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wardenparker · 2 years ago

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Down the Rabbit Hole - ch 9

Jack ‘Whiskey’ Daniels x female reader Co-written with @absurdthirst

When Jack accidentally shoots a civilian on a mission he takes on not only the guilt of the man’s death, but inherits his soulmate as well. To you, it’s a dream job with more perks than you can imagine - but for Jack it’s a nightmarish complication. Even more so when he starts to develop feelings.

Rating: Mature - but this blog is always 18+! Word Count: 12.3k Warnings: *Blanket warnings - mentions of deceased spouse, a lot of food and alcohol consumption, family recipes, age gap, cursing.* Family being family, brief mention of previous physical abuse/ptsd, playful and sexy flirting Summary: Your family arrives in Louisville and inevitable shenanigans ensue. Notes: Hardcore shout out to my godparents and their kids (my surrogate siblings that I love and adore) for being the inspiration for Sugar’s family. One day I’ll write about the time my godmother and I got day drunk and went traipsing through historical houses for shits and giggles.

Ch 1 ~ Ch 2 ~ Ch 3 ~ Ch 4 ~ Ch 5 ~ Ch 6 ~ Ch 7 ~ Ch 8 ~ Ch 9 ~ Ch 10 ~ Ch 11 ~ Ch 12 ~ Ch 13 ~ Ch 14 ~ Ch 15 ~ Epilogue

The morning is busy, despite the laziness of waking up in each other’s arms again, and includes a pit stop at Ginger’s lab to have temporary versions of your Curiouser and Curiouser tattoo applied for your family’s benefit and check in with the Statesman doctor. Standard procedure, apparently, for soulmates who have had their ink removed to accommodate their agent spouses. Your family will see the proof that you are soulmates, and Jack can wash away the evidence to go back to work after they leave. In jeans and t-shirts, you and Jack amble down to the Statesman airstrip with the Bronco and your little car to bring everyone back to his house for a few days. His three guest rooms edge out your one, so you had brought over a bag of clothes and personal items this morning to stash in his room. His place seemed enormous after leaving your little cabin, but it’s cozy in a very western cowboy kind of way. When the jet lands, the Silver Pony is right behind it. Jack’s beloved fighter will go back to the hangar, but your focus is entirely on the jet as your family disembarks. The last time you saw most of them was your cousin’s wedding, and that was months ago, so you’re itching to jump forward on the tarmac and hug your sister.

Jack stays back, not because he’s wary of meeting your family, but this is your reunion. You’re aware you can tell them things up to a certain point and he knows that you don’t want your family to know the true extent of your ordeal, but family is going to smother you. It’s their way. “Go on, sugar.” He urges you, grinning when they all shout in unison when they see you.

These are hugging people, every single one of them, and it takes better than ten minutes for the fussing and first round of hugs to die down, but you end up with your niece in your arms and grateful tears in your eyes by the end of it. Your mother, for all her lifetime of journalism, is at least keeping the questions to a minimum for now. Mostly just repetitions of “But you’re okay now?” whenever you remind her that you can’t talk about an ongoing investigation - the ‘easy out�� line that Jack had taught you.

It’s only when your personal hoard finally migrated towards the cars does Jack step forward. “Hey folks, I’m Jack.” He’s going to leave it up to you to introduce him if you want, and he’s not sure if you’ve said anything about him before.

“Ohhh, you’re Jack.” Your little sister smirks, reaching out to shake his hand.

“Kind of expected Tex to be here with you, honey. Not going to lie.” Your father, meddlesome king that he is, is occupied with caring for your nephew otherwise you’d probably smack his shoulder much harder than strictly necessary.

“No, Dad.” You focus on loading their suitcases into your trunk so you don’t murder him with your glare. “Actually, I’m really excited for all of you to meet Jack, but you have to promise not to freak out.” Your eyes glide to your right. “Mom? Promise.”

“I would never act inappropriately with your friends, sweetie,” she promises, fully ignoring the many times she has done so before today.

“Liar, but okay.” An affectionate roll of your eyes is well earned, but you stop loading bags for a second to do introductions properly. “Jack, this is my brother Matt, my sister Eliza, her husband Ed, their kids are Nate and Eleanor. And my parents, Jeff and Sherry.” Taking a deep breath, you can’t help the broad, nearly giddy smile that spreads across your face. “Guys…Jack is my soulmate.”

He can’t say that he was expecting the red carpet, but it’s almost funny when your dad’s eyes narrow instantly. “He’s older than you.” Are the first words out of the man’s mouth and honestly, he doesn’t blame him.

“Thank you, Captain Obvious.” You roll your eyes out of frustration that that is the first reaction from your family on something so important. “Yes, Jack is older than me. And you’re older than Mom. It happens all the time.” Granted their difference is a year not a decade, but it really doesn’t matter to you.

“Sorry.” Your dad shakes his head and shuffles forward, holding out his hand to Jack. “I was expecting her to announce that Tex was her soulmate and they had just kept it under wraps at the wedding to not steal the spotlight.” That stings, especially because he was supposed to go to that wedding, but he shakes the man’s hand firmly. “Sorry about that. But I assure you that your daughter is in good hands.”

“Actually, Tex only came with me as a stand-in. He’s a good friend.” You can see Jack flinch slightly and you don’t like it, feeling the way your heart clenches at any sign of discomfort from him. “Jack got caught up with work.” That clench becomes a swell, and your chest puffs up a little with pride. You can’t tell them what Jack really does for work, but his other title is just as impressive. “He’s the CEO of Statesman, so he stays busy.”

That seems to resonate with the family, making Jack the recipient of several reappraising looks. “So that’s why we get flown down on the corporate jet?” Your mom asks and Jack shakes his head.

“No ma’am. That’ll be Champ's decision. I might be CEO, but I answer to him.” He jokes before he takes your hand. “At Statesman, we take the welfare of our soulmates and their families very seriously. We like to think of ourselves as our own little family and that now includes you folks.”

“You’ll see how seriously they take the ‘family’ thing when you see where we all live,” you tell them honestly, shifting your niece carefully in the arm that wasn’t loading suitcases. “We have all the stuff for grilled cheeses and the carrot soup that the kids love back at Jack’s house.”

“Jack’s house?” Your mother cocks her head at your wording. “You aren’t living together already?” She knows how you feel about soulmates so it is surprising to her.

“No, but he has more guest rooms and he offered. This way we can all stay in one place together and no one has a hotel bill.”

“Purely practical. Got it.” Teases your sister, who is the only one who has heard the entire saga of back-and-forth with Jack.

“If you all want to get loaded up.” Jack offers. “We’ll get you back to the house and the makeshift family reunion can start in a jiffy.”

Getting everyone back to the house takes a little finagling but it works, and your brother rides with your parents and Jack in the Bronco to make sure they behave. The kids are fussy when you get to the house but your sister sets them up to nap with the monitor on once everyone’s bags are upstairs and - as is the custom with your family - everyone congregates in the kitchen without discussion. In fact, the biggest discussion right now is what to do with the kids while everyone is here. Touristy things like Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum, the Louisville Zoo, and the amusement park Kentucky Kingdom are all on the list, according to your mother. “We’ll drive out to Dollywood sometime without the kids,” she tells you, glancing at your father with a grin. He’s a legendary Dolly Parton fan but the little ones would never survive the drive without totally melting down.

“If that’s something you want to do….” Jack hums. “We can always drop the kids into the Statesman day care. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind. Or I can stay back and watch them.”

“You guys can always add a few days to your vacation,” you offer, already bustling around the kitchen to get everyone something to drink before you start making lunch. “The jet is already reserved to take everybody else home on Saturday morning, instead of going home you can hop a commercial flight to Tennessee and check out Dollywood. If dad likes it, we’ll make it the next family vacation?”

Jack listens to the conversation, trying to get a feel for your family and he doesn’t miss the way that they are looking at him, judging him. It’s been a long time since he’s had to worry about what people think of him.

The rolls you all fill get to be obvious after a while - your excitable mother and nosy father, generally troublemaking sister and her easy-going husband, punctuated by your brother who likes to poke and make trouble sometimes or play the peacemaker at others, depending on when the mood strikes him. At the moment he is being good, just watching your brand-new soulmate to see how he deals with your parents. Right now it's a roundabout while your father pretends he isn't dying to go to Dollywood under literally any circumstances and everyone else provides him with various ways to make it happen, until he finally grins at all of you and takes a sip of his sweet tea. "Your mom and I will go for a few days this weekend," he agrees, looking around at the group of his three kids with two of their soulmates and feeling a little like the king of the castle. "I'm sure we'll love it, and we can all go back again together." He raises an eyebrow at you. "You're still gonna be able to get away for family vacation this year, right kiddo?"

"As long as you don't schedule it for the week my restaurant opens, of course I will." It's not something they would ever do, but you can't help getting excited about the opening with it being so close.

Jack leans against the counter. “It’s gonna be a big affair and we’ll have the jet standing by again to bring everyone down.” He tells them, wanting them to know that it’s going to be taken care of. “You’re doing it that Saturday or Sunday, sugar?” He asks, looking back at you.

"It's Saturday." There's no reason to hide that you love the little pet name, and you practically beam at him. "Sunday will be special because it's the first day we're doing brunch." The Sunday brunch menu was Diana's brain child originally, when you made eggs benedict for the two of you one day in the kitchen. "Just three more weeks." Your brother hovers a little, still feeling guilty for losing track of you when you came to visit him, as if the Rollins brothers wouldn't have just grabbed him, too.

Jack nods. “Some of the best damn food to be had will be available at the Statesman tea room.” He sends you a small wink. “And the sweetest desserts.”

"We heard you fell for the coconut cake just like her granddad did." Your mother grins. "There's no way around it. That cake is the best thing in the world."

“The coconut cake is to die for.” Jack nods in complete agreement, already anticipating when you make that confection again. “But her crawfish salad was what threw in the towel for me.”

“I don’t think you’ve made that for us, sweetie.” Your father eyes you with a pout as you move around the kitchen.

“You don’t like shellfish,” you remind him with a laugh. “It’s the recipe I used to make shrimp salad tea sandwiches for Eliza’s bridal shower with a few little tweaks.”

“Best damn sandwich I’ve ever put in my mouth.” Jack boasts. “This tea room of hers is going to be a success.”

“I’m gonna have to put a padlock on the fridge to keep you from sneaking into the kitchen.” Teasing him has truly turned to being second nature, and it’s gone further than it had during that first tentative week of knowing each other. There’s so much affection there that it warms you through time after time, making you duck your head when you smile at him. “Put up a picture of you in back for my staff to warn them.”

“Wanted: Sandwich Thief.” Jack snorts, shooting you devilish grin, “considered armed and dangerous but can be bribed with a cupcake.”

"You'll fit right in, in this family." From the other side of the table, your brother-in-law laughs. "Food is their love language."

“Be honest, I think it just might be her cookin’.” He jokes, sending you a small wink. “Showed her a pizza place, she didn’t like it at all.” He chuckles, watching your face morph from shock to outrage.

"You wouldn't dare keep Tony's from me." Your jaw is practically on the ground, eyebrows pinched and a pout painting the rest of your features as you freeze in the middle of peeling a carrot. "Not after truffle pizza. I dreamed about that pizza."

His chuckle turns slightly mean, so sinister – though everyone can tell he’s joking. A sound similar to the evil antagonists in every spy movie they put out, and he’s watched them all for the irony. “Then my evil plan worked.”

"So mean, threatening to keep the good pizza away." There's no heat in the way you huff at him, and if you had looked over at the table in that moment you would have seen your brother and sister exchanging amused, knowing expressions.

“Keep it all for myself.” He adds, enjoying the pouty look you’re giving him. “Do you want me to help? Get out the bowls or something?” You’ve already inspected his kitchen and grumbled about needing to bring some of your stuff over if you’re cooking here, but he just assumed that was what every chef did.

"Can I trust you with the grilled cheese?" It's barely a real question, since the man has been feeding himself for decades, but you like the small moments of domesticity that you've been sharing this morning.

“I don’t burn ‘em, if that’s what you’re askin’.” Jack moves over towards you and his hand finds your waist as he moves to your other side. “How do you make your grilled cheese?” He has a feeling it’s a little more involved than two slices of bread, a slice of American cheese and some butter.

“No reason to get complicated today.” Everybody at the table is chatting away merrily about something that happened back home, and you take the second to lean into Jack’s touch a little. “When it’s me, I do apple and bacon and a Muenster cheese. But classic American is a great sandwich to do in bulk.” He’s warm and feels safe beside you, a feeling you’re learning to relish. “This isn’t too crazy for you, is it?” You whisper, worried that on day two of your precarious relationship, he might change his mind after remembering what dealing with another person’s family can be like.

“It’s….a lot.” Jack admits quietly, unused to the large family feeling that had descended on his house. But it’s not an unwelcome one. “But it’s okay, sugar. I grew up in boisterous bunkhouses on the ranch when I was old enough to be there. Which was as long as I could sit on a horse.”

“If it gets to be too much just say the word and I’ll ferry them out to whatever tourist spot they want to see. Or I’ll bring them back to my place. Whatever you need, okay? This is…it’s new.” You sigh gently, leaning into him a little more. “I don’t want to scare you off before we even get started.”

“Don’t worry about that.” Jack uses your willingness to lean against him to curl around you. “I’m tired of runnin’ from you, sugar. I’m too damn old to be actin’ like a young buck anymore. You’re my soulmate.”

“Can’t say I’m ever gonna get tired of hearing you say it.” You hum softly, turning your head to press your lips to his cheek.

The warmth that spreads through his whole body at the simple gesture would have made him run for the hills a week ago. Now he just makes a small sound of appreciation and squeezes your hip again before he slides over to start making sandwiches for everyone.

“So this is new.” When Jack moves to one side, your brother appears between you with an unreadable expression that only hints at curiosity. “When she showed up at my place Friday night she was definitely not glowing like this.” In fact, you had been miserable and in tears, so the change has him about ready to offer to be Jack’s best man someday.

“That’s my fault.” Jack isn’t going to shy away from his mistakes, not when they have affected you so deeply. He owns who he is to the marrow of his bones. “I couldn’t get my head out of my ass long enough to realize I was scared.”

“I know she’s a pain in the ass,” Matt smirks at you and you glower in response. “But she’s not that bad once you get used to her.”

Jack chuckles when you turn around and throw a piece of carrot at your brother and stick your tongue out at him. “Mature.” He teases as he lays out the bread for the other half of the lunch.

“Middle child.” Matt tells Jack, as though that explains every ounce of your behavior. “Anyway…whatever this is…she looks happy. And she’s got her sense of humor back. So keep doing what you’re doing.”

It says something that just acknowledging the fact that you are soulmates makes you happy. Jack nods, and levels a genuine look at your brother. “Your sister's health and happiness are my top priorities.” He promises seriously.

"Glad to hear it." He may give you both shit, but Matt takes his role as older brother to two younger sisters very seriously. If your little sister hadn't met her soulmate-now-husband in high school, there would have been a lot more intimidating of boyfriends. "Like I said, she's a pain in the ass. But she's our pain in the ass."

Jack chuckles quietly, noticing how you look like you want to die, melt into the hardwoods to never be seen again. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He nods towards your brother and the unspoken agreement is arranged. The one that speaks to if Jack hurts you - again - he will sit and take the ass whooping he deserves.

"Jack, honey." Your mother looks over as your brother moves away and smiles. "Will you tell us a little about yourself?" It's an innocent effort to get the ball rolling, but she's trying to do it gently. Any little tidbits to get to know her daughter's soulmate better.

Nodding, Jack decides that it’s best that he puts his hands to use while he answers that loaded question. “Well, ma’am, I was born and raised on a ranch. Decided it wasn’t the life I wanted anymore when I – lost my first soulmate. I went into the military and then when I was done with that, I joined Statesman.”

"Military?" That makes your mother tilt her head in interest. "What branch? My father was a Navy man."

“Air Force.” Jack gives a small shrug. “I have a love of planes, but didn’t get to fly ‘em when I was in because of not being an officer.”

“It’s never too late to get your pilot’s license,” your sister volunteers, her cheery optimism on display as always. If you and Jack are finally giving things a try - which it seems you are - then she wants him to be happy, too.

"I fly now." Jack assures her, giving a peacock proud grin. "That plane that was being pulled into the hangar after you landed is mine. Brought back from New York."

“You were in New York?” Your mother asks, clearly asking why without saying it.

“Jack came to bring me home.” You turn around at the counter, one hand pausing in stirring the soup on the stove. “He’s been taking care of me since everything happened.”

"And he flew a…fighter plane there…" The obvious questions are there, bubbling under her tone as if there is a piece to the puzzle that your mother can't see but wants to find out. It makes Jack grateful for the fake tattoos that are on your bodies in case someone wants to see.

"Quickest way to get there." Jack says breezily, like it was standard operating procedure to fly it. "I'm sure you understand the need to get to your soulmate when something happens."

“You almost got arrested for reckless driving the day Dad broke his leg,” you remind your mother with a raised eyebrow. “And he was already at the hospital. I’m just glad Jack had a way to get to me that wasn’t an eleven hour car ride.”

Your mom nods her head in agreement, but he can see that she knows that there is more to the story than what you’re telling. “I don’t know if I woulda survived an eleven hour trip.” He tells her.

“Hell, I might not have.” The mumble under your breath is only loud enough for Jack, but you offer your family an apologetic expression. “We can’t talk about it,” you remind them. “But I promise you, Jack is taking care of me until I’m allowed to go back to work.”

“It’s not going to affect your opening?” Your dad asks. “I don’t know what happened, but if they aren’t letting you go back to work– that’s just a precaution right?”

“Purely precaution. Champ wants me fully rested and in the best possible shape for the opening, so we’re being overly careful.” Deciding you can leave the soup for a few minutes, you go over to the table to pour a glass of tea for yourself and squeeze your dad’s shoulder reassuringly. “I’m okay, and my team is amazing. The opening is going to be perfect.”

Jack finishes assembling all the sandwiches, sticking to a mixture of cheeses and smearing some of the garlic butter that he had made from your cabin on the outside of the bread. The griddle in the middle of the stove is already waiting, but he waits for you to tell him when to put them on to toast so they can be ready when the soup is.

It’s when Jack is passing by your father at the table with a stack of plates in his arms that your father hrrmphs, and you turn around at the stove to frown. “What?” You ask, knowing that sound all too well.

“He has it.” Your father huffs, pointing at Jack’s arm.

“Yeah, Dad. We’re soulmates. I told you that.”

“Sure,” your father crosses his arms. “But he also said he had a first soulmate, and second soulmates only exist in fairy tales.”

"I thought so too." Jack admits easily. "It's– that's one of the reasons why I was–" Jack stops and turns to look towards you. "I denied it. I didn't want it because I didn't think it was possible. But it is, and we are soulmates - whether or not I wanted it or thought it was possible."

“How do you feel about it now?” Your mother asks, obviously actually asking how he feels about you, and eyeing you seriously when you try to stop her from finishing her sentence.

“I would die for your daughter.” Jack tells your mother honestly. “Her health, her happiness, are the most important things in the world to me.”

“I think we can stop the interrogations on that note, don’t you?” The question may be for your mother, but it’s Jack that you put your arms around and murmur “I love you” in his ear. It’s enough that he’s not fighting it anymore. Enough that he’s willing to face the fear inherent in loving deeply for a second time. You don’t want this entire visit to be an interview.

“It’s okay.” Jack assures you, just as quietly. He had expected this type of interrogation, especially because of his actions and you fleeing to New York in the face of your last argument.

“Doesn’t mean I have to like it.” You whisper back, leaving a brushed kiss on his cheek before stepping away to grab the stick blender and purée the soup. “Everybody having grilled cheese?” The bright question for the group is meant to change the subject and distract. Everyone, especially you.

Your brother-in-law snickers, obviously onto your meaning and he nods. “I want one of course, but I’m gonna go check on the kids.” He stands up and sends Jack a nod of encouragement. “Be right back.”

Thankfully the air clears while you and Jack finish cooking lunch, and by the time everything is on the table the kids are up from their nap and wanting to talk about the horsies that Mommy and Daddy promised they could go see – meaning you will absolutely be taking a trip to Churchill Downs tomorrow come hell or high water.

“Don’t understand how you can make carrot soup taste good.” Jack groans as he spoons up another bite and rolls his eyes at the taste.

“She’s magic.” Your sister points her spoon at you in between mouthfuls. “I swear I gained so much weight while she was in culinary school. Everything she makes is amazing.”

Jack sends you a proud wink, nodding. “I can just imagine.” He tears off a bite of his sandwich to dunk it into the soup to meld the flavors together.

Normally ready to dive face first into a bowl of your carrot soup, your nephew is completely demolishing his half of the grilled cheese that your sister put in front of him, practically cackling about how much he likes it. “It tastes like garlic bread!” He gasps excitedly, as though the rest of you aren’t eating the very same thing.

Jack chuckles and nods. “I always like garlic bread best, how about you, buddy?” He asks your nephew with interest.

"Daddy says I can't ever be a vampire." The little boy declares, chest puffed up proudly as he rips off another bite of his sandwich.

That is definitely the comment made to a person that loves garlic. “That’s good.” Jack raises his brows seriously. “I’ve heard that being a vampire is no fun. No beach days.”

This seems to make the little boy pause, and think about the consequences of vampirism incredibly seriously. "That's good," he says, imitating Jack's tone the way only a child can. "I like the beach. Being a vampire does not sound fun."

All of the adults laugh and nod in agreement as the sounds of eating give way to amusement. Jack winks at the younger man. "You'd rather be a cowboy." He tells the boy seriously. "We eat garlic bread all the time."

"Cowboys ride horses." At nearly four years old, Nate's love of horses is already so well established that it has rubbed off on his baby sister - who squeals and giggles and babbles with delight whenever there is anything on the tv at home that features the large animals. "Horses are super cool."

"Horses are cool." Jack shoots a glance at your sister and brother-in-law. "There are horses here." He offers, the southern edge of the property behind the distillery is lined up with the neighbor's horse farm. The horses love to come hang out by the fence line and scarf down scraps the visitors bring them. "I'm sure that if you are really good and listen to your parents, they might let you visit the horses, feed them some apples?"

Nate's little eyes go round as saucers, immediately turning to his parents with desperate pleading painted across every inch of his face. "I'll be the best boy!" He promises, clasping his hands over his heart in the most dramatic fashion possible. "I promise, I promise!"

Jack knows that he might have put your sister and her husband on the spot, but it could also be something that the kids enjoy. The tours end around five but the horses are going to be waiting around because a lot of the staff also enjoy feeding them. The neighbor didn't mind. Hell, his feed costs dropped after people started feeding the horses.

"There are horses on the property?" Your sister asks, looking to Jack with curiosity. "Like as a gimmick or something?"

“Nah.” Jack shakes his head. “At the property line. Neighboring property is a horse farm.” He explains. “The horses love to come to the fence line and beg the tourists for the fruit.”

"And the owner is okay with that?" She glances back at her son and over at your parents, collecting reactions when Jack nods.

"Why don't we take a distillery tour this afternoon?" You suggest, thinking this might be the perfect middle ground for a family afternoon activity. "We can enjoy some samples in the saloon after and then go bring the horses some snacks?"

