#I'm glad they added the option to hug her here

[a2zillustration]

Tragedy in, tragedy out

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[moirindeclermont]

Episode 6 of Smashed, a Vampire!Polin AU.

Yesterday, I asked you if you preferred to wrap it up or continue, and the majority said to continue, so we shall. Remember, tomorrow, there is no story; on Monday, I'll return with episode 7. Also, this is obviously Polin HEA; nothing terrible will happen to our babies, I promise.

We were left on the edge of a conversation, and that shall be where we continue...

Previous episodes can be found here ⬇

They passed the first hour of their second day of travel in silence; each one focused on her question until Colin decided that enough was enough.

"Would you sit on my lap?" Pen looked at him with a stern look.

"We have to talk," she reminded him.

He nodded. "We will, as soon as you're sitting on my lap, my cock inside you. I need my anchor to do this, Pen. I need you."

Damn him, he knew what to say in every situation.

But, honestly, she loved that he seemed unable to resist touching her in any way he could. She lifted her skirts, and he sucked two fingers in his mouth before putting them on her folds, teasing her until she was wet enough to have him. It didn't take long, and as she was slowly sitting on his lap, his cock inside her, she hugged him and kissed him, almost unable to resist moving - but willing herself to be still because this was important.

"So, do you have any idea?" he asked her, helping her stay still. Her warmth around him was the best thing that ever happened to him, and she was an anchor. Nothing horrible could happen if she were on his lap, ready for him.

"I do have a few, in fact," she answered, and Colin smiled. He knew how smart his Pen was, and he had no doubt she had already thought of something.

"Let's hear them, then."

"Option 1 - You hide for the whole week. Of course, we will see each other, but only an hour or so before dawn, and there will be almost no time for this."

He was already discarding that option in his mind but waited to talk until she was done.

"Option 2 - We present you and hope they don't k!ll you on the spot. I'd be very pissed, though, and you'll be revenged in minutes," she added, trying to put some humour into the situation, making him kiss her.

"It won't happen," he tried to reassure her in a soft voice, even though he knew it could happen.

"Option 3 - I present you the second or third day as an example of a vampire that can control himself. They will have questions, and someone might be hostile towards you, but there is a chance they will listen. Some may treat you as a living test, which is awful, but you'll have the chance to charm them, and hopefully, they will leave us alone."

He caressed her hair, kissing her jaw.

She was silent for a minute, and he took his cue to add to the conversation.

"Option 1 and 2 are horrible, and I don't accept them," that earned him a laugh from Pen that made his stomach swoop and his c0ck harden inside her. But Colin was not done.

"Option 3 seems a good starting point. May I improve on that?" She nodded, trying desperately not to grind on him.

"We can take some hours today and tomorrow night to see how we work together. If, as I imagine, I can be useful to your job as a hunter, they might be more inclined to listen to us."

She seemed to consider his words. "How would that work?" She asks, curious as always.

"I can train with you and be your partner on the field. You do the job, but I can be there to be whatever you need. A sparring partner, one more set of eyes, someone that can talk to other reasonable vampires. I don't think I'm the only one at all," he finished, and she nodded at him.

"Let's go with this: today and tomorrow we'll train and if we work together, we go with this, otherwise with my Option 3?"

It seemed a good compromise for him, too. He nodded as well.

"Colin, can you fuck me?"

He laughed at that, "Glad you asked, angel."

He put his hands on her hips and started to guide her movements, his member hard in seconds as she was grinding on him.

Pen started moaning as soon as he was also putting his hips to good use, pushing into her heat and nibbling at her neck, making her go crazy. The movements of the carriage supported and added to their stimulation as their release got closer and closer.

He moved a hand to go near her centre to press on her cl!t, provoking her release in a matter of seconds.

"Your method of finding a compromise is interesting, Mr. Bridgerton." She said, breathless, as they both calmed down from their coupling.

"They work only with you," he said sweetly, kissing her deeply.

"And I can't wait to train with you in some hours, love. It's going to be so much fun..." Pen shivered, curious to see how that would play out. But for the moment, they had some more hours to pass together.

[ahgasegotarmy116]

Still With You | A Jeon Jungkook Series Chapter Three

Summary: Jungkook asks about our plans tomorrow night Pairing: Luna (reader) x Jungkook and Jimin, f2l love triangle Word Count: 4.5k~ Warnings: Explicit language (Like one word) a/n: Sorry for not posting in a couple of days. I was stressing/studying but I passed my final so I'll get back to posting a bit more Start from the beginning

Another beautiful day off comes and goes as I head into my uncles store. "Hey Grey" I say walking past her. "Took you long enough" she says while flipping through a magazine not even sparing me a glance. "I'm only four minutes late" I say checking my phone and rolling my eyes. 

"Four minutes is still four minutes" she says raising an eyebrow at me. "Whatever, is my uncle around?" I say hoping he won't be in today. "He took the morning off, so knowing him he'll probably come in and check up on us in a couple of hours" she relays and I let out a sigh of relief. 

Don't get me wrong, I love and appreciate my uncle. He's the main reason I've been able to stay in this city for so long. He let me stay in the little apartment above the store until he had time to help me find my own place and let me keep this job even though he should've fired me a long time ago. 

It's just that, sometimes it's nice to take care of the store when it's just Grey and I. "Ya! Go put your stuff in your locker and get to work. We've still gotta finish putting away the rest of the shipment" she nags. "I thought Jason was supposed to take care of that" I complain while walking toward the back to put my stuff away. 

"Apparently your uncle told him to leave it for you to do as another punishment" she says relaying the information while scrolling through her phone, abandoning the magazine and continuing to remain uninterested in my struggles. "At least I'll have something to do" I mutter to myself while putting on the hideous store vest and heading out.

Grey, she's the kind of person that you never really know if she loves you or hates you since there's not really an in-between option. 

She can be pretty rough around the edges but at the end of the day I know Grey cares about me. She puts in the time and effort to spend time together even if she's standoffish the entire time plus she's there for me in ways Jungkook can't be. 

They know how to take better care of me than I know how to take care of myself. I'm kind of a mess if I'm being honest.I'm not sure why they stick around but I will forever be in their debt. They're just different, and I'm so glad they decided to love me, mess and all. 

I'm broken out of my train of thought by the sound of the bell signaling another customer arriving. "Welcome in" I say out of routine not realizing who came in just yet. I flinch at the feeling of someone coming up behind me and wrapping their arms around my waist. 

"Miss me?" he whispers in an amused tone. "Kook!" I say feeling my mood get so much better simply by his presence. Although now I have an added feeling of butterflies that I can't seem to control, a new edition to my reactions when it comes to him. 

"Hey" he says giving a firm hug. "You should really stop daydreaming and become a bit more aware of your surroundings you know. What if someone else would've done the same" he scolds. "Then I would've known how to take care of myself" I say turning around to face him. "That's right I forgot who I'm dealing with" he says shaking his head, amused at my confidence.

"So what are you doing here?" I question curious about the surprise visit. "I just wanted to see you" he says smiling down at me. "Also I wanted to see if I could squeeze some more information out of you about our date" he says ending with a wink. 

"Shut up" I say softly placing a slap on his chest, being met with a wall of muscle. "Stop teasing you know it's not a date" I say laughing off his efforts to make me shy. "Okay I'll stop" he says laughing. 

"I'm sorry to disappoint but I'm not telling you anything. Just meet me here with the truck and wearing comfortable clothes tomorrow night. My shift ends at 10" I say giving him a secretive smile at the end. "Okay you're the boss" he says putting his hands up in surrender. 

"How was class today?" I ask curious as to what he's been working on. "Oh you know the usual, just learning my shapes and trying to color in the lines" he says jokingly. "Very funny. What are you really working on?" I say more curious since he's not sharing. "Don't worry about it. I'll show you eventually" he says patting my head.

"Stop doing that, I'm older than you remember! You should be showing me a bit more respect" I frown while fixing my hair. "You might be older than me but I'm still taller" he says teasingly. "Whatever" I say crossing my arms in irritation. 

"Aww Noona you're so adorable when you're mad" he says gushing over me. "Ew don't call me that" I say squirming at his attempt of formality. "Why not? Didn't you just say you were older than me?" he says continuing to tease me, clearly seeing the effect it has on me. 

"Okay I'm done with this conversation" I say walking past him. He turns around and grabs my wrist. "I'm sorry I'll stop" he says clearly trying to hold in his laughter. I roll my eyes at his childishness. "Goodbye Jungkook" I say sliding my wrist out of his hold. 

"Hey what the heck? I wasn't finished talking" He says starting to sport a slight pout, knowing that it's one of my many weaknesses when it comes to him. I quickly turn around hoping to avoid it and continue on towards the front of the store. 

"You can talk to me tomorrow night. Plus, I've gotta get back to work before my uncle stops by and catches me slacking off" I say, grabbing a box full of ramen and heading towards the shelf that holds the wide variety that we carry. "I guess that's fine since I'll have you all to myself soon" he says smiling at the thought. 

"Now get going" I say laughing at his slight excitement I see shining through his pout. "Alright, bye Noona" he says giving me a quick peck on the cheek and runs out the door before I can hit him for teasing me again. "Hey I told you not to call me that!" I say yelling after him. "Bye Grey" is all I hear before the bell rings, signaling his departure. 

"Did Jungkook just call you Noona?" she says clearly disgusted. "Yeah he did" I say rubbing my temple. "Does he know you have a Noona kink?" she says smirking at me. "Shhhhh" I say glancing around the shop before continuing "Not so loud! And no he doesn't. You're the only person I've told and I would like to keep it that way" I say whispering back in response. 

"But I bet you'll love it when Jimin calls you Noona" she says with yet another smirk. "Who says I'm ever gonna see him again?" I say, oblivious as to who's about to walk through the door. "I don't know, why don't you ask him?" she says waiting for my very much anticipated panicked expression.

I keep my back to the door as I hear the bell ring. "Welcome in" Grey says greeting him immediately on his arrival. "Thank you" he says with a soft smile. "Luna?" he asks coming closer. "Hi Jimin" I say awkwardly, turning around and laughing nervously at his greeting. 

"I thought that was you! How have you been?" he says smiling down at me. Gosh has he always been this tall? "Um, pretty good thanks. Just working a lot" I say a bit slower than usual trying to calm down my nerves. "How have you been" I ask reciprocating his interest. "I've been good as well, just focusing on school. Hey since you're not in school now that probably means you're a bit older than me huh?" he says making me blush slightly. 

"How old are you if you don't mind me asking" he says slightly tilting his head waiting for my response. "Oh I'm 25" I say shyly. "I was right then! I'm only 21 so that means you're my Noona!" he says with boyish charm. I can see his eyes light up in excitement at the thought. 

"Yeah I guess so. But you don't have to worry about being formal with me, it's not like I'm that much older than you" I say slightly dropping my gaze to the floor. 

"But I want to, especially since we've only just met. I couldn't possibly throw away the formalities already. Even though we are close in age doesn't mean I shouldn't respect you. Plus Luna Noona sounds kinda cute" he says tilting his head down at the end trying to catch my gaze. 

I finally make eye contact with him and notice he's a lot closer to me than I thought he was. "Is it okay if I call you Noona?" he asks with a smile that's warm enough to cloud my vision. "Y-yeah sure if you want to" I say with a dazed air to my overall demeanor. I've gotta keep myself under control.

Alarm bells are being set off in my head telling me he's trouble but then again he's just a kid. How much trouble could he possibly be? He's a smooth talker for sure but I bet when it comes down to it he might shy away from anything that might be too much to handle. Wait! What? Luna stop being such a freak! He's cute but you've gotta keep it together. He's a customer as well and flirting with customers isn't the best idea. 

"Noona?" he says trying to catch my attention. "Yes!" I say, startled from being caught out of my daze yet again. "Do you think maybe sometime I could come see you again?" he says tentatively. 

"I mean you can come whenever you want, I can't really stop you" I say laughing off his proposal. "No I mean, well I wanted to see if maybe on your break we could go get some coffee or something? There's a great cafe down the street that I think you might like!" he says full of excitement but still showing a little vulnerability waiting for my answer. 

"Oh, I mean I guess so. My work schedule is kinda all over the place though so I never really know when my breaks are" I admit. "That's okay! I could just give you my number and you can text me when you're free! I live only a few train stops away so it'll only take me about 10 minutes to get over here" he says with an honest smile waiting in anticipation for my answer.

Should I give him my number? I barely know the guy, but then again he's probably just a kid that has a little crush on me. He seems like he might be fun to hang out with though and most days if Grey and Jungkook are busy I've got nothing better to do.

"Sure, that works" I say with a shy smile. Why am I so shy around this kid? Yeah he's cute, so what? Jungkook is cute too but you don't see me acting like this around him, or at least up until a couple of nights ago I wasn't acting like this around him. But I don't really have feelings for Jungkook right? But wait, who said anything about having feelings for Jimin. Oh gosh this is bad! 

"Can I see your phone real quick so I can put it in your phone?" he asks, extending his hand towards me. I wordlessly hand it to him and see him quickly add himself on KakaoTalk. He sends himself a quick message off my phone so he has mine as well. 

"Thanks Noona! I've gotta get going but I'll message you later!" he says handing me my phone. "Wait didn't you need to buy something?" I question as he heads towards the door. "No not really, I just wanted to see you again" he admits with a smirk. "Bye Noona!" is all he says and leaves without another word. "Bye Jimin" I say quietly to myself.

"Okay that was fucking adorable" Grey says laughing at everything that just unfolded right in front of her. "When did you get there?" I question flinching at her closeness and going to place my phone on the counter. "I never left" she says shaking her head. "How bad was that?" I say, hiding my face in my hands. "On a scale of 1-10, I would say that was a solid 8" she says while tapping her chin. 

"Wait really? That's not that bad!" I say regaining some confidence. "In all actuality it was probably more like a 6.5 at best, and that's being generous" she says with zero hesitation in taking me down a few pegs again. "Ugh don't do that! You know I'm not good at stuff like this" I say playing with my hair nervously. 

"It's okay Luna I think he actually liked seeing you all shy and blushy" she teases. "Was I really blushing that much?" I say bringing my hands up to my cheeks. "Yeah, a lot. To be honest I got secondhand embarrassment just watching you" she answers prodding further. "Stop!" I whine dragging out the word. 

"Okay okay I'll stop" she says throwing her hands up in surrender. "So..." she continues. "So what?" I say bringing my glance back to her. "When are you gonna message him?" she says rolling her eyes at my oblivious nature. 

"Why should I be the one to message him? He's the one who asked for my number" I respond in protest. I then hear my phone go off signaling that I have a new message. Grey and I make eye contact for a second before we both scramble to reach the phone first. 

"Grey stop give it here!" I say trying to grab it back from her before she sees it. "Oh come on you know you're gonna show it to me anyways. I just wanna take a quick peak" She argues, holding the phone up in the air out of my reach. 

"Fine" I say crossing my arms over my chest. "You're not gonna be able to unlock it anywa-" I stop in horror watching her turn the phone my way, using my face to unlock it. "Ha!" she says satisfied with her cleverness. "Whatever" I say pouting again. 

"You're gonna wanna see this" she says with a smile, seconds after she unlocks the phone. "What? What did he say?" I say scrambling to sit next to her behind the counter. We both look down at my phone and read the messages he sent.

Hey Noona, it was really good seeing you again! Hopefully we can get that coffee together soon!

Oh and I wanted to say this earlier but you look really cute today :)

Message me when you're free!

Have a good shift and stay safe!

"Aww he thinks you're cute" Grey says finally giving me my phone back. "I'm gonna puke" she admits, amused but disgusted all the same. "Shut up" I say rolling my eyes at her. "He just has a little crush on me, no need to tease me over something like that" I say explaining away her dramatics. 

"Well crush or not looks like you might have a little crush on him as well from what I just saw" she says. "Yeah maybe you're right" I say trailing off. "I'm sorry what was that? Is Luna being honest with her feelings already?" she says in disbelief. "No! Yes? I don't know" I say trailing off.

"How is my favorite employee doing?" my uncle says bursting into the store. "Hi uncle, I'm alright, kinda confused but okay" I say still lost in a bit of a daze. "Okay well I wasn't talking to you but I'm glad you're okay" he says teasingly. "Hey! You're gonna pass up your own flesh and blood?" I say offended. 

"Well you still claim the title of my favorite niece" he says rubbing my head, messing up my hair. "I'm your only niece" I say not hiding my annoyance. "Exactly. Now if you showed up to work on time everyday and stopped daydreaming then maybe you'll start to climb up the totem poll" he says turning to speak to Grey. "How's it going? Anything happen today?" he questions making sure everything is running smoothly.

"No" she answers, sending a quick glance my way. "Nothing to report really" she continues tapping her chin, turning her eyes up towards the ceiling in thought. "Well there was this one thing" she says and I see a devious smile start to crack her façade, clearly trying to torture me. I wave my hands in protest, desperately trying to beg her to not say anything about the exchange between Jimin and I. 

"Oh yeah one of your friends came by earlier asking for you" she says turning her attention back to him while seamlessly switching back to a normal smile. "Do you know who it was?" he questions, hoping to gain more information about the visitor. "I didn't catch his name. He was in and out pretty quickly. I think he was just going to say hi, he said he'd pass by and try again later" she finishes wrapping up the conversation expertly. 

"Well thanks for telling me. He probably stopped by on his way to go do something else" he says coming to a conclusion on his own about the unusual visit. "Yeah I think he said something along those lines" she responds and he heads towards the back to go to his office, still trying to figure out which one of his friends would stop by unannounced.

"You're evil" I say once he's out of ear shot. "What? I didn't lie! Someone did stop by asking for him" she says going back to work. "But you made it seem like you were going to tell him" I grumble. 

"Well I thought about it, but I know how protective he can be when it comes to guys. He can barely stand Jungkook so I could only imagine what he would act like if he heard about a new guy hanging around here pining after you. But honestly who would I be if I didn't tease you a bit?" she says shrugging her shoulders. 

"Well stop it! It's not funny" I say grabbing a broom from behind the counter. "But seeing your face full of panic is just priceless!" she laughs at my discomfort. "No I take it back. You're not evil, you're the spawn of Satan!" I say letting out a huff of irritation. "That is so sweet! You really know how to compliment a girl" she says holding her hands over her heart.

"Fuck off" I say turning around to go clean up and get as far away from her as I can. "Love you too" she says just loud enough for me to hear while walking off. I can't help but crack a smile now that we are past both of those painfully embarrassing situations. I swear I can never stay mad at her. 

I flinch feeling my phone vibrate notifying me that I have a message and my eyes widen at the sight of Jimin sending me a mirror selfie while making half a heart with his free hand. I respond by sending him a finger heart emoji and lock my screen again but it lights up immediately before I can even place it back in my pocket.

Noona, can I ask you a question?

I get nervous at the thought, trying to figure out exactly what's on his mind.

Sure, go ahead, I respond nervously, awaiting his reply.

Are you seeing anyone?

What exactly do you mean by that? I question wanting him to be more straight forward with his queries.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is if you have a boyfriend

Why exactly would you like to know that?

Well because I want to make sure that I don't have a crush on someone who is already taken. I'm taken aback by his sudden boldness and am left almost speechless.

I think it's way too early for any of that, but for the record no, I do not have a boyfriend. I respond simply, hoping to stop things before they get started. He's too young for me and I don't want him to get hurt from developing feelings too quickly.

Well it's too late because I'm already falling for you. he says simply and I'm left there almost frozen in place trying to figure out what my next response should be. But before I'm able to even begin typing I see a new message pop up.

Can I come see you tomorrow? he sends and I stand there in place still trying to figure out what would be the best plan of action.

If that's what you want then sure, I can't really stop you. I respond shaking my head at how easily I break but still keeping my tone neutral.

Great! Can I pass by and see you on your last break? he pleads and I can't help but feel his excitement shining through every message.

Sure, I think my break starts around 8. I respond hoping to end the conversation soon so I don't get any more distracted than I already am.

I'll be there at 7:45 then!

No that's okay you don't have to come early. I refute slightly panicking at the thought that my uncle might catch wind of this.

But I want to :( I want to spend as much time with you as I can! I can practically feel his pout through the screen.

Message me around 7 and I'll let you know if it'll be okay for you come early okay? I say, hoping that he'll simply agree.

Okay noona :) see you tomorrow!

See you tomorrow is all I say, ending the conversation for the night.

"Well I definitely wasn't expecting that" I say to myself. "Wasn't expecting what?" I hear a voice say right in my ear. "Shit Grey don't scare me like that!" I say swatting her on the arm.

"Ow stop okay okay" she says begging me for mercy. "Now tell me" she says straightening her attire. "What was it you weren't expecting? You've been standing over here in the same spot with the broom tucked under your arm for like 10 minutes just looking down at your phone with your face all scrunched up" she questions. 

"Is it Jaemin?" she teases. "His name is Jimin okay? Ji Min" I say laughing at her intentional stupidity and emphasizing each syllable. "Well either way you should start to get back to work now that your uncle is here" she warns. "Shit I forgot about that! Thanks for the reminder" I say, thankful that she's helped me doge a bullet.

After she heads back towards the counter I begin cleaning up and I start to think about what has happened the past few days. First I was late to work and my uncle threatened to fire me, second Jungkook kissed me and I kissed him back, third Jimin came back to the store just because he wanted to see me and then he says he's falling for me. 

I don't even know how I'm supposed to process all of this. I'm stressed enough as is that I don't have the mental capacity to really deal with my feelings towards Jimin, let alone Jungkook. First of all I've only just met Jimin but for some reason I already feel drawn towards him. 

Then on the other hand Jungkook is someone that is so precious to me and I don't want to hurt him. What are his real feelings towards me? Am I really just his best friend or does he want something more out of our relationship? 

Jimin is just a kid, I don't really know him and he doesn't know me. I need to figure out how to handle his feelings carefully since I'm not even sure about mine just yet and I really don't want to start sending him mixed signals.

"Fuck!" I say but immediately cover my mouth realizing that there's a woman and her child just a few feet away from me shopping around. I bow to them a few times in apology and fast walk over to Grey. 

"Grey!" I whisper so the other customers who happened to sneak in while I was cleaning don't hear our conversation. "What?" she whispers back. "What am I gonna do?" I question running my fingers through my hair. 

"About what?" she says clearly losing patience with this conversation. "I told Jimin he could come and see me tomorrow" I say worriedly. "Okay good for you? I don't see how that's a problem" she says confused as to why I'm so stressed about it. "Do you know who else is coming to see me tomorrow?" I say hoping she'll catch on. 

"The tooth fairy? I don't know, just get to the point" she says going back to being on her phone. "Jungkook!" I say with a panicked expression. She looks up at me with a devilish glint in her eye "Oh this is gonna be fun". "Grey stop, this isn't funny, I'm really freaking out here!" I say continuing to worry.

"Don't stress, just make sure that there's enough time between the two of them coming here. What time are you supposed to see Jimin?" she questions. "Around 8, he wanted to come see me on my last break" I say informing her of our meetup. 

"Okay and what time is Jungkook supposed to come pick you up?" she continues. "Around 10 when I get off" I say getting a bit calmer realizing how much time ill have between the two. 

