouraging me to tell them. “No, it’s because… I don't have a father, at least not one that I care about.” “Sorry I didn’t want to put you through that.” Alyssa told me with a worried expression. “That’s fine, I'm ok with that now.” “So is it just you, your brother and your mom?” Ali asked. “Well, my moms.” “Excuse me?” Megan almost spilled all the water she was drinking with the new information. “My moms. Me, my brother and my two moms.” “Oh, that is awesome. I already liked you before, now I like you even more.” Megan cheered and high five me. “Because of my parents?” “Yeah, you were already cool, now that I know that you for sure support my community you got points with me. Tell me about them!” “They are awesome, I've only been with them for three years, but they changed my life when they adopted me.” Ops! Shouldn’t have said the last part. “Wait, you are adopted?” Ali asked. “Yep.”

“Who is adopted?” Emily asked while getting close to the table. “Y/n” Alyssa answered. “What? You never told us.” Mal and the other youngies were all surrounding us now. “That’s why you run away during lunch?” I looked around and by now the whole team was at the table listening to the conversation.

“So about that…” I look at Tobin and send her a ‘help me’ look, she quickly understands me and steps up. “Guys, less questions okay? If she hasn't told us about it yet it’s because she is not comfortable with it, so let’s give her time.”

Everyone nodded, but Megan was still interested in my family. “Fine, but I want to know more about your moms okay?” “That I can do, but I think you already know at least one of them.”

I took my phone and showed her a picture of my family. Her mouth drops and she passes the phone for Ash, who passes to Ali, who passes to Carli, who finally says something.

“Wait a minute, your mom is Shannon MacMillan?” “Yeah.”

Everybody's jaw drops, except for Christen and Tobin because they already knew, and the questions started again. I finally told them my story and Tobin was right, they were really supportive and of course asked a lot of questions, but I'm fine with it. They are my family now.

[xbadgerbearx]

bird

word count: 1.6k

Can’t Sleep: [4] … [6]

Not too long later, Gaius Grieves revealed himself. Your little trio watched as Robert discreetly put a gun to his back and started talking. You weren't close enough to decipher what he said. Once he started moving your team got the cue to follow. However, everyone stopped in their tracks once soldiers were spotted.

"I thought Milton was supposed to be our lookout," you muttered as the soldiers started speaking Spanish to the patrons in the club.

As the soldiers got more aggressive in their search for Americans, Robert turned to Cleo.

"All right," Robert motioned to Grieves. "Take him out through the back, all right? Find my coordinates in the pad and meet me in half an hour," he ordered while handing Abner a gun.

"What?"

"Hey, did you hear what I said?"

"Yes, but-"

"Go."

Cleo hesitated before grabbing Grieves.

"Let's go."

As you were leading your small group to the back entrance, you heard Robert yell out, "Hey, calm down! There's no need to disturb everyone's night."

You could faintly hear Flag speak up as you found a door marked Solo Empleados.

"This way."

Unfortunately the door you opened was the dressing room for the dancers. You heard Abner say, "Oh, God," before a stumbling sound and a gun being handled. You briefly looked back to see Abner holding Grieves at gun pointing and ordering him to "Move it!"

Damn. That was a little hot.

Pushing your way through the dancers and out the door, you let out a small gasp at the soldier standing in front of you. Cleo, ever the quick thinker, used her device to have a rat crawl down his throat.

"Remind me not to get on your bad side."

You eventually made your way outside in an alley. Milton jogged over once he caught sight of you four.

"Your equipment manipulates animal behavior, clever," Grieves spoke out. "I'm working on something similar with humans."

"Be quiet, please."

"You are perceivably panicked. I'm guessing that you are not the alphas of this battalion."

"Do you want a dozen angry rodents crawling up your ass?" Cleo snapped.

"My answer might not be what you expect."

"Disgusting," you commented as Abner ushered Grieves to move.

You quickly made your way into the van. Milton took the driver's seat, Abner sat in the middle across from Grieves who still had a gun pointed at him, and you and Cleo took a seat in the back by Nanaue.

"Hello, friends!"

"Hi, yes, hello to you too, Nanaue," you said before pointing at Grieves. "Nom nom this man if I give the word."

