#I took forever to post this because I was looking for asks to link here but I've given up | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

bunnis-monsters · 2 months ago

Text

Incubus Husband Angst(GOOD END)

Pt1

WK: 1.7k

warning: mentions of a womb tattoo, breeding, make up sex, tail use

A/N: the yandere and no forgiveness ending will only be available to my kofi members! I’ll post a link to each ending when I finish writing them ^^

It was later in the evening, and you were just getting home from work. The day felt like it went on forever, and not just because your boss was being hard on you for missing a few days of work.

No, you couldn't get your mind off of your husband... if you could even call him that still. Your entire heart ached every time you pictured his smiling face in your mind, and it made focusing on your tasks nearly impossible.

Seeing his things littered across your apartment, or smelling his perfume in your car as you drove home was just another reminder of what had happened.

At times you wondered if you had been too harsh... and then you remembered his words. The heartbreak suddenly turned into fury, making your hands clench around the wheel before you settled back into an emptiness that threatened to consume you.

Did you still love him?

That question was something you didn't even want to answer. You knew you did, after everything not only did you love him, you adored him. He had made you feel beautiful after years of hating yourself and others too.

Why did he have to do the very thing that made you dislike yourself all over again?

Jealousy... what an ugly emotion. All your life you had always been jealous. Jealous of other women, of the way they looked themselves in the mirror with a smile instead of contempt, of how they were able to love someone without being looked at with disgust…

He had made you forget what jealousy even was for a while. His eyes were always on you, and you even thought that you were all he wanted.

Then he started flirting with other women, always sending you a knowing look. Even if you knew he was just trying to make you jealous, you still felt hurt and... ugly. Every woman he flirted with was perfectly thin, beautiful, and looked nothing like you.

What if he really was into them?

As you pulled into your driveway, you raised an eyebrow when you noticed your front door was ajar. You could have sworn you closed and locked it… but you had been super forgetful as of late.

Since you sent him away…

“Must’ve forgotten…” you murmured, setting down your bag and walking in. It was dark, which wasn’t unusual. Lucian left all the lights off besides the one in your bedroom when you weren’t home. He didn’t want to make the light bill go up…

Lucian wasn’t there anymore, though. So you didn’t expect your bedroom light to be on when you walked in…

Not only was the light on, but on your bed was the one person you wanted to see the most, and yet dreaded speaking with.

“Lucian? What are you doing here?”

He flinched when you used his full name. For most of your relationship, you called him Luci. “Don’t be angry, love, I just wanted to talk.”

Your heart thumped against your ribcage. He was here, his soft lilac colored hair tied back so you could get a good look at his face.

Lucian was even paler than he usually was, his golden eyes a bit puffy and red. Had he been crying?

“Not much to talk about…” you murmured, hanging up your coat. “You’re single again, so there’s no need to hold yourself back. Go talk to all the women you want.”

Lucian clutched his chest, as if your words had hurt his heart. “(Name)… please, don’t say that. You can’t just end things like this.”

“I already did, Lucian. You just don’t know how to take a hint.”

The incubus stood, his tail swaying in either annoyance or anxiety. “Please, before you kick me out… just allow me to talk. All I ask for is five minutes of your time…”

He reached out and held your hands in his, squeezing gently. A shiver went up your spine when his skin made contact with yours.

“2 minutes, alright?”

You didn’t miss the way he perked up when he noticed your flustered appearance, but he didn’t comment on it.

Lucian took a moment to compose himself before he began. “(Name)… I want to apologize. I hurt you and what I did, talking to that girl and teasing you… it was stupid.”

It took everything in you to keep your eyes on his face. You wanted to turn away and cry just from him mentioning what happened…

“…”

He sighed, his tail drooping. “Being apart from you… it’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to experience. I…”

His eyebrows knit together, tears threatening to spill from his watery yellow eyes. “I love you more than anything, I’d never cheat on you, ever. Flirting and trying to get you jealous… It was selfish of me to not even think about how that could hurt you. Not just this time, but every other time, too.”

The two of you were quiet for a moment. Lucian’s tail swayed nervously, his claws clicking together as he waited for your answer.

When you looked over his face, you noticed the dark circles under his eyes and the slight redness to them. It was clear he had been crying, and your husband wasn’t getting much sleep either.

In the past, he had always clung to you desperately when it was time for bed, nuzzling and cuddling into you. The sudden lack of your warmth during bedtime probably left him feeling cold and tired…

A rumble came from his belly, and he clutched his belly with a wince. That meant he hadn’t been with anyone while he was gone!

Your eyes widened at the realization. He had gone without sex, unable to eat or sleep without his wife near.

Your insecurities slowly started to melt away, the jealousy ling forgotten about. “… I forgive you, Luci.”

That broke the dam, and he couldn’t hold back his tears. Lucian sobbed as he spring forward, wrapping his arms around you. Kisses were left along your face and neck as he blubbered.

“Th-thank you… thank you so much, my love. God, I missed you…”

You simply hugged him back, playing with his long black hair. He was starving, and you missed him too, so you smiled when his tail moved up your skirt and pressed against your panties.

He bit down on your neck, growling lightly. Lucian needed to fuck you, he hadn’t eaten in a week at this point.

It didn’t take long for him to lift you into his arms and carry you to bed. Some hot make up sex would do both of you some good.

“I love you more than anything…” he said between kisses, his tail rubbing against your wet panties. “You’re the only one I want to make love to, the only one I feel anything for…”

That was truly an honor. Incubi and succubi were incredibly careful with who they chose to become mates with.

Once mated with someone, they could no longer gain sustenance from other people, and were tied to them for the rest of their partner’s life.

Lucian’s tail slipped past the damp fabric and began rubbing against your clit, his tongue tangling with yours. He was desperate for you, his cock already leaking precum onto your belly.

“Beautiful…” he cooed, squishy your plump hips and soft tummy. “Don’t you ever doubt that, love. I chose you…”

You let out a breathy moan as his mouth latched onto your nipple, suckling eagerly as his tail pushed into your needy cunt. It wriggled around inside of you, making you cry out in pleasure.

“L-Luci!”

He placed his hand over your womb, smiling down at you as a womb tattoo was placed there. It was one of his powers as an incubus.

You had played around with them before, but the effect began immediately.

“This one enhances your pleasure and makes you more fertile…”

Lucian nuzzled his face against your neck, the slight movement causing you to cum around his tail. “That’s my girl, I’m gonna make it all up to you…”

He pulled his tail out, letting you suck on it and clean off your juices while he positioned his cock at your hole. It was clenching around nothing, and he was happy to know you were ready to be fucked.

“Shh, baby…”

He caressed your cheek as tears of pleasure fell from your eyes. “That's it, let me take care of you… it feels good, doesn’t it?”

Lucian moved his hips slowly, fucking into you just enough to relieve some of the pressure building in your belly, but not enough to completely satisfy you just yet.

“Mmm, you look so cute when you’re all needy…”

Usually, he’d tease you for a good bit, but today he wanted to focus entirely on your pleasure.

His hands gripped your plump hips, squeezing lightly. You were so damn soft and warm, it made him want to cum inside you and give you the baby you had been asking for.

You came around his cock several times, and all he needed to do for your walls to tighten up for another orgasm was gently flick your perky buds.

The womb tattoo made you extra sensitive, every touch and caress made you cum, and you were getting overstimulated, fast!

“F-fuck, sweetheart… so tight, you’re squeezing me like crazy.”

You wrapped your arms around his neck, bringing him in for a kiss as he came inside of you.

The night was full of lots of creampies and lovemaking. By the end of it, his hunger was satiated and you were full of cum.

“You’re really ready for a baby..?” you asked, tracing circles into his naked chest.

“Mhm… I am now.”

All he knew is that he didn’t want to play around and tease you anymore, you were everything to him. If you wanted a baby, so did he.

So the two of you went at it again the next night. You walked in to see Lucian in his favorite set of lacy lingerie, waiting for you on the silk sheets as if presenting himself to you like a gift.

“Let’s try again, love. I missed you while you were at work…”

——————

NSFW TAGLIST: @avalordream @bazpire @im-eating-rn @anglingforlevels @kinshenewa @pasteldaze @yoongiigolden @peachesdabunny @leiselotte @misswonderfrojustice @dij-ology @i8kaeya @lollboogurl @h3110-dar1in9 @keikokashi @aliceattheart @mssmil3y @namjoons-t1ddies @izarosf1833 @healanette @lem-hhn @spufflepuff @honey-crypt @karljra @zyettemoon1800 @exodiam @vexillum-moeru @imperfectlyperfectprincess1 @enchantedsylveon @mysticranger575 @readeryn68 @danielle143 @kittenlover614 @filthybunny420 @annavittoria-mm @makimamybelovedwife @blubearxy @omglovelylaila @toocollectionchaos-universe-blog @fruk-you-usuk-fans @hammerhead96-blog @slightlyusedfloormat @bubblez-blop @sunshineangel-reads @heroneki-neko @soapybabyboop @anonymouskiwi @flamefoxx @sandramalikstyles-blog @breathingstarlight

2K notes · View notes

menlove · 3 months ago

Text

queer paul tome pt 1: everything not related to john

okay i've been saying i'd make this post forever and it's uh. long. so i decided to split it up into four parts so i can get this first bit out and let it stop haunting me and so it's not 50 miles long.

feel free to add your own if it's not here or shoot me an ask and i'll add it :)

disclaimer: i'm not definitively saying sir paul mccartney is queer. i mean i really firmly think he is but it's all just speculation. also, if he is, there's obviously a reason he's not out about it & he deserves to have his privacy respected. i just personally find the dominant narrative in the fandom & even in larger spaces that poor pining queer john was in love with tragically heterosexual paul completely unconvincing and neeeeeed to be insane for a minute here

if this pisses u off u can simply scroll on by i do not need an essay in my notes. make your own post if you disagree.

(paul doing this for whatever reason in beverly hills, 1974- also the same trip he saw john on bc sure i guess)

this doesn't include lyrics as the main argument bc i saw a post ages ago basically saying there's nothing outside of them and lowkey i took that as a challenge because there's SO much outside of his lyrics that point to him being queer.

that being SAID, this is going to be split into four posts: not john related (most important and thus first bc there's so much documented about mclennon & john being queer, but not paul by himself), john related, paul's relationships w other men (these ones aren't all like... concrete and that's why they aren't included here but w all the context that'll come before it his relationships to certain men are..... interesting), and finally lyrics last bc some of them you genuinely can't just ignore

part 2- john related part 3- other men part 4- lyrics (those will have links once i actually make them)

also, i'm sure people have made similar posts before- i haven't seen them (other than this one an anon sent while i was writing this up which is sooo interesting but does have a lot of dead links) but if you have one you want to share feel free!

time to get into it. i'm avoiding homework by doing this.

(sidenote: not including instances of him just flirting w men bc body language can be read a lot of different ways- but if y'all wanna add any i know they're a dime a dozen like w george m., mal, random reporters, robert fraser, etc)

1- "Just kidding, Linda..."

youtube

REPORTER: You're a very, very good looking man. PAUL: [sits up straighter, making a sort of campy gesture towards the crowd, turning into a point] Get that boy's name. [Drops his hand, smiling and leaning his cheek on his hand.] Just kidding, Linda. REPORTER: [unintelligible] PAUL: What? REPORTER: I said- do you have a secret, looking so nice for fifty years? PAUL: [grins, resting his chin on his hand again and batting his eyelashes] Yes, it's the drugs, you know.

(originally posted on here by @northernsongspeels who hasn't been active in a while) this one is so crazy to me. he's so obviously flirting with that man and he's apologizing to linda for flirting with that man. like it's a conversation they've had before.

2- "Yes, boys."

tumblr

this video (originally posted by @ilovedig here)

PAUL: Yes, I think the main difference is that when you are that age- which I'm sure you remember, Tom- TOM: It's back there in the dim distant past, yes. PAUL: When you're that age, that's the kind of thing to do. I mean, what you're doing is you're going 'round and you're basically looking for girls or whatever turns you on and stuff. So, uh, yeah, I- TOM: Well- well could you give me the alternatives to girls? Are there others? LINDA: [scoffs] PAUL: Yes, boys. TOM: Oh! No.

3- "He's so good looking."

Paul McCartney first read the name and saw the photo (for weeks there was just one crazy photo of Elvis available in Britain) during a free period at Liverpool Institute. Again, it was a friend with the NME, and there was an advert for Heartbreak Hotel. "I thought, 'He's so good looking,'" Paul says, "he just looked perfect." Mark Lewisohn, All These Years Vol. 1 Tune In, sourced from the Anthology TV series by Lewisohn.

4- "A Nice Person Girl"

this fun little interview... (originally posted by @amoralto idk why the archive.org capture of it looks funky but the audio is still there) take it w a grain of salt bc it can also just read as a homophobic joke but like.

August 22nd, 1966 (Warwick Hotel, New York): As DJ “Cousin Brucie” Morrow conducts brief interviews with each of the Beatles, one by one, he asks Paul to settle the rumours that have been circulating in the press about the status of his relationship with Jane Asher. MORROW: Moving over here to Paul – someone just handed me a card. I guess this is… [focusing] Last year, when you were on my microphone here— PAUL: Ask me something about Rick Sklar. MORROW: Rick Sklar? That’s my boss. JOHN: Ask Paul about Rick Sklar. MORROW: Uh, Paul, last year when you were on my microphone, I think somebody – one of your staff – announced an engagement of you and Jane. PAUL: Uh… MORROW: Do you remember that? It was announced on the air. And then I remember we said something on the air and then thousands of people from the street went, “Oh.” What is it with you and Jane now? How – what is your relationship? Are you planning a marriage, planning an engagement, are you just boyfriend and girlfriend, what is it? Tell us the whole thing. JOHN: [mutters; inaudible] PAUL: Uh. We’re just queer, that’s the scene. [uproarious laughter in background] That’s the scene. Well I mean, I couldn’t say that on the air live, you know. JOHN: No, you’ll get into trouble for it. PAUL: No, the thing is, Cousin Bruce – um, we haven’t got plans to marry yet, you know. That’s the point. And that business about somebody saying we were engaged, nobody actually said it. It was just another one of those things where someone says, “Are they engaged?” and they said, “Well, whatever it is… [muttering]” “Yes, folks, they’re engaged!” And it wasn’t true. MORROW: Well, I’m sure there are a lot of girls who are very happy with this. What would you look for, in a girl? Say you did eventually want to settle down, what would you want to – what kind of girl would you like? What would you – what would you like in a gal you wanted to marry eventually, bring home to Mommy? PAUL: Uh… Female hormones. MORROW: Female. What’ll you go for, any – what, blonde, brunette, what? PAUL: Uh, you know, anything. Anything. Girls. It doesn’t matter if they’re blonde, brunette, or anything, as long as they’ve got it. MORROW: Would you want a nice person – what? A beautiful nice person girl. PAUL: Yeah, you know. A nice person girl. (transcription directly from @amoralto, bold mine)

and again this one COULD just be a lil homophobic joke but idk man his tone here is very different and the fact that he says he couldn't say that on air & john says he'll get in trouble is just. interesting. it's Interesting.

5- "A 26 year old queer never to get married."

Half an hour later it was very quiet, except for a few sobs, and then we decided that we had to see him just once more. We opened the gates and walked slowly in. Someone rang the doorbell. Waited, no one came, rang again. Rang again. Paul answered. We just stood there. God what do we say? "Yes, what do you want?" he said, as if we'd just come to borrow sugar. C. ran out. Someone asked if it was tomorrow, and he said, "Tomorrow." It went quiet again. "What's this - Heartbreak Hotel? What do you think I am a 26 year old queer never to get married? Oh, stick around kids!" We just looked at each other. Oh God, Paul, what have we done now. All we wanted to do was stand there and talk awhile. What was the point in shouting at us like that? We stood there, tears falling but there was no sound. "Apple Scruffs Come to Dinner" by Andrew Bailey, 1970 (x), bold mine

again, like the last one, this one is very... i think he was absolutely being homophobic here, but it's a very telling outburst. like he's yelling this harsh enough to make these girls cry.

6- Harry Harrison's "gorgeous tan"

moving onto this wild quote from many years from now by barry miles about george's older brother (bold mine):

"George Harrison’s elder brother Harry had been to Christmas Island and arrived back with a gorgeous tan in his army uniform and we thought, My God, he’s been made a man of. You used to see this quite regularly, people would be made a man of."

7- gender neutral language

let's get into some interesting gender neutral language he uses. now, would this be Particularly compelling with a modern celebrity? not really. but most people his age really don't talk gender neutrally unless it's to be vague On Purpose. like this bit from many years from now, where before this he'd been using exclusively "girl" and "she/her" pronouns talking about hookups, it suddenly shifts to very purposefully vague (bold mine):

With a lot of those people I met and related to, albeit for a short time, I've mercifully forgotten them and I don't really remember what went on, thank goodness. There may have been a few drinks involved and I was a little merry and, you know, you slip back to someone's flat... My main feeling really is one of relief. You do feel like some of it was outrageous. But I'm glad to have had a slightly outrageous period in my life, as long as it didn't hurt anybody, because I'd always felt maybe my character was too careful. I think the great thing was I never had any deep, dark secrets. That's what the papers wanted. They wanted me to be hiding a little Miss Whiplash somewhere, and for the flat to be in my name. But it was never that. It was always a one-night stand with whoever was around and wanted to party.

8/9/10- the "binary" (ft. a bit of john)

this infamous quote from the lyrics in his section on "hello goodbye" (bold mine) (x):

I'm attracted to the binary. I state that quite casually, but I think there’s actually a lot more to it than my just saying, ‘I’m attracted to the binary.’ Once you get down to the scientific biological level, in my core, I probably am the binary. All of us are probably more binary than we might realise.

context being that when he says "the binary" he means duality. there's a lot of interesting stuff going on in this article, though there's some more john related stuff i'll add here too bc it's super fascinating (sorry, easier to go here than the john section!):

‘Hello, Goodbye’ shows off a binary that we took great advantage of in The Beatles. With regard to John Lennon and myself, the great attraction we had for each other was that we each had a bit the other didn’t have. John could be quite cynical. I was his opposite, in that respect. [...] I think there definitely was a sort of ‘hello, goodbye’ about John and myself. But we loved it. We loved it because John could contribute his caustic wit and I could contribute something more upbeat. Not always, we each did what the other one did from time to time. But if you had to break it down – and though it is a bit crude to say so – there was a binary tension at the heart of our songwriting together.

11- big guys at the gym

onto something more lighthearted and also just ridiculous (x):

"If I'm in a gym and all the big guys have got big weights and they're doing all the big stuff, at the end I do a headstand," he said. "And they come over to me [and say], 'That's pretty impressive man.'" ["78-year-old Paul McCartney’s fitness routine includes headstands and yoga with Alec Baldwin" by Cory Stieg]

12- gay dreams

this infamous quote which i have a bit of a different take on that i'll expand on in a sec (bold mine)

My view is that these things are there whether you want them or not, in your interior. You don’t call up dreams, they happen, often the exact opposite of what you want. You can be heterosexual and be having a homosexual dream and wake up, and think, “Shit, am I gay?” I like that you don’t have control over it. But there is some control – it is you dreaming, it is your mind it’s all happening in. In a way my equation would be that my computer is fully loaded by now. Maybe in younger people there’s a little bit of loading to go, but mine’s loaded pretty much, so what I try and do is allow it to print out unbeknown to me. And I’m interested to hear what it’s got in there. (interview by Karen Wright for Luigi's Alcove, 2000) (x)

a lot of people use this to point to him being oblivious, which i do get, but i want to focus more on the line "it is you dreaming, it is your mind it's all happening in". like he seems interested and fascinated by the revelations we have in our dreams- hardly repressed or scared.

13- royston ellis' "break me in easy"

we've all been over the royston ellis poem and i don't want to just retype out everything that's already on this post so go check out @eppysboys' post on the royston ellis poem!

but tl;dr a bisexual friend of theirs in liverpool, royston ellis, wrote this poem called "Break Me In Easy":

Easy, easy, break me in easy. Sure I’m big time, cock-sure and brash, but easy, easy, break me in easy. Sure they’ve been others, I know the way…

which is about gay sex. he also told the boys that 1 in every 5 men was gay and paul worried that it might be him (this was back in 1960). he still remembered it line for line by 2006 which is just insane. all the sources for those are over on the linked post.

14- woody pecker

originally posted by @didwemeetsomewherebefore here (links to my blog bc the wayback machine was not cooperating right but as long as it stays up you can find the original here!)

PAUL & DONOVAN: How to suck a lollypopper, Sitting on a woodypecker, Dancing in the double-decker shoe, I don’t know, So, how do you do? PAUL: I don't know how you do it, Lordy, knows I try But every time I try to do it, My whole darn tongue gets ti(r)ed

this one is just so sillyyyyy and cute but it's just so full of innuendo like sucking on a lollypop and sitting on a woody pecker and your tongue getting tied (tired?) when you try to suck the uh lollypop. giggling his way through it with one of his boy best friends donovan too.

15- "i heard he was gay"

this fun little quote from body count by francie schwartz:

When the rotation of bike, gun, and other diversions left me alone with Billy, his first words were, "You went with Paul McCartney, didn’t you?" "I bet you just love it when people ask you about your father, don't you?" He was surprised, he half-frowned. "No, really, what's Paul like? I heard he was gay." "He might have gone that way, but he didn't. He really didn't dig fucking all that much, if that's any kind of an answer."

note here though that francie is a notoriously unreliable source on paul. she hates him and honestly makes some pretty homophobic digs at him & others pretty frequently. so it is interesting that she denies he's gay, but says he might have gone that way. given how short of a time they were together and how weird their relationship was, i wouldn't really expect him to be open about that with her- still, she noticed something there too.