"So you're golden! Just make sure to finish up with Jimin around eight thirty and then you'll still have plenty of time until Jungkook gets here" she explains helping to bring my heart rate down. 

"You're probably right" I say agreeing, realizing that I overreacted. "I know, now go away. I don't want your uncle to see us talking and then lecture us both for messing around" she says shooing me away and going back to organizing the items held behind the counter. 

"Damn no sympathy for your best friend in crisis?" I say letting my head droop down towards the floor. "Nope, go away" she says with her back to me. "Wow okay I'll remember this next time you need something" I say faking threats. "Yeah yeah whatever" she ends, ignoring any other efforts I make to continue the conversation.

"Y/n!" I hear being yelled from the back office. "Shit!" I say under my breath. "Told ya" she says still not sparing me a glance. I trudge towards the source of the voice, getting ready to receive another lecture from my loving uncle. 

When will this torture end?

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[hamofjustice]

Julinemo Week, Day 4: Rest

Nemona lay awake in the dark, hair and limbs spread out like a snow angel, despite how dead tired she said she was when she went to bed. Her first night in Kitakami didn't go the way she expected at all, to say the least. Everybody had tried to shake off the weird vibes of that whole ordeal, but they could only play games in the community center to take their minds off of it for so long before Kieran and Carmine went home and left Nemona, Juliana, Arven, and Penny to sleep in their provided rooms.

Nemona jumped a little when she heard a quiet knocking on her door-- the kind that she'd probably only be expected to hear if she was already awake. She gingerly lifted herself back out of bed and made her way over, speeding up a bit when the knock repeated itself. She opened the door in such a way that she could slam it shut again if it was another super-creepy Pokemon…

… But it was just Juliana.

"H-hey… you having trouble sleeping too?" she whispered.

Nemona's apprehension melted away with a sigh and she stepped out from behind the door. "Yeah. You okay?"

"Not… really. Nightmare. I really didn't, um-- Can I stay in here for a bit?"

"Of course, Jules. Really didn't what?"

Juliana slowly stepped into the room properly, shaking a bit.

"You cold? C'mere." Nemona added before Juliana could answer, holding her arms open for a hug. She staggered a bit when Juliana very eagerly accepted it. "H-hey, easy, I'm still pretty sore…"

"Sorry. I just…" Juliana began, but needed a moment to slow down her breathing. "I just… I thought I lost you. I had to turn my back on you tonight, when we heard Arven and Penny were in trouble, and you kept running off… and… I really didn't think… I'd ever see you again… I thought you'd be gone forever, and… it'd be my fault…" she said, muffled by Nemona's pajamas.

"Oh, Julie, you poor thing… I'm kinda lucky for not having any idea what was goin' on tonight, huh?"

"Haha… maybe. Feels like tonight could've been a lot worse if that little pink weirdo wanted it to be. I just… I felt so powerless."

"Hey, that's the last thing I'd call you. You saved the day, didn'tcha? From what I hear, me and the others put up more of a fight than it did."

"Yeah, but I mean… it could've really hurt all of you. I mean, it fed you guys p-poison… poison we're hoping doesn't… do anything else…"

"Hey, you've got the little fella in your storage now, it's probably fine…"

"And… having to choose who to help… not knowing if I chose wrong… I'm sorry…"

"Sorry? Sorry for what?"

Juliana squeezed her tighter. "I should've picked you… I… left you… I don't deserve you… I'm--"

"You left me to help out other people we care about, Jules. C'mon. What if you'd gone chasing after me and I was fine, while they were getting hurt?"

"N-not helping…"

"Really, though! It… doesn't sound like you really had any good options, chica."

"Me and Kieran could've split up…"

"Pffft! When has that ever been the right answer in a horror movie, Jules? C'mon now."

Juliana smiled up at her and sniffled. "Yeah, okay, I guess…"

"I'm prouda you, and I know you have my back. Everything's good now! Give yourself a break for once."

"… Oh, I'm supposed to take that advice from Nemona of all people, huh?"

Nemona snorted. "Oh, callate! We both need to hear it sometimes. But yeah… I'm not chalkin' this up as you lettin' me down."

"Okay, okay…" Juliana relented, before burying her face back into the taller girl's shoulder. "Oh, Mona, I'm so glad you're okay…"

Nemona patted her back. "I'm sorry I put you through all that just 'cause I saw a free sample, heh! I coulda been helpin' you instead of the bad guy…"

A muffled sniffle. "Hehehe… yeah, better watch out for those from now on."

"And another thing, Julie…" Nemona began, as she brushed back Juliana's hair a bit. "If I DID think you did the wrong thing, we'd talk about it. It'd be okay."

"… Does that mean you do?"

"No, or I'd say that. You know I don't do that kinda double speak. On purpose."

Juliana hesitated a bit, then nodded. "Alright…"

"… Uh… you wanna sit down? My legs are killin' me." Nemona admitted sheepishly.

"Oh, sorry, yeah, sure."

Juliana released the hug, but Nemona was quick to put an arm back around her when they sat on the bed.

Nemona rolled her neck a bit. "I can't sleep either. Having missing time in my night, where I apparently did stuff I had no control over, is really… oogh… creepy…" Nemona said with a shiver.

"Yeah, I bet…"

"Like, I've suddenly got rare, super-strong Pokemon on my team now that I don't remember catching, and I used up a ton of supplies I'd been saving up…. and judging by how worn out I am, I was either dancing really hard, or ran a lap around Kitakami… I really got pushed beyond my limits, here…"

"Maybe a little of both. You were just THAT excited about going out and catching new Pokemon, I guess?"

"Guess so! Wish I'd just rode my Cyclizar instead for more of that, heh… ouch."

"Kieran said he heard rumors that, uh… the curse makes people mindlessly act on their most basic desires, or something…"

"Really? I… Oof, I don't wanna think I'd just ditch you guys the second I was let loose. I don't like what that says about me at all…"

"Hmm… yeah, yeah you're right, maybe not. Maybe Pecharunt just wanted you to be as strong of a bodyguard as you could be, and thought Kommo-o was cool?"

"Heh! A Pokemon that trains Trainers. Maybe? I'll have to get to know my new Pokemon properly tomorrow, I guess. Can't wait to have a rematch with you that I actually remember properly!"

"Yeah… and we can go on some nice new adventures together, too. I get to be the one showing you around, for a change! Even if Carmine'll probably wanna be the tour guide…"

Nemona's eyes sparkled even in the dim light. "That… sounds really nice, now that you mention it! Plus all those new Pokemon I've never caught! We'd better get to sleep so we're all energized for that, heh!" she enthused, finally laying back down. "Hopefully I can walk tomorrow…"

"True. And hopefully we can sleep now… ah, as if sleeping away from home wasn't already hard enough, right?" Juliana responded, having turned to look back at her.

"Yeahhh… seriously. I think it'll be a little easier now, though."

"Definitely."

They gazed at each other for a moment before glancing away, but then… "… Hey, Jules?"

"Yeah?"

Nemona patted the bed she was borrowing. "Do you wanna stay here tonight?"

Juliana's eyes widened, but she nodded vigorously and bounced right in next to her rival-for-life without much hesitation.

"At this point we may as well hug it out for the rest of the night, right?" Nemona joked, wrapping her up close again.

"Yeah. I knew we should've gotten three rooms, but it felt weird to share after Penny and Arven were so insistent that they wouldn't."

"Heh heh, yep! Well, it's fine, it barely cost anything 'cause everybody knows you. Especially now..."

"True. Hehehe… I probably won't have any more nightmares with you helping me fight 'em."

"Heh! And… I'll feel like I never left home if I'm in my hero's arms."

Juliana's brows shot up as she grinned with apple-red cheeks. "Wow. I-- That might be the sappiest thing you've ambushed me with yet."

"… And we weren't even in public this time!"

As the girls giggled quietly, their embrace grew warmer and closer than ever despite the night they'd had, like a campfire in uncharted territory.

"G'night, Jules."

"G'night, Mona. … Love you."

"… Love you too."

[ryuichirou]

Replies

A bunch of replies about our bunny boys from yesterday + a couple of random ones (about Rook, about Snake’s snakes and about Idia’s opinion on bras)

Anonymous asked:

BUNNYBOYSBUNNYOYOSBUNNYBOIS!!!♥️♥️♥️♥️Thank you so much for the food!! I am gnawing on every inch of this art piece and worshipping it as I type this!!!!

You’re very welcome and thank you so much for liking it!! <3 I am very happy to hear that.

Anonymous asked:

Thank you for doing what everyone was thinking about those bunny costumes, those legs looks scrumptious 🙏

Thank you so much, Anon! I couldn’t stop thinking about it, so I had to draw them... We also want to draw them wearing regular latex bunny suits, and I hope we’ll do it soon. 🥰

I’m sure someone else already drew this idea, but I think the more the better!

blackbutlerfandomnerddomain asked:

You are answering the prayers boo!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

BUNNY DUITS ALL THE WAY!!!!

YES! Their uniform!

I’m glad you like it!

Anonymous asked:

Epel's ass so shinny I can see my reflection in it and I'm LOVING IT

Thank you~ I kind of went crazy while adding the shine there lol

Anonymous asked:

Silver looks nice in the rabbit outfit =///w///= especially that bump between his legs >///w///>

I guess Silver was made for wearing this suit... it fits him too well lol

Thank you so much <3

Anonymous asked:

I’M SO GLAD YOU LIKED THE WHITE RABBIT EVENT!!! I loved it and it came at a low point for me and the fluff (literal and figurative), wholesomeness, and utter cuteness of the entire event helped a little. I want to hug Ortho and boop his little snoot.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

It was so good! And I get it, it really has the type of fluff to cheer you up and make you stop worrying for some time. But of course, it was still a little bit cursed at times, as things always are with twst, so it’s perfect lol

Ortho’s snoot is very boopable!

le-090 asked:

As a Silver stan, I've eaten so well this last couple of days, Thank you so much!! Rabbit fest is really funny, it is Ortho and those 3 funky bottoms lmao. Speaking of Ortho, do you think his rabbit gears comes with rabbit libido? If so, I hope Idia is prepared for when he returns, it would be hyllarious (cursed) if he used a carrot shaped dick for this gear

I’m happy to provide! Silver deserves all the love in the world.

It really is Ortho and those 3 funky bottoms, the younger Shroud surrounded himself with bitches once again lol And to answer your question, I don’t doubt for a moment that his rabbit gear comes with rabbit libido; this is like the first thing everyone thinks of when talking about rabbits, so there is no way Ortho didn’t want to mimic that... especially with all these bottom rabbits around. And of course, Idia is going to see how this gear works too <3

Since Ortho’s gear looks like it has a carrot motif colour-wise, I wouldn’t be surprised if he had a carrot shaped dick... at least as one of the available options lol

Anonymous asked:

Idias opinions on bras? Do go on

(this is about fem!Idia)

Nooo, Anon, don’t encourage her!.. She’ll start ranting!

Jokes aside, here are some of her takes:

They’re overrated and unnecessary for the most part.

They’re a scam and no one seems to understand it.

There is no point in wearing sexy lacey underwear if you’re just going to take it off immediately, but also it’s never functional and doesn’t feel good to touch, so there is no point in it in general.

Girls who wear push-ups are pick-me’s.

If your bra matches your panties you’re trying too hard and it’s kind of embarrassing.

She has a lot of arguments with Azul about it... Even though Azul agrees with some of her points to a certain degree.

Anonymous asked:

Very pressing question about snake, my good boy snake... Do the snakes stay on during sex? What happens when they don't, and he has to speak for himself??

This is such a good question, Anon... I think they stay on. I think they’re necessary for Snake to be able to communicate with his partner, otherwise he is too shy... they’re his comfort buddies...

I think Finny wouldn’t mind though: the more the merrier! It probably feels kind of funny when snakes crawl between their bodies though. He’d be scared to squeeze them too strongly by accident...

Anonymous asked:

You know, Rook kinda reminds me of Korekiyo Shinguji. They are both lovers of beauty although in different ways, they both seem to admire different cultures, and

….

They are both unapologetically creepy. I also like them both, oddly enough.

You’re really onto something, Anon. They really do have some similarities... well, I don’t remember Korekiyo much because it’s been years since we’ve played the game, but the vibes are certainly there.

I think they would have the most interesting conversation...

[miracleweaponhunt]

Miracle Weapon Hunt Chapter 61: A Gem of a Town

The clouds passed them as the old ship sunk through the sky. Roxanne tried clinging onto something, eventually choosing what was left of the chains on the walls. Julian and Cassandra clung to each other in a desperate attempt to hold onto anything. Xander was still furious, bashing the shield against anything he could for some kind of relief. He looked out the window to see dragons soaring through the sky, no two the same colour. As they descended further, trees larger than anything on the surface were made visible, each with thick vines connecting them. And finally, murkiness. A bright yellow murkiness covered the ship, brown specks dotting the window, until they emerged out of it. The door was on the underside of the landing site, so opening it wasn't an option. Xander tried smashing the window with the shield, but the damn window wasn't giving a dent.

"Is everyone alive?" Roxanne yelled after the ship stopped moving.

"I am." Julian nodded through a spinning head and pained stomach.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm alive." Cassandra sighed.

They stayed at the bottom of the ship, watching Xander hang onto the wall through what seemed to be sheer anger, endlessly bashing away at the window, while the other three had to avoid the blood pouring out of where his arm once was.

"You think you could try breaking the window?" Roxanne asked.

"I…I don't want to use the weapons anymore." Cassandra whispered.

Julian gave Roxanne a concerned look, before turning back to Cassandra.

"Uh…something happen on the ship?" Julian asked, putting a hand on her shoulder.

Cassandra took a deep breath.

"I'm Chelic's niece." She whispered.

The words felt like vomit to her. And as she faced her friends, Julian just shrugged.

"Okay? Cassandra, we've been over this. Just because you were connected to them at some point doesn't mean you should let it define you."

The two embraced with a casual kiss. When it was done, Roxanne hugged both of them.

"Okay, I'm glad you reunited, but maybe we could come up with a way out of this thing?" Xander asked.

"I mean, is it even safe out there?" Roxanne asked. "What are the chances of something like a deadly creature of some kind?"

"Or the place in general is poisoned." Julian added.

"Well, what do you suggest we do?" Xander yelled.

As he turned to try against the window again, a hand pressed against it. Xander jumped back, and the others hid behind him. The ship began to move, and they felt it hit solid land. The door opened, and two people were in front of them.

Neither of the dark skinned individuals said anything. The taller one was a slender woman in an oversized blue jacket and baggy trousers with military jeans, and her hair was a simple buzz cut.

The shorter man behind her was a boy in a red jacket and trousers made by attaching extra leg fabric to a pair of old shorts, with his hair styled in a man-bun alongside some patchy facial hair. Both were wearing goggles and necklaces similar to Roxanne. The girl had a red gem in hers, and the boy had a white one.

The girl held a rifle in her hands, which she held slightly higher than she normally would, perhaps as a subtle suggestion not to mess with her. The guy stood behind her with arms crossed, sizing up the situation.

"Did you come from the sky?" The woman asked slowly.

"Correct." Julian said from inside. "We got thrown out."

"Thrown out?" The man asked."

"Well, it was an accident on…everyone's part, but point is, we're stuck here."

The two looked to each other. The guy shrugged.

"Code still applies, right?"

The girl nodded, so the man stepped in front.

"Okay. We got a policy of not leaving any humans behind, so now you're a part of our family!"

"Yes, that. Mind if we guide you back to our city?"

"Well, it's not like we have much of a choice." Xander said, stepping out. Julian and Cassandra stepped out, and Roxanne was the last to leave. The two natives took a discreet glance at her chest, exchanging a discreet look at each other.

"Excuse me, is something off?" Roxanne asked.

"It's nothing, we were just making sure nobody else was in there." The guy responded with a dismissive hand wave.

In front of them was a deep jungle. Trees taller than anything any of the main four had ever seen stretched out and blotted out the clear blue sky. The ground was brown and wet, and they sank into it a little with each step. Roxanne's leg already wasn't the best, so she was constantly catching herself while trying not to trip. This failed, and she felt her foot get caught in something and almost fell to the ground. The guy caught her, helping her back on her feet.

"You okay?" He asked. Their eyes met, and Roxanne got a glance into his. Eyes as deep a brown as a particularly well made chocolate bar. Like, the type she saw stars eat in movies for the product placement that was way too expensive for chocolate.

And as Roxanne looked into his eyes, she felt…nothing.

"Yes, I'm fine. Please let me go."

The man let her back on her feet, and she kept going.

"Just watch out, and you'll stay standing." The girl said without turning back. "It shouldn't be that hard."

"Eh, lay off em." The guy responded, gazing at the sky. "I'm guessing their sky ships all have the most even flooring at all times."

"Hey, I fell down enough stairs to say otherwise." Julian replied, wiping fresh dirt off his face. "But otherwise yes."

"You get used to it quicker than you think." The guy replied. "I mean, I'm not even supposed to be out here. Just felt like taking a stroll!"

"What do you usually do?" Cassandra asked.

"Doctor. But that gets stuffy. And depressing. So sometimes you gotta grab a moment and let the wind flow through you!"

Suddenly, footsteps were heard through the trees above them, and a blur leapt below. It looked like a dragon, only a little more sleek, a little more moist, and with much smaller wings. It snarled and leapt at Xander, who blocked it with his shield. The creature expanded its wings to scare him off, but Xander just cut its neck with a single slice to the neck.

"Yo, nice one!" The man yelled, seemingly unfazed by the attack, picking up the body and draping it over his shoulder.

"Wyvern wings." He said casually. "You able to get em up there?"

"Nope." Cassandra said.

"Yeah, checks out. Pretty sure we only started eating them after you took off and they were deemed too tough beforehand. But boil the wings at the right temperature with some mint sauce and lake salt. That's just a good meal, I don't know what people were thinking back then!"

"I'll let them know we got something." The girl said, taking out a phone to text with.

"Oh hey, you guys have phone service down here." Julian noticed.

"It's limited, but it works." The guy shrugged.

After what felt like an eternity of trapsing through a muddy path, the city lay before them. It seemed like once abandoned buildings first reclaimed by nature, then the remaining humans made their attempt to reclaim it back, with both parties agreeing on a middle ground. Some of the vines gathered to connect to the nearby trees, but those had nets attached, probably to avoid more wyvern attacks. The group walked past the two guards in front of the cities main gate, dressed in leather and guns, as they stepped past and nodded at everyone who passed them.

"Miss Ngozi, Mr. Kwadwo." The left guard said calmly.

"Sup." The man, presumably Kwadwo, said back with a friendly wave.

Inside the city was people going about their day. In the centre was an unused fountain, with a girl sitting by it playing a worn down violin. A man sat next to her eating a sandwich, passing discreet glances at the girl. Children ran through the street and stole food left in shop windows, getting away before any owners could catch them. Overall, people of all races and ages seemed to be relaxing and soaking in the day. But Roxanne noticed that everyone was wearing a necklace. The violinist had a green gem while the man eating had a blue one.

"And, welcome to trampstown." Kwadwo said calmly. "First off, mind if I take you to the hospital? Just a check up for most of you."

"Most of us?" Xander asked.

"Yeah, I'm assuming that you had an arm a few hours ago." He said, wincing at the stump. "So you'll probably need a blood transfusion. Don't worry, we'll find a donor before more damage can be caused."

"So I can leave them with you?" Ngozi asked.

"Yeah, I got it. Gotta clock back in, anyway."

The six made their way through the city, with a couple people taking a glance at Roxanne, staring at her necklace. And when Roxanne noticed, nobody was wearing a purple gem.

"Hey, is something up with purple gems?" Roxanne asked.

"Eh, probably. I think they had a meaning in the olden days, but I slept through that history class."

"So the gems have meanings?"

"Oh, totally. I have a white one, which means I work in the medical field. Green means you're an artist, red means you're a scout. It's just convenient to know where someone stands, you know?"

"Eh, guess that makes sense." Julian nodded. He looked over to see Xander, looking ready to fire back at this system, but in the end he stayed silent. Maybe the Legion used something similar and they were all idiots, he'd have to think about it later.

The hospital's interior looked like one in the skies, but with slightly worse lighting. The four were all placed in a series of empty beds. Kwadwo took swabs from all of them, to see if they were related to anyone here. They all sat in an awkward silence. They tried finding something to talk about, but every time somebody tried, it would stop fairly quickly.

After what felt like an eternity, a nurse walked into the room.

"Excuse me, Cassandra? There's someone waiting to see you."

A pale woman in a white shirt and trousers came in after her. Her hair was a rosy blonde, and her eyes a deep ocean blue. And before Cassandra could think, she knew. She stuttered to get the words out, her mouth being filled with as many useless words as her eyes were filling with tears. But eventually, she managed to let one slip out.

"Mom?!"

[magicalqueennightmare]

Sins & Amends Chapter 32

Billy Russo x Female Reader (60 part story)

This follows pre- the punisher into the storyline of daredevil, punisher season 1 and beyond

This is NOT Canon Billy. This is decent human being Billy left with bad options over worse decisions

This was also posted to A03 under: WaywardGaPeach. That account and this one is the only place you'll see me post this. If you see it on any other platform/account know it's not me.

Chapter Summary/Warnings: While chasing a lead down Frank ends up saving the life of Special Agent Dinah Madani who also has stake in what happened in Kandahar

The longer the clock ticked by without you hearing anything from Frank the more worried you got. You knew he could handle himself in pretty much any situation but this whole cover-up, everything that had happened in the last year was so much bigger than you had ever thought possible.

With everything Frank had told you about Kandahar and with the S.A.C. for New York being involved you didn't know just who Frank would be going up against or if Micro could be trusted.

You were making the beds in the bunk room, trying to stay busy. Alice walked in behind you and flopped down on her bunk "So what are your plans for tonight or does Matt have you wrapped up?" You laughed and shook your head "We don't have any plans currently why?"

She shrugged "Me and Kenz were wondering if maybe you wanted to come out to dinner with us? Matt can come too or Karen" you stopped what you were doing and cut your eyes back at her "Is Kenzie's mom in town? That's normally when you drag me around to be a buffer" she grinned and said "Possibly but she loves you! I swear at times she wishes Kenz was engaged to you instead of me" 

"She does not!" You argued but added "What time and where? I'll check Karen and Matt's schedule to see who'll be easier to drag along with me" she jumped up and pulled you into a hug "I love you! Around seven? I'll text you the address!" She walked out dialing Kenzie's number. You shook your head and went back to finishing making the beds considering you only had two left then inventory of the rig before Ash and Riley would be in to take over.

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

You dialed Karen's number as you were walking into your apartment. Matt had already agreed to go with you to dinner, which considering him and Foggy had both known Kenzie since she was in med school and they were in law school was a plus for you and Alice both.

"Hey Y/N!" She greeted and you could almost hear the nervous smile in her voice. "Everything's fine Kare. Breathe" you replied sitting your med bag down in the closet and kicking your work boots off. "Thank god. Ok what's up?" You took a breath then said "Wanna get together tomorrow night? We can go out and get a drink or just hang out at one of our apartments"

"Sure! Sounds good actually!" She said so you glanced around then said "I'll call you later. I've gotten roped into dinner with Alice's future mother in law so I begged Matt to come too. I've got to find something to wear" "Good luck with that" she laughed then added "If you need me just call" before she said goodbye and hung up.