"That sounds good to me." Jack agrees. "I can make sure you get the extra special tour." He chuckles. "More samples and no other tour groups with us."

"Perks of knowing the CEO." Your father chuckles, raising his tea in salute. "Sounds like a plan, kids."

This is going to work. The nerves that had bounced around in his belly start to settle and Jack leans back, smirking at you as you murmur to your sister quietly. Obviously talking about things that only sisters do - or when a group of friends get together. He doesn't mind this at all.

Under the table, your hand finds Jack's thigh and squeezes gently, the quiet signal of support and happiness speaking loud and clear in the moment. You're going to make this trip a good one.

******

It’s a few hours before the tour happens. The younger kids are easily entertained at the pond in the small park nearby after the adults get everything unpacked in their guest rooms, and ultimately the large group is ready to explore the sprawling Statesman campus. Jack smirks as they start all talking at once as you field questions.

“Okay, you guys have to chill.” You’re laughing despite the admonishment, poking your sister in the arm playfully and waggling another finger at your curious father. “I asked Diana to do this tour for you herself and she’s the best, but she’s also my very closest friend down here, so you have to be nice.”

“Smart business.” Your mother teases, winking at you. “Always make friends with the boss’s wife.”

“It wasn’t sneaky or anything, she’s just really cool.” If anything, you get special treatment for being Jack’s soulmate - like your entire restaurant, for example.

“Then I think I will like this woman.” She decides, wanting to learn about your life here. Especially because your soulmate is now here. She hasn’t missed the way that Jack hovers over you and she approves of it.

“Who are we likin’, sweet darlin?” Diana has the uncanny ability to seemingly appear out of nowhere, but this time it’s completely reasonable as she strolls out the front doors of Statesman’s main offices with Champ in tow to throw her arms around you. She’d been to see you while you were healing in Ginger’s lab and Jack has filled her in on the details of the mission that he could manage to speak about.

“You, love!” You return her embrace eagerly, glad to see smiles on the faces of people you love again. “Thank you so much for doing this, Di.”

“No problem at all!” She waves away your thanks and tuts. “Your family is our family.” She promises before she turns towards the group and puts on her friendliest smile to introduce herself to your family.

“You may regret that,” your father jokes, knowing that all of his children like to bust him about being a handful.

"When you deal with the egos I do, anyone is easy to handle." Diana jokes, throwing a wink back at her husband as she ushers him forward. "This is my husband, Champ." She introduces him. "Technically Jack and your daughter's boss."

“Technically both, but only one of ‘em listens.” Champ chuckles, shaking your father’s hand and accepting a hug from your mother. “Jack’s stubborner than a mule in March muck.”

"Now Champ, I wouldn't be your best employee if I just marched to your tune and you know it." Jack shoots back, hooking his thumbs in his belt loops and grinning at the older man.

Narrowing in on the way Jack says employee instead of agent, Champ shakes his head and chuckles before looking back at your siblings. "Don't ever hire your best friend, y'all. They'll drive you up a mountain, and worst of all they'll be so good for business that you can't fire 'em."

Everyone chuckles and Jack slides his arm around you. It's been a few hours and he wants to make sure you aren't too tired. He knows that even though Ginger's technically healed you better than new, he still sees you broken and unconscious when he closes his eyes. "You doin' okay, sugar?" He murmurs in your ear.

"I'm okay." You're a little tired, but all things considered it's a miracle that you feel as good as you do. Grateful just to be on your feet, you lean into Jack's side and smile encouragingly.

"Good." He hums softly. "If you feel tired, you slip away and I will make sure that your family is all tipsy by the time we walk back into the house."

"If I'm tired I'll find some coffee." You promise him quietly, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "I'm not leaving you alone with this group."

He appreciates that you aren't ready to throw him to the wolves, but as the two of you walk behind them, he lets you lean against him as you stroll. Enjoying the way that you are trusting him.

Diana knows every brick and every blade of grass on this campus, and she’ll tell their stories without reservation. You stay snuggled into Jack’s side as Diana regales your family with stories as the whole group of you slowly make your way through the maze of buildings.

"I bet they are all eager to see your restaurant and the tasting rooms." Jack jokes as he leans into you.

“They’re eager to eat and drink,” you joke back, wishing you felt normal enough to be in that kitchen working with your staff. “Not that I can blame them. A cup of coffee sounds heavenly right now.”

"I don't know how you could be tired." He chuckles quietly. "You managed to sleep most of the day and all night long."

“If you’re gonna tease me about it, I won’t cuddle you tonight.” Wrinkling your nose and forehead at him as determinedly as possible just makes you look silly, but it’s not exactly a serious threat in the first place. Waking up with Jack has been amazing, and you’d hate to give up that privilege.

“Hmmmmm, that sounds like a threat.” Jack hums, smirking at you. “Does that mean I need to tie you to the bed?” The words come out playfully before he realizes you might not appreciate that considering you had been tied to a damn chair and tortured. His face falls and he tightens his hold on you. “Shit– I’m sorry, sugar.”

“It’s okay.” You turn into him completely, hanging on to him tightly as your family follows Diana down the path and you and Jack hang back together for a moment. “It’s okay…you meant…you were teasing. And I love that you tease. But maybe…” It makes you shiver a little, the memories like flashes of a movie in your mind. “Maybe no bondage stuff. For at least a little while.”

“Doesn’t have to ever be a thing if you don’t want, sugar.” He promises you. “I know that it can be tough to get over it. I just didn’t think.” He rubs his hand up and down your back soothingly.

“I used to like it.” But now the specter of what happened hangs over something that used to be pleasurable, and you wonder how many other things might have been accidentally ruined by the Rollins brothers. “I honestly don’t know about it now, though. We’ll have to wait and see, I guess.”

“Therapy.” Jack murmurs quietly, pressing his lips to your forehead. And he knows that if it’s something you never want to do again, he would be okay with that. Your comfort was more important than a kink.

“We should see when the doctor is available.” You tilt your head back to silently ask for a kiss, appreciating the comfort of having him close. He hasn’t left your side except to be in the next room since he brought you back to Kentucky and you’re so grateful.

It’s an easy press of his lips to yours. Keeping it gentle and soft. Still, he keeps his arms around you and breathes you in. “Anytime you want sugar.” He promises. “You want to wait until they have gone home?”

“You still planning on holding out on me like a responsible adult who wants to have open channels of communication before we’re intimate?” The eyebrow you raise at him, even while you’re murmuring quietly, is fully teasing. He’s right to want to make sure you’re talking through things before you start sleeping together. Even if you are already sleeping together in the literal sense.

“Believe me, sugar.” Jack groans quietly, kissing your ear. “I’d rather have had your tight little walls around me instead of my fist in the shower this morning.”

“As-soon-as-possible.” Mumbled together like one long word, your forehead drops to Jack’s shoulder to avoid groaning out loud. “We’re starting therapy as soon as possible.”

He chuckles, the only response he can have in a situation like this. “Of course, sugar. Whenever you want.”

“Oh god.” Your sister’s voice breaks the spell, jostling you and Jack out of your cozy moment. “You’re really in the gross lovey-dovey beginnings stages still, aren’t you?” Like you and Jack teasing each other, she doesn’t mean a word. She’s grinning the whole time and practically giggling behind her dramatic pout. “Come on, Diana says it’s time for tasting and you know nothing is going to keep Dad and Matt away from all that whiskey for long.”

Jack snorts and taps your lip when you start pouting. “We can kiss later, sugar. Right now, let’s go get drunk with your family.”

“Gross.” Eliza snorts, pinching your arm before turning back to trot up the block to promptly kiss her husband and take the baby back from him. The picture of domestic bliss teasing you about having feelings is laughable and both of you know it. “Fiiiiine,” you sigh dramatically to Jack and take his hand instead. “But I’m gonna hold you to that. Save that kiss for later.”

“I have a lot of kisses stored up.” Jack waggles his brows. “Depends on where you want them.”

“Everywhere.” Fingers threading together, you tighten your hand in his. “Absolutely everywhere. Please and thank you.”

“Think my tongue would be a good replacement for my fingers?” He teases. “With your parents in the house?” He gives you a shocked look but his smirk is smug.

“I will make literally anything you want for breakfast tomorrow.” Whatever he wants, because you know that what you want is him.

Jack chuckles and arches a brow at you playfully. “Anything?”

“Anything.” At first you were just playfully bargaining, but now you’re intrigued.

Jack senses that you see it as a challenge and he grins. “Okay, how about aebleskiver?” He asks.

Starting to walk along the path, you raise one very impressed eyebrow at Jack and hum in thought. “Do you have an aebleskiver pan somewhere in that mansion of a house?”

“Maybe?” That Jack doesn’t know but he’s collected a lot of shit from missions over the years.

“If you do, then you’re on.” Loving the fact that he’s willing to be playful, you press a kiss to his cheek and follow your family inside the building at the end of the walkway to the distillery’s tasting rooms.

The taste testing is a supreme success. With Champ there, the normal bottles that are available are quickly shoved aside for some of the more precious liquors Statesman offers. “Show off.” Jack huffs under his breath as Champ produces a bottle of ‘61 double barreled blend.

“Just wantin’ to make sure these fine folks have a good time.” Champ leans back against the bar to survey the room as you and your family enjoy the tasting. He isn’t blind to the fact that you’ve barely had a sip from your early glasses so that you could take the baby from your sister, or that your nephew’s apparent love for popcorn is currently being satiated by his own wife and one of the bartenders who provides snacks in this particular room. Diana is taking delight in sharing a basket of the salty snack with her new little friend. “She seems to be doin’ okay,” he murmurs, not nodding to you because he knows Jack hasn’t taken his eyes off you.

“Stronger than half our agents.” Jack muses, not for the first time. “Damnest thing I’ve ever seen, Champ.”

“Think I should get her to swap jobs?” Champ chuckles softly, not meaning a word of it. He had read the complete report that Jack typed up while sitting beside your pod, as well as Rye’s report and Ginger’s updates on your health. Admittedly he was pretty impressed, but he would never expect Jack to be okay with making you even a junior agent.

“Only if you want to put me in an early grave.” Jack huffs, fully aware of how hypocritical it sounds but he couldn’t take you putting yourself in danger. Hell, he doesn’t want you near a mandoline if there’s the possibility of you getting hurt, though you would fight him on that. “I just hope it’s not a front and she cracks.” Jack admits.

“You’ll keep an eye on her.” He knows Jack well enough to know that he won’t rest for a second if he thinks you might not actually be okay. “Since y’all are getting along so much better now.”

Jack cuts his eyes over to Champ. “Plannin’ on sayin’ ‘told you so’?” He huffs, fully aware of the smirk hidden under Champ’s bushy mustache.

“Do I need to?” He will, of course, at some point when it’s amusing to all present. Today he’s just glad to see you up and laughing with that smile you beam at Jack every now and then.

"No." He rolls his eyes and grumbles under his breath even as he shuffles slightly. He knows now that Champ had been right but damned if he just wants to concede right now.

“I’ll save it for my best man's speech at the wedding.” Champ chuckles, looping his thumbs in the pockets of his jeans.

Jack blows out another huff, wanting to comment that maybe you wouldn’t want to get married but Champ knows that isn’t true. You are the type to want a marriage and whatever else comes with a soulmate.

“Cat got your tongue, Jack?” The chuckle turns to a puckish giggle and Champ claps his best friend on the shoulder. “I’m just happy for ya, is all. You know that.”

“I know.” Above all else, he knows that Champ is in his corner.

“You gonna come back to work soon?” Now that you’re safe and mark-free, Jack is technically free to do that. Champ just wonders if his friend is up to letting you out of his sight.

“At least not until after her grand opening.” Jack frowns as he watches you laugh with your brother and sister, taking another sip of the whiskey you are tasting and debating the different notes they are tasting with them. “You know how it is when you are out in the field. I don’t want to put that on her with her opening so soon.”

“God forbid you get wrapped up in something and miss it.” Champ nods solemnly, knowing it would devastate you if that happened. He’s had enough conversations with his wife to understand how much you care about Jack. He clears his throat though, quietly, wondering how Jack will react to a bit of news. “That kid Kingsman sent us - Yvain? He’s headin’ back to London. Adjustment just didn’t happen, so they’re sendin’ somebody new over.”

Jack frowns, brows knitting together. “They sending the kid back?” He asks, wondering how you would take it now if Tex shows back up. His jaw still aches sometimes but damned if he would ever let him know it. It had been well deserved.

"Yep." The older man doesn't shift, just watches Jack carefully as they talk, with the casual air of someone discussing a shopping list. "With the new Kingsman agent. We're gonna send Bobby over. He's chompin' at the bit to flex his muscles and he's done well overseas." While he isn't thrilled to be sending his only child to a different continent for work, Champ knows that Bobby's future means more than his own comfort does. His boy is bright and clever and deserves the chance to grow.

Jack’s frown deepens slightly, born of his own mistakes and insecurities, but that can’t be helped. The only one who is to blame for Tex having intimate knowledge of you is him. It’s not at all arrogant to believe that if Jack hadn’t played fast and loose with your emotions that you wouldn’t have given the boy a second look. “They’re sendin’ two back?” That surprises him, knowing they are light in manpower. “But Bobby’ll do fine. He’s a good agent. Real good.”

"We're sendin' Yvain and Bobby back, they're sendin' Tex and this gal Isolde." The code names of the Kingsman agents give his lazy Southern tongue a little trouble, but he likes the girl well enough. "Had a call with her this morning. I think she'll fit right in."

“Haven’t seen many that will fit in.” Jack grumbles, still slightly peeved by Galahad shooting him in the fuckin’ head.

"Think you might be glad of this one," Champ shuffles slightly to face Jack. "Seein' as she's the kid's soulmate and all."

A riot of emotions rides over his face as he absorbs the news that Tequila has found his soulmate. Relief being the primary one, hoping that with that discovery, his little crush on Jack's soulmate would settle down. "How did they find that out?" He asks, trying to seem like he is completely casual and not having a mini celebration inside.

"Photos." There's a twist on Champ's lips as he sees Jack's shoulders tense then deliberately relax like he's forcing himself not to have a reaction. "That scar left from his broken arm, back during the rodeo days? He saw it in some old photos of her." Obviously when Tequila had reached agent status the mark had been eliminated from his skin and therefore from hers, as well. In the years since, the boy had nearly forgotten it ever existed. "Accordin' to Eggsy, they're a hell of a team."

“Well that could mean anything.” Jack grumbles. Wondering what this soulmate of his looks like and if he’s good for the kid. Despite his own issues with Tequila honing in on you, he still cared about him.

"We'll find out this weekend." Chuckling over the fact that Jack's protective instincts never waver, Champ shrugs his shoulders and claps him on the shoulder again. "Bobby's goin' away party is Saturday. He'd hate for his Uncle Jack to miss it. Ya hear?"

“Of course.” Jack nods immediately, smirking slightly. “Kid will be disappointed we didn’t get a chance to work together.”

"No way of knowin' what will happen in the future." Better men than them have tried to control it and failed, so Champ is even going to try for a prediction. "For now, though, this is a good choice for him. Let him learn from somebody besides his old man and his uncle. Get a new perspective."

“It’ll be a good thing for the kid.” He chuckles. “Let him get laid without a report goin’ to his old man about it.”

"God help me," Champ huffs, wiping one hand down his face. "I'm hopin' he takes after his mama in that and not you or me."

Jack grins, knowing the boy the is already a lady’s man, even if Champ hasn’t realized it yet. “Hope you don’t take it too hard when you realize he was raised by all of us.”

"Just hopin' he has his mother's brains about it all." Knowing damn well that Bobby Rogers is the same sort of man that he and Jack are, Champ ends up chuckling. "You and I? We talk a big game but we fall head over heels. That woman of mine has such a clear head that I swear she's never even heard of fog."

“She’s smarter than all of us put together, Champ.” Jack jokes. “That ain’t exactly fair.”

"And look at who her best friend is." He's seen other friends come and go from his wife's life over the years. People she could and couldn't be absolutely honest with, people she could or couldn't relate to easily. The only other friend she's ever made so quickly and completely was Ginger. Watching you and Diana laugh and chat together with your family is such a soothing balm over his soul. Champ would give anything to make his wife happy. It was worth it to bring you here for that alone. "She said it's like finally gettin' the little sister she always wanted."

“Oh god.” Jack huffs, rolling his eyes. “That means they are going to gang up on you and in turn that means you gang up on me.”

"Already have." The older man laughs again, shaking his head fondly. While Jack was off being a miserable lump over the last few weeks, Champ had been seeing more and more of you around the house as you and Diana grew closer. "I'm lettin' them hire an event planner to start doin' parties and weddings. Technically it's all part of Diana's domain, but your gal will be doin' the catering out of her restaurant."

Jack muses over the idea for several minutes, remembering how you had talked about just that idea right from the beginning. "Hopefully she doesn't overextend herself and by extension - Diana." He does think you would be fantastic at it though.

"I told 'em they had to hire somebody to do the actual planning." Champ nods, having had the same worry. "Di can work magic on anything, but doin' all the tours and weddings would be too much even for my Wonder Woman. And I know your gal wanted to do these from the beginning, but she was the first one to mention hiring a planner. So it'll work out." He chuckles though, glancing at Jack. "Only question is if it's gonna be you or Tequila that gets married first."

"Shit Champ." Jack huffs, propping his hands on his hips as he contemplates that idea. "Do you know how long it's been since my first weddin'?" He asks, remembering the small, ranch wedding he had with Abigail. He had been so goddamn happy and eager to put a ring on her finger. Still a wet behind the ears virgin who wanted nothing but his soulmate. This time - and he's already admitting there will be a 'this time' - he has no idea how he will feel. He's older, more experienced and still completely out of his depths.

"Yes I do." He knows exactly how long, but he also knows that Jack needed that distance. "And when y'all do decide to make a go of it, we'll all be glad to celebrate with you."

"We are takin' things slow." Jack admits quietly. "I want to go to therapy with her. Because of what happened to her and because of my own shit I dumped on her."

If Champ is surprised, he doesn't let himself show it. He nods, rocking a little on his heels, and leans back against the bar counter behind them. "I'll make sure Doc makes space for you," he promises, lowering his voice a little more to match Jack.

"Thanks." Jack keeps his eyes on you, alert for any signs of fatigue or discomfort. Maybe a little overzealous but it has been less than 36 hours since he had held your limp body in the back of that SUV. "I appreciate that. I know I'm fucked up, have been for a long time but I don't want to hurt her anymore."

"Jack Daniels is a changed man." He can't resist teasing just a little. After all, they are friends. "From emotionless ladies man to considerate and caring partner. Can't say I ain't impressed."

"I've always been considerate." Jack puffs up, offended by that comment. "Considerate enough to let women run while the gettin' was good."

"I said 'considerate and caring partner'," Champ reminds him. "Been a long time since you had a woman who you thought of as an equal, that's all I'm saying. Never meant to imply you had no manners."

"What if I'm not good at it?" Jack's eyes tear away from you for a moment, meeting Champ's watery blue eyes before he looks away in embarrassment again. "Bein' a partner? What if I'm too goddamn bad at it and make her more miserable than she was before?"

"You're not gonna be perfect every single day." He says quietly, shifting so he's imperceptibly closer to his friend and refocusing his attention fully on Jack. "If you try to be perfect you're gonna end up a ticking time bomb of stress and urgency. Do the best you can. Support her. Be there for her. Let yourself love her in the best way you can, and when you fuck something up you make sure you goddamn apologize. And when you don't know what to do? You talk to her. Talk to the doc with her. Can't fix a problem if you don't admit somethin' is broken."

Jack has to admit that Champ gives damn good advice. He knows that even as happy as him and Diana have been over the years, there have been nights where Champ was banished to his couch in his office or Diana wasn’t talkin’ to him. So it’s obviously advice he’s used himself over the years. “I never want her to look that broken ever again.” He doesn’t mean just physically. That was horrible, but nothing could match the horror at seeing the utter defeat in your eyes. The light extinguished, the joy vanquished and luckily it had returned. He never wants to be the cause of it fading again.

"Then you're gonna have to learn to talk without just runnin' your mouth." It makes Champ chuckle a little, and he shrugs one shoulder as he looks back to you with your family - sitting now, watching the baby yawn in the double stroller. "And if you get it figured out, you let me know? I still can't quite get the hang of it, but I'm tryin'."

Jack chuckles and shakes his head, reaching out and slapping his friend’s shoulder. “Be sure to file an after action report as soon as I have mission success.”

Champ's reply is stifled when you turn your head, smiling back at Jack and stifling your own yawn. The man beside him seems to respond instantly and Champ is of no mind to keep him from you. Especially not today.

Jack doesn’t even excuse himself, just pushes off the bar and starts walking over towards you. “I need to get you back.” He murmurs before he looks over at Diana. “Our wonderful tour guide will take you folks out to see the horses, but I’m going to take this one back to the house.”

"Of course." Your mother reacts before anyone else can, watching Jack with you for a moment before looking back to Diana. "Maybe you could recommend someplace for a big group to go for dinner in Louisville? It would be nice to see some of the city while we're here."

"Of course!" Diana cuts in so you don't protest. No one is going to let you cook or play host tonight. Not if you're not up to it. "I'd be glad to give you some recommendations. Let's take the kids to the property line and we can chat?" She puts one hand softly on your shoulder and smiles. "You get some rest, honey."

The caretaking instincts have kicked in, in everyone around you, and you know that you don't have a prayer of winning when they're all dead set on looking after you. "Okay." You nod after a moment. "But I'm just a little tired, that's all. I'm fine."

Jack smiles triumphantly at Diana and your mom before he winds his arm around you. "Come on, sugar. We'll go have us a nap so you can spend some more time with your folks when they get back." He suggests, fingers stroking your skin right at your hip, easing under your shirt automatically so he can feel your warmth.

He gives you enough time to exchange a few hugs before bundling you out the door, and you tuck your hand in his back pocket as you head back toward the neighborhood. "You don't have to lay down with me, Jack, it's okay," you murmur, allowing yourself the chance to lay your head on his shoulder. "Unless my folks have exhausted you. Which I would totally understand."

Jack snorts, aware that he could continue to do whatever for hours but the opportunity to hold you isn’t one he’s willing to give up. “I’m not going to let you nap without me.” He pouts at you playfully.

"Afraid I'll leave your sheets smelling like me?" You tease, raising your head to smirk at him. As slow as you've agreed to move, there doesn't seem to be any shortage of attraction between you. Thank goodness for that.

He chuckles and holds you just a little tighter. “More like I don’t want you to be lonely in that big bed all by yourself.”

"Mmm." If you tried to claim that you wouldn't be, it would be an awful lie. "We shouldn't sleep too long, though. If they're going to go out to eat, we should think about dinner, too."

The chuckle that escapes his lips is filthy but he nods. “Baby, I’ll be perfectly happy making a sandwich for you.”

"You're not gonna let me lift a finger, are you?" Sure you smirk at the suggestiveness in his laugh, but you just pat his ass with the hand that is tucked into his back pocket.

“Are you going to complain?” He asks, lifting his brow at you. “You don’t want me spoiling you right now and taking care of you?”

