#In too much pain for most jobs around here that pay well

[saturniidaez]

Tired but thinking too much to sleep. Ramble about nothing in particular below. Mind the trigger tags .

[lotus-slumbers]

Yandere batfamily x addict reader?

Would they exploit and manipulate the reader, making em solely dependent on the family for their fix — either to originally trap them at the manor or continuing to supply em forever, because it makes the reader dependant on them, acting all cuddly and desperate. or would they reform and sober up the reader? Have em go through a whole rehabilitation process style.

Gotham’s not safe for the poor reader, imagine all the villains who’d kill em for the drugs they’re so dependent on? But it’s okay! Because the Wayne’s will protect em. Whether the reader wants them to or not isn’t up for debate.

If you’re uncomfortable with this topic I totally understand. Just send me a message to say pls??

Yandere! Batfam x Addict! Reader Headcannons

Tw: addiction, substance abuse, etc.

— If there was anything that could accelerate the Batfam abducting adopting their darling sooner, this would be it.

— In their eyes, this is a type of abuse. Abuse from all of those around you and nobody is safe from the pointing of their accusatory finger. Not even those people who truly are innocent and have tried to help.

— You may notice people around you drawing away, avoiding you. Maybe some friends who you used to talk with who shared the same addiction, others a dealer who supplied you.

— Though, you may not notice this at all because they'll work quick.

— The term "self-harm" is thrown around once while discussing your habitual substance abuse and that's it. That's all it takes to make them snap and agree unanimously that, yes, this is for the best. Today is the day, if they have everything completely set up for you or not.

— Within twenty-four hours, you'll be in the manor with your family. Right where you belong.

— Rich people get same-day delivery!! Woohoo!! 🙌 🚚

— Of course, that isn't the only motivator for the Wayne's to take you. As much as it pains them to see you suffering at your own hands, they understand just how well the scum of Gotham can and will hurt you.

— They'll take care of the vermin that supplied and enabled you all the same. They have a duty to Gotham, it was going to happen eventually, just now there might be a little bit more passion to it... They won't tell you about it, though.

— The Batfam would most definitely attempt to nip the problem in the bud, forcing you to go cold turkey immediately.

— Bruce will have everything thought out. He's spent countless hours since learning about your issues researching in depth everything he could possibly need to know.

— They have patches at the ready for you when you start to feel the effects of withdrawal. They have stress balls and plenty of activities to try and keep your mind elsewhere and on other things.

— And eyes on you, always.

— And a bracelet, pressed snuggly against your skin and seemingly impossible to get off, to monitor your health. Reports directly at their fingertips, whenever they want it.

— They want you in the best condition they can have you. Not just physically, but mentally too. Bruce would most likely like to have one-on-one conversations with you, about life before, your transitioning here, and, of course, how you are doing with withdrawal.

— If he thinks you're not doing a good enough job with him, he can always pay for the best help available. With his amount of money, nobody has to know either... So don't think of asking them to help you. You won't be believed or they simply won't do it.

— Bruce, Dick, and Jason would probably be the worse about lecturing you on it. Mention withdrawal to them or any desire to return to what you once had... Oh boy, good luck.

— Bruce would go on and on about your health. How he loves you. Wants what is best for you, even if you cannot see it. A deep look of disappointment and concern behind his eyes. He won't school it, he wants to to see it. Feel it and stop. Grow into the person he knows you can be, with their help. Let him protect you.

— Dick is fairly similar to Bruce in this regard, although he is a little more relaxed, trying to be on your level while also acting as your "older brother," something he takes much pride in. He'll probably baby you more than the others, offering to help find alternatives and promise rewards for your efforts (not that you have much of a choice in the matter).

— Jason, though? Jason Todd, the little boy who grew up on the streets? Watch the lives of those he loved so much be ruined and so cruelly snatched away by these exact things? No way. It hits way too close to home, especially since it's you.

— He's understanding towards you so long as you don't push too far. One mention of wanting it and he's on your ass, telling you off about it. He'll help with withdrawal. He'll help you get over it, be a shoulder to lean on and a friend to laugh with, but, God, don't you dare threaten him like that ever again.

— Tim helps with Bruce and his plans most of all, going through all the little details to help plan out the smoothest way to go about this.

— Damian is pissed that you would even ever do any of this in the first place, beating you in his weakest, more frustrated moments but this reaffirms to him that you need him.

— Really, this reaffirms all of them that, despite any guilt, they may feel for the "crimes" they committed for you, it was the right choice. That their darling needed them, desperately.

— They'll never give up on you, not in your darkest moments or theirs. They love you, through and through, and would give the world to you if only you asked.

— But they'd never, ever let you do that to yourself. Your last high was the last time you would ever, ever be.

— They know they could supply you, that it could be an easy way to control you and gain your love. Love that they are so desperately longing for, wanting to be returned, but they won't do it. They can't do that. Not to you of all people.

— It goes against their very nature, as it would harm you.

— You'll learn to love them eventually. It isn't like there is a real rush. You're not going anywhere at all. They'll take the long, high road.

— Batfam will protect you to their last breath and love you through and through. You don't need to do a thing.

— The only reason they would ever supply you is if they truly had no other options. If you were super-powered in a way they could not find a way to contain or around people they couldn't take you away from. Which is a highly unlikely possibility.

💜 A/n: Sorry that this took me so long to get to. Hopefully, it's not too typo-ridden and you enjoy it!

This is not meant to glorify any type of substance abuse or any type of addiction. This was my first time writing for such so please, if I made a mistake in my handling of the subject, reach out and let me know!

For substance abuse treatment and mental health referrals, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

You are loved beyond measure.

[pinkaditty]

Holidays with Ghouls (Sho Haizono x Reader; Tokyo Debunker)

please read:

okay. big news + life update: i got into a major car accident a little while ago. my first one ever! i am in a lot of pain so things may be slow-going for a while and ill be unable to commit as much time to writing due to the tangled mess that is dealing with modern insurance companies and recovering from my injuries. thankfully its not so bad to be hospitalized, but its bad enough to limit my activity for the time being. i am somewhat ashamed to ask, but if you like my writing, please consider donating to my cashapp: $cindyfromstarbucks! my car was 100% totaled, and im gonna need to save up for a new one, and my job doesn’t pay very much. thank you for your consideration! please enjoy, regardless! (this paragraph will be on my posts indefinitely, probably until i fully recover)

a/n: LET ME START THIS OFF BY SAYING IT’S ENTIRELY SELF-INDULGENT… i have a green thumb and i’ve been growing a small garden lately (limited space. i hate captialism.) and i just thought “hm. what if we grew fresh ingredients for sho’s food truck?” and the idea stuck and didn’t leave no matter how much i tried 2 shake it off. mc is basically written as me im not gonna hold y’all, but i kept it 2 a minimum so it could still be an ‘x reader’. 

summary: self-indulgent reader x sho. in which you do something nice for him and he struggles to return the favor. 

no cw! enjoy!

big fan of the “woman that is so wound up all the time and extremely professional and tries to keep everyone at arm’s length distance” x “guy that is only a few years younger than the woman but loves calling her by age-appropriate honorifics (i.e. noona, ojou, jiejie, madame, etc) and goes out of his way to teach her how to fucking relax every once in a while” trope and essentially if i were with sho that is how the relationship would go LMFAOOOOOOO

You used to have a bit of a garden before becoming a student at Darkwick. A part of you often wondered if there were people tending to your garden now so you could return to it, well kept and exactly as you remember it, when you were cured of this curse and got this anomalous ring off of you. You'd never really had the idea to plant anything here; you were much too focused on missions and other incessant errands the ghouls saw fit to send you on. You didn't like it, but held your tongue regardless. If all went well, you wouldn't have to deal with this after less than a year. 

You were fond of a few ghouls, though. Some of them were a nice reprieve from the other harsher and more selfish ghouls. Haku was a great example of that, and so was Subaru, his dorm's captain. You'd grown fond on the Jabberwock ghouls, as they were always kind and polite. You didn't really mind the Obscuary ghouls, either. Even if odd, they were good natured, and never turned you away. You appreciated that Rui had a bit of a green thumb too, and would often stop by to assist him with plant care. 

The one ghoul you were the most fond of, despite his less than agreeable best friend, was Haizono, or Sho, as he insisted on being called. Sho, despite his friend Leo, was actually pretty friendly. You enjoyed the time you spent around him, whether that was collecting supplies from the diner, or training with him, or even helping him meal prep for the following day for his food truck. It was fun, spending time with Sho. You're almost angry the idea didn't dawn on you sooner.

Said idea is why you carefully sift through the dirt in your compost container, careful not to split any of the worms with your nails. The potatoes should be done growing by now. The idea had dawned on you one day when Sho mentioned not having enough potatoes to serve fries the following day. Potatoes were an easy crop. And they took three months, at most, to grow. Sure, if worse came to worst, you'd die, but growing potatoes was a good distraction and encouraged you to plan for the future, as though you wouldn't die. After a few favors from Benji and some begging towards the chancellor, you had a small garden behind the chapel. Granted, you'd just started it three months ago, so it wasn't as full as your garden back home, but it was good enough. It was hidden from the rest of campus by the surrounding trees, ensuring no one would find the garden unless they had reason to cut around the chapel, which wasn't necessary considering the path out front. Not only did it serve as your little place of respite, it allowed you to do nice things for others. You were just growing potatoes for now, but it felt like enough of a starter, at least. You’d just planted some tomato seeds that you’d hoped Sho would also find a use for. 

Once done harvesting a substantial batch of potatoes, you wrap them up in plastic bags to look like you bought them. It would save you the embarrassment of having to explain that you’d grown them yourself. 

It’s pleasantly chilly outside, the still afternoon air heavy with promises of cold weather and a white winter holiday. Dirt remained underneath your fingernails from all that harvesting, but it was a small price to pay. Your heart pounded with anticipation and exertion as you made the trek to Vagastrom, heading for the nearby food truck. As expected, you find Sho sitting on one of his supply boxes, far underdressed for the cold weather. You can’t tell if he’s resistant to it or rebelling against it, but you can tell he’s cold. His cheeks and nose are tinged red and his eyes are squinted against the cold wind. You can even tell he’s sniffling with how often he inhales. You exhale both fondly and exasperatedly. The stubbornness of these ghouls was simultaneously attractive and irritating. 

You make it no secret you’re approaching, the bag of potatoes crinkling with your upbeat steps and your own runny nose sniffling in response to the cold wind. You place the bag of potatoes beside him with a heavy ‘thud’, to which he finally looks up, appearing jolted out of his thoughts. 

“Here,” you start, taking your scarf from around your neck and tying it around his without waiting for a reaction. “You must be an idiot to sit out in the cold with just your uniform on.”

“Senpai.” He greets you with wide eyes, watching but not protesting as you tie your scarf around his neck. He appears confused at first, his lips pursing at your actions, but seems to relent as he buries his face into the scarf. You watch as he settles into it, his eyes sliding shut against the cold wind, his nose and lips finding warm solace in the comfort of your scarf. Before long, he pulls it away, revealing himself back to the chilly air with a slight wince. “...No need. Thank you, though.” He glances up at you with a smile before rising to his feet and dusting off his knees. “Whatcha got here?” He gestures to the plastic bag before picking it up, far more effortlessly than you, and inspecting it. 

“Potatoes.” Your breath puffs out in a white cloud. “They’re for your food truck. I remembered you mentioned you were running low, so… I decided to help and buy you some.” At some point, you’d shifted your attention to the ground, toeing at a rock as you realized how ridiculous that sounded. Surely Sho could handle himself. He might even find your help embarrassing, when you really think about it. 

You sneak a glance at him and are relieved to see a small smile on his face as he observes the potatoes. He huffs out a light breath, his face visibly softening. “You didn’t have to do that.” He slings the bag over his shoulder, using his other hand to ruffle your hair and return the scarf. “Come on,” he turns around, headed for the door of the food truck. “You can help me prep.”

‘That’s only helpful if you’ll have any customers in this cold,’ you think to yourself, but decide not to say aloud. Instead, you watch the slow smile on his face as he nods towards you, and continues towards the truck. Crazy, how a simple glance of his could make your heart race. Something about the warmth of his smile, the feel of his fingers carding through your hair, and the leftover scent of his cologne lingering on your scarf tugged at your heart, just a little bit. 

You briskly follow after him, throwing the scarf back over his neck. “Keep it,” you say sternly, watching as he turns to you quizzically. “Have you seen the state of yourself in this cold?” The phrase ‘I want you to have it,’ lingers on your tongue, but you decide not to voice that, instead letting a small amused smile rest on your face. You vaguely gesture to him, your gaze flicking to his red cheeks and nose. He rolls his eyes, noting your point, and keeps the scarf around his neck, opening the side door to his food truck.

“Alright, fine. I’ll wash it and return it.”

As he steps inside the food truck, even from standing behind him you feel a wave of warmth. You follow, stepping inside, feeling the sweet relief of pleasant warm air and smelling the scent of roast chicken. The environment is warm and cozy, wrapping around you like a cushy blanket or a hug from a loved one. Sho closes the door behind you and you note your scarf is still around his neck. Something clicks.

“Wait a minute. You won’t need that.” You point to his scarf, your nose crinkling in mock displeasure. He instinctively flinches away, looking at you with a raised brow. He was seemingly already protective of your scarf, even though he’d only just received it. “Hand it over.”

“That’s hardly fair.” A crooked smile forms on Sho’s face and his brow raises higher. “Why do you assume I won’t need it?”

Indignantly, you gesture to the warm space surrounding you. Sizzling meat, a warm oven, and heaters in a corner, adjusting the temperature of the truck. “Vagastrom is literally right next to here. What do you need that for?”

He doesn’t answer directly, instead tilting his head at you. “I seem to remember a certain someone insisting I keep this scarf. Are you going to go back on your word?”

You clamp your mouth shut, remembering what you’d said and did earlier. He was right, you had insisted, even if only a little. You huff out a frustrated breath, crossing your arms and furrowing your brows. He laughs at your display, pulling the scarf off of him and tossing it on a high shelf of boxes you couldn’t reach. “Like I said, I’ll wash it and return it.”

You decide to swallow this loss. You had other scarves at the chapel anyway, and if he was going to use it, at least it wasn’t going to waste. 

You look around the space again before taking off your coat and hanging it on one of the hooks on the door. “Any plans for winter break? Will you be going anywhere?” 

“Nah.” Sho shook his head, checking on the chicken in the small oven before continuing to stir fry a vegetable medley on the stove, jutting his shoulder out towards the cutting board, covered in various vegetables. You wash your hands before heading over, carefully scraping at the dirt built up under your fingernails from digging. “Unless my… brother… goes, I’m not going. He’ll beat my ass if I don’t and he does.” A look of displeasure crosses Sho’s face, and you have to hold back a laugh at the thought of Professor Hyde chastising Sho for not seeing his family over break. 

You head over to the vegetables laid out on the cutting board, and start with the garlic, peeling it out of its husk. “Sounds like a struggle.”

He scoffs, pouring soy sauce over the vegetables and tossing them before scraping them off on a nearby to-go container. “Holidays are always a struggle with pushy family.” Despite his outward scowl, amusement lights up his eyes for a moment. 

You chuckle, having finished chopping up the garlic and moving to a green bell pepper. You slice it open, its seeds spilling onto the cutting board. “Your family’s pushy?”

“Yes, too pushy sometimes.” Sho shakes his head, shooing you to the side as he grabs potholders to pull the chicken out of the oven. “My brother’s more like my parents than I am.” He carefully places the roast chicken down on a short counter. It’s golden brown, stuffed with rosemary sprigs, lemon slices, and garlic cloves. 

He places it to the side, readying the frying pain and reaching for the peppers you’d chopped, tossing them into the oil. You finish a pepper and reach for a leek next, slicing it into thick chunks. Your eyes flicker back over to the chicken momentarily, rosemary stems sticking out of it like a tail. “The rosemary stems look like a chicken tail.” You voice the thought absentmindedly, smiling to yourself. 

Out of the corner of your eye, you see Sho glance over at the chicken himself. You hear a huffed laugh as he returns his attention to the peppers, sizzling in the oil. “Yeah, it does.” He’s silent for a moment before speaking up again. “Speaking of, it was hard to find fresh rosemary this time around.”

You look up, having finished cutting the leek. A confused expression crosses your face. “Where in the world would you find fresh rosemary in the dead of winter?” You look away, reaching for a carrot, slicing it thinly.

“Rosemary’s an evergreen,” Sho states flatly, reaching for the leek and garlic you cut earlier, mixing it in with the batch of peppers on the stove and stirring them. “You can find that fresh anytime. What’s harder to find, however…” Sho trails off, leaving the stove for a split second, reaching for the bag of your potatoes he’d placed on the ground earlier. He opens the bag and pulls one out, some dirt still stuck in the indents of its skin. “...Is fresh potatoes. They’re typically harvested in the fall.” He smiles at you, before turning away to rinse it off.

Realizing you’d been caught in a lie, you turn away from him, putting all of your focus on the carrot in front of you. You hear his footsteps slowly approaching before he places a freshly washed potato right in front of you, his hand shaking with mirth. 

“Come on, MC. Don’t think I didn’t notice the dirt under your fingernails.” He chuckles before turning back to the stove, stirring the vegetables again. You drop the knife with a clatter and hide your hands behind your back, too nervous to check if you’d missed any spots. 

You sneak a glance up at him, mistakenly making eye contact with him. His eyes gleam with amusement and his smile is soft and fond. “...It can’t have been that obvious.” You decide to admit to it, realizing the heat in your cheeks probably gave it away. 