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

You were sitting between Matt and Alice across from Barbara, Kenzie's mom and her step dad Anthony. "Y/N how have you been sweetie?" You managed a smile when you felt both Alice and Matt squeeze your knee closest to them. 

"I'm good. I mean there's days that's still rough but between Alice, Kenzie, Matt and a few other friends I don't really get to far in my own head before one of them pulls me out" Kenzie shot you a smile before Alice said "She's always been there for all of us" Barbara actually smiled then said "I'm glad Kenzie found Alice. They have their own little family here with all of you" 

The rest of dinner was quite pleasant even though Barbara made sure to ask you twice if you were going to be one of Alice's attendants or one of Kenzie's. "I'll just fill in wherever they need me" you answered with a smile. When the check came Anthony ended up paying for everyone even though you and Matt offered to pay your own bill. "Nonsense. It was good to catch up with both of you along with these two" he said nodding back towards Alice and Kenzie. 

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

When all of you walked out the restaurant Alice and Kenzie were headed to drop Barbara and Anthony back off at their motel so after a round of goodbyes in the parking lot you and Matt watched them drive off before starting to walk towards his place

You had your arm through his and were enjoying the cool night air. "How was your shift?" He asked after a few blocks of silence. You half smiled "We didn't lose anyone so I count that as a damn good shift" he nodded and said "I agree" 

You were starting to do that over thinking thing a lot more recently where Matt was concerned. Mainly the fact that if he wasn't sleeping with you regularly would that open him up to finding something longer lasting? You'd be lying to say you didn't care about Matt, hell you loved him but the love you had for him was the same love you had for Karen,Foggy or Alice. He was your friend and you found comfort in his arms more than one night but more and more you were wondering if maybe you were being selfish and a few startling thoughts about you acting like Billy by continuing to sleep with someone when it was obvious the two of you weren't meant to be together as a couple.

"You're thinking pretty loud over there. I don't need to see your face to know you probably have that little wrinkle between your eyes that pops up when your thoughts get a little too loud"  you glanced at him and saw he was turned a little towards you as you walked. You laid your head over on his shoulder with a sigh "Frank's birthday is tomorrow" it was true that you'd been thinking about that even if it wasn't everything you'd been thinking of. "Oh. Do you wanna do something?" You smiled at the offer "Actually Karen has me claimed for tomorrow night" he smiled then and said "Guess that means I should enjoy having you tonight then huh?"

By then you were at his place so you laughed and said "Exactly Mr Murdock"

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

Matt had court the next morning so after you got breakfast with him you headed home. You needed to call Curtis and see if he'd heard anything and just to think for a little while. 

When Curtis told you that he hadn't heard anything from Frank you decided to try the tracking app for the burner phone you'd thrown into Micro's trunk but that proved fruitless. You should've known Frank would've spotted it and disabled it to keep you out of things for now at least. You knew he just wanted to protect you, even with Maria gone he felt that was his job as far as you were concerned but dammit you wanted to help him.

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

There was nothing you could do but wait. You ended up going to the aquarium and wandering from tank to tank for a couple hours. During the week like this was a bit calmer than when you used to come with Maria and the kids. You still half expected to hear one of their voices calling you to come look at something.

You hadn't noticed the time until your phone started ringing and you saw it was Karen "Your place or mine? I'll get the wine, you grab the takeout" was the first thing out her mouth and that pulled a laugh from you. "Well if wine is involved wanna come to my place? I do have a spare bedroom if you need to crash" she laughed and said "Meet you in an hour" before hanging up.

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

Two hours and a bottle of wine later you had Karen laughing while you recounted a story from one of your trips to the cabin with the Castles. "I swear I didn't know there was poison ivy but him and Billy both swore I did it on purpose!" 

She covered her mouth with her hand and you could see tears in the corner of her eyes as she laughed "God it's hard to imagine Frank like that" you nodded, taking another sip of wine "That man's still in there. He just has a wall built up. I see the old Frank at times. When he tells me to be careful, when he talks to you and can't help a little smile peeking out, anytime he says attagirl" 

She sighed and laid her head over on her hand "Do you think it'll ever be over? That he'll finally get enough answers to finish it?" You answered as truthfully as you could "God I hope so for all our sake"

You started to steer the conversation back to lighter things while you flicked through movie options. "We need more wine" Karen said with a pout at her empty glass. You handed the remote over then got up to retrieve the second bottle from your kitchen.

You heard your phone ring but before you could tell Karen to answer it the ringing stopped. "Who was that?" You asked as you walked back into the living room. She glanced at your phone and handed it to you with a shrug "Number isn't saved" any number Frank called from would be blocked so you laid the phone down in front of you "If it's important that's what voicemails are for"

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

The following evening you had just gotten home when your phone started ringing. It was a blocked number so you answered it without hesitation "Hello?" "Y/N?" You recognized the voice. It was Micro. "Where is he?" You could hear the edge in your voice and didn't try to hide it.

"He's fine but look I have proof. I need you to know what's really going on" you took a breath then said "Pick me up then" you knew it was reckless to endanger yourself but this asshole had Frank and they'd been radio silent for days. He told you where to meet him so you hung up.

You didn't think you needed your full med bag so you slipped your first aid kit into your purse and was about to walk out the door but decided to err on the side of caution so you grabbed the gun out of your nightstand and put it in the purse as well.

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

You spotted the blue car before it slowed to a stop so you walked to it and climbed in the passenger seat. Micro barely looked your way when you climbed in.

You made it across town before you finally spoke "I know about Sarah, Zach and Leo. I helped Frank track them down. I know why you're trusting him with this but why are you trusting me?" He didn't say anything so at first you thought he'd ignore you until he said "You're his family. You arranged his wife and kids' funeral. You've been around him for most of your adult life. If you believe me after I show you what proof I have he will"

"and if I don't believe you?" You asked and he laughed "then you or him one will shoot me since you probably have the gun he bought you in that bag"

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

He drove around in a complete circle before pulling into some abandoned complex "Did you kill him?" You finally asked once he climbed back into the car after locking the gate behind you.  "No. He's sedated but he's fine" you glared at him and asked "What fucking drugs did you sedate him with?" He nodded at your bag "Nothing as good as you've got believe me"

He pulled into a building and parked so you followed him out and saw Frank laid out on a cot. You started to go to him but Mirco stopped you "See what I have first and listen to what I have to say" your eyes flicked over to Frank's still form twice before you nodded and walked over to the line of computers he sat down in front of.

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

The mission from Frank's time in Kandahar was code named Cerberus. As it turned out it was never officially sanctioned, meaning CIA agent "Orange" had made Frank and all the men involved into his personal team of hit men. 

You sat down heavily next to Micro as you re-read over the files he'd bought up. "Smuggling, murder, fucking war crimes. They killed Maria and the kids to cover it up. They tried to kill you" he nodded and was watching you closely when he asked "What will Frank say?" You ran a hand across your face then stood up "One way to find out"

You walked over when Frank was still unconscious on the cot. You knew better than to simply shake him from years of sharing a bed with Billy so you stepped far enough away and leaned over to tap him. When he jerked awake you moved back quickly.

You could tell the sedation was still working out his system so you moved forward to help him sit up "Y/N what are you doing here?" He asked when his eyes finally focused "Micro wanted to make sure you didn't shoot him and figured I was the safest bet"

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

A few minutes later Frank was absorbing the information Micro had told you. You stood back leaning against a wall, drinking the cup of coffee Micro had offered Frank. 

Both men were quiet until Frank looked at him "One condition. They all die, no trials" Micro cut his eyes at you apparently trying to gauge your reaction and when you didn't blink he said "Yeah I can live with that" Frank nodded then pointed at you "and you stay away unless we call to let you know it's safe. Don't fucking argue if I'm doing this I need to know you're out of it" "Ok" you agreed because hell what other option did you have? At least he wasn't counting you out completely this time.

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

A part of you was tempted to ask Micro to run the number that had called you on Frank's birthday simply because you were curious that no message had been left. You simply chalked it up to a wrong number realized too late.

You knew Frank had him trying to track down a shipment of guns that were coming in to the greeks. Did it worry you knowing that? Yes of course but it also made you worry slightly less because you at least knew some of what Frank was up to even if it meant Micro calling you to bitch or to try to get you on his side in an argument.

The most recent call from Micro had been him asking if he should worry about Frank having Sarah's number and being around his kids. "Frank was an amazing dad. He'd never let anything happen to them on his clock" was what you'd told him and that seemed to pacifier him slightly. 

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

You were walking into a store when your phone started ringing and you saw it was Curtis. "Hey Curt. What's up?" You greeted walking down an aisle, trying to find the specific type of cereal Ms Johnson had asked if you could pick up on your run. "You know Lewis right?" You paused then said "Yeah the kid from your group. He's a bit messed up from being over there and won't accept the help he needs" 

You grabbed a box of the cereal then headed for checkout after grabbing yourself a drink. "Yeah he's trying to apply to Anvil" "Oh Curt you can't let that go down. He needs help not to be thrown back into another war zone. He's not capable of having those men and women's backs" you replied before he even had a further chance to elaborate. He let out a huff of air then said "Yeah that's what I thought too, just wanted a second opinion"  "Anytime Curt" the two of you said goodbye right before it was your turn at the register.

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

After you dropped the cereal off with Ms Johnson you headed up to your apartment to grab a shower. You were supposed to meet Karen when she got off so you focused on that instead of the thousand other things running through your head at the moment.

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

"Karen I really don't know what to do here" you confessed sitting across the table from her. Frank was of course not a subject that could be talked about in public so instead you had bought up the conflict you were feeling where Matt was concerned. "You two have been really honest with each other from the start of this thing. I think if you just tell him how you're feeling he'll understand" she was trying to reassure you but you still weren't sure. 

"What if I'm just projecting the way I felt towards Billy onto myself? What if Matt decides that if I say I want to drop the intimate aspect of our relationship he doesn't want me in his life anymore? I love him as much as I love Alice, Kenzie and you but I don't think I could ever love him in the way he loved Elektra or I loved Billy. I just don't want to lose him either though" you felt a bit foolish but also relieved getting the thoughts out in the open. She shrugged "Give yourself a little more time to truly think over what you want but if you still feel the same Matt is not going to remove you from his life. He cares about you too much. I'm proof he really can be friends with someone he's dated"

You nodded and about that time the waitress came over with the menus. "Now let's decide what to eat because I need to tell you what Ellison did" she said with a grin that told you a laugh was coming at his expense.

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

You were still thinking about Matt the next morning. Frank had contacted you just so you knew Micro had found the shipment and that he was going after it that night. You were glad he was holding onto his end of the deal to keep you enough in the loop that at the very least you could make sure to be far enough away from anything to have plausible deniability.

You decided to meet him for coffee before he went into court since by the time he'd be getting out you'd be headed into work.

You walked in the diner and smiled when you saw him sitting in the corner booth the two of you usually grabbed. You sat across from him and he smiled "Hey" "Hey yourself" you replied letting your hand brush gently against his. You enjoyed spending time with him, the sex was amazing, he was everything you should have wanted but you couldn't give him the pieces of your heart that had been shattered and you felt like you were holding him back from finding someone who could be in love with him not just love him.

You hadn't realized how long you'd been sitting there without saying anything until Kaitlyn sat a cup of coffee in front of you. You stirred from your thoughts and moved to add sugar. You could tell Matt knew something was off. After Kaitlyn walked off he reached across for your hand again. You let him grab it and smiled at how gentle he was with you "Y/N are you ok?" You nodded then thought about it so you said "Yeah Matt I..I'm just a little tired"

The little frown that slipped onto his face told you he'd picked up on that lie so you quickly said "Can we get together later this week? I work back to back the next two days but then I'll have a free night" "Of course" he replied with a small smile before pulling his hand away from you to drink his own coffee.

By the time the two of you were ready to go both of you were smiling. You kissed him on the cheek and said "Kick their assess in court today" he kissed your forehead in return and said "Go save some lives"

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

You were laid back across your bunk half asleep when a call came in for a one vehicle accident near pier nine. 

You felt a jolt go through you when you remembered Frank saying that's where the hijack was going down. "Shit" you muttered under your breath as you and Alice ran out to the bay. She cut her eyes at you but didn't say a word.

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

You weren't sure what you were expecting when you rolled on scene but finding a Homeland agent near a totaled mustang wasn't near the top of the list.

You were on your knees next to her checking her over for other injuries while Alice secured a neckbrace and the two of you strapped her onto a gurney. "What'd you say her name was?" You asked the agent who'd met the rig. He'd introduced himself as Sam Stein. "Dinah..Madani"

You nodded and leaned back across her "Agent Madani. I'm Y/N. This is my partner Alice. Do you remember what happened" she blinked against the light you were checking her eyes with and that was a good sign.  "I flipped my car" she mumbled and you nodded "Ok. We're gonna take you to the hospital to get you checked over. From what I can see the concussion is the biggest worry but you could have internal damage. Your ribs don't appear to be broken but you'll need some xrays to rule it out completely"

"Ok" she said weakly so you looked back to Sam "You following us Agent Stein?" He looked around then said "Um yeah I guess so" you helped Alice load her up then shut the door and looked back at him "Homeland or not don't tailgate me" 

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

The following morning as soon as you got home your phone started ringing the moment you stepped in the door. "Did Micro tap into my buildings security cameras?" You asked and heard Frank chuckle "Possibly. How's agent Madani?" "She'll live. Did you have a hand in that?" "Possibly" you shook your head then asked "Was she conscious when you pulled her out?"

You took his silence as answer enough and simply said "We'll deal with those consequences later then..did you get what you went after?" "Yeah look sweetheart.. She's probably going to start questioning people once she's back on her feet...Zubair was her partner"

You closed your eyes and fought the urge to scream. Why the fuck did he always have to bury the lead? After taking a deep breath you said "Fuck it, all she can do is ask questions. She has no proof. Who will she question? Me, Curt and Karen. None of us are saying shit. Don't worry about me. I can handle her" "Oh I know you can" he replied then told you where Micro would meet you later to bring you to their hideout and what medical supplies he may need just to have on hand.

"See you then" you said then hung up. Fuck every time you thought you were ready for what came next a curveball would smack you right upside the head.

@intothesoul

@weallhaveadestiny

[linalilia]

I'm kinda late but yeah :D

For fandoms: Soukoku, Jade x Trey, and Leona x Ruggie

For your ocs: Akio x Ichiro, Aimi x Akane, Kei x Daisuke (Now that we know more about them, I'd like to see what you think of these skips, hehe. :DD)

it's okay it's okay! i'm surprised to see no bllk ships here /lh

LISTEN. AGAIN. i'm just not really a fan of this dynamic in general? like, i really like the concept of 😠😆 characters being a couple, but ehh, for some reason soukoku is just.. not it for me. it's like, i can see the "hating each other" part, but i can't see the "secretly in love with each other" part?? also i just got too tired of seeing it everywhere and the "this ship killed my grandma, okay" part is like. i've told this story to my other friends before, but long story short, back when i was like 13-14 years old and i just got into bsd, i was a part of this gc and all members liked skk, but i didn't, so they came up with this great plan: THEY JUST KICKED ME OUT OF THE GC EVERY TIME THEY MENTIONED SKK AND THEN ADDED ME AGAIN WHEN THEY CHANGED THE TOPIC. like. i get it, they were even younger than me and they said that "they did that for my own comfort", but also.. yeah, i kinda get ptsd every time i see them now /j

i just.. don't really get it?? like yes, i know about their interactions and i know about the whole "oh, trey thought jade is just like him fr but it turned out that jade likes working for azul" (??) thing, but also.. idk, i just don't really care about this ship :'D maybe it's bc i'm kinda neutral when it comes to these characters too (i'm like a magnet for trey and jade simps though. i have too many mutuals/friends who like them JDJSKSALSL) so that's why i don't really care about shipping them too?

tbh the age gap makes me feel a bit uncomfy? like, listen, i'm not the type of person who goes "IF THESE TWO CHARACTERS ARE NOT THE EXACT SAME AGE, YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO SHIP THEM", but ehhh, idk, i think leona is a bit too old for ruggie. i think i like the concept in theory, since i enjoy dynamics where character a has more power and character b is their servant/follower/etc, but ruggie is like.. basically, i think he deserves better jdkdslsdls

WELL. UH. NOW LET'S TALK ABOUT WHAT I ACTUALLY LIKE. okay, i love both platonic and romantic versions of akio x ichiro. they're just so cute, but so toxic at the same time <333 like, hear me out. they have a very cute dynamic bc akio just wants someone to listen to him and admire him and just do what he says, but also recognize that he's more than just his intelligence and he has other good qualities too and if ichiro needs attention and someone to guide him and answer his questions, well, akio would be glad to do that! but also, there's a lot of angst potential since akio still misses arata to a very bad and obsessive degree as it will be shown in season 2 and he may also see ichiro only as a "second option" because he would like to reconcile with arata if he's able to go back home and also, unlike riku, ichiro probably doesn't really share any traits with arata? but hey, maybe akio should just stop searching for guys who look and act exactly the same way and try something new? also i can definitely see them as, like, that type of ship where someone talks a lot and the other one just listens and nods. but yeah, i think they should go to therapy together once they're out. if they're able to leave milgram that is (also hi i'm typing this while thinking about t2 akio and I'M THIS CLOSE TO CRYING)

AIMI X AKANE IS SUCH A CUTE SHIP (both platonically and romantically) IT LITERALLY MAKES ME MELT. like, their t1 version is so heartwarming, aimi finally gets a friend (maybe something more?) and akane finally gets someone who won't look away and give her all the attention and love she needs! also matching bandaids!! brushing each other's hair!! aimi saying that she can hug akane if she's too cold!! (and aimi is very soft and warm and her prison uniform is just like that as well) but also man. i'm thinking about the fact that i've actually never revealed much about aimi's backstory and what kind of person she was before milgram and like, why she was bullied by everyone.. and again, her undercover lyrics, if someone is not her friend, they don't deserve to even breathe. would love to see akane's reaction to t2 aimi, hehe <3 (don't worry, aimi is still cute, but now we get to know how messed up her morals can be) (also the fact that their love languages go together so well makes me go insane)

AGAIN. i love them both platonically and romantically. two angsty boys who have some love-related problems, how cute <3 but also, i think daisuke deserves someone better than kei jdkslsls. kei's morals are literally non-existent and he genuinely enjoys hurting people though one of the reasons why he likes it is because he thinks it's a normal way to show how much you love them. their love languages go together surprisingly well too (the masochist bit made me laugh so hard like if kei found out HE WOULDN'T LEAVE HIM ALONE AND WOULD TEASE HIM NON-STOP). this is also that kind of ship that really makes me wonder how your ocs would react to the t2 versions of my ocs, though in this case it's more about, well, kei's t2 mv and more info about his crime because IT'S GONNA BE SAD.

[thepinkproof]

The Operator

Synopsis: there is nothing normal about Greenwood University. however, the school is your only option. it is even more fearful when the person everyone told you to stay away from, Jungkook , is the one who won’t leave you alone.

parings: yandere! inhuman jungkook x reader/ overprotective sibling taehyung x reader

warnings: yandere behavior, mentions of pregnancy

word count: 3.8k

NEW: TAGLIST, ask to be added @mwitsmejk @jeonzll @silversparkles11 @douknowbts

series masterlist

chapter 11: just the beginning

Jimin sat at the private area of the beach admiring the calmness of the waves. The sand molded into his legs and he sat with his eyes closed. He was at peace when he was here.

His thoughts were interrupted as he heard feet rumble into the sand.

"Long time no see brother." His younger sibling said as he approached him. He sat down beside him looking at the water.

Jimin looked at his face. "You really grown Jungkook."

"And you're still the same height Jimin." He retorted earning a laugh from the older boy.

"How did you find this planet?" Jungkook asked finally ignoring the waves.

"I was trying to find you. After father sent you off I had to go after you. I looked for you for years Jungkook." Jimin explained.

"I didn't know you cared for me that much."

"Of course I do, you're my brother. I always will love you. What our parents did to you was wrong."

Jungkook smiled before hugging Jimin. "I miss you hyung." Jimin embraced him as they hugged for what seems like minutes.

"You've seen to be busy on this planet?" Jungkook observed.

"Yeah, my spaceship crashed I figured I was stuck on the planet so I started a business."

"You've been taking care of my love?" Jungkook asked. Jimin stared at him thinking he might assumed something was between him and Storm but instead he smiled "Thank you."

"Storm's a great girl. She reminds me much of you when we grew up together." Jimin told him.

"I've never been so in love, hyung. She's all I ever think about. Sometimes, when I see the good in people I become jealous. Good people get to live a life surrounded by other good people and great opportunities. How come when I was good person everyone wronged me? When I met Storm I tried to look at her darkest desire, you know what it was?" Jungkook hypothetically asked Jimin.

"It was to be truly loved.Firstly, I thought how is that a dark desire? Then, I thought of the lengths I would go to be truly loved."

"I understand, I'm still looking for my person. I'm just glad you're happy Jungkook. The two of you deserve each other."

Jungkook nodded as the boys sat in silence admiring the beach.

"Do you ever think about home?" Jimin asked.

Jungkook chuckled. "Bangtan? Nah, too many bad memories. I do miss how powerful I was on Ringstar though. I think I just want to stay here on Earth with Storm, get married, have kids and grown old together." He fantasized.

"You can't grow old, you're immortal." Jimin argued.

"I'll find a way."

"What if I told you you didnt need to?" Jimin asked.

"What do you mean?" Jungkook replied looking at him intently.

"Lillian Cho, or as we know her as Lily. Did you know she died on this Earth?"

"Lillian Cho was Lily from our planet? Isn't that Storm's biological mom." Jungkook asked. Jimin didn't answer he just let him ponder.

"I was involved in her death." Jungkook admitted earning Jimin's shock. "B-But she was already dead when I saw her, she looked completely different. I-I didn't even realize it was her, I just thought it was Storm's human mom. But if that was really Lily from Ringstar that means Storm isn't completely human."

"But that's not the best part. Lily came on this planet to look for you under Queen Shay's order, meaning she had to have a spaceship back." Jimin smirked.

—————-

"Oh look who finally decided to show up to school." Sofía teased as Storm sat at their study table.

She has finally returned to school. Jimin didn't care if she went to school anymore. She was surprised at his change of heart. He was being extra nice to her lately.

"I have so much makeup work." Storm complained.

"Don't worry, I took notes for you." Hobi assured her, handing her papers.

"Thank you, you're a lifesaver Hobi." Storm praised. "Where's Ford?" Storm asked.

"He has a huge football game tonight. He's practicing right now." Sofía explained. Storm noticed she look nervous just speaking of the game. It must be important.

"I'm so glad we can go to the football game now. The Aboms been calmer lately. Usually they show off at football games." Hobi said excitingly.

"They probably scared after Jungkook killed those Aboms who beat me up." Storm casually concluded while looking at the notes.

Hobi and Sofía gasped. "It's about time you figured out what was going around here!" Sofia exclaimed.

"I mean I had my theories he was running things, but I didn't know he was that lethal, none of you guys told me." Storm admitted.