"I'm not complaining at all." You shake your head, searching his face to make sure he's just teasing and not upset at all. You had seen him talking to Champ but couldn't hear what they were talking about. "I just...I don't want you to feel like you have to take care of me. I can always curl up on the couch or grab myself something to eat if you have other things to do."

“I have nowhere else that is more important than being right here.” The worry that you’re feeling smothered hits him and he looks back at you seriously. “Unless you need some time to yourself? You need me get lost for awhile, sugar?”

"No." As if to prove it, you squeeze him tighter to your side. "I just didn't know if Champ was talking to you about work or something." Looking up at him, it's easy to tell that you're both worried in different ways. "I want to spend time with you, Jack. But if you have work to do, I don't want to keep you from me. I'm a big girl with plenty of patience."

"I'm not plannin' on going back out into the field until after your big openin'." Jack admits with a small shrug of his shoulders. "I want to make sure we have time for a few good sessions with the doc before anything."

“Really?” Despite how well you’ve been doing this last day and a half or so, you really did expect Jack to run for the field as soon as he was able. It’s been his whole life - why would you ever think he would do otherwise? “Well,” you offer him a shy smile. “I can’t say I’m upset about that.”

"Listen, sugar." Jack stops in the middle of the gravel path that leads towards the employee housing and takes a hold of your shoulders gently. "I know that I've acted like a horse's ass, but I–" he sighs and tries again. "I want to be here for things that are important to you, and I want to make sure that you are good before I step back into the field." He rubs your shoulders gently. "I love you, sugar."

“I love you, too.” Since the shock of hearing him say it for the very first time yesterday, this time it warms you through and seeps into your bones with comfort as you put your arms around him. “And I’m grateful that you want to be home with me while we’re working up to the opening. Just like I’m grateful that you’re spending time with my family and having us at your place.” He watches you intently, you’ve found, and you keep your arms around him. “I guess I just want to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself as well as you’re taking care of me.”

"I'm getting used to...to caring about someone like this again." Jack admits quietly. "It’s different than caring about the people I work with or friends. But I don't mind it."

“There’s no rush.” No matter what, you’re always going to want to give him the respect and support he deserves, which means letting him come to this at his own pace. “If you want to coexist and spend all that free time together? Baby, I’m in. But I’m not going to be offended if you’re the kind of person who needs alone time to recharge.” Placing a kiss on the tip of his nose, you smile softly and lean into his arms. “We’re still learning about each other, but I love what I’m learning.”

“I’m afraid you’re going to disappear.” The words slip out of his mouth unbidden, and he wishes he could take them back. It’s a fear, a real one. That if he takes his eyes off you for a second you will be in danger or worse again.

Frowning, you pull back again and search his face. “What do you mean?”

“I–” Jack reaches up and runs his hand over your hair and down your back. “She asked me to go to the store that day.” He admits quietly. “When she realized she forgot the candles. But I was fuckin’ with the grill. We were havin’ the boys come up from the bunk house for a barbecue and cake and beer.” He shakes his head, reminding himself that he wasn’t to blame. If it hadn’t been that day, Rollins would have found another day to ruin his life. “I let her out of my sight and she died. I pushed you away and let you out of my sight and Rollins got his claws into you. Tried to take you from me too.” He leans forward and presses his head against yours again. “Only thing I can think of right now is that as long as I have you near me, you’re safe.”

“Oh honey…” Instantly tightening your arms around him, you press a reassuring kiss to Jack’s lips and hold onto him for a long moment. “I’m sorry. You keep your eagle eye on me for as long as you need to feel better, okay? I’m not going anywhere with you for at least the next few days. And if next week you want to come and make yourself useful at the restaurant while we get ready to open, you’re more than welcome. Just—” Your hand gently cups his cheek and brushes over the stubble on his jaw. “You saved me, Jack. You did. And Rollins is gone forever. You did that for me and for her.”

“Tiny little pieces.” Jack reminds himself quietly. “He’ll never hurt you again, sugar.”

“Why don’t you take me home so we can have that nap?” It makes sense why he doesn’t even let you sleep without him curled around you, knowing now that he’s working through fears of his own. You would never criticize him for not. Not in a million years. “We can make some sandwiches for dinner when we wake up, and see what everybody is feeling up to when my family gets back tonight?”

“I can light a fire in the outdoor fireplace.” Because his house is larger, his back yard is larger too. He had let Diana create a relaxing atmosphere out there with Adirondack chairs and stringed lights around the stone fireplace.

“Sounds perfect.” You start to walk again, arms around each other with your pace at a stroll. “Fair warning, though. My mom’s already figured out what part of your yard would make the perfect place for me to plant a garden.”

Jack laughs and the tension he hadn’t realized he had been holding in his shoulders about why he is hovering. Or the tension about how you would react to it. “Raised beds or no?”

You nod, laughing with him as you turn the corner into your neighborhood. “Raised beds for some of it, to create contrast. I swear, that woman is where I get my planning genes from. I bet if you asked her tonight she’ll have the whole thing mapped in her head.”

“Well, when you want to get planting, you let me know.” Jack muses. He doesn’t use the back yard for much and if you wanted to grow things, it would be yours to use.

“I’m not gonna take over your yard, honey.” If you lived together it would be one thing. It would at least be a conversation to have. But it’s very nice of him to be so open and welcoming. “I’m just saying it would be a chat that would make my mom happy.”

He snorts. “I hardly ever go back there.” He tells you. “If you wanted to put a pool in there, I wouldn’t care. Though I might use it then.”

As you turn the corner off the main street to head toward his house, you shrug slightly. Is not a big deal, and it shouldn’t matter. But here you are being shy about it. “It’s still your house,” you remind him. “If it were like months or even years from now and we were living together, that would be different. But this is your personal space.”

“Maybe it won’t be my personal space soon.” Jack muses. “Your little cabin is smaller than mine and we do have two agents coming in.” He says it casually, like it’s not a big deal. “It wouldn’t be much different from the last two days.”

“Did you j—” Stopping dead in the middle of the sidewalk in front of his large house, you’re practically gaping at him for how casually he just tossed out the option like he was saying you should have BLTs for dinner while your heart pounds a mile a minute. “You want us to live together?”

Jack stops and turns back towards you, slightly uneasy. “You don’t have to. I know it’s a step. A big one. But don’t feel like I’m pushing.”

“No, I do!” You blurt out, flustering at how quickly you jump on the invitation once you realize it’s sincere. It feels like your chest could burst from the happy way your heart swells and you reach forward to grab his hand again. “You’re not pushing. You’re offering. I’m just…” You exhale softly, looking embarrassed. “I’m still getting used to the idea that you want me — that you love me — the same way I love you.”

“I understand.” Jack does, and he’s grateful that you are as compassionate as you are. Otherwise he would have been out on his ass. “I spent plenty of time loudly telling you that I didn’t. I don’t expect you to – I guess understand – right away.”

“How about we make this something that we talk to the doc about?” You step closer to him to put your arm through his and start to lead him up the walk to his own front door. “In the meantime, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wanted to accept without thinking.” It’s silly to admit, but having him be so open and eager is like a balm for your soul. “So what would you think about having an extended slumber party for a while? Even after my parents are gone. Like a trial run?”

“I was planning on that anyway.” Jack admits with a grin. “The only way you are sleeping alone is if you lock the door or when I go back to the field.” He doesn’t mention that he has dreamed about how you looked on that floor several times.

“Hmmm.” The shrewd hum through your lips is just a cover so you don’t giggle in delight, and you walk up to the front door with him arm in arm. “You’re gonna have to have my thumb print added to your front door scanner.”

“Done, sugar.” Jack grins. “You did say you wanted to cook in my kitchen.”

“Got any other surprises for me while we’re at it?” He pushes inside and you follow him, letting that buoying feeling of joy float through you.

Jack bites his lip and considers not mentioning it, but he doesn’t think that would go over well. “What Champ and I were talking about…Tex is coming back. Apparently his banishment is over.”

"Oh?" It smacks your system with a hit of anxiety, knowing that the whole situation was over you and how poorly all three of you handled it. "Soon...or? Have you talked to him since he left?" Just because he hadn't reached out to you – or answered any of your texts – doesn't mean he hasn't spoken to anyone else.

“He’ll be here this weekend.” Jack tells you. “I haven’t talked to him, but I don’t know if he’s forgiven me yet. He–” Jack wipes his hands on his jeans. “He apparently found his soulmate over there. She’s an agent too. She’s coming back with ‘im.”

“Well…that’s great, isn’t it?” The door shuts behind you and you keep moving automatically, up toward the master bedroom. Though you don’t really feel like napping anymore. “Hopefully that should…it should make things easier for all of us. To be able to put what happened behind us.”

“I don’t– I’m not jealous of what happened.” Jack grunts at his own lie. “I mean, I am, but it’s because of myself. I don’t judge you for being with the boy. I practically set that up, bein’ a dumbass.”

“If you judged me for a relationship I had when I was single, we would be having a whole other conversation.” At the top of the stairs he turns left and you stick to his side without hesitation. “But like I said, that’s in the past. And whoever his soulmate is, I hope he’s head over heels and exceedingly happy.” You flash him a smile that clearly says: like I am.

“I know.” Jack grins back at you. “Just want you to know I’m not going to act like a bull during mating season. I won’t try to keep you from being friendly or anything.”

“That’s a very vivid image you paint there, babe.” You can’t help but laugh, and flop down on Jack’s enormous bed with a sigh. “Because I do want to be friends with him, and I know you two are close too. I don’t want to be the reason that that ended.”

“Nah, it’ll take more than a puny punch to the jaw for me to stop saving the fool’s ass in the field and keeping him out of trouble when we’re at home.” Jack jokes with a wink as he peels off his blazer and starts to unbutton his shirt. “You gonna get comfortable, sugar or are you gonna watch?”

“I’m not gonna deny that I like the view.” Despite raising one playful eyebrow at him, you shift on the bed to pull off your boots, socks, and jeans first.

“Mmmhm.” You yawn again and he chuckles. Your reaction to the chamber was being sleepy. It wasn’t a bad thing but it does take a few days to get back to normal, according to Ginger.

“It’s a good view.” Your bra joins the small pile of your clothes in the bedside table so you can sleep in your panties and t-shirt. “You gonna nap with me, handsome? Or just snuggle?”

“Probably just snuggle.” He admits, not that he has any problem with that. He could hold you and be perfectly rested.

“Okay.” The two of you climb under the blankets together and you sigh contentedly when he opens his arms for you to get comfortable in the circle of their security. “Snuggles are good.”

“Yes they are sugar.” Jack kisses the crown of your head and sighs, breathing you in and reminding himself that you are here. That he needs to relax and not believe that every time he looks away something bad is going to happen. “Get some rest. I’ll be right here.”

______ Master Tags: @pixiedurango @chattychell @winter-fox-queen @lady-himbo @artsymaddie @princess76179 @paintballkid711 @missminkylove @pedrosbrat @ew-erin @sarahjkl82-blog @sharkbait77 @justanotherblonde23 @lv7867 @recklesswit @mylittlesenaar @f0rever15elf @gallowsjoker @steeevienicks @athalien @sherala007 @skvatnavle @thatpinkshirt @jaime1110 @girlimjusttryingtoreadfanfics @goodgriefitsawildworld @greeneyedblondie44 @katheriner1999 @littlemousedroid @harriedandharassed @churchill356 @ajathegreats-blog @hardc0rehaylz @beardsanddetectives @kirsteng42 @ladykatakuri @adancedivasmom @madiebear @tanzthompson @emilianamason @bigsdinger @xocalliexo @pedr0swh0r3 @avaleineandafryingpan @charlyrmv @avidreader73 @iceclaw101 @loveslide @elegantduckturtle

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My Masterlist!

#Pedro Pascal #Pedro Pascal character fanfiction #Pedro Pascal fanfic #Jack Daniels #Jack Daniels x reader #Jack Daniels x you #Jack Daniels x female reader #Jack Whiskey Daniels #Agent Whiskey #Kingsman Golden Circle #soulmate au

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rorywritesjunk · 5 months ago

Text

Down in the dark where the waves won’t go, I’m bound to find my way.

Sunny and Buggy disagree over the next steps of their life together leading to them spending time apart.

Rating: PG-13 to be safe for swearing and arguing. Warning: Each chapter will have a specific warning. They are not okay. They fight, mentions of previous arguments. I couldn't not be mean a little bit more. Buggy starts to question what he really wants. Sunny is feeling kind of done with her husband. Family reunion time! Sunny has a huge family. Word Count: 2,401 A/N: The direct sequel to "No locked upon land...", the fic that started it all. I do not use "You" in this as now that Sunny is an established OC I decided not to go that route. There are only two more chapters after this. I didn't mean to leave this hanging as I wanted to make sure I did the ending to how I wanted it.

Title comes from "Sailing Song" by S.J. Tucker

Chapter 1 + Chapter 2 + Chapter 3 + Chapter 4 + Chapter 5 + Chapter 6 + Chapter 7 + Chapter 8 + Chapter 9 + Chapter 10 + Epilogue Taglist: @hey-august @lostfirefly @ane5e

Chapter 9

A month passed.

Sunny tried to keep a smile on her face even though her heart ached. She didn’t bring the subject of kids up again to Buggy, knowing it would just lead to fights and tears. Since they reunited they already had two arguments about it, mostly Buggy testing the waters to see if she was still thinking of kids only for him to shoot the idea down when she’d ask if he changed his mind.

It hurt. It hurt a lot and whenever she thought of it, she thought of herself leaving the ship, finding someone else or maybe even taking in a child to raise. It wasn’t unheard of for spouses to have differences over life decisions like this, but he was being so difficult about it. It made it hard to even be around him sometimes.

The family reunion was happening again, as it did around the same time every year as long as Sunny could remember. She didn’t want to go to it. She didn’t want to see her family while they asked if she was expecting yet or if they would ever have kids. Her aunt would no doubt turn her nose up at Buggy and say Sunny should have chosen a better husband, that it was no wonder they didn’t have kids with a man like Buggy in her life. No doubt her cousins would have their kids along, and there would be a few new babies to introduce to the family.

She didn’t want to be around it.

Buggy, however, seemed to think they should go, which was surprising because he was always so uncomfortable at the reunions even though the little kids adored him. They thought Buggy was so cool because he could do tricks with his body that no one else could do. And honestly, Sunny was glad the rest of the family liked Buggy. She knew he wasn’t always the easiest to be around at times, but he was at least nice to the kids.

She didn’t even want to think of him being around them because it would just make it harder.

“We should go.” He suggested.

“I don’t want to.” Sunny replied dully.

“What?! You love seeing your family!” Buggy exclaimed with a frown.

They sat at the table having this discussion. Sunny had made them dinner, not the tastiest thing she’d made but Buggy knew better than to complain. He could see how much his wife was hurting and he had hoped seeing her family would cheer her up, and he remembered that the big family reunion would be happening and they could get there in time for it.

“I don’t want to.” She repeated as she poked at her food. “Please drop it.”

Buggy frowned. He didn’t understand why she was against this. “Don’t you want to see your parents and all the little cousins?”

She poked at her food again, considering her next words before she set her fork down. “I don’t want to see any of them because I know it’s something you and I will never have, Buggy. Why would I want to do that?”

He stared at her in surprise. He didn’t… consider that. He thought maybe she’d feel better if she got to see the little cousins and hold some babies and everything. What did it matter if they weren’t going to do it themselves? At least she could spend time with kids she knew.

“Because you like kids! And… and I thought that would make you happy, okay?”

Sunny stood up with her plate full of food. She didn’t feel hungry all of a sudden. Buggy reached for her plate before she could throw any of it out and she let him have it.

“I’m going to bed.”

“It’s still early.” He frowned.

Sunny shrugged and left the kitchen. Buggy set the plate down and ate, frowning as he tried to think of what to do to make his wife happy. He didn’t like seeing her this way.

It wasn’t so much that Buggy convinced Sunny to visit her family as he just… had the ship steered in that direction. It took a week to get to the island her family lived on, docking the ship near the little village they resided in. Sunny wouldn’t speak to him as she packed a bag for herself and left the ship as he strolled after her. Her parents were there to greet her, looking at their daughter with concern as they led her to the house.

The family was already there. Little ones rushed up to Buggy demanding magic tricks and other things while teenagers and young adults greeted Sunny. She put on an act, smiling brightly and laughing as she greeted them. While he was happy to see his wife smile again, it hurt knowing it wasn’t for him. It hadn’t been for a while.

Buggy thought maybe everything was going to be fine until he heard someone call Sunny over to meet the new babies. He froze, looking in his wife’s direction as she went still for a moment before relaxing and heading over. Buggy was realizing this was a cruel thing to do. Why did he suggest this? Why did he think this was a smart thing to do? He knew for certain she’d leave him after this. Their marriage would be over.

By the time Buggy crossed the yard and made it to his wife, she already had a baby in her arms, cooing at the ten month old boy as he reached for her hair, babbling and shrieking with happiness. Buggy froze when he got to Sunny, staring down at the baby as she held him, swaying her body and smiling. When the baby saw Buggy, he immediately reached outwards for his nose.

“This is Jade.” Sunny told him as the baby tried again to grab Buggy. “Do you want to hold him?”

“What? No, I don’t-”

Sunny didn’t even wait before passing the baby over to Buggy. He quickly adjusted his hold on the infant, not wanting to accidentally drop him or hurt him. Jade giggled, taking the opportunity to grab Buggy’s nose and hold onto it as the pirate captain stiffened up and stared at his wife in horror. She laughed at him, but it wasn’t malicious. She was entertained by him holding that baby, seeing him shift the little human in his arms after freeing his nose from the tiny grasp and trying to keep his head out of reach by popping it off.

He wouldn’t admit it, but… it was kind of nice hearing the baby giggle and laugh with Sunny. At least little Jade seemed entertained by Buggy’s head popping while his arms held him away from his body. It had been a year since the last time he held a baby - the last family reunion. It… had been nice. He didn’t mind holding babies, honestly, often he always ended up with one or two in his arms whenever he showed up. Everyone just assumed he loved kids for some reason, had thought that ever since he first came with Sunny all those years ago.

He turned to his wife, hoping for an escape, but she already had her arms full with a newborn, smiling at the bundle as she rocked her. She chatted quietly with the mother, not looking at her husband, asking how the baby was doing, how they were doing, everything. Buggy paused in his escape attempts from Jade, bringing his body back together for that moment. Jade took the opportunity to once again grab Buggy’s nose, but he was too distracted by how damn happy his wife looked with that baby to care what the older baby was doing.

Sunny just looked so beautiful and natural holding that baby that Buggy felt like an asshole for denying that to her. Maybe… maybe they needed to talk about it again. Maybe he should talk to her father about it, see what he said. Blue was always very kind to Buggy and would offer him any advice if he asked.

Maybe it was okay to be nervous and scared but he wanted to see his wife happy and smile like that forever. He never wanted to break her heart again. Maybe they just needed to try.

Sunny thought something was wrong with Buggy as every chance he had, he was putting a baby or child in her arms or lap. The entire week went like this. She would be talking with her mom or another relative and Buggy would appear out of nowhere, handing over a baby or toddler before staring at her and disappearing.

“Is he okay?” Windy finally asked after Buggy dropped off both the newborn and Jade into Sunny’s lap before hurrying off again.

“That's a very good question that I don't have an answer to.” Sunny replied as she made sure the little ones were comfortable.

She managed to corner him after dinner while holding a kid in her arms. Buggy was being pulled away by the little kids, all demanding he entertain them with his Chop chop skills, but Sunny grabbed him first and pulled him around the corner of the house and out of sight of the others. She stared at her husband as she shifted the kid in her arms. Little Geo was confused why she didn't get to go be with her cousins just yet, but she trusted Sunny.

“Buggy, what's going on?” Sunny asked him as his eyes flitted between the kid and his wife. “You keep handing me kids every chance you get and it's weird. The family is starting to notice.”

“You like kids! I thought you'd want to hold them!” He insisted as Geo rested her head on Sunny's shoulder.

“I don't mind it, but why are you doing it?” Sunny asked. “What's going on?”

Buggy didn't know how to answer this. How could he when he had been so adamant about not being a father that after seeing her this last week with the kiddos that he kind of wanted to see it more often. He wanted it all the time. He loved seeing how happy she looked whenever one was in her arms and he realized he wanted to see her happy all the time.

He looked between the kid and Sunny a few times before he started talking quickly, his words jumbling together, making it difficult for Sunny to understand him at first.

“Iwanttohavekids.” He rushed to say. “You'll be a great mom andIshouldntdenyyouthat.” He grabbed fistfuls of his hair as he stared at her with wide, fearful eyes. “I don't want you to leave me!”

Sunny took a moment to figure out what he was saying, and her shoulders dropped slightly and she sighed once she understood his words. Why was he doing this again to her? Why was he bringing it up since she knew it was just going to end in an argument and tears again? It wasn’t fair to either of them.

“I can’t do this right now, Buggy.” She told him as she turned to leave, her heart pounding as she tried to keep her voice from shaking. “We’re not doing this again, not when my family is around, okay?”

“I-I mean it, okay?! I want to!” Buggy insisted as he stomped his feet. “It’s what you want and-and I want it too!”

“Just stop.” She told him firmly. “Okay, Buggy? I mean it. Stop. It’s bad enough you brought me here for some stupid reason, and it’s bad enough you’ve already done this to me twice now, but you keep bringing me the little kids and babies, acting strange, and it’s getting to me! I need you to stop this now, Buggy, or-”

“Or what?” He asked. “Are you going to leave me? I don’t want you too!”

“I’m not going-” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She didn’t want to yell at him, especially not when she still had Geo in her arms and others could hear them. Instead, she exhaled, opened her eyes, and passed Geo over to her husband. He was startled for a moment but quickly held her close to him, looking at his wife in confusion as the little girl looked up at Buggy. He didn’t seem to be panicking or trying to hand her back to Sunny. He looked… calm for a moment. “See, that’s what I needed to see.”

“I don’t get it.”

“Let’s talk about this again in a month.” She told him. “Because I don’t… want you having regrets if I get pregnant and you start to have doubts or second thoughts, okay? If you do, I will leave, Buggy. I’d rather do this on my own than have you regret having a child.”

“I’m not going to regret it with you!” He insisted as Geo reached for a lock of his hair. “I love you!”

“But will you love our child?” She asked. “Sleepless nights, feeding, changing, taking care of our baby, are you going to love them after you go a week with little sleep?”

“Yes! Because you’ll be there with me! And you’ll be a great mom and I love you and I think I’m ready!” He winced as Geo tugged on his hair. At least it wasn’t his nose. “Please?”

Sunny crossed her arms as she looked away. “I’m staying in the house tonight and I want you to go back to the ship. We’ll talk about this in a month.”

“Babe-”

She took Geo from him and walked away to rejoin everyone. The conversation was tiring. She wanted to cry but refused to do it in front of everyone. Why was he doing this to her? It was cruel.

Buggy didn’t want to be away from her any longer. Not only did he have to spend days away from her when she disappeared, but in the last week she chose to stay in her old bedroom while having Buggy stay on the ship. He meant what he was saying to her and he didn’t know how to get her to believe him. He reached for her, putting his hand on her shoulder to try and stop her but she kept walking. Buggy stood there as his hand went with her before she brushed it off without looking in his direction.