16- homosexual handbook

paul was mentioned in the homosexual handbook by angelo d'arcangelo in 1968 under a list of famous homosexuals. it's very tongue in cheek and says this "may just be wishful thinking on (my) part"

and obviously not proof as the book takes a very playful and unserious tone. he does provide this little disclaimer though, which i think is interesting:

Some of the men on this list are self-acknowledged homosexuals. Some are not. All of them are generally thought to be gay. However, as many family men and notorious womanizers appear on these pages, we must—rather than question their forays into either or both sexes—congratulate them on their obvious virility.

because once again like... WHERE are these rumors about paul being gay? because the rest of this list, as far as i can tell (ngl i did not do a deep read there) are men who have/had gay rumors about them or were gay. this comes up more in the john post as well, but i seriously need to know just how many rumors there were about him being gay.

17- "the female hordes"

It was always obvious Brian was gay and we could talk to him about gay things, but he would never come out with, 'Hello, Paul, you’re looking nice today.' I was quite obviously un-gay, due to my hunting of the female hordes, and I think we all must have given the same impression. There had been a suggestion since that John had some homosexual thing with Brian, but I personally doubt it. All the intimate moments we shared were always about girls. (from Anthology)

i know putting one of his "un-gay" quotes here is counter intuitive but listen i have genuinely never heard a gayer thing come out of a man's mouth than "hunting of the female hordes" it sends me to fucking mars every time i read it. that's the most closeted shit i've ever read in my entire life. it sounds like what a gay man would say trying to come up with something a straight man would say. and i think paul's bi, he just desperately wants me to think he's never gotten pussy a day in his damn life with this quote.

as a side-note, "all the intimate moments we shared were always about girls". now what do you mean by that man..... like shared as in verbally told stories? or do you mean it was always about the girls when you guys were...... intimate? because those are two really different things and i need to know what the hell that's supposed to mean

18/19- this poor man just wants to flirt with and kiss men can we let him

okay tumblr has nerfed me and won't let me add any more videos from tumblr but there's a video of drunk paul almost kissing ringo jokingly. posted by @stewy here and as long as it's up you can reblog it here- thank u for the contribution to my red stringing lmfao

pringo for once thank god but. i don't even have anything to say except to point and think of a slur. drunk as hell flirting with your best friend what's better than that.

and then this whole interaction between paul & elton john where they kiss on the mouth

youtube

and i could so buy that this is a straight man and gay man just being comfortable together except well see above and see the other posts but also paul's very much adapting a softer, "campier" tone around him and calling him babe/darling in a very, again, gay way. not as in he's gay For elton john lmfao but this is how to old gay friends would greet each other do you see what i mean do you understand me......

anyway that's the end of part 1 join me next time (whenever the fuck i decide to avoid doing homework again um) this man has sucked a dick i'm so sure of this. (not really don't sue me for libel paul love ya)

#paul mccartney #mclennon #adjacently.#this is so fucking long jesus god and im so sure theres other shit im missing that yall are gonna add too #just know theres More Coming i just couldnt feasibly put it all in one post is. how much there is. this man is so bisexual #tried to source everything correctly as well as who posted stuff on tumblr first #but if u see smth and ur like hey i'd like credit for that i probably didnt know you posted it somewhere but lmk yk #fuck i should tag these hold on #paul tome #great beautiful tagging system

351 notes · View notes

dandylovesturtles · 1 year ago

Note

Using a random number generator for the angst prompts: 20 Starved + 30 Dangerous Temperatures

... and Leo, of course.

OH GOD OK

uh so. I had an idea. and I decided to write it for this ask I got forever ago. And then, uh.

it really

really got out of hand.

This is a pretty dark fic (even for me) and at the current moment in time it is hurt/no comfort. I do intend to write a part 2, probably tomorrow, but as of the time I'm typing this author's note I've been writing for around 5+ hours straight and I need to take a break! So please, if you don't want to read all this without the comfort included, feel free to wait for the next part before reading! I'll link it and the end once it's posted.

Content warnings: Kidnapping, confinement, psychological torture, nonconsensual voyeurism (I guess this is the best way to put this; Leo isn't doing anything sexual but it's still violating), mild violence, HEAVY ANGST, Leo just having the shittiest time possible.

I HOPE?? YOU ENJOY??? hahahaha....

btw this is set between S2 and the movie (though tbh its canon compliance is... /waves hand)

-----

When Leo imagined himself getting captured by some kind of shady, quasi-governmental agency intent on imprisoning mutants, it was never anything like this.

When he let his mind go there, he always pictured that he would be strapped to a table. Maybe muzzled. That scientists would stand over him, scalpels and drills in hand, and start to take him apart. That they'd examine him piece by piece, and wouldn't give him any anesthesia while they did it.

But there is no table, no muzzle, no restraints at all. He's just in a room.

Well, a cell, technically - the steel door is locked, and there are no windows, no furniture but a bare cot in one corner and a lone toilet in another. But it doesn't really look like a cell. It looks like a room.

A very, very white room. White walls. White ceiling. White tiles (with white grout, even). The toilet is white, a roll of white toilet paper on the floor next to it. The only things that aren't white are the cot and the door and Leo himself.

They took his gear and his weapons, because of course they did. Since the door is steel, he already knows he's not breaking it down; he gives it a half-hearted slam anyway, just to say he tried. He should be able to just portal out, except he hasn't learned how to use his portals without his swords to channel his ninpo through, and there's nothing in here with him that he can use to make new ones.

So he's stuck. He's going to have to wait until someone opens that door for some reason. Or, of course, until his family swings by to pick him up. Though, if possible, he'd like to escape before that happens. The image in his mind, of sitting outside his cell and grinning at them as they arrive to rescue him, is too cool to pass up.

He's not sure how long it's been already. He knows that they knocked him out after ambushing him, and he doesn't know how long he was unconscious. The heavy molasses feel of his head and arms when he woke up suggests that he was drugged. It's wearing off now, though, which means he has a clear head to take in the all of nothing that's in the room with him.

He sits on the cot he woke up on and waits for something to happen.

There's no way for him to tell time, but he thinks it's an hour or so later when there's a sudden beep, and then the sound of a metal panel sliding up. It's a slot near the door that has just opened - inside the revealed alcove is a bottle of water.

He comes to it curiously, taking a long look around the bottle. The slot doesn't open straight through, and even if it did, it's not big enough for anything more than his arm or a foot to fit through. He thinks it must function like an airlock, or maybe they slid the bottle down from somewhere above - he feels around just in case, and finds that the slot is enclosed on all sides but his. Probably his airlock theory, then.

As soon as he removes the bottle, the panel slams shut again.

"You're really determined to keep me in here, huh?" he says to whatever hidden cameras are watching him. He carries the water bottle back to his cot, but doesn't open it, instead setting it down on the floor by the wall. The paranoid part of his brain, the one that doesn't miss a trick, is reminding him that drinking the water is probably a bad idea. Who knows what they might have put in it?

He sits on the cot for awhile longer. Still, nothing happens.

"I'm getting pretty bored in here," he says for the audience that must be somewhere. "Come on, you have a one of a kind turtle in here, and you don't even want to talk to me?"

Time passes, slow and quiet. Leo goes through periods where his anxiety spikes and he starts to wonder if he's been abandoned by whoever brought him here, before the boredom eventually numbs the anxiety back out. Another bottle of water is eventually delivered, and this one he keeps in his hands after retrieving it. It's completely unlabeled, not even a "Use by" date printed on the bottle itself, so it doesn't provide much mental stimulation. He spins the bottle to make little whirlpools inside, because it's something to do.

He's trying to make the fastest whirlpool he can when he hears a sudden click, different from the beep of the water bottle hole, and he looks up just in time to see a large section of the wall in front of him turn black, and then light up to show the room beyond his cell.

He jolts, setting the bottle aside. He knew they must be watching him, but somehow he didn't catch that part of the wall was a whole window.

His audience isn't very large - five people, unless there are others he can't see. Two wear lab coats, two wear fatigues... but the one who comes to stand directly in front of the window is wearing a black suit, with steel rimmed glasses. He leans forward, and speaks into a small microphone.

"Inmate 24365," says the suited man. "I am Agent Bishop, of the Earth Protection Force. My subordinates tell me that you can speak and understand the English language. Is this correct?"

"Qué?" Leo asks.

Bishop does not look amused. "Inmate 24365," he says, "you have two options. You can cooperate with me, answer my questions, and we will make your stay here more comfortable. Do not cooperate, and we will make your stay uncomfortable. Do you understand?"

Leo pretends to hem and haw over this. "How comfortable are we talkin'?"

"I'm sure you would like some dinner."

"You know, I'm not really hungry." He says it to be difficult, but it's actually true - the uncertainty of the situation has put his stomach in too many knots to want to eat anything. "Maybe if you offer me some comic books? Or a TV?

To Bishop's credit, his face doesn't so much as twitch. He keeps his steely eyes locked on Leo. "Answer our questions, and you will receive food. Do you understand?"

Leo stays noncommittal. "What are the questions?"

He's expecting Bishop to ask about his family. He's not expecting what comes next.

"How many gateways are there between New York City and the hidden yokai enclave?" he asks. "How are these gateways accessed? What kind of defensive capabilities do the yokai have?"

Leo keeps the surprise off his face. Bishop thinks he's a yokai.

This is, overall, a good development. Bishop might not know about Leo's family, then, or at least not know that they live on the surface. This means the Earth Protection Force likely isn't pursuing his brothers, which means they will be safe until they can help Leo get out of here.

He doesn't let the relief show through, either. Bishop doesn't know anything, and now Leo just has to ride out the next few hours until the calvary arrives.

"You know," he says, "I think I'm good with my current levels of comfort."

If Bishop is mad or frustrated or dismayed by this choice, he doesn't show it. His expression stays stony as he stares in at Leo, sizing him up.

"Very well," he says after a few more seconds. "I will see you tomorrow, then."

The window goes dark, and then turns stark white to match the walls. Leo wants to go over and tap at it, see if it feels different when he touches it, but knowing that Bishop is surely still there, watching him, keeps him rooted to the cot.

He goes back to making whirlpools with the bottle. If they aren't going to entertain him, he isn't going to entertain them, either.

-----

Another water bottle comes some time after his talk with Bishop. He finally opens this one and takes a cautious sip. Nothing tastes off or strange, so he drinks more. They don't want to feed him, but they're fine keeping him hydrated. No reason to stay thirsty, then.

He wishes the water calmed the anxiety still roiling in his stomach, but if anything it just makes him feel even more energized. He bounces his foot and surveys his room again, looking for any weak spots or access points. He can't see anything, though, other than the areas where he knows the water bottle hole and window are; even the vents that relentlessly blow cold air into the room are well hidden.

Knowing that there are people standing just outside his cell watching him, like some kind of zoo animal, puts him on edge. The window is so big that he's pretty sure the only blind spots are either directly underneath it or right by the door on the same wall. After debating it, he leaves his cot and sits on the floor underneath the window, surveying the room from a different angle now and still coming up empty. At least they're going to have a harder time staring at him.

His eyes catch on the toilet in the corner, directly across from the window. It's not in the blind spot, and realizing this makes his insides lurch uncomfortably - hopefully he has a chance to bust out before using it becomes necessary.

Though, he's not sure when that chance is going to come. If they have a slot to pass him water, they could use that to pass him food, too, so it's unlikely that anyone is going to open the door unless they need to take him out.

So maybe his fantasy of being outside when his brothers arrive isn't going to happen. Well, that's okay; he'll just be sure to make some other part of their escape totally rad. That will make up for the embarrassment of getting kidnapped a block from Run of the Mill.

(Seriously, some kind of ninja he is, to let a bunch of human soldiers sneak up on him.)

He drains the water bottle, then starts to roll it back and forth across the floor, like a cat batting at a toy. Leo's not sure what's worse right now: the worry or the boredom. There's nothing to look at and no one to talk to, just an empty room with him and his water bottles.

He's too keyed up to sleep, and the fluorescent lights are still on, anyway. He has no way of telling what time it is, so maybe it just isn't that late yet. And even sitting here, in the blind spot, the idea of closing his eyes while people are watching makes unease crawl up his spine. Staying awake is the easy choice. He'll sleep after he's out of here.

So he sits under the window and rolls his bottle back and forth, back and forth, with only the sound of plastic on tile to keep his thoughts company.

-----

The first three water bottles came pretty regularly, but now there is a very long stretch where nothing is delivered. Leo is starting to think maybe it really is night now. They don't turn off the lights in his cell, though, and he has no controls to do it himself. At least it helps with the whole "staying awake" thing.

Just in case they've decided to suspend his water privileges along with the food, he holds off drinking any more for now.

Speaking of food, his appetite has finally decided to return. His stomach starts to growl at him after several hours (he thinks) of sitting in the floor, an annoying emptiness in his stomach. Knowing there's no food accessible just makes the hunger sharper, but he puts it out of his mind the best he can with nothing else to focus on. He can eat once he's free.

Which should be soon. Seriously, his brothers have to be on their way by now, right?

He's pretty sure it's been the better part of a day, if not a whole day, since he was kidnapped. And, okay, he's willing to give them some leeway; it's understandable if they got a late start. He did storm out of the lair after his latest fight with Raph, and no one ever came to check on him when he did that. Understandably, he thinks, because who wants to be around Bad Mood Leo? Not even Leo wants to be around Bad Mood Leo!

But he'd already turned back into Good Mood Leo by the time he left Hueso's, so surely they knew it had been more than enough time. They would have noticed when he didn't come home. They would have realized something happened. They would be looking for him.

And if they're looking for him, they'll find him! Obviously.

His stomach growls again, and Leo leans his head back against the wall behind him. Maybe he shouldn't think of being at Hueso's. Now he just wants pizza. Pepperoni and mushroom, maybe, or Hawaiian. Mix it up a little with the barbeque chicken.

Another growl. He groans out loud.

He stays awake, twisting and crinkling the empty bottle in his hands, until another full one finally arrives.

-----

No chance to escape comes before using the toilet is necessary.

He tried to hold out, he really did, but he ended up drinking more water to stave off the growing hunger, and it's lowkey cold in here, which doesn't help. Still, the issue of the window sends an uneasy shiver up his spine, doubting that any people outside will feel the need to turn away and give him some privacy. Maybe he should have gone while he suspected it was nighttime.

(Maybe he shouldn't assume they ever aren't watching him.)

He stands up and walks over to the cot, giving it a light nudge with his foot. In a stroke of luck, it isn't bolted to the floor, and it's light enough that he can lift it. The black mesh it's made of is tightly woven, enough that not much is visible through it. It will have to do.

He picks it up and drags it over in front of the toilet, propping it up on its legs so it makes a small wall between himself and the window. It's hardly ideal, but the semblance of privacy makes him relax somewhat.

(He can't think about how there are surely cameras in the room watching him from all angles, making his attempt at a barrier moot. He knows better than anyone that sometimes pleasant lies are necessary.)

After he does his business, he leaves the cot propped where it is; it's not like he's sleeping on it. There's no sink for him to wash his hands, but he's never been the strictest about it, anyway (much to Donnie's disgust). He returns to his spot under the window, squeezing the water bottle to the rhythm of the first song that comes to mind.

Only two verses and a bridge later, the window above his head turns black, then goes clear. Thinking that Bishop might have been watching him just now makes a cold, slimy feeling roll down his spine. Creepy!

"Inmate 24365," comes Bishop's voice through the unseen speaker. "Stand."

Leo doesn't. He stays right where he is, under the window.

Bishop waits only a few seconds. Then Leo hears him say, "Temperature down two degrees."

He gets up at that, turning and leaning his arm against the window. It strangely doesn't feel like glass, even though it must be. "It's already cold enough in here," he says. He wonders how they can hear him, when he doesn't see a microphone on his side.

"You were told your conditions would only be made comfortable after you answer our questions," Bishop informs him. "The same as before: how many gateways are there between New York City and the hidden yokai enclave? How are these gateways-"

"How about you answer my questions first," Leo interjects. "You keep calling me "inmate," but I haven't been charged with anything. Pretty sure you can't detain me without cause."

"The EPF is authorized to detain non-human inmates for as long as deemed necessary for the security of the United States," says Bishop smoothly. "Probable cause doctrine does not apply in this case."

"That's gotta be unconstitutional."

"The constitution does not recognize the rights of yokai. You have no right to counsel, no right to a speedy trial, and no right to protections from cruel and unusual punishments." Bishop's stare is colder than the temperature in the room. "But I am not an unfair man. Answer my questions, and I will provide you with food and clothing."

Leo tosses a glance over his shoulder. "How about a private bathroom?"

Bishop's expression stays ever in place, unimpressed and stoic. "Food and clothing," he repeats.

Leo gives his head a shake. "Then nope," he says, popping the "p". "I plead the fifth."

"As I have already explained, the Bill of Rights does not apply to you."

"That's such crap." Leo bangs his fist on the window. "You can't just keep me here forever for no reason!"

"I do have reasons." Bishop leans closer to the window, his eyes narrowing. "Let's try a different question. What is your relation to Baron Draxum?"

The surprise is fast and sharp, but Leo just manages to keep it from showing on his face. "Who?" he asks innocently, even as the panic sets into his chest. If they know about Draxum, what else do they know?

"We know you are acquainted with him," says Bishop. "What is the nature of your relationship?"

Leo knows they aren't bluffing - why would they bring up that very specific name otherwise? There's no lie he can tell that won't reveal something.

So he doesn't say anything. Instead, he turns his back to the window and sits down, staring resolutely at the opposite wall.

Bishop clicks his tongue. "Very well," he says. "I am a patient man. I can wait." Then, more muffled, like he's facing away from the microphone, Leo hears him say, "Temperature down two degrees."

The window goes dark, then turns back to white. Leo doesn't move for a long time.

-----

The third water bottle arrives, so he guesses that's the end of day two.

He's shaking as he gets up to retrieve it, adding it to his growing water bottle hoard. He's gone through three and a half by now, but he's trying not to drink them too fast.

As promised, no food is delivered, and his stomach growls and rumbles in protest. The water helps, but only slightly. He needs to eat.

He also needs to sleep.

The panicked adrenaline spikes that have kept him awake this long are starting to die down, with more and more long stretches of exhaustion between them. The shaking is near constant, bringing with it the weird jittery feeling he gets when his insomnia gets particularly bad.

The window is still unnerving him. The idea of sleeping while they're watching him feels staggeringly unsafe.

But he doesn't think he can hold out now until his family gets here. Sure, they're probably getting close (they have to be getting close), but they're sure taking their sweet time. And he's just so tired.

After a long internal debate, he lays down on the cold tile floor. It's not at all comfortable, but somehow he doubts the cot would be any better. Besides, even if he moves the cot under the window, he thinks it would be easier to see him if he uses it. So on the floor it is.

He presses as close to the wall as he can, curling up into a ball for warmth. He wishes he had a blanket.

He wishes he was home.

He squeezes his eyes shut tight and forces back the sudden wave of overwhelming homesickness. There's no reason to feel this way. It's only been two days! What is he, a baby?

It's fine. It's all fine. They're definitely on his trail now. Raph is leading the team. Donnie is using some kind of invention to blah blah blah nerd stuff. Mikey is razzing his tazz. April is using her investigative journalism skills to find clues.

They're on their way. He just has to hold out a little longer. He can do this.

He sleeps, and in his dreams, something grabs him tight and drags him down and down and down where he can't escape.

-----

The same routine plays out over the next two days.

Leo gets two water bottles delivered, spaced, if he had to guess, about five hours apart. Bishop comes to visit him some time after the second bottle. Leo refuses to answer his questions. Bishop turns the temperature down and then leaves. A few hours later his last water bottle comes. Then nothing for the whole night.

They still don't turn off his lights, but exhaustion is starting to win over the brightness.

More than a few times, Leo tries to summon a portal on his own, without his swords. If his family is going to take their sweet time in coming, he might as well try to help them out. He tries to summon his ninpo (without glowing), tries to feel the tug inside of him that he always does when he teleports, tries to envision the place he wants to go and tunnel through space to get there.

Nothing. Always nothing.

(Donnie can make his constructs independent of his bo staff. Raph can send his projections away from his sai. Mikey's learning to use mystic powers without his nunchucks. So why does Leo need his katana? Why is he the only one this useless?)

It probably doesn't help that he's so damn hungry. It's a constant companion now, a low and hollow ache that chooses inconvenient times to turn into white hot stabs of urgency, into seizing cramps that steal his breath. The water only helps so much - it keeps him alive but doesn't satisfy, doesn't soothe. In some ways it just makes the feeling worse.

And he's always shaking, too, but he doesn't know if that's the hunger or the cold.

Maybe the cold wouldn't bother him so much if it were at least still. But the vents blow fresh air inside relentlessly, and no matter where he goes he can't seem to get out of the direct stream. The cold wind batters his tired body, and there's places his skin is starting to turn dry and flaky. His nose won't stop running, and he's allowed himself a small section of his one roll of toilet paper to blow it, already stiff and congealed and disgusting.

It's miserable.

And there's still nothing to do.