“It wasn’t.” Sho nods to you, pouring soy sauce over the stir-fried mixture and tossing it before scraping that off in a different to-go container. “I just happened to notice the dirt when you handed the scarf to me, and your potatoes smelled extra earthy.” He takes the pan off the heat, moving over to the chicken and carefully cutting out the breast. 

It’s silent for a few moments, you staring at that freshly cleaned potato and Sho slicing through the chicken, placing the breast in one to-go container and the wings in the other. Sho finally speaks up, though his voice is low. “...You didn’t have to do that, you know.” You look up again, just to find him turned away from you, his ears turning red. Silence falls again as you watch him check off the to-go containers he’s finished. You assume he’s trying to distract himself from the obvious blush on his face, but you can’t say for sure. Something about it makes you feel similar, your heart rate picking up and your face reddening more. It wasn’t due to your embarrassment anymore. “I dunno, I’m bad at thanking people. Just, well…” Sho trails off, rubbing a hand on the back of his neck, hiding his face from you. His voice lowers significantly, and contrastingly, the blush on his ears brightens more. “Thank you. I know potatoes take a while to grow. And…” He trails off again and swallows thickly. You don’t bother asking him to finish his sentence. The implications of his words grow somewhat heavy in your heart, and you wring your fingers nervously. Of course it was profound, growing potatoes for someone when you’re doomed to die, now in nine months. The thought of dedicating your time to anything that wasn’t curing your curse was odd, but this distraction had done you well nonetheless. You didn’t want Sho to feel bad about it at all. You were certain that, if anything, the gravity of being recognized by a girl doomed to die was dawning on him. 

The words spill out before you can really stop them. “Don’t worry about it, Sho. I did that because I wanted to.” Confessing this was almost as raw as confessing your feelings, and your chest tightens at that thought, but you continue despite that. “You’ve been kind to me since after our first mission. And I’ve enjoyed spending time with you, including things as mundane as meal prep!” You gesture vaguely to the setting before you, hoping to get your point across. “I just randomly had the idea, and figured it couldn’t be so bad to act on it. It’s been a good distraction anyway, and what with all that happens here, a distraction does me some good.” Silence falls once more, and Sho finally turns to look at you, face flushed. He wipes his palms on his apron and worries his lip between his teeth, his gaze flickering between you and the floor. “...So what if I used up three months to grow potatoes? The time will pass anyways.” You turn away from him, looking at the washed potato. You reach for it and pick up the knife, beginning to cut it into cube chunks. 

“...I guess you’re right.” You can hear a gentle smile in Sho’s voice, and it warms you up internally, feeling thankful he’s accepted the gift. You glance towards him, giving him a smile, and catch him staring. There’s an odd glimpse of admiration in his eyes, which makes your cheeks warm.

“Go on and finish cutting the chicken.” You wave off his stare and jerk your gaze away from him, hiding your blush and focusing on the cubed potato. 

He scoffs and turns away, picking up his knife. “Giving me orders in my own kitchen, huh?” 

You don’t respond. You don’t need to. The warmth of the heaters settles into your skin and the warmth of the previous pleasant conversation settles into your heart. You glance down at the bag of potatoes that started it all. The eyes of the potatoes seem to stare up at you knowingly.

You’re carrying a short stack of to-go containers outside to Sho’s bike, Bonnie, your boots crunching the frosty path beneath you. Snow would surely be coming soon. You gently place the stack in the box on the back of Bonnie, careful to make sure none of them tip over. You hear more crunching footsteps and turn around to see Sho, carrying the rest of the boxes. He places them in the box as well and organizes them before securing the box with a few straps. He steps back and exhales, smiling to himself. You can’t help but smile at his pride.

“Now, to deliver these…” Sho approaches Bonnie and gets on, patting her twice affectionately. The gentle thrum of the engine comes to life in response. He looks to you and smiles, and you notice he’s wearing your scarf. “Sure you don’t want a ride back to the chapel?”

You eye the box of food already on the back of Bonnie and shake your head. You wouldn’t test fate today. Your eyes find your scarf again, sitting snugly around Sho’s neck. “Well, at least you have a use for it.” You say, resigned. Part of you wonders if you’ll ever get it back. 

Sho smiles, reaching up to touch the scarf. “Again, I’ll wash and return it.” He looks up to the sky, and you follow suit, noting the pale white blanket of clouds blocking the sun. “That said…” He starts, lowering his gaze to you again. “It is cold out. I may need this for longer than I expected.” There’s a teasing lilt to his voice and his smile turns crooked, as though suppressing a smirk. 

“...I’m not getting that back, am I?”

Sho shrugs, revving up Bonnie. “Who knows?” He smiles fondly at you one last time before speeding off, the wheels of Bonnie leaving tire tracks on the frosty path. You watch him as he leaves, his hair lifting in the wind, the tendrils of your scarf billowing behind him. You watch until he turns a corner and you can only faintly hear the rumbling of Bonnie’s engine. ‘I guess he really did have customers, even in this cold…’ You think to yourself, a faint smile growing on your face. You inhale the crisp cool air, feeling a bit cooler around your neck now that you’re missing a scarf. You idly look back up at the sky again, wondering if it really would snow today. Despite you enjoying the stillness of the winter air on Darkwick campus, the cold eventually bites at you, urging you to return to the chapel. Your footsteps crunch along the frosted path, following Bonnie’s tracks.

It’s Christmas evening, and things are finally winding down for the day. You’d been to Frostheim and made snow angels with Luca and Kaito, had coffee and played chess with Tohma, and Jin, despite himself, hadn’t asked you to run any errands for him today. You’d been to Vagastrom and exchanged gifts with Alan, tolerated Leo’s selfies with you, and looked around for Sho, but hadn’t found him. You’d been to Jabberwock and fed the animals with Haru, watched a romance movie with Towa, and played a holiday-themed horror game with Ren. You’d been to Sinostra and done some gambling with Taiga while Ritsu tagged along to ensure Sinostra’s reputation wasn’t damaged further, and had a surprisingly pleasant conversation with Romeo despite him saying your large coat made you resemble a slug. You’d been to Hotarubi and had tea and holiday sweets with Haku, Subaru, Zenji, and Lyca, who was visiting Subaru. You’d been to Obscuary and had Rui’s new holiday-themed drinks with Ed, chattering time away at the bar. You’d been to Mortkranken and reluctantly exchanged gifts with Yuri, aware of the fit he’d throw if you hadn’t gotten him anything, and pleasantly exchanged gifts with Jiro, reminding him to take good care of himself. 

Finally, after a very long, exhausting, and eventful day, you were back at the chapel, counting the vines growing under your skin, glowing lavender like the flower on the back of your neck. Some small flowers broke your skin and bloomed here and there, leaving the exit wounds somewhat inflamed. Granted, you didn’t have much time left, and these vines made that clear, but this holiday had been much better than you’d expected it to be. You appreciated the effort most of the ghouls put forth to make this holiday at least somewhat enjoyable for you, especially considering it may be your last. 

You sit by the fireplace in your room, watching the snow fall from the sky through your window. You had a tiny pine tree near your bed, decorated with handmade tinsel from the three Hotarubi ghouls and some small ornaments from Jin. You wore new pajamas from Romeo, though you weren’t sure how in the world he knew your size. You had a new bracelet from Taiga, who had originally forgotten who he’d gotten it for. On your nightstand lay a dreidel from Kaito and a snow globe from Luca. The hot chocolate you sipped on was a gift from Tohma, and some wine awaited you in your fridge, a gift from the Obscuary ghouls. You had a few new ugly holiday sweaters from various ghouls, Yuri and Ren included, and some not-so-ugly ones, thanks to Haru and Towa. A thick, heavy book about the origins of the laws of Japan sat on a nearby table, a gift from Ritsu that you had no plans to read. You had lit a scented candle from Leo, which you thought was surprisingly thoughtful, and had set aside the wax melts from Alan, planning to use them after the candle ran out. The new watch from Jiro was wrapped around your wrist, displaying the increasingly late time. In all of this, you wondered where your gift from Sho was. You hadn’t been able to spot him today, and the thought made you feel a little down. You’d wanted to spend some time with him today, but guessed he was probably too busy preparing Christmas dinner for all of Vagastrom and Hotarubi that he simply hadn’t had the time. You set your hot chocolate down on top of the accursed thick book and sprawl out in your chair, turning to the window again. Regardless, this had been a surprisingly wonderful holiday. The ghouls had given you gifts and willingly spent time with you, doing various fun activities and filling you with holiday cheer. It was a nice escape from the reality of your situation, even if it was only for a little while. 

You check the vines under your skin again, resisting the urge to scratch at where a new white flower had bloomed near your elbow. You could feel that, soon after the holiday season mellowed down, it would be back to reality, and you’d have to face your own death once again. Part of you dreaded the eventual change in weather and in the length of days, knowing your predicted end was growing near. But a part of you was also resigned to it. Regardless of whether you were due to die soon or not, this had been a nice holiday. And you could stand to live in the now, just this once. 

You carefully pluck the flower from your skin, wincing at the sharp pain. You bleed for only a few moments before it clots up. At least you could stave off the growth of the curse for now. 

You hear a gentle knock at your door. Physically, you’re too exhausted to have much more fun at this point, but mentally, you could use a pick-me-up. You head down your stairs towards the door, opening it crack by crack, trying to prevent too much of the cold wind from slipping inside. You peer through the open doorway, jolting in surprise when a familiar pair of dark blue eyes meet yours. 

“Hey,” Sho starts, lifting two boxes in his hands. “Thought you could use a warm holiday dinner.”

Your heart swells and all at once, a wave of emotion hits you. Sure, you didn’t have much time left, but that didn’t stop these ghouls from caring, and that was evident in the gifts piled up in your room, the fun you’d had all throughout the day, and the ghoul now standing at your doorstep, seeking more time with you. There was a reason he was your favorite. 

You swing the door open wider, unable to hide the smile that breaks across your face all at once. “I was looking for you, you know.” You cross your arms and narrow your eyes in mock disappointment. “Where’ve you been all day?”

“Cooking.” Sho lifts a brow and shrugs, tilting his head at you. He smiles fondly at you, and you notice he’s finally dressed appropriately for the season; a hat covering most of his hair, a matching coat and gloves keeping him warm, and your scarf, tucked snugly against his neck inside his coat. Yet again, you realize you are probably never getting that scarf back. 

“That scarf is still mine.” You gesture at his scarf, and he laughs, reaching up to brush the built up snow off of it. 

“And I’m still using it.” He replies, smiling wider. “So… Gonna let me in or what? It’s cold out here.” His breath puffs into white clouds, and you notice his cheeks and nose are tinged red again thanks to the cold. You smile and step aside, letting him in. 

You close the door behind him and he shakes off the snow built up on his coat. When he looks at you, his smile holds the warmth of a thousand candles and his voice holds the joy of a thousand holiday carols. “So… got any mistletoe? If not, we can start with gifts. Either works for me.” A blush covers his face as he pushes the boxes towards you, his smile growing wider and fonder.

You figure, regardless of how much time you have left, it wouldn’t hurt to spend a holiday with your favorite ghoul.

Bonus:

The gift, wrapped surprisingly delicately inside one of the boxes, is a knitted scarf in your favorite colors. It’s not bad, but you can tell it was done by a beginner. Holding it in your hands, a small smile grows on your face, and you sigh, totally resigned. 

By god, you are never getting that scarf back. 

“Well, thank you for your collateral replacement, but I expect that scarf back one day.”

Sho shakes his head, smiling as he chews on your shared meal, packed in the other box he was carrying. “No can do. It’s still cold and I still need a scarf.”

“I’m withholding the mistletoe, then.”

Sho huffs, rolling his eyes and continuing the meal. At his lack of a reaction, you purse your lips, thinking of another thing to withhold that might gift you a victory. Sho speaks, having swallowed his mouthful, “I can find other reasons to kiss you-”

“I’m withholding the potatoes.”

Sho looks at you in shock, dropping his forkful back onto his plate. “...I’ll think about it.”

Maybe you would get that scarf back, after all.

----------

a/n: it's done. finally it is done. finally! i've been writing this romance fic 4 a long while so im glad it is finally done

thank you all so much for reading!! as usual, i love likes, but especially comments, reblogs, and asks detailing how much you enjoyed my work!!! please feel free 2 fill up my inbox with whatever, i love talking 2 u all! but be warned my responses will be slow... im still recovering!

happy holidays 2 you all! i hope, whether you're surrounded by family, friends, or by yourself, that it's a wonderful and fulfilling holiday season 4 u. merry christmas 2 those who celebrate, and happy kwanzaa 2 those who celebrate that as well!! not very well versed in other winter holidays, but may they be joyous and merry!

[charliehoennam]

hero's homestead

A/N: just a lil blurb I've had stuck on my mind and had to frigging get out since watching Road House

Pairing: Elwood Dalton x f!reader

Warnings: physical injuries, jealousy, kissing, mentions of grief and death

SHARING IS CARING, SO PLEASE REBLOG

Growing up in Glass Key made your face quite familiar around these parts. Everyone knew you, not because you were popular or from a rich family. Lord knows you wish you were.

But because the island was just so small, like a little fishbowl with too many sharks circling around their prey, everyone knew each other around here. However, the small island was full of a strong sense of community.

Your friendship with Charlie started while you were in high school. You were just a freshman and Charlie was six when Stephen and his wife would very often ask you to baby-sit.

Saying no to them was nearly impossible. Not only did they pay you well, but they always offered you a ride home and made you sure you had dinner before leaving. They really treated you like you were part of the family and helping one another in the community was just so normal.

They always treated you with welcoming kindness and respect so, if there was anything you could do to help them, you did it. Aside from baby-sitting Charlie, this included working at their book store.

You were around there most of the time. If you weren't at home or at school, you were at Glass Books.

As you got older, you started to spend less and less time there in order to focus on your own personal and professional life.

That didn't mean you were never around anymore. You still made your frequent stop to buy the new read of the week.

"Why don't you just get all the books you want for the month, so you don't have to keep coming back?" Charlie questioned genuinely curious.

"Nah, I like coming here. I like the service. And besides, you'd miss me too much, kid" you chuckled watching the young teenage ring your book up at the register.

When Stephen told you about his wife's illness, it really took you by surprise. She could've easily been voted the happiest woman of Glass Key. The aura she possessed could make the dullest room become the brightest. Her sense of humor would have even the most no-nonsense person cracking a smile. She was an amazing woman and a motherly figure to most.

The entire community mourned her loss. The blue sky and the tropical environment wasn't enough to brighten the day for your neighborhood's residents. The heavy rains that followed that entire week led you to believe that even the island was weeping for her absence.

Between medical expenses, funeral costs and a growing teenager, Stephen had to learn to be a single father quite fast. And that meant working a full-time job to make end's meet.

He asked you to help out with the store and you happily agreed. Glass Books was his wife's dream. She loved spending her days there, in the cozy little bookstore she'd built with the love of her life.

Although you know Stephen has a lot on his plate, you can't help but wonder if he wants to avoid the store and her memory altogether.

You refused to accept money for it, knowing the shop didn't make so much money. Even so, Stephen would still transfer you a small amount whenever he could and would often bring you breakfast, lunch or dinner because he felt it was the least he could do.

All you wanted to do was help.

He was more than grateful, especially when he saw how you could make Charlie laugh by putting on music and dancing in the middle of the store with her.

He could see her slipping into a dark place after the death of her mother. Dealing with his own pain, he did his best. But, you were the best friend she needed. A feminine figure she could go to talk about more embarrassing situations or just to get her mind off of the loss.

Gradually, it seemed like their small family was beginning to heal. Although the loss was a still a fresh wound, and Stephen would often find Charlie clutching a small portrait of her mother asleep in bed, they were managing to keep the pain at bay.

You understand how important this store to them. It represents so much more than being just a simple local book store. It represents her.

The store was just as special to you as it was to Charlie and Stephen.

It had always been your refuge, but now, it was always the place where you met him.

Charlie, with her overly friendly nature that she inherited from her mother, struck up a conversation with the then stranger just outside the bookstore.

Her overprotective father was soon outside within seconds. Although the friendly streak ran deep within him too, he knew these parts were full of men with bad intentions.

Once he realized the stranger wasn't from around, he felt a little more at ease.

Although you remained inside the shop, you could overhear their conversation as you inched towards the door and opened it to stand in the doorway, eyeing the stranger with caution.

Stephen was surprised to know he'd come out of town to work at the Road House. To be honest, neither of you expected him to last very long. At that place, security never does.

The bouncer turnover never ceased with the riots that broke out there almost every night. So, you didn't bother getting your hopes up.

However, Dalton kept coming back. Every other day, he came in with the excuse of using the computer or buying a book just to strike up a conversation with you and lay down his flirtatious charm.

Charlie was the first to notice he would always come around when you were there and, if you weren't, he'd always make sure to ask when you were.

She had quite a bit of fun poking fun at you, telling you he had a crush on you or mocking the unconscious change in your voice you had when talking to him.

It didn't long take for feelings to develop between you and him. There was no doubt in either of you. Although unspoken, the magnetic attraction was undeniably present.

Some of those talks were deep and you felt you could confide in him to share things you hadn't shared with anyone at all. He, in turn, told you about the night on the train tracks and how the last fight he had in the ring haunted him every night.

There was no denying the bond you were forming. However, the rumors that were spreading around the island about the closeness between Ellie and him made you hesitant to make the first move.

When you casually brought it up into conversation, he shook his head and told you it wasn't anything serious and that she'd took him on a date once. You wanted to ask him if he had feelings for her, but that would be too much.

"So what's the deal with you and Dalton?" Charlie curiously asked, having picked up on the constant courtship that you two refused to act on.

"There is no deal. We're just friends. Hardly that."

"I may be young, but I'm no fool. I know there's something going on between you two."