"We didn't want to scare you. Plus, we gave you so many hints. I'm just glad you know now, he obviously got a fixation on you. Beware!" Hobi warned.

It felt like everyone knew Jungkook was running this school, killing people but her.

"Why are you guys at this school then? Like I knew it was weird crimes going on at this school but I didn't know everyone knew who it was. Wouldn't it be easier to switch schools?"

"Storm, Pukkas are safe here. We're just here for a degree and minding our own business." Sofía explained.

Safe? Storm didnt feel safe at all. Jungkook interest in her made her excited and scared. She was scared not of him, but what would happen to her if she fell for him.

Why did Taehyung never tell her? Technically he did throw many hints. But she haven't seen him in days.

"I don't think I'm safe guys. I think Jungkook has some crush on me." Storm told the two of them.

"I hate to tell you but you're the safest girl at this college." Hobi chuckled.

——-

Taehyung and Rosé sat outside in a car outside a house. He was nervous as he stared at the modest home for minutes.

“Come on Taehyung!” Rosé complained.

“This feels wrong, meeting Storm’s dad before she does.”

“I know you’re not speakimg of morals Taehyung, you killed like so many people.” Rosé retorted.

“What are we suppose to say? Hi I am wondering if you have a spaceship?” He said.

“I mean yeah.”

“What if he didn’t know Lily was an alien? He would think were crazy asking about a spaceship.” Taehyung opposed.

“You’re already crazy Taehyung.” Rosé said before opening the car door. She hopped out the car putting on her sunglasses.

Taehyung sighed getting out of the car following her.

They approached the door and Rosé harshly knocked on it earning a disapproving look from Taehyung.

They paused waiting for an answer. Hearing footsteps they immediately prepared.

A man answered door. He was average height with similar features of Storm. He wore what looked like company clothes.

“Can I help you?” He asked.

“Um, yeah, we wanted to talk to you about a lady named Lillian Cho.” Taehyung stated. The man blankly stared at both of them before slamming the door in their face.

“Damn.”

“I told you, you should’ve just let me talk.” Rosé argued before knocking on the door this time with an even harsher force.

The man answered the door again. “Can you go away!”

“Sir, i’m sorry to bother you. I am close with your daughter, I would love to tell you more about her if you’re willing to talk to me about a few things.” Rosé sweetly proposed. The man eyes soften at the mention of his daughter. He sighed before opening the door and letting them in. Inside his house was a bunch of moving boxes that blocked the hallways.

“Thank you sir for letting us in. I’m Park Rosé and this is my friend Kim Taehyung. I am a biological cousin to your daughter and Lillian Cho and Taehyung here has been a brother to her throughout her childhood.” Rosé explained. The man nodded and sat down waiting for the two of them to do the same.

“I’m Isaiah, how is my baby girl Nari doing?” He asked.

“You would know if you tried to participate in her life.” Taehyung mumbled.

Rosé panickingly looked at him “Taeh-“

Storm’s dad got up from his chair anger written all on his face.

“And what would you know young man? You think I didn’t try? Do you have any idea how hard it is to make a living as a single black father when your wife left you and your baby alone?” Isaiah screamed at him. Taehyung spoke no words but sympathy was showed in his eyes.

“I’m sorry sir for his behavior. I can tell you more about Nari if you tell me about Lillian.” Rosé suggested.

Isaiah took a deep breath before sitting down again. “What do you want to know?” He asked.

“How did you meet her?”

“When I was 19 I immigrated here to America leaving my parents and country behind. My parents never accepted my career and cut me off from the family. I was going to a college so I was broke financially.

I would stay in the camp grounds in a old car, it’s how I basically survived. One day this woman in an RV arrived. She was very beautiful but she looked tired and in a rush. She didn’t look down at me like everyone else, instead she smiled at me and we ended up conversing. One thing led to another and we-“

“Okay, I think we get that part.” Taehyung informed.

“Alright, after we um had fun. The next day she was gone and I continued going to college. I always thought of her but communication was limited back then. We didn’t have the Snapbooks and Twitterlings like you kids do.

5 months later I get a knock on my car window at the camp grounds. The RV was there again and there Lillian was. Pregnant and crying. Immediately when I saw the baby bump I figured it was mine. She kept crying saying she can’t be pregnant with my baby and that it has never happened before to her kind. I had no idea what she meant by that, I just assumed she never slept with a black man before.

Lillian and I we fell in love, she stayed with me throughout her pregnancy. I was working a part time job and doing college to provide for my future family. I was happy with Lily but she always wanted to move, it was like she had other priorities. She would sneak out at times, I trusted her so I never questioned her about it.

When Nari was about to be born she insisted that we did not go to the hospital. She wanted to have the baby in her RV. I was against that but I knew it was probably for the best. Having a baby at a hospital cost thousands of dollars.

When she was in labor her eyes kept turning this bright pink color. I’m no doctor but that was not normal. When she pushed the baby out she did it easily, like it was nothing. She named the baby Nari which is Korean for Lily just like her name. The baby was crying for hours, that’s when I knew something was off.

Lily kept saying “the baby’s ears are sensitive and need to adjust.” Thats when I demanded answers for everything, the disappearing, the pink eyes, the weird swords she had in her rv. Since you are her cousin I assumed you know what her secret was.” He said looking at Rosé.

“Yes, I am like her.” She said showing her pink eyes.

“Yeah, she told me her only family was on the planet Ringstar. Her mission was to go on Earth and find a boy but she could never find him. The craziest part is that woman was like 300 years old and looked 20. Anyways, she was really worried about Nari, she was the first half human and half alien. Besides having really good eyesight and hearing and being a fast learner, she was pretty much human. When Nari was two years old is when I woke up and Lily was gone.

She left a letter saying that she will be back soon and that she think she found a lead on the boy she was looking for. I was devastated. I had to quit college to raise Nari. I had no family to help me and a college debt. When I went to work I left her in the car with my windows down and checked up on her every hour. That’s how bad it was. I got caught for child negligence and they took her to a foster home. I kept working and working to have a stable income for I can have my child back. When I tried she was already adopted and they denied me since I didn’t have visa then. Lily never came back and I fell into a deep depression.”

When Isaiah spoke tears ran through his face. Taehyung finally understood the man. He didn’t choose to leave his family. Rosé also had a sad look on her face. Why would her Aunt leave Storm to find Jungkook? Even if it was her mission did she not care about her child? Rosé came all the way to this Earth to look for her aunt, yet her aunt left her own child?

“I’m so sorry. Nari would love to get to know you. She goes by Storm now. She is studying at Greenwood University trying to get a degree in Therapy. She also look just like you, look at this picture.” Taehyung said showing him a picture of the girl.

“Wow, she’s beautiful.” Isaiah cried. “Thank you for taking care of her young man.” He said giving Taehyung a tight hug.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but I have to ask. Did Lily have a spaceship stored somewhere?”

Isiah broke from the hug. He looked at Rosé confusedly. “Yeah, when she left she left me an address to a storage room where she kept it and told me to look after it for her. B-But some man called me today and offered me 10 million dollars for it. I sold it to him since Lillian is dead. That’s why these boxes are here, I finally have the money to move out this house.”

Rosé and Taehyung looked at each other in fright.

Its only one man they knew who would buy it.

———————

Storm, Hobi and Sofía waited in the snack line of the highly awaited football game. The stadium was packed but they were blessed to know the star player to get good seats.

Storm’s hair was tied in green and purple ribbons to represent the team. Sofía was wearing her boyfriend’s jersey, and Hobi was wearing a team tee.

“Do you two really need to get snacks?” Sofía complained.

“Yes! I’m not watching a two hour football game without snacks.” Hobi defended.

“Awww, you look so nervous for your man, Sofía.” Storm teased.

“Yes! This is super big he could get into the NFL! It’s his biggest dream.” Sofía reminded.

“You look more nervous then he did today.” Hobi observed.

After they got their food they made their way towards their seats. However, Storm was annoyed. She’s been getting this feeling for weeks. At first she ignored it, but now enough was enough.

“I’ll be right back guys.” She said leaving the group. She walked outside the stadium where she knew nobody was before stopping.

She turned around and cross her arms.

“Come out already, you’re not fooling anyone!” She yelled. The air was filled with silence.

“Fine, have it your way.” She said walking towards a car and pulling out two legs. The boy screeched.

“Lance! Why have you been following me?” Storm interrogated.

“Following you?” He chuckled. “No, I’m just checking the oil in my car.”

“This is not your car. It literally has a “Soccer mom 4 life” sticker and you check the gas using the hood, not underneath it.” She sassed.

“Fine. I was following you.”

“It’s obvious I can hear your loud breathing all the time.”

“How can you hear my breathing? I kept my distance.” Lance questioned.

“That’s not important, did Jungkook tell you to stalk me or are you auditioning to be the next Joe Goldberg?”

“Me? As Joe Goldberg? Being Obsessed with you? Sweetie, you’re worried about the wrong J.”

“Whatever, stop following me!” She scoffed before walking back to the stadium.

————-

Jungkook and Taehyung sat down at the bleachers enjoying the football game. They were both quiet, only focused on the field.

He decided to break the silence. “What were you doing today Taehyung?” He asked.

“Huh! What? Nothing!” Taehyung nervously ranted.

Jungkook suspiciously looked at him. “Do you need me to get you a drink or something? Henny? Rosé? Beer?”

“No! I hate Rosé!! Why would you ask that?”

“You’re so weird hyung.” Jungkook said disgustingly looking at him.

“Says the one whose to busy looking at my sister to know what quarter of the football game were in.” Taehyung bantered.

“What can I say? She’s cute.”

“If you say so.” Taehyung groaned still not liking the idea of Jungkook being with his sister.

“Why don’t you get her to come over here? I’m tired of staring at the back of her head.” Jungkook complained.

“Why do I have to get her to come over? Aren’t you guys lovers or something.” He argued.

“Well, love is difficult. Just do as I say.” The younger boy said in a warning tone.

Taehyung rolled his eyes before throwing a empty beer can at her head.

The girl turned around and glared at Taehyung before throwing up a middle finger at him.

“Why did you do that? You could’ve hurt her.” Jungkook scolded punching Taehyung’s arm.

“It was empty! Now she will come over here just to get me back. Watch.”

They observed as Storm got up from her seat and made her way towards Taehyung.

She lightly slapped him on the face. “Why you throw that can at me idiot?!”

“Because your gigantic head was in the way.” He jokingly bantered. She rolled her eyes and embraced him in a long hug. When she released him she finally noticed Jungkook was beside him. He looked up and down at her with a confident smirk.

Taehyung looked at Jungkook staring. “Stop! You’re creeping her out.”

“I was already creeped out when his weasel Lance was following me around school all week.” Storm confessed.

Taehyung looked around the stadium for Lance. He thought he told Lance to stop.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about babe.” He lied.

“Sure you don’t.” She sarcastically replied.

“If I would’ve known you was attending I would’ve made this a second date.”

Jungkook could hear her heart rate speed up at the compliment as he smiled to himself with praise. She still liked him.

“If I would’ve known you were attending I would’ve made sure not to come.” She sassed earning an “oooo” from Taehyung.

“Why you saying “ooooo” Taehyung? You see fireworks outside or something?” He sarcastically remarked.

Storm sat down at the empty seat beside Taehyung. “Where have you been? I haven’t seen you in days!” She asked.

“Oh I just went on a road trip to a nearby city to treat myself.” He lied earning a look from Jungkook. He also wondered where Taehyung was.

“And you didn’t invite me?” She asked.

“I don’t want to hear your annoying carpool karaoke.”

“Whatever! Your loss.”

“Ford is playing good but I don’t know if it’s enough to save the team. I don’t think Greenwood is going to win.” Taehyung observed.

“If they do win you owe me road trip out!” She challenged.

“If you’re really so confident how about if they loose you owe me another date?” Jungkook dared looking over to her.

“Didn’t I tell you to leave me alone!” She said raising her voice.

“If that was the case why did you sit over here?” He asked. Storm blushed in embarrassment not saying a word.

——————

Sofía sat behind the bleachers deep in thought. Tears fell down her eyes onto her jersey. Her shaking hands were buried to her face as she let out sobs.

Storm slowly approached her distressed figure. “Sofía why are you so sad? Greenwood won.” She informed her.

“I know, that’s why I’m sad. Is it bad that I hoped that he lost? I hoped that he was terrible out there.” She sobbed.

“Why?” Storm asked taking a seat beside her on the grass.

“They are drafting him to the NFL next year. There’s no nearby teams in this state. He’s going to move away and leave me. I can’t just switch colleges. We’ve been together two years and still no ring, no talks of me being with him in the future.” She ranted.

“Well what do you want?”

“I want him but I also care about my career also. I don’t know if I want to stop my education to follow him. I don’t know I’m so confused. He’s my home.”

“Home is something you can always go back to. You should talk to him and find a plan where you can both get what you want.” She advised.

Sofía nodded embracing her in a hug. She cryingly let out a laugh. “You know, you should take your own advice too.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Sitting near Jungkook half the game. It’s obvious you like him. For someone who don’t feel safe you sure like to be close to the danger.” Sofía giggled.

“I honestly don’t know. I know he’s bad news but I’m also kind of attracted to him. Lord, what am I saying!” She sighed.

“It’s ok, you can’t help who you’re attracted to. I had a crush on the Joker, Jack Harlow and even Nate Jacobs.”

“I could see Jacob Elordi but Nate Jacobs, really?” Storm judged.

————

Storm waited on the curb for her Uber driver to arrive. She patiently tapped her feet staring at the street.

She looked to her right as she saw Jungkook approaching her one last time today.

“Why are you here? Don’t you know Greenwood won? You’re not getting your little date.”

He chuckled. “I was just trying to be polite. I don’t need to ask for anything. I take what I want. You should know, you heard the stories from Jimin right?” He retorted.

She looked at him confused. “You know how teachers ask you to yell that you’re present in class even though you’re sitting right in front of their faces. I’ve been asking you on dates this whole time even though I know you’re already mine.”

He could hear her heartbeat rise, this time not of nervousness from his flirts but from fear.

“I-This have gone too far. You’re crazy. I’m begging you please find a hobby.”

“Too far?” He laughed. “This is just the beginning my love.”

He gently placed a kiss on her head before walking away. “Goodnight Storm, get home safe.”

chapter 012

[bi-bard]

The Future - Castiel Imagine (Supernatural)

Title: The Future

Pairing: Castiel X Child!Reader (18)

Word Count: 4,168 words

Warning(s): canonical violence, cussing, killing

Summary: (Season 12, Episode 19) The story of Cas and (Y/n) tracking down Kelly Kline, who is now trapped with Dagon.

Author's Note: Hey, there's a scene here that I'm gonna use for a parallel later. Try to figure out which one and remember it. It's very important.

MORE ABOUT THIS OC HERE

Hey! I did a rewrite of the ending of Supernatural. It took a really long time to complete, so it would mean a lot to me if you check it out. Here’s a link! (it’s on my personal account)

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Cas told me that he was working with Heaven almost as soon as I joined forces with him. The plan seemed easy enough. Track down the child with the help of the angels and then he gets welcomed back.

I didn't mind the plan.

He had sacrificed so much for the brothers and me that it felt natural to help him. I wanted to be there to help him.

It scared me less than his next idea when the angels gave him no leads.

When Cas told me that we needed to go back to the bunker, my heart stopped for a second.

I didn't want to go back. I didn't want to see Sam and Dean again. At least, not yet.

"(Y/n)," Cas sighed. "They're our best option. Heaven has given us nothing and we both know that going at this alone won't work."

I looked down at the ground.

"You won't have to talk to them," he offered. "You can give them the cold shoulder all you want. You just have to go."

I looked at him again before finally nodding. He pulled me into a hug, and I relaxed a little bit.

"Thank you."

Now, I found myself walking into the bunker for the first time in weeks. Sam and Dean were in the map room together, looking over a bunch of strange symbols.

"Cas, (Y/n)," Sam stood up from his spot.

"Hello," Cas said.

"You both are alright," he added as Cas and I made it down the stairs.

"Where the hell have you been," Dean asked.

I looked down.

I knew coming back here was going to spark an argument. This was an awful idea.

"And why have you ignored our phone calls," he continued.

"The reception where I was, was... poor," Cas shrugged.

"No bars... No bars. That's his excuse, wow," Dean muttered. "What's your excuse, kid?"

"You should've called."

If Dean wanted to be pissy and cold with me, I would play the same exact game with him. He knew damn well why I had left. I didn't have to explain it again. He made his choice and I made mine.

"You're kidding-"

"No, I'm not," I cut him off. "You didn't call me, Dean. Neither one of you did. Genius choice on your part."

"You didn't call (Y/n)," Sam asked.

I turned to look at Sam, but I didn't get a chance to question him.

"Where the hell were you," Dean asked, turning the attention away from himself.

"I was in heaven," Cas explained. "I was working with the angels. When I saw Dagon had captured Kelly, I thought they could help. (Y/n) knew this and tried to help from Earth."

"And," Sam asked.

"Nothing," he shook his head. I looked down.

"Well, you're back... for now," Sam forced a grin. "We're glad your back."

"Really," Dean looked at his brother.

I can't say that I was stunned that Sam was the one trying to keep the peace. I knew that Dean was more angry than anything else. Sam already seemed to be in a state of guilt.

Sam's fake grin fell.

"No," Dean shook his head. "Okay, 'cause while you were striking out in Heaven, we had a shot at Dagon, and we lost."

"I... received your messages."

"Dagon's a knight of hell," I jumped in. "Y'know, eyes are yellow instead of black. Cas couldn't have stopped her. We've seen him try before and he nearly died. Two more bodies wouldn't have done shit."

"You weren't only ditching us, you two were ignoring us."

"You only called Cas."

"Watch it-"

"No," I snapped. "Are you kidding me? You haven't earned an ounce of my patience. Your first choice was to start blaming us for something that we couldn't have helped with. Nice to know my assumptions about coming back were accurate."

"(Y/n)," I yanked my arm from Cas's hand as he tried to stop me.

"I'm gonna go wait in the car," I muttered. "I... I knew this was a bad idea."

"(Y/n), get your ass back here and talk to me," Dean shouted.

"Once you pull your head out of your ass, maybe I fucking will," I yelled back.

I stormed back out to the truck and curled up in the passenger seat. I didn't want to, but I started crying. Sobbing. I was a kid. A scared, 18-year-old kid. I wanted nothing more than the person I saw as a dad back. And I couldn't have that because he insisted on throwing a wall up between us.

I would've kept my mouth shut. I would've walked in, listened to them, and left. But I couldn't do it. I couldn't listen to Dean act like all Cas and I did was fail.

I looked up when the driver's side of the truck opened.

"Oh no," Cas mumbled when he saw my face. "Dean... Dean was worried. He reacted out of anger-"

"I know."

"He still cares-"

"I know."

"He just wants to know you're safe-"

"Can we just go," I asked. "I don't want to be here right now. I feel like I'm gonna vomit."

We took off again.

"I promised to keep in touch," Cas explained.

I nodded.

I fell asleep soon after. I hadn't been sleeping much in the hopes of finding some kind of alternative plan to killing Kelly. Or just a plan to track her in general.

I just needed to feel useful.

Cas woke me up outside of a run-down house.

"Joshua tracked a celestial pulse to this house," Cas explained. "Kelly's here."

I nodded, "Okay."

I got out of the track and pulled out the angel blade I had been given.

I circled around the back of the house with Cas. He pointed toward a staircase heading to a basement. I nodded, ignoring the TV playing. I hadn't been told that there had been two other angels following behind us.

I climbed down the stairs.

Kelly jumped when she saw me. I quickly pressed a finger to my lips. She nodded. I walked over and checked the chain on her ankle.

"Okay," I muttered. "Normal lock. I can... probably pick it. Are you okay?"

"They saved me," she explained quickly. I furrowed my eyebrows. "My kid. They saved me."

"We'll... discuss that later."

We both jumped at the crashing upstairs. I saw Cas come down the stairs even though there was still fighting upstairs.

I stood up and stepped to the side, thinking that he would do better getting rid of the lock.

Then, I saw the Colt... and Cas cocked it.

"Woah," I stepped between Cas and Kelly. "What the hell, Cas? When did you even grab that?"

"It's the only way," he replied.

"You never mentioned anything about killing," I replied. "When was this even involved in the plan?"

"The whole time."

"What?"

"The angels can't allow the child to be brought into this world," Cas argued. I just stared at him in shock. "I told you I was working with heaven. I didn't lie to you about that."

"No, you just lied to me about their true goal," I snapped. "That's a shit ton better."

Cas clenched his jaw.

"Put the gun down, Cas," I said. "No one is born as pure evil. You have to understand that."

He looked from me to Kelly.

"You know damn well that I am not going to move."

He looked at me again.

I wish I could've seen what was going through his head in that moment. I wanted to know what his pros and cons list looked like. I was forcing him to either hurt- possibly, kill me- or go against heaven's plans yet again.

His arm slowly moved down. I let out a breath.

"Come on," I said. "We have time to get her out of here if we're quick."

We managed to get Kelly into the truck and drive off.

It was awkward and quiet. The truck didn't really have a backseat, so it was cramped on top of all of that.

"Guess you finally caught me," Kelly muttered after a while.

"We're trying to help you," I said. She forced a grin toward me. "You don't deserve to be tortured because of what happened."

"Cas came to kill me," she replied. She looked at him. "But you didn't... thank you."

"Please don't thank me," Cas muttered. "I had a mission and I failed."

"And now?"

"Now, I don't know," he replied. "I'm just trying to put as much distance between you and Dagon as I can."

We didn't stop until we absolutely had to. Which was the next morning.

It was a tiny motel. Off the main road. Should've been safe.

Cas stepped out of the truck to take care of something on the angel radio.

"You said the kid saved you," I said. "So... you believe the kid is good."

Kelly looked down at her stomach with a fond smile, "Yeah. I really do."

A few moments later, Cas got back in the truck.

"What's going on," Kelly asked.

"I was communicating with Joshua," he explained. "He's an angel... I was getting my orders."

"Why should we be listening to heaven," I asked. "I'm sorry but they have screwed us over time and time again-"

"They are the only reason we found Kelly-"

"And nearly made you kill her," I snapped.

"And now, I will take Kelly to Heaven," Cas continued before looking at Kelly. "Your life will end, and your baby's, too-"

"No-"

"(Y/n)-"

"No, we are not killing an innocent child."

"How do you know it'll work," Kelly asked.

"No human form can step through that gate and survive," Cas said. "Your souls will ascend to heaven and every cell of your beings will return to the universe. I am sorry, Kelly. This is the child of Lucifer. A human/archangel hybrid. That power... it's beyond comprehension. Your child could bring the universe to its knees."

"Or lift it to its feet," she argued. "This baby... nothing is born evil."

"I can't take that chance," Cas sighed. "(Y/n)..."

"If Kelly believes that this baby can be taught to be good... I trust her."

He tried to start the truck again. It stalled.

He let out another sigh, "I'll get us a room."

Once we had the room safe and locked down, Cas made sure Kelly sat down on the bed. I went to plug in my phone only to find it missing.

"Cas," I asked as he handed Kelly a glass of water. "Where's my phone?"

"I don't know," he furrowed his eyebrows. "Did you leave it in the truck?"