#buggy the clown #buggy the clown x oc #buggy x oc #sunny x buggy #one piece oc

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writing-to-nobody · 2 years ago

Text

Memories Mine and Not (A Glimpse Into Worlds Beyond)

Against her better judgment, Annemarie decides to attend a Fazzari-Carlisle-Desrosiers family reunion (if only to make Ophelia happy). It's hard enough making small talk with twenty-plus strangers as a reclusive former-assassin without her ability to mirror other demons' powers making it all even more of a headache. Still, she's managing...right up until she has a run-in with Lewis and takes a trip to a considerably less-friendly timeline.

Content warnings: unwanted pregnancy, termination of a wanted pregnancy, somebody gets filled with snakes, suicide

Rating: M

Words: 5,351

"I'm not sure this is a good idea," Annemarie protested, standing a few feet back from the doorway of a rather imposing house. House was almost an understatement. Then again, it had to be, with how many people had to be crammed inside on occasions like this one. Even with walls between herself and the guests who were already present, her skin was prickling and there was a faint humming in the back of her mind that she couldn't dispel.

"It'll be okay," Ophelia assured her, "If it gets to be too much, we can leave. It would make my brother and his spouses very happy, and I haven't seen them in so long…"

Annemarie still didn't see why she had to come along. It wasn't that she disliked Ophelia's brother or his wife. In fact, she considered them some of her only friends. She wasn't the biggest fan of Thomas's husband, but he was tolerable when he didn't speak. The trouble was the rest of the family.

Somewhere along the line, Nanette Carlisle had decided that fourteen was the right number of children to have. Now, as far as Annemarie was concerned, zero was the right number, but she understood that the rest of the population also found fourteen to be a bit much.

She'd done her best to avoid the Fazzari-Carlisle-Desrosiers household for the past few hundred years lest she be required to interact with a child. Ophelia told her they were all grown up now, with no immediate plans for more. So that was one thing, at least.

However, that still meant potentially interacting with fourteen people she didn't know, plus their respective spouses, if they had any, in a house that was likely still crowded regardless of its size.

She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "You are very lucky I love you," she told Ophelia.

Ophelia smiled.

Whatever part of Annemarie was still resisting going into the house of horrors crumpled at the sight, and she allowed herself to be led inside.

They were immediately met by cacophonous chattering.

Annemarie winced and held Ophelia's hand tighter.

"Thomas, we're here, wherever you are," Ophelia called over the din.

After several seconds, a tall, skinny blond man emerged from one of the side rooms, followed closely by a familiar red haired woman and a less familiar man with paper white skin and red and white striped horns. It was strange to see that he was the only one in his true form, given that everyone assembled was a demon.

"Oh, it's good to see you!" Thomas exclaimed, throwing his arms around his sister.

Annemarie let go of Ophelia's hand and took a couple of steps back. She had forgotten how enthusiastic Thomas could be.

"It's been years. You need to visit more often!" Thomas scolded.

"I know," Ophelia said guiltily, "I just—you three have been so busy."

"Never too busy for family," Nanette said with a smile that lit up the room. When Thomas finally released his sister, Nanette hugged her too.

Family. The word echoed strangely in Annemarie's brain. Did it apply to her too? Or was she too far removed? If Thomas's spouse could be family to his sister, then could she, as Ophelia's… partner, be considered family to them as well? It was all very puzzling. By the technical definition, she supposed she was not. After all, they were not married. Such flowery ceremonies were not to Annemarie's tastes, and Ophelia had never pushed the issue. Still, Nanette had looked at both of them as she'd said it.

"Come on, then, this way," Nanette said, gesturing for them to move toward the source of the obnoxiously loud, overlapping conversation.

Annemarie grit her teeth and took Ophelia's hand again.

"Are you going to be okay?" Ophelia asked her softly.

Thomas and his spouses were regarding her with something akin to concern. She didn't need or want to be pitied.

"Of course," she said, smiling.

Ophelia didn't believe her. She could tell. But she didn't need Ophelia to believe her. She just needed the other three to stop looking at her like she might break. Thankfully, the smile seemed to be enough to fool them.

Nanette led the way out of the entryway, and the other two followed. Ophelia and Annemarie trailed along behind them.

"You know I can see right through that smile," Ophelia murmured. "If you need to step outside, tell me, okay?"

Annemarie gave a small nod of acknowledgement. Part of her would have preferred to turn around right then and there and leave. A more insistent part wanted Ophelia to be happy, and if spending time with Thomas's ridiculously large family would make her happy, then that was what Annemarie was going to do.

"Okay," Ophelia said, giving her hand a little squeeze.

It was an odd gesture. Annemarie knew it was supposed to be comforting. She supposed it was, a little. At least she knew Ophelia wasn't going to leave her alone.

Nanette led them to a spacious room where a variety of people, in true forms and human-passing alike, were standing or sitting and chatting. Annemarie spotted a couple of children sitting on the floor and playing with a toy train.

"I thought you said they'd all grown up," she hissed to Ophelia.

Ophelia followed her line of sight. "Oh. Yes, those are Julia's kids. And Victor has a new baby. I don't see him. He and his wife must have stepped out of the room."

"You can tell who's here and who isn't?" Annemarie asked incredulously.

"I do visit occasionally, you know," Ophelia replied.

Nanette turned back to them. "Well, make yourself at home," she said. "We have snacks near the back over there, left and right, Thomas made most of it”—she leaned over and kissed Thomas's cheek—"so you know it's good."

"Did he burn himself this time?" Annemarie asked.

Ophelia gave her a stern look, but Thomas just laughed.

"No, I did not," he said, "I have vastly improved since the early days of chocolate chip cookies, thank you!"

"That's good to hear," Annemarie replied flatly.

There was a long beat of silence. Annemarie had a talent for creating those.

"Well, we'll be around if you need anything," Nanette said.

Thomas nodded and Nanette's other husband gave the two of them an uncomfortable thumbs-up. Then the three of them headed back into the throng of people.

"Annemarie," Ophelia said sternly.

"I wasn't making fun," Annemarie said defensively. "It's my most vivid memory of his baking!"

Ophelia sighed. "Oh, all right. It didn't seem like you hurt his feelings in any case."

Annemarie shrugged. "I don't suppose you're content to go now that you've spoken to him?" she asked hopefully.

Ophelia gave her a look.

"Right. Didn't think so," Annemarie mumbled. "Well. I've resigned myself to my fate. You mingle; I'll hover next to you and make people uncomfortable like I always do."

Ophelia pursed her lips. "It won't be as bad as you think. I think it would be good for you to meet more people."

Annemarie stared blankly at her.

Ophelia sighed and tugged her toward the crowd. "Come on. Come meet my family. You can go back to being antisocial in a couple of hours."

Annemarie grumbled in protest but allowed herself to be led toward the rest of the guests.

As they drew nearer, the constant thrum she'd been aware of since arriving at the house that day grew louder. She winced and pressed the heel of her hand against her temple.

Ophelia paused, frowning. "Are you all right?" she asked softly. She brought a hand up to cup Annemarie's cheek.

Annemarie ducked away, feeling her face burning. Thankfully, it wouldn't be visible to anyone assembled: a benefit of her involved makeup routine.

"Sorry," Ophelia said quickly, letting her hand drop. "I forgot."

Annemarie shrugged. "I know you mean well. I'm fine, though. I just haven't been around this many people in a long time. I should have figured their children would be as powerful as they are, and with Nanette around…"

Ophelia nodded sympathetically. "If you need to step outside—"

"Yes, yes," Annemarie said a little irritably. "I know. You've said. I'm fine. I can handle it."

A flicker of hurt crossed Ophelia's features and Annemarie instantly felt guilty for snapping. That was a relatively new feeling, and she did not care for it.

She was about to apologize when someone called Ophelia's name.

Annemarie looked over to see a man heading toward them. He had white hair and a crooked tail and he leaned heavily on a cane as he walked, favoring his left leg.

"Judas!" Ophelia exclaimed, immediately breaking into a smile. She hugged him. "It's been too long."

"I'll say," Judas replied, returning the hug. "You know you're allowed to visit more than once a decade, right?"

Ophelia released him and crossed her arms. "Oh, don't give me that. I have it on good authority that you were very busy with your studies. How are those going, by the way?"

"Uh, over for a couple years now, thanks," Judas said, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. "I'm a licensed mortician now!"

"Oh!" Ophelia gave him the fakest smile Annemarie had ever seen in her life. "Right! And… Why did you go into that field again?"

Judas shrugged. "Somebody's gotta do it. What else was I gonna do: taxes?"

Ophelia grimaced. "Heaven forbid. Well, I'm very proud of you."

Judas grinned. "Thanks, Aunt Ophelia." Then he looked over at Annemarie. "Who's this?"

Annemarie felt her shoulders tense up. Judas was studying her. Why, she didn't know, but the look in his eye was that of someone trying to solve a puzzle. She didn't much want to be solved. She took a step back, half-hiding behind Ophelia.

"Oh, this is Annemarie, my—" Ophelia glanced back at her.

"Partner," Annemarie supplied.

Judas's eyes widened. "Oh my God. Seriously? I've wanted to meet you for—like—ever! Aunt Ophelia's told me so much about you!"

"Has she now?" Annemarie said, glancing at Ophelia, hoping her displeasure was evident in her tone. "Like what?"

"Like how you kicked my evil great grandma's ass with a bunch of cool magic!" Judas exclaimed. "Did you really stop time and summon an army of every lost soul she'd wronged since the creation of the universe to destroy her?"

Annemarie glanced uncertainly between him and Ophelia, caught off guard by Judas's enthusiasm.

Ophelia gave her a thumbs up and a weak smile.

"Um. Yes," she said, "that is quite literally exactly what I did. But it was only for a few seconds, it's not as if I stopped time or summoned that many spirits for very long."

Annemarie had never really understood the expression: 'to have stars in one's eyes' before now, but it was the only way to describe the way Judas was looking at her.

"That is so. Fucking. Cool." Judas said.

"Um." Annemarie was blushing again. "Thank you? It was either that or die. So. You know."

Judas was still staring at her adoringly. She looked to Ophelia for help.

"Uh, Judas, why don't you tell us a little about your work?" Ophelia said quickly.

Judas stared at her, puzzled for a second, then appeared to realize something. "Oh, am I being weird?"

"A little," Ophelia said gently, at the same time as Annemarie said, "Yes, very."

Judas grinned sheepishly. "Er. Sorry. It's just super cool to meet you. I'm gonna-" He chuckled nervously, pointed over his shoulder, turned on a dime, and hurried away.

"Well, that was odd," Annemarie said as soon as he was out of earshot.

Ophelia smiled. "Oh, is it really that weird that someone thinks you're cool?"

"Yes," Annemarie said. "It's very weird."

"Oh, well. Why don't we go meet some of the others?" Ophelia suggested.

Annemarie thought that was a very bad idea, but she kept her thoughts to herself and followed where Ophelia led. As she walked among the strangers, she felt her consciousness pulled in a dozen different directions. She had to make an effort to focus only on herself. She had practice after spending so many years with Ophelia, and it had served her well enough in small groups, but crowds like this were overwhelming under the best circumstances, and these were not the best circumstances.

They met Margaret, and Annemarie was struck by how much she resembled her mother. Well, in all ways but one: she was holding another woman's hand, and their matching rings told Annemarie they probably weren't just good friends.

"See? I told you, honey. I'm gay on my dad's side," Margaret said. Her tone made it clear she was joking, but Annemarie didn't understand the reference.

The woman holding Margaret's hand rolled her eyes and smirked. "Yeah. I know Maggie." She glanced over in Thomas's direction. He was smoothing out a wrinkle in his overcoat, pausing only to straighten the ridiculous top hat he always wore. "It's not exactly the world's best kept secret."

Margaret snorted. "Don't let my mom hear you say that. Anyhow. Nice seeing you again, Aunt Ophelia. And nice meeting you, Annemarie. Come back again sometime before the next decade!"

Annemarie did not think she would. She hadn't minded meeting Margaret too much, though. She had a comfortable presence, and she didn't seem like the type to ask too many prying questions.

"I could probably tolerate being around her again," she confided in Ophelia.

Ophelia laughed. "I think that's the most positive thing you've said all day. I'm taking that as a good sign."

After that, they spoke briefly with Nanette's only other daughter, Julia, and her husband, though Julia ran off suddenly in the middle of the conversation. As it turned out, one of her children had stuffed a toy train car up their nose and gotten it stuck. Lovely.

They met Julia's twin brother, Victor, briefly before his wife came back into the room to hand off their crying infant and he had to leave again.

"Promise me we'll never have one of those," Annemarie whispered to Ophelia once she'd uncovered her ears.

"I don't think that'll be a tough promise to keep," Ophelia replied. "For multiple reasons. Yikes."

They'd met Vincent, who blushed with every word he spoke and was so quiet Annemarie had had to lean in quite far to hear him. Ophelia then had to tug her back to her side and remind her that personal space was a thing and that Vincent probably didn't want her in his.

Of course, that meant she hadn't heard a word he said from then on out, but he seemed nice enough. He was the opposite of his father, Cain, and Annemarie appreciated that greatly.

Ophelia tried to introduce her to Isaac and Sigmund, two more of Thomas's sons, but the two seemed to be in the midst of a heated debate about whether or not psychology was a pseudoscience. Ophelia assured her that this was not the first time they'd had this particular conversation.

They steered clear of William, another of Cain's, who gave Annemarie a disdainful sneer as they passed. She flipped him off when Ophelia wasn't looking.

They talked briefly with Noah and his partner, a nervous little golden demon of indeterminate gender named Cae. They left the room shortly after, since Cae needed some room to breathe. Annemarie couldn't help feeling a bit envious.

She was starting to develop a headache but had thus far been able to block out much of the noise. She had felt a few sparks of unfamiliar power within her, but she'd managed to suppress them. She thought about asking Ophelia if they could take a break, but convinced herself she could manage meeting a few more people, even as fatigued as she was starting to get.

They met Raphael and his wife Rosamund, and Annemarie felt blurry around the edges. She wasn't sure how to describe it other than that. She took a step back from them, and the feeling subsided a little.

Ophelia chatted with them briefly before moving on to greet a pair of identical men standing in the corner of the room. Atticus and Angel. She remembered Ophelia telling her about them once. They were private detectives. Annemarie wanted nothing to do with that, so she hung back as Ophelia talked to them and gave a half-hearted wave as she was introduced. She focused her gaze on the floor, and when she noticed that her vision seemed a little funny, she closed her eyes until Ophelia rejoined her.

"Are you doing okay?" Ophelia asked quietly.

Annemarie nodded, but she wasn't really. The blur of conversation in the room had broken into several smaller conversations. They overlapped but did not mix. She could hear every word and each one tied to the others as if stitched together with thread. There were too many threads, though, and she was getting them tangled.

"I think we should head outside for a while," Ophelia said.

Annemarie opened her eyes and tried not to see every detail in the carpet beneath her feet. She gathered as much energy as she could muster and forced herself to focus inward. She took a breath and drew in her remaining energy with it.

"I'm okay," she said, "that was… Twelve, right? I can do this. I'm fine."

Ophelia gave her a doubtful look, but didn't press the issue. She took her hand and led her toward one of the last people they hadn't spoken to in the overly crowded room.

Annemarie felt too warm. Each breath was difficult, but she managed it, and when she couldn't manage it, she simply waited until she could. Demons didn't really need to breathe, after all.

"Hello, Florence," Ophelia said quickly, "I'm sorry. I know we haven't spoken in a while, but—"

"It's all right," Florence said calmly.

Annemarie could breathe again. She still felt too warm and her head ached terribly, but she wasn't struggling for every breath, and the energy within her stopped fighting itself for a few blissful seconds.

Ophelia nodded. "Thank you. Tell Thomas I'll visit sooner next time, will you?"

"Of course," Florence replied. "Take care."

Ophelia nodded and ushered Annemarie quickly toward the door.

"I'm fine," Annemarie mumbled. "You don't have to make such a—"

"Oh! I'm sorry!" a soft voice exclaimed.

Annemarie had very nearly walked into someone, so inwardly focused that she hadn't been watching where she was going. "My fault," she mumbled, looking up into blue-green eyes as deep as the sea.

At that moment, every wall she had built against the energies of the crowd around her crumbled.

This is the one I've been sensing, she thought, and then she wasn't in the house any longer.

She was in another house: smaller and unfamiliar, warming a kettle on a stove top and humming a song she didn't know. Someone's hand touched the small of her back. She gasped and spun around, puzzled to find Thomas standing behind her.

"Something the matter, love?" he asked. There was something odd in his voice, not to mention the way he was addressing her.

"No, nothing," she said, almost involuntarily. She had the strangest sense of déjà vu.

Thomas smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. A chill ran down Annemarie's spine.

The scene vanished.

She was kneeling on cold linoleum, and she had never felt more alone. It was amazing how such a small, simple symbol could fill her with such dread.

"No, no, no," she whimpered. "What am I going to do?"

She was foolish. She should have taken care of the problem immediately, but she'd been in denial until it was impossible to deny. Until someone noticed. Of course her brother couldn't keep his damned mouth shut. And once he knew, their father knew as well.

And then it was too late.

She hurt all the time. She was sick almost as often. She was always dizzy and she wasn't allowed to leave the house. It wasn't as if she'd be able to get far anyway, with how tired she always felt. Besides, where would she go? Her father told her she would die if she ran.

So she stayed. She waited months and months and tried not to look down. As if it helped.

She didn't die when it was over. Not right away. But she wished she had. The bullet in her brain six long months later almost felt like mercy.

But that wasn't the end. Oh no, it couldn't have been the end. That would be too kind. No, she had to come back all over again, remember all over again, hiding beneath threadbare covers and crying at nightmares that tormented a brain too young to understand.

And then one day she met him again. The one who had done this to her. Not her father, no. Thomas. The man who had abandoned her. The man who had made her suffer for fifteen long months before death finally released her.

He was with a woman. He was laughing. He was happy. There was a light in his eyes she'd never seen when he was with her. A gentleness in the way he held the woman's hand: gentleness that he had never shown her.

Something inside her snapped.

She wasn't sure how it had remained unbroken up to this point when the rest of her had been taken and torn and misshapen and bloodied beyond recognition, but it hardly seemed to matter. Her thoughts focused in on a single goal. She was going to make him suffer.

And she had the perfect opportunity. She could see that the woman was afflicted with the same condition that had plagued her in the last year of her life. Hell, she would be doing her a favor, whether she knew it or not.

All it took was a bit of poison and an equal measure of cleverness in how she used it.

How was she meant to know the woman wanted to keep the parasite growing inside her? How was she to anticipate the rage of a mother in mourning?

What a surprise then, to find poison in her cup. What a surprise to awaken in a dusty warehouse with her hands bound above her head while a dozen serpents squirmed inside of her. No matter how she begged, there was no one to release her.

Until someone found her. How, she didn't know. How was it that he would find her at such a low point, nearly as weak as she'd ever been? Why did he always seem to be there to witness her failings?

Andy had knelt before her, tutted, and pulled a knife from his pocket. He carried her home, sobbing incomprehensible nonsense, unable to shake the horrible feeling. Despite her hatred, she couldn't help but feel gratitude toward him.

She should have given up then and there, but she didn't. She was too deeply angry at being made a fool of. She could still feel the serpents in her belly and every night she dreamed she was back on that linoleum floor, or in her father's attic, aching and bleeding and dying again and again and again.

And Andy was there every night when she awoke screaming and crying. A witness to every moment of weakness. She couldn't hide behind her mask anymore. It wasn't fooling anyone.

In pieces. She was in pieces. Figuratively and literally. It took her centuries to reform. No matter what she tried, she failed, and no matter what she did, the memories returned. Hundreds of years later, she still flinched at the sight of serpents and the wail of a newborn sent her into a panic. She would huddle in whatever relatively isolated space she could find, feeling faint with dizziness and far away, gasping for breath she couldn't seem to catch.

Pathetic. Terrified. She hid away from the world until a thought occurred to her.

It wasn't hard to procure celestial steel. It wasn't hard to slot it between two ribs and drive it into her chest: the only thing she was sure would kill her.

Her last memory was of burning from the inside out. But then, hadn't she been doing that for centuries?

To Ophelia and those who witnessed her fall, it must have seemed like only a moment, but for Annemarie, it was a lifetime.

When she came to, she almost didn't want to open her eyes, for fear that she'd see that world again.

She heard Ophelia say her name softly, nothing like the harsh voices and shouting in her visions.

She reluctantly opened her eyes.

Ophelia was kneeling beside her, looking down at her with a deeply worried expression and holding her hand.

Annemarie winced and brought a hand to her head. It wasn't aching as badly as before, but the memories of what she'd seen echoed in her brain, flashes of images and scenes playing over and over in her mind's eye.

"Are you all right?" Ophelia asked, "you just collapsed. I—"

"I'm fine," Annemarie said as calmly as she could manage, considering she was quite the opposite. She sat up and glanced at the crowd of people watching her from a distance, their eyes wide and worried. Lovely. She'd managed to create a spectacle on top of everything else. "Can we please go outside?" she mumbled, only loud enough for Ophelia to hear, "I think I need some air."

Ophelia nodded and stood up, holding out her hand.

Annemarie took it and Ophelia helped her to her feet. She tried to ignore the feeling of so many eyes on her as she limped out of the room.

Someone started to protest, Thomas's husband, from the sound of it, but something or someone thankfully shut him up.

They were soon outside. With a wall between herself and the rest of the assembled guests once again, her splitting headache subsided to a dull throbbing.

There was a beat of silence while she gathered her thoughts and relished the feeling of the cold, fresh air on her skin.

"What happened?" Ophelia asked.

Annemarie took a deep breath and held it a moment. She exhaled slowly. "I don't know," she replied honestly. "I was there a moment, then gone. Somewhere else. Some other time or—or reality—"

Ophelia didn't look surprised. "I'm sorry. I should have known. Lewis…sees things like that. I should have seen you were getting tired and—"

"Stop," Annemarie said sharply.

Ophelia flinched.

Annemarie hissed out a sigh and rubbed at her temples. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for raising my voice and I'm sorry for earlier as well. It's not your fault, and it's not your responsibility to monitor my condition, either. I should have told you I wasn't doing well instead of insisting on staying."

Ophelia shrugged, averting her gaze. "It's… It's fine—"

"It's not," Annemarie insisted. "I oughtn't shout at you when you're only trying to help. I'm sorry."

Ophelia looked back to her, her expression conflicted. Reluctantly, she nodded. "All right," she said, "I accept your apology."

"I'll try to be less stubborn next time," Annemarie muttered. It pained her a bit to admit a failing, but if she hadn't pushed herself too far, she wouldn't have fallen. She could have saved them both a lot of trouble by being honest about her limits. She could have avoided—

A series of images flashed through her mind, and she shook her head furiously trying to banish them. It didn't work. Her skin prickled with sensations that she knew weren't real.

"Damn it," she hissed. She shut her eyes, but that only made it worse. There was nothing to distract her from the images and feelings: squirming beneath her skin and the world exploding around her. She opened her eyes again and saw Ophelia watching her anxiously.