"Sorry to disappoint you, kid, but there isn't. Besides, I hear he's got a sort of a girlfriend" you replied without looking up at her from the book in your hand.

You were both sat in fold-out beach chairs placed in front of the store, enjoying a couple of white cherry slushies, hoping the ice cold drink could soothe the hot, humid weather.

"How do you have a 'sort of girlfriend'? Either she is or isn't."

"Those things are complicated. I guess they're getting to know each other," you shrugged wishing you could avoid the topic.

"Like you guys are?"

"There is nothing going on. Sure, he's cute and funny and all, but he's seeing someone else. He's not interested in me, Charlie."

"So, you are interested in him?"

"It doesn't matter if I am. She's a doctor, she's smart and she's really pretty and drives a nice car. I know I don't stand a chance, so I'd rather not get my hopes up," you rambled, failing to read anything on the page you were stuck on. "Can we please drop this now?"

"Oh my god," she smirked staring at you. "You're jealous."

You scoffed at her ridiculous accusation and shook your head as you closed the book and set it in your lap.

"I am not jealous. I do not get jealous."

"Yes, you are! You totally are!"

"I am not! I just don't want to talk about this anymore, alright? So can we drop it?"

"Alright, alright. Sorry I brought it up."

She couldn't stop smiling as you opened your book to continue reading. Although you weren't her parents, her mind couldn't stop thinking of a way to parent-trap you into getting together.

However, her plans were brought to a halt when Brandt's lackeys invaded the shop just a few days later.

You tried your best to stand your ground and defend the shop along with Stephen. He told you to leave, but you refused.

After the beatdown you both received unwillingly, a fire had been set and the cruel men left. The adrenaline that surged through your bodies was enough to numb the pain in order to get you both quickly back on your feet to put out the fire.

Between the blood loss and the resurfacing pain, the billowing smoke got stronger and stronger. The flames became too strong too quickly and had engulfed the entire wall across the front counter.

Light-headed and dizzy, Stephen tried to save whatever he could from the store. As you rushed back and forth, you realized that the fire had grown too much and swallowed the front entrance.

The heat of it shattered the glass windows. The open air only fueled the fire more. Coughing from the heavy smoke, both you and Stephen got down on the floor to avoid the unbreathable air and attempted to crawl to the back exit.

Everything went dark after that and melded into one huge blur.

You don't remember when you actually blacked out, but you do remember feeling relieved once you heard the fire department's arrival.

The time you spent in the hospital was short - only a couple of days - but it was enough to make you reflect on your life.

An overwhelming sense of regret washed over you as you thought about Dalton.

You'd only known each other for a few weeks, but what if you could've had something special? What if Charlie's jokes were true and he actually ended up to be your soulmate?

She could be wrong too, but the fact that you could've died and never found out if you ever really did stand a chance ate at your mind.

You hadn't fully realized the extent of your attachment until a couple days later.

You show up at the store with a limp from the beatdown you'd received a couple days ago.

Stephan tries to assure you they're fine, that you need to rest and recover, but you argue that you'll go insane if you stay at home with nothing to do, high on pain meds.

Helping the owners clean and salvage whatever they can, Charlie casually mentions that Dalton and left her and her father a suitcase full of money to rebuild the store before he got on a greyhound bus destined to leave Glass Key.

The same regret you'd felt in the hospital strikes you again and secretly consumes you.

You try to play it off and instruct her to not to tell anyone about the money. You barely understand what she said after that. All you can think about for the rest of that morning is that he left and didn't even say goodbye.

When Charlie and her father invite you to get some lunch with them, you politely refuse, opting to stay back and keep yourself busy. You lie and tell them you had a big breakfast beforehand just so they won't worry.

You promised you wouldn't get your hopes up. You knew better than that. Bouncers never last at the Road House. You know this just as well as any of the other residents of Glass Key.

He's gone now.

You just want to be alone for a bit to process it.

The door opens and the bell above it rings as you sweep away at the shattered glass, forcing you to look back over your shoulder.

The sight you see has you frozen in surprise.

His face is impossible to forget. You could never forget those big blue doe eyes, even with the dark skin that circles his right eye.

You groan lightly at the shooting pain from your broken rib as you straighten and turn to face him, holding the broom by your side as you stand next to it.

Dalton closes the glassless door behind him as he greets you with a silent but friendly smile until the cut on your lip and the black eye remind him of the damage he caused.

He doesn't look too different from you. His eye is still a little swollen but mostly black now, his lip busted and the stitches on his eyebrow are all evidence that business has been handled at the Road House.

"So, the Glass Key hero returns" you smile at him, ignoring the sting on your bottom lip. "Charlie said you were riding off into the sunset. You forget something?"

"I'm not a hero and, no, I didn't" he starts, looking around the burned down shop trying to swallow his guilt.

"Changed your mind?"

"Someone kinda changed it for me, actually. A very wise person told me that heroes don't always have to ride off into the sunset. They can stay and make a homestead instead."

Joy bursts within you like fireworks on new years. You try to fight back the smile that creeps onto you lips.

"Thought you weren't a hero."

"I'm not."

You nod biting the inside of your cheek to mask your excitement. You take the second broom that Charlie had been using earlier and left leaning against the wall by the front door.

"This homestead could use a hand" you smile and offer him the broom.

He takes it with a happy grin, feeling finally accepted as if he finally found somewhere he belongs.

"There's, uh, one more thing" he says in a soft voice.

His hand raises to your chin, tilting your head up as he cranes his neck to kiss you in the most tender of ways.

Unable to forget about Ellie, you place a hand on his chest and gently push to stop the kiss.

Dalton's face contorts with confusion. He doesn't notice the breath he's holding, anxiety settling in as he fears that you'll ask him to stop. Maybe he got the wrong signals and you don't like him that way. He'd respect it, if that's the case, but it doesn't mean his heart won't be crushed.

"I thought you were seeing Ellie?"

He blinks slightly surprised. That's not what he had expected to hear, but it makes him kind of happy that you're not asking him to stop.

"She took me on a date and we kissed, but that was it."

"So, you are dating her?"

"What, are you jealous?"

"Why does everyone keep saying that? I'm not jealous."

"You sound a little jealous" he smirks.

"I'm not. I just... I don't wanna get my hopes up."

"I'm not dating her," he says gently stroking your bruised cheek. "I told her there's someone else for me, someone that I really wanna date."

He gazes into your eyes as you smile up at him and let him continue his kiss. You let his lips linger on yours and smile when you feel them stretch into a grin.

The cuts on your mouths hurt, but neither of you bother to pull away.

His kiss gradually intensifies. His tongue flicks over your bottom lip, politely asking for entrance. His free hand reaches for your waist as the other sets against your cheek, leaving the broom tucked in his arm.

You let his tongue slip past your defenses. The gentle way his hand cradles your face has you holding onto his strong forearm and the other broom for balance as the room spins around you from his vertiginous kiss.

Your chest presses against his as you moan softly into his mouth. It takes him every ounce of his self-control to not pin you against the wall.

The bell rings again, alerting you both of another's presence so you quickly pull apart, trying to quickly compose yourselves. Your eyes shoot to the door along with Dalton's.

You realize who it is, so he shyly lets his eyes wander around what's left of the store and sweeps the ashy floor.

"Hope I'm not interrupting anything," Charlie smirks sipping her juice from a straw as she stands in the doorway.

"No, no," you reply nervously as heat pools in your cheeks. "Dalton and I were just, uh, cleaning up."

"Cleaning what? The floor or each other's throats?"

Dalton snickers at her candor, glancing at you until she continues.

"Good to see you're back though. And if you ask me, it's about time."

[hwanchaesong]

☞🍹First Drink: He has lost himself in the sea of vodka and rum, so, why don't you do him the honor of bringing him back down here on earth. 🍸

🎧: The Weeknd - Alone Again

wc: 738

genre & warnings: angst (heavy lmao), fluff, comfort, mentions of being high and drunk, cursing, pet name, Mark is a celebrity but not an idol & reader is a normal college student etc etc

a/n: this is a part of The After Hours Bar series. if y'all want, you can read the other album inspired fics of other groups here.

The loud bang of the door being harshly opened and shut jolted you awake, panicking for a second before you recognized the slurring voice of your fiancé.

You hurriedly went downstairs, worried for his well-being. It's unusual for him to come home drunk or high and cause a ruckus, and if it does happen, that means that something is bothering him.

"Mark?" you called, then you followed his humming, leading you to the kitchen, and there you saw his collapsed body on the floor.

Cautiously walking up to him, your hands went to his shoulders, and that seemed to wake him up from his misplaced slumber.

"Baby!" he mused, pulling you out of the blue, and that left you no choice but to stumble with him onto the tiled floors of your kitchen, "I missed you."

"I missed you too, Mark." you plopped yourself up using your elbows, landing a palm over his chest that was heaving up and down steadily, "Is everything okay?"

His eyes shot wide open, gaze focused on you and it made you squirm, uneasy at his piercing glassy orbs.

"I'm tired of this bullshit." he mutters, devoid of emotion and you know that this is one of the nights where he's losing himself.

"Hm? Tell me more." you mumble, sitting up and gently cradling his head, putting it on your lap so he could be more comfortable.

He sighs in content, his mouth opening to speak whilst you tread your fingers in his inky hair soothingly.

"I am tired of people telling me what to do, how to act. It's like I'm only breathing for their satisfaction. I can't live with this fake life anymore."

He rambles and you listen, your heart aching at his hardships.

You will never fully understand the difficulties of being in the spotlight, as your life is as mundane as it could be.

You are a simple university student, studying hard to get your dream job that will pay for your expenses, born in an ordinary family and living in a medium-sized apartment.

He on the other hand is a famous guitarist and singer in a world-class boy band. He stands on top of luxury and stardom, and the pressure and expectations bring nothing but insanity.

That is where you come in, the normalcy in his hectic celebrity life, the main reason why Mark loves you so much.

You complete him in ways that no one else can. With you, he can say his inner, darkest thoughts and emotions without any doubts because he is secure in your presence.

Your hands went to his cheeks, massaging it tenderly before pinching it, making him whine in slight pain.

"Then rest here, breathe here, and live an honest life here with me." you say, and that's the only thing you can offer because there is no way you'd tell him to stop what he's doing.

Mark loves his job, you are well aware of that, so to give him advice about it is a big no no. That would be disrespectful for him and his ambitions.

This is the best option, to give him solace and joy when he needs it the most.

"I told you before, right?" you continue your mini speech of motivation for your beloved, "I am always here to support you. To make you feel safe. I am here to charge your battery when it's empty. After that, I'll let you go and have the time of your life performing."

"And if I get tired again?" he asks, his hands flying to wrap around your own.

"Then the cycle restarts. Come back home to me and I'll give you energy." you answered confidently, intertwining your fingers with his and resting it on his separate shoulders.

Appreciation fills Mark's heart, he would be lost if it's not for you.

"How will you do that?" he mused, thumbs rubbing over your knuckles.

You smile lovingly, leaning down and pressing a passionate yet soft kiss on his lips.

Beyond perfect, love personified is in the shape of you, and Mark wouldn't have it any other way.

You remind him of who he truly is, ground him back on earth when his mind flies a little bit too high, you heal his wounded heart and soul.

In this journey that he took, there would be times where he'll be left alone, but with you by his side, he's never lonely.

taglist:

@sunghoonsgfreal @yeosayang @shakalakaboomboo @mystverse

[sinisteryanderescribe]

Slides into your ask box, do have any dark or nondark headcanons for Norton Campbell?

Norton Campbell Headcanon

Summery: a mysterious and enigmatic individual, whose inscrutable demeanor conceals a complex and intriguing past.

Genre: slight angst, mentions of Norton’s backstory, fluff , hints of violence, hints of harassment, fem reader

Note: *opens ask box* hello there! I didn’t have any Norton head-canons so far so this is the first one, hope you like it! Sorry for taking long dear.

…………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………….

It is very known that Norton in the eyes of others was always someone hard to deal with. Growing up in poverty surrounded by factories and polluted air, as well as losing his parents at a young age effected both his mentality and physical strength. It didn’t help either with how much little food he was getting…but it thankfully kept him alive enough much longer than he thought. Despite the hardships there is still a spark of determination within him that fills him with hope to escape such a miserable life.

Upon learning through life the harsh way he developed a deep resentment towards the wealthy and privileged, feeling like they had everything handed to them while he struggled to make ends meet. Despite his hardships, Norton possessed a sharp intellect and a strong work ethic, often taking in much longer times in the mines & pressing more pressure on himself.

It should be obvious that this man would develop a wall around him, due to how he would be treated by others. Trust is something Norton gave up on a long time ago. Ever since death took his father, the only man who held his trust and protection, away from him he learned the hard way to never rely on others other than himself.

You took notice of this of course, being the nurse that is. It was your job to note down each and every one of the men’s healths down. Though Norton was the most to stand out, given how he would always be the one to be brought to your office all beaten up and bruised. Thus how you’ve found yourself paying more attention to the scruffy man.

He was a stubborn one alright, either a miner or a guard had to drag him all the way to you simply cause he saw it as a sigh of weakness and refused to take acknowledge of his injuries just to get back to work.

You never thought about why he was this eager to get back to working in the mines, it was a hellish work alright yet he had always wanted to keep working more and longer than the others. No one really understood why he would go this far or what his goal was but, either way they simply shrugged it off.

Here you are again as you find yourself sitting in front of Norton, quiet and intimidating as he can be, as he sits on the bed, his cold eyes fixed on you without a word. Making you slightly nervous; His taller frame doesn’t help either, he may be slender but his body almost towering over you says otherwise.

The room is filled with the sound of your gentle movements as you tend to his injuries. You clean his face, hands, and arms tenderly, holding back from running your fingers on the scar surrounding his eye. Your touch a stark contrast to his tough exterior.

Norton's silence is heavy in the air, but you've grown accustomed to it. You know that beneath his gruff exterior lies a man who has seen too much hardship in the mines. His injuries, a result of the harsh conditions he faces daily, speak volumes about the dangers of his profession.

As you carefully tend to his wounds, you can't help but wonder about the story behind each scar and bruise. You've heard whispers from the other miners about Norton's solitary nature and the frequent injuries he sustains. Despite his reluctance to seek help, you can see a glimmer of gratitude in his eyes as you work to ease his pain.

He may seem rough yet….you know he isn’t one of the nasty men that would eye you up knowing the unpleasant thoughts that lie within their corrupted minds. He’s got a certain….charm to him, and denying the fact that he himself is quite a handsome man would be a lie.

All he does really is play with a strand of your hair or fiddle with your skirt, to pass the time whenever you’re taking care of him. It surprised you at first yet it was a small sigh of him putting his guard down whenever your around.

It’s really cute actually….and it made you warm inside…

Despite the distrust that lie in his eyes, Norton never really mistreated you nor physically or verbally. All there was, silence and a small nod he’d give you whenever you’d finish healing him up.

Which led you to always secretly make him a warm healthy meal, that would fill him up. It did bring up suspicion on his side but he never refused the offer and found himself digging in realising the desperate hunger that he lived throughout his life, melting at each bite he would take.

In this quiet moment, you find yourself wishing to break through his tough exterior, to offer him the comfort and solace he so clearly needs. You continue your ministrations with care, hoping that your presence brings him some measure of relief, if only for a brief moment in the harsh world of the mines.

As you finish cleaning Norton's wounds, you carefully wrap them up, ensuring that they are protected and will heal properly. You then prepare his medication for the day, knowing that he needs it to manage the pain from his lungs. Thankfully reducing the constant coughing he suffers from. As you hand him the medication, he meets your gaze for a moment, and you catch a hint of something softer in his eyes, a fleeting expression that speaks volumes.

In that brief exchange, you sense a silent gratitude from Norton, a recognition of the care and attention you've devoted to his well-being. Despite his stoic demeanor, you can tell that he appreciates your efforts, even if he struggles to express it in words. You understand that for a man like Norton, actions speak louder than any conversation could.

You watch him take the medication, his movements are measured and deliberate, a reflection of the resilience he carries within him. Giving him a sweet smile you can't help but admire his strength, both physical and emotional, as he endures the harshness of his work with a quiet determination.

Your presence and care have made a difference, however small, in Norton's life. You may not be able to erase the pain and challenges he faces in the mines, but you can offer him a moment of respite, a touch of compassion in a harsh world.

….the next working days you started finding different colours of small gems laying on your office table

…………………………………………………………………………….

[blouisparadise]

Upon request, today we have a second part to our rec list of domestic fics. In case you missed it, you can find the first part here. If you enjoy our rec lists, please be sure to like and reblog the post to help spread the word. Happy reading!

1) To Make a Home Where There Is None | Mature | 3,907 words

Harry shows up and doesn't want to leave. Louis doesn't mind too much.

2) Harmony | Explicit | 6,175 words

Alpha Harry and Omega Louis don’t have the most amicable relationship at work. When they get stuck together in an elevator, Harry scents Louis after nothing else works to bring him out of his panicked state. Their time trapped in the elevator together brings to light some misunderstandings, and maybe some feelings for each other, too.

3) Too Nervous to be Lovers | Mature | 6,445 words

Louis doesn't want to spend quarantine with Harry, his straight roommate, who doesn't even acknowledge his existence.

4) Oranges, Whipped Cream and Blueberries | Explicit | 9,135 words

Louis was an omega of a pure bloodline. He had known since he was merely eight years old that he was to be bonded with a high ranked alpha. Not the one of his choice, but the one deemed suitable for him by the elders. Little did he know that the alpha would be the leader of his pack; the greatest pack known to their kind.