He stacks a pyramid out of his empty water bottles, knocks it down, then stacks it up again. He tries to come up with some new and exciting ways to demolish it, but it's only new and exciting for so long.

He spends a few hours of day three singing karaoke as obnoxiously as possible. He hopes everyone outside enjoys the performance.

He recounts every issue of Jupiter Jim he knows to himself, then the plot of every movie. Then he goes through Lou Jitsu films, then anything else he can think of. That eats up a good chunk of day four.

By the time he gets his first water bottle of day five, he's out of ideas to entertain himself. He's never been good at this. He doesn't know how introverts like Donnie can go multiple days without talking to someone.

But when Bishop comes back with his daily offer of conversation, Leo once again impolitely declines.

-----

Something new happens on night five.

It's been a long time since the last water bottle. Leo has been trying to sleep, but it's not coming easy; he's exhausted, but the floor is so cold and he's so sore from staying on it night after night. Not to mention, his nightmares have been getting worse, and he isn't eager to return to them.

Add on the hunger, and sleep is elusive.

Suddenly, there's the telltale shadow of the window above him turning dark - this time, though, it doesn't light up as much as normal. Confused and curious, Leo sits up and takes a peek.

The room beyond is dim, only the glow of a green EXIT sign and a small desk lamp lighting the space. But it's enough for Leo to see a man standing there, looking inside. It's not Bishop - in fact, he doesn't recognize this person at all. They're wearing fatigues, but it's not anyone he's seen in the room during Bishop's normal interrogations.

The man catches sight of Leo, and the grinning leer on his face makes Leo regret looking.

He beckons for Leo to stand up. Warily, Leo does, unable to help but keep his arms folded tight over his chest. Not for the first time, he wishes he had some clothes - his gear, at the very least. Anything to not feel quite so exposed.

The man reaches down and picks something up, holding it aloft for Leo's inspection. "Want a sandwich?" he asks into the microphone.

The sandwich looks like white bread and bologna. No cheese, no other toppings that Leo can spot. Maybe some mustard, if anything. Overall, the most boring possible sandwich he could have been offered.

Leo's mouth is watering.

He has to swallow hard before answering. He doesn't trust this. Even if his stomach is slamming up and down at the promise of food, food, food.

"I'm not hungry," he lies.

The man laughs. It's not a kind sound. "Sure you ain't," he says. "You spend every night curled up on the floor like the dumb animal you are. Can you even eat this?" He waves the sandwich for emphasis.

Leo doesn't answer. He takes a step back from the window, like that will put any kind of distance between them. Like that will save him.

The man watches him with a sleezy grin. He waves the sandwich again.

"You want this," he says.

Leo shakes his head.

"You really sure?"

Leo shudders. Stands tall. Nods.

The man watches him for a long, long moment. Leo fights the urge to hide.

Finally, with a shrug, the man says, "Suit yourself."

Then he starts eating the sandwich. Right where Leo can watch.

Leo's stomach growls, loud and angry in his ears, and he has to physically hold himself back from crumpling.

After several bites, the man suddenly reaches out and taps the window, indicating the cot stood up in front of the toilet.

"That," he says, giving another tap for emphasis, "doesn't do shit."

Leo wants to crawl out of his own skin.

The need to hide is suddenly too great. He rushes to the cot, grabbing it and dragging it back to the blind spot under the window. He sets it down on all four legs, so it's as close to the floor as possible.

Then he lies down on his belly and wriggles underneath. It's a tight squeeze, and the cot ends up pushed up by his shell, suspended in the air, but he doesn't care.

He curls up in his pleasant lie of privacy and bites his hand to keep from screaming himself hoarse.

After an eternity, the window above him turns white again. It doesn't matter. Leo knows he's still there. Still watching.

-----

"You look tired," Bishop greets him. Leo answers with a dead-eyed stare.

"I keep telling you, if you want your conditions to improve, all you have to do is answer my questions."

Leo says nothing. He just stares, arms wrapped tight around himself to try and keep his body heat in.

"How many gateways are there between New York City and the hidden yokai enclave? How are these gateways accessed?"

For a moment, Leo considers just... telling him.

His family doesn't live in the Hidden City. The yokai have never exactly greeted them with open arms. What does he care if these military guys go after them? At least then, maybe he can finally eat something.

That's not what a hero does, Leo! echoes Mind Raph disapprovingly. Innocent people will get hurt!

Right. He's a hero. And heroes don't give into the demands of shitty guys like Bishop.

Leo swallows hard. "No comment."

Bishop's face changes ever so slightly: his brow creases. Leo wonders if that's good or bad for him.

"You understand that Baron Draxum is a known threat, don't you?" he asks. "We are aware of his plans to commit mass murder on the human population. We also know that he has been dormant for some time, and we need information on what he is planning."

Leo thinks of Barry's ambitions to be recognized as the best lunchperson in all of America and can't help but laugh. It comes out cracked and wheezing.

Bishop's furrow gets deeper. "Do you think this is funny?"

"Little bit," says Leo.

Bishop has a chasm to rival Raph's now. Leo knows he shouldn't, but he grins. It's his one moment of triumph - only he can be this aggravating.

And then Bishop says, "Temperature down seven degrees," and that wipes the smile right off Leo's face.

-----

The plastic of the water bottles is soft and pliable and feels weirdly good under Leo's teeth.

He chews the top of the bottle, gnawing at it until it's completely flattened out, pockmarked with little tiny indents from his incisors. It's not eating - it won't fill his belly or ease the persistent hunger pains. But something about the motion is soothing. The place-bo effect.

Pla-ce-bo, corrects Donnie's voice in his mind, sounding testy.

Where are you? Leo thinks back.

There's no answer.

He's gnawed his way through four water bottles. There's eighteen in total now, two and a half still full of water. He thought about using one to wash up a bit, but decided against it in the end. He knows he stinks, but the last thing he wants right now is to be wet. Not when he's starting to see his breath.

Oh well. It's not like he has anywhere to be.

He turns his attentions to the lids next. These are harder and thus tougher to chew. Still, if Leo uses his molars, he can eventually crack the lip, and then bend the plastic in and in, chewing until he ends up with a flat disc.

It's just small enough that Leo could swallow it, if he wanted to.

He thinks he remembers watching some kind of wildlife documentary. Or maybe he didn't watch it himself, but Mikey told him about it. Or maybe April? He doesn't know. His thoughts swim in and out and get lost on the way.

Point is. Sea turtles in the wild die all the time because of plastic in the water. They cut open their stomachs and find trash inside.

Well, Leo is a turtle in captivity. Maybe that means he's immune. Maybe he could swallow this plastic lid, and then he'd finally feel full and the pain pain pain of his empty stomach would go away.

He does not swallow the plastic lid. But it's more tempting than he'd like to admit.

It's going to be okay. When his family gets him out of here, they'll have a big pizza to celebrate. Maybe he can even talk them into letting him have the last slice.

It has to be any moment now, right? It's been a week. They have to be closing in. Any moment now, the door will open, and there they'll be to take him home.

The air conditioning blows relentlessly against his skin. He sneezes, then rubs the snot on his arm. He's given up on the tissue paper.

It'll be over soon. It has to be. Just hang in there, Leon, just a little longer.

He picks up another bottle and starts chewing.

-----

He's playing a mindless little game with his flattened bottle lids the next time Bishop comes.

"I'm surprised you still have any energy at all," says Bishop, and Leo wants to punch him.

(Really, he wants to do more than that. But those kinds of thoughts always make him feel weird and bad, so he pushes them away.)

"You should have learned by now," he says, pushing to his feet and trying not to show how badly he's trembling, "you can't keep me down."

"This is all unnecessary," says Bishop. "I'll feed you as soon as you answer my questions."

Leo barks out a laugh. "Sure you will."

"I will," says Bishop. He turns and says over his shoulder, "Bring it here."

One of the men in fatigues steps forward and hands a tray with a covered plate over to Bishop. Bishop uncovers the tray and holds it where Leo can see.

Baked chicken, broccoli with cheese, mashed potatoes.

Leo's stomach twists and cramps so painfully he has to bend at the hips and clutch his midriff.

"This is yours, as soon as you answer my questions."

Leo pointedly keeps from looking at the food. He shakes his head. He can't. He can't.

"Such persistence." Bishop's voice is scolding now. "You understand that you are a known accomplice to a terrorist, don't you? But if you become a cooperating witness, you will be granted some leniency."

Leo barks a laugh, lifting his eyes to look at Bishop's face, and pointedly not the food. "What's the point?" he asks. "If I'm not... protected by the constitution, or whatever. Are you going to let me go?"

"No," says Bishop. "But as I have told you, your conditions will become more comfortable." He waves the tray of food.

Leo stares at him, before a manic smile splits his face.

"You... stupid bastard. I can't even answer your questions." He slams a shaking hand against his plastron. "I'm not even a yokai! Do you get that? I'm not a yokai!"

Bishop looks skeptical. "Obviously you are."

"I'm not!" Leo rages. "I'm a mutant! I'm from New York! I don't even live in the Hidden City!"

Bishop's eyes flash. "I see," he says, "so you do know of it."

Leo falters, his body going slack.

What an obvious, stupid mistake.

(Some face-man he is.)

It takes Leo a long moment to answer. Bishop stays right where he is, holding the food so tantalizingly close and yet still out of reach.

"...I don't know about the gateways," he says finally. "I don't know about their defensive capabilities. I don't know what Baron Draxum is planning."

"Your lies are obvious," says Bishop. "You really don't want this? It's your last chance today."

Leo stares at the food. His mouth is watering so hard it might start to drip. Would it really be so bad to answer? They don't live in the Hidden City. And Draxum dropped him off a roof.

Draxum is trying to change, says Mind Raph. You see what these guys are like. You can't turn the yokai over to them. They'll hurt them!

What about me? he asks. Is it okay if I get hurt?

You're a hero, Leo, says Mind Raph. You can deal with it for a little longer. It's just a room. Just a little cold. Just some hunger.

He's a hero. He can deal with it. He can. He can.

He'll make them proud. Show them they can trust him.

It takes everything he has, but he shakes his head.

Bishop tuts. Then he throws the entire plate in the trash.

"Tomorrow, then," he says. Then the window is gone.

Leo collapses on his cot and tries not to cry.

-----

After his third water bottle on day eight, one of the fluorescent lights over his head flickers and then dies out.

It's not surprising, since they keep them running twenty-four seven. The blessedly dimmed lighting is actually nice, for once. Leo thinks maybe he could get some sleep, if the gnawing hunger and the constant shivers don't keep him awake.

He's just closed his eyes and snuggled up under his cot when it occurs to him: they may come in to fix it. If keeping the lights on day and night is part of their plan to torture him, to keep him exhausted and anxious and on edge, then they have to.

Which means his chance is finally here.

He has to be careful about this. He has to be ready to move, but he can't let them know he's ready to move. He has to let them think he's too weak, too exhausted, to make an escape attempt.

(He can't let himself think that, though. He can't give up before he tries.)

So he stays under his cot, but subtly shifts it so it won't restrict his movement. He has to be ready to burst out as soon as he gets a chance. Get past whoever comes in, then get out the door. It's after the last water bottle, so it's nighttime. There will be fewer people. He can do this. He can do this.

Find his swords. Make a portal. Get out.

Just as he was thinking, after a long time has passed, there is a loud warning beep, different from the water bottle beep. An automated voice says from somewhere unseen, "Inmates clear the door. Security personnel entering. Stay still and you will not be harmed."

Then the door slides open, and someone comes in.

It's a man wearing fatigues. Leo thinks this is the one who "offered" him a sandwich the other day. He's holding some kind of gun with a long barrel. He does a sweep of the room with his eyes, coming to rest on Leo under his cot. He gives Leo the same leering grin, and waves the barrel of the gun in his direction.

"Now you behave, and we'll get along just fine," he says.

He steps to the side, and another man enters, this one wearing the kind of jumpsuit Leo sees janitors in on TV. He's carrying a stepladder in one hand and a long tube in the other. Is that what fluorescent lights look like? Leo didn't know.

The man walks to the middle of the room and sets up his stepladder. Then he walks up and pulls off the light casing. When he unhooks the old bulb, it causes the other bulb to flicker, just for a few moments.

Leo explodes out from under the cot, grabbing the man in fatigues by the legs and yanking as hard as he can. The man yelps in surprise, and Leo hears the sound of the gun going off in a random direction. The janitor shouts and drops the light bulb - the sound of shattering glass joins the cacophony.

Leo jumps to his feet and runs out the door they had been too stupid to close, sprinting toward the EXIT sign. He's exhausted and shaky but he's coursing with adrenaline, and he leans on it hard to keep him moving. Don't stop, don't stop, get out of here. He'll figure out what to do next once he's free.

Past the exit sign there's a large open room with desks and computer monitors. Most of them are off, but one lingering woman in a lab coat, seated at her desk, screams when she sees Leo dash through the middle of the office space.

"Security!" she screams into a device on her chest. "Inmate is escaping! Inmate is escaping!"

Leo doesn't have time to shut her up, he just keeps moving. He pushes through the next door and arrives in a hallway; he only has time to glance one way and then the other before scrambling to the left, hoping it was a good choice.

He rounds a corner and sees another green EXIT sign up ahead. It's not where he meant to go - he meant to find where they're keeping his swords first. But he hears shouting behind him and doesn't stop. Fine, so no portals - he'll figure out something else once he's away from here.

He throws himself forward into the exit door, which leads him into yet another hallway. Another long sprint, with shouting and slamming doors at his heels, and then finally, finally, a third EXIT sign, and he crashes outside.

Where there's snow on the ground, snow on the trees.

It steals his breath away. There shouldn't be snow. It's May.

Where is he?

He takes a breath of air so cold it seizes his lungs, then takes a step forward. He'll worry about that-

BANG!

A piercing pain in his shoulder nearly sends him toppling over. Leo shouts, grasping for the wound and feeling something sticking out of his skin. He grabs it and yanks, pulling it free.

It's a dart.

Damn it, he thinks, before his vision goes woozy, and he collapses into the snow.

-----

"Are you proud of your little escape attempt?" comes Bishop's voice.

Leo looks up from his cot. Bishop has to get so close to the window to see him that his nose is pressed flat against it. It should be hilarious, but Leo doesn't really have the energy to laugh. Or to do much of anything.

He's hungry. He's tired. He's cold. He's still sluggish from the drugs.

And they threw away all his water bottles. Fuckers.

Leo rolls over on the cot and covers his ears.

"What a childish response," says Bishop, and that's funny, too, because Leo literally is a child. Or a teenager, anyway. He doesn't feel like it will help him much to point that out, though.

"All you have to do is answer my questions, and all this will be fixed."

That's the funniest thing of all. The idea that he spills his guts and Bishop treats him to a five course meal to make up for all the pain up till now. Hilarious.

He says nothing.

Bishop sighs.

"You are likely still affected by the tranquilizing agent. I'll return tomorrow."

Before he leaves, he says, "Temperature down five degrees."

-----

The same man is back that night. He opens the window and looks down at Leo with the same leering smile. Leo can't even take satisfaction in the bandage on the side of his head.

"Neat little trick you had yesterday," he says. "Almost got me fired."

Leo wishes it had gotten him fired. But he clearly has no luck in this situation.

"You know, I respect the attempt. And you probably would have gotten farther with a little food in your belly." The man reaches down, then retrieves a sandwich, as mouth-wateringly unappetizing as the last time. "You sure you don't want this?"

And Leo knows he shouldn't trust this guy. Leo knows he should say no.

But he's just...

so...

hungry.

So he gets up. And he turns to the window. On shaking limbs that can barely hold him upright anymore. With a body that is laced with pain and aches and cramps.

And he nods.

The man's smile gets wider. "What do you say?" he asks, in the sing-song tone of a parent scolding a child.

It makes a sick nausea rise in Leo's throat. But he wants the sandwich.

"Please," he gasps out.

"Mmm... not good enough." The man waves the sandwich. "You want this? You beg for it."

Leo stares, eyes wide. But the sandwich... the sandwich...

He gets down on his knees. Feels a searing flush of humiliation. His stomach is rolling and gurgling and cramping with pain, a hollow, empty chasm inside him desperate to be filled.

He lowers his head.

"Please," he says. "I... I want the sandwich. I'm... begging you, please."

The man laughs, loud and long. When Leo finally finds it in him to raise his eyes, the sandwich is already half eaten.

"Hey, good job," says the man, licking a bit of mustard off his thumb. "That was real convincin'."

And then he takes another bite.

Just like that, Leo forgets about the pain, the aches, the cold, the hunger. All that's left is pure, white hot, screaming rage.

Leo lunges at the window and slams his fist into it so hard it cracks. Not enough to break the glass. Not enough to free him. But enough that the man startles and steps back.

And Leo starts to laugh. High and manic and unhinged even to his own ears.

"I'll kill you," he says, and his voice sounds almost joking, and yet- "I'll kill you. You're dead. You're dead, as soon as I get out of here, you're dead, I'll kill you, I'LL KILL YOU!"

The man has dropped the rest of his sandwich. He fumbles for his gun, left somewhere on a table to the side. For one satisfying moment, Leo sees a flash of genuine fear on the man's face.

"Shit," he says, his voice far away the further he gets from the microphone. "Pretty scary, frogboy."

Then he slams a button, and the window goes black, and Leo gets a glimpse of his own reflection.

His face is gaunt and drawn. His eyes are ringed by deep circles, so dark they look like bruises. His body is shaking like a leaf.

And his stripes...

His stripes are lit up like when he uses his ninpo, but they aren't their usual Neon Leon bright.

They're almost black.

Leo gasps and stumbles back just as the window goes white. The full body quakes he feels now aren't from the cold or the hunger or the exhaustion.

He turns and sinks onto the cot. Puts his face in his hands and tries to breathe. Tries to will his ninpo to stop rolling and snapping and to go back to normal.

This isn't what he wants. This isn't him.

This place is breaking him. He's letting it break him.

He pulls his legs up onto the cot and buries his face in his knees. Wraps his arms around them and rocks gently, the way Donnie used to do when things got overwhelming. Maybe he understands that better, now.

This isn't him. He's Leonardo, Neon Leon, the face-man, the jokester! The one who's always ready with a quip and a laugh. The one who can do anything!

Except portal out of his room. Except escape from this building. Except resist begging for a sandwich like he's a dog.

Leo's breath hitches, and for once he doesn't stop himself. He knows the guy outside is probably watching. He knows there are cameras recording this. He hates giving them the satisfaction.

But he's tired, and hungry, and he...

He wants to go home.

He cries, silently, until he's completely rung out.

-----

Maybe they aren't coming.

That's the thought that pops into his head, just a bit after the first water bottle of the day.

He knew they would have gotten a late start, because he stormed out. And he knew it would take them awhile to figure out who took him - he hadn't heard of the EPF before, so why would they? And he knew it would take them time to figure out where he had been taken, which must have been pretty far out if it's snowing outside. But the EPF got him here within a night, he's pretty sure, so unless they have a super fast jet, he must still be on the continent somewhere.

So... so surely they must have figured it out by now, right? Raph is leading the team. Donnie is doing science things. Mikey is razzing his tazz. April is using her investigative skills.

Unless they aren't coming.

Maybe... maybe it's true. Why would they want him back, after all? Leo took Raph's leader position, and since then all he'd managed to do was piss Raph off. Mikey and Donnie hadn't been happy about it, either, and he'd noticed that they'd been avoiding him more and more. April claimed she wasn't taking sides, but she always seemed to be on Raph's anyway. And Dad... well, he was probably disappointed that he made Leo leader only for him to do nothing and then get himself kidnapped.

He doesn't bring anything to the team. He doesn't bring anything to the family. And no one likes his jokes.

So. Maybe they just... aren't looking. Maybe they aren't going to come.

Maybe he's held out this long for no reason. Maybe he's been cold and starving for no reason at all.

Maybe it's time to give up.

---

Don't give up, says a new voice in his head.

You are not alone.

-----

He has no energy left to stand when Bishop comes. The man looks down at him, lips pressed into a thin line.

"You don't look well," he observes.

No shit, Leo wants to say.

"This has gone on long enough. Answer my questions, and we will provide you with food, clothing, and medical care."

The list is getting longer. Leo's fuzzy eyes stare up at Bishop. Medical care. Does he need that?

"You already know what I want to know." Bishop has a furrow between his eyebrows now. "Will you talk to me?"

He could. He could do it. He could finally have some relief from all the pain. All the hunger. All the cold.

But they might hurt the yokai in the Hidden City.

They might hurt Draxum.

They might hurt his family.

And maybe, if nothing else... if Leo could just keep his mouth shut, just this once...

Maybe that would finally make Raph, Dad, and everyone proud of him.

Maybe they'd finally trust him.

Maybe, at least, he can have that much.

Leo shakes his head.

Bishop scowls.

"Temperature down ten degrees."

-----

Leo isn't shivering anymore. That's probably a bad sign.

He can still see his breath, each time he exhales. It rises like smoke, before disappearing into the air.

He doesn't have any energy left, not even to chew on his new water bottles. He hasn't even collected the last two, and they sit crowded together in the slot, untouched.

He kind of wishes they had just dissected him from the beginning. It would have been faster. Freezing to death, he's decided, is a real zero out of ten. Starving to death isn't any better. No stars.

Even though the damn lights are still on, he feels extremely sleepy. It's probably the cold. He wonders what will happen if he brumates. He's never done it before, not like his little cousins, and he has no idea if it's even safe.