"No, I thought it was zipped up in this pocket of my bag," I muttered.

"I have no idea," he shook his head.

I didn't quite believe him but shrugged it off. I wanted to trust Cas. I needed to feel like I could trust Cas.

"Something happened to me, Castiel," Kelly spoke up. "I lost hope. I tried to... I killed myself. Slit my wrists."

Cas and I looked at each other for a moment.

"I died," she continued. "And then... my child saved me. Brought me back to life."

"That was the pulse that was tracked," I said.

"We felt that in heaven," Cas nodded.

"My child's power... their soul surged through me... and it was good," she explained. "I know my kid is good."

I sat down next to her.

"Kelly," Cas shook his head as he walked over. "What your child did, that's a testament to their power, but it's not proof of some goodness. They need you alive."

"Maybe," she replied. "Or maybe it was a miracle. Maybe everything I've been through. Everything that I still have to go through... is happening for a reason. Maybe it's part of some plan."

"No, it isn't," Cas sat on the opposite bed. "I used to believe in a plan. That I had some mission. But I have been through enough now to know that everyone is just winging it. Some of us badly. Lucifer... he's just breaking toys. He's sowing destruction and chaos, and there is no grand purpose at work. And there's no special role for you. When Lucifer took over Rooney's body... I'm sorry. You were just there."

She ignored him, "I know my baby can be good for this world."

"Cas," I asked. I nodded toward the bathroom. "Can we talk?"

He stood up and followed me. It was the most private, but it was the best option we had.

"I hope you aren't going to push me to apologize," he said.

"No," I mumbled. "I just... you said there's no great plan... so why follow Heaven's?"

"You don't want to go to the door-"

"Of course, I don't."

"Why are you so adamant on saving this child," Cas asked.

"I... I really don't know," I replied. "Something is just telling me to protect this kid. I... I can't just sit by while we decide their fate without giving an ounce of hope that they could be good."

"Castiel," Kelly called. He walked back over and sat across from her again.

"Kelly," he sighed. "If this child is born... that is not something you can survive. Even if you're right... who will care for them after you're gone? Who? Who is strong enough to protect them and keep them from evil influences and to keep them on the righteous path?"

"We'll figure that out," I said. She smiled at me. I grinned back. She grunted. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, the baby just kicked," she waved me off. She looked at Castiel. "Do you wanna...?"

"No-"

"It's not a big deal," she insisted. "They do this, like, twenty times a day."

She grabbed Cas's hand and pressed his palm to her stomach. I saw a grin creep onto his face as he felt the baby kicking. Kelly's eyes started turning gold a moment later. She gasped.

"Kelly," Cas asked. She shook her head.

There was a knock on the door. I grabbed my angel blade. Cas grabbed the Colt- which only had one bullet in it, but hey, let him live.

He pulled open the door to show Sam and Dean on the other side. I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah... that's mine," Dean nodded at the gun.

Dean grabbed Cas and shoved him against the wall. I went over to Kelly, reaching out a hand to her and forcing a grin.

"Dean," Sam interrupts Dean's lecture to Cas.

"What," Dean asked.

"Dean!"

They were both looking over at me and Kelly. As they stepped forward, I held up the angel blade. Sam held his hands up. I slowly lowered the weapon when no one made a move. Kelly let go of my hand and stepped forward.

"How did you find us," Cas asked.

"Well, while you were scamming me for the Colt, Sam put a tracking app on your phone," Dean explained. "We used that when we couldn't track (Y/n)'s."

"Mine got stolen," I said. "Probably by whatever bitchass angel met us at Dagon's hiding spot."

"You two wanna explain what's going on here," Sam looked between us. "Is Dagon dead?"

"No," Cas sighed.

They scoffed.

"Hey, you two had the same weapon and couldn't do it either," I snapped.

"What are we doing here then?"

"My truck broke down," Cas admitted quietly.

"Why didn't you call us then," Sam said. "We could've helped you."

"I know," Cas replied. "I wanted to keep you out of this. I wanted to keep you safe."

"You're not a babysitter, Cas, okay," Dean sassed. "That is not your job. And when in our whole lives have we ever been safe?"

"This is my responsibility because it is my plan."

"And you dragged (Y/n) into."

"Check the high-horse, Dean," I said. He looked at me. "Don't act like you don't know."

"What plan," Sam asked.

"Cas is taking me to Heaven," Kelly explained. I closed my eyes and tilted my head down.

"You're taking her to the sandbox," Dean looked at Cas.

"Yes," he replied. "I'm ending this, once and for all. Kelly and her baby have to die."

"No, they don't," Sam jumped in. "Listen, we found another way."

"You'd know that if you answered your phone," Dean snarked.

"What are you talking about," Cas asked.

"Remember when we tried to extract Gadreel's grace from (Y/n) for a tracking spell," Sam explained. I scrunched up my face; hell yeah.

"What," Kelly whispered.

"I was possessed by an angel when I was 15," I mumbled.

"15?"

Sam ignored us, "We take the grace from the baby Nephilim and then the baby just becomes-"

"Human," Cas finished the thought. "That extraction nearly killed (Y/n)."

"But it didn't-"

"Because I stopped it," Cas snapped. "We don't even know if this would work."

"There are kinks, yes, but it's a plan," Dean said. "And it beats the hell out of certain death. Am I right?"

"No," Kelly said, going to storm out.

"What," I asked, following her.

Sam was right behind me, "Kelly, I can't imagine what you've gone through, but we promised we'd find another way, and we did. This is a better way. This could work."

"I'm going with Castiel."

"Kelly," I stepped in front of her, walking backward as I did. "This might be a way to save you and your baby."

"But my child losses what makes them special," she replied.

"How does that matter if both of you are dead," Sam asked.

"That's all that matters," she said.

"This girl has lost her mind," Dean argued.

"Hey, Dean," Cas told him off.

"Can we take this conversation elsewhere," Sam begged. "We're sitting ducks out here."

"Sam's right," Dean nodded. "Dagon's still out there. Your truck is broken down. Let's get in the impala, go back to the bunker, and we'll talk. Figure it out."

"Right," Sam agreed.

I looked at Cas. He grabbed Kelly's arm and started walking to the car. I followed the two of them.

Wanna know a bad choice?

Put the angry pregnant woman in the front seat with the keys sitting next to her while Cas and I sat in the back.

Why was that a bad choice?

Because once Cas and I were settled, Kelly slowly reached over, snagged the car key, and stole the impala.

We screeched out of the parking lot, and she sped off quickly. She paid no mind to Sam and Dean yelling at her.

"Kelly, what the hell are you doing," I asked.

"It's not supposed to happen this way," she explained. "I'm going to Heaven. The... sandbox, if you tell me how to get there."

"I can make you stop this car," Cas threatened.

"Why haven't you," she asked.

"Why are you doing this," Cas pushed.

"My child chose you, Castiel," she said. "When you put your hand on my stomach, I heard them. They spoke to me. They told me that even if it's scary, if I just went to the gate, if I followed your plan, that you would make sure they were born. You and (Y/n)."

Always nice to be included.

I looked at Cas, searching for some kind of reaction.

"Sam and Dean want to take away my kid's powers because they're scared," she continued. "I'm not."

"Kelly-"

She cut Cas off, "You asked me who would protect them; guide them when I'm gone. I know now. It's you."

"Me? That's... I... I am not someone that you should put your faith in, Kelly."

"(Y/n) will be there too," Kelly reminded him. "They're... They're linked."

I didn't get a chance to question that.

"I couldn't kill Dagon back there," Cas tried to push that he shouldn't be trusted. "I lost two of my men. I've betrayed my friends... my family."

"Before all of this happened, I was a cut-rate political flack," she continued, "in an embarrassingly unprofessional relationship with my boss. I don't know why it's me. I don't know why it's you two. But I know that we're destined for something here. Something great."

"I wish I had your faith," Cas muttered.

"You will," she replied.

We got to the sandbox by nightfall.

As we walked up to the gate, I felt a growing pit in my stomach. This entire plan made me sick, but there was something else. Something else was here that wasn't supposed to be.

"We can still go back," I offered. "You don't have to do this."

"I know you don't approve," Kelly grabbed my hand. "But this is the best choice. I need you to trust me on this."

I shook my head, "No."

She sighed, "Thank you. For all that you've done. You're far too young to have had to deal with any of this."

I stepped back as she and Cas got ready to go. The symbol started glowing as Joshua appeared in front of us.

He attempted to reassure Kelly but didn't get much of a chance before he exploded in front of us. Dagon appeared behind him. Cas pulled Kelly back. I stepped forward to stand by them.

When Dagon went to move toward Kelly, Cas stepped in front of us.

"Stay away from her," Cas snapped.

"What, no Colt," Dagon asked. "Wait... you don't even have it anymore? Hilarious."

Cas went to stab her, but she caught his arm effectively disarming him before taking a few swings at him.

I grabbed my blade and tried to help, but she grabbed me quickly, slamming my back down on the ground. Her foot rested on my chest as I tried to get my breath back.

"What a dumb kid," she said. "Look at you... about to die for a woman you've barely just met. Your dads would be so disappointed."

I used my blade to slash her leg, giving myself the opportunity to stand and run to Kelly.

She kept hitting Cas. As she tried to strangle him, the truck pulled up. Sam got out and started to shoot. Dagon dropped Cas's body before turning to face Sam. Kelly grabbed my arm, pulling me back a few steps.

Cas slowly stood as she attacked Sam and Dean, managing to get the Colt from Dean's hand.

"Yeah," she said. "Time to take this off the board."

She burned the gun in her hand.

"Who wants ice cream," she joked.

Cas made his way to us, telling Kelly to run. She shook her head and grabbed his hand. I stood next to them. I wasn't going to run. Not when both of them were willing to stand against her.

"Aw, adorbs," Dagon pretended to gush.

I looked over when I heard a power surge. Cas's veins slowly started to glow yellow; starting in his hand and moving toward his face.

When Dagon went to attack, he just grabbed his wrist. I took a step back just as she burned in front of us.

As the power faded from Cas's face, we all just looked at each other. Sam and Dean slowly walked over.

"Cas," Dean asked.

"What was that," Sam asked.

"It... It was me," Cas answered. "But it was also..."

He nodded down at the child.

He healed Dean's broken arm.

"Thank you for coming to fight for us," Cas thanked the brothers.

"Are you okay," Dean furrowed his eyebrows.

Cas nodded, "I am. I've been so lost. I'm not lost anymore. And I know now that this child must be born."

I bit back my grin.

"With all of their power."

Grin dropped just a bit. That would kill Kelly too.

"You can't mean that," Sam said.

"Yes, I do," Cas nodded. "I have faith."

Kelly grinned at me. I grabbed her hand. If this is what she wanted, I needed to respect that. No matter how much I wanted her to change her mind.

I followed Cas and Kelly toward the truck.

"Cas, wait a second," Sam stopped us. "What's going on?"

"You'll just have to trust me," Cas said.

"No, no, no, wait," Dean shook his head. "Okay, whatever that thing did to you, we're not just gonna let you walk away."

"Not gonna happen."

"Yes, it is."

He touched their foreheads and the brothers fell.

He went to touch mine and I jumped back.

"I am going with you," I said. "I... I need to go with you. I can't... I can't stay with them, Cas. Not right now."

Cas let out a sigh before nodding.

"Thank you," I nodded once before heading toward the truck.

We loaded into the single row of seats again. There was a pause.

"What did they tell you," Kelly asked, referring to whatever Cas saw when defeating Dagon.

"They didn't tell me anything... they showed me," he replied. "The future."

All I could do was hope. Please, let us be right about this. Let this risk be worth it. Please, just... let this work out for the better.

Please let this "future" be worth every ounce of turmoil in the present.

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Author's Note: I struggled with this one. I have to keep reminding myself that teenagers are impulsive as shit and make dumb choices no matter what. Not every action needs to be logical. I'm trying to make a human character, not a perfect one.

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Masterlist (Includes links to All Writing Challenges)

What I Write For

Some Original Characters

[greenygreenland]

Dream A Little Dream Of Me: Norman x Reader

-MANGA SPOILERS! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK! 

-NOTE: YOU’RE BOTH AGED UP SO DON’T START TELLING ME FBI’S GONNA COME TO MY DOOR 😂😂

-THE TIMELINE IS A BIT MESSED UP SO JUST IGNORE IT COMPLETELY AND DON'T ASK ME LOL

-also, is it just me or do thick eyebrows look really cute??? Norman has pretty thick brows compared everyone else and I think they're cute 

WARNINGS: Kissing lol

Summary: You finally see Norman again.

Life had to be the scariest thing you'd ever faced. It threw the bad, the good, the everything your way until you could barely stand. Until you were left broken and mangled and shattered. Life was scary. It was cruel. Yet somehow, today was different.

You thought it was a dream. After all, how could it be reality when the boy in front of you died a year and some months ago? He had been shipped out, left for dead because it was a part of his stupid escape plan.

So how was it he stood before you? Breathing? Smiling? Living?

The office door closed behind you with a soft click. It bathed the room in silence, as if for a moment, the world decided to give you a second to breathe. A second to take in the wonderous sight before you.

The boy's name stuck in your throat. He had changed, not only in height, but stature and appearance. Norman was older, and he grew up to be more handsome than any runway model could ever be.

"(Y/n)," he gently said. "I'm glad you're well."

That was all it took. One sentence and you tackled him in the tightest hug your trembling arms could muster. "Norman...!" To have his arms around you, to hear the beating of his heart--it was a relief. A miracle sent by the gods. "You’re so stupid!"

No, he was more than stupid. He had to be the dumbest boy alive to think that it was okay to sacrifice himself for the sake of your family. You all were supposed to escape together just like Emma said. No one was supposed to be left behind, yet Norman--bless his heart--acted on his own.

You hugged him as if he would disappear if you let go. "We were all supposed to leave together. But you--I thought you--shipped out--and then--!" You chocked on your words. What more could you say anyway?

You buried your face in the crook of his neck. The muffled sob that ripped through your throat was more than Norman could handle. His knees went weak and you both slowly sunk to the floor in a heap. 

"I'm here." he gently said. "I'm not going anywhere (Y/n)."

Despite the steadiness in Norman's voice, his shoulders hitched, and he sniffled. "I'm here." he repeated. "I-I'm here." It sounded like he were reassuring himself that he wouldn't leave you so soon, as if he were scared too. Not for the way you sobbed and sobbed, but for the ache in his heart that seemed to beat in sync with yours.

Slowly, your sobs turned to quiet sniffles, which then silenced into nothing but tiny hiccups. You basked in Norman's warm embrace. He didn't hold you too tightly, as if he were afraid it would shatter you to pieces. Instead, he pulled you close to his side and leaned on his desk behind.

You rested your head on his chest, taking the time to memorise his scent. Parchment, the woods, and old books. You liked that, it was comforting to know he still smelled the same. On the other hand, his voice wasn’t as smooth or rounded as it once was. It was icy. No one seemed to notice that tiny sharpness that hit the end of each note he spoke. You wondered what could've made his kind heart harden.

Sure, Norman was still the same Norman you remembered, but something about the way he acted seemed off. He was clingy, much more than he ever was. Maybe he just missed you? No, that couldn't be right. Norman acted as if he were running out of time. He held you close and gently, as if these would be the last moments you'd see each other again. As if there wouldn't be a tomorrow.

You slowly pulled away to get a good look at Norman's face. His chin was slightly pointier, his cheeks less chubby and full. His lips twitched upwards into a comforting smile. It didn't quite reach his eyes because he looked so overwhelmingly tired. Your poor boy probably worked day and night to keep the hideout on its feet. It must be hard on him, you thought. Especially since he was revered as a god.

Norman's brows raised. "What's wrong?"

You took his thin hands in your own and gave them a good squeeze. "It's nothing. What about you?"

Ah yes, small talk. The perfect way to avoid any question thrown your way. Norman knew you well, sometimes even more than himself. When you asked simple questions such as these, that meant your mind laid elsewhere in a land he could never reach. Norman took that as a hint to drop the subject.

For now.

He wondered what invisible weight laid on your shoulders. Was it something as heavy as his? Perhaps your weight was worse and it ate away at you. Norman wished he could take that weight away and relieve you of that pain. He'd carry it all if he could, and it didn't matter to him if he'd die trying. This was you he was thinking about. He'd do anything for you.

"I've been okay," Norman vaguely responded. "But I have been busy, so I find it difficult to sleep sometimes.”

Norman liked to be honest, but you knew it was because that helped him figure out what was wrong with you. It was a game of tag. In this case being 'it' meant figuring out each others' worries through a back-and-forth match.

"You haven't been sleeping enough?" Your voice came out rather quiet as you traced invisible circles over the back of his hands. "Is that because you have so much work? Or do you refuse to get help?" Norman sat in a still silence and you sighed.

Of course. 

This was your Norman after all. He always shouldered a burden too big for his shoulders to carry. It was always something so heavy, so terribly hard to balance by himself. If that burden grew any bigger, it would collapse, and that would be his downfall. But you wouldn't let that happen to your Norman. No, no, no. You'd take that burden from him, steal it if you had to, and be his crutch.

"What have you been doing here?" you quickly added. "As 'William Minerva', I mean?"

Norman looked unbearably uncomfortable. That little frown tugging at the edge of his lips was a tell-tale sign. “I’ve been getting a lot done." he carefully said. "In fact, I’ve figured out a way to end this. Once and for all.” 

Norman began by explaining the first phase of his plan. The first phase had long been in motion. It started with the indiscriminate burning of cattle facilities, then the gathering of information, and continued on to pave the way for all the other phases you didn’t care to hear about.

The first few steps weren't too bad, but the final act in Norman's plan made your skin crawl. You half-wished you hadn’t asked him anything to begin with. Maybe it would have spared your appetite. Your grip on his thin hands loosened and loosened until your hands rested on your lap.

Norman wasn't so little anymore. He had grown up just a bit, but not in the way you wished to see. How could he think of something so cold-hearted and cruel? The extermination of all demons in Neverland was an act of genocide. If you re-called correctly, it was also considered a war crime.

Norman was smarter than that. He understood the consequence he'd have to face if that were the path he walked right? He understood that there were still other options right? Maybe you heard him wrong.

No.

You had to have heard him wrong. Norman wasn't ruthless like that. He was a ball of sunshine that made you smile whenever you were together.

"I see..." You tightly smiled. "So that's your plan on freeing everyone?" Norman nodded with a seriousness that took you back to the time he left everything to you and Ray and Emma. 

You weren't mistaken then. Norman truly meant everything he said.

"Yes, that is my plan. It's been taking me a little longer than expected to set it in motion. I've decided to officially start tomorrow."

Tomorrow? 

Your breath hitched. "Don't you think that's a bit hasty? What if...what if something goes wrong?" Norman smiled. It was hollow and wry and everything that he wasn't. "Don't worry. Fortunately, I've always been pretty good at getting what I want." You didn't return the smile, and you didn't want to say why.

Norman was quick to catch on. But of course he would catch on so quickly, this was Norman. Your Norman.

"Do you have a problem with my plan?" he inquired. You shook your head. "No, it's...it's not that." Yes, it was that. Your plan is dangerous even if it is good, you thought. Innocent lives wouldn't be spared, and that would spell an unfair fate for the demons who ate to survive.

You wanted to tell Norman why his plan was wrong, and why he didn't have to be so unforgiving about it. But then what? Why would he listen when you didn't have any better ideas? He seemed to have his mind set anyway, so no half-baked ideas would make a difference. And besides, he was the smartest person you knew. Maybe that was the only way out of the terrible fate all you cattle children faced.

"If you're okay with my plan," Norman said, "then what's bothering you (Y/n)?"

"It's still a lot for me to take in," you admitted with a plastic smile. "I guess I'm just shocked that you're, well, here." Norman smiled, this time with a genuine warmth. "I understand." He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on your lips. "I'll see you at dinner."

Your cheeks burned. How bold of him. "Y-yeah, I'll see you at dinner." Norman let out a cute little chuckle that made your heart beat a little louder than it was supposed to. You hauled yourself off the floor and made your way to the door. Norman followed.

You flashed him a nervous smile, one that mixed in with your muddled worry and anxiousness. You glanced at his bright eyes. For a moment, they seemed to dim like the setting sun. It reminded you of Mama. When no one looked at her, she didn’t smile. She always looked so sad when she sat by herself, and maybe that was because she was. 

"(Y/n)?"

Your fingers brushed against the doorknob. “Hm?”

"I want nothing more than to protect you and our family. I know you don't fully agree with me," his expression darkened. "But this is the way--the only way we can save everyone without spilling a single drop of blood."

For a moment, you forgot who you were speaking to. This wasn't the same boy you begged to run away with before he got shipped out. This wasn't the same boy who gently tucked a piece of hair behind your ear and sweetly complimented you. This boy--did you truly still know him? Was he still the Norman you grew up with and fell head-over-heels for?

You blinked and that dark look washed itself off his face. He strode up to you and placed a hand on your cheek--just like the day he was supposed to be harvested. Norman’s eyes were soft, softer than any blanket, and his lips pursed into a gentle frown. With his thumb, he wiped a stray tear away. 

Why were you crying?

"Norman..." You couldn’t find the right words. There were none that could explain the suffering you endured in silence. You worried, not only for Norman, but your family and all those other people in the world you didn’t know about. Norman’s plan--oh how stupid it was--had it changed him? Had it forced him to guard his heart to keep a still mind? 

You wondered what he endured while you went on your crazy adventures. At least you had your family, and Yuugo, Lucas, and all your friends. But Norman? He didn’t have anyone but himself. He carried the whole world. Alone. Had he been scared? Worried? Angry that no one came for him? Your heart clenched at the thought. 

"Smile,” Norman said. “It’s okay, I promise. I'm here." He gathered you in his arms and you didn’t have the heart to protest. “How?” you whispered. “How were you able to do all this on your own?” Norman helplessly shrugged. “You could say I have connections, either that or I’m just lucky.”

“What will you do after this is all over?”

Norman went still again, as if he couldn’t answer your question. You heaved in a shaky breath. If Norman wasn’t going to give you a straight answer, then you’d squeeze it out of him. “Did anything else happen to you? I’m sure there’s a catch, isn’t there?” 

It was like someone flipped a switch. One moment, you were a mess of tears, sorrow, and anguish. Now, something menacing laid in your voice. It was almost threatening, as if you were indirectly telling Norman to dare avoid the question. “I don’t want you dying trying to be everything at once,” you said. “Here you’re revered as a god, and if I know you, then it’s plain that you set yourself up like that. Don’t tell me you plan to die on us again.”

He stiffened.

“I know you Norman, don’t forget that. And because I love you, I don’t want to see you destroy yourself. I admit, I don’t know why you act like you’re going to leave again, but I’ll do everything in my power to stop you.” You pulled away and took his hands in yours. A small smile of reassurance made its way up your lips, but Norman didn’t return it. 

No, he couldn’t. And despite all he did, he couldn’t lie straight to your face. Not like this.

Dinner cheered you up. The smiles and laughter that your family shared with Norman made you feel just a little bit better. But how long would it last? And how long would those smiles stay present? All the questions swarming in your mind made you feel sick to your stomach. There was too much to think about, and too little time to answer them.