"Okay!"

Cleo rummaged through DuBois bag before handing you the coordinate pad he spoke of earlier. Was that a picture of his daughter you saw? You couldn't get a good look since Cleo zipped up the bag. Coordinates in hand, you made your way back up the front to give Milton directions.

"Oh ho ho, what's this?" Grieves smuggly declared. You were too busy paying attention to the road to hear him.

"What's what?"

"I saw that little look you gave to your teammate."

"There was no look," Abner denied.

"Ah, but there was. How are you going to pretend you weren't just looking at their ass as they passed? You seem to have a school boy crush."

"Abner has a crush?" Cleo entered the conversation.

"No!"

Grieves laughed before answering Cleo. "You seem to have forgotten that I study people for a living, and I am very good at my job."

"Pet pet and Polky?" Nanaue piped up from the back.

"No! No Pet pet and Polky," Abner said with exasperation. However, upon looking at you and seeing how captivating you looked under the flashing lights of the street lamps, he followed it up with defeated, "Okay, maybe Pet pet and Polky."

"Dios mío!" Cleo exclaimed before she was hurriedly shushed. They both looked over to see if you heard.

"Okay, now take a right onto this street."

You did not.

"I'm happy for you, Abner."

"You seem to have forgotten you are on a mission. This isn't some little girl's slumber party."

Cleo slapped Grieves over the back of the head as Abner seemed to remember that he had a gun in his hand.

"Be quiet."

"Is- is that them?"

The team all looked at you as they looked out the window. Following your gaze, it landed on an upside down armored vehicle in a ditch.

"Of course it is, who else would be dumb enough," you sighed.

Milton slowly approached the area and parked the van. As soon as it stopped you jumped out to see if they were still there. Turns out you didn't have to wait long; the back door unlocked to reveal your three teammates scuffed but otherwise unharmed.

You wouldn't admit it but you felt relieved.

"All right," Robert grunted. "Let's go to Jotunheim."

"Nope. There's somethin' we gotta take care of first."

"What?"

Rick sighed out, "As much as it pains me to say, we gotta get Harley Quinn."

"Harley who?"

"Quinn. She was on Team 1 with me. Now that I know where she is, we gotta go get her."

"Fuck no."

"Come on, man." They made their way back into the van after you. "She's a valuable asset."

"I said no."

"Don't make me get Waller into this."

Robert thought for a moment. "Fuck, fine, alright. We'll go get 'er."

Everyone eventually got seated. This time you actually sat in a seat since you weren't planning on taking an impromptu nap—although that did sound nice. Flag filled Milton out on the details and directed him on where to go as you all got cozy. Robert and Chris were going at it again, Cleo was asleep, Nanaue was trying to get you to sit in his lap, and Abner was watching in amusement.

"No."

"Yes."

"I said no."

"Pet pet?"

"No, Nanaue."

Nanaue put on his best pout, "Please?"

You should not have turned around to look at him. Sighing, you stood up and made your way over to him.

"Hahaha!" He sounded like a giddy kid in a candy store. He gently picked you up and placed you on his lap. Immediately he started petting you again and hummed. Your legs were cramped and you felt like you were about to fall off his lap. Without saying anything, you sprawled your legs across Abner's lap. He just looked at you with a smile before adjusting himself to accommodate you. Resting his arms over your legs, he continued looking out the window.

"How fascinating."

"Hmm?" You looked at Grieves.

"You don't happen to also control animal behavior, do you?"

"Why would I tell you that?"

"Fair."

You heard a loud sigh from Chris. "Is this going to become a regular occurance?"

"What, you jealous? I'm calling it now, if we have another night during this mission I'm using him as my cuddle buddy."

"Whatever."

Although you said you wouldn't, you were almost asleep before Robert made the call for everyone to gear up. While everyone was rushing to get their gear on, you just yawned and leaned over to handcuff Grieves to a seat before making yourself at home on Nanaue again. You weren't exactly trained to fight with weapons, although you did grab a nearby combat knife to carry.

"You gotta be kiddin' me. You're gonna risk the entire mission for a mental defective dressed as a court jester."

"This is coming from a guy that wears a toilet seat on his head."