5) I Glow Pink In The Night | Explicit | 12,128 words

“These are academic articles,” Harry argues lightly. He runs his hands up and down Louis’ smooth and tan legs, grinning when Louis purrs. “I just want to learn more about you. We’ve only been dating for a few months.” Louis bites down a smile, warmth filling his belly and a flush coloring his cheeks. Pulling his fluffy black tail around him, he picks off lint and flicks them onto the floor. “Well, then ask me.”

6) With The Certainty Of Tides | Mature | 13,980 words

“Love you,” Louis whispered in the dark. He didn’t know what time it was or where the light had gone, he knew that he was in Harry’s arms, basking in the afterglow of all their love and he’d be a fool to not tell Harry that. As if Harry didn’t know. “Love you,” was whispered back, as if Louis didn’t know. They confessed to each other as if it was their first time saying it, raw and painful, and listened to it the very same way, but they knew those words to be the only ones true. With all the certainty of the tides, with all the light from the sun, with all the steady beats of their hearts, they were deftly in love, in secret and so loudly. They were brave and fearless and strong and hopelessly devoted in every sense of their breaths. “We made it, baby,” Harry mumbled, bringing their lips into a final kiss, sweet and soft and the color of pink. They already knew that, didn’t fight tooth and nail and argued through every petty year and bleed their hearts into the words they sang and on their skin for them to have not made it home. They were home.

7) Hungry Heart | Explicit | 16,100 words

"So you're using me and my kitchen for a bigger paycheck?" Harry asks. "What do I get out of it?" "What do you-" Louis parrots in disbelief. "I get a job that doesn't make me work ten hour shifts just to barely pay my rent while you get three meals a day cooked for you." "So, what, you're like some glorified housewife?" Housewife, personal chef, Louis doesn't care. Contract's signed and done; T's crossed and I's dotted. Louis will wear an apron and twirl his hair all pretty if that's what he wants. Even if the job feels more like some drawn out jail sentence, Louis hopes this isn't going to be a long summer.

8) Three’s A Crowd, Four’s A Party | Mature | 16,569 words

“Morgan, sweetie, mommy and daddy have something we want to talk to you about.” The little girl looks at them confused, having no idea what’s about to happen. “First I want to tell you that we love you very much and nothing will ever change that, okay?” “I love you too!” Louis smiles. “What we wanted to talk to you about is that there’s going to be some changes around here soon.” “Why?” “Because mommy’s having a baby.”

9) Hijack My Heart | Explicit | 18,105 words

Harry Styles loved challenges. What was life without challenges? he asked himself at 17 when he failed his A levels and had to switch schools. Challenges made life interesting, he said at 20 when he moved to New York, all alone, away from his friends and family. Challenges are what make life worth living, he thought at 25 when the nurse handed him the most beautiful baby girl on the planet, and asked him to give her a name. Challenges suck, he thought at 25 and a half, when he held a wailing baby in his arms on the 6.00 AM flight to London, from New York.

10) Tennis Court | Explicit | 18,285 words

Louis and Harry are co-workers and Louis is sure Harry hates him because he always refuses to help him with his heats.

11) What Happens In Vegas...Doesn't Stay In Vegas | Explicit | 21,976 words

What should have been a fun one-night stand in Vegas turns into something a lot more complicated. Because getting married is easy but getting unmarried... not so much.

12) True Blue | Explicit | 23,409 words

Louis and Harry are the most codependent couple. Harry's life purpose is to take care of his omega & Louis' is to be doted on. After a few too many jabs from their friends and coworkers, Louis is determined to show Harry that he's capable of surviving on his own while Harry is certain that Louis is going to break up with him at any moment.

13) My End And My Beginning | Explicit | 24,749 words

When Louis starts as an intern at a new company, he becomes particularly fond of the boss’ five children. And maybe the boss himself as well.

14) Yours To Lose | Mature | 25,742 words

Louis always gets distracted with his mummy duty and he eventually catches Harry's attention.

15) Confections Of The Heart | Explicit | 25,877 words

Louis is a single mom, Harry is a pastry chef, and Oliver just wants his mom to be happy. With a teaspoon of love and a sprinkle of fate, the three might just find a home in each other.

16) Through Chaos As It Swirls, It’s Us Against The World | Explicit | 31,728 words

Corporal Styles is sent on a suicidal mission, at his hands the lives of hundreds of men that are going straight into a trap. He ends up finding Louis, the french and most beautiful boy he has ever seen, and a baby, in a basement of a dead city.

17) Deleted Scenes | Explicit | 33,623 words

Agent Harry Styles was injured on the job a few months back, and gets roped in one last mission before he can retire prematurely: playing house with Louis, a widower who has amnesia. The assignment seems simple at the beginning, but soon enough Harry's twisted in a web of his own making, and can't get out anymore.

18) A Common Place Affliction | Explicit | 36,508 words

“You should go home,” Louis muses, and Harry can feel the omega crouch down to become eye level with Harry, poking his cheek with a dainty finger. Harry lifts his arm, taking a peek at Louis’ face. Louis looks tired, he notes, but not exhausted, and there’s an eyelash stuck to his cheek. Harry doesn’t hesitate to lazily reach out and thumb over his cheek. “Can’t,” Harry croaks, blindly twisting his hand around to grab at Louis’ offending finger and just holding it. “C’mere. Take a nap with me,” he asks after a beat, opening an eye to look at Louis. Louis raises an eyebrow. “M’not going to nap with you in the middle of the ER, H.” Sighing, Harry squeezes the young nurse’s finger. “Nobody cares.” He knows they do; they’ll annoy nurses and probably worry patients when they catch sight of a nurse and surgeon sleeping on the job. Let alone in the middle of the emergency ward hallway. Harry can hear the complaints now: ‘these are the people we’re supposed to trust with our lives?’

19) All This Devotion | Explicit | 38,047 words

Louis is Harry’s work wife. The already blurry lines of their friendship are smudged further when they get caught up in a web of lies.

20) Kiss Me On The Mouth And Set Me Free (But Please Don’t Bite) | Mature | 42,036 words

Harry is the CEO of Flora Corp, Louis is his new secretary.

21) A Silent Whisper (That's Left Unsaid) | Explicit | 50,848 words

Note: This fic is locked and can be only be read by AO3 users.

A Fake Relationship & Exes to Lovers AU ft a failed proposal ten years ago, an oblivious Harry, an overworked Louis, Zayn as the protective best friend, a meddling aunt and a lot of talks about weddings and rings.

22) Forgive The Urgency, But Hurry Up And Wait | Explicit | 53,701 words

Note: This fic is a sequel to this fic. We'd suggest reading that one first.

Louis' going to do better. He’s going to have all of the uncomfortable conversations and the relationship talks. He’s going to make himself be a good boyfriend. And he’s got absolutely no idea where to start.

23) Strawberries & Cigarettes | Explicit | 76,633 words

Summary: Two stories, eleven years, and the two boys that never stopped loving each other.

24) Saving Symphony Hall | Explicit | 124,766 words

Note: This fic is a sequel to this fic. We'd suggest reading that one first. This fic is locked and can be only be read by AO3 users.

“I think I have an idea,” Louis said. Slowly, and reluctantly, but with a growing sense of the inevitable. “God damnit, I think I have a really good idea.” “Oh christ, that's the problem-solving face,” Babs said. “Last time we saw that face, he sold a company.” “Wait, what?” Zayn asked. “Right place, right time,” Louis said. “Also, fuck my life,” “What?” Zayn repeated. Niall patted his hand. “I usually just roll with whatever Louis is about to do,” he said. “It’s better for us all.” “That’s the attitude,” said Louis, “I’ll tell you tomorrow. Tonight, I need to do some research. Zayn, give me your number. I’m gonna save our symphony.”

25) Love Me Until The End | Explicit | 207,311 words

AU where Louis, an Omega, is the head nurse of the hospital in charge of running the nursing staff. Harry, an Alpha, is a highly respected surgeon working at the same hospital. They also happen to fall in love.

Check out our other fic rec lists by category here and by title here.

[aheathen-conceivably]

🎶 In the desert you can't remember your name 'cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain

It had been months of looking for work, of walking the compacted sands and hot asphalt of Strangerville as Antoine’s hopes dwindled closer to nothing. The most recent shop that turned him away had given him directions to a ranch so deep in the valley he hadn’t even known anything was there before. He had second guessed going at all, wondering if it was a fool’s errand or a disgruntled local’s cruel idea of a joke. 

But as he walked onto the plateau that spanned the top of the landscape, his worries melted into stunned silence. It was like a different world, suspended above the one below with vistas so grand he didn’t know they could possibly exist in this world. As though his wonder couldn’t grow, he suddenly heard neighing that he recognized from his fondest memories.

There was no word for the horses other than magnificent, no way for him to express how much they fulfilled every dream he ever had of this place or every feeling of freedom he expected to find here. They seemed to live the way he wanted to, simply existing in the hot desert air without any bounds placed upon their heads.

“Hey, mister! Mister! You looking for work or somethin’?”

Antoine pulled his eyes away from the horses begrudgingly, toward the voice that had spoken to him. It was a lone man across the enclosure, his heavy boots marking every step he took across the sand toward where Antoine stood. 

For a moment, Antoine smiled at him. When he left New Orleans he had never expected to see anyone here who looked like him, and the unexpected presence of another black man immediately made him feel more comfortable, “I am, sir. Work on your ranch. I was told you were looking for help.”

Antoine’s relief quickly dissipated as the man narrowed his eyes and spit into the sand, “Well that was before all you Okies started passing through. You know I’ve got a family to feed too right? I can’t just hand out jobs to every straggler who walks by.”

For a moment Antoine went to respond, but he could see the purposefully hardened expression tighten on the man’s face, so he simply tipped his hat and walked away.

Before he could take ten steps a small, breathless child ran in front of him, “Sir, wait! My momma just finished a loaf of bread, if you wanna come inside! She can spare a slice or two and maybe some jam, maybe…”

Before he could finish a loud voice boomed from behind him, “William you leave that man alone, you hear? I’m sorry, mister. My son, he’s a bit soft hearted, I’m afraid.”

Antoine looked down at the boy and smiled, “That’s alright, I’ve got a girl just about your age. Her name is Violette. But you tell your momma to save that bread for someone who really needs it, alright, son? I’ll be just fine.”

The sound of heavy boots approached again, and the man put his arm around his son before looking back up at Antoine, “You ain’t no Okie, are you? Not with that voice. Where are you from, anyway?”

“New Orleans. We have a farmhouse down the way, just before town.” 

“New Orleans, huh?” The man looked back down at his son with a whistle, as though the words themselves were foreign and impressive. Then he gave him a quick tap on the back, “Go back inside to your Momma, Will. Tell her I’ll be in shortly.”

As his small feet ran away, the man looked back at Antoine, “Listen here, I’m Abraham. I don’t have much, not enough to guarantee pay week by week, but at least it’s something. And your girl, Violette you said? She’s welcome to eat here if you need. My wife works down at the schoolhouse but she’s a mighty cook. We can get you set up with schooling too. But don’t expect much else; I reckon the pay round here isn’t gonna get much better with time.”

It was a better offer than Antoine had heard since he arrived, and pay seemed inconsequential next to that fact that Violette wouldn't have to go hungry again; maybe she could even have a friend in this lonely and foreign place. He looked down at the the man’s hand extended in front of him and reached out to it like a lifeline, “I’ll take it, sir.”

[r3starttt]

NOT THE ONLY ONE | ellabs

answering this request | read this or DNI

You've been working nonstop for approximately half a year now. Till early in the morning to late at night you're out of the house, walking here and there, gaze fixated to a computer and lots of interaction with people you just don't get how they got the job.

Something that's been helping is the idea of coming at home after those long days and seeing your girls, waiting for you, to hear about your day and spoil you for doing such sacrifice for the three of you.

The work too, just not as much as you do.

And that actually leaded to something a while ago, the idea, no, necessity you had to make a proper family well, have a cat.

Abby didn't like the idea because she's more a dog person, and Ellie just didn't feel like she can be responsible enough. And even though you begged and begged they just didn't let you, not even when you pay most bills.

So now, walking towards your shared appartment you're having the time of your life, walking torturly slowly and even taking the stairs, taking advantage of the fact that you were already late and got some calls from both. Because it seems like you really deserve what you want.

Some minutes ago, right after the longest day you've had so far, you heard an almost inaudible 'miaw' near you. And who are you to ignore that?

Not even the keys properly open the door when Ellie is already opening it. Right behind her you can glance at the stupidly big couch behind her, where Abby's laying with crossed arms.

"Why won't you fucking answer? She almost sends me to your office" ellie says, dragging you inside.

You just roll your eyes in response "just busy, this new girl kept me busy all day... I might have to stay later these days, get used to it"

You've never heard this much silence, it's almost painful and too loud to ignore it as you've planned.

"You didn't say anything about a new girl" Abby speaks. You can her her standing as you get rid of your shoes, quietly begging for the small kitty to not cry.

"Yeah, maybe you just don't pay attention to me" a quiet 'oh' brushes Ellie's lips, who's resting on the door, attentive looking at you.

"What's wrong?" Abby knew whenever you had a tough day. Her hands moved around your waist, making small circles with her thumb, which you moved away almost as a reflex

"Honestly...us, I'm getting tired of this same routine" Both Abby's and Ellie's voices overlapped, not letting you hear anything

"Spending time with someone else was just what I needed, being with her made me realize that"

Maybe if their faces didn't fully transform into a desperate and shocked expression, maybe, you could keep going with it.

But it's not the case, so you kneel to open you job bag, carefully looking through it until the kitty takes its place on your hands.

"That's why we need a kitty, any ideas for her name?"

To say the least, they almost kick you out.

[babygirlbenji]

I Still Love You - Mason Mount

A/N: This is a long-awaited part 2 to Last Train To London which you can read here! I worked really hard on it and I hope it lives up to expectations. Enjoy!

Warnings: mild angst, mild swearing, fluff

WC: 2.8k

When your train pulled into London King’s Cross, Ben was there, as promised, to pick you up with a McDonald’s meal. He took you under his wing, and let you stay at his place for the night.

‘Make yourself comfortable, sweets, and please know you can stay here as long as you need.’ You knew you had an offer from Sophia and Kai to crash at their place until you got back on your feet, but you didn’t want to intrude on their space. 

‘I might take you up on that offer, Ben, thank you.’ He showed you around his place, making sure you knew where everything was in case you couldn’t sleep, let you have free rein of the fridge, freezer and cupboards, and even let Oscar the dog stay in your room, which Oscar was more than happy to oblige. 

‘I think that’s everything. If you need me, text me, okay? I’m right here.’ You shuffled over to him and wrapped your arms around his torso to give him a hug you’d needed for weeks at that point. He rubbed your back affectionately. He was like a big brother to you, and you were more grateful than you could ever put into words for his support.

You had expected that night to have been sleepless and anxious, but you were simply too exhausted, both mentally and physically, that by the time you changed into your pyjamas, brushed your teeth and climbed into bed, your eyes were drooping already. Oscar jumped onto the bed and turned around a couple of times, making a nice little den in the blanket for him to snuggle up next to you in. You reached out to fiddle with his curly fur. The dog was like a weighted blanket, reassuring you that you were safe and you were okay. Before you knew it, you were fast asleep.

As the days, weeks and months rolled by, you could feel yourself slowly healing. Ben, Reece and the rest of the Chelsea boys, along with Kai and Jorgi over at Arsenal (they were still very much part of the inner circle), stood stoically beside you every step of the way. You had initially distanced yourself from Stamford Bridge for the first couple of months, the memories you had made there with Mason all too painful, but you gradually made your way back into the hallowed halls of the iconic stadium. You attended matches whenever you could, and started to wear CHILWELL 21 shirts to matches. 

This had not gone unnoticed by fans. They had quickly cottoned on to the fact that you had gone back to London and Mason was still in Manchester. The gossip websites were in full swing, linking you and Ben together and writing spiteful articles about how you were a gold-digger, how you hopped from one football player to another, how it was your fault that your relationship had ended… You never minded, though. You continued on your healing journey and went about your daily business. You had secured a well-paying job back in London as an events planner in Soho, and had managed to find a nice little studio flat not too far from your office. Ben had insisted he buy you a new car, as you had sold your car up in Manchester to help bring some money in to pay for the flat deposit. Your life was most definitely on the up, and it would take a gigantic storm to blow you off course.

That gigantic storm came about a year after you moved back to London. You had your routine, you were solid in your job and you met up with Ben and the boys regularly. 

One such outing in Knightsbridge, Ben pulled you aside to have a chat.

‘What’s up, Benji?’ The nickname you had for him was one only you could use. He hated being called Benji by everyone, but you were basically his little sister. In his eyes, you could get away with murder.

‘Well, um…’ His face told you he had information he would rather not give you, but felt it was his moral obligation to do so anyway.

‘Come on, Ben, out with it!’

‘Declan’s invited me and Mason to his birthday party, and he’s invited you, too.’ His words sent a chill down your spine. You hadn’t spoken to or about Mason in months, although that hadn’t stopped you from thinking about him every day. Thinking about what could have been, thinking about the ‘what ifs’, thinking about what you could have done to make him stay in love with you. You were brought back to earth by Ben putting a gentle hand on your shoulder. ‘You don’t have to decide just yet, but the offer is there if you did want to go. It would be great to have you there.’ He gave you a quick hug, before he went back to join the rest of the group to have drinks, leaving you with your thoughts and a large decision to make. While you would love to celebrate Declan with your friends, you hadn’t seen or heard from Mason in a year. The awkwardness was what worried you the most, along with the possibility of all the emotions coming back if you did end up running into him. Because deep down, in your heart, you knew that you still loved him. He was the absolute love of your life, and you couldn’t help but feel that he was your one that got away. You realised then just how much you missed him. 

The night had swiftly come to an end for you, so you messaged Ben to let him know that you were on your way home and that you’d see him soon. 