You forced down the last of your food with a sigh and brought the plate to its respectful place. Everyone was too busy chatting and catching up to notice, but that was fine. It was better that way. 

You made your way to a secluded walkway. It was in one of the calmer areas of the hideout that overlooked the lower levels. It was quiet, save for the distant chatter of Hayato and his friends. He let out a bright laugh that echoed through the vacant walkways. What a shame it would be to hear that disappear.

“So this is where you went.” 

“I told you she’d be here.”

You whipped around in alarm. “Ray, Emma!” 

Ray sharply looked you up and down. He raised a brow and you squirmed under his gaze. He gently bumped shoulders with you. “What’s wrong with you?” 

You absentmindedly shrugged. “Nothing.” 

“That’s what someone who’s not okay would say.” Emma noted. She settled by your side on the railing and flashed a bright smile. “You were so quiet at dinner today.” 

You shook your head. Que another absentminded shrug and plastic smile. “I guess I just wanted to make sure everyone was okay.” 

Ray sighed. “Everyone but you?” He leaned against the railing next to you. “Did you and Norman talk at all?”

You froze. ‘Yes’, was what you wanted to say, but no sound came out. The image of Norman’s matured face, the way his his soft lips hit your own, and his stupidly tall build crossed your mind. 

Emma let out a gasp and slapped a hand over her mouth. “Ah!” she cried. “You’re all red!” You covered your hands with your face, ignoring Ray’s curious stare.

“What did you two talk about in his office anyway? Or should I say, do?” The glint in Ray’s eyes had subtext you didn’t want to recite out loud. “Rayyyyy,” you grumbled, “shut up.” He sent you a teasing grin as Emma frowned in confusion. “I don’t get it.” 

“You’ll understand when you’re older.”

“Yeah, it’s grown up stuff.”

You ignored the warmth spreading to your cheeks and elbowed Ray. “Don’t say it like ‘that’! Now you make it sound like something else!” 

He daringly raised a brow. “Like what?” You ran a hand over your scorching face. It was a miracle you weren’t on fire. “No, no, I’m not answering you!” 

You shared a good laugh and a comfortable silence began to settle, blanketing your shoulders in a lightness that you hadn’t felt in a while. 

Emma softly smiled. “I’m glad we found you.” she admitted. “You looked really sad all by yourself out here.” Ray nodded with a small snort. “Yeah, talk about depressing. But seriously though, did something..?”

Of course these two would see through your façade. Of course they’d understand something was wrong. They were your family, and they didn’t deserve your silence. Your smile shattered. “I don’t know if Norman told you about his plan yet, but it’s...it’s bad. Sure, the demons have done some terrible things to us, but that doesn’t mean all of them are guilty. I want to stop him, but I don’t know how.” 

Emma nodded in agreement. “He told us earlier and I don’t like it either.” she firmly said. “Ray and I talked it over and we have a plan, but it’s risky. Like, really risky. It has to do with the Seven Walls and...” 

You held on to every word Emma and Ray spoke. Risky was your middle name. Well, not actually, but it was something that became your friend. You and your family looked death in the face too many times to count. What would be another?

By the end of it, you were sure this new plan would change Norman’s mind, or at least convince him to give up the whole ‘genocide’ thing. It was decided by Ray that tomorrow, you’d all talk to Norman. Things seemed to be looking up. No, they had to be.

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

The halls were empty and you were alone. How was it you got lost in the first place? You made sure to have every twist and turn memorised, so why did you end up in the wrong corridor twice? Ray would surely tease you for getting lost. What an absolute--

You slammed into someone’s chest. A yelp escaped your throat as the person in question lost his footing. He sucked in a sharp breath and went tumbling straight into you. Your back hit the ground as the boy threw out his arms on either side of your head to brace himself. You didn’t need a name to know who you had tumbled into. Light hair, soft eyes, fancy waistcoat and suit. 

“Norman?”

He hovered over you with wide eyes. His lips were inches from yours and he was just so, so close. 

Thump, thump, thump.

Your heartbeat was so gosh dang loud. Could he hear it? Could he see the way your face burned red? 

“Uhm--I--I--uh--” 

Why wasn’t he moving? Why weren’t you moving? Why was it so hard to look him in the eyes? A nervous smile broke out across Norman’s lips. He pushed himself off of you and offered out a hand. You gingerly took it.

“Sorry.” Norman said, helping you to your feet. “I wasn’t looking where I was going. Are you okay?” Your gaze darted from his lips to his dazzling eyes and then to his cheeks dusted in red. Your heart wouldn’t stop slamming against your chest. It kept going, and going until you felt like you were about to burst. 

“Sh-shouldn’t I be asking you that?” you retorted. “I’m not the one who--you know...gets sick all the time.” You weren’t sure why you said it like that, or why that made Norman smile so cutely, but he was smiling. That made your heart flutter. You glanced around the corridor a few times, and somehow, you kept finding focus on his lips. 

What was wrong with you?

Norman caught on fast--like he always did. “Oh I see,” he said with a low chuckle. You swallowed. His voice really did deepen (but you kind of liked it). For a moment, you thought he caught onto your staring, but instead of commenting on it, he intertwined his hand with yours and led you through the winding halls. 

“Don’t tell Ray I got lost.” you muttered. Norman laughed and it was like the sound of happiness itself. “I won’t.” 

The halls all looked the exact same: cream coloured paint, nature-like decorations, and numbered wooden doors. You forgot what number your room was, so that was probably why you got lost. Norman took a sharp left where you recalled should be a right instead. “Wait isn’t it that way?”

“I have something to give you, so we’re going to make a quick detour.” Norman’s cheeks dusted pink and he looked the slightest bit nervous. “What is it you want to show me?” He flashed you a contagious smile. “It’s a surprise.” 

“What kind of surprise?”

“I can’t tell you,” he said with a chuckle, “that’s why it’s called a surprise.”

When you got to his office, you were nervous. Surprises were fun, yes, but in a world where nearly getting eaten by wild demons fell into the category of ‘surprise’, you learned not to like them very much.

Norman closed the door behind you and it softly clicked shut. Okay, you thought. So he was locking the door and making his way over to his desk. Okay, that’s fine. Norman shuffled through a cabinet, that nervous look still on his face. Okay, okay, nothing wrong here. He gently shut the drawer, and as he walked out from behind his desk, you took note of the small little box he fiddled with. 

Okay. Okay. Box. Nervous. Locked door. Did he not want anyone to interrupt whatever he was about to do? 

Norman heaved in a deep breath. A really, really, really deep breath. “(Y/n), I have never met anyone else like you. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met, and you’re beautiful and kind.” He sunk to one knee and opened the little box. “Will you marry me?”

“Yes!”

---------

You jolted awake with a start. 

“Sorry,” Norman said. He scribbled a few words down in his notebook. “Did I wake you?” 

Ah, that’s right. After you talked with Emma and Ray, you all met up with Norman and hung out for a bit. But when had you gotten to his office? Much less, fallen asleep? You rubbed your eyes with a shake of your head. Judging by the tired look on Norman’s face, it was way past bedtime.

The heavy cloak around your shoulders offered a welcoming warmth. It smelled like books. It smelled like parchment and ink. It smelled like Norman and it was comforting. 

He glanced up from his notebook and curiously met your gaze. “What are you smiling at?” The dream popped up in your mind and your smile grew. “I had a good dream.” 

“What was it about?” he inquired without looking up.

“You.” 

The scratch of the pencil froze and he met your gaze. “You had a dream about me?” Your cheeks flushed. “Yeah, and you proposed.” Norman’s back went rigid and he turned as red as an apple. “I-I pro--proposed to you?” he stammered. You snickered, a smug smile tugging on your lips. “It was really sweet. And if you’re wondering, I said yes. I was going to kiss you, but then I woke up.” You stood up with a sigh. “It was disappointing, but that’s okay.” 

You let out a small laugh and neatly folded Norman’s cloak. You left it on the couch and made your way across the room. “That’s a nice notebook.” you said. “What’re you writing about?”

Norman stilled and closed the book with a smile. “It’s nothing special.” He put the pencil down ever so quietly and stood. “Do you seek my affections?” he inquired. You settled on the wall. “Don’t you have work to do?” Norman looked down at you. His fringe brushed across his eyelashes, and he loosened his tie. Slowly.

Your heart steadily drummed against your chest. “What are you doing?” The false innocence in your voice caused Norman to chuckle lowly. He caressed your cheek with a feather-light touch. “Well, you did say you were disappointed right? Why don’t I make it up to you?” 

He rested an arm on the wall with a sly smirk. Your lips connected and it made your stomach flip-flop. The kiss was slow, it was sweet. You found yourself pulling him closer, running your hands through his hair and yanking him over. "Norman?" He met your gaze with half-lidded eyes. "Yes (N/n)?"

"Where did you learn how to do that?"

He smirked and it was hot. The fact that he kept his arm braced against the wall didn’t help either. "Why?" he lowly inquired. "Do you like it?" Your breath caught in your throat and you found yourself wanting more. 

Knock, knock!

Norman didn't look too happy about that. He ran a hand over your cheek and gently tucked a lock of hair behind your ear, that half-lidded look of his melting into warmth and love. He made his way to the door, tightening his tie and smoothing out his hair with a quick touch.

"Hello--?" Norman fell short mid-sentence. As soon as your gaze locked with the person on the other side, you understood why. Ray stood in the threshold, just as red-faced as you and Norman, with a sheepish look on his face. “I’ll come back later.” he muttered. 

Oh great. Had he been eavesdropping? You glanced at Norman and he glanced at you, then Ray, and back to you. Ray sucked his teeth and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Don’t have too much fun.” he said, a smirk twitching onto his lips.

You made your way to the threshold with a groan. “Rayyyy!” 

“Yeah, yeah, don’t worry.” he coolly replied. “Do whatever, I didn’t see anything.”

PART 2 <--- READ PART 2

NOTE: I spent a WHOLE WEEK writing this. Please reblog so I know you guys like it :)

TIP JAR

[trashytoastboi]

Hello! First, thank you for answering my Law, Zoro and Ace with keyblade-wielder KH request. AND I LOVE IT!(((o(*°▽°*)o))) And... 👉👈 Can I ask Sabo, Eustass Kid and Luffy with s/o female! Keyblade-wielder?

Heyya!🍀 I'm glad you enjoyed then ☺️🍀 and sure thing! I hope you enjoy ~

Askbox: Currently open

(Female Pronouns)

Headcanons: Sabo, Kid, Luffy with a F! Keyblade wielder

Sabo

🎩The fight was soon coming to a close and Sabo had witnessed a mysterious cloaked figure lurking from the corner of his eye, assuming it was possibly another enemy he set out in pursuit to question them.

🎩As he turned the corner, Sabo found himself being unexpectedly attacked by the mysterious person, and was struggling to fight against them as he was trying to push them off, he was saved by someone who seemingly defeated the other person with ease.

🎩“{Name} what are you doing here!?” Sabo exclaimed in surprise at seeing his S/O

“I thought you were away doing your mission??”

“I finished… though it looks like there is still work to do” {Name} replies as she is pulled into a big hug as Sabo welcomes her back with a smile.

🎩 It was a common {Name} and Sabo to be separated due to having to go away on missions, regarding her circumstances of being a keyblade wielder she handles responsibilities not many know about, and Sabo being the 2nd in command for the revolutionary army, they shared a sense of responsibility that not everyone could understand.

🎩 Sabo always found himself worrying about {Name} when she was out fighting, considering everything he has been told about the Keyblade and the dangers that come with it, despite that, he still finds himself fascinated by it.

🎩 {Name} has tried her best to explain the extensive history as best as she could to no avail, despite following along Sabo still didn’t really understand even though he just agrees that she is a badass with a magical ‘sword’ (What Sabo refers to the Keyblade as) and that’s all he needs to know.

Eustass Kid

🛠Kid was in his usual routine of causing commotion somewhere and getting into a fight with a couple of marines, as the fight became rougher, Kid had begun to use his ability, swords and guns started flying out of the hands of the marines, their discontented shouts of fury as they were stripped of their weapons, watching it form a large mechanical arm on Kid – only to be interrupted by some random screaming that only seemed to get louder as {Name} came flying at unbelievable speed from an unknown direction and smacking directly into Kid.

🛠 Everyone seems confused and surprised by the unexpected development that the fight has frozen in a temporary ceasefire; the one most confused is Kid who just had a whole human thrown into him, noticing in her hand she was holding what appears to be a giant key. “WHY DIDN’T YOU JUST LET GO!?” He shouts at the stranger. “That’s not an option” {Name} snaps back at him as the two glare eachother down, completely ignoring the marines.

🛠They ended up fighting eachother and the marines simultaneously which resulted in the marines being wiped out and a series of draws between them. – Somehow after all the fighting they were on friendly terms with eachother and Kid actually respected {Name} for her strength. – this incident actually led to them becoming a couple

🛠Kid absolutely cannot process the specifics of the keyblade he only knows that is can appear of nowhere and {Name} is strong, which is how she wields it. (And that’s all he needs to know)

🛠 He gets frustrated when she goes out to fight literal hoards of Heartless and he can’t do much to help her, although he does his best to help her, it still angers him that he can’t do more. (And lowkey jealous that the fight comes to her most times)

🛠 Kid would be lying if he denies trying to secretly tinker with the Keyblade to see how it works though due to him being unable to wield it, he has to get {Name} to try and show him, his eyes lit up like a child’s when he found out about additions such as keychains.

Monkey D. Luffy

🍖Luffy had been wandering around searching for food when he stumbled upon a mysterious girl fighting with an unusual looking weapon which she had pulled out of thin air, and furthering his astonishment when she morphed it into what looked like cannon.

🍖As the fight ended, Luffy instantly grabbed {Name} – “JOIN MY CREW!” {Name} was so surprised and shocked at the sudden request…well more like demand. “JOIN MY CREW!” Luffy ‘asked’ again, and {Name} who had found herself so overwhelmed ended up going along with his demands and went back to his ship, meeting the crew. Who had pointed out to Luffy that he basically ‘kidnapped’ her and she seemed mildly terrified.

🍖Luffy proclaims her to be a new crew member when she suddenly rebukes this, Luffy then asks why she followed him to the ship. {Name} confesses that she couldn’t say no to his smiling face. – Soon after Luffy starts telling the crew about how amazing she is.

🍖{Name} finds herself growing embarrassed at his compliments and bragging, somehow she ended up joining the crew, and Luffy is constantly hanging around {Name}, led to them growing closer and eventually becoming romantically involved.

🍖Luffy constantly asks {Name} to show off her skills for him, such as manifesting the keyblade, morphing it and the random bout of magic, which she first declines, but after one glance of Luffy’s puppy dog eyes, she cannot refuse.

🍖Luffy is constantly around {Name} since she is always unexpectedly being attacked but also because he gets to see her in full action.

[barnesandrogersfanfics]

Ocean Eyes - Part 1

Summary: Your past with Chris catches up with you.

A/N: Can’t say more than that or it gives stuff away! 😂 Taglist is open, if 

you want to be added let me know 💕

After a long day working at the local coffee shop the last thing i wanted to do was go to a club! But it was Sadie's leaving party so i had to make an appearance or id never hear the end of it.

It had actually been a really fun night, my first night out in what felt like years and after a few drinks i let myself enjoy it. I even had a couple of guys offer to buy me a drink! Just after midnight i caught a taxi home and left the younger girls to carry on with their partying..... how they did it i don't know! Most of them had had far too much to drink already and no intention of stopping any time soon. God i miss the days where i could do that!

When i finally got home i dropped my bag and my jacket next to the front door, went to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water and headed up to bed. I managed to throw on an oversized t-shirt before crashing face first into bed, the make up removal would have to wait til the morning i was too exhausted to care.

I woke up to my cell phone blaring loudly in my ear, i patted around for it keeping my eyes closed already feeling the hangover! I mumbled a 'hello' then heard the soft chuckle of my mom.

"Had a good night did you?"

"Mmm it was okay, i'm so not used to drinking anymore Ma. How do people do this every weekend?" I moaned as i slowly opened one eye then the other.

"I remember when you'd be out every weekend, you even ended up in Vegas that one weekend...."

"I remember believe me!" I said as i finally sat up grabbing the bottle of water from the bedside cabinet draining half of it.

"I was just wondering what time you were coming over?.... you said 10am but its almost lunch time"

"What??!! are you serious?.... shit. Okay let me go get a cup of coffee and take a quick shower and i'll be there"

"Okay sweetheart, no rush"

"Everything's okay?"

"Yeah yeah all good. I'll see you soon"

"Okay, bye mom".

I had just finished my coffee and was heading upstairs for a shower when the doorbell rang. I was going to ignore it but then whoever it was started knocking.

"Jesus.... give me a second" i muttered marching to the front door, i opened the door just a crack hiding behind the door due to my lack of pants! When i looked through the gap i gasped.... the last person i ever expected to see was stood on my doorstep.

"Chris...."

"Hey" he smiled nervously "sorry for just showing up like this but i didn't have your number. I tried calling the one i had for you but it was out of service"

"Yeah i had to change it a few years back..... wh...what are you doing here Chris?"

"Can we talk inside?.... i don't really wanna do this through a crack in your door" he laughed a little but it was more of a nervous laugh.

"Erm, sure can you give me a couple minutes to go put some pants on?... i was just about to get in the shower"

"Sure"

I nodded and closed the door before quickly rushing upstairs and grabbing my jean shorts from the chair where i had discarded them yesterday. I was just about to leave my room when i passed the mirror and caught a glimpse of my reflection "fuck!" I quickly grabbed a makeup remover wipe and cleaned my face of smudged mascara and run a brush through my hair.... it was no good,  the hair could not be saved! I quickly tied it up in a messy bun not minding the loose bits that fell out, it would have to do!

The living room was a mess so i closed the door leaving just the kitchen visible. Then i rushed over to let Chris in before he thought id run off and forgotten about him. He followed me through to the kitchen and took a seat at the table while i made us both a coffee.

"How you been? Its been a while since ive seen you" he asked softly.

"I guess it has been.... erm i'm good" i shrugged casually keeping my attention on the mugs as i made the coffee.

"Im glad. Seemed like you disappeared off the face of the planet, you just left. No one heard from you...."

"It was for the best, fresh start and all that"

"Im sorry for how we... how i left things"

I shrugged shaking my head

"you really don't have to apologise Chris, you made a choice...."

"A stupid choice..... i was young and very stupid...."

"Whats done is done, theres no point rehashing it... its been almost 7 years i'm over it" i scoffed picking up the mugs and joining him at the table.

"You are?"

"Of course!"

"Thats great" he nodded avoiding eye contact.

"Okay so spill it.... i don't mean to sound rude but i've got somewhere i need to be soon and i'm already running late....."

"Still cant handle your drink huh?" He finally looked at me smirking.

"Apparently not.... how'd you know?"

"Ive seen you hungover enough to know the signs, the hair and the face full of smudged makeup...."

"you saw that huh?"

"Yeah" he chuckled looking me over.

"So....."

"Right... i um....i need you to sign this" He said reaching inside his jacket and pulling out some papers.

"Sign what?..... what could you possibly need me to sign?" I asked, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion as he pushed the papers across the table to me. I leaned forward to get a better look and the first thing my eyes landed on... "Petition For Divorce".

I felt my heart start to race as i looked up at Chris..... "what is this? I signed these 7 years ago Chris!"

"I know. I never filed them"

"What?! you mean we're still married?!"

"Yeah"

"Why? You told me you'd take care of it all...."

"And i was gonna, but i couldn't bring myself to do it"

"Jesus christ Chris!"

"Im sorry Y/N" he started to say but I shook my head as i got up to get a pen, when i sat back down and signed them without hesitation Chris made this noise, like i had offended him by signing the divorce papers without an argument.

"What?"

"Nothing, its just you signed them pretty quickly...."

"Chris, i signed these 7 years ago when i loved you.. why wouldn't i sign them again? There's no reason not to..... what we had has been over for years"

"I just thought maybe somewhere down the line we'd work things out"

"I didn't. Any thoughts of us working out ended when you broke up with me because your career was taking off and you liked the attention from all the girls"

"I was an idiot i know, i was just a kid...."

"Bullshit! If you were old enough to get married....you were old enough to know what you were doing".

He looked down shaking his head again, he actually looked ashamed of how he had acted. Maybe he had grown up.

My phone started ringing and i saw my mom's name flashing on the front.

"Hey mom..... oh god, yeah okay.... i'll be there in like 15 minutes i promise" i hung up after saying goodbye to her.

"Im sorry, but i've got to go. You got what you wanted" i shrugged pointing at the papers on the table, he folded them neatly and tucked them back inside his jacket.

"Thank you"

"Can i ask you something?"

"Anything"

"Why now? You didn't bother for 7 years"

"Ive been seeing someone..... its getting kinda serious now...."

"Right, i get it. Your ready for a new wife...." i shook my head suddenly feeling very sad about my past life with Chris "i didn't even get the chance to be your wife.... not really. That ain't worth shit" i pointed towards his jacket where i knew the papers were.

"Its not like that Y/N i swear, i just.... i want the option to be there if the time comes"

"Well i hope it works out better for you this time. Look i have to go......"

"Right okay, sorry. I'll get out of your way" he got up quickly and followed me through the kitchen and to the front door.

"It was good to see you, make sure you file those this time" i said as he walked towards his car.

"You got it, it was great seeing you too" he smiled before getting in his car and driving off.

"Hey Ma!" I called walking into my mom's house.

"Your late" she called from the sofa, i made my way to her and dropped down next to her.

"I know im sorry, you'll never guess who just turned up at my house??!"

"Who?"

"He who shall not be named!" I said quietly, my mom's eyes widened as she gasped "you mean...."

"Yep!" I nodded "turns out we've been married the last 7 years! He never filed.... he came by to ask me to sign them again"

"That boy has some nerve showing up here...."

"Yep"

"Did you sign them?"

"Of course i did"

"Just like that?"

"Yeah, just like that" i shrugged "like i told him, i already thought it was done and over with, i haven't seen him in 7 years.... why wouldn't i sign them"

"Sweetheart....." my mom started to say something but was interrupted by the excited yell of 'MOM!" right before a small body crashed into mine.

"Hey buddy" i laughed hugging my baby close "have you been behaving for nana?"

"Yep, i'm always good" he rolled his eyes before wrapping his arms around me "i missed you mom"

"I saw you yesterday baby" i chuckled running my hand through his brown hair before kissing the top of his head.

"I still missed you"

"Awww ain't you cute! I missed you too".

"Hey! I thought you liked staying with me? We had so much fun" my mom said trying to act offended but smiled when Mason started laughing.

"We had fun Nana, but i missed my mom" he looked up at me with his big blue eyes and i felt my heart swell with love for my baby boy.... well he wasn't a baby anymore, it was hard to believe he'd be turning 6 in a few days.... how time flies.

Everything taglist: @jesseswartzwelder @dumblani @barnesandrogersworld @patzammit

[helloalycia]

alex’s little sister [one] // kara danvers

summary: with Haley wanting to find out Supergirl's identity, you have to get your memories wiped along with Alex, much to Kara's dismay. No longer remembering being her girlfriend, you can't help but feel like something is missing.

warning/s: none.

author's note: here's an angsty kara fic for y'all to cry over 😂 part two on the way x

part two | masterlist | wattpad

I watched as the last of the dozen or so agents who knew of Kara's identity walked out of J'onn's office. Kara's grip tightened in mine and I could only presume it was the same with Alex's hand.