"We don't leave our own behind," Rick reminded.

"You're okay with this?"

"No, but I've been around Flag when he's got a rag in his mouth. Best not to tug it."

"Motherfucker!"

Just as everyone seemed almost ready, you hopped off Nanaue and gently nudged Cleo.

"Come on, gotta wake up."

"All right, let's go."

Everyone—besides Grieves—exited the vehicle before Flag announced his plan.

"All right, we'll enter through the third floor, go to the inner staircase, and then down to the cellar where they usually keep their detainees. Hopefully, Harley's still alive."

Still butthurt about what Robert said, Chris stubbornly muttered, "It's not a toilet seat, it's a beacon of freedom!"

Everyone got into position; Peacemaker somehow scaled a building to get a vantage point, Abner was down the street looking for traffic, Rick and Robert were beside one of the walls ready to climb to the third floor, you turned into a bird (much to the amazement of your team) so you could quickly enter the window Robert would open, and Nanaue—who forgot you turned into a bird—stared at you.

"Ratatouille, what do you got?"

"Third floor hallway's clear. Abner?"

"There doesn't seem to be any incoming traffic."

"Bird."

"Nanaue, that's Mimic you meathead- and stay off the comm!"

"Colonel, I got a clean shot on the only one in the office. Just give the word."

"Fire on three, two..."

"What're you guys doing?"

Rick looked at Harley, then DuBois, then back to Harley. "I... you- we're here to save you."

"You were gonna... save me?" Harley visibly looked touched.

"It was a really good plan, too."

"Well I can go back inside and you can still do it."

"That's patronizing," Bloodsport commented.

You saw Harley drag a big stick thing over to Flag and hug him.

"Uh, what's with the javelin?"

"I'm waiting for God to tell me."

"Jesus Christ..."

"Yeah, or Him. Or any of them, really."

You and Nanaue watched as Harley and Bloodsport had an awkward introduction.

"Never mind everyone, Harley is secure."

"What?"

"Meet me in the van so we can leave as quickly as possible."

Sighing, you morphed back into your original form. Nanaue made an audible gasp as he saw you sitting on the railing.

"Pet pet?

"Yes, Nanaue, it's me, Pet pet."

King Shark laughed as he started petting you immediately. Resisting the urge to roll your eyes, you swatted his hand away and motioned for him to follow you.

[mountswhore]

𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 — mason mount

summary: after your breakup, mason realises just how much you need him. and how much he needs you too.

warnings: mentions of drinking, slight mentions of drugs, swearing, angst

requests are open!

It had been a month since your breakup, and you were at an all time low. But you couldn’t let Mason or anyone else know that. Luckily, you lived alone. So you had your own flat to mope about in, before painting on your fake smile and leaving for whatever errands you had that day. Your breakup was… unfair. Mason treated you like a toy, thinking he could just drop you and then pick you up just as quick. But you weren’t having it anymore.

“I can’t fucking believe you,” you laughed in disbelief at the words your boyfriend was spewing, “you’re really doing this to me, again?” Mason just stood with a stone cold face in front of you, in the comfort of his own living room.

“Y/N, believe me when I say I didn’t want to do this.” Mason consoled, taking a step forward. “You’re a distraction to my career, I barely see you. What would be the point of this anymore?” His words were like bullets, your chest full of holes and you were bleeding on the floor. But Mason was just staring back at you.

“I’m a distraction to your career. Lovely.” You mentioned, pushing past him and grabbing your bag from the stairs. Mason tried to stop you, he wanted to talk this out. “For the love of God, stop trying to hold me back. What is there to say? Or do you just want to ease your conscience? If you’re going to break up with me, be a man and own it. Leave me alone.”

With that you left, and you hadn’t spoken since.

You were going to meet a good friend for lunch, a WAG, but your breakup with Mason didn’t affect your friendship. She was adamant on it, saying, “just because Mason dumped your fine ass, doesn’t mean I can’t be friends with you. He’ll just have to deal with it.” You’d gone to your usual place, waiting in the foyer for her before booking a table together.

“How’ve you been, doll?” Abigail asked, putting her bag down beside her. “You know, considering.” You nodded, putting your fake smile to good use.

