#That said I'm not sure if she's doing it out of the goodness of her heart

[kisses4themissus]

Just A Fool | M.R X Reader

a/n: happy mothers day y'all...why not celebrate mother's day with some cuteness...and angst.. pairing: Michael "Robby" Robinavitch x Single Mom!Reader wc: 5.2k (idk I blinked and it was at 5k)

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Chatter and clicking of plates and cups filled the restaurant.

“So?” Robby began, glancing over to Lacey then to you beside her. “How did you not know she’s mine?” You asked, confused how he had assumed she was your niece. “I wasn’t thinking, does anyone else know?” he asked, glancing over to see Lacey already staring at him.

“I thought everyone knew i was a mom, lovebug stop staring at him.” You said, patting lacey’s hand on the table.

“He looks like the guy from josh’s game!” Lacey realized after staring intently at robby. “If having a kid turns you away then– what did you say?” you turned to lacey who sat next to you smiling at robby.

“He looks like the army guy!” She laughed, before turning to robby, sitting up on her knees. “My mommy likes his face hair.” She told Robby, who chuckled and titled his head. “Army guy?” Robby questioned.

“She thinks you look like a call of duty character.” You explained, chuckling to yourself. 

With a shocked expression, Robby stared at Lacey for a bit before turning to you. “She plays call of duty?” he asked, shocked as the little girl began to nod proudly.

You laughed and shook your head. “Her older cousins play but they let her get on the mic to talk shit.” You explained, looking over to see Lacey searching for her restaurant crayon. 

Robby nodded at the explanation. “I’ve dated a single mom before, she had a son…his name is jake.” Robby spoke softly as he watched you recognize the name.

“The boy who lost his girlfriend at pittfest?” You questioned, earning a slow nod from robby.

“He told me that he had gone to a therapist and said that it didn’t help but when he went to the hospital, he ran into someone..” Robby hinted, making you nod.

“I know the grief he’s going through, told him I wished Adamson was here so I could give him a proper apology.” you told robby, running your hand over the back of lovebug’s head 

There was a beat of silence before Robby asked.

“Was the person you lost her dad?” Robby motioned for lovebug who was too busy following the little maze on her place setting to listen to the adults.

You shook your head. “I wish he was her dad, he would’ve been a great one.” You sighed, looking down at the little girl. Robby saw the look of sadness and backed off the topic. 

Feeling eyes on her, Lacey looked up and saw both you and robby staring at her. “What?” She asked, looking a bit upset. “Got a problem?” She asked, raising her crayon to point at robby and you.

Robby chuckled and raised his hands in surrender. “I haven’t said anything.” 

Lacey sighed and nodded before flipping her place mat to face Robby, handing him a yellow crayon. She tapped the paper and pointed to her little tic tac toe board where she had placed a big X in the middle.

Glancing over you took in a deep breath and looked at robby with a smile. “Good luck, she’s good at those..” You sighed, picking up your drink.

Robby had begun to play with Lacey, at first letting her win but slowly grew to be competitive as she managed to trap him each time before running her red crayon over a line of hidden X’s. He leaned across the table and looked at Lacey in a mix of shock and awe.

“How do you keep doing that?” He laughed as Lacey shrugged before turning to you.

“How much longer, I'm hungry!” She dragged out her letters, flopping over on your shoulder.

You laughed and rubbed her head. “I’m not sure lovebug, we’re not the only people in here eating.” You explained, motioning towards the other booths and tables.

She sighed and placed her hands under her chin as she sat back down. She looked out the window before sighing once more, a bit more dramatic.

Both you and robby exchanged a look.

“Why does your family all call her that?” Robby asked, earning a laugh from you.

“Before I found out I was pregnant, I claimed I had a really terrible stomach bug, that’s why I was always tired, vomiting, and grumpy. So when I took a test and it was positive my brothers teased me by saying I had a lovebug in my stomach.” You explained.

Robby chuckled and nodded. “She’s more of a bedbug though!” You teased, tickling her sides. 

“Stop it mommy!” She laughed, wiggling from you.

You let her go and smiled as she sighed and moved back to her part of the booth, leaning over the table, Lacey looked at robby.

“Dr. robby. what’s your favorite color?” She asked, tapping the table with her pink painted nails. Robby chuckled and pretended to think.