Alex and I were the only two agents left who were going to get our memories wiped and Kara still wasn't okay with the idea. But it had to be done if her identity as Supergirl was to be kept a secret.

"So... who's next?" J'onn asked regretfully.

I pursed my lips and stood up, letting go of Kara's hand. "I'll go."

"Y/N!" Kara stood up, grabbing my hand again.

I grimaced as I met Kara's saddened expression. "We've discussed this, Kara..."

"I know, I know, just... just wait."

I breathed out and nodded, glancing between J'onn, Brainy and Alex.

"Are you... are you sure that this is the only way?" Kara asked, directing her question at J'onn.

J'onn's expression said it all – we had all pondered the exact same thing many times. We were only left with this option and Kara knew that, yet she still kept hoping.

"We need to do this, Kara," I told her, squeezing her hand and pulling her closer. My voice lowered as I met her glossy eyes. "It's gonna be okay. It won't hurt and it won't have any side effects."

"But you won't remember us," she sobbed. "You'll forget about everything. We won't know each other."

I tried to stop myself from crying, but of course, a tear slipped out. I knew this already. It was stuck in my head all night last as I tried to picture Kara not being there. It had only been two years since she'd been in my life, but it didn't feel like that at all �� it felt like longer, so it was impossible for me to imagine her not there. I couldn't even remember what that was like.

Alex was my first friend at the DEO – now my best friend – and it was through her that I got close to Supergirl and eventually Kara. Living my life without Kara would be so strange, yet I wouldn't notice the difference because I wouldn't remember.

But she would.

I sniffled and rested my other hand on Kara's cheek. She leaned into it and kissed it, to which I leaned forward and kissed her gently, quickly.

"It's going to be hard, but it has to happen. I'm sorry. You have to let me go for now, Kara."

She breathed out and looked down, nodding her head. I struggled to ignore the tugging in my stomach as I let go of Kara's hand. Alex pulled her in for a hug, the two sisters left in an embrace as I went to stand before J'onn.

"It'll be quick," J'onn assured, raising his hands. I'd seen how he'd done this to the others and was about to close my eyes and prepare myself, but before I could, Kara quickly shouted.

"Stop!"

"Kara..." J'onn looked to her, but she was only looking at me.

"I just wanted to say... I– I love you," she got out, still holding Alex. "I need you to know that..."

I gave her the best reassuring smile I could muster and said, "I know it, Kara. I always will. I love you, too. No matter what."

She nodded and I hated how hurt she looked because of this. She was losing her sister and her girlfriend all at once and there was nothing I could do.

"Do us both, at the same time," Alex blurted out, sucking up a deep breath. She had been crying, too and honestly it was horrible that this was what everything had come to.

"Alex–"

"I'm not watching you open your eyes and be a completely different person," Alex cut my protest off, her eyes meeting mine. "I'm not losing my best friend. We do this together."

I nodded, understanding what she meant, and watched as she turned to Kara, who was shaking her head frantically.

"No... I can't watch this," she cried out, before letting go of Alex and leaving the room.

"Kara, wait!" Alex called after her, but J'onn placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her from going after Kara.

"It's better this way, Alex," J'onn told her. "It'll only hurt more if you both open your eyes and you're not the same."

Alex pressed her lips together and still stared at the door that Kara ran out from. I grabbed Alex's hand and pulled her beside me.

"C'mon, we have to do this," I said softly, a sad smile on my lips. "For Kara."

Alex gulped down the lump in her throat and nodded. "For Kara."

–

"How you feeling?" Alex asked as I left the interrogation room.

I rubbed my forehead and shook my head. "I don't know... that felt so weird, y'know?"

Alex pulled a face as she nodded. "Oh, I know. I still feel strange from the Truth Seeker myself, but it's not supposed to have any side effects. We might just be imagining it."

I shrugged, following Alex into the main operation room. "I guess so... I wonder how long Haley will keep this up. Does she really think we know who Supergirl is?"

Alex sighed. "Apparently so, which is dumb."

"This whole thing is dumb," I added, lowering my voice so I wouldn't be heard by Haley and her colleagues. "We need Supergirl. She helped us do our jobs better. Who cares who she is?"

Alex glanced at me with a questionable expression. "We were running a lot longer than Supergirl's existence, Y/N. Don't let anyone else hear you say that."

"I know... I just wish things weren't so tense around here. I don't know, I just feel strange. Forget it."

"I get you," she admitted, looking around at the other agents doing their jobs. "It is tense. But we just have to follow Haley's orders. I could care less who Supergirl is, but if Haley wants to know, we can't disobey her orders."

I nodded, rubbing my temple. "Yeah, I guess."

"Director Danvers, Agent Y/L/N!" Brainy approached us both, a neutral smile on his face. "I see you've both had your interrogations?"

"Yes, Brainy, is everything okay? Any updates on anything?" Alex asked him.

"Nothing to report," he confirmed, before looking carefully at us both.

"You okay?" I asked him, raising an eyebrow.

He straightened up, clearing his throat. "Yes. If you'll excuse me."

He turned around and walked away, leaving Alex and I confused. We'd learnt not to question him though, so I didn't think much of it.

–

A few days had passed since the Truth Seeker interrogation and Haley still hadn't found out Supergirl's identity, meaning her investigation was still intact. She was onto everyone like a hawk – even people who had never even spoken to Supergirl. It would be funny if it wasn't so serious.

In those few days, I felt a little different. I wasn't sure if it was confusion or an absence of something, but I felt strange, as if something wasn't right. And I didn't know why, but it was beginning to affect my sleep.

I chose not to think about it much, but after two weeks had passed, the feeling was running deeper than I wanted it to. It was keeping me up at night and I needed to know if I was actually losing my mind or not. Which meant I needed my best friend's advice.

"Alex, can we talk?" I asked her, seeing her standing at the control panel in the main hall.

She looked away from the screen and to me, probably noticing the serious expression on my face.

"Yeah, is everything okay?" she asked, giving me her full attention.

I breathed out. "I honestly don't know, can we talk in private?"

She nodded and I followed her down the corridors before we stopped at the end of an empty, rarely used one.

"What is it, Y/N?" she asked with concern.

I tried to collect my thoughts. "I don't know exactly, that's the thing. Ever since the interrogation with the Truth Seeker, I've been feeling... different."

Her expression softened and she seemed empathetic. "Different how?"

I licked my lips. "Like, I feel like something is missing. Or different. I just don't feel the same and I don't know why. It's been driving me insane, Alex. I feel like I'm losing my mind and I can't sleep because of it. Do you think it could be because of the Truth Seeker?"

Alex pursed her lips and crossed her arms. "It could be... I know what you mean. Not to your extent of course, but I have felt like something was off since that day. I've been dismissing it though."

I felt the tenseness in my body relax a little as she spoke, feeling glad I wasn't entirely crazy.

"I spoke to some of the other agents who were interrogated too," she continued, "but they didn't feel the same, so I don't know if it is the Truth Seeker. I even asked J'onn to check what's going on up here–" She motioned to her head. "–but nothing was wrong. I figured I was just having a bad few weeks. It's not hard for me to ignore."

I ran my hand through my hair and sighed. "I can't ignore it, that's the thing. It's making me feel restless."

"Y/N..." Alex frowned and rubbed my arm comfortingly. "We could ask J'onn to check you out if you want?"

I crossed my arms, shaking my head. "There's no point. I don't think I've got any reaction from the Truth Seeker – why would only me get it? I was actually thinking about going to see a therapist."

Alex nodded understandingly. "You think that will help?"

I smiled helplessly. "I have no idea, but it's all I got. It may just be something, you know, mentally wrong. Mental illness is frequent in my family."

Alex nodded and pulled me in for a side hug. "If you need anything from me, Y/N, just ask."

I relaxed my head on Alex's shoulder and nodded. "I know, Alex. Thanks."

She squeezed my arm reassuringly.

"Thanks for not turning into an arse or anything when you became Director, too," I added to lighten the mood.

She began to laugh as she shoved me away gently. I smiled, feeling a little better for the moment. Maybe things wouldn't be so bad. Therapy might help. If I knew what was wrong with me, I wouldn't feel so alone.

So, therapy was exactly what I did. I booked an appointment with a therapist, courtesy of the DEO's resources, for the following week and decided to power through, ignoring this distracting feeling inside of me. But that was exactly all it was – distracting, even at the most important of times.

I had been sent out on a field mission with Alex and a dozen other agents to stop some Children of Liberty attack. Somehow the Children of Liberty had a super-powered human on their side, tormenting and abusing alien and non-alien civilians alike.

When we arrived on the scene, Alex yelled out her orders, mine being to help detain the super-powered human. Myself and another agent tried shooting the person with non-lethal ballets, but it didn't seem to be doing much but angering him. He was now grabbing the nearest alien civilians and throwing them about like rag dolls.

"Distract him, I'll grab the civilian!" I yelled to my partner, Chris, gun raised.

Chris nodded and began to shoot the super-powered human to get his attention. I ran forward when his attention was diverted and helped lead the alien-civilians to the DEO trucks waiting for them. It was chaos though – Children of Liberty were fighting back all around and some alien civilians were acting out in defence, making it harder for us to do our job.

As I was helping up a woman and leading her the other way, I got jumped on by a Child of Liberty. The woman who I was helping screamed and ran away, and I managed to flip the arsehole over my shoulder and in front of me.

He stood up with ease and ran at me, shoving me to the ground. I couldn't access my gun, so I was stuck defending myself against the oncoming punches. When the man tired, I punched him in the throat and rolled him off me, looking to grab my gun.

"Leave her alone!"

I turned and saw a civilian man holding my assault rifle and aiming it at the Child of Liberty. I widened my eyes with surprise.

"Sir, drop the gun and run!" I yelled at him, before grunting as the Cbild of Liberty from before landed a punch to my jaw.

The civilian with my gun trembled and shot the gun, but he missed by far and got shoved to the ground by the super-powered human. He ripped the gun from the civilian's hand, tossing it far away, and picked up the civilian by the neck.

I dodged an oncoming punch from the Child of Liberty who was still on me and put my marital arts skills into practice, managing to dislocate his arm and pin him to the ground in an instant. I looked over my shoulder and ran towards the super-powered human, knocking him to the ground and away from the civilian, who was now screaming and running away.

I got a few punches in before I was head butted hard. It took a few seconds for my vision to focus, to which I received another punch in the face. I could feel blood dripping from my nose now, followed by the pain.

Suddenly, the super-powered human was no longer in front of me, but thrown into the side of a building. I stumbled over my own feet, trying to take in what happened, until I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around me, helping me stand up straight. I looked up and saw it was Supergirl.

"Hey, you're okay," she reassured, smiling down at me. Her breath hitched when I found her eyes, before she quickly said, "Come on."

I looked back to the super-powered human and saw some DEO agents surrounding him with guns. He was caught and could no longer hurt anyone now, thanks to Supergirl.

The blonde alien led me back to where Alex was stood, who immediately took me from Supergirl's arms and hugged me with relief.

"That looked like it hurt," Alex said, pulling away from me and giving me a rag to stop my bleeding nose.

"You have no idea," I said, trying to stop the bleeding. I turned around and saw Supergirl still standing there, though by now, Haley was heading her way and I knew things wouldn't be good.

"Thanks for that, you saved my life," I managed to say to Supergirl, who looked like she wanted to say something back, but couldn't because Haley stood before us.

"What are you doing here, Supergirl?" she immediately snapped at the alien. "You aren't part of the DEO anymore. This is an official case."

Supergirl nodded. "People were in trouble, including your agents. I help everyone and you can't stop me from doing that."

Haley didn't seem to like that response, but it didn't matter because Supergirl flew off before she could think up a reply.

"She saved my life," I spoke up, gaining Haley's attention. "I'm glad she was here."

Haley narrowed her eyes at me. "I didn't ask for your opinion, agent. But now that you've deemed it convenient for you to speak, let me say, your actions today were atrocious."

"Hal–"

"Butt out, Director Danvers," Haley cut Alex off with a glare. "This only involves Y/L/N and I." She looked back to me and said, "You managed to endanger a civilian and allow that same civilian to get ahold of your weapon. You also required Supergirl's help to get out of the mess you created. You didn't do your job."

"It won't happen again," I promised. "I wasn't thinking, I was just–"

"Distracted," she interrupted. "You were distracted, as you've been a lot recently. Don't think I haven't noticed."

"I'm going to get help," I said, wiping my nose and pleading with her. "I know I've been off, but it's not permanent. I've got a therapy session next week and I'll train more. I'll get back to how I was, I swear."

Haley shook her head. "Maybe you should pull that therapy session up to tomorrow. I don't expect anything less than perfect on my force."

I frowned, knowing where this was going. Of course she'd noticed. I hadn't been myself lately and it was showing in my actions, just like today.

"You are officially suspended from further work at the DEO, until you can prove you are mentally and physically stronger than you are now," she finalised.

"You can't just do that!" Alex yelled, but I pulled her back.

"Alex, it's okay," I mumbled, squeezing her hand.

"I'd listen to Y/L/N, Danvers," Haley said darkly. "We wouldn't want to go looking for another Director now, would we?"

Alex clenched her jaw as Haley marched away to check on some other agents. When she was out of earshot, Alex punched the car door near her.

"I can't believe she suspended you," she exploded with anger.

"It's only temporary," I told her, before breathing out. "I wish it was nonexistent, but I don't know, maybe she's right. I haven't been myself lately."

Alex's anger left her expression for the moment as she looked to me. "Y/N, you said it yourself. You're getting help. That doesn't mean you shouldn't work. You're amazing at your job and Haley shouldn't get to say otherwise!"

I shrugged, moving to lean against the car door for support. "I don't know. All I know is I need to get my shit together or I won't be coming back."

Alex looked to me with the utmost certainty. "You'll be okay. I'll help you no matter what."

And Alex didn't lie. After my first therapy session, she visited me to talk to me about how it went. I shared as much as I wanted to with her and she sat with me, not interrupting as I told her everything. She visited regularly after that, too, whilst I tried to focus on myself, whether that be with therapy or training.

After my second therapy session, Alex invited me to a game night at her sister's house. She said she wanted me to get out there a bit more, since I wasn't at the DEO anymore. I said yes, deciding it would be nice to have a change in scenery.

I'd never met Alex's little sister before, but she'd been mentioned near enough always so I was looking forward to meeting her finally.

I knocked on the apartment door and it opened to reveal Alex smiling brightly.

"You're an idiot," I told her, giving her a playful glare.

"What did I do this time?" she asked with a chuckle, stepping to the side to let me in.

I entered and turned around as Alex closed the door. "You told me the wrong apartment number in your text. I knocked on the wrong door and some poor old woman woke up from her nap because of my knocking."

Alex pulled a face. "What? No I– oh..."

She was checking her text and I rolled my eyes playfully.

"Yeah, oh," I teased before repeating, "You're an idiot."

She smiled sheepishly. "Sorry...? Anyway, you're here now, so it's all good."

I gave her a knowing look as she motioned around her. "This is Kara's apartment."

I glanced around and felt a sense of familiarity. "Have I been here before?" I asked Alex, furrowing my eyebrows. "I feel like I have."

Alex shook her head. "Not to my knowledge... Oh, Kara's coming."

I ignored the sense of deja vu I felt and turned to see a blonde woman walking towards us. She smiled as she met my eyes, but it seemed half-hearted.

"You must be Kara, Alex's little sister;" I said, smiling in return. "I'm Y/N."

Kara nodded and bit her lip as she glanced down for a moment. "Alex's little sister, right... glad to see you could make it, Y/N."

"Come on, I'll introduce you to everyone," Alex said, dragging me to the others who were sat on the couches.

I barely had chance to thank Kara for letting me come over before I was dragged and introduced to everyone. Well, I knew J'onn and Brainy already, but I befriended James and Nia. Apparently there was another girl – the infamous Lena Luthor – who was supposed to come tonight, too, but she couldn't make it.

Game night pretty much consisted of us playing several different games like Charades, Monopoly, Jenga and a few others, whilst smack-talking our day jobs. Pizza was ordered, wine was poured, and I got to know Alex's (well, Kara's) friends better. They were all lovely and I almost forgot why I was there in the first place.

We were in the middle of watching an intense game of cards between Brainy and J'onn when I saw Kara taking the takeaway boxes and empty glasses into the kitchen. I stood up and grabbed the remaining glasses, joining her in the kitchen.  

"Hey, you didn't have to do that," Kara said when she noticed me.

"It's cool," I shrugged, leaving the glasses by the sink. "I don't mind washing up if you want."

Kara shook her head politely. "No need. I'll just stack the dishwasher later."

I nodded and went quiet for a moment, watching Kara pack the leftover pizza to put in the fridge.

"Thank you for having me over tonight," I said, glad to have the chance to finally speak to her without excited yelling in the background. "I know it was technically Alex who invited me, but thanks."

She paused and looked up at me, offering a small smile. "It's okay. Alex kind of told me about everything that's happening with you and she thought you could use the break. So did I."

I chuckled and felt my cheeks growing warm with embarrassment. "Wow. Your first impression of your sister's best friend is that she's crazy. Now I'm thankful you even let me in your house."

Kara stifled a laugh. "I never thought that. I just thought that there was this girl who was having some troubles and needed a break from it all. That's all."

I smiled gratefully at the blonde. "Well, I appreciate that, Kara."

Kara glanced up at me from the pizza box and I never really realised how pretty her eyes were until she was staring at me for so long. They seemed so familiar, too, and I suddenly didn't feel so lost.

"Hey, is there anymore pizza?" Alex's voice made me jump and I broke eye contact with Kara. "I'm feeling peckish."

Kara smiled at her sister and handed her another slice.

"Awesome, thanks," Alex spoke with her mouth full.

"Oh, Alex," I complained, nudging her jokingly.

Alex laughed and headed back into the living-room to join the others.

"I don't know if Alex said, but we do this every Friday," Kara spoke up, grabbing my attention again. "If you're not busy, you can come..."

I nodded, smiling softly. "I'm currently unemployed, so why not?"

Kara chuckled and bit her lip, looking down for a moment. I couldn't really get myself to look away, instead accidentally admiring her and the comforting energy she radiated.

She looked up again and nodded my way. "Does that hurt much?"

I subconsciously raised my hand to my bruised jaw and sighed. "A little. It's not as bad compared to when I first got it, but yeah."

"How did you get it? If you don't mind saying..."

I smiled at her to lighten the mood. "I was on a mission and got into a fight with some Children of Liberty. It got pretty rough because my mind has been elsewhere lately, as you know, but Supergirl saved me. She really is the girl of steel, isn't she?"

Kara suppressed a smile. "So you don't think Supergirl should stay away from the DEO?"

I pulled a face and shook my head. "Definitely not. And the fact that you know that means Alex has been telling you more than she should be... what was it you did again?"

"Journalist at CatCo," she quipped with a stifled grin of amusement.

I nodded, mirroring her expression. "Ah, see? You know the ins and outs of our work and you're a journalist. Is that really the best combo?"

Laughter slipped from her lips and I felt my heart beat exceptionally fast at that moment, to my surprise.

"I guess that just makes it easier to talk to you, though," I complimented, giving her a grateful look. "Nothing to hide."

Her grin faded into a small smile as she broke eye contact. "Yeah..."

"Are you guys coming back? We're starting another round of Jenga!" Alex called to us.

"I believe that's our cue," I said to Kara, standing up straight and making a move to leave. "You playing?"

Kara looked back up and breathed out, giving me a half-hearted smile. "Right behind you."

[i-write-sometimes-blog]

Cold Eyes (Dark Rey x Reader) [Part 13]

Summary: After spending your first night together, you have to face a new and dangerous threat.

Words: 1,910

A/N: Have I told you how much I enjoy writing this series? Well I do and a lot! Just wanted to thank you for all your love to this little thing. That was all, happy reading!

It was still dark outside when your eyes fluttered slowly open, the strange yet soft orange light slided through the big window turning the room into a warm, comfortable golden tone.

“Hi” you murmured with sleepy voice, a smile forming on your lips as you saw Rey’s hazel eyes darting at you, the warm light of the dawn letting them look warmer than usual.

“Hi” she smiled back at you propping herself on her elbow. She looked beyond beautiful under the golden light, her dark hair was tousled, some strands hanging into her face while a soft content smile adorned her delicate face. She observed you for a moment before she leaned down to capture your lips.

A content hum left your lips when she moved from your lips to your neck pressing light kissed onto your skin there and along your jaw, your mind still trying to realize what had happened last night, you smiled with the memories of her hands dancing over your body, what an incredible night.

“Did you sleep well?” she murmured and you could feel her smiling on your skin.

“Better than ever” you giggled. You felt so peaceful, so free without the nightmares and you felt safe with Rey’s arm wrapped around your body.

Rey took a new look at you, caressing your face softly and pushing some strands of hair away from your face. Her eyes filled with longing and adoration, she couldn’t help but smile at you, it was hard for her to believe you were really there with her.

“I have to go now” she told you reluctantly. “I have a few meetings today”

“Can’t cancel them?” you joked around “I mean, you’re the Supreme Leader after all, you can do whatever you want.” you saw her laugh before she leaned to kiss you again.

“It’s not that simple, Y/N” she murmured inches away from your lips before she finally got out of the big bed. You watched her delicate naked body walking across the room as you stayed in the bed comfort. She caught your gaze when she was sliding into a new black dress that hugged her curves just enough but still perfect for a battle, noticing your gaze she looked at you for an instant, the confident grin was back on her lips.

“You can stay here a bit longer” she told you “Maybe sleep a little more, I’ll send someone for you later” she said fixing the last touches of her clothing, then she came closer to you pressing a short but sweet kiss on your lips.

“See ya” you said before she was gone.

You did take her offer, a good sleep sounded great so you curled up in the big bed alone but knowing there will be no more nightmares, you were sure Rey had somehow make them stop. However you sleep wasn’t as pleasant as you expected.

There was a voice, a very distant voice but it was there, echoing in the back of your head. It called your name one, two, many times. It was different from a nightmare, this voice was familiar and didn’t seemed to want to harm you.

Then you finally recognized it when it grew louder.

“Finn” you murmured snapping your eyes open.

“Y/N!” his voice said entuciastictly. You looked around the big empty room searching and scanning for any sign of your friend but he was nowhere to find, it was impossible, he couldn’t be there. “Y/N, can you hear me? I need you to concentrate, okay?”

“Finn, yes I hear you” you said out loud “Can you… see me?” you asked as you covered yourself with the dark sheets.

“No” he said “It’s just your voice for now, why?”

“No reason” you chuckled searching for your clothes. “Where are you? How’s the Resistance? I- I’m glad to hear your voice”

“We’re hiding, Y/N. We’re weak but I least I found you.” he said “I’ve been trying to contact you somehow with the Force but Leia said I wasn’t ready but we really need your help, the Resistance is smaller every day and the First Order conquered so many planets.” he explained.

“I know” you sighed, you had seen the maps, the holograms, you had been in some of those planets now controlled by the First Order.