You let out a small giggle. “Good, yeah. I’ve been focusing on my work, which I should’ve been doing from the jump. I think I’m really making progress.” Abigail just nodded and smiled.

She didn’t seem the least bit frightened to say what she said, as she’d heard how you felt. “Good, because you’re coming to a party this weekend.”

“What?”

“A party.”

“Yeah I heard you,” you groaned, “are we sixteen- years old? Or am I just growing quicker than the rest of you?”

“Oh shh,” Abigail sighed, digging into her food that had now arrived with yours. Every time you came here, she got the carbonara. “Look, you said you’re making progress, and I want to have fun with my best friend again. And if I’m honest, all the other girls just aren’t as good of a laugh as you.”

“Thanks for the ego boost.” You added, smiling a genuine smile at her. You were still thinking heavily about this party, where was it? When was it? Who was going?

“Clear your weekend. It’s this Saturday, at some private lounge in London.” Abigail stated, twirling her fork once again. “It’s the England squad celebrating something or another, I don’t know. Dec told me about it.” The reason the pair of you were so close, was mainly because of your boyfriends being so close. Declan knew that his girlfriend was still friends with you and planned on keeping that, he’d always ask about you.

“Right. I’ll see if I can work overtime on Thursday to make up for my weekend off.” You mentioned.

So it was settled. You’d be going to a party with Abigail and the England squad. You weren’t the least bit excited, the only fraction you were was purely because you’d be seeing Abigail. You had your dress, you’d worked your overtime, and you were on your way to this private lounge in London. No matter how nice looking this lounge was, you’d always feel out of place. You were wearing your nicest dress, tallest heels, and Abigail had even done your hair and makeup.

“How are you, Y/N? You doing okay?” Declan asked, in the seat beside Abigail. You were sharing a taxi, Abi in the middle. Both you and Dec on either end. It was quite awkward, to see Declan. To know that he still speaks to Mason.

“Yeah, I’m doing good. How’s football going for you?” You asked. You despised small talk, it make you want to throw up. But it was only being polite to Dec. Declan mumbled a similar answer and paid attention to his phone. A text from Abigail appeared.

I don’t think she’s okay.

Declan wrote back to his girlfriend: I was thinking the same thing.

The three had gotten to the private lounge, Abi promising to not leave your side. You spent the first hour with her, constantly drinking to increase your confidence. Abi had finally left you, like you knew she would, but you weren’t mad. She’s here for her boyfriend, it’s only right she spends it with him. So now you were the loner at the bar, downing shot after shot.

Mason was sulking around like a shadow, holding tightly onto his mixer and speaking to some of his teammates. He’s not even sure why he came, all he knew was Declan forced him. And yet Declan had barely spoke to to him all evening. His mixer was empty, so he made his third beeline for the bar this evening. And saw you.

His heart had began beating irregularly, clammy hands almost dropping the cup he had. Why was he so nervous to see the ex he dumped? Luckily, you were occupied with talking to Jesse, so he could quickly grab his drink and leave. He found himself staring at you during his wait, how you laughed so genuinely with Jesse. You always did. He was one of your closest friends and now talking to him felt awkward because of your breakup. You looked at Jesse so happily, he wished it was him. It was a stupid thing to wish, considering he dumped you.

What had dumping you even done for him?

“Mount. Whatever the hell has happened to you outside of training, undo it. You’re off today.”

“Mase, why haven’t you been as on par as you usually are?”

“You keep playing like this and you’re being benched next game.”

Nothing. The answer was nothing. He was told he wasn’t playing well, saw you as an issue and dumped you. And now he plays worse. He’d been benched on his second game, overlooked by his manager due to his lack of focus in training. It was horrible. But you told him to leave you alone, he could never forget the look on your face. The look of exhaustion, of being dumped and picked back up again.

Mason had zoned back in, seeing you looking at him rather lazily. You looked drunk, high, or both. Jesse had gone, and you were throwing the shots back. You made it a game. Every time you had a good Mason thought, you’d have a shot. If it was bad, or any thought at all, you’d be having your stomach pumped by the end of the night.