Benjamin: No worries J  text me when you get home, and let me know if you’re coming to Dec’s birthday bash. We’d love to have you but I know you’ll have to decide. LOVE YA X

It was safe to say you didn’t get much sleep that night. You were awake for hours, tossing and turning, thinking about what Ben had said. It would be great to go and show up for Declan. He’d been there for you through everything, even with Lauren giving birth to little Jude. They had both made space for you in their busy lives with a new-born, and you couldn’t have been more grateful. Before you could stop yourself, you sent a message to Ben:

To: Benjamin: Been thinking about it all night. Sorry for the late message, I figured I needed to say it before I think about it more lol. I’ll be at Dec’s party x

You rolled over onto your side. There was no turning back now. 

The day of the party arrived. Your room was a mess, dresses and shoes strewn across the floor. You wanted to find the perfect outfit for a party, which would show that you cared to make an effort but not too much effort, on the off chance you would see Mason. 

Your eyes fell upon a navy blue bodycon dress that you had worn a couple of times before. It came down to your mid-thigh and had a neckline that did your bust some considerable favours. Finally feeling more positive about what you were wearing, having started to feel like you were going to have a breakdown about not being able to find anything appropriate to wear, you shoved on a pair of simple black heels and touched up your makeup. There was a knock at your door. Checking your phone, the time was 7:30; Ben was picking you up and he had arrived bang on time. 

‘Coming!’ Your voice carried into the hall as you opened the door to find Ben, who was wearing a smart navy-blue button down with black slacks. Your mind briefly registered the fact that the colour of his shirt was basically a direct match to your dress.

‘Hey, you,’ he smiled, leaning in to give you a hug. Your senses were temporarily hazy by his cologne, which you painfully recalled as one that Mason had recommended to him as you had liked it on Mason. On Ben, though, it didn’t have the same knee-weakening effect as it had done for you when Mason wore it. ‘You good?’ He had obviously taken your quietness as nervousness.

‘Yeah, yeah, I’m good. You?’ He nodded. You could tell he was searching your face for any signs of discomfort, of not wanting to go, of being terrified of seeing Mason. 

‘All good. Mostly just worried about you.’ You shrugged.

‘I’ll be fine. Got my wingman, I’ll be okay.’ You shared a laugh as you walked downstairs to where he had a car waiting. He held the door open for you, letting you slide in with him following you. 

You and Ben spent the journey talking about your days and what you’d got up to, how your job was going, what antics he and the boys got up to at training and other small talk. He didn’t want to say anything, as he could tell you were nervous enough as it was, but he knew you well enough to know that you missed Mason almost as much as Mason missed you. You were quiet, reserved, not your usual bubbly self. If you were being completely honest with yourself, you hadn’t been your usual bubbly self since the breakup. Ben knew you loved Mason, but he never thought the breakup would impact you as much as it did. 

 Before long, the car pulled up at Declan’s house. The nerves in the pit of your stomach started doing backflips as you went up to the front door. Loud bass was audible through the walls, and you could tell there was a large crowd already, even though it was early by most people’s standards. You just wanted to stay for a couple of hours at the most before quietly leaving, all ideally without seeing Mason. 

That plan quickly went out the window when Declan opened the door, arm in arm with Mason. 

‘Hey guys! Oh…’ Declan’s wide grin disappeared the minute he saw it was you and Ben, clearly thinking you were someone else. The awkwardness was palpable. ‘Hey Y/N, Ben, glad you guys could make it!’ Dec brought you in for a hug, whispering an ‘I’m so sorry’ in your ear as he did so. 

‘Don’t worry,’ you replied in an equally quiet voice, hoping he could hear you over the music. The squeeze he gave you told you he had heard you. 

You avoided Mason’s eyes completely as Ben and Declan caught up, Ben asking about life at Arsenal and how Declan was finding his new club. 

‘I’m gonna get a drink, did you want anything?’ You asked Ben at a break in the conversation. Mason’s eyes raked over you as you got close to Ben, one of your hands absent-mindedly on his arm. Jealousy raged in his stomach. 

‘Just a beer, please, gorgeous,’ Ben replied. His usual pet-name for you was innocuous for the both of you, but took on a whole new meaning in Mason’s head. Why was he calling you gorgeous? Why were you touching him? Were the tabloids correct? Had you gone for his former teammate in the wake of the breakup? Mason’s head was reeling. 

You handed Ben his drink and wandered off to mingle with some of the Arsenal WAGS, introducing yourself to Martin Ødegaard’s new girlfriend and giving Milly, Ben White’s new wife, a big hug to congratulate her, as you hadn’t been able to attend the wedding. 

Neither Declan or Ben missed the fact that Mason’s eyes rarely left your form for more than a few seconds as he watched you chat and catch up with some old friends. 

‘How are you, Mase, United treating you well?’ Ben asked conversationally. 

‘Yeah, ‘s alright.’ Eyebrows were raised at Mason’s curt tone. Ben and Declan exchanged confused glances, before leaving Mason to his thoughts and continuing into the party to see some of the other guys who had made an appearance. Mason was left with his thoughts as he stood and pondered his next move. 

As he was doing so, he saw you excuse yourself from the small throng of people to head to the kitchen to scope out the buffet. He seized his opportunity and followed you into the kitchen.

What he couldn’t have known was that instead of grabbing something to eat, you were having to physically stop yourself from having a full-blown panic attack. Gripping the counter with your hands and keeping your head bowed, you focused on keeping your breathing deep. 

You had no idea how many minutes had passed, but an all-to-familiar voice brought you back to earth with an almighty bump.

‘Y/N? You okay?’ You turned, and before you knew it, you were face-to-face with the person you never thought you’d see again. ‘Y/N?’ he asked again.

‘Y-yeah, I’m okay.’ You had suffered with anxiety and panic attacks throughout your relationship, and Mason had always known how to help you. 

‘You sure?’ A deep, shaky breath rattled through your body. You both knew the after-effects of the panic attack were the worst part of it all. You would feel exhausted, ashamed, guilty… But he had always been there to help you through it all. He would offer you cuddles, a listening ear, a movie, whatever you needed. 

Things were so different now, though. There was a rift the size of the Atlantic Ocean between you, and you didn’t know how to get across it. 

‘Let’s get you somewhere quiet, come on.’ He hesitated, before holding out his hand for you to hold. ‘You don’t have to, if you don’t want to.’ But you realised you wanted to. You needed him, you needed his touch, his hold. You reached out and grabbed his hand, immediately feeling like you had been connected with the earth again. 

He led you upstairs to one of the far guest rooms, opened the door and followed you in. You took a seat on the bed, fiddling with your hands in your lap. He sat on the floor in front of you, eyeing you carefully. 

‘You sure you’re okay?’ You sighed. A big, deep sigh. Now that you had him in front of you, the questions you’d held in for a year were threatening to spill over. 

‘Can I ask you something?’ The look on his face suggested that he knew what you were going to ask, but he nodded, all the same. ‘Why did you stop putting effort into our relationship? You always said that I was the love of your life, that I was it for you… what happened? What happened to us?’ He sighed, similar to how you had sighed earlier.

‘Honestly, Y/N, I don’t have a good reason. I wish I did, believe me, but I don’t. The media scrutiny, the fans giving me shit on social media, the move, everything to do with it, it all just got to me. I pushed you away without even realising and for that, I will never be able to apologise enough.’ You pondered his answer, and then debated asking a question you had longed to know the answer to since the day you left but were too scared to know the answer to. 

Before you could ask it, though, Mason spoke up. ‘Are you seeing Ben?’ The gravity of his question made you pause. 

‘What?’ 

‘Are you and Ben, you know, a thing?’ You shook your head.

‘No. He’s like a brother to me, Mase, you know that. All the boys are. When I met you, you gave me a whole new family I could only have dreamed of.’ Your eyes met again. His eyes hadn’t changed a bit. They were still the deep chocolate brown you’d found home in for all those years. 

You climbed down from the bed and sat with your back to the bed. Your mouth opened and closed a few times, trying to figure out how to ask the question you were starting to crave the answer to. You felt like the answer to it was yes, but you needed to be sure. Finally, you decided to just go for it.

‘Do you… do you still love me?’ The look on his face said it all. He was looking at you like he had never seen you before, as if you were the only woman in the entire world. And to him, you were. You were everything to him and he would be forever kicking himself for ever making you feel like you weren't. He scooted forward to crouch in front of you before gently holding your face with both hands. 

‘Y/N Y/LN, of course I still love you. And if you’ll have me, I’ll spend the rest of my days loving and cherishing you the way you deserve. The way I should have shown you from day one.’ Your eyes brimmed with tears as you looked at the man who had your heart. 

‘Of course, I’ll have you.’ You sat up and collapsed into his arms, finally feeling that you were home once again.

[defectivevillain]

the forsaken road

pairing: Jack Delroy/Reader

The reader is referred to with he/him pronouns. Otherwise, race is ambiguous and no physical descriptors are used.

summary:

Jack lets out a wry laugh. It’s broken and dry, as if the very gesture pains him. His hands are trembling, you realize as you study him. His suit is a bit wrinkled and there are a few hairs out of place near his temple. “My career is over.” Jack states resignedly. He looks around the studio, as if trying to get one last look at everything.

The rise and fall of Jack Delroy.

word count: 4.9k | ao3 version

warnings: canon-typical violence/blood/death, spoilers for the movie; ethically questionable relationships.

-> The reader is Jack's personal assistant; their relationship could be constituted as employer/employee, but it's implied that they will no longer be employed at the same place once their relationship turns romantic.

thanks to @palefaceswhore for the beta! any remaining mistakes are mine.

Being a personal assistant is far from your dream job. The hours are long; the pay is laughable; and the high-emotion environment of a television studio can quickly turn sour. Fortunately, these cons are less noticeable when you work as Jack Delroy’s assistant. Jack is forgiving and kind; he doesn’t order you around like a butler, nor does he lash out at you for things you have no control over. He isn’t perfect—few people are—but your position is far less stressful than the ones you had in the past. 

The Halloween episode of Night Owls with Jack Delroy is a departure from that thought. The show’s ratings have been slowly decreasing, leaving Jack with less sponsors and a contract with the network set to expire in a few months. There’s been a slight air of desperation on set recently. And when that one guest accused Jack of changing the show too much… Well, she wasn’t entirely wrong. Truthfully, the programming has been a little crazy lately. The producer, Leo, has turned to increasingly dramatic ways to draw in new audiences. Unfortunately, his efforts aren’t quite paying off. 

That brings you to October 31, 1976: a special Halloween broadcast. Tonight will be one of the most monumental moments of Jack’s career. If he can make a captivating show, then there’s a good chance for more sponsors or, hell, syndication to another television network. If he fails, the show will officially enter its final season—and eventually become nothing more than a memory. Safe to say, there is a lot of pressure on Jack Delroy at the moment. 

Still, he’s handling it rather well—at least, from what you can tell. Several celebrities and guests are lined up for the night, and while you aren’t necessarily excited about some of them, you can recognize their appeal. There’s something for everyone scheduled in the program tonight, from jazz singers to skeptics and psychics. There will be hijinks and shenanigans, interspersed with serious, head spinning moments. 

Thankfully, you don’t have a very big role in the show itself—you’re just here for Jack. While you occasionally assist with programming for Night Owls, your main priority is ensuring Jack has everything he needs: whether that’s a freshly dry-cleaned suit or a brief about the next guest. You’re a jack-of-all-trades around the set—and you enjoy helping others out when they need it. The crew members—Gus McConnell, the co-host; Phil, the director and cameraman; and Sammy, the make-up artist—are easy to talk to. 

The night starts innocently enough, as the first guest, psychic Christou, is invited to perform for the audience. He does appear to intuit a few things, but it’s not overly impressive. Just before the break, however, he lets out an ear-piercing scream. Everyone’s eyes fall on him as he claps his hands over his ears, shaking vigorously. Jack approaches him cautiously, inquiring after his wellbeing. Christou asks the audience about a particular name, but no one seems to recognize it. With an anticlimactic ending to the segment, the broadcast cuts to commercial and the crew is left to scramble about. One thing is abundantly clear to you, as you bustle around behind the scenes: something is wrong with Christou. He keeps coughing into his arm with an exaggerated puffing of his cheeks, as if resisting the urge to hurl. Several people attempt to approach him, but he snaps at all of them. Jack also seems concerned, but the break is ultimately too short for anything to be done about it.

The next segment of the show features Carmichael Haig, a magician-turned-skeptic. He appears alongside Christou, and it is abundantly clear that the two of them despise each other. They’re from two entirely different schools of thought, after all—Christou believes in the supernatural, while Haig only believes in the material. Haig murmurs several insults under his breath as Christou attempts to continue speaking to Jack. Eventually, Christou’s irritation spurs him to get up from his chair and pace about in evident restlessness. 

If the last segment was strange, you can’t even begin to describe what happens in the ensuing few seconds. Christou makes the strange coughing motion again, only to fall forwards and catch himself on the ground. His face contorts into discomfort and he coughs again, only to release a disgusting black liquid. You stare in complete disbelief, unable to believe your eyes. He continues vomiting up the mysterious matter, before Jack leads him off stage and a “We’ll be right back!” message appears on the broadcast. 

You move to approach Jack as he sits next to the skeptic. Immediately, you realize that Haig is trying to get your attention. You valiantly pretend not to notice, until he clamps a hand on your shoulder and forces you to acknowledge him. “Get me some water,” he demands. 

You stare at him for a few seconds. “I’m not your servant,” you then snap. He is perfectly capable of getting up and grabbing his own water. The refreshments aren’t even that far from his current position—he’d just have to turn the corner and take a couple steps backstage to reach them. Irritation prickles along your skin at his flippant disrespect. 

Haig stares at you, before a slight smirk rises on his lips.  “Right, you’re his,” he answers, motioning to Jack. You grit your teeth and resist the urge to throttle the guy.

Jack doesn’t seem pleased with the skeptic’s behavior either, as he glares at him. “Haig,” he warns. Jack’s eyes are glittering and there’s a dark expression on his face. The skeptic quickly shuts up; convinced, Jack gets to his feet and walks away. Not wanting to be in Haig’s presence any longer, you walk away and assist Phil with setting one of the cameras. 

The next segment doesn’t make you feel any better. Jack greets the audience and introduces parapsychologist Dr. June Ross-Mitchell. While you can admit you’re skeptical about her “research,” you don’t think she deserves to be continuously interrupted by Haig—who remains sitting next to her. Thankfully, Jack frequently interjects to put Haig in his place and June gets to tell her story. You learn that she researched a Satanic church run by cult leader Szandor D’Abo, composed of members who worshipped the demon Abraxas. Supposedly, in one final encounter with the FBI, the entire group died: lighting themselves on fire and burning their whole building down. One person survived the entire tragedy: a young girl named Lilly. 

From the moment Lilly walks out on stage, you can sense something’s off with her. You don’t want to judge her so quickly, especially considering what she went through. But her behavior is rather abnormal—she stares at the cameras with an eerie smile on her face; she greets Jack as if they have already been acquainted; and she claims to have a demon residing within her named Mr. Wriggles. 

It’s at this point that you have to take a step back and contemplate every decision that has led you to this moment. You signed up to be an assistant to Jack Delroy, a late-night television show host. In all the time you’ve been working with him on set, you’ve never seen the show adopt such an occultist and spiritual lens on things. And while you know the broadcast is a Halloween episode, there are ultimately too many occurrences that can’t be explained away with common sense. What happened with Christou? More importantly, what the hell is happening here? 

While you don’t get an answer to the latter question, you soon have an answer to the former. When the segment ends and the cameras cut to black, Jack is pulled aside by the producer, Leo. Within a minute or so, Jack emerges looking rather pale. He makes a beeline towards you and leads you towards a forgotten corner of the set to have a private conversation. 

“What’s the matter?” You ask immediately. The tension on Jack’s face betrays his attempts at composure. He takes a step forward and you resist the urge to back away. The two of you are standing rather close together now. 

Jack takes a slow breath and pinches the bridge of his nose, before looking at you. “Christou died on the way to the hospital. From hemorrhaging, supposedly.”

“That’s…” You trail off, unable to find the words. You rub a hand over your face. “Something’s clearly wrong here.”

“I know,” Jack acquiesces, his gaze flitting about. 

“And something’s not right with Lilly, either,” you say. “I don’t think it’s possession. Her mind… What she went through is enough to give any adult trauma, let alone a child.” You remark. Jack is silent, which motivates you to continue speaking.

“I mean, you know I’m as skeptical as they get. And even I’m unsettled. People will do anything for attention. Even if this “demon” doesn’t prove to be real, the people in this studio are—and they can cause real damage.”

Jack looks conflicted. Unfortunately, before you can hammer in the point any further, Leo is rounding the corner and pulling him away while whispering in his ear. You’re left standing against the wall, arms crossed over your chest as you contemplate exactly how you got yourself into this situation. A fucking demon conjuring. A late-night television show is going to broadcast a demon conjuring. 

What follows is a dream sequence. That’s the only way you can describe it. It’s a nightmare—a fever dream. None of it feels real. During thr summoning, Lilly’s eyes turn yellow; her skin rips apart; she shakes in her chair and writhes against her restraints. Her voice doesn’t sound like her own—it’s deep and dark, a juxtaposition to her unassuming appearance. But just as you begin to wonder if this is all some sort of elaborate prank, she levitates several feet in the air. 

Ultimately, nothing you witnessed can be explained away by common sense or logic. At least, that’s what you think—and it appears nearly everyone else thinks the same thing. Everyone else… except Haig. Ever the skeptic, he asserts that he can show the audience how June and Lilly pulled off their “trick.” And while you’re sick of hearing his voice, you want nothing more than a reasonable explanation for all of this mess. Unfortunately, the skeptic isn’t exactly someone you would characterize as reasonable or particularly grounded. 