"You can still see it?" she asked.

Annemarie shook her head. "Just echoes. It'll stop. It's just pictures. It's not…real. It doesn't matter. I'm fine." She could tell she was protesting too much, but the alternative was silence, and every moment of silence seemed to invite the memories back in.

"You're not fine," Ophelia insisted. "How can I help? Do you need a distraction?"

"No. I'm not afraid of pictures," Annemarie insisted. She felt a ghost of a twitch in her belly, then a sharp pain. Her head spun. She would have fallen again had Ophelia not been there to catch her.

"Why must you be so stubborn?" Ophelia exclaimed, clearly distressed.

Annemarie was disoriented. She couldn't remember if she was here or elsewhere, now or some other time. She knew she was with Ophelia though. She leaned against her, hiding her face in the fabric of her flannel shirt, as if it would keep the nightmarish sensations at bay. It did help a little.

Ophelia held her close, and Annemarie took solace in the contact. She felt herself begin to breathe normally again. She hadn't noticed her rapid, shallow breaths or the pounding of her heart in her ears until now. But now, the echoes were receding. The images faded and the points of pressure all across her body eased up until they vanished altogether. She sighed.

"I'm okay," she murmured, "really this time. Thank you."

"I'm glad," Ophelia said, but she didn't let go. Annemarie noticed she was trembling. She looked up and saw that her blue eyes were glassy with unshed tears.

"Are… you okay?" she asked quietly, though the answer was clear.

Ophelia started to reply, but her voice seemed to fail her. She tried again. "I was just so worried," she said shakily. "I didn't know what happened. I didn't think about how your ability would interact with so many people. I didn't think about… L-Lewis or our bloodline or—"

Annemarie stood on her toes and kissed Ophelia's cheek.

That seemed to shock her out of her rambling.

"It's okay," Annemarie said. "I'm feeling better now. Granted, I don't want to go back inside. Maybe we limit it to a maximum of, say, five extremely powerful Emperor-line demons at a time the next time around, hm?"

Ophelia made a sound halfway between an incredulous laugh and a sob." You want to come back after that?"

Annemarie shrugged. "It wouldn't hurt to see… Family little more often than once a decade," she said. The word felt strange on her tongue. She wasn't sure she'd meant what she said, but she wasn't sure she hadn't either. She felt an unpleasant memory brush against the boundaries of her thoughts, but she was able to push it away, at least for the time being.

Ophelia gave her a teary smile and hugged her tight.

Annemarie closed her eyes. "I love you," she said, and she meant that for sure.

"I love you too," Ophelia said, "more than anything."

Annemarie let herself be hugged for a couple more seconds than she was accustomed to without complaint. Then she asked: "can we go home?"

Ophelia nodded and let her go.

Annemarie took her hand. "I would like to snuggle, and perhaps take a nap, if you are amenable to that."

Ophelia giggled. "Yes. I think that sounds acceptable."

Annemarie started to picture their home, then stopped herself. "Maybe you should take us home. I don't—...I mean—"

"Oh! Of course," Ophelia said.

In a moment, they were no longer standing on the front porch of the huge house, but in their cozy room at home. In another several minutes, Annemarie was all but hidden beneath several layers of fuzzy blankets, cuddled up to Ophelia's side. A few centuries ago, she would have balked at the thought of finding herself in such a position. These days, she'd swallowed enough of her pride to allow herself the harmless comfort.

Annemarie felt her eyes starting to drift shut as Ophelia ran her fingers through her hair.

"Ti amo, dolcezza," Ophelia murmured.

Annemarie sighed contentedly. "Love you too. Sorry. Falling asleep."

"Don't be sorry," Ophelia said, "rest."

If she said anything beyond that, Annemarie didn't hear it. She was already fast asleep.

#story #annemarie #ophelia #darkfic #I'm just going to tag everything having to do with that timeline as that due to the subject matter #old stories #stories

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teenmomcentral · 8 months ago

Text

Jade Cline and husband Sean Austin may be giving their daughter Kloie a sibling in the near future.

The Teen Mom Family Reunion couple–- who married in October after years of ups, down, makeups, breakups and engagements–- are reportedly ready to expand their family of three.

“I got off birth control,” Jade recently told E! News. “I’ve been off birth control for, like, three weeks. I ran out. I’m just letting God, God.”

Jade and Sean are “letting God, God�� amid busy schedules that include Jade managing a hair salon and starting her new career in real estate, and Sean planning to go back to school. The pair also parent their six-year-old daughter.

Jade said she recently “got her groove back,” after years of struggling with her self-image following Kloie’s birth.

“The younger Kloie was, the less sexy I felt,” she explained. “I just felt like this disaster house cave woman half the time. Then as [Kloie] got older and is more independent and wants me to do less for her, I have more of my free time and my independence back.”

Jade also stated that, before while they were in Colombia filming ‘Teen Mom Family Reunion,’ she realized that she and Sean weren’t getting enough “intimate time” together.

“We realized that we were not being intimate with each other,” she said. “I’m not feeling sexy because I’m doing so much.”

“I feel like I’m in business mode, I’m in mom mode all the time,” Jade said in a previous interview with E! News. “I had to learn how to be able to do both at the same time and let him love me and let him turn me on and let him do all these things for me. I was letting the busyness of the world take me away from my partnership. And that’s something I would never do again.”

Jade gives her “dedicated” (and sober as of 2021) husband Sean kudos for stepping up and doing his part in the parenting/spouse department, which she says only makes her want to try for Baby No. 2 more.

“All day he’s going above and beyond,” she said. “I like when people do things for me to make my day easier. I’ll wake up and he’s already been up at 6 a.m. He’s cleaned the whole house.

“I’m like, ‘It’s about to get nasty,’” she added.

Jade said ideally, she’d like to have a second child before Kloie gets much older, claiming she wants her children to “be apart in age but not super far apart.”

#teen mom 2 #mtv #news #teen mom the next chapter #jade cline #sean austin

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samhainmemories · 5 months ago

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^^^ This. I love ships like Dasey (Life With Derek) for this reason. That and that ship is a love-hate romance. Though they may squick people out, imo they’re far more interesting than adoption “incest” ships. Here’s more links and stories on gsa:

Incest - the name for the activity when two people who engage in sexual activity are closely related

Accidental or inadvertent incest - incest that occurs when the two partners are not aware of their relatedness until after a relationship has begun

Consanguinity - mating between family members, but not close/immediate family (for example, two cousins having a sexual relationship that produces children is technically considered consanguinity, not incest)

Genetic Sexual Attraction - a description of the feelings of attraction between those closely related to one another by DNA, whether acted on or not (Source: watershedna)

“Why does this happen? Not much research exists on the topic, again because of the shame and stigma, but it’s theorized the feelings of romantic love and erotic arousal may be the delayed by-product of “missed bonding” and intimacy that would have occurred had the adoption not taken place. In other words, the parent didn’t kiss and hold their kid or the siblings didn’t engage in rough and tumble play, so now they want to reenact that as adults. There’s also the feeling of meeting a “soul mate” because the person is similar either in physical features or in tastes and personality traits. That familiarity is alluring and intense – so intense that reunited pairs may leave their spouses or partners for their biological parent or sibling. It may happen that focus on the newly discovered relative can become all-consuming and interfere with other relationships, work, and hobbies. (Source: elephant journal)

“The acknowledgment of Genetic Sexual Attraction as a real phenomenon is controversial. Some critics of GSA believe GSA is incest and referring to GSA as something else is wrong. […] While some individual’s behaviors with their relatives do meet the legal criteria for incest, most of the time genetic sexual attraction in adoption reunion relationships does not meet the legal definition of incest. Any sexual contact between an adult and a minor is sexual abuse and is a crime. A distinction also needs to be made between participation and consent when sexual contact occurs. (Source: mariedolfi)

Good-housekeeping: This is what it’s like to fall in love with your brother

Vice: ‘Cousin-Couples: What’s it like to keep it in the family

The Free Library: My Son’s my Lover and we’re desperate to have a baby

The Mirror: Woman who fell love with own son to justify their ‘mind blowing’ sex’

Our love is pure," insists Julie, 45. “I never raised Jeff. I had him when I was 16 and he was adopted. We were reunited in 2011 and immediately fell for each other."

Office manager Jeff, 29, explains he doesn't think of Julie as his mum, so sex between them isn't wrong. "Meeting my biological mother was like meeting my sexual soulmate. I want to spend all my spare time with her. My adopted parents were my real mum and dad. We don't feel guilty about our behaviour. It's not incest, it's Genetic Sexual Attraction and it's not our fault. We're in love and refuse to apologise for that."

The Cut: What’s it like to date your Dad

I’m curious, given the age gap and the perceived power dynamic, did you feel forced or coerced at all? “Absolutely not. He made sure I wanted to do it. We both initiated it and he kept asking me if I was okay, not because he thought I was distressed but because he wanted me to know that we could stop at any point. It was like any other man and woman having sex after they had each admitted their feelings.”

12 Shocking Cases of Genetic Sexual Attraction (Examples: German siblings who have four kids, Grandmother and grandson)

I honestly don't understand the stigma against adoptive siblings being shipped. They aren't related by blood?? If not for being adopted they'd be strangers. Idgi.

well …

the incest taboo arguably has its societal origin in discouraging sex between people who are closely related, which increases the odds of recessive genetic diseases manifesting in offspring. and if that were the only way we invoked the incest taboo in modern society, then sexual relationships between adoptive family wouldn’t be considered taboo b/c that risk doesn’t exist. but that’s not an accurate reflection of how we view family ties in reality.

if a person adopts a child with the intention of taking the social position their blood-related parent might have done, they commit to being their parent in all but genetics - providing the same emotional and social bonding and support that a blood-related parent would have under different circumstances. They also commit to integrating the adopted child as an equal part of the family with their siblings and extended family.

so saying that familial relationships that are created by adoption ‘aren’t really incest’ or, unlike blood-related incestuous ships, are ‘okay to ship’, implies that familial ties formed by adoption aren’t real family, or are somehow less familial than blood-related family. In actuality, under ideal care that adopted family member is socially and emotionally bonded just as a blood-related sibling/child/etc would be.

that said …

in fiction, narratives like the popular ‘adopted and abused’ trope often features an adoptee that’s never allowed to forget they were adopted, they’re not ‘really’ part of the family, they’re unwanted and barely tolerated here, etc etc. - not exactly a situation to promote familial bonding. I use this as an example of a situation where shipping a fictional adoptee with their adopted sibling that they were never allowed to bond with as a sibling would absolutely be by-the-books incest, but emotionally speaking it may not ping someone’s incest taboo radar. in this sense, I understand where you’re coming from, anon.

but the easiest way to deal with the ‘at what point does a fictional ship become incestuous/off limits because of being related?’ question without hurting people who are adopted or fostered or otherwise in a family with people who are not related to them by blood is to ship whatever you want, and allow others to ship whatever they want, without drawing a line between what ‘counts’ as good or bad.

because respecting real people and their family ties - whether by blood or legal adoption or undocumented adoption or otherwise - is vital, and using their real experiences to abuse each other for fictional ships is … pretty much anything but respectful.

#text #texts #fandom

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nukacoola · 3 years ago

Text

Companions React to Sole Visiting Their Dead Spouse Part 1/2

Ada:

Today Sole had informed Ada that they wanted to visit the vault they had come from. Ada had heard a bit about vaults from Jackson but she had yet to visit one herself. When they began to descend on the elevator that led to the vault, Ada noticed Sole’s mood start to shift. She recognized the emotion in Sole’s face to be sadness, greif. Ada knew of this emotion from what she had experienced with Jackson and her fellow robot’s deaths. She began to suspect that Sole was visiting the death site of someone who she was close to. They continued to walk

through the vault until they arrived at the entrance of a short hall. The hall seemed to house a number of large machines. Ada’s internal thermometer told her that it was quite cold so she assumed the machines were the source of the unusual temperature. Sole’s mood seemed to worsen as they led Ada down the hall. Ada noticed as they walked that frozen human corpses were held in each of the pod-like machines. When they stopped before one of the pods towards the end of the hall it became clear to Ada that Sole had a relationship with the deceased human they had stopped at. Sole looked up at the deceased human and their eyes began to water. Ada remembered back to her own experiences with death and grief. She felt she had to help Sole as Sole had helped her.

“I understand how you feel, Ma’am/Sir. If there is anything I can do to aid you please let me know.” Sole smiled sadly and turned slightly.

“Thank you, Ada. I appreciate you being here for me.” Sole then turned back to face the dead human. They shed a few tears before they approached a control panel that presumably controlled the machine the dead human was in. They pulled a lever and the Ada heard a hiss of the pod depressurising. The door to the pod slowly opened as Sole approached the human. They seemed to be taking a ring off of the hand of the human. They held the cold metal to their lips and whispered something Ada could not hear before slipping the ring in their pocket.

“Alright, we can go now.” They addressed Ada as they moved to close the door of the pod. “Thank you.” They repeated.

“You are welcome, Ma’am/Sir.” Ada responded. Ada and Sole then left the vault together. Ada knew that there was no way she could repay Sole for how they helped her, but she would still continue to try.

Cait:

“Why do we have ta go to this stupid ice box again?” Cait complained, rubbing her bare arms.

“It’s not my fault you refused to wear a coat.” Sole joked but Cait noticed their voice had a twinge of sadness in it. Cait had been confused when Sole asked her to come to Vault 111 with them. They’d been traveling together for ages and Sole didn’t really ask Cait if she wanted to go places, they just went. The location of today was weird as well. Usually they had a purpose for the places they went. Some lazy settlers couldn’t get off their arse’s to fight off a few ghouls or they were gettin’ a handful a’ caps to go fight a bunch a’ muties. Today’s trip to Vault 111 was weird and out of the blue. Cait didn’t like it but it seemed important to Sole so she agreed. Together they walked further into the vault and the further they walked the colder it got. They eventually reached a wide hall full of weird human sized containers. Cait noticed the ice that slicked the floor and the frost that stuck to the windows of the weird containers as they passed the first one she peered in the window. The dead body of a frozen woman in a vault suit was inside. She had seen a fair amount of bad shit in her day and this whole vault definitely made the cut. Sole had stopped in front of an ice coffin close to the end of the hall when Cait realized. Sole had told her about their dead spouse a while back and they’d also mentioned how they’re from a vault. This was that vault. That body they were now cryin’ in front of was their spouse. Seeing Sole like that did not feel good. Not good at all. She needed to reassure them, she hated it when they were upset.

“I know this must be difficult for you.” She stepped forwards, “I… I’m here if you need to talk.” Sole turned to her and smiled. They reached out their hand to take Cait’s.

“Thank you, Cait. You’re a great friend.” They squeezed Cait’s hand. Cait squeezed back and watched Sole as hot tears continued to roll down their cheeks. She hoped that one day they could be more than friends. Maybe then Cait could wipe those tears away an’ kiss away the burns of grief they had left behind. For now, though, this is all she needed.

Codsworth:

It had been a hard week for Sole and Codsworth. The initial reunion of the two had been nothing but joyful. The family had been reunited against all odds! But of course it wasn’t the whole family. The absence of Sole’s better half and young Shaun left a gaping hole in both Sole’s real and Codsworth’s metaphorical hearts. The shock of their partner’s murder and Shaun’s kidnapping had worn off for Sole and in it’s wake, it left them cripplingly depressed. The past three days Sole had barely been able to get out of bed. They just listened to their partner’s holotape on repeat while cradling young Shaun’s favorite rattle in their arms’. Codsworth had been doing his best to care for them, bringing them food and water and making sure to check up on them every hour or so, but he was becoming worried. He was just preparing lunch for Sole when he was surprised by their figure standing at the entrance to the kitchen. Codsworth greeted them excitedly. Sole awkwardly hugged his large metal body and thanked him for all the meals he had prepared and all the patience he had shown. They explained how when they had left the vault, they were in such shock that they never got to say a real goodbye to their partner. Codsworth listened patiently and happily agreed when they asked him to accompany them back to the vault to say a real goodbye.

They entered the cold concrete bunker which Codsworth had previously waited and hoped to see stir for over 210 years. Sole led him through the halls and the two eventually arrived at some machinery which Sole identified as the cryogenic freezing pods. They approached the end of the hall and Sole moved to one of the many control panels next two one of the many pods. After puzzling over the panel they tried pulling a red lever. The large door of the cryo pod hissed as it slowly opened to reveal their spouse. Standing next to Codsworth in front of their partner, they grabbed and held the grasper fixed on one of his three arms. Even with one his beloved family members standing dead right before him, Codsworth still couldn’t believe it.

“Oh dear, is that…” he trailed off, “Mum/Sir, I’m… I’m so sorry.” Codsworth tried to keep his heartbroken voice steady as Sole began to softly sob next to him. He wished more than anything he could hug them, but since he could not, this almost hand holding would have to do. They stood there, mourning together for about two hours before Sole was ready to go. They were still very torn up. But it seemed as if a large weight had been lifted from their chest. Before they closed their partner’s pod, Sole went up to them and removed their wedding ring.

“I’ll find who did this, and I’ll get Shaun back. I promise” they said to their spouse.

“Indeed Mum/Sir. We’ll stop at nothing to get young Shaun back!” Sole smiled at Codsworth and together the two set off to find Sole’s baby.

Curie:

After everything Sole had done to help Curie, there wasn’t even a second thought on whether or not she would go with them to the vault they had come from. She would help Sole with anything, no matter what. When she had first booted up in vault 81 she was very excited to dedicate herself to the scientific endeavors of Vault-Tec. When her fellow scientist informed her of how they would be growing hundreds of pathogens in mole rats and testing these pathogens on unsuspecting humans, she felt bad. As bad as a Ms.Nanny model robot could at least. She eventually grew attached to the mole rats they were infecting. She was especially fond of sweet little Clyde. When one day Clyde escaped his cage, Curie did not have time to warn the scientists she had worked with. Despite her friend’s deaths, Curie took solace in the fact that the morally gray work of Vault-Tec’s could not continue. Despite the conductors of the experiment's deaths, Curie continued her work. 200 years later, she had been finished with the cure for a long while. She was pretty much stuck in this small area of the vault waiting to be told she could leave. Thankfully, Sole came along and her prayers were answered! They released her and told her about a young boy who was infected. She was able to help the one human who had the misfortune of being infected by the molerat disease with her life’s work, the cure. After that, Sole had welcomed Curie to continue her scientific studies alongside them. When Sole eventually helped Curie become alive, however, was when Curie truly understood how much she loved Sole. She would go to the ends of the earth for them so accompanying them to a vault was, as Sole might say, no big deal.

On the walk to the vault Sole told an inquisitive Curie about the experiment 111 had performed. They also told Curie how losing their spouse and child happened while they were still trapped in their cryogenic pod. They told Curie that they were visiting the body of their deceased spouse. It wasn’t too long of a walk before they reached the familiar facility. Sole led Curie through the cool halls of the vault and down a short hall to their spouse’s body. They took a deep breath and stepped up to the control panel adjacent to the cryo pod. After fiddling with the controls the pod appeared to depressurize and open. Curie’s heart ached for Sole. She knew how loss felt and of all the human emotions she was now able to feel, she liked that one the least.

Sole began to cry at seeing their deceased partner again. Curie had an urge to cry too. It was such an awful feeling. As much as she wanted to though, she knew she couldn’t give in to it. She had to stay strong for her dearest friend who must be struggling a lot more than she is right now. She stepped closer to her partner and gently laid a hand on their upper back.

“I wish I knew how to make zis better. It iz not a phyzical injury that I can heal.” Curie was silent for a moment, thinking of what to say next, “However I know it still hurts terribly. I am here for you always.” Sole slumped and began to cry harder which made Curie very worried. Maybe she had said the wrong thing! Did she make it worse? But right when she was going to apologize and excuse herself Sole turned around and hugged her tightly. She hugged back and allowed Sole to cry on her shoulder.

“Thank you Curie, you’re the best.” They sniffled out. Curie smiled as a few stray tears fell down her face. She was so glad she was able to help her friend as they have helped her so many times before.

Danse:

Danse hadn’t known what to expect when his fellow soldier had requested they make a stop at Vault 111 during their recon mission to the far reaches of the commonwealth. He of course knew that Sole was from this vault. They had told him so upon their first meeting. He remembered being surprised that Sole had admitted to being a Vault Dweller, though he now understood they probably had no idea of the stigma surrounding Vault Dwellers as they had only been above ground for a short time. Nonetheless, when he granted permission for his subordinate to lead him to the vault he assumed they wanted to go back for something they had not taken when they had first left. He never suspected to walk into a graveyard of frozen corpses. Of course he knew the basics of what had occurred here. Sole had told him a bit about their spouse and the cruel experiment unknowingly performed on them both. Even knowing this, experiencing the criminal loss of life Vault-Tec had caused first hand was rather sickening. He could only imagine what Sole was going through.

Danse soon found that he did not have to imagine. Sole had led him down an isle of frozen bodies before stopping in front one. He noticed their hands were shaking as they reached for the control panel standing next to the pod they had stopped at. They pulled a red lever and the contraption hissed as the door began to open. Danse could see a frozen body held within the metal pod. Sole’s whole body was shaking now. From his place off to the side of them he could see tears rolling down their cheeks. This must be their spouse. Danse was at a loss. He wanted to help them but he knew there was no way he could do anything that would get them over such an incredible loss. Even so, he needed to do something. His power armor hissed as it depressurized. He stepped out of it and approached Sole.

“Take as long as you need, Soldier.” He placed a hand on their shoulder briefly before turning away to give them space. As he began to leave, Sole grabbed his hand. He turned to them, surprised. He only got to see the tears streaming down Sole’s red, blotchy cheeks for a moment before they roughly pulled him towards them for a hug. Shocked, he stiffened. It was only when they started to softly sob into his chest that he refocused and hugged them back. They stayed that way for a long time. Danse couldn’t help but think back to Scribe Haylen. The situation was nearly the same and yet he didn’t have the same ache in his chest when he had held the scribe. Eventually Sole’s sobs turned to sniffles and sniffles to silence. Their hold on him loosed and Danse took this as his queue to release them. Their face was still puffy and red but as he looked down at them while they smiled up at him he couldn’t help but think how beautiful they looked.

“Thank you.” They breathed. Danse simply nodded. Sole turned away from him to right themselves and he used this opportunity to get back into his power armor. Sole closed up the cryogenics pod and they left the vault without another word shared. Danse hoped he had helped them. Even if it was only in a small way.

Deacon:

When Sole asked Deacon to accompany them on a visit to Vault 111, he of course accepted. This is not to say that he was excited. Far from it. He would never admit it to them, but he had done a lot of research on Vault 111 far before he had met Sole. He had taken a particular interest in this vault after hearing a rumor of Institute activity near it. After trying and failing to get into it, he went to Vault-Tec headquarters in hopes of finding some more info on this particular experiment. He had been able to guess the vault had some type of human-cryogenic-preservation thing going on due to terminals he’d read there and books he’d read elsewhere. After Sole had left the vault, the interior door was open and Deacon was able to explore further. One cryo pod being open while the rest were full of corpses painted a pretty clear picture. The internal terminals allowed Deacon to discover that there was once an infant “housed” there. The infant belonged to the vaultie he saw leave and the only corpse who’s cause of death was a bullet to the head. It was pretty clear to him what had happened. What he didn’t know was what the Institute needed with an infant.