Probably not, given he has no calorie reserves left. All it means is he won't be drinking water, either.

But he's so sleepy.

It's going to be time soon for Bishop to come back. Leo doesn't know what the point is anymore. Maybe he'll just sleep through it. Yeah, that would really make him mad. And making Bishop mad is all he has at this point.

And he'll get to sleep. It's a win-win.

So thinking, Leo rolls himself over onto his belly. Then, one by one, he pulls his limbs into his shell.

He doesn't do this much anymore, not since he started growing. His body just doesn't seem to fit his shell like it should - a side effect of the mutation, probably. It's not really comfortable to be inside for long.

But Leo is sleepy. And his shell feels like the best place to be.

So he pulls in his legs, then his arms, and then, finally, his head.

It's not any warmer in here. But at least it's dark.

At least he's not shivering.

Leo sighs, content, and closes his eyes, and drifts to sleep.

-----

(Outside his cell, there's a bang, and shouting, and a gunshot.

The sound is muffled, and Leo sleeps on.)

-----

Part 1 (here) | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 Part A |

#rottmnt #rise leo #agent bishop #cw: psychological torture #dandy fanfiction #I want it to be clear that any time Leo is hearing “Mind Raph”#that's just his own inner voice manifesting #please don't be mad at Raph himself lol

766 notes · View notes

charlotte-zophie · 1 year ago

Text

Therapy conversation

Dear Fandom, Dear Mr. Pratchett,

I hope this isn´t weird but i have something to confess.

Since I watched the second season of Good Omens, I've gone through so many phases that I barely recognize myself anymore.

My first reaction after episode 6 was shock, then I was disturbed because I didn't know that it was possible for a series to have such a strong influence on my psyche, I questioned myself and doubted my sanity. Then I was overcome by an incredible sadness and was really heartbroken. I felt like a pubescent teenager, in my mid-30s. I couldn't sleep properly for several days, had nightmares and my thoughts were with these two ineffable loving idiots the whole time.

And the worst thing about it was that for the first few days I was really ashamed to admit to myself and my husband that I was completely and hopelessly immersed in this world. I did nothing but watch videos, listen to sad songs, and read heartbreaking fanfictions for days. And of course I read the book again and watched the series over and over again. All in the hope that it will ease my heartache a little.

But as is often the case in these situations, after a few days in which no real change occurs, you have the thought that you will be lost in this feeling forever. But since I have 3 children that I need to look after, of course locking myself away for weeks with heartbreak wasn't an option, so I had to find an outlet for myself to channel my pain.

So I started painting a picture. By Aziraphale and Crowley. And stroke by stroke I let my feelings flow out of me and into the picture.

It took over a week until I had a motif in which I could see my thoughts and feelings expressed and then it took another week until I finished the picture. On an old canvas with paints that haven't been used for a long time, with many, many layers of old paint underneath.

But when the picture was finally finished, it really took a load off my mind. It was like I had broken a dam and was finally able to let it all out and convert it into creative energy.

But I think the most important thing was that I uploaded the picture to Tumblr and received such a response that I was incredibly touched and immediately motivated to paint more pictures.

Since that day, hardly a moment goes by when I am not holding a pen in my hand or not thinking about a new picture. I'm in one of the most creative phases in a very long time and I'm really enjoying it.

I am so grateful for the wonderful people here! Here I see that I'm not alone with my strange feelings that I still don't really know how to classify. Here I read thoughts that are so similar to mine, here I see works of art that melt my heart, here I feel understood!

And I am so grateful for the pain that showed me the way back to my creative energy!

Thank you Fandom!

Thank you Terry Pratchett!

I would have been lost without you!

Because I don't know my way around here very well, I didn't think about pinning the picture in question as a link when I created this post, but since many people have asked about it, I've pinned it here. Thank you all, love love love

#good omens #good ineffable omens #ineffable fandom #neil gaiman #i love you all #so grateful #ineffable idiots #ineffable fanfic #ineffable family #ineffable fanart

2K notes · View notes

mydadleft471 · 8 months ago

Text

Cerulean Coast and Flower Crowns

Summary: Messmer takes you on a date to the Cerulean Coast. Fluff ensues.

This was a request from anonymous! I'll link the request here! I'm so sorry this took forever, I just started school again and the back half of my summer was NUTS. But this prompt was so cute I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I got home and busted it out. Thanks for the patience and the request anon!

Also, thank you guys for over 100 followers! I didn't realize I hit that until today, so thank you all so much! The support I get on here is insane, and it means everything to me. I love writing so much, and being able to share it with other people is so satisfying and gratifying!

As always, please enjoy and thank you all for following, reading, liking, commenting, and reblogging! I hope I'll be able to post again relatively soon because I love this man sm

A soft knock at the door slightly startled you.

“Just a minute!” You hollered, trying to finish your braids as quickly as possible. Ever since you had braided Messmer’s hair, he’s been trying to get you to match him. Wearing matching braids was a simple gesture, but to him, it was anything but. He’d yet to work up the courage to ask you to braid a lock of his hair in your own.

Securely tying your hair in place and giving yourself a glance in your vanity, you decided you looked good enough to answer the door. The embroidered gold collar on your red dress glimmered in the sunlight streaming through the nearby window. Whichever way you turned, you would seemingly glow. A set of polished ruby earrings and a matching necklace sat on the table before you. They were another gift from Messmer. He loved when you wore red. Perhaps it was something possessive, or maybe it was the fact that red was his color, so wearing it meant you were proud to be his. Whichever it was, you didn’t mind. You just enjoyed making him happy.

Standing from your chair, you hurry to the door and open it. Standing before you was Messmer himself. You notice that he’s not in his usual armor and cloak, but instead, he wears a ruby tunic with black pants. He looks simple, yet regal, all at once. His hair has yet to be braided, as he insisted that your braids look nicer. You think it’s just an excuse to have you do his hair, which you don’t mind.

“Hello, beloved.” You greet him with a blinding smile. “Would you like to come in?”

He nods and enters your room. The smell of vanilla wafts in the air pleasantly. You catch his eyes drifting over your dress. He seems to realize that he’s been staring at you, and looks away quickly.

He clears his throat. “Red suits thee, it seemeth. Ne’er have I witnessed anyone as beautiful as thee, my consort.”

“You look wonderful as well, Messmer. What’s the occasion?”

“I wish for thee to accompany me to the Cerulean Coast.” His face is red.

“For what, my love? Is there some pressing business to attend to there?”

“No.” He grabs your hand and straightens the matching gold ring on your middle finger. “I wish to take thee there. Nights ago thou had said something about the beauty of the Cerulean Coast.”

“Are you asking me on a date?” You cock your head at him.

“I- yes.” He seems like he’s trying to shrink away from your gaze.

“When did you want to go?”

“If today suits thee, then today. When thou’rt ready.” He squeezes your hand.

“Well, first I need to put on my jewelry. Then, I assume, you want me to braid your hair to match mine?”

“How well thou knowest me.” He gives you a shy smile.

“Come on, then.” You lead him over to your vanity and you sit down.

You reach for your ruby earrings and begin to put them in, but Messmer’s hand gently stops you. You shoot him a puzzled look. Did he not want you to wear these today?

“If I may, I would like to assist thee.”

You give him a small nod and hand him the earrings. They’re comically small in his palm. He leans down and slowly puts your earrings in, careful to not accidentally poke you. Once he finishes, he reaches for your necklace and stands behind you. He gently drapes it over your neck and adjusts any jewels that aren’t facing the right way, then clasps the ends together. He ghosts his hand over your neck and collarbones, making you shiver.

“I adore thee in red.” You see him smile at you in the mirror. His eye glints possessively and your stomach does somersaults.

“Your turn.” You hop out of the seat and gesture for Messmer to sit, which he does.

You grab your brush and begin to part his hair down the middle, brushing it so it’s silky and smooth. Taking three small strands of hair, you begin an intricate braid. When you finish with the first one, you wordlessly pass it to him to hold, which he does. He’s gotten used to your silent cues when doing his hair. You begin the left braid next, shaping it into a half-moon, soon to be joined together with the other braid. It’s a very simple hairstyle, yet it is Messmer’s favorite.

Tying the ends together, you lean over and give Messmer a quick peck on the cheek to tell him you’re finished. His face reddens and he gives you a bashful smile. Even after all this time, he still flusters from the simplest of gestures.

He stands from your vanity chair and gently grabs your hand. He brings it up to his mouth and places a delicate kiss on your knuckles.

“Will the Keep be okay while we’re away?”

He nods and squeezes your hand. “Fear not, beloved. I have left Gaius in command. We shall return by sunset.”

It seemed like he already had everything planned for the day.

He leads you, arm-in-arm, down the stairs and hallways you’ve started calling home, and servants bow their heads in greeting as you pass. One of Messmer’s serpents winds around your waist and the other perches on your shoulder. They relax against you, comforted by your warmth.

Messmer shakes his head. “Fickle creatures they are. But I cannot fault them for preferring thee.”

“They’ve only been with you for the entire duration of your life. They can’t be tired of you.” The serpents hiss and wind around you tighter, making you and Messmer laugh.

Once you reach the gates to the Shadow Keep, Messmer signals to one of his guards. The heavy doors slowly open, revealing the vast plains of Scadu Altus. The breeze gently tousels your hair and you huff. Messmer gives you a small smile and tucks a wind whipped lock of hair behind your ear.

A knight approaches with Messmer’s horse and hands him the reins. He’d pulled away from you briefly to pet her. You’d seen her before, but you’d never dared to ride her. She’s a large, black horse with deep brown eyes. Her mane flows freely down her neck and she exudes power. She’s stubborn, but Messmer had rode her into many battles and came back unscathed. If he trusted her, so would you.

Messmer looks at you, standing timidly a few feet away. He gives you that gentle smile that only you get to see and approaches you.

“Have I told thee her name?”

“No,” you shake your head, ruby earrings gently knocking against your neck. “She’s beautiful, though.”

“She is called Belladonna. A fine horse she is.” She whinnies at his praise, stomping her hooves as if eager to go.

Messmer reaches out to you and you give him your hand. He slowly pulls you towards Belladonna and extends your hand to her. She sniffs you a few times and then butts her head against you.. Messmer laughs and you begin to stroke her mane, amazed at how silky it is.

“Thou needn’t worry; she is gentle. No harm will come to you with her, beloved.” You believe him as she nuzzles into your gentle pets and scratches. The tension you felt upon seeing her dissipated almost immediately.

“Come, consort mine.” He mounts and settles onto Belladonna easily, as if he’s done it a thousand times. He wraps an arm around your waist and hoists you up with assistance from his serpents. You settle with his stomach against your back, legs thrown over the side of the horse gracefully.

“Wilt thou be alright?” Messmer secures you in between his arms, reins clutched in his hands.

“Just… don’t go very fast. Please?” Your stomach churns with anxiety being up so high. You also haven’t ridden a horse in what seemed like ages.

“Whatever thou wishest. We shalt go as slow as thou requires.”

With a snap of the reins, Belladonna begins a slow trot. You thought you’d be jostled around more, but between the slow pace, the easy terrain, and Messmer’s form keeping you steady, you find yourself sighing and sitting back against your lover.

The trees are tinted gold as you ride past them, sunlight streaming in between the leaves. The grass sways in the gentle breeze and you admire the nearby wildlife as they prance carefree among themselves. You could imagine your surroundings in a painting. It was nice to be out in fresh air and away from the Shadow Keep, even if only for a little while.

Most of the trip is spent in silence apart from the gentle sounds of Belladonna’s hooves against the dirt and the occasional chirp from a bird nesting overhead. Eventually, the golden grass yields to a field of cerulean flowers. They seem to glow as they are guided to and fro by the wind. You wonder if they are magic, perhaps related to the Carian royal family?

“I have forgotten the beauty of this place.” Messmer’s quiet voice plucks you from your thoughts.

You turn your head to look back at him. He smiles down at you and presses a light kiss to your forehead. You hum in response.

“I’ve only been here once. I was fighting through it, so I really couldn’t stop and enjoy the scenery.”

“Since thou hast expressed thy interest in returning here, I requested that my knights clear this place of any who would pose a threat to thee.”

“You did that for me?”

“Of course,” he responds calmly. “Thy safety remains a priority of mine.”

“Thank you, Messmer.”

“Gratitude is not necessary, beloved.”

Belladonna stops at a sparkling coast with deep blue water. Messmer dismounts, then assists you off the horse. Bending down, he offers you his arm, which you take gladly. He leads you towards the coast, the water rippling as it crashes over the sand. Flowers mimic the waves and sway in the breeze. You notice that there is a blanket sitting among the blue flowers with a basket. You look up at Messmer whose face is bright red.

“Did you plan this?” You ask incredulously.

“Certainly not alone. Rellana assisted me.” He lets go of your arm and sits on the blanket. You follow his movements.

“What could’ve possibly made you ask Rellana for help?” You giggle and adjust your dress.

“I wanted thee happy, but I was unsure of what to do. Thou requested to return to the Cerulean Coast and I wished to make the occasion special.” He toys with the blanket and avoids your gaze.

“What did Rellana tell you?”

“She instructed me to bring thou here for a picnic. I hope it is to thine liking.”

You move forwards and cup Messmer’s cheek in your palm. He gives you a bashful smile. “I love this. Thank you, my love.”

He exhales and kisses your palm, visibly relaxing. “When Rellana offered her advice, I held the belief that this would not suit thy tastes. I am glad I am wrong.”

“You worry too much.”

“I am aware, beloved.” He reaches over towards the basket and opens it. “I requested rowa fruit pastries be made for thee.”

Your mouth waters at the sweet smell drifting from the basket. Messmer hands you one and you carefully unwrap it and take a bite. It’s perfectly fluffy and sweet. You offer a bite to Messmer, and he shakes his head, not willing to take your treat away from you. You huff and refuse to budge. Rolling his eye, he takes a small bite and you smile, triumphant.

You finish your pastry and look out at the ocean. The crashing waves provide a soothing sound and you can practically feel Messmer’s tension burning away. His serpents nap on the soft blanket, curled into one another.

You lean forwards and pluck a glowing blue flower from the ground. The stems are long enough to weave together. Looking back at Messmer, you realize that this shade of blue would look perfect among his deep red locks.

“My love?” You call to him in a sing-song voice.

“Yes?” He knows you’re up to no good when you sound like that.

“Can you go gather some more flowers for me? I think 30 should be enough.”

“Thou wouldst have me pick flowers?” You understand where he’s coming from. As a hardened war veteran and powerful demigod, picking flowers was probably not on his list of things to do.

You shoot him a pleading look. “Please? For me?”

“Fine, but I shall never again hear the false notions that I do not love thee.”

“Thank you!” Even though he seems upset, you know he’s just faking. He could never be upset with you.

He gets up and gets to work gently plucking flowers from the ground. As most things are, they are comically small in his hands. You begin to gather some near you, stretching your arms to pick them. You create a small pile, delicately draping the flowers over one another without sullying the serene glow of the blue petals.

In a few minutes, Messmer returns to you holding a bundle of blue flowers. He sets them next to your pile and sits back down. You give him a quick peck on the lips and utter a quick ‘thank you,’ then begin weaving the stems together. You work on Messmer’s crown first, as his will take more flowers.

He watches your nimble fingers thread the flowers together. Your beautiful face pinches slightly in concentration, and you move strands of hair away from your face as you work. He moves closer to you and holds your hair away from your face, helping you work faster and more efficiently. The ruby earrings adorning your ears sparkle in the dim sunlight. He admires you and wonders how he ever got so lucky.

Soon, you finish his crown and present it triumphantly. He gives you a loving smile.

“For me, beloved?”

“Mhmm,” you say, placing it on his head. The blue glow creates a halo and compliments his red hair well. He looks stunningly handsome.

“A consort is deserving of a crown.” He gestures to you.

“I’m making mine next.”

“Wouldst thou teach me how to make these crowns?” He scoots beside you.

Your eyes light up and you nod. Grabbing two flowers, you show him how to weave them together tightly, so they remain locked in place. He watches you work and when you hand him two more flowers, he does his best to mimic you. It is harder for him to tighten them, as his hands are much larger than yours, but he tries his best. Once he’s weaved them together, you tighten them.

With you watching and patiently helping him, he eventually creates a circular crown of bright blue flowers.

“Aren’t they fun to make?” You beam up at him.

“Fun, yet frustrating for my hands are much larger than thy nimble ones. But I enjoyed making it. I had the most wondrous teacher.” His gold eye shimmers at you.

He lifts the crown and you lower your head. He places it delicately on your head and smooths your hair down. When you look up at him smiling, he finds himself marveling at your beauty. The Cerulean Coast pales in comparison to your sweet smile.

“Beautiful.” He breathes the word, in awe of you. He pulls you closer to him, pressing a loving kiss to your soft lips. He sighs, at peace once more, thanks to you.

He’d have to remember to thank Rellana after this.

#messmer the impaler #messmer x reader #messmer x tarnished #messmer the impaler x reader #elden ring x reader #elden ring messmer #cerulean coast #i love this man #he's so soft #and he deserves a flower crown

175 notes · View notes

lemotmo · 7 days ago

Note

For the Eddie queen that you are 😊. Can't wait to read your addition to this.

Q. I think the show worked just fine without Eddie. I didn't even notice he was gone. I have no idea why so many people are acting like it was this catastrophic event.

A. And I have no idea whose inbox you thought you were leaving this in but you were wildly mistaken. How are we a year plus into this nonsense and you all still haven't figured out to do this shit remotely believable? Your desperation is showing, and while it's amusing, this act you all are clinging too is not. The GA has spoken. The people want Eddie Diaz. Don't worry though go to the nearest park and talk to a tree. I promise the tree will be as life-like as the person you're not so subtlety actually talking about. Be sure to stop back by though once Buck and Eddie touch lips. I will be more than happy to celebrate the occasion with you. Cheers to Buddie canon 🩷🎉

Thank you for thinking of me Nonny. 🤗

Okay...

Right...

Let's see...

Seeing that there is an outcry for Eddie Diaz on ALL social media platforms and how everyone is enraged that he wasn't in those two episodes?

I am going to take a wild guess here and conclude that the OP anon is very very very wrong.

We have seen, times and time again that when Eddie isn't in the 118, the others do miss him. He is a good friend to Hen, Chim and Ravi. He has so many things in common with Bobby. Their talks were always the highlight of the episode they were in.

And then there's Buck. It has been established since day 1 that Buck and Eddie GET each other like no one else gets them. They are there for each other through thick and thin.

So yeah, the people are outraged that they showed some nobody plot device guest actor reacting to Bobby's death instead of Eddie. They are outraged they had to sit through a boring helicopter scene that took up waaaay too much time WHILE also having to suffer the terrible non-acting by the formerly mentioned nobody plot device guest actor. All this while they could have had a scene of someone calling Eddie to tell him about Bobby and we could have seen his reaction as well.

Everyone got some kind of closure. Where is the closure for Eddie?

He is a main character, but keeps being side-lined because of some stupid half-assed Vertigo plot Tim set in motion in season 7.

It might surprise the anon, but Eddie is a much beloved character. When he first popped up in season 2 I fell in love. Not just because he looked good, but because he is a genuinly good kind and decent man. Next to that he is a great father, firefighter and medic.

You would think that the 'you can't kill Bobby' posts would far outnumber the 'we need to see Eddie' posts, but you couldn't be more wrong.

The fact that there is such an outcry for him and that people are insulted on his behalf that he wasn't in these episodes makes me so happy.

It is a message to ABC, Tim and the writers that we care about Eddie and we want him back in LA asap. It tells them that he is as important to us as Bobby is and that it is time for unimportant plot device characters to walk away forever. And that is a great message to send.

Also, whether the anon likes it or not... Buddie is happening. Eddie and Buck will get their happy ever after. Both of them will finally know what it means to truly love and be loved. Something neither of them has ever truly experienced.

No, not even with both of their very recent love interests anon. Don't get ideas. There was zero chemistry or romance to be found there. 🙄

IMPORTANT! Please don't repost this ask and/or a link that leads straight to my Tumblr account on Twitter or any other social media. Thank you!

Heads up! For anyone who is giving me the shifty eyes for reposting Ali's updates instead of reblogging. Read this.

Remember, no hate in comments, reblogs or inboxes. Let's keep it civil and respectful. Thank you.

If you are interested in more of Ali’s posts, you can find all of her posts so far under the tag: anonymous blog I love.

#anonymous blog I love #eddie diaz #the audience loves him... deal with it #buddie #nonnies galore

38 notes · View notes

chaoortu · 2 months ago

Note

How do you go about keeping characters well..in character?