“Where is your assistant?” Haig asks Jack, promptly breaking you out of your thoughts. You feel a bolt of pure fear run down your spine, as you immediately catch on to what he’s asking for. There are two chairs set up on the stage. He’s going to perform some kind of hypnotism. And… he wants you to participate. Fortunately, Jack doesn’t seem keen to let that happen, as he quickly shuts the skeptic down. 

“He has nothing to do with this-” Jack interjects. You’re distracted with a sudden overwhelming appreciation for the man. Unfortunately, that gratitude is quickly overshadowed by Haig promptly turning around and walking to the edge of the set—right in front of you. 

“Here!” You hardly have a chance before there’s a hand on your arm again, pulling you into the spotlight. “Please, join me.” With that, he turns to the audience and smiles, as if sharing an inside joke. “Isn’t he charming? Yes, a round of applause for the brave volunteer.” What volunteer? You were just forced to participate! You suppress any sarcastic remarks and take the proffered seat across from Haig. 

“In a moment, I want you to look at my watch,” he explains. “I will snap my fingers, and you will be completely in my control.” You roll your eyes internally, knowing it won’t work. You’ve never believed in any of this hypnosis bullshit and you’re not about to start now. “Ready?”

“Yes.” You say, after he asks for verbal confirmation. Haig pulls out his watch, revealing a white and black swirling backdrop. He holds it in front of him and you stare at it, trying to focus despite your misgivings. It’ll need to be at least a little convincing for the viewers. 

As the mesmerizing spiral continues, you feel your vision clarify and sharpen intensely. Everything around you slowly starts to fade away, until you’re floating in an infinite void. You don’t emerge for a while, until there’s a harsh light burning into your eyes and a firm snapping sound reverberating through your ears. You blink and your head jerks forward, as the television set around you rematerializes. The audience gasps and you look around in confusion, quickly sensing that something must’ve gone wrong. Jack looks as if he’s seen a ghost; Dr. Jude looks disturbed; and Lilly looks amused, which only furthers your suspicion that something’s wrong with her. The audience members are all in varying states of fear. 

You try to move your hands, only to feel a residual ache running up and down your fingers. Frowning, you try to regain feeling in your limbs. Meanwhile, Jack seems to collect himself—as he stares at you for a long moment before announcing that they should watch the footage of the hypnotism. The audience, the crew, the guests, and Jack… They all must have seen something horrifying. That’s the only explanation for the downright terror flickering in their eyes. 

A crew member wheels a small television into the room and starts to rewind the footage. You get up from your chair, your balance wavering, and move towards a seat near the television set. You need to know what happened here—in the immeasurable time that you spent lost in the shadows of your mind. Eventually, the crew member pauses the footage and Jack motions for them to unpause. The footage begins. 

At first, nothing is out of the ordinary. You watch as Haig explains the process, before swinging his watch before your eyes. The entire audience looks at the pendulum, too. You watch with a strange feeling at the pit of your stomach as everyone’s eyes glaze over. Haig continues speaking to you, asking you about your worst fears and the sensations you’re experiencing. You don’t remember any of that happening, nor do you remember what happens next: 

“What is that?” You frown, tilting your head to the side as a high pitched noise rings in your ears. Your temple starts to ache. “Why is it so loud?” Your hands are trembling, even as you grip the arms of the chair hard enough to send bolts of pain sliding down your fingers. 

“Stop,” you beg. You clap your hands over your ears and practically writhe in your seat. “Please stop.” No one else seems to sense the sound. But you’re almost fighting against some unseen force to get it to stop. The camera briefly pans to Dr. Jude and Lilly—who look frightened and amused, respectively—before finding Jack. Jack looks extremely disturbed—and appears moments away from being sick.

You’re pressing your fingers into your temple hard, as if clawing at your skin will free you of the blaring noise. You’re repeating “stop,” as if it’s a mantra. At some point, your voice inexplicably deepens—until you realize that you’re not the only one speaking. Jack’s voice joins yours. “Stop!”

The footage glitches and the screen turns black. 

You stare at the footage in disbelief. You don’t remember any of that happening. If there wasn’t video evidence, you wouldn’t believe it. But… it must be true. Haig was making you hear some sort of phantom sound. And to think, you believed hypnotism was utter nonsense… 

“Well,” Jack says, taking a shuddering breath. “That was…” He breaks off, seemingly at a loss for words. You take a slow, deep breath and try to remain calm. Jack turns to face one of the cameras. “We’ll be right back,” he announces somewhat forcefully. The smile that remains on his face is far too strained to be genuine. 

When the cameras are off, Jack stalks away from the set, immune to Gus and Leo calling after him. You watch him leave in confusion, pressing a trembling hand to your temple as you walk towards the back. You’re hardly out of the spotlight for more than a few moments, before the make-up artist, Sammy, is approaching you. She moves to grab a brush from her pocket and you shake your head. 

“I don’t need anything, it’s fine,” you choke out, slowly regaining your composure. 

“Just pretend; I don’t want to go back to that jackass,” Sammy murmurs, her eyes falling to Haig. You nod in understanding. “Anyway. Are you okay?”

You contemplate the question. Are you okay? Truthfully, you’re not quite sure. “I don’t know,” you admit, resisting the very compelling urge to bury your head in your hands. “...That was really weird.” That’s the understatement of the century.

“Was any of this planned?” Sammy asks hesitantly. 

“They chose the guests for tonight, obviously,” you answer, trying to think. “I can’t imagine they thought it would go like this, though. And I didn’t fake that hypnosis. That would go far past an innocent prank. And I’m not that good of an actor.”

“Right,” Sammy says with a frown. She seems to believe you; relief courses through you. “And what happened with Christou…” She trails off. 

“I know,” you whisper in agreement. “That was… scary. I mean, everyone seemed surprised—even Jack. I know Haig said there’s such a thing as controlled regurgitation, but it’s still disturbing.”

“Hey, at least you’re done on camera.” She says.

“Yeah,” you agree, unable to feel fully relieved. Dread made a home in your chest the moment the episode started. Something is off in the studio today. “And I’m never going on air ever again.”

“Ha.” Sammy’s eyes glitter with amusement. “You were great! Pretty popular with the ladies. I think Jack got jealous.”

You roll your eyes. “You’re a good friend, Sammy,” you sigh, “Even if you’re a liar.”

Sammy laughs loudly, before slapping a hand over her mouth quickly. She evidently realizes that she’s been brushing the same side of your face for at least twenty seconds now, and backs away with an apologetic grimace. “Well, you’re definitely covered on the right side.”

A playfully disparaging remark is on the tip of your tongue when there’s suddenly a hand on your shoulder. You hardly get a chance to think before you’re getting nearly manhandled into a standing position by Leo, who looks uncharacteristically stressed. 

“Leo, what’s up?” You ask. 

“Need you to speak to Jack,” Leo mutters, guiding you through the backstage area and towards the dressing rooms. “He’s practically locked himself in his dressing room. Doesn’t want to do the rest of the show.”

You don’t want to do the rest of the show either, so you probably won’t be convincing Johnny of anything. But you are concerned for him, so you let Leo push you into the dressing room and promptly slam the door shut. 

Jack is sitting on the sofa, his elbows propped on his knees as his head is buried in his hands. You stare at him for a moment, contemplating if you should just leave. Does he really want you here? You suppose you’re about to find out. “Jack?”

He looks up and stares at you. You’re surprised to find tear stains running down his cheeks. “I’m so sorry,” Jack says, with worrying sincerity. Your brows furrow. What is he apologizing for? “This was entirely my fault. I got you into this situation.”

“Jack, that’s-” You try to say, only for him to cut you off by reaching out and lightly grabbing your hand. Stunned to silence, you watch as he turns your hand around and inspects it. 

“There’s blood under your fingernails.” He notes. You pull your hand away and Jack exhales exaggeratedly, rubbing his hands over his face in stress. “Everything’s a mess.”  

“Well what can we do?” You question. When he doesn’t seem keen to answer, you continue speaking. “We can continue running this shitshow, which, honestly, will go poorly. It could be dangerous, too—I don’t know what happened with Lilly, but that wasn’t normal.”

“We could also end the episode early,” you continue. “It would probably scare viewers, and ratings wouldn’t be great…”

You’re not sure how long you stand there until Jack breaks the silence. “I don’t know what to do,” he admits. 

“Me neither,” you respond. “At least it’s in your hands, though. You make the decision—whatever you’re most comfortable with.” You shove your hands in your pockets, feeling a need to quell the restless energy running through you. 

“You should be the producer,” Jack murmurs. 

“I’m a man of many talents,” you joke. 

“You are,” he responds, with far too much sincerity. Jack turns to look at you expectantly. “What would you do, if you were me?” The trust in his eyes is overwhelming. You don’t believe you deserve it. 

“I think I’d end the episode,” you reply after some contemplation. “Enough viewers have been traumatized. Our ratings have already suffered, and dragging this on will only make them worse. Besides, something’s seriously wrong with Lilly—and I’d rather not be here to find out what that is. And a few crew members are already on the verge of leaving, so…” You break off, hoping you’ve made your point clear. Just because he asked you doesn’t mean that he’s going to do exactly what you say (nor do you want him to). 

“What will I do?” Jack asks. His voice cracks ever so slightly.  

You’re not sure if that’s meant to be a rhetorical question, but you decide to acknowledge it anyway. “What do you mean?” You ask.

“I needed those ratings,” Jack sighs. “My contract’s going to expire. The show will probably end after this.”

“Well,” you frown. “There are other networks, and other opportunities out there. I doubt you’d just… slip off the face of the planet.” You reason. And it’s true—even if Jack’s popularity on the network is dwindling, he still has a decent fanbase. You’re almost certain he would be able to recover somehow. 

“What about you?”

“What about me?” You squint at him. 

“What will happen to you?” Jack questions, staring pointedly ahead.

“I don’t know,” you respond honestly. “Haven’t thought that far ahead yet. I’m sure I’ll figure something out, though. Besides, I don’t want to be an assistant forever.”

“Your degree, right,” Jack seems to recall. You blink at him for a second, shocked that he knows that. Then you remember the conversation you had with him years ago—about how you wanted to do something more with your bachelor’s degree. 

“I’m surprised you remember that,” you manage to say, once you can sort out your thoughts.  

“I’m a good listener when I want to be,” Jack smiles. (“You’re a talk show host! You’re supposed to be a good listener!” You heard June say to him earlier.) After a few moments of thought, he places his hands down on the sofa next to him. “Okay,” Jack says determinedly, getting up from his seat with a renewed resolve. “I know what to do now. Thanks.” He nods, head somewhat bowed as he exits the room. You almost immediately hear Leo harassing Jack for a decision and you sigh, following his lead and leaving his dressing room. 

What follows is a mess, to put it kindly. Jack’s decision to shut down shooting for the day is definitely the right one, but the audience members are somewhat disappointed—and it takes a while to get all of them to exit the building. Eventually, Leo storms onto the stage and threatens to kick them out—which seems to do the trick. After, the crew members start to clean up the studio—taking down equipment and ensuring everything is in its proper place. Usually, this doesn’t take long; tonight, amidst all the craziness, it’s a lengthy affair. 

Finally, after what feels like far too long, it’s just Jack and you in the studio. You can finally breathe. You take one final walk around the studio to ensure nothing was forgotten or left behind, before returning to the stage area. Jack has been sitting in his chair for the entirety of the takedown process, which is a little concerning. He’s staring ahead with a blank expression on his face.

“What’s wrong?” You ask Jack, despite already knowing the answer. If you were in his position, you’d be frustrated, confused, and exhausted. You can only assume he feels a mix of those emotions—and more—at the present moment. 

Jack lets out a wry laugh. It’s broken and dry, as if the very gesture pains him. His hands are trembling, you realize as you study him. His suit is a bit wrinkled and there are a few hairs out of place near his temple—a travesty Sammy would not allow if filming was still in progress. “My career is over.” Jack states resignedly. He looks around the studio, as if trying to get one last look at everything. 

“You made the right decision,” you try to reassure him. 

He runs his hands through his hair, effectively ruining the coiffed look he had going before. Ironically, you think it looks better messy. You immediately scold yourself for letting your thoughts wander. Jack, immune to your brief internal crisis, sighs. “It doesn’t feel like it.” 

“That’s how it is, sometimes,” you say. And it’s true. Sometimes, the best decision still feels like a defeat or a loss. You’ve had to make those kinds of decisions in the past, and you’re sure life will bring you some more in the future. Admittedly, you’re usually on the other end of these kinds of scenarios—you’re usually the one who feels as if their life is crumbling around them, not the one who offers advice and consolation. 

“When did you get so wise?” He huffs. You exhale in amusement. 

“Come on,” you urge him, extending a hand. “Let’s get out of this hellhole, before a light falls down and beheads us.” That would be just your luck. Jack lets out a dry laugh, taking your proffered hand and getting to his feet. The two of you walk out of the building, occasionally brushing shoulders in your proximity. Neither of you are able to come up with something to say, but the silence isn’t uncomfortable. When Jack sees that you plan on taking the bus home, he offers to drive you back to your place. Regardless of how many times you try to say no, he’s strangely insistent on making sure you get back safe. 

You suppose it’s inevitable that you later find yourself standing at your kitchen counter across from Jack. He holds a mug of coffee—how he’s able to drink it so late at night, you’re not sure—and stares into the distance thoughtfully. 

“It’ll be okay,” you feel the need to reassure him. You’re not sure you’ve ever seen him look so troubled before. You quickly decide you don’t like it. 

“I know,” he says, his voice somewhat hollow. It may take him a little while to truly believe that, you realize. And that’s alright. “Thanks,” Jack continues, “I couldn’t have done this without you.”

“Yes, you could’ve,” you argue. The objection comes easily, because it’s true. You’ve hardly done anything of significance across your years working with him. 

Jack shakes his head in disagreement, placing his mug down and looking at you with an unreadable look. You watch with bated breath as he takes a step closer. You’re pulled to him like a magnet, turning to look at him. 

“Sometimes, I feel as if you’re the only one who really sees me.” Jack whispers. You bite the inside of your cheek, emotion stirring in your chest at the vulnerable admission. In a spur of the moment decision, you reach out and clasp Jack’s hand where it’s resting on the counter. For an awful moment, you think he’s going to wrench your grip off —but he only flips his palm around and clasps your hand with reassuring strength.

“And I think about you all the time,” he continues, “I think about sharing a life with you, and having the privilege of seeing you every day. Outside of the set, away from all the madness.”

Jack’s hand lingers in the air between you, as if he wants to touch you but can’t allow himself to do it. His next words are breathed so quietly that it takes you a few seconds to process them. “Can I kiss you?” 

“Yes,” you respond. You don’t expect the swiftness of his response, as he pushes you back against the counter and nearly crashes into you in his vigor. Jack presses his lips to yours, his hands bracketing your face. You rest your arms around his shoulders. A shiver rolls down your spine. Jack pushes you back further and, moments later, there’s a loud shattering sound. The two of you break apart to investigate the noise, only to find your mug on the floor in pieces. 

“I’ll clean it up,” he immediately remarks, looking very guilty. 

You reassure him that it’s not a big deal. “You’re getting me a new mug, though,” you propose. 

“Of course,” he responds breathlessly, a smile on his face. This smile is new—it isn’t the strained, tense one from earlier today; it also isn’t the fake, all-teeth one that he uses when he’s in the public eye. This expression is new to you—Jack’s eyes are ever so slightly wrinkled at the sides and his lips quirk at the edges. 

You roll your eyes. Jack’s kissing you again before you can remember the mess on the floor.

endnotes: I don’t know how (read: why) I wrote so much for this fucking movie. I have written far less for far better pieces of media… Sigh. It is what it is. The deed has been done. Blame it on David Dastmalchian—first Murdoc, now Jack…

here's an obligatory jack delroy playlist. sigh... i'm down so bad...

thanks for reading! <3

check out my other works, sorted by fandom.

general taglist: @its-ares @excusemeasibangmyheadonawall @kingkoku @the-ultimate-librarian @gayaristocrat

friendly reminder that i don't give permission for my writing to be shared to other sites, stolen, copied, translated, or used in any way. thanks!

[autumnvine]

Fresh Start

Summary- A fresh start, new beginnings, running away from everything that happened before. Running into to something new and wonderful.

⚠️ Warning past traumatic relationship, abusive relationship (Obviously not Tom)⚠️

Here you were, your new life, a fresh start, well was supossed to be. Coming off the coach suitcase handed to you by the driver, 6hour drive from one side of the country to the middle. From Kent to London. "London" ,lips smiling side to side. "I'm home I guess"

You knew noone, didn't know where you were, just were you had to be, dragging the overly large suitcase to the taxi rank, securing a taxi to take you to Oxfordshire.

gazing out the backseat findow watching the red busses, the people, seeing some of the high street, the tall buildings

"Staying long?" the taxi driver brought you from your daze

"I'm Sorry?"

"The suitcase is quite large, are you staying long?"

"Oh Apologies yes I plan to be here a while"

"The accent where you from?"

"From Kent, the bottom of England"

"Why are you here? Family? Friends? Hiding?"

"What no I'm not hiding why?"

"It was a joke, sorry"

"I'm here on business actually, I plan to be here, do my job, leave"

The long drive quickly became awkward, uncomfortable even. Noone knew why you were here, a select few even, noone should know, don't speak of it, not a word. repeating in your mind over and over.

The taxi came to a stop, paying what you owed you collected your suitcase and left. Scared. Alone. Rather lost you wandered up and down different streets, finding a beautiful garden "Florence Park" benches upon benches, families cycling, throwing a frizbee back and fourth, rose bushes, glorious trees surrounding the entire park, parents pushing prams and lunch, you were so hungry, and so very glad to see a snack van.