Mason watched the bartender pour straight vodka into your cup, and then watched you stagger away to the stairs. The stairs led up to toilets, and were empty and quiet. Perfect. You collapsed onto the stairs, still sipping on your vodka before laying your head onto a step. You didn’t know Mason had followed you until you felt his hands on your arms.

“Come on, we’re going home.” He declared, holding you around your waist. You frowned at him, trying your best to use your half-working limbs to push him away from you.

“We’re? No, you are going home. I’m staying here.” You slurred, downing the rest of your drink and throwing the cup at his head. You laughed at the face he made, finally freeing you and you returned to your seat on the stairs. “You aren’t my dad, or my boss, or my friend. So leave me alone.”

“You’re off your face. So you’re going home.” He reaffirmed with you, folding his arms. You just shook your head again, looking up at him. You were having good Mason thoughts again, seeing just his face stare down at you. It made you want to cry and throw up.

“Get me a drink.” Mason left after your instructions, returning with a cup. You had downed it, waiting for the warm throat and slight burn. But nothing. “Not water, you asshole.” Mason kept a stone cold face with you, resting against the wall beside the door. Nobody had come into the toilet and you wished they had now. You needed someone to save you from happy Mason thoughts.

“So how is football? You must be scoring goals left and right.” You jested, tipping your head back and laughing. “Right?” Mason sat down beside you in defeat, knowing this wouldn’t be an easy conversation with you. It would end in you crying, or leaving, or both.

“No, actually.” Mason admitted. “I’m doing rubbish. My friends know I’m off my game, the gaffer knows I’m off my game. It’s atrocious.” You stared at him, kind of feeling bad but then remembering what he did to you. All those times he’d break up with you, just to say he missed you a few days later. If you were being honest with yourself, you thought it would happen again. But a month had passed, and nothing.

“Oh.” It was all you could say. Knowing what he did was for no reason, it had no benefits whatsoever. Your life had been completely thrown out of balance for nothing. It made you mad all over again. “So you’re telling me you broke up with me, and nothing good came of it?”

Mason hated to admit it. “Yes.” He spoke quietly, ashamed of the answer he was putting out there. “I was actually told to fix whatever happened outside of training, in an effort to make me better again.” You should be laughing in his face, glad he’s been royally fucked over after he royally fucked you over. But instead, you held your hands to your face to hide your tears.

“Hey,” Mason hushed, pulling you into his side. He knew you’d had a lot to drink, so maybe your emotions were all over the place, “don’t cry about it, you don’t need to be upset.” Why was he being like this? He broke up with you, why did he care how you were now?

“What’s happened to us?” You cried, pulling away from him. Just because you were at a low, doesn’t mean he can swoop in. “Ever since we broke up, it seems our lives have been shit.”

Mason laughed through the pain, resting his elbows on the step behind him. He’d tried to avoid his feelings instead of confront them, but it proved difficult when you had showed up. “I might be benched for the next game, or better yet, be taken from the squad.”

You shook your head. No matter how much you hated him at this very point, you couldn’t deny the man’s talent. “You deserve that spot on the team. There’s a reason you start for England every time. Don’t doubt yourself because something bad happened to you.”

Mason took your words and remembered them, keeping them in his head for the rest of the night. “Come here.” He put an arm around you and held you tight, sighing as your heads rested together. “I’m sorry I did this to you. I shouldn’t have left you, I had issues with myself and saw you as the problem instead. I’m really sorry.”

“I just don’t think I can take it again.” You confessed, laying your head in his lap and keeping your eyes closed. “I can’t take being broken up with again, only for you to end up in my bed a few days later. It hurts me everytime, Mase.” Mason was rubbing your back, hating himself for the way he made you feel before. And he hadn’t seen an issue with it, he treated you like it was okay to use you as an emotional rag doll.

“You don’t have to jump straight into it,” he whispered, hands now smoothing your hair out of your face, “you can take as long as you need to trust me again. But I’m telling you it’ll never happen again, I’ll never throw you about like I did before. It was reckless of me and I’m sorry.”

“Thank you, Mase.” You sighed, the weight finally freeing your chest. You could finally move forward with your life, and choose whether or not to take Mason with you. It wasn’t an answer you needed to know now, it could take it’s time. And Mason was willing to wait.