Asking because I read through your fic anatomy of a terrarium thus far, and I´ve never read a story where Nick has bipolar. But I read through it and go wow yeah I I´m still reading about Nick. I´m still reading him going through all this, Charlie helping him (or at least trying to). This still feels like canon even with it delving into much darker topics (like Nick using drugs, and him dealing with getting raped, amongst others)

Idk if I worded this awkwardly but basically, you just handled all these guys so well and I wanna know more about your process!

you didn't ask this awkwardly at all! So for me at least, I'm always like "man i wonder if this is ooc or if it feels as ooc for readers as it does for me the writer" something that helps is that i frequently reread or rewatch the canon if i feel like something i'm doing is veering too ooc for me to get away with. specifically the darker chapters or the more serious t.v episodes (the cinema episode in season one, the gcse bonfire in season 2, and the third episode of season 3 especially.) this keeps my characterization more consistent and refreshes me on tone. i also try to make narrative choices that make sense given what we know in canon. nick obviously has no signs of being bipolar in canon, that's something i came up with on my own, but he does use alcohol to numb himself during the Halloween episode of season 3 (and it's the first time we see him presumably drunk, as he does not drink that much when Charlie is around.) so I took that canon nugget and let it snowball into nick using drugs in the anatomy of a terrarium series (I have a lot of thoughts about substance abuse and how it's portrayed in media. generally i could see a nick who doesn't get help struggle with substance abuse in the future but that's a topic for another time.) i have a post somewhere where i dug into nick's mentality following his sexual assault and how much i based that around how he acts in canon. i'll link it here in case you'd like to read it but it's a good example of what i mean above! here I also go into a lot of my angst fics with the intention of using the angst, whether it be substance abuse, mental illness, terminal illness, etc, to say something about the characters and how they would act if those things happened instead of just having those things happen to them for the sake of it. Because I go into the idea with that in mind, it makes it easier to write them behaving similarly to how they do in canon. I also tend to base the angst off of my own experiences either going through things or witnessing loved ones around me going through them and that helps to keep things more grounded. and a lot of it just comes from experience and writing a lot. even though i've only been posting hs fic for like... maybe a year? maybe less, i've been writing fic in other fandoms for a decade at this point and when i'm not writing fics, i'm working on my own novels so i am literally writing every single day (it's my hobby and i love it to bits!!!) sticking to core canon things to make a fic read as "in character" is a skill in of itself. i look back on my first hs fics and i cringe a little because i can see my own inexperience with the characters in them. i would also say that even in my darker fits, i try to make sure everything ends happily or ends with a happy for now, and i think that promise of a happy ending keeps the whole fic feeling closer to canon because heartstopper will have a happy ending and we know nick and charlie stay together forever.

#chao time #cue en aye #very long i apologize.#also lmk if this doesn't make sense i am always down to explain things further for realsies.

26 notes · View notes

echoingbirdsofprey · 6 months ago

Text

Lightning On My Lips (Every Time You Kiss Me)

1 - Boys Are Too Easy

Pairing: Tyler Owens x OFC Georgia Tennley

Rating: Explicit (I just label everything this because I know I can't help adding swear words at the least.) so MDNI please!

Warnings: Mentions of sex, alcohol consumption, blood, and sort of graphic description of Tyler getting his ass handed to him by a bull.

A/N: It's going to take me forever to post everything on Tumblr but here's the very first of it all! If you click on the title that'll take you to the Masterlist and I linked to my Spotify for this fic below as well. You can still read everything on A03 and Wattpad as well.

This first chapter is just a really quick overview. Don't want to spend too much time in the past for these two! As always Italics are for emphasis, internal thoughts, or dreams/past memories!

Playlist

“Well howdy there, pretty thang . What brings you here all decked out in sparkles?” Tyler Owens asked, as he removed his chaps while sitting atop the panels looking down the chute.

“Stick around, pretty boy , you'll see in a minute.” Georgia Tennley said as she pushed her hat down a little tighter and patted the buckskin painted mare beneath her. The mares's ears flicked back and forth as she saluted the bull rider before kissing to the mare and heading down the chute toward the open gate. Tyler stood up, nearly losing his balance as she breezed past him and all the other bull riders perched on the fence.

“ Next up representing Stillwater, Oklahoma, the Pink Princess, Georgiaaaa Tennley!” The announcer said, gaining wild cheers from the crowd. Tyler watched carefully as she made neat turns around the first two barrels and then around the third, she threw her head down, her hand forward, and urged the mare to kick it into high gear heading for home. A clean run. The fastest time of the night so far.

She flew past the bull riders again and Tyler watched as the mare took her damn near to the next town before she could get her stopped. Georgia patted the mare and rubbed on her neck and scratched the top of the mare's head and ears as she trotted around the sandy parking lot proudly. She walked the mare for a few more moments before hopping down and that was when Tyler decided to get down off the panels too. He made his way through the maze of the chute system and came out just in time to see which trailer she was headed to. As he walked up to her, his spurs jingling, a smirk crossed her lips.

“Learn anything, pretty boy ?” She asked, un-cinching her saddle and pulling it off. It was only her saddle in between them.

“Yeah. If ya feel it, chase it.” He said as he leaned down to kiss her. It surprised her no doubt, but she kissed him back, equaling his lust.

🌪⛈️🌪

Georgia awoke the next morning to a strong, tanned arm around her waist and warm breath tickling the nape of her neck. It was the middle of summer and the windows were open in the living quarters of the trailer, were she had a good old air mattress for a bunk. The air was hot and humid. She checked her phone for the time. 4:03. She felt slightly dizzy as she glanced at the cute bull rider she'd invited in for drinks last night. Clearly things had gotten out of hand... oh, yes, they certainly did ...as she lifted the sheet to find both of them naked underneath. She could smell his sweat and felt his skin sticking to hers as she shifted to lay on her back. He made a small noise as he stirred and it made her giggle. He opened one eye halfway as a sly grin crept across his lips.

“You sure are adorable in the mornin’, darlin’ “ He said, voice gravely and deep, his blue-green eyes becoming apparent in the dim light. She could've sworn they were brown last night, but who gives a shit. They definitely fucked, but Georgia was a little disappointed that there was nothing memorable enough to cut through the haze of alcohol.

“And you're awfully flirty.” She whispered back as she attempted to escape his arms. His grip tightened, making her smirk. She propped herself up on her elbows and glanced over at him, her dirty blond hair falling over her one shoulder, bangs into her eyes. Tyler reached up and brushed the hair from her eyes and behind her ear. There was a small but satisfied smile painted across his lips as he left his fingers to brush over her cheek.

“My, my, what have we done?” He asked softly, stretching up to press a kiss to her lips. She hesitated this time, borderline resisted, not because she didn't want to, but because she wasn't sure how far she wanted to let this go. She knew nothing about him. She only knew his name.

“Well, you did follow me. ..” Georgia pulled away and he pouted, letting her leave. She had a feeling he got attached easily. Thinking back on it, did he even know her name? He should've...they'd announced it.

“You didn't have to say anything to me. Coulda just run on down that alley without so much as a tip of yur hat.” He said, his eyes following her very pretty, very naked form down the ladder where she disappeared for a few moments before popping back up and smiling at him.

“And why the hell did I do that?” She mused, throwing him his shirt and boxers before going to the small kitchenette. They hit him in the face and he couldn't help chuckle to himself as he dressed. He climbed down the ladder and threw his jeans on. They were damp from last night, remembering he'd spilled some beer on them as things got heated. He wondered for a moment how much she remembered...

“Uh...y'know, maybe we should...get to know each other a little better?” He asked, as her eyes flicked to his. She watched as he zipped his jeans, noticing how nicely they hugged his ass, and other parts.

“You think so?” She said, putting a pan out on the single stove top. She turned the heat on, buttered the pan, and cracked some eggs in it. Tyler pursed his lips as he stepped toward her. He fiddled with his hat for a moment before placing it atop his head.

“I gather you don't...” He said, disappointment evident in his voice. Georgia had finished the eggs and took two plates down, placed some eggs on each, and handed him one. She took a bottle of water out of the pack on the tiny counter and placed it at the table for him. He sat and she placed a fork on his plate and sat across from him. She glanced at him before diving into her eggs. He didn't know why, but that first bite was the best bite of eggs he'd had in a long fucking time.

“I'm Tyler...Tyler Owens.” He said before taking his next bite. He caught her smiling as she chewed and swallowed her food and then she said, “Yeah that’s one of the only things I remember from last night.”

“Oooh. that’s harsh, darlin’. I couldn’t been that bad.” Tyler said as he finished his food. Georgia shook her head and smirked again as she also finished. She silently took his empty plate and began to wash it off in the sink and then dried it, and repeated that with her own, all the while Tyler watched her.

“Didn't say you were bad. Just said I don't remember much from last night. I haven't had that much to drink in awhile. I don't even remember what time we came in here and started drinking.” Georgia said. A corner of Tyler's lips crept up in a grin again.

“I reckon it might'a been around six or seven. You took care of your mare and I followed you around like a wild stallion.” He said, chuckling deeply. Georgia decided she liked his laugh, and his smile. It was fascinating how it reached his eyes everytime. He looked genuinely happy every time he smiled. He didn’t seem to have any ill will or bad intentions and that was a rare quality among people these days. Tyler didn’t seem selfish.

“Christ on toast...” Georgia murmured and Tyler nearly spit out the sip of water he'd taken.

“You got a lot of those weird sayings. They're cute.” He said and she tilted her head questioningly.

“What?” She asked and he chuckled again as he took another sip of water.

“You kept saying funny shit last night. Had me dyin’ over my beer. No one's ever made me laugh that much for that long.” His smile was infectious. She leaned back against the counter top and folded her arms across her chest, details fuzzy but flooding back.

“ Oh, fiddlesticks...” Georgia said as she dropped her phone and nearly dropped her drink. Tyler deftly saved her beer and roared with laughter.

“You’re silly when you’re drunk.” Tyler said, a wide smirk across his lips as he handed her back her beer. She leaned closer to him and giggled.

“I’m not drunk, pretty boy.” She slightly slurred her words and he took his opportunity to press his lips to hers, to which she returned the kiss.

“If you say so.” Tyler said, placing his own beer down and reaching around her waist. She was just beyond buzzed, but not drunk enough for it to inhibit her decisions. “Is this okay?” He asked and she answered by cuddling up as close as she could, while wrapping her arms around the back of his neck. She left it up to him to decide where this went next.

She had made him laugh, and he made her laugh. He hadn't been acting either. He genuinely thought she was funny and that flattered her more than anything. Their eyes met again after a few silent moments, and Tyler stood then. He tipped his hat to her.

“My next rodeo is the Kansas State Fair...” He said softly and she nodded.

“How fortuitous. Mine is too.” Georgia said, stepping closer to Tyler. They were only inches away when he reached up to run a finger across her cheek. His gaze was longing for something more than she could give him right now, so she hoped he could settle for what she had to offer.

“I'd be mighty grateful if I could hitch a ride. I’d like to spend a little more time gettin’ to know you, and I’m kinda hopin’ that you feel the same.” He said, rubbing the back of his neck. He was not surprised when she agreed. He leant down to press his lips to hers, so softly that she thought she imagined the feeling. So he stepped out to grab the rest of his things from his beat up old truck, then helped her check the hitch on the trailer and off they went. The Kansas State Fair was in a week, so they would have plenty of downtime to get to know each other in between.

⛈️🌪⛈️

Six Months Later

Georgia had worked her way up through the ranks to the 1D barrels, the top division at each rodeo. And Tyler competed against some of the top guys in the sport. Together they were quite the pair. Most of the time they used her truck and trailer, but Tyler helped pay for diesel and he helped drive. It was the least he could do. Besides riding, Georgia also did photography for the rodeo circuit. That was how she paid for her entry fees and food. She hated having to scrape by but she wanted this so it had to be done. She also helped coach a few other racers on the side and helped school some horses. Occasionally, she swapped in for a header or a heeler in the roping for anyone who needed it. Tyler on the other hand...Tyler took odd jobs while on the road. He could fix trucks and trailers, he'd do stalls and operate tractors and dozers and whatever the rodeo needed. So, neither of them could afford a fall or an injury.

Well that was inevitable, especially in the two professions they were in.

While at the Oklahoma State Fair, Tyler drew a particularly difficult bull that had been known to give a hard and wild ride Not many could stick eight seconds, let alone half that. The bull bucked hard all the time and he twisted while he was in the air, which made for a difficult and uncomfortable ride. Most bull riders ended up off of him not because of how hard he bucked but because of how much he twisted and hurt their back while doing so.

Tyler lowered himself onto the bull’s back, and for the first time in a long time, he had an uneasy feeling in his stomach. He waved for the gate to open and he was surprised at the force the bull put out as they flew through the air, bucking and spinning. Tyler held on for about six seconds and then the bull got too close to the chute, spun into it and hit Tyler’s leg on the metal panels. It distracted him just long enough for the bull to jostle him out of place and dump him. Tyler flew off, toward the panels, hitting his head and bouncing off. The bull was still raging and charged him, stepping on him in the process and tossing him back into the panels again. Screams could be heard from the stands.

Georgia covered her mouth in a gasp and she felt weak, like all the blood had drained from her entire body. She hopped off her mare and threw the reins at her friend who was sat next to her. She climbed over the panel tops, through the cattle chutes and alleyways to try to get to the main alley, where an ambulance was already going through.

When she got to the alleyway they already had Tyler on a backboard with a neck brace and he had blood dripping down his forehead and his left ear. He wasn’t conscious. Georgia tried to make it through all the bull riders and ropers that had crowded around him but she couldn’t get to him before they shut the doors. She ran down the chute and yelled to her friend to please take care of her horse. She was going to take her truck and follow the ambulance, when one of the rodeo clowns stopped her and asked to jump in the truck.

“Hey, I’m Boone. I’m Tyler’s best friend.” He said and hopped in the passenger side. Without questioning, Georgia drove off, behind the ambulance.

“So you’re the one he’s always textin’. Thought he had a girl at home, but then I wondered why would a girl be named ‘Boone”. That’s a very guy name.” Georgia figured, keeping her eyes on the road. They both laughed, lightening the mood if only for a few moments.

“Yeah we met at one’a his first rodeos and just hit it off. He told me he’d finally met a lady and he couldn’t wait to introduce me. Too bad we’re meetin’ on such shit circumstances.”

“Me too, Boone. Nice to meetya, nonetheless.”

#tyler owens x oc #tyler owens fic #tyler owens #twisters 2024 #twisters fanfic #glen powell

43 notes · View notes

sydnikov · 2 years ago

Text

Sunkissed (pt. 3)

Link to Part 1, Link to Part 2

Pairing: Andrei Svechnikov/female!Reader

Word Count: 6.3k

Summary: Thanks to a few meddling friends, your anger and hurt towards Andrei begins to dissipate when you realize that not much about him had actually changed, and was still the same guy you used to remember. A playful day spent in the sun and a close conversation under the moon only brings the two of you closer, revealing the feelings Andrei had been dying to say since the moment he saw you again.

Warnings: Cursing, hinting of body dysphoria, vague hinting of sex in the end maybe?, angst, tooth-rotting fluff (y’know, the usual)

A/N: Don’t ask me why this was posted a month later than I said it would be 😶... Anywaysss, alas, the long-awaited part 3 is here!! If you’ve stuck around this long, I applaud you because I know it’s taken me forever to post this LOL please comment and reblog, ily all

Translations:

¹Солнышко - Little sun

The morning after the boys arrived was a hard one to wake up from. You weren’t able to sleep in, for instead you spent the night staring at your ceiling as the faint sounds of gentle breaths and soft words disrupted the silence you were used to.

When the beginning of sunrise finally appeared over the horizon, you just decided to get out of bed since you knew you wouldn’t be sleeping with the sun shining in your eyes. Heaving a sigh, you slid out of bed and threw on an old hoodie to keep the morning chill from nipping at your skin before quietly walking downstairs to the kitchen.

Lucky for you, the room was entirely empty as you were the first one awake. It wouldn’t be for long though, because rarely ever were hockey players able to sleep in due to their rigorous traveling schedules.

At least you had a few moments of silence, you breathed out a gentle sigh as you poured your coffee, the warmth from the mug welcome to your chilly palms as you propped a hip against the kitchen counter, staring at the ocean waves as they reflected the beginnings of early sunlight.

As the sun steadily climbed over the horizon, you took your time to think over what it was exactly you were feeling.

Or, rather, what you were feeling about Andrei.

Sad? No, but there was definitely a bittersweet taste on your tongue at being reunited with him.

Angry? Oh, most definitely, but really only at yourself.

Excited? You couldn’t really tell if you were being honest. The nervous butterflies in your stomach were something you were used to when around him, but your heart racing at the long looks he was giving you was something that definitely wasn’t there before.

And the way your breath hitched at the slow, heavy footsteps you recognized coming down the stairs wasn’t helping you figure out how to feel about said-Russian, either.

You didn’t turn as you heard him enter the kitchen, his footsteps coming to an abrupt stop as he most likely saw you standing by the window. You felt rather than heard the way his mouth opened as if he was looking to speak, but in not wanting to disturb the peaceful atmosphere he luckily kept whatever he wanted to say to himself.

Though as he went to grab a bottle of water from the fridge, you couldn’t help but take a small peek. His hair was messy, and he was wearing a loose t-shirt that still managed to cling to every muscle on his body. Damn it.

“Good morning,” You quietly murmured in an attempt to ease the tension, hoping the sight of your tired eyes and messy bedhead wouldn’t suddenly deter him.

But Andrei still smiled, a small one full of endearment as he looked over your sleepy form and really, he couldn’t help but wonder how it took him so long to finally see what was right in front of him.

The meaning behind his look was lost on you—watching him watching you, you were slightly skeptical as to what he was thinking but simultaneously felt too tired to really care.

It didn’t matter what he thought of you anyway, right?

Right?

Andrei took a small sip of water, relishing in the way it soothed his throat. “What are you doing up so early?” He asked, having never remembered you to be much of a morning person.

Then again, as you pleasantly reminded him that night so long ago, he didn’t know everything about you, either.

You shrugged because even you didn’t really know the answer. “Couldn’t sleep much. Besides, I’ve already made a habit of waking up when the sun rises, so why stop now?” Your smile was lighthearted and honest, wanting nothing more than to fall back into playful banter like you used to.

“You? A morning person?” He tilted his head with a small grin. “The world has gone crazy.”

You scoffed playfully, rolling your eyes. “Shut up. You still don’t like coffee so I’d say we’re even.”

“Milkshakes are better.”

“That’s…” You shook your head, actually laughing, your mouth agape in disbelief. “That’s debatable.”

And the two of you stood there in the kitchen, giggling quietly and staring at each other as if you couldn’t believe the other was right there in front of you. Eventually, you both fell quiet, the comforting silence welcome as you reveled in being in each other’s presence again.

As you sipped your coffee, lost in thought and the serene beauty of the beach outside the window, you failed to notice Andrei’s longing gaze as he watched the morning light kiss your cheeks, wanting nothing more than to be able to hold you close under the warmth of the sun.

“Is the beach nice at this time of the year?” The Russian soon spoke up, and you turned to him with a glowing smile at the prospect of describing your new home to him, and with that Andrei could already tell how much this small strip of land along North Carolina’s coast meant to you.

“It’s amazing,” You gushed, and immediately you had his rapt attention. “The weather has just started to cool off so it isn’t unbearably hot anymore, and the water still feels amazing so it’s okay to go swimming.”

“Is it not hot all year long?” He asked with a slight tilt of his head, genuinely curious.

“We’re in North Carolina, ‘Drei, not the Bahamas.” The nickname slipped from your lips without a second thought, and once you realized what you said you almost wanted to take it back, but the way his face lit up had you returning his small grin.

You forgot how easy it was with him, and the amount of unresolved issues between you just... Didn’t matter at that moment. You had your best friend back, and you convinced yourself for now that that’s what was most important.

Andrei bit back his grin as he took another sip of water, feeling his heartbeat pick up at the sound of his old nickname falling from your lips. He’d missed you so much. It made his heart beat so fast that, in the heat of the moment, he tried sitting up, just about to open his mouth and—

“Good morning!”

Martin bounded down the staircase resembling an overexcited puppy, his hair the epitome of a rat’s nest, and the delicate moment shared between you and Andrei was gone.

The two of you shared a glance, him looking back at you with a slight raise of his eyebrow that let you know the two of you were thinking the exact same thing.

Martin, you little shit.

“Morning. Did you sleep well?” You asked your friend, biting back a yawn as you watched him pour his coffee.

“More or less,” The Czech player shrugged. “I never sleep well in different places, and the sun woke me up.”

You winced, smiling softly. You’d forgotten to warn them to keep their blinds closed as no matter where you were at the beach, if you didn’t have them shut then you had no chance of sleeping through it. “Yeah... Sorry about that, I forgot to warn you.”

Martin shrugged, an easy smile on his face as he finally turned to face you. “Sepe and Turbo are already up, I heard their voices from their rooms. They’ll probably be down in a bit.”

You couldn’t help the slight disappointment you felt at the news, because that meant the moment you shared with Andrei was now definitely gone.

It’s fine, though. Just friends. Remember?

Sure enough, a few minutes after Martin delivered the news, the three of you in the kitchen turned your heads as a sleepy Sebastian and Teuvo made their way down the stairs, looking like they just rolled out of bed even though they’d already been heard talking.

“Did the sun get you guys too?” Martin asked with a shit-eating grin, cheekily dodging the arm Sebastian swung to punch him in the side.

You snorted into your mug of coffee, watching Andrei step in to keep the grumpy Finns from jumping poor Martin. “Yes, yes, the sun is a bitch, now finish drinking your coffee so we can go to the beach.” Wisely, he ignored the disgruntled looks they sent him.

“What’s got you in a chipper mood?” Sebastian asked his teammate as he settled down beside Teuvo, narrowing his eyes at Andrei.

The centerman was perceptive enough to catch the quick look his Russian friend sent you at the counter, and he couldn’t help but roll his eyes fondly because of course. Andrei went to open his mouth, but Sebastian just shook his head.

He already knew, anyway.

The group remained in the kitchen for a good several minutes after that, and once they all finished their coffee and breakfast they agreed to get ready to spend the day at the beach, with Teuvo even suggesting that they even grill outside.