“Blue.” He answered, earning a nod from lovebug.

“I like blue, my favorite is green.” She smiled at the doctor. 

“How was rat practice?” he asked, taking a sip of his drink, watching as Lacey perked up.

“Great, me and the older kids said on opening night we should do WWE rats, and– and I'd be the flying rat off the couch!” She explained, her eyes bright as she said her plan. You and Robby laughed.

“And the boys agreed?” You asked, laughing into your cup.

“Yep, Jason said to do it!” She nodded, waiting for you to finish your drink before asking for a sip.

Robby’s heart warmed as he watched you and Lacey across from him.

Lacey happily drank the lemonade, streaks of the drink on the sides of her mouth, she sighed and wiped it away with the back of her hand.

“Here honey.” Robby handed the little girl his napkin, smiling warmly as she nodded and wiped her face and arm. “Thanks dr. robby!” She grinned.

“You just call me robby.” His heart grew as you laughed.

“But you’re a doctor!” Lovebug tried to reason. “Like when mommy isn’t nice, I call her dr. mommy.” She explained before taking gulps of more lemonade.

“What’s your favorite food lacey?” Robby asked, making the little girl stop her gulps, she let out a deep gasp before answering.

“I like cheesy noodles!” She explained, making Robby tilt his head in confusion. 

“Fettuccine alfredo.” You clarified, lacey nodding in agreement. She turned to your purse and searched through it. Leaving you and robby to your own conversation.

 - - - - - - - -

Leaving the restaurant, you attempted to carry lacey who looked around the street, her sugar rush going crazy.

Robby noticed the look on your face as Lacey chattered and attempted to climb around you and quickly stepped in.

“C’mon monkey.” He took lacey and held her up. You smiled at the two. Lacey settled down a bit as Robby placed her on the ground before giving her a piggyback ride.

“Sure, your old man back won’t give out?” You teased, earning a laugh from robby; the fluttering in your stomach resumed. “I can’t guarantee it.” he joked, following as you walked to your car down the street.

As you passed an ice cream parlor, you took a deep breath and waited.

“Ooh, can we stop!” Lacey squealed, making you chuckle. Robby glanced at you with a grin. 

“It is nice to have dessert after dinner.” Robby teased, making you sighed before nodding at the pair, who cheered and walked inside. As the tired employee greets you three, staring at the ice cream flavors you turned to ask what everyone was getting only to see a sight that’d melt your heart.

Robby had moved Lacey to be in his arms, nodding as she pointed out different flavors she had liked the sound of. You felt red as robby’s free hand fell to your lower back and guided you to the counter.

“We’ll take a waffle cone with, what did you say you wanted honey?” Robby asked, looking at Lacey who sat comfortable in his arms.

“Cotton candy!” She squealed, making robby chuckle and nod at the employee before turning to you.

“What do you want?” he asked, not noticing how flustered you were. “Um- can i get a brownie sundae please.” You ordered, your face feeling overwhelmingly warm.

The employee nodded and typed something on the register screen. “And one fudge sundae.” Robby finished, removing his hand from your back to get his wallet out of his back pocket. 

“Hold this honey.” Robby told Lacey who nodded and held his leather wallet as he got out a twenty. At the same time you had pulled up your digital wallet on your phone.

You and robby looked at each other, robby looked almost offended as you attempted to pay. “Put that away, I'm treating you girls.” He playfully scolded you, making you nervously chuckle, nodding as you turned your phone off, letting him hand over the bill.

“Could you get the change for me, Lacey's shoe is falling off.” He asked, not waiting for a response, walking over to a booth and sat lacey down before helping the little girl with her Mary Jane shoes.

“Cute family.” The employee smiled at you, handing the change over.

You stuttered to get the words out. “Thanks..” You smiled and quickly walked over to the two.

After you and robby had shared your sundaes with each other, you three continued the way to your car.

As you unlocked the back door and loaded Lacey in, she sighed and whined. 

“What’s wrong babybug?” You asked, running a hand on her leg, trying to sooth her. “I don’t want dr. robby to leave!” She sighed, looking at Robby with puppy eyes. “Please come home with me and mommy!” She pleaded. 

You sighed at her. “Eat your ice cream before it melts some more!” You pointed to the waffle cone, she followed your finger and quickly jumped up to start eating it.