"What you want love?"

"Cheese and Pickle roll please? Thank you"

Maybe this could be your new home, what if you could call this place home, it is different, much bigger then your hometown, much, much bigger.

Eventually finding your new residency 74 Sheppards hill, standing outside admiring the building, white brick, cherry blossom tree in the front garden, very bad parking. Opening the front door a small quaint hallway, coatstand, shoe basket, welcome mat, yellow walls "That needs re-painting" the livingroom off the hallway was yellow, mathcing couch, horrid green rug "That needs a paint job too" following through the the dining room, "Beautiful table" yellow walls, green rug although slightly smaller then the last, the kitchen yellow walls, nice stove, fully functioning. Running upstairs to the bedroom, yellow walls, cream carpet "Looks new" double bed, nice view of the street, bedroom beside the same. Unpacking your clothes to the wardrobe, placing your makeup and perfume along the window ledge, Laptop on the bed, case file stashed in the top drawer just incase.

A few weeks had gone by you still didn't know anyone, but at least you knew where to get a good cup of coffee and an even better cheese and pickle roll for lunch. Close by there was stores supplying milk, bread, local essentials. A short walk into a park where you spent most of your time running, you had gotten familiar with the route around the park, grabbing your coat off you went. Running. Headphones blasting music through your ears, drowing out all other noises, banishing the thoughts in your head, escaping your reality. You escaped everything.

After a laps of the park you gave in to the pain in your legs, sweat dripping off your back, hair going everywhere, laying on the grass was somewhat relaxing, just laying there looking at the sky, watching as the clouds rolled past one another. Feeling the sun shining on your face and the gentle breeze washing over you. It was tranquil. Maybe it wasn't so bad here. Laying there as time passed you by. Until something very heavy landed on you, pulling out your headphones rather startled quickly sitting up to find this small ball of fur laying over your legs, in the distance a man running over to the little puppy. The little fur ball caked in mud, just as you now were too, laying beside you, scratchig its ear, the man in the distance becoming closer and closer.

"Are you alright? did he knock you over?

Bad dog" leaning his hand out to you to help you up,

"I'm alright, no he, he didn't its okay"

"You're covered in mud, was that him? I'm so sorry"

"Don't worry its alright" you tried to keep your cool and not start blushing by the very kind, very handsome man a little taller then you. Stunning blue eyes you could get lost in, hair thick with curles. Tight white shirt, navy tie to match his trousers and blazer.

In all efforts trying to stop from blushing and becoming memorised, you didn't quite hear his question, he was looking at you, concerned,

"Oh pardon sorry, what did you ask me?"

"Are you sure your alright miss?"

"Yeah, uh yes I'm okay, I'm sorry" trying to hide your embarrassment

"No, you don't run into people then sit looking cute and loveable" said the man looking at his dog

"You're very cute and loveable" you spouted out, immediately catching the mans attention.

"The dog, um I meant.. I meant the dog sorry, I'm sorry I should go, I need to go, I am sorry. It wasn't your dog's fault I'm sorry, have a nice day I'm sorry"

You ran off, just kept running until you were home, wanting to charge your phone from the music, you must have compleately forgot to lift your phone off the grass beside you, disappearing in such a rush you didn't even think.

That man and his dog is all you thought about, dreamed about, created yourself a life with him in your head, letting your thoughts run wild. You didn't even ask his name. How silly just to run away like that.

After showering and getting cleaned up you began to re decorate your new home, rolling up the rugs for the charity shop, piling up the photos left from the previous owner, re arranging the kithcen cupboards to suit your liking.

It was now early evening, the house you walked into was so different now, sitting on the couch watching Gilmore girls from your Netflix acount, it had always made you laugh. A knock at the door draw your attention from the T.V. noone knew you were here, noone should know, what if it was someone from Kent? Someone from the life you ranaaway from? Worrying and panicking you slid down the sofa like a child hiding from the door, hearing the knocking again and someone "Hi I have something for you from the park I'm sorry" smiling as you recognised that voice, "Just a moment" You shouted back as you looked for your keys.

It was the man from the park, the handsome man who offered to help you,

"Hi, sorry i think you left your phone on the grass and there was no password, your address is in it I'm sorry I wasn't looking at anything I promise, just to return this to you."

Smiling you couldn't believe he had gone to all the trouble,

"Thank you, I'm y/n, do you want to come in?"

"I'm Tom, it's nice to meet you, I couldn't, you've just invited a perfect stranger into your home you know"

"Well Tom, a perfect stranger who offered to help me, and went to the trouble of returning my phone to my door, instead of keeping it or selling it, is rather trustworthy."

Tom took you up on the offer and came in

"I am sorry I've n been shopping yet, but I have milk and tea, would you like some tea?"

"That would be lovely thank you, you like yellow huh?"

"I just moved here, it was like that when I arrived, I do plan to redecorate, I just finished taking away the green rug to the charity earlier.

"Green?" he asked trying to hold his laughter

"It wasn't my pick, I was thinking of painting the walls a light grey colour and looking for a cream fluffy rug, some pink pillows, perhaps a coffee table"

"Don't you actually need to buy coffee first?" The two of you laughed and joked about Tom's quick sense of humour.

As the night contuined so did the conversation, hours went by, your stomach rumbled embarrassingly

"What do you like to eat? You're hungry, I'll order something over, don't worry i won't stay for dinner, but accept it as my appology fro Bobby landing on you earlier." Tom asked politly

"Thank you, please join me for dinner, I haven't spoken to someone for quite some time."

Nine months had gone by and your friendship with Tom had blossomed into something wonderful, there had been laughing, crying, paint spillages, copious amounts of food ordered, many times you had taken his little ball of fur to the park, who was not so little anymore. The two of you were really getting along. Tom was in the middle of helping you to pick the final touchings of your house. Carrying a massive stack of pink, white and grey pillows, with a vase under his arm for the living room, which now had a coffee table, as well as coffee in the kitchen cupboards. This had all come to gether so nicely, and very quickly with Tom's wonderful help.

You sat in bed that night thinking how your life had three sixtied itself, completely turning around, you brought out the case file from which you stashed the very first night there in the top dresser drawer. Having all the pages spread, almost covering the flower petals on the bed sheet completely. Seeing the trial notes for your ex-boyfriends coviction of aggraved assault. You hadn't thought of your old life in so long, noone knew, noone would understand. It wasn't your fault what happened yet somehow a part of you blamed yourself. Making a quick cup of tea on before falling asleep, throwing the papers on the floor

Making some bacon and fried eggs the following morning, waiting for Tom to appear at your door, he had mention he was off work this week and offered to come round and help you again. With breakfast ready on the table for him, he appeared at the door, A bouquett of golden sunflowers in hand

"You can't have an empty vase on your table dear" handing them to you his smile brighter then ever before

"Awh Tom there Beautiful thank you"

"Your Beautiful" kissing you before taking off his shoes. "Darling I've got somemore of your things in the boot of my car"

After breakfast you unpacked a fully loaded boot indeed, stuff for everywhere, decorative lights for the garden tree, hanging baskets for the front door, some throw blankets for around the house. "Y/n where do you want the dog bed? Also why did you buy a dog bed? You don't have a dog?"

"By the sofa please, because Bobby always ends up laying on the floor, he needs a bed too for when he comes over" Tom couldn't help but giggle that you had bought a bed for his dog, Tom hadn't even spent the nigh before, however Bobby had been a few times and fallen asleep on the stair case when he has been around for dinner.

"What about the pink blanket and the small bookshelf?" Tom shouted from the hall

"My bedroom please" you shouted back from the front door hanging the baskets at either side of the door.

Tom carried the small bookshelf and pink blanket draped over his arm up the stairs to your room, placing the shelf just by the dressing table and the blanket on your bed, accidentally knocking over a stack of papers with his feet he didnt see, bending down to pick them up it caught his attention, "aggravated assult" scanning his eyes worriedly over the papers in hand, reading the deails of you and what happened between what appeared to be an ex boyfriend. Realising that Tom was prying into something which was not his business he stacked the papers and left them on the dresser. Coming back down the stairs Tom wasn't sure how to act, should he bring it up? No best to leave it be he thought. Hearing a crash by the front door he say you laying with a broken plant pot smashed everywehre, flowers in your hair "Darling what happened?" he asked while offering you a hand up, "I was hanging the basket and there was a bee and I've never been stung so I was sartled a litlle and fell of the step and dropped it, I'm sorry"

Tom couldn't help but smile "A bee, you fell off the stairs from a bee?"

"Well, yes I've never been stung before and- why are you smiling?"

"You are so beautiful, you have flowers in your hair." Gently Tom lifted a strand of your hair tucking it behind your ear, kissing your neck , kissing just below your ear, on your collarbone, along toward your chest. Kissing you over and over. You jumped your legs and wrapped them around his waist, he carried you through to the couch tripping over almost everything in his path but not taking his eyes off you. You kissed him back everywhere possible.

That had never happened to you and Tom before, sure you had shared a kiss every time he left your house, or everytime you saw eachother, but never like that, never with such passion, never randomly out of nowhere. Tom left not long after having to take his cute little fur ball for a walk. Finishing the last few bits and tidying up, putting away the remaining items you could get comfy, get your laptop and your sweatpants, nice and cosy for the evening. Getting changed smiling at the blanket Tom put on the bed for you and the bookcase he had carried, all you did now was think about Tom, how he took care of you, how he helpd you, and how you were hiding this massive secret from him that you knew would either drive him away or break his heart for not telling him sooner. Turning toward the door you saw the stack of paper, not where you left them, thinking for a moment maybe you did put them there, "Tom, the blanket he know, oh goodness he knows, Why did he not mention anything, why didn't I tell him?" cursing yourself for not being more careful.

Lifting your phone messaging him

Please come over, I need you xx

Is everything alright? Tom replied almost instantly

No, please come over, I need to talk to you. I need to explain myself and i need to do it in person, please xxx

Tom came straight over finishing up walking Bobby, you asked him to sit down, handed him some tea and sat the pile of paper infront of him. Judging by the look on his face he already knew what it was about,

"I'm sorry Y/n I'm so sorry, i never read them i knocked them over i should have told you, I'm sorry" Poor Tom panicking thinking he was introuble

"I'm not mad, please let me explain" You took his hand in yours, taking a deep breath "It was an accident, I , he, we had an argument someone had called from his work called, a woman and he'd been coming home late working on weekends, not answering any of my text or calls, and I confronted him about it he said he didn't know and no woman worked with him and we got to shouting and he grabbed me, he hurt me I didn't mean to upset him I-" tears priking your eyes and yourvoice catching in your throat, Tom gently squeezed your hand tighter "It's alright, you don't have to tell me anymore" he said

"No I want to, I didn't mean to upset him I didn't mean to make him mad and the phone wrang again n I told him to answer it if he wasn't hiding anything, it was her on the phone he got really mad started shouting, threw the phone across the room, he threw everything he grabbed me, he threw me and hit me and broke my nose and my-" now fully accepting the tears you cried and continued "he broke my nose and my ribs and he bruised my neck and everything, he threw me Tom, he said he loved me. If I never asked him he wouldnt have-"

"Don't say that, do not blame yourself that was not your fault, do not think like that, please." Tom letting slip a few stray tears himself

"He had done it to others, he hurt them, I was in court he went to prison for a few years, he told me if he found me he would hurt me, and he would- I didn't know what to do, he has friends, ots of friends, he is everywhere, I ran I got a coach far away from there somewhere he would never look for me, somewhere with too many people he wouldn't find me, I ran, like a scared child I ran so far away from everything I knew, packed a case and ran. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, I'm sorry I didn't know how, I didn't know what to do Tom, I never ment for you to find out, not like this I'm sorry and when i saw them by the door I knew you saw it, and I thought you might think I did those things, but i didn't I never hurt anyone I swear.I'm so sorry Tom." Sobbing on the couch you felt humiliated, embarrassed, raw emotion, you sat there sobbing your heart out infront of the greatest man in the planet who didn't even know what he was getting himself into with you.

His heart was breaking for you, how could something so terrible happen to someone so sweet, so beautiful, so kind and caring, how could anyone do something like that to you, a gentle soul. You both sat crying, you cuddled up into his chest took his arms wrapping them around you, "I've got you, you'll always be safe here, noone will ever hurt you again. Not while I'm here, I'll protect you. Always."

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Snake Eyes 4

Warnings: noncon, coercion, manipulation. Proceed with caution.

Note: thanks all for reading and I hope you’re excited for this one. All feedback is more than welcome and loved and appreciated. Reblogs are most helpful.

Part of The Club AU

“You’re disgusting,” you say and step away from the shelves, “it’s not worth–”

He catches your arm as you try to skirt around him. You spin to face him and tug on his grip. It’s firm and unrelenting. He smirks as his other hand comes up behind your neck and he forces you close.

“That’s too bad, you could’ve walked out with a good take,” he pinches the muscle along your neck, “as it were, I’m not in the habit of paying for it.”

“Get off of me–”

“Shh, it’s easier if you just go along. Don’t work too hard,” he slithers.

You lash out with your other hand, barely missing his cheek with your nails as he tilts away from your reach. You grunt and throw your fist against his shoulder but the impact is lessened as he squeezes your neck harder. An electric pain zips down your back and you cry out.

“Darling, you think a bit higher of yourself than you should,” he snickers as he turns and walks you backwards, “the number of women I’ve had through these doors, they know when to shut up and take it. They’re wise enough at least to be flattered–”

“You’re gross, get off me–” you whimper as his nails dig into the tendons of your neck. His other hand is on his belt, the buckle clinking loudly.

“Mm, maybe, but I’ve enough money to make up for that,” he winks and you sneer in revulsion. 

He leans in, close. His green eyes sparkle as they fall to the grimace that curls your lips. His tongue pokes out as heat radiates across your cheeks and chest, a storm of mortification and rage. He keeps his hand on his belt. What the fuck is he doing?

“Well, you’ve made your choice, you may walk out empty-handed,” his lips almost brush yours as he speaks, “oh, you will regret that you did not take any benefit from this.”

“I won’t regret shit,” you snarl as you feel his grip loosen and shove him away, “I quit. I’m done with this nest of scum.”

He lets you go and takes a step back. You shove him again, harder and turn on your heel. You clutch your hands into fists and march away, shaking with the surge of adrenaline. The weight of his touch remains heavy along your neck.

Another job gone. You bluster out of the backroom without looking back, his rolling chuckle following you out. Your vision pinpoints and you sense a shadow along the edge but you don’t look over. You’re humiliated enough, you don’t need to see the witnesses.

You pass by the bar as the lights of the bar glare down at you and music pumps, echoing the anger pounding behind your temples. You can’t believe this shit. He’s not the first creep you’ve encountered in the business but dammit if it isn’t exhausting.

“Hey, where–” Thor calls after you.

“I quit,” you bark over your shoulder, “you can thank your brother.”

You don’t hesitate, you don’t look back. Good riddance. You worked at dives less shady than this painted up cesspool.

🐍

Sleep is fleeting. Even after two shots of rum, you can muster more than a morsel here and there, drifting off only to wake in a fit of anxiety. You hate the job search. It’s torture. Putting on a smile when all that should matter is that you know how to mix a goddamn drink.

You relent and wake up. A strong coffee to start your day of defeat. Scrolling the postings is like dredging a swamp for gold. As much as you longed for time off, this wasn’t what you had in mind.

You apply to several of the franchises. Your time at Applebee’s wasn’t awful but the tips were shit. A few upscale places you could never manage an interview at. And out of desperation, a private posting for an event. It wouldn’t be for the long-run but it would get some cash in hand while you wait for something more stable.

You log off before noon. You should try to sleep. You lay down, a bit calmer now that you’ve done a bit of footwork. You pull a pillow over your head. You brush your neck with your fingertips and shudder. Tender bruises dabble across your skin and tinge as you touch them. Asshole.

You wake up around six. Your phone is filled with useless notifications. Not even a call from work. Well, you don’t want to hear from them unless it’s about your final check. Amid the automatic notifications about your applications, there is a single response. Oddly fast but you won’t complain.

It’s from the event host. Seeing as the occasion is only a week on the horizon, you guess it’s not unforeseen. The message is straight to the point.

‘Hello,

Thank you for your application. Upon review of your credentials, we would be interested in discussing this position further with you. Please let us know the best time to arrange an interview.

Best Regards, Sif’

You mull on the offer. It is a bit sudden, not entirely transparent. You’ve been to some strange job interviews. You remember that boat you worked on for a whole two hours and snuck off before it disembarked. 

There is only the description of the event. ‘A private event for wealthy investors’. Corporate, those always go over well and companies do tend to dole out a healthy bonus. What the hell? Beggars, chooser, all that shit.

[cereusblue]

https://gofund.me/96bce824

Hi, all. So, I've had a day from hell and I'm too exhausted to re-explain on another platform. But here, I'll copy paste the story here. TLDR at the bottom. If you can't help, pass it on. Literally everything helps. Love you all.

Good day all, thank you for stopping your busy day to check my page.

Let me lay out the situation as best I can.

First off, some background for myself and my family. My fiancee and I only have(had) one functioning car between us when we took in a family member of his in an emergency CPS case. We are trying our hardest to take care of her and teach her how to be a person, but our schedules and only having one vehicle has made that a struggle. She has gotten a job just last week and is working hard to get on her feet. It's great and we are very proud of her! It's part time for the time being while she learns how to manage finances and how the world works.