You then proceeded to protest, saying that you didn’t have enough food to grill out… But then Teuvo opened the freezer to reveal several pounds of meat they had snuck in the night before.

And so here you were now, adjusting the straps of your swimsuit and trying to convince yourself that you looked fine. Maybe not model fine, but you looked okay, not as good as her but—

You stopped yourself quickly. No. You weren’t letting yourself go there. Not with Andrei here.

Casting yourself one last glance in the mirror, you released an anxious sigh before exiting your room, biting nervously at your lip as you heard numerous voices downstairs. But luckily, they all seemed preoccupied with packing water and snacks, leaving you to slowly battle your anxiety because these were your friends. They had never judged you before, so why would they now?

Sebastian asking for your help without even spending more than a second looking at you reminded you of this fact, and you were able to reluctantly calm your nerves as you helped him stuff a cooler full of ice.

Only, the anxious flips and somersaults your stomach had been doing earlier came back tenfold when you heard Andrei coming down the stairs, and you hoped your stumble as you tried lifting a box wasn’t noticeable.

Except these were your best friends, and they noticed everything.

“Hey, you okay?" Sebastian asked quietly, peeking his head around the counter to get a better look. He’d heard the rather loud fumble of the box in your arms and when he looked over, he saw you anxiously wringing your hands together with a troubled look on your face.

You opened your mouth, attempting to respond but words just wouldn’t come. You couldn’t stop your eyes from looking over at Andrei where, unsurprisingly, he looked mouthwatering in his swim trunks.

Sebastian saw your eyes drop to your body, and it clicked almost immediately. “Hey, hey, look at me,” He quickly approached you, gently tilting your face up with his hands when you wouldn’t meet his eyes. “You’re beautiful, okay? And amazing and thoughtful and everything a bunch of idiots like us could ever want.”

You couldn’t help but crack a smile, your eyes watery as you shook your head so he would stop his sweet ramblings. Your face was on fire from his rigorous complimenting, but your thoughts were silenced and you were reminded once more of how thankful you were to have your best friends here with you. “Rosa’s a really lucky girl, you know that?”

Sepe shook his head, a small grin on his face.

“Thank you, Sepe.” Sebastian needn’t respond with words, for the bright smile he sent you was enough.

Breaking free from the bubble of insecurity that held you captive before, you cast a quick glance around you to find that nobody else had seen the delicate moment you and Sebastian shared.

Not that it would have mattered, but… You looked towards Andrei again, but instead of your stomach churning with nerves and self-consciousness, you only felt tingles of excitement and anticipation.

Feeling better with Sebastian’s words running through your head, you finished packing for the day with the rest of the boys and finally began to make your way out through the convenient back entrance of the house, adding yet another reason to relentlessly thank your friend later on for letting you stay.

The sun was harsh as you made your way toward the water, but luckily the breeze did its job in cooling you down. It also helped that it was early September, leaving the weather more bearable.

This didn’t stop the sand from heating up to unbearable temperatures, though, as early September was still hot.

Practically all four boys let out various sounds of pain as their feet came in contact with the sand, for while Europe got scorching hot in the summer, too, it was nothing compared to living in the southern United States.

Andrei cursed in Russian, Sebastian made some weird strangled noise of distress, and Teuvo and Martin just sprinted toward the water.

You couldn’t decide if you wanted to laugh or ask them if they were okay.

“How do you stand it?” Andrei asked, out of breath as he hurriedly stepped onto the towel you set down for him.

You shrugged, biting back a smile. “You get used to it after a while.” You spread out your own towel over the sand. “And it helps that I didn’t grow up in Russia.” You raised an eyebrow at Andrei, your smile mischievous.

“Russia still gets hot, you know,” He said, watching as you began scrounging around in your bag.

“And yet you still act like you’ve never walked on a beach before,” You retorted, not even bothering to hide your smile at his scoff. “Hey, have you seen the sunscreen? I could have sworn I brought it,”

“Is this it?” He asked after reaching into one of the bags, and sure enough he was holding the bottle of sunscreen. Right as you thanked him and went to grab it, Andrei suddenly yanked his hand back and held the sun protection just out of your reach.

“Andrei,” You warned, narrowing your eyes.

“Take it back first,” He grinned, watching you scrunch your nose in confusion. “About me having never walked on a beach.”

You crossed your arms. “Why would I take something back that’s true?” Your tone was serious, but your expression was lighthearted and playful as you watched your friend narrow his eyes in challenge.

Andrei shrugged, a faux innocent expression on his face. “Come get it, then.” He waved his arm with the sunscreen out of your reach, watching you scowl with a shit-eating grin.

You both knew he was practically double your size and thus made trying to beat him in, well, anything physical was bound to end up in failure.

But, damn it, you wanted your sunscreen, and maybe you didn’t particularly have a problem with tackling him to get it, either.

You stared at him for several moments, and when Andrei’s eyes darted away for a mere second, that’s when you lunged. With an evil grin, you fell face-first onto his chest and sent the two of you flying into the sand. Andrei let out a girlish scream as you climbed up his chest, your bodies shaking with unrestrained giggles as even with your hand on his face, he still managed to keep the sunscreen just out of your reach. “Damn it, Andrei!” You screeched as suddenly you lost your balance, conveniently landing on the sand right next to him, and not one to waste an opportunity Andrei quickly took advantage of your momentary distraction to trap you beneath him.

“I’m sorry,” he said, panting with exertion as he leaned over you with a mischievous smile while you scowled at him from below. “Did you want this?” He waved the sunscreen above your head, and when you tried to make a grab for it he quickly pinned your arms to the ground.

You opened your mouth to protest, a meager insult on the very tip of your tongue as you stared up at his eyes, and that’s when you suddenly realized how… Close you were. With his face merely inches from yours and his body pressing down into your every nook and cranny, you had a hard time reminding yourself of all the reasons why being in this position was a bad, bad idea.

But you were always weak when it came to Andrei, even after all this time away… Your face heated up as your eyes remained locked, and before you did something stupid (like kiss him) you kneed him in the stomach, delighting in the pained grunt he let out before you quickly took back the sunscreen and retreated to a safe distance away.

You grinned triumphantly as the Russian sat back down with a frown. “Thank you!” You said, ignoring his defeated muttering as you turned around to finally relax in peace.

Though with Andrei settling down beside you on his own towel, it was practically impossible to ignore his presence and the lingering tension between you. That moment you shared before… It was close, almost too close.

You felt like you’d finally reached an equilibrium with him, and you didn’t want to mess it up with any more close calls like these. The last thing you needed was more ammo to start a fight.

You pretended that you couldn’t feel his eyes burning into the side of your face as you readjusted your sunglasses and laid on your towel. You weren’t sure what was running through his mind and weren’t sure if you wanted to find out, either.

A couple of hours passed quietly, with nothing but the sounds of passing seagulls and the rising and crashing of the waves creating a serene atmosphere that lulled you to sleep. It was that stage of REM where you were just at the cusp of consciousness to be aware of your surroundings—aware enough to hear the sounds of footsteps walking through the sand.

But you were so comfortable… There was a nice breeze going that contrasted nicely with the heat, and you really just didn’t feel like moving even when you recognized a voice to be Sebastian’s.

“You coming, ’Drei?” he said, and from what you could gather without opening your eyes was gulping down fresh water.

A colony of seagulls passed overhead and their cries stole your attention for a moment, long enough for you to realize the two men beside you were still talking when you finally tuned back in.

“—asleep?”

“No—actually, wait, yes, I think so,”

It was Andrei’s voice, speaking from somewhere beside you.

“What?” you said, your voice nothing more than a mutter as you gathered the energy to awaken. “‘M not asleep,”

Squinting against the harsh glare of the sun, you honed in on Andrei’s face which currently had a smirk on it. “You have sand on your cheek.”

Sebastian snorted, and you hurriedly rubbed the sand off your face.

“Ass,” you mumbled with little mirth, turning away when you felt the beginnings of a smile break through your faux irritation.

The Finnish centerman settled down on the towel on Andrei’s right just as the Russian leaned over to poke you in your most ticklish spot. “But I’m your ass,” he replied cheekily, avoiding the arm you swung to hit him with.

Teuvo and Martin soon approached, the latter stomping through the sand and Teuvo, to no one’s surprise, sneaking around the back. “Stop flirting with each other and go back to sleep, Jesus,” Martin said, plopping down right in between you and Andrei.

Several chuckles came from the others, and then, “Pass me the chips, yeah?”

The five of you continued relaxing and reveling in the atmosphere of the beach, with you eventually laying back to read a book as Sebastian and Teuvo floated in the water while Martin and Andrei played volleyball. It was comical because you couldn’t decide between watching the two Finns get pummeled by the waves or Martin and Andrei hitting the volleyball as hard as they possibly could at each other.

Holding back your laugh when Martin launched the volleyball right past Andrei’s head, you looked up from the book you’d barely read a page of and saw the sunset, which had turned the horizon a brilliant shade of pink with fiery streaks of orange and golden yellow painting the sky.

You’d lived on the Outer Banks for many months now, and yet the sight never failed to take your breath away. There was something special about sharing the wonders of your home with the people closest to you that made the moment that much more memorable, you thought.

As you stood there, eyes lit with the glow of the sun, Andrei happened to look up from retrieving the volleyball Martin had blasted across the beach and had the breath practically stolen from him.

Because there you stood, hair blowing with the wind and your body outlined by the fading sunset in the horizon, and he was struck with yet another regretful thought of wondering how and why he had let you go.

Martin shouted an offensive name his way, and Andrei watched as you turned towards the duo, a bright shade of pink dusting your cheeks when you realized you’d caught the Russian staring. He opened his mouth to speak, but yet again was interrupted by his teammates.

“What the fuck is taking you so long—” Martin complained.

Sebastian had a smirk on his face as he exited the water. “He’s occupied, Neci,”

“Who’s occupied by what?” Teuvo, following Sebastian and as clueless as ever, asked.

Andrei threw the volleyball at Martin’s head. “I hate all of you.”

If the saying, ‘boys will be boys’, had a definition, you had a feeling it looked something like this.

Ducking your head to hide the flush of your face, you quickly changed the topic. “Ready to head back? The sun is setting now so it’s going to get pretty chilly.”

They agreed, and after packing up all of the beach equipment you had brought down – not without interruptions, of course, as biteless insults followed by playful punches kept the group distracted – you trudged back to the beach house.

Teuvo disappeared somewhere inside, and Andrei and Sebastian headed to the backyard to start up the grill with all of the frozen meat they’d smuggled in the night they arrived. You and Martin, meanwhile, were enjoying being back in an air-conditioned room and were content to watch the two hockey players outside argue over what to grill first.

“Sebastian has probably already said this already, but you’re different,” The right-winger said, looking at you curiously.

You took another sip of water. “You mean a good different, right? I would hate for all this self-healing to go to waste…”

Martin laughed. “No, definitely a good different. After… Everything that happened back in Raleigh, it’s good to see you so happy.”

You smiled appreciatively at your friend, and it was silent between the two of you for a moment. Then, you couldn’t help the way your eyes shifted back outside to the main reason ‘everything’ made you move away in the first place.

“He seems different, too. In a good way.”

“He wasn’t the same after you left,” Martin stated, boldly. “Julia was good to him, do not get me wrong, but…” he trailed off, looking at you as if he wasn’t sure he was supposed to be explaining this to you in the first place.

You stopped pretending Andrei didn’t occupy at least ninety percent of your thoughts, though, so you couldn’t help but pry for more information about him. “But what?”

The Czech player grinned, then, as if he had a secret he wasn’t going to let you be privy to.

“She wasn’t you.”

There was a triumphant shout from outside that interrupted the moment, and the two of you turned to find Andrei gleefully placing steak on the grill while Sebastian was crossing his arms with a scowl.

“Looks like Fishy lost to Svech,” Teuvo suddenly appeared, and you squeaked as you jumped around to find him standing next to Martin as if he’d been there the entire time.

The left-winger looked at you innocently, sipping from the glass of water he’d taken from the counter. His introvertedness was something that had drawn you to him in the first place, why you got along so well—and it was also the reason you had mini heart attacks every time he snuck up on you.

“What?” the Finn asked, looking between you and his teammate curiously. Martin grinned, exchanging silent words with him. “Nothing. Should we go join Sepe and Svechy before they actually start hitting each other?”

You nodded immediately, Martin’s words still playing on repeat in your mind. She wasn’t you. What did he mean by that?

The next thing you knew you were sitting outside on the patio, five chairs surrounding the fire pit crackling at a steady pace. The steak the boys had cooked was delicious, and the conversation easily kept your mind off of what happened inside earlier.

“You totally have blisters on your feet,”

“Do not!”

“The bottoms of your feet are red, Martin,”

You and the other three boys dissolved into laughter at the look of disgruntlement on the Czech player’s face, but even he couldn’t resist the hilarity of the situation and let out a few chuckles, too.

The wind had slowed down by this point, leaving the fire to crackle and spread its warmth all around. Sunburns by fire were, in fact, a thing, so while everyone else was absorbed in conversation you quietly slipped away to give your overheated skin a break.

Your absence, however, did not go unnoticed.

As you quietly snuck past the gate that led to the beach, Andrei’s eyes immediately locked onto you as you ventured down the beach and watched until your figure was no longer visible.

Mildly concerned but most of all curious, he too slipped away while Martin, Sebastian, and Teuvo were in a heated debate over who got the best tan.

Sinking his feet into the cool sand, Andrei took a moment to let his eyes adjust to the dark before searching for you, eventually locating your figure standing at the water’s edge.

Silently, he approached from behind before moving to stand next to you. He didn’t offer any words, content to merely be in your presence, and you only shot him a quick glance before turning back to the ocean.

If you were being honest, you weren’t surprised at all to find Andrei joining you. You kind of expected it, was hoping for it, almost.

The rate at which you were falling for your best friend all over again scared you like nothing else before, but here, in your home, surrounded by peace and love and friends who supported you?

It almost made you forget what brought you back here in the first place, why Andrei and feelings just didn’t mix.

So, you said nothing. You stared straight ahead, at the stars’ reflection over the dark water, the lulling sound of the waves filling what would have been an awkward silence.

But, Andrei, ever the extrovert between the two of you… The silence was killing him, your silence was killing him. Even after months he still knew you like the back of his hand and knew you were deliberately holding back.

He just had to find a way to convince you that he was worth it—even if he hadn’t been, before.

“I’m sorry,” he finally said, his voice just barely loud enough to be heard over the waves.

You looked at him in confusion. “For what? You haven’t done anything.” And, truly, he hadn’t. Andrei was clean in your book; you’d finally started to forgive and forget, willing to leave it all in the past. The determined look on his face, however, said he had every intention of visiting that torturous night you tried so hard to forget all over again.

“Not now. I haven’t done anything now. But back then, the night of my engagement,” Andrei grumbled out that last word. “I was terrible. There was no excuse, is no excuse. You mean everything to me and yet I treated you like nothing.”

You stared at him as a torrent of emotion crashed through your body like the ocean waves. And yet, with the wind making a disastrous mess of your hair with the moonlight outlining the soft lines of your face, Andrei had never been more in love.

How dare he get engaged to another woman when you had been right here in front of him all along?

“What?” you managed to squeak, mind racing to process the words that just left his mouth. “What are you saying?” you said, softer, almost afraid to hear his answer.

You were taking a chance as you stepped closer to him, trying to get a better look at his face. He was opening up to you, for real, this time, and you wanted to make sure you understood every word that left his mouth.

“I didn’t realize then how my words damaged you. How what I said only pushed you away when I meant to do the opposite,” his volume was only a touch above the roar of the waves, and yet you were still drowning.

“And I didn’t realize how much you meant to me—mean to me, because every time I stared into Julia’s eyes I only saw yours. I guess that wasn’t enough for me to connect the dots.

“When you left that day,” he took your hands in his own, tangling them together. “You took a piece of me with you. You own my heart, ¹Солнышко, and I am so sorry it has taken me this long to realize it.”

There it was again, that name. Solnishko. Little sun. You hadn’t heard that nickname since the night of your big fight, and it lit something back up inside your heart you hadn’t even realized had gone dark.

Your eyes welled with tears, and still, Andrei had never seen a more beautiful sight. He moved closer, slowly bringing his arms up so you could move away if you wanted, and when you didn’t—he did the one thing he’d wanted to do the moment he first saw you again.

Andrei pulled you into his chest, one hand cradling the back of your head and the other wrapped around your waist for the contact he’d been yearning for. He took in a shaky breath, kissed the top of your hair, and whispered sweet nothings to you as you cried.

And your body shook, hands gripping the soft fabric of his shirt because you were never letting him go again.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I’m here now.”

“Don’t leave me again. I can’t take it. Not now—”

“I’m not going anywhere. Never again, I promise.”

As your voice cracked on another sob, Andrei moved his hands to cradle your cheeks, bringing your foreheads together. “You are so beautiful,” he murmured.

If you were Andrei’s sun, then he was your moon. He was your calm, your safety, your anchor as the deep blue did its hardest to rattle you.

Your laugh was wet as you cracked open your puffy eyes, moving your hands atop his and clutching them like they were your lifeline. “You’re just trying to butter me up so you don’t have to kidnap me to take me back home.”

Andrei didn’t deny it. He shrugged, biting his lip to hide a smile as he brushed the hair out of your face. “Hopefully I won’t have to go that far. I’ll go wherever you are, even if I have to drive two hours every day to see you.”

You pulled back at that, pretty sure your hair was tangled from the wind but not really caring how you looked at the moment. “You’re sure?” you asked.

Andrei nodded. Yet, your insecurity persisted.“But what about—”

He interrupted you by slamming your lips together, rendering you speechless. Happily picking up on your slack, his lips soon turned gentle rather than demanding, loving, and then slowly pulled back with only a sliver of air left between you.

“Don’t say her name when I’m with you,” he breathed, eyes lit with a passionate blaze. “She’s gone. It’s only you, it’s only ever been you.”

You huffed, feeling another onslaught of tears coming. “How did you know what I was going to say?”

“Because I know you. I love you.” The Russian stepped closer.

“‘Drei,” you said, voice bordering on a whine. “I don’t think—”

“Please don’t shut me out. Not now, when I just got you back,” Andrei interrupted desperately, seeing right through the apprehension on your face.

You laughed wetly, rubbing the tear tracks from your cheeks. “And here I was, finally moving on, and now is when you decide to throw me for a loop.”

The Russian looked a little confused, unsure of what to make the smile on your face paired with the perceived harshness of your words. “Do you remember our fight?” you then asked, not giving him a chance to even think through your last sentence.

He nodded his head warily, again taking your hands in his own. “I try not to,” he admitted. “I hate thinking of how much I hurt you.”

“Do you remember what I said to you that started it?”

“You said you loved me,” he replied almost immediately, and you watched the way his eyes seemed to fall quickly after.

He thought you were going to say you didn’t love him, not anymore.

“I still do,” You knew you made the right decision the moment his head shot up, surprise and adoration coloring his face at your confession. “I don’t think I ever stopped, even though—”

Andrei, yet again, interrupted you with a toe-curling kiss that left you dizzy, flustered, and ecstatic all at once. “You just made me the happiest man in the world.”

You laughed, finally letting yourself lean into his body and let him support your weight. He was comforting, and he kept you warm in the unrelenting wind.

A round of obnoxious cheering came from the beach house, the sound breaking the bubble you and Andrei were in. You tensed up again at the reminder that you weren’t alone, not really, and you were going to have to face the world again, only this time with Andrei by your side.

The forward said your name and your eyes fluttered back to him nervously to find him watching you with concern. “You’re tense,” he said, rubbing one of your shoulders as he towered over you.

You let out an anxious breath, trying to relax your shoulders at Andrei’s touch. “Sorry. I’m just… What does this mean, now? For us?”

“Well,” he said, gently tugging your right hand so you’d intertwine it with his. “We’re going to let the boys settle their bet once they see us together—”

“They were betting on us?” You balked. Of course they were.

Andrei merely shot you a grin before continuing. “Then we’re going to enjoy the rest of this break, and then I will take you back to Raleigh with me so I can show everyone that you’re mine now.” Upon seeing the look on your face, he quickly clarified. “If you want to come back, that is,”

You merely raised an eyebrow.

“I won’t make you, if that’s what you want. I know you love it here, and—”

It was your turn to interrupt him as you reached up to drag him down by the collar of his shirt and reassure him of your desire. He let you lead the kiss, groaning at the slow, teasing drag of your lips before you abruptly pulled back.

“I have to get things settled here, say goodbye to my mom again, but… I want to come back,” You bit your lip at the heat in his eyes, knowing what your words were doing to him. “I miss the guys. I miss Raleigh, and I miss being there with you.”

“Okay,” Was the only word he seemed to be capable of speaking, looking at you as if he still couldn’t quite believe you were in front of him. “Okay,” he repeated, more confident as he laced his fingers with yours.

The two of you shared a smile with hope and excitement for the future, knowing that this was only the beginning of your story together. How stupid of you to think how you thought it ended oh-so-long ago…

You made your way back to the beach house slowly, reveling in the long, meaningful glances and soft smiles witnessed by no one but the stars. Your bubble of privacy was strong until you both became visible and then it was broken by one of the guys yelling, “Fucking finally!”