Both you and robby chuckled, softly shutting the door. You turned to robby and looked around the parking lot to see a few cars.

“Which is yours?” You asked, finally looking at him who smiled at you. “I walked.” He shrugged, watching as your eyes widened. “What?!” You scoffed at him. “And I thought carrying lovebug would’ve taken your back out..” You lightly laughed.

He nodded and motioned for you to get in the car. 

“You can’t be serious, I'm not gonna drive off and leave you to walk back to your apartment michael..” You said, noticing the flushed look on robby’s face. “What did you call me?” He asked, a sly grin growing.

You recalled your words and froze at the slip up. “Robby…I meant robby!” You attempted to cover. He nodded and grinned. “Nice cover slick.” 

“Are you getting in the passenger or what?” You asked, turning to the driver’s seat.

Robby laughed and nodded, opening the driver's door for you before running to the passenger side.

 - - - - - - - -

Somehow lacey had managed to convince you and robby to go back to your own apartment, robby agreed on staying till lovebug had passed out.

Unlocking the door, you sighed and smiled as Lacey ran into the living room and threw herself at the couch. Robby stayed at the doorway and admired the apartment, hanging plants in every corner of the rooms, a small kitchen and living room, two doors on each side of the apartment; easily you could tell which was Lacey's the colored construction paper and stickers stuck on the white door.

You kicked off your shoes and walked to your kitchen, opening the fridge to grab a cold water bottle, you turned to robby and offered one. “No thanks, nice place.” He nodded and looked around.

“Thank you.” You smiled, walking around the kitchen and poured the water into a bottle with cartoon characters before going to the couch and handing Lacey the plastic cup, “drink it for me please!” You smiled as the little girl began to chug it down.

She hopped onto the sofa, and patted the spot next to her for robby to sit, you sat on the opposite side of lacey and picked up the remote.

“Movie or bluey?” You asked lovebug who paused before looking at robby then back at you. “Movie since dr. Robby hasn't seen bluey!” She sighed, motioning for you to pick a movie out. 

Robby chuckled as she slouched down, and watched as you scrolled through movies, waiting for someone to pick.

“OH ALADDIN!” Lacey popped up from the couch and pointed at the screen. You hovered over the disney movie and turned to see Robby watching with a smile as Lacey bounced around, waiting.

He glanced at you and nodded.

It had barely gotten half way through when Lacey's sugar high hit, causing her to crash on the carpet in front of the hung tv. “She looks like a bug that’s been squished.” Robby chuckled, leaning over as you got up and prepared yourself to pick her up.

“Oh that’s because she’s tired from her long day, normally she’s fighting off demons.” You joked, you picked up the half full water bottle and placed it on the table to the side of the sofa.

Robby got up from the couch and carefully scooped up lovebug and looked at you. 

Too busy staring at robby’s broad shoulders you hadn’t noticed him gently shushing Lacey as she whined in her sleep, gently patting her back. Snapping back, you led robby to her room and watched as robby sat her down gently, you walked over and settled her in.

Robby smiled at Lacey's room; fairy lights were strung up across the room’s ceiling, painted stars on the walls, he looked back and blushed; It had felt oddly right to be domestic with you.

With a forehead kiss, you backed away from Lacey's room, turning on her fairy lights before leaving the room with robby.

Robby quietly shut her room door, noticing as you walked to your kitchen to clean up. 

He sighed and walked over to you. “I’ll be taking my leave now.” He smiled as you turned to him, two wine glasses in hand. “So soon?” You grinned, placing the glasses down on the island before turning to an upper cabinet and pulled out a bottle of wine.

Robby chuckled and sighed, looking down. “Alright, you got me.” He shook his head and walked further into the kitchen as you popped open the bottle. 

Robby took it gently from your hands and began pouring some into the glasses.

You scoffed at the amount. “Give me that, stop trying to be cheap with it!” You both laughed, taking the bottle from his hands.

He watched as you poured more wine into the glasses.

“Trying to wine and dine me?” He asked, a sly grin on his face as you froze in place.

“...possibly..” You looked at him quickly before taking a long sip of the wine. “I mean, I'm not opposed.” he told you before taking a drink. Feeling flushed, you watched as he drank more. “If you think you can stay quiet then absolutely..” You shrugged, placing down your glass.