Due to his research, Deacon obviously knew exactly what happened in that Vault. He also knew how much it had taken from Sole specifically and he had a pretty good idea of why they wanted to go back. His suspicions were confirmed when they led him down a familiar hall of cryo pods. They stopped close to the end of the short hallway to stand in front of the dead person Deacon had first seen almost a year ago. He looked to Sole, they were staring at the body and shivering. He couldn’t tell if it was from the cold or the murder. He settled on both. He tried not to remember just how much he understood their pain, but of course he couldn’t forget. His chest tightened as he saw tears beginning to leak from their eyes. They shakily reached for the control panel next to the coffin and pulled the red lever to open it. Their face began to contort into an expression Deacon knew very well. Their tears were flowing freely now and he felt he had to do something, anything to try to help them. He approached them and placed a hand on their shoulder, effectively wrapping his arm around them. They stood there for about a minute, Sole sniffling from time to time, before Sole turned into him and wrapped their arms around him. Deacon didn’t think about how it could be dangerous when he hugged them back, he just did. He held Sole in that cold, empty room for a long time. Even after Sole had stopped crying, they stood there.

“Thanks Dee.” Sole whispered before finally letting go of Deacon. They looked up at him, smiling and though he didn’t know why he felt his stomach flip, he provided a small smile back. Sole closed the pod and together the pair left Vault 111, hopefully, for the last time.

Dogmeat:

When Dogmeat woke up that morning it was just another day with his wonderful friend. Throughout the day however, Dogmeat began to worry. He felt his friend start to become sad. This made him sad too. He loved his friend! He wanted his friend to be happy! He stuck close to their side especially when they entered a very cold big place which seemed to make his friend even more sad. He and his friend walked further into the cold place until they decided to stop. His friend sat down on the cold floor so Dogmeat did too. He saw that his friend had begun to cry. He whimpered and rested his head in his friend’s lap. For a while they sat, Dogmeat’s friend slowly stroking Dogmeat’s fur and eventually, they stopped crying. Dogmeat sat up and blinked at his friend. His friend gave him a sad smile, he gave them a big slobbery kiss. His friend laughed and so he gave them another kiss. His friend kissed his forehead before standing. Together, they walked out of the cold place. Dogmeat was happy, and he felt his friend was too.

Gage: Gage was never into the touchy feely stuff but he had to admit he had a soft spot for the Overboss. They’re badass as hell and take no shit but they also knew how to be compassionate when they needed to be. It was something Gage had never been able to do well and something he respected in his boss. There was something off about them the day they asked Gage to accompany them to Vault 111 in the Commonwealth. They seemed more timid, like they were worried about his response. He’d already told them he’d follow them to the ends of the earth and he meant it so of course he said yes. The trip was long and the boss seemed to get quieter and more down the closer they got to the vault. This was worrying to Gage. Like he said, he wasn’t good at the touchy feely stuff. He wasn’t gonna know how to deal with it if the Boss needed someone to comfort them from whatever was making them sad.

They finally reached the vault and Sole instructed him to stand on the gear shaped platform while they ran over to a small building nearby. After about 30 seconds lights around the platform started to flash. There was the sound of a blaring alarm paired with a rumbling of the ground beneath him. He was about to get the hell off of the thing but Sole ran over to wait on the platform next to him. If it was safe in Sole’s eyes, Gage supposed he would trust it. After a few seconds the platform started to lower with a loud screech of metal on metal. Despite the bad feeling that was growing exponentially inside of him he followed the Overboss’ example. When the vault elevator brought them down to solid ground again, Sole led the way through a cold metal complex to a bunch of weird machinery that really just looked like a bunch of fancy coffins. Looking through the small glass windows on the weird pods proved that that’s exactly what they were. Sole’s footsteps were heavy and slow as they led Gage down the icey corridor. There was something very personal about this place to them. He would soon find out what it was as they stopped in front of on of the coffins. Sole fidgeted with their hands for a moment before they reached to the control panel next to the pod and opened it. There was a hiss of depressurization when the door opened to reveal a body. Someone they’d obviously known and been close to. The Boss’ posture slumped and they started… crying. They were crying… Dammit, Gage had no idea how to deal with this. He had to do something to let them know he cared though, because he did. He stepped closer to Sole reaching his hand out to them before recoiling it. Oh god. Alright just say something, anything.

“Hey, uh, Boss, I just want you to know- well I get it. And I’m real sorry.” They huffed a laugh through tears. Fuck did he do it wrong?? But before he could worry too much they turned to him with a sad smile.

“Thank you Gage, really, thank you.” He nodded stiffly, not knowing how else to react. They stood there in silence for a while before Sole closed the pod and stepped back, wiping their tears away. Gage looked away put of respect until they cleared their throat. “Ready to get out of this shithole?” They smiled at him.

“Hell yeah, you lead the way, Boss.” -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So I saw a video of the Companion’s comments upon bringing them back to Vault 111 and opening your spouses pod and I wanted to write a little thing. :) The bold sentences are real in game dialogue but not every character has some. This is part 1 of 2 so if your favorite isn’t in this one don’t worry.

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jayeray-hq · 3 years ago

Note

Heyo! For your affection series could you add kunimi and goshiki? Thank you 🙏

Sure thing anon! Thank you so much for asking! If you haven't already seen it Kunimi is here!

Post Time Skip/Manga Ending Spoilers!

Warnings: None all Fluff!

How He Shows You Affection Master List - Character Masterlist

He Tells You About It (As Best He Can)

You watched your boyfriend pace back and forth in front of the TV as you leaned on the counter in your kitchen. Something was obviously bothering him, and had been since he’d gotten home from practice. He’d still greeted you with his normal exuberance, practically colliding with you the minute he spotted you, hugging you close, but something about his eyes had been off. He’d definitely seemed worried, which had started your suspicions.

Now that was pacing your suspicions were confirmed. Goshiki always paced back and forth when something was bothering him. According to him it helped him focus on his thoughts if he let his body move, so you’d left him to it. However, it had been something like forty-five minutes now, and you were starting to get concerned. Thus you decided it was time to attempt to intervene.

“Tsutomu, is something wrong?” you asked gently, your voice instantly snapping him out of his pacing as he turned to look at you, dark eyes wide in his face.

It seemed that your gentle prompt was all he needed though because he practically bounded across the room, carefully taking hold of your elbows in his large hands as he peered worriedly into your face and asked, “Do I tell you I love you enough?”

You stared at him blankly, trying to absorb the question, wondering what on earth could’ve prompted him to ask. However, your poor boyfriend had apparently taken your silence as either reluctance to answer, or no, because he immediately started to babble.

“Because I do you know, love you? I love you so much, more than anything, more than boiled flounder, more than the perfect serve, even more than my mom and Dai!” he floundered, staring at you a bit helplessly.

It took all your willpower not to giggle, when you knew he was being completely and utterly serious. Though you couldn’t help but find the fact that he’d told you he loved you more than his mother and his dog in the same sentence a bit hilarious, if utterly sweet. It was honestly a bit of a silly thing to be worried about, that he thought you didn’t know how much he loved you.

From the very beginning Goshiki had made it obvious he practically worshipped the ground you walked on. If you said jump, he’d be up in the air before you could even think to ask how high. He was always full of clumsy but well-meant compliments, and never failed to tell you I love you both before he left for the day and when he got home every night despite the fact that there were some in the more conservative Japan who looked down on expressing love for your spouse so openly.

He hadn’t ever given you cause to doubt his love for you, in fact there were only ever times when you wondered if you could live up to how much he loved you and return it equally. If anything you should be the one wondering if he knew just how much he loved you, not him.

“Tsutomu,” you interrupted gently, before he could get anymore worked up, “It’s okay. I know you love me.”

“You do?” he asked, with a worried frown.

You leaned forward to press a quick peck to the pucker between his eyebrows, earning a slight blush from your boyfriend, who despite how long you’d been dating still got flustered over the little things as you assured him, “I do. What brought this on?”

“Kiryu was telling the guys in practice that his girlfriend almost broke up with him because she didn’t know he loved her,” he explained readily enough, relaxing into your hold as you wrapped your arms around his trim waist, “I just wanted to make sure that wouldn’t ever happen to us.”

“It won’t,” you assured him with an affectionate smile, feeling soft at how cute he could be, even if he would argue until he was blue in the face that he wasn’t anything close to ‘cute’, “I’ve never once doubted how much you love me, Tsutomu. You know I love you too right?”

“Yeah,” he agreed, though the slight emotional waver in his voice told you it wasn’t quite as sure as he probably meant for it to be as he squeezed you close. You hugged back with a content sigh and made a mental note to tell him you loved him more often, because you knew how very much he loved you, you wanted him to know just how much you adored him too.

He Lets You Hang on Him

“Tsutomu!” you cheered, bright and joyful, waving at him from your place by the dividers that separated the court from the crowd.

You weren’t sure if he’d be able to hear you, what with how loud everything was, but low and behold the minute his name was out of your mouth his head was on a swivel searching for you. The minute he spotted you his whole face lit up, as he immediately jogged over to where you were standing.

Holding out your arms you were immediately indulged as he leaned over the dividers to give you your hug, completely unbothered by the crowd and the potential eyes on the two of you. The first time you’d done this you were the one who’d had to lean over the dividers, and your poor boyfriend had blushed up a storm the whole time, even if he’d returned your embrace.

Worried you might’ve made him uncomfortable you’d talked to him after the game and offered to not do it anymore and wait until the two of you were in private. To your shock your boyfriend had immediately protested, insisting you could reach for him whenever and wherever you wanted. He didn’t mind and he never would.

You’d taken him at his word, and slowly but surely, he’d stopped getting quite so flustered, and instead of you having to reach for him, he almost always reached for you first. It never failed to make you smile and feel appreciated and loved by your boyfriend.

It was special, especially since you knew that he didn’t reach for anyone else, and if they tried to reach for him he grumbled about it. Even his teammates weren’t exempt from this, as he always got huffy whenever anyone tried to ruffle his hair, or do anything that might mess with his image as the ‘cool Ace of the team’.

If it was you though he didn’t care a bit. Goshiki was more than content to let you hang all over him, giving hugs, lacing your hands together, linking arms or even the occasional chaste peck to the cheek. It had taken a little bit for him to get comfortable with it all, especially since he’d been so flustered at first, blushing and stuttering up a storm. These days though he barely batted an eye.

He accepted each and every physical gesture from you joyfully, a wide beaming grin on his face every single time. It was cute, especially since you knew if he was denied those gestures he’d get pouty and would shoot you the most devastating puppy dog eyes until you caved in and reached for him again.

“Are you ready for the game?” you asked him as you drew back from the hug, though your hands lingered at his waist.

“Of course!” he told you seriously, a proud, determined glint in his eye as he explained, “An Ace is always ready! We’re going to win this one for sure!”

“Of course you will,” you agreed, with a soft fond smile.

You reached up to press an affectionate kiss to his cheek, unable to help your amusement as he blushed and sputtered a bit as you told him, “Good luck Tsutomu! I’m cheering for you!”

Your poor boyfriend sputtered out his thanks and jogged back to his teammates, face still bright red, but with an enormous grin on his face. You giggled a bit to yourself as you watched his teammates gently tease him as he shook off his embarrassment and got his head in the game, feeling inordinately fond of your boyfriend, who loved you enough to do anything for you, even put up with a little friendly ribbing from his teammates.

You weren’t sure if you were looking forward to or dreading the day he became completely immune to the embarrassment of physical affection. All you really knew was that you were going to cherish each and every moment of it, and the adoration he had for you.

He Hypes You Up and Brags About You

“Alright, alright we get it already,” a familiar voice announced, sounding completely and utterly resigned. Something about the way it was said, making you pause in place.

You hadn’t been too sure about accompanying Goshiki to the reunion of his volleyball team from his high school days, mostly because you’d never met any of them before. However, you’d heard plenty from your boyfriend, who clearly admired them all a great deal, none more so than Ushijima Wakatoshi, the prize Ace of the Schweiden Adlers and one of his rivals.

You’d seen Ushijima from a distance before, as you’d attended the games when he played against your boyfriend, but had never had the chance to be introduced as he tended to leave quickly once the game was over. He was every bit as imposing and formidable as Goshiki had described him, though far quieter than you’d expected.

The others were all equally impressive and a little imposing. Tendou, Satori was MeTube famous, a sensation and an influencer known for his amazing chocolate creations. Semi, Eita was in a band who’s current song was in the top ten trending in the nation. Shirabu Kenjirou was a budding surgeon, and all the others were professional athletes of some kind or another. It was a very impressive crowd, and you suddenly understood a lot better why your boyfriend, strong and amazing as he was, could have such deep insecurities.

Still the group had been nothing but kind and welcoming to the two of you, and it was very obvious they doted on your boyfriend, who was something like the baby of the group as he’d been the only first year starter on the team. Even Shirabu, who constantly threw sarcasm at anyone and anything clearly only had Goshiki’s best interests in mind.

It had made you more than a bit nervous. Honestly, it was like meeting his family all over again. Luckily, it seemed to be going well so far, even so you’d had to excuse yourself to run to the restroom to freshen up a bit to give yourself a bit of a breather. They likely didn’t mean to, but the group was a little rowdy and overwhelming at times.

You’d been on your way back when you’d overheard what you were pretty sure was Semi, though it was hard to be sure given you’d only met them all that day.

“Your girlfriend is the greatest, we get it,” Semi continued, heaving a sigh, making you flush a bit. Goshiki was always hyping you up, and you’d caught him bragging about you to his teammates more than once. It was incredibly sweet, and flattering, if a little embarrassing at times.

“Aww, don’t be sad just because you’re a sad single Semi-Semi,” a voice that was definitely Tendou chimed in, “We should be happy for our cute junior.”

“You’re single too!” Semi hissed back, “And don’t call me Semi-Semi!”

“I think it’s nice that Goshiki is so happy with his partner,” a calm voice that you were fairly sure was Ohira put in thoughtfully.

“You don’t get to talk either mister married with a daughter,” Shirabu snarked.

“It’s nice to see everyone so happy with their partners,” Kawanishi mused, “you two look nice together.”

“She’s amazing,” Goshiki agreed immediately, with a dreamy sigh, that made your heart flutter and your cheeks flush, “I really don’t deserve her.”

You weren’t about to let that stand. Your boyfriend was really too sweet, and couldn’t be more deserving if he tried.

“I’m the one who doesn’t deserve you,” you told him, announcing your presence as you slid back into your seat beside him, clearly startling him though he didn’t protest as you reached for his hand, eagerly twining his fingers together with yours despite the pink flush to his cheeks.

“Gross,” Shirabu informed the two of you, though the small smirk on his lips gave away that he didn’t really mean it.

“I think they are nice together,” Ushijima announced, suddenly, cutting off the retort that had clearly been on the tip of Goshiki’s tongue.

There was a general murmur of agreement from around the table, Ushijima’s apparently the last word that was needed. You were glad to have seemingly gotten their approval, but at the end of the day the only opinion that really mattered was your boyfriend’s, and he’d made his perfectly clear to anyone and everyone that would listen.

He never failed to make you feel loved, which was probably why you were so head over heels for him, because there was no one else quite like Goshiki Tsutomu.

Like this? Please feel free to drop in to my ask box and make requests! Just make sure to read the rules first!

Want to commission me or just support my writing? Visit my ko-fi!

#goshiki tsutomu #tsutomu goshiki #goshiki x you #goshiki x reader #goshiki fluff #goshiki fic #how he shows you affection #JayeRayWrites #haikyuu goshiki #hq goshiki #goshiki tsutomu fluff #goshiki tsutomu x you #goshiki tsutomu x reader #haikyuu #haikyu imagines

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marjansmarwani · 3 years ago

Note

I do think it's kind of odd that they have lead away from the Owen/TK scenes and part of me wondered if it was because they were kind of passing the torch of Owen being TK's person to it being Carlos- kind of like how a spouse eventually becomes their partner's most important person. And then another part of me wonders if it's leading up to something in the finale, with Rob mentioning that Lisa may be back in the finale for something, whether flashback or something Strand family. I do think they'll get something in the finale- whether it be a scene of Owen giving TK his stamp of Carlos approval or even setting up a conflict between him and TK for season 4, or something like that.

They may just want to develop everybody elses' relationships because no other relationship besides TK and Owen's got much of an exploration than theirs in previous seasons.

Part of me really really wants a flashback to the 126 push in ceremony with TK and his parents talking about his accident and how bright his future is and how much they love carlos and want them to get married, but I'm just clowning downtown.

Clowning downtown is just how I live my life these days, so I support you Anon.

Regardless of the TK and Owen content, I do absolutely think they have been “passing that torch” to Carlos since season 2 started. It was really obvious in the ice storm arc, and even more so after the Sadie drugging them fiasco. And that’s how it should be. When you get to that stage in a relationship, they should be your person. So that makes perfect sense and yeah, that’s definitely at least some of it.

As for your second point, I also agree. It’s also why I can’t actually be mad about the lack of TK and Owen content. We have gotten such good stuff this season! For so many characters! It’s been amazing and if that’s the trade off we have to make to get that, I am okay with it. I promise I’m not against that in the slightest. I love the ensemble and they deserve as much screentime and story as Tim is willing to give them.

The scene you’re describing would make a great flashback and would make sense if Lisa is coming back for an episode. I’m leaning in a different direction though - I’m hardcore banking on them using that clip of Owen in TK’s ICU room that they cut as a flashback at some point and given what we’ve seen of Owen’s reunion with his father in the preview, it would make sense. And if Lisa will be back (and I really really hope she is), I could see it being a flashback for just Owen and Gwyn, focusing on something in their relationship. I think one of the synopsis said something about his relationship with Catherine, so maybe they’ll tie that in. I see a lot of similarities in their relationships so I wouldn’t be surprised at all.

#911 lone star #911ls speculation #owen strand talk #owen strand #asked and answered #anonymous

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teiasviago · 3 years ago

Text

Family Reunion

“Mulder, I should warn you,” Scully started, putting a hand on his chest so he didn’t bump into her, “my family’s large. We’re Irish Catholics married to other Catholics, mostly also Irish. My dad had three siblings and two of them had four kids, too. And now a lot of those first cousins of mine are married and have kids. So there’s a lot of people here.”

“I’ll be fine, Scully. That’s only, what? Somewhere around thirty people?” He shrugged, hands in the pockets of his slacks. Scully fixed his tie and did up another button of his suit jacket. “It’s fine.”

“You forgot the spouses, Mulder.” He widened his eyes and made his mouth into an O to make her laugh. “My Aunt Olive even flew over from Ireland for this. She didn’t have just four kids, Mulder. She had seven. She’s very devout and extremely maternal. She always gave Missy and I cookies when we were able to see her.”

Mulder smiled at that and offered Scully his arm. “Now that you’ve prepared me for the onslaught of Scullys, shall we?” He extended his hand to her and she took it, lifting up the skirt of her dress as they entered the hotel.

He stayed close to Scully all night, getting introduced to her family members and even running into Bill, Tara, and Matthew. Mulder never thought he’d be relieved to see his brother-in-law’s face, but he was.

“Hi, Matt,” Scully greeted, giving her now-twelve-years-old nephew a brief hug. “Do you remember Uncle Mulder?”

She looked over at him and he waved as Matt shook his head. Mulder forgave the kid, considering that the last time they’d seen each other Matthew had been turning two. “That’s okay, bud. You were only two the last time we saw each other.”

(Scully had dragged him along to Christmas dinner in ’98 knowing that he no longer received invitations from his family, and then he’d gone again at both his partner and Maggie’s insistence when Bill was hosting Christmas the next year.)

“I feel like it’s weird that I knew my nephew before he was my nephew,” Mulder said as they walked away.

Scully scanned the room, taking his arm. “My family’s fucked up anyway. A weird relationship between nephew and uncle isn’t the worst thing in the world. We’ll go over for the Superbowl next year and you can bond while my mom, Tara, and I get drunk on wine. Speaking of wine, let’s get some.”

“Sounds good by me.”

The rest of the event passed by much more smoothly due to Mulder and Scully’s alcohol intake, although he let his wife get genuinely drunk, taking it upon himself to be the designated driver. She leaned against him when they eventually left, broken down to her bare essentials by the wine.

“Forgot to tell you, Mul’er,” she said, slurring a little. “Aunt Olive’s kids flew over for the party.”

He laughed and squeezed her closer to him for a moment with the arm he had wrapped around her. “I figured that out based on all the red hair and Irish accents.”

“D’you think William still has red hair? D’you think his eyes are still green? Babies’ hair will get progressively darker and can keep doing that until they’re ten years old. Orange is just a light brown... And he didn’t really have green eyes.” Scully hiccuped as Mulder unlocked the car. “They were just green the day I gave up on him.”

“Don’t say that, Scully,” he reprimanded.

“Sorry,” she murmured, sitting down in the passenger seat without coordination. “Maybe he’s got blue eyes now. Maybe he has blue and green eyes! Oh, I miss him so much, Mulder. They were both gone before we ever truly got to know them.”

He handed his wife some tissues. “We could always adopt, honey.”

“I know. But I don’t... I don’t ache for a baby I’ve never met. I ache for my babies. And... It wouldn’t be nice of me to use a new baby to fill holes they’re not meant to fill.”

Mulder nodded along, watching the road ahead. “I understand.”

Scully leaned her head against her seatbelt. “I always feel like a fraud when I go to family reunions. Everyone has tons of kids except for Bill and Tara. I don’t even know if I would’ve wanted that but because I can’t, I do. I wanna have a big house and seven kids. But I have no kids in the house. I let the one die and I stupidly gave the other away. Stupid.”

“Scully—”

“I thought I did the right thing but I just—let her die. And now our baby has no support system and—and doesn’t know why I gave him up, or—or why he’s different than everybody else—”

“Scully, stop!” Mulder shouted, pulling the care over to the shoulder of the road and parking it. “We’ve been over this so many times. You promised me that if we drank, you wouldn’t do this...”

She put her head in her hands. “I’m sorry.”

“It doesn’t matter whether we were good or bad parents—whether you made good choices as a mother. We can’t change the past. But what we can be is a good aunt and uncle. A good sister and brother-in-law. You have to believe that... that we’re better than our failures, because if you don’t, then what about me.”

Scully nodded and sat up, sloppily wiping away her tears before taking one of Mulder’s hands in her own. “I’m sorry I get so messy when I’m drunk.”

“I’m sorry I let you drink.”

“I love you,” they said at the same time, and they both laughed softly.

“We’ll be okay, right?” she asked.

“We have to try.”