Rolling your eyes, you merely scoffed as you opened the gate and met them back at the pit. “Oh, shut up,”

Andrei’s eyes sparkled with the firelight, skin flushed pink with the onslaught of teasing he was receiving from his teammates. As you settled into the same chair, they said he was whipped and already looked lovesick, and the hooting and hollering only picked up as he placed a kiss on the top of your head.

Most of all they were ecstatic; their two best friends had finally found their way back to each other after months of hopeless pining.

Andrei too looked happy, as if all worries had left his mind in the short time he’d been here. It warmed your face just thinking about when you'd have the night alone, knowing he was going to make it up to you with more than just his words alone.

And there was a distinct glow on his cheeks, too, you thought, visible despite the lack of natural lighting.

Andrei asked if he was sunburnt, having felt the unrelenting heat in his skin. “No,” you said, brushing away a strand of hair that had fallen in his eyes. “I think you’re just sunkissed.”

A/N 2: I think this is the first time I’ve felt happy with how I’ve ended a fic. Now y’all see why I changed the title though 😏 I think I managed to wrap it up pretty well, and with how many asks I got on if I was gonna finish this series y’all better blow this tf up 🔫 (kidding!! But not really)

────────────────────────────────

Taglist: @ballsakic @bbbbruins @kapriz0v @girlmeetsamerics @bbnhlqueen7 @iwantahockeyhimbo @sebbyaho @heatherawoowoo @matsbarzal @carter91 @leafs-forever @nilspettersson @teuvomakesmesmile @canadian-girl87 @hockeypuckedmeup @typical-simplelove @calgarycanuck @grittysbattinggloves @stars-canucks @nachodaze @besthockeyfics @sidcrosbyspuck @ilyasorokinn @ssebastianaho @sepeteuvo @drei-mrssvechii @tanninetanya @insomniren @kpopkenners @hyppeln-agnes @canesqueen @the-jarvy-party @martynecass @yagetintoit @natzp03 @diary-of-jj @2manytabsopen @huggy-hischier4394 @diary-of-kk @estapa94 @spacesurfing @redpool @ellswilliams

Add yourself to my 18- (SFW) Taglist here!

Add yourself to my 18+ (NSFW) Taglist here!

257 notes · View notes

waarmsalad · 6 months ago

Note

james x reader friends to lovers? james and reader are on vacation at the beach and on the boardwalk there’s fireworks, so jame decides to confess his feelings for her underneath them???

IM SO SORRY THIS TOOK FOREVER MAN😭

(Third attempt was in fact the charm)

Anyways, this is just a fluffy little thing that probably isnt the best but only the third fic ive posted on here so i hope you guys dont think this is dogshit🤷‍♀️

Wooden planks creaked beneath your feet with each step, another pair of legs producing the same sound beside you on the boardwalk. With your best friend, James Hetfeild, you had driven down from the hotel you were staying at. The two of you were on a little group vacation with a few other mutual friends, a time to get away from repeated cycles of work and stress.

His arm was linked with yours, a silent reminder of your connection as you strided alongside the man. He guided you down the boardwalk stairs, carefully as you looked up at the starry night sky.

This was your time with James, it was his goal to take you to see fireworks every year for your country's celebration, a special tradition between you and him. Conveniently this was the date that celebrating not only the 'birthday' of the land you walked on but also the day that you two had met.

"Makes it a shit ton easier to remember," James would always tell you.

All around the beach were whipsers and light chatting about the awaited fireworks that you came downtown to see in the first place. Luckily, underneath the boardwalk was a lot less crowded than above, only a few other couples or families sat in lawn chairs on the beach.

You seeked a spot to sit or stand with james, two wooden beams shaped into a v, meeting at the bottom came into view soon enough. The planks that stretched out inbetween served as some sort of bench. You pointed them out to james, dragging him over once he nodded at your choice.

The look in his eyes when he did so was the same look he had given you when you were driving, as well as this morning when you picked him up. The glint expressed happiness, of course, but also sometjing you couldnt quite place. It was farmiliar, but it wasnt quite recognizable.

Pushing any thoughts you had aside, you dragged him over to the spot you had picked out, hopping onto the plank inbetween beams as soon as you came close enough. James rested his back up against the beam, eyes flickering to the sky, deciding to look back to you after the lack of excitement.

Yes of course the stars alone were gorgeous, but he had something else on his mind. He had been nervous all day, but was careful enough not to let it show. He figured that tonight would be perfect to convey his feelings to you, one perk of many being easy to remember the date if you didnt turn him down. Apart from your future input he felt like he was set for the traditions and possible anniversaries to come.

James, though bouncing back with more confidence each time you smiled at him, couldnt help but shrink every time he thought of the possible alternate version of the of the confession, ending up haywire, which could ruin your entire night, let alone your current relationship. That alone would be a kick in the teeth for him.

As his eyes scanned over your hyped features, he decided to breathe and let out any existing stress. You were looking up at the sky with excitement, smiling at people just arriving and getting settled.

You saw the freed look on his face, the deep thoughts slowly dissipating as you called out his name softly.

"James! Something up?" You asked. He simply nodded, wanting to avoid fumbling or stuttering by not talking at all.

It was strange, because even though he was a bit on the shyer side, he never ceased to speak up with you.

"Are you sure? Seems like somethings up, I dont wanna pry, but-" you spoke before be started overtop of you "I'm alright, I'll tell you about it later yeah?"

You nodded, opting to leave him be. The silence after that was not entirely sufferable to say the least.

He was a tad guilty, had he given you a bit of attitude and all. He knew you liked things to be perfect, even though you had your own definition, nothing ever panned out that way anyways.

Pushing down his worries, he inhales and parts his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a single word, you were pointing at the sky, seeing the beginning of a firework shoot into the sky from the distance. Loud crackles echoed over the water only miliseconds after the firework split and divided, the colours casting a different brightness over the city.

James sighed, believing that he had missed his moment. After some more fireworks started building up in the sky, their colours fading downward, you proved him wrong. "Sorry, were you about to say something just now?" You apologised, tilting your head while allowing him to elaborate about what he was going to tell you about.

"Um, yeah..." he nodded, feeling a tad anxious once again. James couldn't help it. He just really didn't want to screw this up. You hopped off of the bench-like plank and sat on the ground.

"C'mere."

You patted the dense sand beside you, gesturing him over, and as soon as he sat down he felt more grounded, sighing through his nose.

"Are you okay? I didnt want to bug you but you've been a little off today" you told him. You werent pushy about it, and the sincereness in your eyes made james smile, remembering the exact reason he had so desperately wanted to do this.

"Yeah im fine," he brushed off, moving his hand to pat down a stray hair of yours. "I just wanted to make this perfect" he sighed, bringing you into an embrace by wrapping his burly arm around your shoulders. For a moment he fixed his eyes upon the variety of explosive colours emitting from the sky.

"Make what perfect?" You grinned, though puzzled at his statement. The glimmer in his eyes when he turned back to you held a deep meaning a very similar look to the ones he'd been hinting to you before. This time, more open, less worried, as if finally uncovering the full story of the secret hed been carrying. Which is exactly what was about to happen.

"I love you..." he said.

Those three words had been said many times through your freindship, but jis words werent accompanied by a teasing tone, and it was just now that you realized that all the times he had said it before werent neccesarily platonic either. This time he said it like he meant it, and he did.

The sound of the fireworks and cheering were cancelled out as your breath caught in your throat. You had been too much of a wimp to admit the feelings of your own to him before, suppressing them as an alternative.

"Really..?" You asked, not sure what else to think or say. You just reached out to touch his face. It was a small act, but that alone was enough to block any of James's doubts.

"Yeah of course I love you" he said again, placing a gentle kiss on your forehead. The second he pulled away, his eyes migrated to your lips. It was something he'd wanted to do since he met you. "What're ya' looking at?" You said, clocking him, wrapping her arms around his neck in a sly attempt.

He paused, letting his silly little giggle tumble from his lips. "Your pretty face," he said. The smile on your face only grew wider. You thought for a moment before kissing him. It was unexpected, being only moments after the confession, but he wasnt complaining,ba hum of approval gracing through him.

To you it seemed absolutely perfect, you werent sure quite what he was worrying about. The fireworks shot high and burst, mimicking the way your entire body felt at the moment. The kiss drawled on, and the people cheering for the fireworks made both you and James feel like the center of the world, as if this was their moment.

#welp #james hetfield x reader #james hetfield #<3 #metallica #fanfics #fanfic #yippie #3rd fic💪

22 notes · View notes

normalaboutfugo · 1 year ago

Text

"I can't find an ask box so I'mma just drop this here! I would love something with mafia boss GIORNO finding out his mom had another kid and pretty much goes feral to adopt them !! tyy"

𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐀 — 𝐄𝐍𝐕𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐌.

⋆₊☆ ⊂⊃ platonic yandere don!giorno || m.list

[ warning :: PLATONIC/NOT ROMANTIC, kinda kidnapping, platonic yandere ]

[ notes :: first post!! thank you @foundfamyanderes for requesting!! <3 i can't remember what happened to gio's mom but just pretend she left giorno and had reader and left them too lol ]

[ important :: see this post on another blog? likely a repost to my rebranded multi-fandom blog! don't be afraid to check, but if they're not linked w me, let me know! <33 ]

— when giogio first learns his mother went on to have another kid, he wanted to have a genuine connection, and he did everything in his power to find them. what if you weren't doing so well on your own, assuming that your mother didn't care about you, like she didn't with him? there's no way he'd let his own blood live like this, especially when he was doing so well.

— giorno did everything he could to look for you, searched the internet under the last name shiobana to find a lead, he looked for his mom's profile online, and when he found it, he saw various pictures of drinks, club floors, everything you'd expect from someone like her.

— it took a long time, quite a bit of searching through what seemed like a million pictures of your mom partying — giorno scrolled for hours and hours, ignoring the way his eyes burnt when he looked at the screen for too long.

— finally, after he thought he was starting to fall asleep from staring at the bright computer screen for forever, he found multiple pictures of selfies from his mom with the head of a child in the background; cropped out the best if could be, but still quite obvious you existed.

— it took a long time to find you, but honestly, it confused giorno. why was he so hooked on meeting you? he only found out you existed a few days ago, and you didn't even know you had a half brother.

— when giorno finally found you, he had immediately introduced himself to you — not as the don, but as your brother. he wanted to have a genuine connection with you, because he never had a sibling, and while everyone in bucciarati's gang were like family, but blood ran thicker than water.

— and upon finding out you were broke and living on pickpocketing because your mother left you? giorno spoiled the fuck out of you. when he met you, he treated you to a meal at one of the nicest places in italy because he wanted to make a good impression, but when he finds out you're not used to such good dining and being treated well?

— most definitely takes you shopping for whatever you want, turning you down when you say you'll pay him back for it.

"Here, whatever you want."

"That's...! Giorno, no, I'll pay you back as soon as I ca-"

"With money you took? Don't worry about it, there's more than enough for you to have what you wanted."

— reader goes quiet real quick

— not long after meeting him, giorno offers you a place to live. the streets got cold at night, and he would know. gratefully, you accepted it; what else could you do?

— it doesn't take long for giorno to get overbearing. he'll start putting extra locks on the doors, and when questioned, express that he just wants you to feel safer in your new home.

"..Giorno, what's with the locks on the door?"

"The locks? Oh, I wanted to make sure you felt safe, is all. Is there a problem?"

"Well.. no, I just.. don't you think it's a bit much?"

"Mm.. no, I don't think so. You can never be too sure."

— he might even give you a curfew at first

— he'll give you the reasoning that the streets of italy aren't safe at later times, which is semi-true. it really wasn't safe to be roaming around at night, especially after you start living with the boss himself; word spreads like wildfire in passione, and a bounty would be placed on your head by traitors before you know it.

— eventually, a curfew turns into him spending every second with you during your outings, and that turns into you just not being allowed to leave the house at all.

— even if he needs to pull a few strings to find a reason to keep you home, he'll do what he needs.

"The strap on your bag, it's broken."

"Oh, yes.. I noticed a bit ago, but it's no big deal."

"That's fine, we can get you a new one today. There's got to be something identical somewhere."

"Should I get ready to go out, then?"

"No, you don't need to. We can find something online, or I can go find it at the store we bought it from."

"..Oh. Why?"

"I don't want you going out."

— when you bring up your concerns to him about not being allowed to leave, he takes it really well, as if he'd just up and abandoned his previous reasons for you being kept inside. and after that, you go to bed that night with relief, sleeping easily knowing that it's going to change.

— except for in the morning, when you're leaving the room, you turn the doorknob only to realize you were locked in from the outside. on the nearest table is a notepad, next to a plate of food and a cup of water. written in red ink,

"[READER],

It's wrong to lock you up, but I can't bring myself to put you in danger and allow you to leave. But I can also promise it's only temporary, I want you to be happy here. I had some business with the famiglia, so I left home quite early this morning. I will return, but while I'm not there, I left food and a glass of water next to this note. I'll be seeing you soon.

— Giorno

#jjba x reader #jjba yandere #yandere giorno #NOT INCEST #NOT ROMANTIC #tw yandere #giorno x reader #giorno giovanna x reader #yandere giorno x reader #golden wind x reader #jjba part 5 x reader

112 notes · View notes

milesdickpic · 1 year ago

Text

HIs Little GIrl | Bradley Bradshaw x Reader P.87

Click here to see the master list

Besties! I apologize for not posting a part 3 for my Grad week, so as compensation... I will put out 2 chapters this week to catch up! Besties we are almost at the end and I am so SAD! 😭 I love you all so much! 💕 Happy reading and enjoy! ❤️

A/n: Christmas in the Bradshaw household 🎅🏼🎄 (also if the links don't work and you would like to see the gifts here is the link to the board on Pinterest!)

Word Count: 6.1k

Warnings: cursing, crying, sexual jokes, but so much cuteness and love 🥰

Please don't take my work, I will find you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It had been a couple of more months of getting used to new schedules and adjusting to life. The first Christmas with the boys was new. It was also hard to buy gifts for them because they were constantly growing and becoming interested in something new every week.

———-

Christmas

You and Nat were at the store Christmas shopping for gifts while the men stayed at home with the kiddies.

“Do you think at least one of us should have stayed back with them to help?” Nat asked as you both sat down to take a break from shopping.

You thought about it for a second and then shook your head. “No they’ll be fine. Plus we just have a couple of more things to grab and then we can go home while they go out.” You took a deep breath in. “So lets enjoy it.”

You both laughed and nodded. By the time you were finished you and Nat were more than ready to leave the crowded malls and head home. On the way home you bot sang to Christmas music and danced in the car.

When you got home, Bradley was putting the boys down for a nap and Austin was putting a jacket on Leia.

“Where is she going?” You gave Leia a kiss on her cheek.

“I’m going to go get presents with daddy!” Leia smiled as she slipped her shoes on.

Bradley came over and placed a kiss on your cheek. “The boys are down for a nap, house is clean, and snacks are ready for you and Nix on the counter.”

You and Nat looked at each other in shock. “Okay… Thank you babe.” You kissed his cheek as he threw his jacket on and they all left.

Nat put the bags down and took her coat off. “Definitely not what I expected to come home to.” She laughed and unpacked the bags.

You looked around suspicious. “No. Seriously…” You went to give the boys kisses. They were knocked out.

Nat grabbed some tea for you both and a couple of snacks the guys left behind for you both. “Ready to wrap mama?”

“Yes! Let’s get this done before they wake up and the guys and Leia get home.”

———-

Bradley’s POV

After we all piled into my truck we were off to grab presents for everyone. Hangman and Austin headed in together to go to different stores to grab gifts. I picked up Leia and gave her a piggy back ride as we headed in to get our gift for you.

Leia pointed to the little store. “Daddy! There!”

I bounced a little bit. “Good eye, baby girl. Away we go!” I made plane swooshing noises and bee-lined for the store. She giggled and held onto me tighter. Right when we approached the store, I let her down.

She ran in and grabbed your first gift. “Daddy! They have it!” She held it above her head and ran over to me.

“Good job, my little co-pilot. Thank god you’re here. It would have taken daddy forever to find this.” I gave her a kiss on the cheek and picked her up as we made our way to the cash register.

“Where to next, sir?” Leia climbed around me and clung onto my back again as she held the bag.

“The sweater now?” I looked back at her. She nodded against me.

“Sweater is it! Go daddy!!” She pointed and we headed to the next store.

As we walked to the next store, I could hear Leia singing to the Christmas music that was playing around the mall.

-Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Frank Sinatra playing-

“Have yourself a merry little Christmas… Make the yuletide gay…from now on, our troubles will be miles away.”

I smiled and looked over my shoulder. “Don’t be shy, babe. Sing louder so daddy can hear and sing too.”

“Daddy!” She hid into the crook of my neck. She got shy.

“Your voice is beautiful, babe!” She shook her head into the back of my neck. I laughed. So I started singing too.

“Throughout the years, we all will be together… if the fates allow…”

I felt her head peak back out. “Hang a shining star upon the highest bough…”

I gave her a little nudge and together we sung loudly. “And have yourself a marry little christmas now.”

She rested her chin on my shoulder and leaned her head into the side of mine. We made it to the next store. It took us a while to find the sweater you’ve been wanting, but we eventually found it. Leia hopped back onto my back and we were off to the last store for your last gift.

Leia was humming Happy Xmas by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. She started to sing it softly.

“A very merry christmas. And a happy new year. Lets hope its a good one. Without any fear.”

And I chimed in. “So this is Christmas. And what have we done?”

She gave a little harmony. “Waaaarrr is overrrrr.” “Andddd if you want ittt.”

I chuckled as we continued to harmonize together, while navigating through the crowds. After we finished getting your gifts we made a pit stop to the truck to unload and we went back in to the madness to get everyone else’s gifts.

————-

The next morning, everyone had their gifts all under the star wars themed christmas tree. It was over flowing with gifts. This year it would just be us, plus Nix, Seresin, and Austin. All the adults were up early to get everything set up for the kids. Of course, it was going to be another low-key, cozy holiday in. Everyone had matching PJs to lounge in all day.

All the adults got everything ready for the kids, more or less Leia. Phoenix took a bite of the cookies that were left out. Hangman drank all the milk. Austin took a bite out of the side of a carrot. Then you and I made some boot prints in snow from the sliding door.

You sprinkled some flour on the floor and I put on my boots to walk through it. We wanted to give Leia a fun experience for Christmas. Once we all finished we stood around the counter drinking hot cocoa.

“We forgot one more thing to add to the cookies to make it look for real that Santa was here.” Phoenix walked up to Hangman and yanked one of his hairs out.

“OW Trace, what the hell?” Hangman grabbed his head and looked at her with an annoyed face. We all started to laugh.

“Have to have more proof that he was here. A piece of hair will do. Thanks for your cooperation, Bagman.” She placed the hair on the tray by the cookies.

Hangman was rubbing his head and winced, “You’re lucky that we are doing this for Leia and the boys. I’d do anything for them.” He walked up the stairs to go change into his PJs.

I shook my head and laughed at Phoenix. “Trace, you are definitely something else. but thanks for that.” I raised my hot cocoa to her and then took a sip of it. “Now with that done. I think we should all go get changed. Y/n and I are going to go and get the kids up.

We all headed upstairs and got ready to spend some time together and to watch the kids open presents.

———-

The first ones back down stairs were Phoenix and Austin. They sat on the couch and helped put Gunner into his Pjs.

“Merry Christmas!!!” Leia ran down the stairs with her arms up and yelling. She jumped onto the couch to hug Phoenix and Austin.

You and I were close behind with the boys in our arms. Baby Brad was still asleep, but Luke was wide awake and giggling in my arms. We were all in our matching elves' pajamas. You and I sat on the couches with the boys fixing their little elf hats.

“Seresin, hurry the hell up. You’re always first to leave, but last to come back!” I yelled up stairs for him to hurry and come down.

“I’m Coming!” We could all hear him shuffling up stairs.

I gave Luke to Phoenix and brought Leia around the house as we waited for Hangman to come down. “Look, sweetheart. Santa was here last night. He ate your cookies you left out and even drank all your milk!”

Leia looked at all the little bits of evidence with joy and shock. “Daddy! There is even a hair here!!” Leia picked up the hair that was left by the cookie.

I looked over at Phoenix and saw her and Austin fist bumping over the success of yanking Hangman’s hair out.

“Can we keep it, daddy?” She looked up at me holding the hair in between her fingers.

I laughed and nodded. “We sure can, sweetheart.”

Leia set the hair down carefully on the plate again and saw the trail of boot marks by the sliding door. “DADDY! He came in through the sliding door!” She ran over by the door and looked at the foot prints, “Look!” She was jumping excitedly as she was pointing to the boot marks in the ‘snow.’

I gasped and went to go examine the sight. “He left a mess!”

Leia started to laugh, “We can clean it up after! He was probably in a hurry!”

I knelt down and kissed her cheek, “I’m sure he was, baby.” I picked her up and brought her back over to the couch.

“Leia, did you see that the reindeer ate the carrot you left for them?” Austin pointed over to the carrot pile Leia left out the night before.

She ran over to the carrots and examined them. She held one over her head to show all of us. “OH MY GOSH! THEY DID! I HOPE IT WAS RUDOLPH!” She screamed in excitement and ran back and jumped into my lap. “Do we get to open presents now, daddy?” She smiled up at me.

I nodded as I wrapped my arms around her. “Yes, but we have to wait for your uncle Jake. He’s still changing into his elf Pjs… and TAKING FOREVER.” I looked up to the steps. “Come on man! Your niece wants to open her presents!”