There was a beat before both you and robby leaned into each other and let your lips touch, it was exciting, your stomach curled in as he reached to cup your face, bring you deeper into the kiss.

You pulled away first, smiling as he followed your lips. Placing your hands on his chest you motioned to your bedroom. Robby smiled and picked you up, cupping your bottom as he carried you to the bedroom, shutting the door and locking it behind you both.

 - - - - - - - -

Waking up to the smell of food was unusual for robby. He looked up from where he laid, all the memories of the night before rushed back, the late night chat with you.

He grinned and got up, putting on his clothes from the day before. Opening the door he saw you in the kitchen, humming to yourself as you made coffee and prepared something. Walking over he stopped at the kitchen island, smiled as you turned and grinned at him.

“Morning robby..” You said a bit shyly. He chuckled and walked over you, wrapping his arm around your waist. “Good morning, sleep well?” He asked, you closed your eyes and leaned your head against him. “Be quiet!” You giggled.

Robby had begun to help you make sandwiches, he raised an eyebrow as he placed another into a zip lock bag. “What are these for?” He asked, slightly confused.

You chuckled as you finished another sandwich. “Every other weekend, I get lacey all dressed up and cutesy and we go have a picnic.” You explained.

“That’s sweet.” Robby smiled.

As you both talked about your date, Lacey's door swung open to show a tired and crazy haired lacey. Her pajamas all messed up, one pant leg was hoisted up by her knee while the other was on the ground, her shirt was now backwards.

She walked out and rubbed her eyes as she yawned, she dragged over a stepping stool and hopped onto a stool nearby to sit down.

Robby quietly chuckled at the sight while you smiled and walked over to your crazy little girl. “You ready for our picnic?” You asked, earning a nod from her.

“Is dr. Robby coming with?” She asked, quietly. You looked over your shoulder and shrugged. You leaned in and shrugged at you. “I think you should ask him.” Your words made her light up.

“Do you want to go with us dr. robby?” Lacey asked, sitting up looking at robby with her puppy dog eyes once more.

He sighed and nodded. “I’d love to!” He grinned. With an answer lacey nodded and motioned for you to help her down.

Lacey ran off to your bathroom to brush her teeth and her hair. Leaving you and robby alone again.

Robby looked down at his clothes before nodding to himself, with a deep breath he walked over to you and leaned in. “I need to go back to my place, I need an outfit for the picnic with you lovely ladies.” He grinned as you got flustered and nodded, robby leaned in and kissed your cheek before leaving your apartment, out walked lacey, toothbrush in her mouth, her comb stuck in her hair as she looked around and shrugged at you. 

“Where’s dr. robby?” She mumbled, making you giggle before walking over and guided her back to the bathroom. “He went home to change, just like we need to change you into your dress.”

 - - - - - - - -

Robby had sent you a text about a park he knew that had good shade and a playground to take lacey to. You had agreed to meet there, packing up the picnic basket, a big enough blanket and getting lacey into the car; thankfully you had gotten there peacefully and quickly.

You carried the basket while Lacey insisted she carried the blanket, she walked through the grass, smiling as little kids ran past and towards the big playground. You had spotted robby across the park and walked with lacey over to him.

“Hi Michael!” Lacey yelled, making Robby turn and smile widely at you both.

You laughed and looked at lacey. “How do you know his name?” You asked, the little girl shrugged.

“After ice cream you called him michael.” She explained, running over as Robby knelt down to her height.

“Look at how pretty your dress is!” Robby smiled and spun her around, making her skirt fan out.

She laughed and sighed as he stopped and turned to you, his cheeks tinting pink.

You stood before him in a matching dress with lacey, a basket in hand and a warm smile on your face made his heart palpitate. “You look wonderful too!” He told you, taking the basket from your arm as lacey attempted to lay the blanket out.

“Thanks robby!” You smiled, helping lacey before sitting down on the blanket. Turning back to him, you chuckled as robby stood still, watching over you both.

“Come sit.” You patted the spot next you, robby nodded and with a groan sat down, placing the basket to the side. 

Lovebug began to buzz on her knees as kids ran past laughing, she turned to you.

Without having to ask you nodded at her and watched as she zoomed to the playground. “She could hardly wait.” Robby laughed, his arm going around your waist. You watched with a smile as Lacey joined a group of kids easily and began to play.