You sat on the edge of the bed for a moment. He did it, he had learn how to reach out, a thing you were supposed to do a long time ago to help them but instead you were lying in bed with the enemy.

“Y/N?”

“I’m here” you told him.

“We lost communication after Endor, there was a mission to rescue you, we thought you were there but never found you.” he continued then he paused for a moment. “Where are you, Y/N?” he said in a serious tone, you looked at the ground before answering.

“Mustafar” you said adjusting the last pieces of fabric over your body and already knowing what his next question would be.

“Mustafar!?” he said surprised “But that’s the First Order’s headquarters, how…”

“It’s a long story, Finn” you cut him off, “I’ll tell you later, the only thing that matters now is that I’m still in your side and I’ll find a way to help.”

Just then the heavy metal door opened and you glanced at the man in the doorway.

“Y/N, you’re still there?” Finn asked in the back of your head. “Y/N!”

“General Hux” you greeted the intruder. “She send you to pick me up, right?” you told him serios.

“Exactly” he limited to said before he turned around, an unspoken command for you to follow him. You felt the Finn’s voice fading away as you walked in silence behind the General.

"You're not special" he said without looking at you once you were in a completely desert hallway.

"Excuse me?" You asked confused.

"To her, to Rey" he said, this was the first time he didn't called her Supreme Leader and it seems weird, though you weren't surprised he was a double face man doing whatever to stay alive. "Do you really think she cares about you? No, you're just a toy" he scoffed.

"You're wrong" you told him. "You don't know her like I do, Hux"

Then he stopped his feet and turned to look at you.

"Don't play the fool, girl" he said with satisfied grin on his lips, keeping his posture as he held his hands behind his back. "She's using you. She just wants your connection with the force" he looked you up and down. "And perhaps as a stress reliever" he said, of course he figured out you two were sleeping together when he found you in her quarters.

"It's different with me" you huffed.

"Oh, darling. I thought you were smarter than this" He said smiling "Enjoy your privileges while you can, Y/N. But for your own good I suggest you not to get use to it" he walked closer to you leaning close to you "Because once you're not longer useful to her she's going to get rid of you in an instant, just like she did with Kylo Ren"

You stared at him with fury, you wanted to punch him in the face but you're doubt stopped you.

"You don't know what happened to him, do you?" He said "She didn't tell you everything"

"She killed him, I know that" you said "he probably deserved it, he turned her into a monster"

"No, darling" he told you "He tried to stop her. After he killed Snoke he was free to see the destruction he made him do" Hux explained "Ren tried to convince your precious Rey to go to the light again but it was too late" he added "Becoming the monster was her choice"

He looked at you satisfied to see your face going from anger to horror.

"Now come on, dear" he said already making his way down the hall "They're waiting for us."

Minutes later you found yourself lost in your thoughts sitting in the long table full of commanders and generals, Hux staring across the table to you.

Then an hologram popped out of the holo table revealing a small blue figure with the form of Rey.

"Supreme Leader" Hux greeted the little image.

"Apologies for keeping you waiting" she rushed to speak in a serious way "I'm afraid I won't be able to attend the meeting, I have to take care of other kind of… business" the rest of the people stayed quiet as she spoke "My apprentice Y/N will take my place on the meeting and will report everything to me when it's over"

"Me?"

"Her?" Hux said surprised "Supreme Leader I assure you I can inform you of everything we discuss here."

"I want the report from her and only from her, General Hux" she said strict. You looked across the table and smirked at Hux who seemed to be very offended.

"As you wish, Supreme Leader" he said and moments later the blue figure was gone. Then it was replaced with the same hologram of the system you had seen before that marked the advance of the First Order.

"Commander Benndra, you have the floor" Hux said looking at a woman sitting next to him. She immediately stood up and started to speak with confidence.

"This hologram shows the occupied by the First Order, most of them surrendered and those that didn't were defeated by the Supreme Leader herself" she explained, you felt the fear running in your body again, you could imagined her killing innocent people and it scared you. "Supreme Leader is right now attacking this planet and once we have it under our control Phase One would be finished. We can proceed to Phase Two"

"Thank you Commander Benndra" Hux said and the woman sat back on her seat.

"Phase Two" the man said as he pushed some buttons in the side of the table, zooming to a small planet marked with the First Order's colors. "With this phase we will guarantee the order and peace in our colonies" he explained as he zoomed even more, to the surface of the planet where a big structure was visible. "This is how we bring order to the galaxy"

The audience applauded him for a moment and then get back to silence again.

"Cannons with technology from our ships are being installed in this precise moment" He continued "Cannons that destroyed planets like Jakku in a matter of second. We will have more options if our fleets gets damaged" he looked at you "Or if the civilians rebel against us. I just have to press a button and the planet would be gone."

You listened his words carefully, the fear growing bigger with every new sentence. How could they do a thing like that? It was monstrous, terrifying, really really bad. You felt sick when the hologram showed again the conquer of the First Order, there were lots of planets forced to live now in fear.

And then you felt pain, how could Rey allow this? how could she be possibly okay with this? Maybe Hux was right, maybe it was her choice to become the monster after all.

You had to find a way out, a way to stop this now more than ever, before it was too late for all the galaxy.

Tagging: @cpt-bolter , @elvencantation , @jay-birf03 , @x-a-gay-disaster-x , @redleysjazz , @hstoria , @iamafangirl-fightme , @leilei-draws , @hayley-the-comet , @snoot-snoot-toot , @1-800-depressedlesbian , @empresspalpatinee , @xgaygremlinx , @the-great-imagines-of-1812

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[elane-in-the-shadows]

Drabbe: 12.- I'm pregnant 18.- it's okay to cry... Farley and Cal friendship

This took long but I did my best! Please take this piece of fictional angst in these times of real life angst. 3721 words.

The Want

After weeks in hiding and on the run, nights spent awake and alert, in thin tents – or in a cave –, a real bed was a luxury she couldn’t suffer. The air, always cold and damp in the base of Irabelle, she was used to, even on their first night, having arrived only hours ago. So was sleeping in rooms with a dozen others, as either was an improvement to their way here, from the evacuated island of Tuck. Diana Farley had endured hardships for a long time and taken what small comforts and safety she found in the rests she was offered.

What unsettled her were those who weren’t safe.

She lay awake, her mind spinning in pointless circles that demanded her to act yet still eluded any options how to. Her teeth grinded, her fists balled. She squeezed her eyes shut but one didn’t fall asleep when your whole body and soul were so tense you wanted to shout.

Oh, the want.

Give it up or stay in restless rest?

Experience advised her to pick the latter. But her most important finding was not to rely on the usual.

“Fuck it,” she murmured. Opening her eyes, she assessed the dark room before she rose, stretched, and put on clothes. I’ll get to pull back more than soon enough. There wasn’t enough light to assess her belly as well, but she knew its rounding shape well enough anyway. She sighed as she touched it one more time. Not round enough to be obvious yet just big enough to draw attention. It was the worst time in that regard, probably. She should simply announce she was pregnant to undermine any gossip, though she also knew that wouldn’t stop it, only replace curious with pitying glances. And pitying herself, she could do well on her own.

She moved her hand off her belly to push herself up – and hesitated. She stayed seated, palms on the warm blanket and blood pumped fast by her racing heart.

You should be here.

It was the one thought that paralyzed her the most. As if dreaming, she remembered the softness he’d given and woken in her in return, the tenderness that had turned into stinging pain now that he was gone, like everyone she loved, apart from their child.

You should be here and hold me, soothe me, kiss me … Stifling a screaming sigh, she shook her head, fists tightening again. Shapes that had appeared as her eyes had gotten used to the dark became indistinguishable as she blinked – no, not at tears. She wouldn’t shed tears. It didn’t help, did it? She rose, finally. The only option was the way forward, and that was saving the ones left.

“Captain …?”

Surprised by the unusually sleepy voice, Farley turned back to the bunk bed and grabbed its upper rail. She looked up at Ada Wallace, half risen and wrapped in her blanket.

“Sorry I woke you,” Farley said, startled by her own hoarse voice. “I’ll be in the control room.”

Ada bent forward to cover Farley’s hand with hers. “Is that so?” she asked.

Her pulse throbbing at the touch, Farley shrugged. “A captain has her duties,” she replied, neutrally, but the corner of her mouth twitched. Ada always called her captain since her rank had been restored, apparently a politeness remaining from her housemaid occupation, though Farley had learned in their weeks travelling together from Tuck to Irabelle that it was also Ada’s kind of wit. With her Newblood ability always the smartest person in the room – without exception –, Ada had developed her own methods to stay under the radar as she withstood the Silvers’ disdain, and one was a delicate sense for irony.

I am no match for her, Farley thought. If we hadn’t found her, she would’ve joined the rebellion on her own, sooner or later.

Now they held each other’s gaze despite the dim room, both filled with tension and held breaths that bespoke the opposite – the concern of friends. At last, Ada relaxed. “You’re okay?” she asked.

For an instance, Farley lowered her eyes. “I’m not,” she confessed, adding, and you know that, in her mind. “But I’m well enough.”

Ada audibly released a breath, her fingers squeezing Farley’s and brushing over them like the tickle of a feather before she let go. “Then I’ll go back to sleep, captain,” she replied, and Farley nodded.

“I’ll see you at 0600, Wallace.”

She glanced around as she left the bedroom but took no notice of anyone else awake and overhearing their exchange – which didn’t mean there wasn’t any. If so, she couldn’t care about them. She entered the underground corridor of the base, lit with meagre lights, smelling moist and so quiet the silence had an oppressing quality. For a while, the base had been the best excuse for a home she’d had, but that was before the Notch. Before Shade. Although it had only been him and not the place that had carried such a notion.

His love had ruined the persona she’d carefully carved at for years. Now it kept her hand tingling from Ada’s touch. She was glad for it, their conversation, really, because of its normalcy, the support, and the forgiveness it meant after their last, awkward, talk.

Ada knew about her state, of course, having figured it out quickly, so she, Farley, had asked her a few days ago, “have you ever been pregnant?”

She’d asked with the wish for sharing common ground, for the understanding of someone who knew how the current strangeness of her body felt, and in that moment, she’d picked Ada because she didn’t dare to try with Ruth Barrow who was both too distant and too close to her.

She’d had rued it the same second she’d asked. Ada, of all people? As a housemaid, she might’ve very well taken care of babies. As a Newblood minder, she could’ve gathered all kind of knowledge on pregnancy and childbirth. But Farley had inquired about neither; she’d asked about the private story of Ada Wallace, the person, who had no children, and who might’ve been hurt by a question that could’ve very well been a question about loss or pain.

Ada’s face had gone blank before she said no and Farley apologized and glimpsed a smile so tiny, she must’ve imagined it. Maybe it was real, Farley considered now, relieved. But only a little.

They were friends as well as comrades yet she couldn’t fully appreciate it. A touch was a gift she craved and feared because it couldn’t be enough. As good as it felt, it wasn’t the touch she wanted – Shade’s touch. She wanted him to turn up, see her, hold her and hold their baby in due time. She wanted her baby, period, healthy and safe and with a different future. Many Reds – and the few Silvers she’d had part in bringing over – came to the Scarlet Guard out of despair or anger. Those were emotions she was used to as well, but they weren’t her motivation. What got her here was longing, raw and demanding want. She, Captain Diana Farley, was filled with it to the brim.

Another memory rose, carrying more desire and urge with it: Shade embracing her from behind, his face leaning against her neck and his breath nuzzling her skin. He held onto her, he kept her up – and walking ahead. “I don’t know how to help Mare,” he’d whispered that day. His hands hugged her so tightly, she’d reacted to his touch just by breathing. Uncertain what to say, she’d covered his fingers with hers, entwining them.

“I’ll do better,” she whispered now. Back then, their closeness had been enough – for them, in their infatuation. Now Shade was dead but she could still do her best to free Mare for him.

Her fists balled. In the control room, the colonel would wait for her, the father who always told her all she couldn’t do – until she would succeed and he’d find another thing to take away from her, only for her to get it anyway. She could do this. She’d save Mare and everyone else she was able to keep safe.

“‘Morning,” greeted a voice behind him, and Cal’s head spun, aching as his neck had been stiff and unmoving from staring in the same direction for hours. He knew he was not welcome, couldn’t gain traction here, so all he could do was staying, determined and obstinate. Now his eyes could hardly follow Farley as she broke into the control room. Her entrance shattered the words of dispute, said and unsaid, still hanging in the room although Cal, the colonel and the two remaining operatives had fallen silent more than half an hour ago, tired from discussion that went nowhere. No point was made yet Cal couldn’t leave, couldn’t call it a night like Kilorn or Bree. He was a thorn in the side of the colonel, and he knew the older man wanted him gone. Cal wouldn’t give up this night of insisting on Mare’s rescue, he stubbornly remained because he suspected he wouldn’t be let in again.

He hid this suspicion though, he was versed in that: never show insecurities, always maintain royal dignity. It didn’t endear him to the Guard operatives, though. Often, their faces plainly revealed how Cal’s habit and demeanour chafed against them when he didn’t even guess what it was this time.

He shifted in his chair to watch Farley stride in while she assessed him and the others in the room. She didn’t meet his gaze, her eyes passing over him after a glance. I deserve this, he figured, I could’ve gone to welcome her as soon as I heard of her arrival with the others left on Tuck.

Though she assessed wrong, he thought as well. She walked to the colonel like she didn’t even notice how her cold presence froze the flammable atmosphere in the room.

“You’re late,” the colonel said rudely but Cal had witnessed enough of his grim miens by now to find the needy relief he tried to hide beneath his frown and barked words.

If Farley did as well, she snorted at it. “Better safe than sorry,” she replied and secured and sat down in the chair next to her father in one fluid motion. With the next, she reached for the papers on his desk. “What’s the current operation?” she inquired, but the colonel stopped her, slamming his palm on the papers and pulling a folder out of a drawer as if he’d just waited for the moment. “I think you need to catch up at first, captain,” he said in a dangerously low voice.

Cal stretched his neck, wishing Kilorn or Bree, anyone from the Notch or Mare’s family, had been stubborn enough to linger here with him, so there might be three voices present to urge for freeing Mare –

No matter. Then this had to be his moment. Cal rose, catching the attention of Winters and Williams, the other two Scarlet Guard operatives, as he sidled to the desk.

The conversation between Farley and the colonel had turned only quieter, more private. “… I’m not surprised you hold this against me,” Farley said, clearly piqued.

“Please –”

“I owe him …”

“Sir,” Cal interrupted them, and it sounded like a hiss. Heads spun to him, he swallowed. “Colonel, I agree with Captain Farley” – he looked at her – “she should participate in the mission and share her thoughts.”

He’d considered calling them both by name but decided that reminding them of their relation they liked to blur so much would rather work against him. Yet stunned they were, as he’d intended. At last, Farley fully acknowledged him. The corners of her mouth twitched. “There you are, Calore,” she said. “Stopped sulking?”

Her taunt irked him; until he saw her own fallen face, her exhausted demeanour. She was taunting herself as much as him, commiserating with him and mocking herself in an attempt to keep them both over water.

He made a face and inclined his head, she sighed. She spun her chair, hands folded in front of her. “What is the objective?” she asked.

“Free Mare,” he replied without hesitation.

She raised her eyebrows but withstood glancing at the colonel for confirmation. Cal didn’t read only surprise but anticipation as well on her face. “Tell me of your plan,” she demanded.

His heart raced in excitement. Finally! “We know Mare is alive, for now. So the sooner we act, the better –”

“That’s not a plan.”

“Well –”

Farley frowned. She glanced at the colonel’s files while the man’s expression was a very clear I told you so. Turning back to Cal, she continued. “Excuse me, I didn’t have regular access to most news, but I haven’t seen broadcasts or announcements regarding Mare for weeks. Thus, your information is coming from spies, right? What else do they say?”

“What else?” he repeated, flustered. He moved closer, leaning toward her. “I know Whitefire best, and by my colours, do you like to imagine Mare under Maven’s torture? It’s been a month, and time to act –”

She jumped from her chair, forcing him to step back. The ten centimeters he had on her meant nothing, her eyes burned no less. Only then did he realize his words: as if he hadn’t watched her getting tortured.

“All I understand you’re saying is we should run into Whitefire without a plan, without preparation, on a suicide mission! Endangering ourselves, our spies and Mare!”

He gaped. Had he said it like that? But he couldn’t believe her – he’d trusted Farley to support him, yet she denied him, him and Mare. He tried one last time and reached for her shoulder. She shoved him away.

“Oh, fuck it,” she muttered and pulled him with her, out of the room. As he stumbled after her, he caught the sight of Winters and Williams, staring at him, aghast, and of the colonel, looking annoyingly smug that his estranged daughter served this one purpose: finally removing Cal Calore from the control room.

In the corridor, Farley pushed him against the wall. Her face was pink with anger and Cal couldn’t guess which accusation she’d throw at him first. Thus, he took his chance while she still caught her breath. “Is Mare just like any other operative to you?” he snapped. “Or are you uncertain what happened, Farley? Because I was there. You weren’t. You stayed back while –”

“I did what I could! How dare you fault me for ….” She stopped, her voice losing its spite. “I did what I could,” she repeated. “I will do what I can, because it’s right, and for Shade. I’ll get Mare out of there, I’ll bring the Scarlet Guard to success, but I won’t run into trap after trap by being rash. I’m done being rash! I’m pregnant.”

What?

She was too close suddenly. He felt wrong here, wrong to bear witness to this moment. Did she mean to tell him this? She seemed too charged to even be surprised by herself. He blinked, forcing his eyes to stay on her face, not to move down. He suspected she’d slap him if he did the latter.

Her agitation waned slowly. “You see,” she went on, quieter, “that I’m unwilling to run into death?”

He nodded carefully.

She sighed and from one moment to the next, her anger was gone, replaced by sadness. “Shade wouldn’t want this, he would …” She couldn’t go on. She cleared her throat, looked down, trying to hide her glistening eyes.

He made a dare. He lifted his hand to her cheek. “Hey,” he said softly. He couldn’t congratulate her, could he? Instead he said, still as tender as he managed, “Farley, it’s okay to cry.”

She gasped, for seconds frozen in shock. Then she clasped his hand – instead of pushing it away. “Do you … do you cry, Cal?”

He swallowed, stalling to answer as he was as frozen as she seconds before. A shiver woke in the hand that touched her cheek and spread through his body, both sizzling and freezing him. But he wasn’t frozen, not anymore; he dared even greater than cradling her cheek. As before his shiver gave way into sobs, he hugged her close.

One more time, she didn’t shove him away. She pressed her face into his neck, breathing heavily. Did she cry? Did he? He couldn’t tell, could only smell her, sweat, sleep and gunpowder, skin and hair – hair that scratched his face. It didn’t annoy him, there was some comfort in her, and also his, physical presence felt in this moment.

He’d thought Farley in sore need of touch and closeness, but he was as well. Mare wasn’t dead like Shade, but her absence stung, piercing and wearing him down and pulling the ground away from him. He feared for her. He needed her. He swam in danger and loss of purpose he’d never known before. What was he doing with the Scarlet Guard without Mare? These people mistrusted, if not despised him. The colonel had locked him up and would’ve sold him to the highest bidder; now Cal as good as begged for his support in his mission to bring Mare back.

Farley hadn’t been a friend, but she was an ally, and he was glad to have her back, at least. He liked to give her some of this relief in return, although she now had her own insecurities and fears. To have a baby in this chaos? Mare’s niece of nephew? Mare would want to meet them desperately. And Farley …he hoped she was happy about this at least. He didn’t want to imagine how she fared, with feelings wavering like a wave, between grief and love and anticipation. She was brave.

The moment passed like an eyeblink that lasted on hour. Farley pulled away tentatively, without letting go fully. She still had her hand on his arm when she spun to lean against the wall, forcing Cal to slide down next to her.

They were quiet, yet hardly calmed. He wiped his face with his hands, covering traces and enjoying the brief darkness before he glimpsed at her. Farley’s face was flushed and her eyes similarly pink – he concluded she did cry, though the weeks before might’ve been as much a cause for her look. Pain spoke from her whole being, pain born both of grief and yearning. Her panting might stop, her brow might frown as if scheming, but Cal recognized the emotion all too well. From familiarity, he realized. What he saw in Diana Farley in this moment was how he’d always felt about his mother he’d lost and never known.

“I want him to do this with me,” whispered Farley.

He swallowed. The urge to reply rose in him yet he didn’t know what to offer. Yes? How lame. He hesitated. His fingers twitched so he extended them slowly, carefully, to rest on her thigh.

She breathed in and tensed.

Now his whole body twitched.

It wasn’t aimed at him. “He,” spat Farley, her chin jerking toward the control room. The colonel. “He doesn’t understand. That we were in love. He thinks I had some nice bed sport and have to deal with the results.” The last word dripped with venom. “By myself, he means, on my own, but most of all away from the Scarlet Guard.” She grimaced. “And even if … “

He had to clear his throat after the breath he’d holding during her outburst. He’s been worried about you, he thought. He couldn’t say that. What use had she for the colonel’s worry if he shamed her? Noticing his hand was still on her thigh, he wanted to pull away, but she covered his hand with hers, meeting his eyes. Determined. Distraught.

“You’ll do it,” he said. “Your way.”

For a second, she looked aghast, then grateful for someone to understand. She inclined her head, he held her gaze. “I owe it to Shade,” she said, softer now. “I want our child to have it better, and … I can’t do nothing.”

“Yes,” he agreed eagerly, relieved to enter more common ground.

But was it? Farley wouldn’t abandon Mare; he was sure now. She was stressed, mourning, he saw why she reacted strongly. So had he.

He closed his eyes. “I’m sorry,” he said, meaning several things. Then added, “of course we need a valid plan.”

He was aware freeing Mare was one operation among many. The Scarlet Guard officers didn’t know what to do with him – fill him in and use him or treat him as a better hostage? This indecision was obvious, clear on all their faces, but it wasn’t their confusion alone. It was also his.

Cal had almost always lived under large expectations and he’d come to embrace them. To be intelligent, regal, shrewd, skilful with ability, versed on the battlefield as well as in tactics and strategy. He was a prince, a son, a brother. A betrothed, and he’d lost all of it. He was hanging by a thread to stay alive and the Scarlet Guard wanted him to cut the thread and fall into their net.

You never become used to falling, especially not if you’d always stood high.

Farley next to him, who yearned so much for the love she’d lost it hurt to watch, would tell him to do it. Let go and commit himself to the cause.

If Mare was with him, he thought he would. He’d laughed with her, danced with her, kissed her. They’d run and fought for their lives, protecting each other. He’d slept next to her and hadn’t felt lost and so he could, almost, imagine he just wanted to hold her in his arms and it’d be good enough – until she faded away, again and again. Maven was the cause, but Cal feared she’d always slip away from him, intangible in heart and soul.

She was her own person. Would her sparks vanish or ignite, along with his flame?

“I’ll make sure of it,” said Farley. She almost smiled from conviction as she squeezed his hand, a squeeze that helped ground him in his drifted mind and reminded him he wasn’t completely alone after all. “We’ll defeat Maven and free Mare.”

That, he could commit to. “We will,” he promised.

@elliemarchetti @lilyharvord @avid-author-activist @farleydiana @mareshmallow @marecalrandomstuff