#txf #fanfiction #i was trying to write some cutesy extended scully family ficlet #clearly i was derailed #forgot to post this last night lol #mine

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rreyie · 4 years ago

Text

Fight for Us

Chapter i- the reunion

summary- it’s been a long time since you’ve last seen reiner, one of your best friends from your childhood. but he’s changed. a lot.

genre- some fluff, angst, comfort/hurt

warnings- mentions of trauma, alcohol, readers feeling getting hurt, death. major spoilers for those who have not watched aot. eventual smut, not in this chapter- this is mainly just background info.

a/n- i told y’all i would be giving you a reiner fanfic for 500 followers, so i delivered and now it’s probably a series lol

For the past hour, you had been waiting at the train station for the Warriors to arrive once again. You had heard about their recent victory at Fort Slava, which everyone seemed to be giddy about. Another step towards victory.

You hadn’t seen them since you were about fourteen or fifteen, when you used to hang out with them in their free time when they weren’t training. You would all chat about who would be getting each titan and why and what the future would hold for you all.

It was always peaceful except for when Porco and Reiner had their usual clash, a few of which quickly became violent. It would usually end with Reiner having a bloody nose which you would always have to tend to, telling him to tilt his head back as you dabbed a tissue under his nose and on his clothes to wipe off the remaining blood.

Your parents lectured you each and every day about how you shouldn’t be hanging out with Eldian scum like him, that he and the others were spawns of the devil and not to be trusted around their innocent daughter. They scolded you each time you checked on them or decided to bring them bread to eat, and sent you to your room for hanging around them. They claimed it was out of love, but you knew better at this age that it wasn’t out of love- it was out of fear.

But they gave in on the day they were leaving for Paradis, and let you say goodbye one last time. You and Reiner talked for a while about how he will make his parents proud of him and save the world.

———

“So you think you can do it? You can really turn things around?”

“Of course I can!” Reiner chirped. “I’ll be a hero.”

“But you only have thirteen years, Reiner”, you warn him. “Your life is cut short now. I, I just...”

“Just what?” Reiner asks you, hazel eyes looking your way.

“I just... don’t want to lose you that early.”

You felt your cheeks start to warm, and quickly hid your face in your shirt to save yourself from the embarrassment. Reiners gaze was soft now, mouth slightly agape. You could easily see a pale pink form on his light complexion.

“You’re that worried about me?” He questioned, slightly raising his brow.

“Yeah, sure. You’re one of my best friends and I don’t want you dying early like that. It’s not fair to you”, you said, almost muttering those words.

“Y/n...” Reiner said. “I’m not just doing this for my parents. It’s for you too.”

Your eyes stop staring down at the ground and now avert to Reiner, who’s blush was deep now.

You had no clue what to say. It seemed like this comfortable silence was the best option, just sitting there trying to process your emotions.

The sun was starting to set, and Reiner had to leave at sunrise with the others. He slowly got up from the pavement of the sidewalk and brushed off his uniform pants in case any dirt got on them. You got up with him, wanting to spend every moment you possibly could with him before he left.

“I think this is goodbye, y/n. I should get some sleep before I leave in the morning”, he murmured.

“Okay. Guess I should let you sleep then”, you say. “Just...promise me you’ll come back alive. Fight for us, Reiner.”

Reiners expression turned warm, a smile curling on his rosy lips. “I will. I’ll come back, I promise.”

You both knew what was coming next. Reiner put his hands out for you and pulled you in close, your lips landing on his. You put a hand on his cheek, rubbing at his skin as both of your lips clashed against each other. It wasn’t a rough kiss, but not timid either. It was somewhere perfectly in the middle. Something you both were going to need to remind you of each other.

———

Now the time had finally come to meet eyes with him again. This was the last thing you thought about before the train came rolling in, coughing big clouds of black steam as it entered the station. Cheers could be heard from the crowd on the platform as passengers from inside waved to their families, likely for the first time in years.

You jostled through the crowd once the train came to a stop and started to unload its contents. Soldiers ran to embrace their mothers, fathers, siblings and spouses, some reunions making tears fall from their cheeks. This was the most happiness you had seen in a while.

Nearby, a short brunette girl quite literally flung herself out of the train, shouting into the air about how happy she was to be home. A man with slicked back hair had a rosy-cheeked blonde, clearly intoxicated, slung around his shoulder. For a moment you thought it was Reiner, but you thought otherwise when you continued to observe his features.

“Reiner! I’m so glad you’re home!”

You heard what sounded to be an old woman talking in another direction, the mention of his name making your head instantly turn towards where it was coming from. A woman with short blonde-grey hair was hugging a much taller man, with pale skin, hollow cheeks and noticeable dark circles under his eyes.

No fucking way that’s him, you thought to yourself. The solemn expression on his face did not match what you last saw, the old Reiner you used to know. What the hell had happened while he was in Paradis? Did the island devils get to him?

You gulp and decide to go and see for sure if this was really Reiner. Pushing through the dense crowd again, you walk the direction of the familiar voices.

Once you finally get a clearer glimpse of the old woman and who you assumed to be Reiner, you came to the conclusion that this was in fact him- just a tired, potentially malnourished version of him.

“Reiner!” You call. His head spun around, eyes widening when he saw your figure running towards him. You swore you could see a tiny smile form on his face, a contrast to his exhausted features.

You run into his chest, and wrap your arms around his buff figure. But for some reason, you don’t feel his arms hug you back. It felt strange, but you were going to take what you could get.

“Y/n?” Reiner asked, making you tilt your face up to confirm that it was you. “Oh fuck, I missed you, how are you?”

“Language, Reiner”, the old woman scolded. You could recognize her now, it was his mother- Karina Braun.

“Excuse me mother”, he said. “But really, how have you been?”

“I’m okay, but shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?” You question him. “You’ve been at war for years.”

“Yeah, sure”, he responds. “Just tired.”

You pull away, and see Karina starting to smile, making her dimples appear on her cheeks. “This must be y/n, the girl you wouldn’t stay quiet about when you were little!” She exclaimed.

Reiner scoffed. “Not the time, mother. And I didn’t talk about her that much.”

The dispute between them made you giggle. Karina sighed, slightly exaggerated.

“If you like, you can come over for dinner tonight”, she offers. “I’m making beef stew and my sister and her family will be over to talk about what happened. Her daughter is a warrior candidate too, so I bet Reiner and her would have some interesting stories to tell.”

“Sounds wonderful!”, you say. “I’ll be over whenever.”

“Is seven alright for you?”

“Yes, that’s alright”, you reply. “In that case, I’ll see you two tonight!”

Karina beamed and nodded. Reiner was clearly starting to get bored of the conversation, observing some of the architecture of the station. It looked like he was in his own world, telling from the foreign look in his eyes. They didn’t seem as bright as they used to.

“I should go. I need to run some errands for my family before tonight, but I’ll be over! See you two later!”

“Goodbye, y/n!” Karina yelled as you waved and began to walk away. For some reason, Reiner did not say anything to you before you left, which you found strange. You chose to not question it out of being polite, he may still be adjusting to being back in Marley.

A couple hours had passed since you left the train station. You went to the market to negotiate the high prices of nectarines and plums, to the bank to cash a few checks, and back to your parents house to drop off groceries and a little bit of spare cash to buy toiletries for the week.

But Reiner didn’t leave your mind while you were doing all of this. You were almost scared to ask what happened to the others who went on the mission, in fear of the truth. Perhaps minding your own business was the best thing to do right now.

You walked into the Braun household at exactly 6:55, a smile on your face. Karina hurriedly walked to the door to greet you, a bubbling sound in the distance along with the scent of meat, garlic and rosemary.

“Welcome, welcome!” Karina chimed. “I’ll take your coat, it’s rather warm in here.”

“Thank you”, you say. “It smells delightful in here!”

“That would be the signature Braun family stew”, she said. “My sister is tending to the stew. Reiner and Gabi are in here waiting for you.”

You walked though the hall that connected to the dining room and small kitchen, where the smell was coming from. Reiner and Gabi sat at the table along with a middle aged man, who was Gabis father.

“Is this her?” The man asked. “Nice to meet you, y/n. This is my daughter Gabi, and I bet you know Reiner. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Gabi gave you a toothy smile, while Reiner just looked down staring at his empty bowl.

“Sit down, Reiner and Gabi are about to tell out about their experiences”, he said and pulled out a chair.

The other woman in the kitchen brought in a steaming pot of a red stew, chunks of meat, carrots and celery floating around in the thick broth. She dished you some, then gave some to the others.

Gabi seemed to talk for hours about how she single-handedly took out the rest of the Allied Forces from a grenade she constructed, Reiner not saying anything and only staring at the stew, occasionally poking the contents.

“It was amazing!” Gabi said. “After this it’s just those island demons!”

“Speaking of”, her father said. “Reiner, how was your stay in Paradis?”

“Dad, you shouldn’t ask that stuff!” Gabi yelled. “Most of it is probably classified anyways!”

“You’re right, Gabi”, he sighed. “Reiner, forgive your uncle.”

“Actually”, he began. “Not all of it is a secret. There was this girl who had the courage to eat a potato at the opening ceremony... what was her name again? Sasha Braus? Yep, that sounds about right...”

“That’s wonderful, but I mean the battle. Did they find out? About you know... the titan thing?”

The slight smile on Reiners face soon disappeared and turned into one of terror, his pupils getting small and eyebrows furrowing slightly.

Gabi elbowed her father. Karina flashed a nervous look to her sister, and you looked back to her for guidance.

“Reiner, are you okay?” She asked.

“Y-yeah, just need to step outside. I think the air is getting to m-me”.” He quickly got up and left his seat and hurried out the door, slamming it shut behind him.

You all sat in silence, growing uncomfortable by the second.

You weren’t hungry now.

———

After failing to make conversation due to the recent events, you get up and excuse yourself, only after putting your bowl in your sink and thanking them for dinner. Gabi promised she would tell you more about her adventures before you headed out the door.

The Braun’s had a small porch on the house, and you assumed that Reiner would be sitting there when you came out. But you were shocked to find him nowhere to be found. You told Karina that you would look around for him, and left the house.

You were out for two hours looking for him. The night was starting to become darker, stars twinkling above you and shining down on this messed up world you were a part of.

But after hours of searching and worrying that you may not see him again, you found him on a bench outside of a pub in Liberio.

“Hey, Reiner!” You yell to him. His reaction wasn’t as sudden as the last time you called his name at the train station. Instead, his head was hanging low and slowly lifted up, his eyes reminding you of a stray dog.

You walked towards him, and stood in front of him once you felt that he noticed your presence.

“Your mom is scared, she doesn’t know where you ran off to”, you lecture him. “You should really come back home-“

“I’m not coming back home tonight, y/n.”

“Huh?” You ask him. “Reiner, it’s almost midnight. I’ll take you home if you need someone to walk you home.”

“Stop worrying about me. I’m staying here for the night, gonna have a few beers. Just... go away.”

These words take you by surprise. You can feel your throat tighten, and you try and swallow the feeling down so you wouldn’t have to deal with it right now. You couldn’t cry, not with him in front of you like this.

“I said fuck off. What do you not get about that?” His gruff voice growled. There was hostility in his expression, like you had never known him, or even worse- he was your enemy.

“O-ok, I’ll be going now”, your say as your voice cracked. You did your best to stifle your tears but you couldn’t stop them from collecting at your lash line. “Um, have a good night, Reiner.”

Swiftly, you get up from the bench and head in the direction of home, where you would probably spend the incoming day crying in embarrassment for making Reiner pissed. This was the exact last thing you wanted to do, make him feel uncomfortable to the point where he was pushing you away.

You stopped at a nearby lamppost to collect your thoughts, slumping against the cold pole and letting a few tears trickle down your cheeks. You grab a tissue from your pocket, and try to soak up your salty tears. You felt like absolute and utter shit.

A few footsteps are heard in the distance, and you are quick to reach in your other pocket and pull out a small pocketknife. After all, Liberio after dark wasn’t a safe place for a woman to be. Especially in this lighting.

“Who’s there?” You ask. “Show yourself or I’m drawing my knife.”

“Calm yourself, y/n.”

The familiar deep voice came closer to where you were standing, and a tall figure showed itself in the shadows. The red armband was crimson in the faded yellow light from the lamp, the man wearing a beige uniform.

“Reiner?” You ask, hoping for an answer. “Is that you?”

“I followed you back. I’m sorry for yelling at you”, he grumbled, and scratched the back of his head. “It’s about time I told you what happened.”

You nod, and sit on the curbside of the dimly lit street. He came and sat with you, just like you two did when you were young.

“So are they like people say?” You ask. “You know, the whole devil thing.”

Reiner shrugs. “They’re not evil. But they’re not good people either. It’s... hard to describe.”

“I understand.”

“You do?”

“Well, that’s a stretch”, you say. “I don’t, but I know how you feel. Um, I know you probably don’t want me asking but... what happened to the rest of the people who went with you? Marcel? Bertholdt? Annie?”

Reiner puts a hand to his face and shakes his head.

“Marcel died first. Bertholdt died a year ago I think. His titan was passed down to some blonde boy with a bowl cut in Paradis. And Annie, god who knows where she is? I’m not sure if she’s alive or dead.”

This information was something you were struggling to process. Marcel was a quick thinker, how could he not survive? And Bertholdt- he had what may have been the strongest titan, and who would want to kill his poor gentle soul? Annie though, you still had a bit of hope for.

“Before he died”, Reiner began. “Marcel told me I wasn’t meant to become the Armored. It was supposed to be Porco, but he interfered to protect him. I’m seeing what he means by I wasn’t meant to do this.”

“Don’t say that”, you order him, but not in a pushy tone. More like a gentle one. “If you’ve made it back alive, that’s enough for me.”

“What would you have done if I died?”

“I wouldn’t know”, you say. “I don’t think I want to even think about that.”

He nods. Death was too familiar to him now, it had almost become his friend now. It wasn’t an uncommon thing to see nowadays.

“And you kept that promise to me”, you utter. “You came back in one piece. I’m proud. This entire country is too.”

Reiner doesn’t look to you. Instead he gives a hum of approval, indicating that he heard you. You could see his chiseled features in the moonlight shining down on him to create a perfect shadow. God he was beautiful, he always was.

#attack on titan #shingeki no kyoujin #aot hcs #aot headcanons #snk headcanons #reiner x reader #reader x reiner #reiner braun #reiner braun x reader #aot reiner #reiner aot #snk reiner #reiner snk #aot #snk #aot fanfiction #snk fanfiction #attack on titan fanfiction

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morbid-mary · 3 years ago

Text

Upside Down

Chapter 2

Author’s Note: I’m sorry this took so long. I originally stopped writing because I needed to take a break and then I just forgot about my stories for a while if that makes sense. Anyhow, this is chapter 2 of Upside Down! I hope you enjoy it there’s so much more to come...

Italics: Caspian’s thoughts

Warnings: None

Tags: @realm-of-kearstenia @animallover81 @rebel-soldat

~~🖤~~

Caspian stares at the little girl with wide eyes. Lucy. He blinks at her, dumbfounded. “Lucy?... No that can’t be…she’s…” he trails off. They’ve grown up. He stares into the little girl’s eyes. They hold a familiarity he begins to recognize. They’re as blue as the eastern sea, much like her mother’s. They hold the same brightness and warmth Lucy always seemed to radiate. Can it be?

“Annabelle?” a voice calls.

The little girl turns, “Coming!”

Her name is Annabelle.

“It’s time for you to say hi!” Annabelle grabs Caspian’s large hand and pulls him up the platform.

“Annabelle wait” She stops, letting go of his hand.

“Why, you scared?” She asks, a playfulness in her tone.

Caspian squats down again. “No” he states, but he can’t help but smile at her.

“Then let’s go! The train will be here soon!”

“Annabelle!”

Caspian stands up quickly. That voice… A blonde man about Caspian’s height pushes past the family in front of them.

“Annabelle, there you are!” He squats down by Annabelle, gripping her gently. “Don’t you ever run away like that again, do you understand me? Your mother is worried sick!” The man scolds.

Caspian stares at the man, recognizing him immediately. “Peter” Caspian breathes out.

Peter’s head shoots up and the frown on his bearded face quickly disappears at the sight of the Narnian King.

“Look who I found!” Annabelle says, cheerily.

Peter slowly stands, pulling Anabelle close to him. He’s aged. His face is bearded, his eyes held a wisdom and strength that was not there the last time they had met, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the air about him that gave off an entitled authority.

“Go to your mother” Peter says, not breaking eye contact with Caspian.

“But-”

“Obey” Peter interrupts firmly.

Annabelle looks at Caspian one more time before disappearing up the platform.

“What did you do? How- how are you here? In England?” Peter asks, baffled by his fellow king’s presence.

“Hello to you too, Peter” Caspian says, a smile spreading across his face. He hasn’t changed much at all.

Peter sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose, “Right.” He straightens up and extends his arm to Caspian. Caspian smiles, gladly taking it. Peter pulls him into a quick hug, clasping him on the back, warmly greeting his friend. “It’s good to see you,” Peter says before letting him go.

“What happened?” Peter asks.

“I’m not entirely sure. One moment I’m in my chambers and the next I’m…here.” Peter nods.

“Probably an overlap of our worlds…” Peter trails off, eyeing his friend for a moment.

“What?” Caspian asks.

“I thought you’d be older” Peter admits.

“If you’d like I can come back in a few years” Caspian says.

Peter chuckles, remembering that little retort he threw at Caspian when they’d first met.

“Speaking of older-”

“Shut up” Peter interrupts.

Caspian smiles at his friend.

“Come on” Peter says, throwing an arm around Caspian’s shoulders. “It’s time you meet the family.”

Peter guides Caspian up the platform. They spot little Annabelle standing amongst a group of people.

“I’m telling the truth!” she exclaims, stamping her foot.

“Annabelle stop it! Your overactive imagination is getting the better of you!” the pregnant woman says.

She sounds like Susan.

Peter and Caspian approach the group.

“Look who Annabelle found wandering around the station” Peter announces, grasping the family’s attention.

Caspian’s eyes land on the pregnant woman sitting on the bench who’s head snaps in their direction along with everyone else’s. It is Susan.

“It can’t be” the woman next to Susan stands.

It’s Lucy. Her hair is longer than he last remembered, and she looks to be a little older than himself. Lucy is older than me. His eyes then land on the man off to the side who couldn’t be anyone other than Edmund. Jaw slack, pointing at Caspian, in utter shock. He looks almost exactly the same as he did on their last journey.

“You’ve got to be joking” Edmund says.

“It’s been so long!” Lucy says, rushing over to Caspian and pulling him into a hug.

Caspian wraps his arms around the youngest Pevensie tightly. “So it seems” he says.

“It’s good to see you” Lucy says as she pulls away.

Caspian smiles at her warmly. Caspian then reaches over pulling Edmund in for a hug as well.

“I never thought we’d see you again” Edmund admitted.

“Neither did I” Caspian says, patting Edmund’s back.

When Edmund lets go of his old friend, Susan was standing behind him. He moves out of the way so she can greet Caspian as well. She smiles at the young King.

“Susan” Caspian says, his eyes traveling down to her swollen belly.

“Hello Caspian” she says, surpressing a laugh at his shocked expression.

“You’re…” He trails off.

“Yes, I am” Susan says, unable to contain her laugh.

After they all greeted Caspian, each Pevensie introduced him to their families. Peter’s wife, Savannah, a gorgeous red head with warm brown eyes. His two daughters, Lily and Moira. Lily is eight years old and the spitting image of Peter with her blonde hair and her father’s blue eyes. Moira is six years old and has red hair like her mother and is very shy. Edmund’s wife, Constance, a sweet brunette with green eyes and a lovely Irish accent. And his son, Benjamin, who is four and could be Edmunds twin, but with green eyes like his mother. Susan’s husband, Robert Moore, a strong tall man with dark hair and pale blue eyes with a soft smile to balance it out. She also has a son, William, who is five years old and looks much like his mother. Lucy’s husband Michael Pierce, who is not present at the moment and Annabelle, who Caspian has already met.

“So, Caspian is an actual real…person?” Constance asks.

“He’s right there” Lily says, pointing at him.

“Lily!” Savannah scolds.

Caspian smiles, passing a wink to the little girl.

Lily turns to Annabelle and they giggle.

Caspian grins, watching them for a moment.

“I thought those stories of Narnia were just…stories” Robert chimes in.

“Did you think we were lying to you?” Edmund asks, folding his arms over his chest.

“Ugh, here they go” Lily says, shaking her head to Annabelle who rolls her eyes in turn.

“No- well…” Savannah trails off. “This is a little hard to grasp, I apologize” she adds.

The other spouses nod in agreement with Savannah.

Peter presses a kiss to his wife’s forehead, whispering something to her.

Savannah visibly relaxes at his words.

“What’s hard to grasp?” Annabelle asks.

“They weren’t lying, and you have walking proof right there” Lily adds.

Moira gasps, “You can’t call him ‘walking proof’ he’s a king!” She says, worried that what her sister had said might’ve been offensive.

“But he is!” Lily defends.

“He’s a king?” William asks.

“Yes, don’t you remember?” Annabelle asks.

“Not really” he says.

Moira and Lily giggle.

“We can discuss this further on the train” Peter says, closing the subject.

“He’s coming with us?” Annabelle asks.

“Well yes, we can’t very well leave him here” Lucy says, running a hand over her daughter’s hair.

“Yay!” she exclaims excitedly.

“What?” Caspian says.

“You’re coming with us!” Annabelle says, walking back over to him.

“And where are we going?” he asks her, glancing over at Peter and then Lucy.

“Our annual beach trip we take. It’s sort of like a family reunion.” Edmund clarifies.

“I see” Caspian says.

“Will you come?” Annabelle asks. She wraps her arms around his waist and looks up at him with the most pleading look in her eyes. “Pleeasse!” she begs, squeezing his hips.

Caspian stares into the little girl’s eyes. They’re so bright and affectionate and the pleading look she’s giving him now could crumble any resolve he would ever try to muster. She purses her lips saying ‘please’ in the sweetest way, again. Caspian glances over at Lucy who’s smiling as she watches the interaction.

Caspian lifts his head, his heart hammering inside his chest. He’s dreamed of this moment, being reunited with the Pevensie’s for two whole years. But the Pevensie’s he loves dearly have changed so much. They’re all grown up. More than he has. They have lives of their own, spouses, and even children. It’s all so different and he’s missed everything.

Caspian sighs, look around the train station. He’s here for a reason. He just knows it. He never thought he’d be given the opportunity to join them in their world. It’s always been the four of them to find their way to Narnia. Now it’s his turn.

Caspian swallows the lump forming in his throat and summons the courage to look down at little Annabelle. He takes in her pleading expression and softly smiles. “I will come.”

33 notes · View notes

spaceskam · 4 years ago

Text

when you come home to me

Summary: Alex comes home for a few days and spends them in Michael’s bed.

Tags: bittersweet fluff, lost decade, implied sexual content

for the @malexremix here's a remix of @tkstrrand ‘s fic If the world was kind, he would stay.

ao3

Monday

Alex took a deep breath, hands squeezing the armrests of the airplane seat.

They’d just landed and he was just waiting for the clearance to get off the plane. Then he’d catch a cab to his dad’s house to pick up his car and he’d get to go home. He was crawling out of his skin with anticipation and nerves. He knew, logically, that he’d be welcomed back. But he always held a sliver of doubt. Alex was always just preparing himself to walk up to Michael’s airstream and find someone else in his bed.