“I didn’t get to tell you but you look very nice as well.” You complimented, turning your head to robby who was looking over his shoulder. “I don’t look as good as you in that dress though.” He winked, making you both chuckle.

TIme had passed, you and robby had ended up cuddled together under the tree, watching as Lacey played with other kids, talking about anything and everything. 

You sighed and turned to look at robby, he had opened up about his struggle with adamson’s death then jake and his fallout. Your mouth frowned as you opened your mouth.

“Her dad’s name is nicholas callahan..” you started, earning a look from robby as you opened up. “He was my ballet partner, he and my ex boyfriend were best friends, everyone at the studio was surprised to find out that me and him had begun dating rather than me dating nick.” You looked down at your palms, not meeting robby’s gaze.

“When everything had happened, Nick comforted me...I was a fool, he took advantage  of my grief and convinced me to sleep with him; he said it’d take the weight off..” You sighed, feeling Robby's grip tightening on your waist in anger at Lacey's father.

“When I realized I was pregnant and went to tell him…he had left for Scotland, saying he didn’t want to be stuck in one place; I told my mom I wanted to quit ballet and the reason why.” You finally looked up to see Robby's eyes of remorse.

“That dick..” Robby muttered under his breath.

“He’s only seen lovebug a few times, she knows who he is, what he does for work; and how rarely she sees him.” You began to tear up. “My ex’s family knows about the whole thing, they adore lacey.” You chuckle, looking up to see robby looking distracted behind you. 

“She really likes you y’know.” You added, noticing the far off look in robby’s eyes but brushed it off.

He absentmindedly agreed, a pain struck your heart at his actions. 

You looked over to see lacey on the monkey bars, playing chicken with another little girl. As you turned back to robby, you saw him with his phone out, typing quickly.

“Is something wrong?” You asked, robby sighed and got up from the blanket. “I need to deal with something but you and Lacey have a good picnic.” He gave a peck on your lips before giving a quick smile before running to the other side of the park, leaving you alone on the gingham blanket.

Calling lacey over you had pulled out the sandwiches and ate as lacey talked your ear off about her new friends, part of your mind listened while the other half wondered why robby left urgently.

 - - - - - - - -

Going back to the hospital after spending the weekend with robby was lonely, no help with lacey’s questions of medical things she’d hear you both talking about.

As you scanned your badge into the ICU a mix of night shift and day shift all stood together around the nurses station, watching you with wide grins. You ignored them and placed your things down before going to log into a computer.

The night doctor stared at you before sighing and walking over to your desk. “So, how was your weekend?” She asked, smiling down at you.

You chuckled as you scrolled through files from the night before. “It was good, took lovebug to the park, got into a fight at my parents studio oh and made cookies!” You listed before turning to see the pile of workers.

“You forgot your date with dr. robby!” She giggled, making your face drop. 

“What? How did you know about that?” You asked, standing up, your face feeling warm. She quickly pulled out her phone and showed you a photo.

It was of you and robby at the coffee shop, both smiling at each other almost looking like a couple, it was clearly taken across the street.

“We met up for coffee…so what?” You asked bashfully, glancing back down at your new lockscreen. She laughed and leaned against the desks. “So what? You got your biggest hater to go on a date with you!” She laughed and began to clap at you.

You quickly stopped her. “Can we stop talking about my love life in front of all the patients, please?” You asked, gesturing to the open room doors.

She sighed and waved you off. “Most are intubated or probably want to hear something other than a depressing diagnosis.” She insisted; making you sigh.

“Fine, it was a date, he may have also stayed the weekend at my place..” You smirked shyly. 

A bunch of squeals and gasps came from the ICU workers. “Are you dating?” One of the respiratory nurses asked, grinning widely. You sighed and tilted your head to think. “Umm– I’m not too sure, he hasn’t officially said..” Your words made everyone stop and stare at you.

“And he stayed over?” The night doctor asked once more, making you nod.

Quickly the excitement disbursed. “I knew he was a player..” One of them sighed, shaking their head.

“What do you mean?” you asked, watching as the ICU workers began to pick off some post it notes off the fridge, groaning at each one.

“Do I have to tell her?” The nurse sighed, earning a nod from the others. She sighed and walked over to you and rubbed your arm as she sat you down.