However, since October things have started taking a turn for the worse. Between my fiancee and I, we both worked minimum wage and in October I bent over to put on a shoe and my back made a horrible crack noise. I went to the ER in immense pain and despite having insurance, I still got dumped with a hefty bill that to this day I am still trying to pay off. I have gone through physical therapy as requested by my doctor, since he didn't want to operate on someone of my age. However, it did nothing but agitate the problem. While I can now move around again, bending over and lifting anything past 15 pounds is strenuous. I'm in pain every single day and even sitting up is difficult most days. I can't stand up for long anymore before it becomes too much on my back. But things continue to happen, as they do. I was set to come back to see my surgeon this year but on Dec 29th in the last hour of the day, my job decided that an AI system could completely take over my job and laid me off. Getting unemployment as well as answers back from my previous work has been very difficult. My benefits were cut off with no chance to refill medications or see my surgeon. So, now my continued treatment to fix my back on top of my other health issues have all been put on pause. I've been working for almost two years now to get treatment and figure out what's wrong with my health, but I am now on a desperate search for a new job.

Which leads us to today. We are already strapped for money, and on a trip to an interview and my fiancee going to work, we got taken down a gravel road that looked deceptively fine. Driving across, the ice was far deeper than it appeared and it destroyed the grill, bumper, and wheel well (I believe that's what it's called) aka part of the frame that covers the front wheels broke and are hanging. That's not where it ends. So, I took the car to get it temporarily fixed so we could hopefully figure something out to get repairs done. The car got a temporary fix, and then I proceeded to take the car to pick up my fiancee from work. He and I began our drive back home, and as we were passing train tracks a doe jumped out into the road way too close to us. She only came into view as she appeared in the lights of the car, immediately getting bodied by the car. As you can see from the image, she destroyed the hood of the car and much more. I feel horrible for the poor thing and I hope she went quickly, noticing the fur and blood on the front bumper. We managed to get the car home, but the check engine light came on. This car is a Toyota prius. Anyone who knows anything about a prius knows they are basically tin cans. So, the worry is that the cooling system is busted now too. This will exponentially increase the amount we need to pay to repair the vehicle.

The worst part is, is that this is the only car we have to go to work and for me to go to interviews. I do have a car, but it's not in running condition right now. The poor thing is a 1999 and needs some parts replaced that we have not had the funds or availability to get a list of parts and have them replaced. The car also can't move anyway right now and would need towed. The prius is our only vehicle we have, and I don't have the funds to drop on fixing it. Insurance won't pay for it as far as we have been made aware by the body shop because of the type of insurance we have.

So, this is the current estimate we have to work with in regards to repairs. The entire front, hood, coolant system, and I know a few more pieces need replaced. The prius can run and be moved to a body shop at least, but paying for it will be a nightmare. If he can't get to work, we are in major trouble. My fiancee, his little sister, and I all rely on this car for work. While I'm still looking for work, I'm very limited because of my current physical state. We've spent a lot of money on my Healthcare already and every day are worried I'm going to reach for something and have my back crack again. While we are working on Medicaid, these things are proving a slow process. They also don't cover previous medical bills when I did have insurance. So, our only choice is to live off his income currently while I'm on a search for a new job every day. Our lives depend on this one car. Especially since we live out in the woods and work is 40 minutes away.

If you've read this far, I appreciate every single second of your time. Every single hand this gofundme goes through will be a huge help. If you can't help, that's okay, please don't stress your own financials if youre in a tough spot. If you can pass this along to anyone you can, that would be more than enough. Thank you again, and I wish you all better fortune this 2024.

For those who can't read the whole thing;

TLDR; Me and my family are already going through a lot of financial troubles with my health and being laid off, our only mode of transportation is severely damaged from an unmaintained roads massive pothole and hitting a deer in the same day. Three people rely on this one vehicle for all our jobs and interviews that are far from home. Donate if you can, if not, please share and thank you so very much.

Also including another picture here for you all to see. Thank you all again, I wish you better fortune this year.

[melanieph321]

Ruben Dias x Reader - Summary Fling Part 4/10

Part 5 and Part 6 are out on my Patreon for free!

Summary - Reader has landed a research job at a marine biology lab in Portugal. She is, therefore, staying with her sister and her sister's Portuguese boyfriend for the summer holidays. There she meets Ruben Dias who is on vacation with his friends after the 2024 Euros. However, the two meet under the circumstances in which Ruben believes that Reader is a prostitute.

Enjoy ☀️

The University of Algarve housed arguably the best marine biology lab in the country. Although this is where you'd be doing most of your research, it was the marine station, located closer to where land meets sea, that excited you on your first day at work.

"Y/N, you made it!"

You were welcomed to the station by a familiar face, Gavin Phillips, who you met earlier at the Zoomarine. He was the first one to welcome you at the door and made sure to give you a thorough tour of the facility.

"This is where we bring in our samples from the sea. We usually gather the data here before documenting our progress back at campus. And as for you, who's doing your research in marine ecology, I'll gladly let you know that this is where you'll spend most of your time."

It smelled like fish, the whole room did. It wasn't a welcoming smell, however, a smell that you'd have to get used to. The lab was impressive though. You watched how the students, dressed in white coats and sterile gloves, were tuned in as they worked at their assigned stations. They looked busy, but with a loud whistle, Gavin had them all drop whatever they were doing, shifting their attention your way.

"Attention everyone! I'd like to introduce our newest addition to this lab. This is Y/N, fresh off the plane from Sydney, Australia." Collective oh's and ah's spread amongst the students, who regarded you curiously. "Y/N is here to add knowledge to our marine ecology squad, so please, anything she needs, I expect you to assist her with that."

"Thank you Gavin." You said, immense heat patting your cheeks. The students all took their time to greet you one by one. One student was even chivalrous enough to let you use his equipment since yours hadn't arrived yet. It was a great first day, one that got you really excited for the future.

"Ugh. What is that smell?"

You returned home quite early that afternoon. You were excited to show your sister the white lab coat you had been given. However, she couldn't bring herself to be in the same room as you until you faithfully rinsed yourself off in the shower.

"And don't forget to shave your legs!" She shouted. "I'm taking you dress shopping."

It was a nice way to spend some quality time with your sister. The last time you were living together the two of you were teenagers, with zero assumptions and worries in life. Although your sister hadn't changed much since then, her financial status definitely had.

"Here, try this on," She said, passing you another outfit through the dressing room curtains. It was Versace and Michael Kors, all brand names that she was urging you to try on.

"Does it fit?" 

"It's too tight." You complained.

"Y/N, it's supposed to be tight. Tight is good."

"No." You pulled open the curtains, showing off your ensemble of stylish clothes. "Tight is painful."

"God, you're gorgeous. You have to wear that out of the store."

"What, no. Maki." It was too late. Your sister was quick to rush over to the counter and pay for your items. You wore it out of the store and shamefully made your way down the street.

"Stop it Y/N, you look stunning. Just look at all the men checking you out."

"I don't want to be checked out."

"No, not even by Ruben Dias?"

She got you there. "Ruben? What about him?"

"Well, apparently he hasn't stopped asking about you since the night you gave him the time of his life."

How could you forget? It was the time of your life too.

"How do you know that?" You asked.

"I dunno, Diogo has been hanging around that Beach Club a lot. It's where famous people like Ruben like to hang out."

"Ruben is famous?"

"Yeah, he's super famous and not just here in Portugal but all over the world.

"Well, what is he famous for?"

"For playing football of course."

"You mean soccer?"

It's not like you didn't know what it was. It just wasn't the most watched sport in Australia, that's all. You had no idea that Ruben was actually a professional soccer player. How impressive.

"He actually just finished playing a major tournament with his country. They got knocked out though."

"Out of the tournament?"

"Yeah, I bet he's totally bummed about it too. You should totally try and cheer him up by sliding in his DM's."

"You think so?" You did have a great time with Ruben, he seemed like such a cool guy. Perhaps it was worth it to shoot your shot?

"Here, let's send a photo of you and have him rate your new outfit."

"What, no Maki."

It was too late. Your sister had already brought out her phone and stepped back to take your picture. You had stopped in the middle of the street, posing against a peach colored wall.

"Yeah, he'll love this." Maki said, inspecting the photo before sending it to Ruben via instagram.

"He's gonna think we're stalking him." You said, resuming your walking. "Not at all. He likes you, I promise."

"How do you even—"

"He replied!" 

You rushed to your sister's side, checking her phone.

"So sweet. Ruben rates your outfit as ten out of ten."

"Really?"

"I told you he was into you and look—" Your attention was drawn back to the screen where three dots had appeared in the corner. "He's typing!" Your sister gasped. 

The dots were soon replaced by a message from Ruben, asking if the two of you were close to a place called Quarteira. Apparently Ruben was there visiting a friend.

"We have to go. It's only a twenty minute drive from here."

"But, Maki. I have work tomorrow." Although Ruben's offer was tempting, you shouldn't get distracted from what you really came to Portugal to do.

"Come on Y/N, I swear we won't stay long."

"Promise?"

"Through thick and thin." She said, once again urging you to seal the deal with a pinky swear. Once you did, the two of you hit the road, off to meet Ruben and his friends again.

**********************************************

Your heart raced as you walked through the streets of Quarteira, a beautiful city near the beach. It seemed like a nice place for a family vacation as plenty of children were seen roaming the streets eyeing the gift shops along the road. 

You were so nervous, but excited to see Ruben again. As you and your sister looked up the address that he had texted you, you were surprised to stumble upon a small villa. Not too extravagant, but actually quite homely looking. You could feel your nerves getting the better of you as your sister rang the doorbell. The door soon opened with Ruben appearing in the frame.

"You guys made it!" He smiled and was even more handsome and charming looking since the last time you saw him. "Please, feel free to grab anything from the cooler. We were just getting started on the grill. I hope you're hungry.

"Yes, starving." Your sister moaned, teasing you as Ruben led the way through the lovely house, overlooking the beach.

"You better not fumble this, Y/N. He is so hot."

"Please, Maki, don't be so vulgar." You said, although you were also thinking it. Don't fumble this. Fortunately the meet up with Ruben and his friends turned out to be a really lovely night. It gave you a chance to get to know him and him you. Ruben was kind and attentive, asking you questions about your stay in Portugal as well as your life back home. He told you about his own life, and his passion for football. And how sad he was about Portugal being knocked out of the European tournament that was still ongoing as you spoke. Nevertheless, you found yourself laughing and smiling throughout the whole night.

As the evening wore on, Ruben even asked if you wanted to stay the night at his place, or in this case, his friend's place. You hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt. You had to work the next day, and you didn't want to be late during your first week.

"I would love to Ruben, but I have to be back early tomorrow," you said, trying to sound casual.

Ruben nodded, understandingly and was actually quite impressed that you were studying marine biology here in Portugal. "No problem, I completely understand. Maybe we can plan another night together soon?"

"I'd love to."

Maybe this was the start of something special. You thanked Ruben for a lovely evening, the two of you saying goodbye with a swift kiss on the lips.

Driving back to Faro with Maki, you just couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement since finding a summer fling had definitely not been on your Portugal bingo card.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

*Part 5 and Part 6 are out on my Patreon for free!

[lovezbrownies]

We need more of Reina please I’m begging you 😭🙏🙏. I literally want to spend the rest of my life with her

I GOT ANOTHER ONE COMNG TOO!!! gotta write Gen and Sio before bringing Reina back! anything for you guys...

Masterlist

Synopsis: You're surprised with an emotional surprise after years of pain.

Reina x GN!Reader

You used to hate mornings. Waking up and immediately seeing Gen smirking at you like the devil, her eyes foggy with lust, and her hands rubbing every part of your body it can see. Getting up from bed to not even choose your own clothes, to be handfed food you hated, to sit around in a dull lonely manor until your wife comes back home to entertain you. You hated it all, hated everything, hated everyone. Well, not everyone.

Reina may have been cold towards you when Gen first brought you in (kidnapped you), but after spending many long hours over many long days alone while Gen was out it made her soft. So soft in fact she had saved you from peril. Reina single-handedly yanked you out of the Devil’s grasp and even took care of you, healed you, and loved you, even after all that you two were put through by Gen, your love is stronger than her evil.

You thank whatever higher being that blessed you with Reina as you stare at her sleepy face across the table, you couldn’t even put into words how much you appreciate your beautiful, kinder, smarter wife. You just loved her so much, maybe under circumstances your love would be less severe, but with the shit you two have gone through together your shared love was beyond intense. You’ve escaped hell, almost died together, and went to heaven together. Nothing can separate you two from one another, or is there?

No. There isn’t. And there never will be, that is something you can be sure of. It’s been a few years give or take, and those few years have been your happiest. You two live in a big village home you got for cheap, and also have Reina’s siblings living with you. They are a mischievous bunch, with two boys and two girls one can never guess what chaos they will chaos in a day. Though they can be annoying you still see them as the kids you never had, and they see you as a parent they’ve lost long ago. Semi-parenting the kids with Reina made your relationship even more complex and intimate, you two know each other in ways no other person can comprehend.

You’ve made sure to pay Reina back for everything she’s done for you by spoiling her rotten when you can. From the moment you two settled down you looked and scoured for any job in the village just so you could provide for your little family, not like Reina didn’t have a job either, it just took longer for her crops to grow so she could sell them. You’d save up for special occasions and gift whatever Reina or the kids desire, from big things like anniversaries to rewards for a single good grade you will always make sure everyone’s needs and wants are fulfilled. And that was just a droplet compared to what Reina had sacrificed to save you, and you will always be reminded of that every time you wake up to her long hair covering your face.

Today is different, however, seeing how you hadn’t woken up to a flurry of hair surrounding you. You were never the fastest to wake up, but lacking the warmth and comfort of your wife you immediately snapped out of bed, still in your pajamas you called out, “Reina?! Are you here?!” Once hearing her distinct voice yell out from downstairs you managed to calm down enough to change out of your pajamas and make yourself look more presentable.

Once you were done with that you tried to leave your room yet were met with the youngest, and most stubborn of the siblings, blocking you from leaving. Though you can definitely just pick him up you decided it was best to entertain him. Putting a hand on your hip and looking around cluelessly you exclaimed, “Oh my! I can’t seem to leave our room! Reina, you wouldn’t mind if I was late right? It seems like an invisible wall has blocked me from leaving!” You pretended as if the little boy wasn’t there, and seeing how his face brightened up right after you gave yourself a silent pat on the back for being so cool to the kid. 

You went back into the room, saying a bunch of other stuff as you closed the bedroom door you heard the boy yell out, “I distracted them did I do good!?!” Giggling you laid back down, waiting to be permitted back out again you looked at the photos littering the walls, of everyone standing outside this very house right after purchasing it, of each kid on their first day of school through the years, of small vacations, and most important of all, the picture of your big dysfunctional family on you and Reina’s wedding day. It was such a simple wedding, with most of the village attending to witness the beautiful union of such a loving couple, and with the little money you two made you still spoiled Reina with the most gorgeous expensive matching wedding attire for you both.

All fond and wonderful memories, even the bad days were good for you. No other person’s life could compare to yours, and you would bet your entire life on it. Just as you were about to get up and look closer at the pictures the youngest came barging in, he raised his arm to his head, saluting as he yelled “Okay! You can-can come out now! Her highness! The Queen Reina wants to see you in the kitchen!” Thanking the mini guard you finally left the room, only for him to grasp onto your hand, looking up at you with a fearful look he whispered, “Be careful! The Queen might execute you!! She executed Miss Banana for no reason… It was an injustice!!” 

You smiled down at him, “I promise, I will take down the queen and have revenge on Miss Banana’s name, dear knight.” The promise seemed to have lightened the baby knight’s heart as he nodded and saluted you, wiping a fake tear over your bravery. Chuckling at the light-hearted nature of the conversation you moved on, quickly doing down the squeaky old stairs you were immediately hit with the smell of freshly-baked goodness.

That delightful smell only energized you more, speeding towards the kitchen you witnessed what could only be described as the cutest sight ever. So cute in fact it had you froze, eyes darting from one sight to another. Reina and the kids were covered in flour and many other things, the kitchen was a complete mess with tiny decorated hearts hanging off the walls and spread throughout the kitchen tables. Yet none of that could compare to the amount of food on the dining table, most shaped like hearts and stars, the kids and Reina were all sitting quietly in anticipation, waiting for your reaction. 

You couldn’t even begin to describe how you felt. Swirls of love and affection blossom in your heart, your heart felt like it could implode and release small tiny glitters out of how loved it felt at that very moment. “I-Is this… For me?” You point to yourself weakly, and you can barely breathe with how much your heart’s pounding. Reina stood up from her seat, walking over to you with that same cute dopey smile you fell in love with she embraced you in a tight embrace.

Reina spoke, her voice soft and endearing, “Well, I thought we could do something big and nice for you. You’ve done so much for us and… I just love you. This is because I love you so much.” Right after that, you were ashamed to admit, that you began sobbing and crying like a baby. The rest of the day was spent with your family, all while you still let out a tear every now and then. Nothing could ever compare to a chosen family’s love, that’s for sure.

It’s nighttime now, with all the kids in bed and asleep you and Reina decided to sit back. You both were sat cuddling in the living room. Not a single word was uttered between you two, much preferring to spend your time enjoying each other’s company in front of the fire in your chimney. It was beyond comfortable, you were rubbing up and down Reina’s back, bit by bit helping her snooze off as she cuddled into your neck.

Then it hit you, and your hands suddenly stopped, laying both of them down still on her back as Reina let out a disagreeing moan, “Honey…” Reina hums, “What’s this about a Miss Banana being executed?” And with that sentence uttered, Reina stills for a few seconds, before jumping up from your embrace, her face determined. “You shall never catch me alive!” Reina whisper yelled before running off with you following after her giggling about catching the evil queen.

Unfortunately, the evil queen’s wiles were far too strong for you, as you catch yourself nuzzling into Reina’s sleeping body.