He didn’t have insecurity around Michael’s bisexuality or anything. He wasn’t intimidated by the idea that Michael might choose to be with a woman because it’d be a simpler time while in Roswell. Honestly, anyone would be easier for Michael to date in Roswell. At least they’d be there full time.

Yet, he couldn’t shake his nerves. He’d gone too long without contact this time, he thinks. Three years. So much could happen in three years. Michael could’ve met someone and gotten married and had a kid and it would’ve been a socially acceptable timeline.

God, he really hoped he didn’t have a kid or a spouse.

The entire process of leaving the airport, watching a few of his fellow soldiers have a grand reunion with their family while he walked towards the doors alone, and riding home in a stuffy cab that smelled faintly of weed seemed to pass all too quickly and drag on painfully at the same time. He was as sure it’d taken his entire day as he was sure it’d been 15 minutes and he was about to fall on Michael’s doorsteps without the time to think of what to say.

The first sign things were going to go in his favor, though, was the fact that his dad’s house was empty. Alex knew his father knew when he was coming back to Roswell. Not that he deliberately went out to keep track of that date, but his dad always seemed to know everything that Alex did. Which would make sense considering his current CO was buddy-buddy with Jesse Manes. The fact that he wasn’t there, waiting to make it difficult for him to get to Michael’s, was a godsend.

Alex took a record-breaking run to his room. He grabbed his phone, his charger, a couple more items of clothing, and his keys and he was gone before his dad could even return.

Michael moved between Foster’s Ranch and the junkyard. He didn’t think about what it would mean if he was somewhere else. How would he find him if he wasn’t there?

Fortunately, he didn’t have to dwell on that disaster seeing as Michael’s truck was right where he left it in Sander’s junkyard. He took a breath and climbed out of his car at the same time Michael emerged from the door. He had to lean against the car as he got a good look at him.

He looked practically the same, maybe with a little more facial hair going on, but the shirt and the jeans were more of the same. Alex didn’t have to touch it to know how soft the fabric was from years of use. He didn’t have to feel Michael rub his stubbly cheek on parts of his body to know it’d leave a beard burn rash for a day or two after he left.

He wanted to feel it anyway.

“Alex,” Michael breathed, his eyes going a bit wide and his lips parting like he couldn’t quite believe it. That hurt more than Alex had the words for.

Alex pushed himself off the car and shoved his hands in his pockets, hoping to give his hands something to do while also keeping them to himself until Michael gave him the green light to do otherwise.

“Hey.”

Michael took each step down with his entire body weight, thud, thud, thud, like he didn’t know another way. It had Alex feeling nervous and excited and a billion other things.

“You’re back,” Michael said. Alex tried to smile, but it refused to find his face so he nodded and looked down.

“Temporarily.”

Michael was quiet for a moment, but he never stopped walking closer. He stopped just an arms-length away and Alex’s eyes trailed up him, trying to spot any difference. He didn’t really see any, only a few holes in his jeans that Alex longed to put his fingers through.

“How long?” Michael asked.

“‘Till Thursday,” Alex said, making that arms-length distance more like hands-width. Michael nodded slowly, his eyes betraying his thoughts and feelings. How that wasn’t enough, but he would accept it anyway. A twisted part of Alex basked in the fact that he was wanted at all.

Instinctually, Alex looked around the junkyard for any signs of life. Not that he was foolish enough to think that Sanders didn’t know something. More than once, he’d whistled for Michael like a dog instead of coming close enough to knock which Michael thought was hilarious and only happened “when you’re in my bed, Private, I think he’s got Spidey senses”. It was a little nerve-wracking, but Alex was able to convince himself that that didn’t mean Sanders knew it was him or knew what they were doing. There was reasonable doubt to be had. But. Still.

“Sanders is away, I’m looking after the yard for a while, no one’s around,” Michael whispered. Alex’s eyes drifted back to him and a smile finally found his face at the idea that they were completely alone. That meant he could convince Michael to stay in bed a little later in the morning. That meant he could get him to be a little louder. They could be a bit more comfortable in their own skin.

Michael moved until they were practically chest to chest, nearly stepping on Alex’s toes in the process. He wouldn’t have minded if he did, honestly. Michael reached up to grab his collar, tugging him in until they were nose to nose. He laughed softly, that tense knot of nervousness in his stomach exploding into pure excitement. For all the times he told himself he’d never come back to Roswell, this made it blatantly clear why he kept doing just that.

“Wanna go inside?” Michael murmured, tilting his head just enough to nudge his nose into Alex’s. Alex nodded quickly, feeling young and dumb and giddy for just a moment, and Michael smiled. God, he was beautiful.

Michael’s hand drifted from his collar down to his hand and he led the way into the airstream with Alex hot on his heels.

When the door closed, Alex started to unbutton his jacket. He expected frantic, desperate movement from both of them like usual, but Michael stopped and looked at him up and down for a moment. Alex grinned and slowed just a bit, just to tease. Michael rolled his eyes and leaned forward, his lips brushing Alex’s cheek in an experimental fashion. Something bigger than butterflies‒birds, maybe pterodactyls‒burst in his stomach at the small affection.

“Say ‘honey, I’m home’,” Michael asked against his cheek, voice quiet and unsure. Alex turned his head until they were nose to nose again and shucked off his jacket. It hit the floor and he didn’t give a shit about picking it up to fold it neatly.

Alex hooked his thumb into the hem of Michael’s jeans and tugged him in until they were pressed together from head to toe. He very much wanted to be pressed head to toe without their clothes between them. So he grabbed the belt buckle.

“Honey,” he said, breathy and not as sing-song as he was planning. Michael grinned anyway.

Alex yanked the belt out of the belt loops and Michael started to untuck Alex’s shirt, calloused fingers gliding over his stomach. Alex slowly started backing him further into the airstream towards the little bed that they’d made more happy memories in than Alex would ever tell anyone about. They were theirs. No one was allowed to taint them.

“I’m home.”

“You’ve been gone a while.”

Alex tried not to flinch at the simple statement, instead of letting his fingers trail over Michael’s skin. He had his ear against his heart and the soft, repetitive thud was soothing in more ways than he had the words for.

“I got a promotion, things have been kinda hectic,” Alex said, quiet and clinical in hopes Michael would drop the subject sooner rather than later, “We were traveling a lot.”

Alex managed a glance up at him and met his eyes, silently asking him to drop it if he could. That was an easier said request than done, but still. Michael rewarded him with a hand through his hair.

“Congrats,” Michael said dryly. Alex scooted a little closer, pressing up against his body in hopes that it’d subdue whatever was going on in his head. It was all he could do.

“Tell me about you,” Alex said, desperately changing the subject as he rested his head on Michael’s chest again. His heartbeat was a little louder, a little faster. Alex wanted to soothe that away somehow.

Michael’s arms wrapped around him.

“Isobel got married.”

“To Noah?” Alex asked, a smile tugging at his lips. He didn’t know the guy and he had mixed feelings about Isobel, but Michael loved her and he thought Noah was good for her and therefore Alex felt the same. “That’s great.”

“Mhm,” Michael agreed, craning his head down to search for a kiss. Alex moved to touch his face and deepened the kiss with ease.

This he could do. This he knew would make him relax. It always did. Maybe that was stupid and immature, but it felt good. It was an easy way to see Michael smile, to hear him laugh, to feel his skin turn red with adrenaline and excitement. And Alex knew he was the cause.

He liked being the cause of good things and so far making Michael feel nice was the only thing on that list.

Alex pulled him down into bed with him all over again, a silent promise to add a tally next to that one item on the list.

Tuesday

Alex slept in late for the first time in a long time, allowing himself to wallow in bed even after he knew there was no more going back to sleep.

He rolled and buried his face in the pillow before remembering that he wasn’t alone. A small smile found his face, still hidden away from the world in the comfort of the pillow and he reached out, feeling for Michael. However, the bed was empty and his smile was replaced with a pout. He lifted his head groggily and looked for Michael only to see him watching him from across the trailer.

“Come back to bed,” Alex whined, reaching out for him and forgetting himself for just a moment. He shouldn’t be whining and begging and using grabby hands towards anyone regardless of what they’ve done. Still. He did it. He quickly dropped his hand and evened his face once he remembered.

Michael seemed unphased by the slip-up, a big, warm smile on his face as he leaned against the counter. He was shirtless and had a pair of jeans on that were unbuttoned and hanging loose on his hips. Alex could follow the line of hair across his abdomen down to where it disappeared beneath his jeans. It made him feel warm all over again and he could feel himself forgetting his composure, wanting to just reach out and take.

“I will in a second,” Michael said softly.

Alex scrunched up his nose in distaste which got a huffed laugh out of Michael, but he quickly let it drop and he sat up. He reached across for where his bag was and pulled out a pair of clean boxers to put on and then threw on one of Michael’s shirts on top of it. It wasn’t as warm as the one he was wearing, probably, but it would simply have to do. And it really, really would do.

Michael came closer, finally, and sat beside him with two mix-matched mugs in his pretty hands. He handed one to Alex and adjusted himself to lean against the wall as Alex took a sip. He found himself staring into the cup almost too afraid to take another sip in case this was just something he made up in his head despite the warmth blooming in his gut at the taste.

“What?” Michael asked, taking a sip of what was most definitely coffee from the smell of it.

Alex turned his entire body to look at him, disbelief thrumming through his veins and a smile pulling at his lips.

“Since when do you drink herbal tea?” Alex asked, raising an eyebrow. He had at least one vivid memory of Michael choking and spitting it out when Alex had forced him to take just one sip.

And it turns out he didn’t and all of the disbelief in Alex’s system lit on fire into pure euphoria as Michael said he got it just for him. A small hope and faith that Alex wasn’t just fucking around with his feelings and dropping off the face of the Earth. Not just that, but spending his money on something for Alex. They didn’t really spend money on each other and this wasn’t necessarily expensive, and yet…

“Thank you,” Alex breathed, moving forward to kiss him again. Michael kissed him back and then took the mug from him to place on the counter beside his own. The taste of the coffee on Michael’s tongue definitely clashed with the tea, but Alex craved it.

The shirt he’d put on ended up on the floor and Michael grabbed his knees to pull him into his lap enough to lay him down. Alex felt high on him, on the idea that he bought him tea, on the fact that he wanted him to come back, expected him to come back. He held onto Michael’s back, tugging him in close and almost clawing at his back just to make sure this was real. That he was really here and they were really together if only for a moment in time.

“Ah,” Alex breathed, gripping him tighter as Michael’s teeth dug into the skin of his neck.

They seemed to have the same idea.

Wednesday

One day, when Alex had a house of his own, he was going to have an at-home library.

He didn’t have time for books much anymore, but the idea was still appealing and one day he wanted to have time for books. He wanted his walls to be lined with them, to have a full selection, to have the permanence of them. Michael, however, was already beating him at starting a collection.There wasn’t many in the grand scheme of things, but more than one should have in a living space so small, a stack of textbooks and non-fictional works on the table and a hidden pile shoved beneath the bed.

The whole thing had Alex feeling light and fluffy again despite the fact that Michael was working and Alex had to entertain himself this morning. It was just so cute. Alex took a shower and got dressed and when he got all ready for the day, he found himself staring at the stack. He carefully took the top one and started to thumb through it.

He objectively knew Michael was intelligent. He didn’t care what people said about mechanics, the shit was hard work and took more intelligence than he was sure anyone really knew. Even Alex really only knew how to change a tire. Michael, on the other hand, had built an entire engine.

Still, opening the old textbook to see it was flat-out mechanical engineering in the most clinical way was enough to make Alex feel warm with pride. All the highlights and notes in the margin felt so personal and the loose-leaf paper tucked into the practice problem pages screamed Michael Guerin. He was just so fucking smart. Alex liked him so much.

A few vocabulary words later‒and most notably a lot of notes on how to build a bigger, more powerful engine and an asterisk to remind him to compare to notes in his Rocket Propulsion textbook‒Alex found himself peeking behind the little curtain to see if he could spot Michael. And he did, seeing him wiping his hands as he spoke to a pretty woman who was probably a decade or so older than them. She was very clearly appreciative and Alex couldn’t help but snort a laugh.

Alex went back to the textbook, making himself comfortable in Michael’s bed. He had a secret, personal, debatably gross affinity for the way the blankets began to smell after they’d had sex a few times without washing them. It was gross, but they smelled a little musty and a little like Alex’s body wash and a little like Michael’s skin and a lot like they were a product of the two of them existing as one. He’d enjoyed the smell since the summer after high school when they were resigned to the bed of his truck with his sleeping bags. The idea of it pulsed in his veins.

He brought the blankets to his nose and kept reading.

“You’re dressed,” Michael noted when he came back inside. Alex managed to drop the blanket at the sound of the door opening in a casual motion, trying not to do anything distinctly weird. If Michael noticed he didn’t say anything, instead happily sitting on the bed in all of his sweaty, greasy glory and pulled Alex’s legs into his lap.

Alex glared at him and deeply buried the urge to see what his neck tasted like when he was this messy.

“It was getting cold,” he said simply as he put the book down.

“That’s what the blanket is for.”

“So, I was just meant to wait here for you, naked?” Alex teased, gravitating closer unintentionally. His eyes drifted to that spot on his tan neck, glistening with the heat of the day. A little bit of staring and he realized he left a mark.

Huh. That was a first.

“That was the plan, yeah,” Michael said. He grabbed Alex’s hand and held it tight.

Alex teased him and watched him closely, considering pulling him down and saying screw showers despite the fact that Michael desperately needed one before he put his hands anywhere sacred. Michael, however, noticed the book.

“Engineering,” Alex told him when he asked, “You’ve got lots of notes in here, you building something?”

Alex turned a few pages, that one reminding him to compare notes in his rocket science book unintentionally catching his eye again.

“Just cars,” Michael said, tone of voice a little more tense than it should be.

Alex met his eyes and stared at him. And for the first time in a long time when it came to Michael Guerin, Alex got that weird feeling in his gut that said he wasn’t telling the truth. Which would be ridiculous‒what the hell would there be to lie about?

Instead of letting himself sit with the idea, however, Alex tilted his head back and closed his eyes, shaking it out of his mind. They were having a good week. Alex was being paranoid for no goddamn reason. He rubbed his thumb over the back of Michael’s hand before shifting to lay his head on his shoulder. He didn’t smell like the sheets. He smelled like Michael. And Alex didn’t care that he was probably getting him dirty just by being near him.

“What’d you wanna do?”

“Can we just…” Alex said, breathing out as he considered the fact that Michael did actually have to bathe and that they did need to change the sheets after him sitting on them. He wasn’t quite ready to give up the potency yet. He could only have it for so long. “Can we just sit here for a bit?”

“Of course.”

Without meaning to, Alex dozed off. When he came to, the sheets were changed and smelled fresh, though still of Michael, and Michael was clean and tucked up against him. Alex was reminded by how much he liked clean Michael as well. He couldn’t tell if he liked him dirty or clean more.

It didn’t matter. Alex reached up to press his fingers against the mark that was much more visible when he wasn’t grimy and Michael, unconscious and endlessly sweet, moved closer.

He wondered how hard it would be to get Michael to cover him in marks, little reminders for just a few more days after he left. That was, however, extremely impractical and irresponsible given, well, everything about his job.

So instead he cuddled closer and held him and tried to memorize the way his body felt this close.

Thursday

“Do you remember the movie Cars?”

Alex blinked a few times as he registered the words coming out of Michael’s mouth. He was struggling to stay awake considering they’d spent the entire morning testing out the true meaning of stamina and destroying the concept of a post-coital recuperation period, hours dedicated to whiting out Alex’s mind from the inevitable departure that was coming closer with each passing moment. They were running out of time and Alex was much more content to not think about it or address it.

And Michael apparently wanted to talk about Cars.

“What?” Alex asked, lifting his head. Michael was laying in the opposite direction, his lips swollen and red and his hair a frizzy mess where it laid against Alex’s shin. His feet were on the wall to avoid being on the pillow.

“Cars, like the animated Disney movie?” Michael said.

“I-I mean, yeah, I remember Cars. Just, like, where did that come from?” Alex asked, huffing a laugh. He grabbed one of Michael's ankles and brought it to his chest, just needing to touch him.

“Remember when we watched it in Spanish senior year?” Michael continued. Alex nodded, watching him.

Michael seemed still a little dazed now that Alex’s eyes focused on him more. His fingers were playing with Alex’s leg hair and his eyes were half-lidded and the sun was shining even past the curtains, his tanned skin glowing. Alex had littered his skin in tiny red marks that he couldn’t ask for in return. He looked fucking godlike for a moment. Longer than a moment.

“Yeah, I remember we had a sub and she couldn’t figure out how the subtitles worked so we watched it in Spanish with French subtitles,” Alex said.

“You put your head down and your shirt rode up a little ‘cause of it. I sat there for, like, thirty minutes trying to figure out how to tell you that your shirt rode up and I could see, like, a millimeter of your boxers and an inch of your skin. It was nothing, really, but I remember feeling like it was the most scandalous thing I’d ever seen. And I stared at you the whole class period trying to work up the nerve to say something to you, anything, even if it was just saying I liked your shirt,” Michael rambled, his voice a little muffled against Alex’s leg. That didn’t stop Alex from feeling like his heart was going to jump out of his chest. “Anyway, if you could be in that universe, would you wanna be a living car or a living plane?”

Alex breathed a soft laugh, trying and failing to move past the part where he had just admitted something insanely sweet from a time months before they even really spoke one-on-one for the first time. Clearly, they needed to go at it like that more often. They didn’t tell stories like that. They didn’t talk about things that mattered.

To Alex, that mattered.

“Plane,” Alex whispered, slowly pushing himself to a sitting position and trying not to jostle Michael too much even if it felt awkward. Alex kissed his knee as he slowly took one of his legs back. “I like to fly.”

“You like to fly,” Michael repeated, soft like he was keeping it for himself. Alex smiled and slowly shifted one of his other legs away. Michael pouted adorably about it and Alex slowly made his way up his body.

“Yeah,” Alex said, fingers sliding over his thigh as he placed himself over Michael. The pout faded into something a lot more serene. “I did really well in flight school.”

“You have a pilot’s license?” Michael asked.

“Yeah. Air Force.”

“I’ve looked it up before, not everyone in the Air Force flies planes,” Michael said softly, reaching up to rake his fingers through his hair, “I didn’t know you did.”

“It’s a convenient thing to have and it was offered to us for free. So, you know, if we ever need to fly away, I can handle it,” Alex said. Michael stared at him for a moment. Maybe longer than a moment.

“Okay,” he said, pulling him down for a kiss.

It was languid and slow, the sun bearing down on them and making it hotter in the airstream than it already was from them alone. And Alex reveled in it. He wanted to soak in as much of this feeling in every way.

Because in twelve hours, he would be gone.

His flight was at five. He had to leave Michael by two so he could drop his car off at his dad’s and then he had to call a cab. And that would be it. He would be gone and he wouldn’t know when he would be back.

It was hard, leaving. Alex wanted so many things, all of them so out of reach, and his body ached for it. But he couldn’t have them. It wasn’t about what he wanted and, even though Michael seemed to want it too, Alex knew it was bad for them. It was messy and there were too many other players and it was best they stole this small time and didn’t make it harder than it had to be. They kept it physical and casual because it was what was best.

And yet.

Michael’s hand pressed to the base of his spine, a hot presence holding him close. He touched every inch of skin he could and he kissed him like it was important. Michael kept tea for him and put off work to be here. He hadn’t looked at his well-loved notebooks since Alex got here. His attention was on Alex. All of it. He was wanted here. Alex loved the way that felt.

He loved him.

It was almost torturous how something could be literally in his hands and simultaneously entirely out of reach. The silly game Alex played with himself, letting himself get all excited about going home because he wanted to see him while reminding himself that there was no guarantee that Michael was waiting. There was no promise made. Hell, they barely spoke about things unless they were trivial to make sure they didn’t make things worse.

And he loved him.

Alex didn’t have to ask if Michael was seeing other people when he was gone, he knew he was. He was handsome and smart and hardworking despite what he’d have others believe. He knew one day he’d come home and Michael wouldn’t be open to letting him in his bed. He’d find someone nice, someone cozy, someone safe. Someone who didn’t keep him waiting around. It was only a matter of time. It was stupid to care too much.

But Alex loved him.

They didn’t start another round this time, bodies too fraught and fried and tired to try. Instead, they kissed until the kissing stopped and they just held each other. The sun was shining on them, the clock was ticking, and Michael’s skin was sticking to his with sweat from how hot it was but neither of them was bold enough to move.

And Alex loves him.

Friday

Alex let out a shaky breath as he watched the clock tick to 1:45 AM.

He’d run out of time. Michael was laying on his back, sound asleep with his head leaning towards Alex. It hurt to look at him, but Alex mustered enough courage to touch his face carefully and push his hair back. He kissed his forehead and then his cheek, watching to make sure he didn’t stir, and then slowly got out of the bed that had been so nice to him these last few days.

Alex gathered his things quietly, putting on his shirt and his pants and his shoes. He grabbed his phone and his keys and held them tightly to muffle any excess noise. His heart felt like it was going to melt out of his chest as he looked at him. Apparently, all the touching didn’t help him feel ready to leave at all.

God, it hurt. It hurt so fucking bad.

Alex closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He didn’t tell Michael when his flight was or when he was leaving out of self-preservation. He didn’t trust himself to leave if Michael was awake. And yet it still felt like the hardest thing.

Beside Alex’s bag was a soft, worn black sweater. The sleeves and the neck were stretched out. It smelled like Michael. Alex found himself pulling it over his head despite it still feeling a little hot in the airstream. He wanted to keep something, just this one thing, just for a little while.

Quickly, to make himself feel less embarrassed about it, he opened one of Michael’s notebooks to leave a note. He had a million things to say. He settled on something simple.

Borrowed your sweater, it was cold hope that’s okay.

I’ll give it back next time I’m home

- AM

He started at it and swallowed, trying to make sure it was enough. Maybe he could smother it in tiny hearts or find something to make a kiss print with or something. Something that would let Michael know that he loved him even though that wasn’t an option. He couldn’t think of anything worthwhile, though, and instead just flipped it over.

I’ll be back, I promise

Alex took another deep breath and looked at Michael again, mentally saying fuck it as he leaned back down to kiss him on the cheek and breathe in the smell of his hair. It was intoxicating. He wanted to crawl back into bed with him. It was so much better than being out there, running special operations because he was talented. That’s what he was told. Talented. We need you, do you really need a vacation right now? You’re important. Your decryption is incredible and needed. Fine. Five days, but then you need to come back. Captain.

Five days.

“I’m going to come home,” Alex murmured, standing up straight. He swallowed the lump in his throat and found a tack in a small cup of screws and other pointy things, sticking the note where Michael would see it.

This wasn’t it. He was going to come back. Maybe Michael would be with someone more permanent by then and maybe this was the last time he’d get to kiss him. And that would be fair and Alex wouldn’t complain.

But maybe not. And maybe he’d have more of him in his future. More talks. More anecdotes about liking Alex.

More. They could have more one day. This wasn’t over.

Alex got in his car and drove.

#malex #malex fic #micahel guerin #alex manes #roswell new mexico #my fic #malexremix2021

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