“There’s rumors of dr. robby dating dr. Collins and for a while the rumor was dead but… lately all the other departments have been talking about them,” She sighed, your stomach tightened before releasing. 

“Apparently, one of the girls in CT saw them snuggled up together just this past weekend at the park by that one deli shop..” She finished, watching for your reaction.

The park…the park he had suggested for you, Lacey and him go for your picnic, the park where he kissed you at–.

You sighed and shook your head. 

“Their exes so what, maybe he needs closure..” You tried to excuse, your stomach began to sink as you thought about it some more. “I need to go get some fresh air..” You quickly got up from your chair and exited the ICU.

As you passed through the pitt, you were stopped by Langdon and McKay who both smiled widely at you. “Wanna place a bet?” Langdon asked, making you look at him confused.

“What kind?” You sighed, looking around for robby, but failed.

“Rumor has it, Robby's got a girlfriend, and I'd place a bet quickly if I were you..” Langdon smiled, you froze and shook your head. “No thanks, left my wallet upstairs anyways.., hey where’s robby?” You asked, turning to mckay who shrugged and glanced around the ED.

“No ones seen him since he got in.” Dana replied, sighing as she placed her hands on her hips.

You nodded and excused yourself to go to the ambulance bay, as you stepped outside by the bush you sighed and closed your eyes.

As the feeling of bile rising slowly washed away laughter caught your attention.

Opening your eyes you froze as you saw robby with Collins by her car; both laughing together. The bile quickly rose up as you saw the look of love in robby’s eyes.

Finally leaning over, preparing as the bile rose to your throat. Looking up for a final time to see robby rubbing over Collins stomach before cupping her face with a longing look.

The EMTs nearby jumped into action as you vomited into the bush. 

One held your hair back. “Are you alright?” She asked, you nodded and took a shakily breath before wiping your mouth. “Peachy..” You sighed, watching robby and collins off in their own world.

You stood up before walking back into the ED, rushing to the nearest bathroom. Thankfully being a single stall, you locked the door and bent over the sink.

Once again you had been taken as a fool; thinking a man would love you with no bad intention; was him being sweet to lacey just to get you to sleep with him faster.

Sighing, you glanced in the bathroom’s mirror and fixed the stray hairs as tears began to form. Silently crying as you perfected yourself.

Rolling back your shoulders you sighed and wiped away the tears. You stared at yourself before walking back out. As you exited the bathroom, Langdon laughed and shook you by your shoulders. “I won the bet, I knew him and Collins were together again!” He laughed.

You looked over to where the group of ED workers all cheered for the pair.

Among the workers, robby found your eyes, watching as they went from lovingly to sharp. He went to excuse himself but you had been faster as you slipped to the staff elevators with a blank expression.

 - - - - - - - -

The ICU had noticed the subtle shift of your personality; it was only seen on your worst days.

Everyone had quietly spoken about it. You had been snippy with any ED call, denying any bed space and allowing any OR patients the bed first. 

While on a cafeteria run, you walked through the ED, ignoring the gaze stuck on your back.

As you passed a curtained room, someone calling your name made you stop. You turned and opened the curtain and begged for your day to be over or to keel over and be bedridden.

“Nick..” You sighed, fixing the end of your jacket, feeling insecure around him; Nick the man your whole family hated, the man your heart still had affection for, Lacey's father.

He sighed at the sight of you.

“You still look pretty as always.” he smiled, admiring as you looked around the room. “What are you here for?” You asked, avoiding his gaze.

“Got trampled by some folks during a fire drill.” He explained, smirking at you. “Are you my doctor?” He smiled charmingly at you.

As you opened your mouth to speak the curtain was pulled back to show robby, collins and santos.

You saw robby and shut your mouth before turning to nick. “I got bumped upstairs, better patients and doctors.” You told him, using santos as a shield from robby walking closer to you. 

“These will be your doctors, dr. Collins, dr. santos and…dr. robinavitch.” You motioned to the three, seeing robby’s hurt expression from the corner of your eye.

“You still have my number right, let me see you and lovebug this weekend?” He asked, you turned and noticed robby’s furrowed brows at the patient.