Then with that we heard some steps coming down the stairs. We all turned to a sight.

“HOLY NIGHT.” I furrowed my brows.

Phoenix started to laugh as she saw hangman come down from the stairs. “I thought we were all wearing elf pajamas??”

I rolled my eyes. “We were, but I can see Seresin always has a change of plans.”

You turned away and started to laugh loudly. hangman came down in a Santa suit. But not any Santa suit. THE Santa suit. It had ripped sleeves and an exposed chest. He wore a Santa hat and a beard to finish the ensemble.

“Holy Sexy Santa.” Austin’s eyes went wide and he looked at Phoenix confused. She started to laugh hard at his comment.

“HO. HO. HO. Merry Christmas, Bradshaw family!” He came down waving and was holding a present.

“UNCCLE JAAAKEY!” Leia was pointing and laughing at hangman. She ran to him and gave him a hug. “Is that present for me, uncle Santa?”

“Oh no, my vapor girl. This is for your dad.” He looked at me as he smiled deviously through the beard. He came over to me as he held the suspicious box in front of him.

He leaned down to me and whispered, “It’s my cock in a box.”

Phoenix, you, and Austin started to laugh hard when they heard him. I pinched the bridge of my nose and shook my head.

“Uncle jakey, why did you get daddy a rooster in a box?”

Hangman blurted out laughing and patted Leia on the head. “Your daddy’s call sign is rooster. It’s only fitting.”

I rolled my eyes again and shut them as i shook my head. I buried my face into my hands and let out a sigh. I was trying so hard to hold back my laughter.

“IM JOKING BRADSHAW.” Hangman set the present down under the tree and took a seat across from me with Leia. “It’s for the boys. RELAX.”

I looked at him with wide eyes. “THATS EVEN WORSE.”

He threw his head back and then looked at me annoyed. “Let’s not start.” He started to laugh as i threw a pillow at him. “Alright, with that… Let’s open presents!”

———-

Your POV

Jake was the first one to grab his gifts and handed them out. He handed Austin and Phoenix theirs, then Bradley and Leia, and then gave you yours and gave you one for each of the boys.

“I hope y’all like everything I’ve got you. And if you don’t, I kept receipts.” He sat back down on the couch by Austin and put his arm up and over around him on the couch. “Well, everyone open ‘em up.” He smiled at all of you.

Nat opened hers and Jake had got her a basket full of goodies. “Oh my gosh, Bagman! I love it!” She pulled out everything one by one, excited with everything she was pulling out.

“Glad you like it Trace.” He patted Austin’s shoulder, "Now you big man.”

Austin opened his gift, “Jake! Aww man no this is too much. This looks expensive, man.”

Jake shook his head and patted his back. “I saw that flannel and immediately thought of you, dude.”

“Well, thank you. But it’s really so much.” He held it up and looked at the flannel jacket surprised.

“No problem, Bro.” He looked over at all of you. “Bradshaws, don’t keep me waitin.” He started to laugh as he waited for the 6 of you to open your gifts. He went over and sat by your legs to help you open the boys gift and Gunner’s.

Jake got you and Leia baskets full of stuff similar to Nat’s. You and Leia were excited as you looked through them.

“Wow, thanks, Jake!” You placed your hand on his shoulder and he patted your hand.

“Thank you Uncle Jakey!” Leia jumped into his arms as he laughed and kissed her head.

“For Gunner…” He pulled out three Star Wars toys and threw them at him. Gunner went crazy over them and started to play with them.

Bradley opened his gift, “Holy Shit, Seresin…” He held up a brown carhart jacket. “This is fucking sweet.” Bradley looked at it all around. “What the hell, dude!” He shoved Jake as they laughed. “Thank you, man. Holy shit.”

Jake laughed, “I saw that and immediately thought of you too.” Jake opened up the gift for the boys. “And now for the Bradshaw boys… the best for last!” He held up the two bibs. “DRINKING BUDDIES!”

Everyone started to laugh. Jake placed them on the boys and gave them both kisses. Bradley grabbed baby Brad and Jake grabbed Luke. They made them high-five and place them on the floor to sit in front of them. They were able to sit up on their own but just in case either of them fell back there was someone behind them to catch them.

Up next was Nat. She handed everyone her gifts. She gave the boys’ gift to Bradley to open this time.

Austin went first, she got him some new shirts. Some long-sleeved ribbed shirts and some short-sleeved collared ribbed shirts. “Aww, babe. I love these! Thank you!” He kissed her cheek and looked at his clothes amazed.

“I think you would looked so cute in those!” She grabbed one and held it against him. Everyone agreed. Especially the boys. Bradley and Jake kept whistling at him and he started to blush.

Jake opened up his gift next. “Ohhh heeeyyy!!!!! This is nooooiiiiiiiccceeee!” Jake held up his button-up shirt to show everyone. He held it against himself. “Am I as hot as Austin, yet?” He closed his eyes and smiled big while Austin and Bradley whistled at him.

Bradley pinched Jake’s chest, “Quit it, my wife is right there. She’s gonna get jealous.” They both started to laugh.

“Damn, thanks Trace! I love it!” Jake started to smell the shirt.

Nat and Bradley looked at him weird. “Why do you always have to smell everything new you get?” Nat raised a brow at him.

Jake shrugged. “Tradition? I don’t know?”

Up next was Bradley. He ripped apart the bag. Everyone looked at him with wide eyes as his gift flew up into the air and landed in front of him and little Brad.

“Well shit. I hope it’s not broken…” Phoenix started to laugh.

Bradley grabbed it and opened up the toiletry bag. “HOLY SHIT! NO WAY! PHE! THANK YOU!”

He showed everyone what was inside. It was a beard and mustache grooming kit. “I needed a new one! Thank you!”

Nat laughed and shot him her fist. They fist bumped. “Your stache is out of regs. You needed a new one!” Bradley started to laugh as he played with his mustache.

Leia started to open her huge box carefully. “I don’t want to break it, Aunt Nat..” Leia ripped the wrapping paper delicately.

Nat started to laugh, “Vapor girl, its okay yours won’t break. I promise.” She shot her a thumbs up.

“OKAY!” Leia started to rip the paper crazily as she was throwing it everywhere. She opened the big box and gasped. “OH MY GAAAAHHDD!” She yanked out the first bean bag. “I LOVE THESE!!!” She pulled out all the Star Wars-themed bean bags. “I WANNA PUT THEM EVERYWHERE! THANKS AUNT NAT!” Leia ran and jumped on Nat and covered her in kisses.

“Anything for my Vapor girl.” She pushed Leia’s hair out of her face and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Austin opened Gunner’s gift for him. It was a new doggy bed. He brought all his toys to it and laid in it with them.

You opened your gift from Nat. It was a new necklace. You pulled it from the box and looked at it. It had all of your initials on it. “Oh my gosh! I love this so much! Thank you, Nat!” You looked at each letter, “B,L,L,B,G and a heart!” You held it to your chest and started to tear up.

Nat started to tear up too, “I am so happy you love it!!”

Last were the boys. “The best for last!” Nat echoed Jake. Bradley started to open the boys gift. It was in a little basket. He opened the basket and inside were little outfits and goodies for the boys.

“AWH! These are the cutest things ever, Trace!” Bradley held up the box to show you.

“Oh my gosh! That is so sweet!!!” You cooed over the box.

Jake and Bradley made the boys blow kisses to their Aunt Nat and gave them little baby voices. “Thank you Aunt, Nix!”

She smiled and blew kisses back to them. “There is one more!”

Bradly grabbed the other box and helped little Brad open it, inside was a Star Wars mood light.

“DUDE! This is so cool! I want this in my room!” Bradley held it up to show everyone.

“Thank you so much, Trace. These are so nice!”

Austin was next to grab his gifts and hand them out. “I hope y’all like them. I kinda suck at gifts.” He started to chuckle as he sat back down on the couch.

Nat started with her gift. She opened it up and pulled it out. She started to laugh and held it against her chest. “Aus, you got me a carhart jacket too!?” She reached over and placed her hand behind his head and pulled him in for a kiss. “Thank you, I love it so much!”

Austin smiled. “Do you actually like it? I remember you told me a long time ago that you’ve always wanted one. And I saw your closet and you still didnt have one until now.” He smiled at her.

She cooed over his gesture and gave him another kiss. “I love it even more, Aus. Thank you.”

Jake shook his box. “Did I get one too? So I can join the crew?” He laughed and opened his box. “Oh wait a minute! This is even better!” He held up the toiletry bag and opened it. “OH MAN!” He started to laugh. “Thank you, man! I love this! And also really needed this!” He started to pull out hair products.

“You take great care of your hair and thought I could get you some more stuff. You looked like you were getting low in the bathroom.” Austin fist-bumped Jake.

“This man is fucking damn smart. He was snooping around our stuff and got us what we needed!” Jake started to laugh. “Thank you so much dude!”

Austin gave him a wink and a thumbs up. Next was Leia. “Leia Rey, why don’t you open yours next, sweetheart.” He pinched Leia’s cheek and smiled.

Leia started to open her gift. She squealed and pulled it out of the box. “ITS A ROOSTER!!!” She held the squishmallow above her head. “THANK YOU THANK YOU AUSTIE!” She gave him a kiss and gave her new toy a big hug.

He pushed Leia’s curls from her forehead and gave it a kiss. “You’re welcome, my sweet girl.”

Austin pulled out a collar from behind him. “I didn’t get to wrap it, but I got this for Gunner.” He got off the couch ad went over to Gunner in his bed and placed a new collar around his neck. “There ya go bud.” He gave his head a few scratches before returning to the couch.

You opened your next It was a pretty heavy box. “Gosh what is this, Austin?” You started to unwrap it.

“I thought your house could use one. Here in Hawaii and back home in San Diego.” He smiled as you opened your gift.

“Oh my goodness…” You froze. It was a record player. “Austin….”

Everyone was shocked. “HOLY SHIT THAAT IS NICE, BABE!”

Nat smiled and handed you another gift. “We both got this for you and Rooster.”

You started to open it. It was a custom vinyl with a picture of you and Bradley on it from your wedding. The vinyl was named “The Bradshaws.”

“It has music on there that you and Bradley love. From songs you would recommend to each other, songs you dance around to in the house or even out places, and your wedding song.”

You started to cry. “You guys… This is beautiful. Thank you so much!” You got up and went to hug the both of them. “I love this so much. Oh my gosh.” On your way back you gave Bradley a kiss.

“I’m glad you love it, Darlin. Natasha really helped me out with it. You should really thank her.” He started to laugh.

Bradley opened the gift for the Boys. “Look at these!” He started to laugh. They were matching onesies that said, “Bro’s for life.” Bradley gave one to Jake to hold against Luke. “Dude they are gonna wear these every day. These are too good. Along with the drinking buddies bibs!” Bradley smiled and held it against little Brad. “Thank you, Uncle Austin.” Bradley made Little Brad wave to him.

Austin put the tip of his fingers on his lips as he used his other hand to wave to the boys. “I love you, boys.”

Bradley was last. He opened his gift from Austin and his eyes went wide. “This man has good ass taste.” He held up his sweater, “This looks nice and cozy, man! Thank you!” He reached his hand out for Austin and they interlocked fingers as Bradley shook his hand to show his thanks.

“I think you would look handsome as hell in that, Bradley.” Austin started to laugh.

“Oh hell no. I’m right here, Austin.” Jake looked at Austin with furrowed brows.

Bradley held his hands up to them both. “There is enough daddy to go around. Relax.”

Everyone started to laugh and Nat made a disgusted face. “I’ll Pass.” Everyone started to laugh harder.

Up next were the gifts that Bradley, You, Leia, the boys, and Gunner got for everyone. Leia handed out the gifts.

“Uncle Jakey first!” She clapped her hands in excitement.

“We all get two gifts??” He said excitedly. He started to open the first one. He opened it up and pulled it out. He started to laugh loudly. “I’M A PART OF THE CREW! A CARHART!” He started to laugh. “This one is different, but at least I get to stand out from you nerds.” He put it down and gave all of you hugs and kisses. “Thank you! I love it!”

Bradley shook his head. “You’re welcome, Bagman. Now opened the other one.”

Jake started to open the second gift. He bursted into laughter even louder this time. “OH SHIT! NO WAY!” He held up another carhart, “NOW I AM REALLY PART OF THE CREW!” He held up a navy blue jacket that was in the same fit as Bradley’s and Nat’s. “God I love it! Thank you!” He couldn’t stop laughing.

“Aunt Nix now!!” Leia bounced up and down.

Nat started to open her first gift. She pulled out a flannel jacket. “Oh this is so cute!!” She was feeling its fabric, “Y/n definitely picked this out.”

Bradley and you started to laugh. “She most definitely did. She picked it up and was like ‘oh babe! This is totally something Nat would wear!’ And how could I not agree because it definitely is something you’d wear.”

Nat started to laugh. “I love it!”

Leia gave Nat her second present. “Now this one!” She watched excitedly as Nat started to unwrap the box.

“Hey! This one is really nice too!” She pulled out an oversized jean jacket. “This is so cozy and cute!”

Leia jumped up and clapped. “I picked that one for you Aunt Nat! Do you like it!?” She waited excitedly for Nat’s answer.

“Oh my Leia girl, I love it even more now. Thank you so much, pretty girl.” Nat pulled Leia to her and gave her a kiss on her cheek. “You sure know how to pick good clothes. You must get that from you momma.” She looked over at you and winked.

“I guess that’s my cue.” Austin laughed and opened his first girl. He pulled out a nice quarter-zip sweater. “You guys just really know my taste don’t ya? This looks comfy!” He felt the inside of the sweater. “Oh, this is so soft! Thank you guys!”

“Next one Austie!!” Leia pointed to his last gift.

He opened it and inside was a white sweater. “Oh man, I can layer these! This sweater is so nice! Thank you so much!”

Bradley started to laugh. “I like how we all got each other clothes that we cannot wear while living here because we will sweat so much.”

Everyone started laughing. “We will be ready for cold California when we all get back, but even then San Diego will start warming up again when we are all back.” Jake started to laugh.

“Okay now you all open your gifts!” Phoenix adjusted in her spot as she got ready to watch all of you exchange gifts and open them.

You started and handed all your gifts out to them. Leia and Bradley opened the gifts for the boys. You got little Bradley and Luke baby blankets. Luke’s was Darth Vader and Brad’s was Grogu.

“Here you go babies. From momma!” Leia handed each of her brother’s their blankets and they instantly started to play with them. “I think they like them momma!”

Leia was next. She opened her gift and pulled out a little box. “Momma, what is it?” She looked at it curiously.

“Open it, babe.” You smiled at her.

She opened the box and saw a little necklace with a teddy bear on it. “Oh my gosh! It is so cute, momma!” She held it up to show everyone. “Daddy, can you put it on me?” Bradley put it on her neck and you came down next to her.

“The cool thing about it Leia is that I have one that goes with it.” You showed her yours that you were wearing. “Yours can fit into mine. Watch.” You grabbed your teddy bear and she grabbed hers and her little teddy bear fit right into yours.

“Momma… I love that.”

You kissed her cheek. “Always linked, Forever loved.”

She smiled as she looked at both your necklaces together. “Thank you, momma. I love it so much!”

Gunner was passed out in his bed so Bradley opened his gift, “Oh babe you didn’t!” He started to laugh. “You got him a doggy car seat!” He started to bust out laughing. “Now our cars back home will have 4 car seats. Holy shit.”

Last was Bradley. He opened his gift and his eyes went wide. “OH MY GOD! YESSS!!!” He finished ripping the paper off of the big box. “A DOUBLE BABY CARRIER! I WANTED THIS SO BAD!” Everyone started to laugh. “You guys don’t understand. Once I found out we were having twins I would always send pictures to y/n when she was back home of these things. I wanted one so bad.” He yanked it out of the box and looked at it. “Now I can carry one on my back and one on my chest! SWEET!!!”

Bradley went over to you and kissed you over and over again. “Thank you so much, baby. It’s just what I wanted!”

Bradley and Jake started to play around with the carrier. “Oh wait before we try to put this thing together. The Kids and I have presents for momma.” He smiled over to you as him and Leia went to go and grab your gifts.

You were shocked. You weren’t expecting anything, nor did you really want anything. You already had everything you needed and wanted.

Leia handed you your first gift. They were a new pair of platform Converse. You did mention you wanted these and were shocked that they remembered. “Oh, I love them! Thank you guys!” Leia gave you your next one. You shook the box and heard rattling. Bradley looked at you with wide eyes.

“Holy shit. Be careful, honey.” He started to laugh.

You unwrapped and opened the box. Inside was a Stanley cup with Star Wars engravings. “HOLY CRAP!” You looked at it in amazement. “How the hell did you get this! It was so limited!”

Bradley shook his head. “Don’t worry about it, babe. Only the best for you.” He patted Leia’s head and winked at her. Bradley handed you your next gift.

“Oh my, there is more!” You looked at the next bag with wide eyes. You didn’t expect them to get you so many. This bag felt super light. You took out the tissue paper and inside was a teddy jacket. You screamed. “I wanted this so bad!!!” You thought back to the day you and Bradley were walking around after a date and popped into a store and saw this. You wanted to buy it right then and there but you didn’t. “Oh, thank you so much!”

Bradley handed you another box. “You guys! This is a lot! Oh my gosh!” You opened the next gift and it was a photo collage. They were polaroids Bradley had saved over time. Some were of you and him in college. At his graduation from boot camp. Pictures with you, Mav, and Penny when you first met. Pictures with him and his parents, you and your parents. From your wedding, from the dates you went on, when Leia was born, and when the boys were born. You, Bradley, and the whole squad back home. You started to tear up. “How did you even get all of these, Brad?” You looked up at him and then back down to the collage.

He handed little Brad to Austin and came over to you. He kissed your head as you leaned into him. “I had a lot of help, sweetheart.” You and he continued to look at it as you reminisced. “I have another gift. But this one is from all of us.”

Jake and Austin went to the garage to grab your last gift. The guys came in with a Star Wars-themed rocking chair. “OH MY GOSH!”

You got up still holding the collage and went to go and look at it. “This is so adorable! It’ll be perfect in the boys room!” You went around and gave everyone hugs and kisses. “I love you all so much. Thank you for all of it.” You gave Bradley extra kisses. “Thank you, babe.”

He smiled at you and gave you another kiss on your nose. “Anything for you.” He held you close and kissed your head again. “I do have one more gift for you babe.”

You looked up at him in shock. “Another gift, Bradley?” You looked at him sadly. “Brad noooo!” He laughed and pulled a little box from the inside of his waistline. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart.”

You opened the little box and inside was a ring. “Bradley… What the hell…” You gasped and couldn’t say another word. Bradley pulled it from the box and asked for your hand. “Bradley….” You started to cry.

He took his mom’s ring off and placed it into the box. He gave the box to Jake to hold. “Bradley no!” You were trying to reach for the box and he held your hand to him.

“You will always have my mother’s ring, sweetheart. It’s not going anywhere. I know she would have wanted me to give it to you. Mav always told me my mom left it behind for me so I could give it to the love of my life. And even though it’s such a beautiful gesture and has so much love and meaning behind it. It was a gift from my father to give to my mother to show his love for her. It will always be the symbol of love in my life for me. However, I wanted to get you one that was from me. One that I wanted to pick out specifically for you, to show you my love. A symbol of our love. Forever.” He placed the ring onto your finger and kissed it. “I love you, sweetheart, forever.”

You looked at the ring in amazement. It was definitely bigger and different from Carole’s ring. You grabbed Bradley’s face and kissed him over and over again. “You could have gotten me a ring pop and I would have taken it, Brad. This is so much!” You stated to weep. “I love you, always.”

Leia jumped around. “Momma and daddy are getting married agaiiiin!!!” You and Bradley started to laugh as she hopped around you both.

Everyone came to look at the ring. “Jesus that is one beautiful ring!” Nat grabbed your hand and looked at your new ring. “It’s mesmerizing! Look at it, Aus.” She showed your hand to him.

Austin picked up little Brad and came over. “My oh My. That is so nice. Carole’s ring is just as beautiful, but man this one has it’s own beauty to it.” He patted Bradley’s back with his free hand. “You picked a beautiful ring, Brad.”

Bradley smiled and put his arm over Austin’s shoulders. “Thanks, bud. Anything for my girl. I feel she deserves more than that but when I saw it, I thought it’s as beautiful as her.” Bradley smiled up at you as you blushed.

Jake came to look at your ring as he held Luke against his hip. “DAMN ROOSTER! That is a METEOR.” He showed your hand to Luke. “Look buddy. College tuition.”

Nat slapped Jake’s shoulder. “Bagman do you always have to ruin everything. Gosh!” She shook her head and grabbed Luke from his arms.

Jake started to laugh as he kissed your temple. “I am only kidding, y/n. It’s such a beautiful ring. Bradshaw sure knows how to pick them. So pretty, honey. You make the ring look even better!” He wrapped his arm over your shoulder and patted them.

Bradley started to laugh. “You are definitely something else, Seresin.” Bradley shook his head and snickered at him.

“Now. Real question. Where is my ring, Rooster boy?” Jake raised his brows at Bradley.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A super late Christmas chapter! But y'all wanted it to be part of the storyline! I hope you enjoyed it! The end of this story is near and I don't know how to feel 🥲 I'll see all you babes in the next chapter! 🫶🏼

Hangman's elves are in the comments 🎅🏼

81 notes · View notes