“My apartment’s still the same.” You told Nick before walking to the elevators, leaving Robby to brew in his anger.

robby taglist!! @nerdgirljen @whatdoesntkillyoumakesyoustrange @evans-dejong @lovebuggyies @snowflames-world @whimsicalfungiforager @itschelseacisneros @kmc1989 @foolishseven @rhysology @delicatetrashtree @equallyshaw @qardasngan @fallout-girl219 @dantemorenatalie @18lkpeters @ohmystrawberrycheesecake @blackblueberries @swiftie-4-lifes-stuff @isla-finke-blog @baileythepenguin

[woso-dreamzzz]

Small

Arsenal Women x Teen!Reader

Summary: You just want to play

You try to catch her eyes, bobbing and weaving on the bench to just get the smallest hint of eye contact.

She does a very good job of pointedly avoiding your gaze.

Next to you, Vic smothers her laughter.

You pay her no mind, trying to catch your mother...no, your manager's eyes.

She's not your mother when she's coaching or at least that's what she always says.

"Your time will come," Lia says from your other side with just a hint of amusement," Renée would be a fool not to sub you on at some point. It'll come. It's still the first half. Give her time."

But patience has never exactly been your strong suit. Impatient was your trademark, always ready and raring to go and always annoyed when other people weren't the same way.

You try to act casual at half time, leaning against the door of the locker room as you wait for your manager to arrive.

"No," Renée says easily when she catches sight of you.

"But-"

"No," She repeats," Not yet. We'll see how the second half will go and then I'll think about it."

You groan. "You never have to think about it with Kyra!"

"Kyra isn't a sixteen year old menace who thinks she's much taller than she actually is."

"I don't think I'm taller than I actually am! And...And Kim's small!"

"And Kim also doesn't try to pick fights with people almost double her height. You need to actually be able to play, menace, not just try to bulldoze the tallest person you see."

Your mouth opens and closes a few times but you come to find that you don't actually have a comeback for that one.

You are kind of small and you do tend to pick fights with people much taller and much stronger than you actually are. But that's not really your fault. If given more time, you're sure you could twist your behaviour into an excuse for standing up for yourself or something similar.

"But you'll definitely think about? Like you actually will and you're not just saying that?"

Renée sighs. "Your mother won't be very happy with me if she tunes in and sees you playing against someone like Renard."

You grin cheekily. "But Mum isn't here and you're not beholden to her rules? Because you're the manager and you'll do what's good for the team? And you know I can absolutely ball out in midfield if you let me?"

Renée rolls her eyes, lightly bumping you with her shoulder. "We'll see how the second half goes and if you don't complain, maybe I'll sub you on."

You grin to yourself as you finally slip into the locker room, sitting down in your cubby and reaching over across Alessia to snag some of the mini cookies Kyra's eating.

"What's got you so happy?"

"Mama said she'll think about subbing me on if the second half goes well."

Alessia snorts. "She's not too scared of your Mum to back out this time?"

Your face turns red surprisingly quickly. "It was one match! And she said sorry after!"

Kyra giggles, hand reaching out to pinch at your cheeks. "Are you sure you don't want to stick to the bench? Maybe we can find some cotton wool to wrap you in?"

"Leave me alone!" You bat her hand away.

It wasn't exactly something you liked talking or even thinking about. You didn't like the team bringing it up.

The way you were coddled that is.

You'd moved over to Arsenal's Academy when the family moved over from Sweden when your Mama got her job as Jonas' assistant coach. It's not exactly that you got in because of who she was because you were already in an academy in Sweden but Arsenal didn't make you do a trial or anything to join them.

It was only a matter of time before you joined the senior team but that was a bit awkward at first, the rest of the team unsure of how hard they were allowed to go with you in training when Renée was on the outskirts supervising.

They relaxed into it, of course, but those first few months this season had been awkward and now that they'd seen how Renée was only willing to play you against low ranked teams, the teasing about being coddled had never worn off.

Your height hadn't exactly helped in that matter. All it did was give Renée an excuse to not play you against good teams with height on their side.

But you wanted this. You wanted Champions League football and you wanted to play now.

You're between Vic and Lia again on the bench when half time finishes, head still bobbing and weaving like it would make Renée sub you on any quicker.

She meets your gaze a few times but her eyes give nothing away.

Eventually, Vic leaves your side grab a drink and you stubbornly cross your arms over your chest.

"This is so unfair."

"Are all sixteen year olds as dramatic as you?" Lia muses idly," You don't have to play this match, you know. It's not a bad thing. You're still a kid."

You bite at your cheek to keep silent.

You don't want to admit why you're so desperate to play this match. You don't want to admit why you're so desperate to show off your skills against an elite opponent and, bar Barcelona, Lyon was as elite as it got.

There's Dutch girls on both teams. The same Dutch girls that could potentially be going to the Euros in the summer.

You want to be one of them.

You want to represent the Netherlands in Switzerland this summer. You want to represent your country like your Mama once did.

But you don't want to say it out loud. Because that makes it real. That means your teammates will be looking at you differently. Renée will look at you differently.

You don't want her to be disappointed if you don't make the team.

So you don't voice your wants and you hope and you pray that you're being watched by the Netherlands coaching staff just like you're hoping and praying that you'll get subbed on today.

And then your time comes.

You rush through a warm up and wait for Frida to come off, slapping your palms against hers as you head onto the pitch.

Blood roars in your ears, a steady pumping sound as you jostle around in the box against people nearly double your age and your height.

They practically dwarf you but you're scrappy, twisting and turning and sending the person behind you in the complete opposite direction.

The ball comes in from a corner and then goes flying back up into the air.

Someone jams their whole body weight into your shoulder and you fight to stay upright.

Your head whips up to track the ball and somehow you find yourself in the middle of the group.

There's barely enough space to do anything but somehow your leg extends out.

Your leg extends out and you kick the ball on the volley.

It's like slow motion.

Your touch is a little off, under pressure and acting on instinct, so the ball doesn't quite go where you want it to.

Because it rattles the crossbar, bouncing over the line and into the goal.

You're sprinting to the corner flag before you even realise it, grabbing and shaking it as the excitement bubbles up out of you.

Arms close around your legs and you're lifted up into the air.

Leah's the one holding you, bouncing a little bit as you laugh and try to keep your balance.

"Come on!" Someone else cheers in joy next to you towards the fans, Steph, you think.

Adrenaline pumps through you as Leah finally sets you down onto your feet again. There's head pats and laughter and you're panting like you've run a marathon.

You feel like you've been running for your life with the amount of adrenaline and endorphins running through your system.

There was no doubt throughout the second half that Arsenal would be going to the final.

Your goal in the dying minutes of the match was just the cherry on top.

Through the celebrations, you chance a glance over at the bench.

Renée stands in front of it, the widest smile on her face and you find yourself settling.

"Come on," You laugh with your teammates as they give you head pats and ruffle your hair," We've still got another minute left. Let's just see this one out."

[h3catee]

Introductions Are in Order

Paring: Robert Reynoldsx Fem!Witch Reader! Past Avenger!  

Summary: Bucky asks a favor of you and ends up getting you entangled with one of Valentinas ploys. 

Warnings: SPOILERS FOR THUNDERBOLTS*,  talks of mental health, depression, anxiety. Some violence (bc its marvel), some language. Trauma. Angst. Decent amount of Hurt/ With some comfort! 

Word count: 2.7k

AN: Hi! Welcome to my fic! this is probably multi part idk my plans yet. I'm leaning more towards multi-part bc I'm usually a chapter by chapter writer so there isn’t a lot of Bob in this one but I hope its a good intro to maybe a 2-3 parts. I literally fell in love with Bob's character during Thunderbolts and this man gave me motivation to write again. I didn't have a Beta reader for this one so pls forgive any grammer or silly mistakes. Forewarning (y/n)’s powers based off of the Marvel character Morgan le Fay just to throw that out there, she’s definitely not Wanda but definitely not Morgan. Think morally gray/ hates everyone except like 3 people/ witch trained by the past avengers. Next part will have more Bob I promise, just wanted to introduce the story here >:3

Song for the chapter: https://open.spotify.com/track/09fDemXgXzRReTfb7UWxjD?si=7e0b5d606b824813 

xoxox

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“I need your help with something.” 

You sighed heavily before responding, “Hello to you too Senator Barnes!” You heard the man grumble from the other phone line. 

“You know I hate when you call me that,” Bucky said. 

“Well…what do you want, Buck?” You said, rolling your eyes. You look around your empty apartment for something to fidget with while Bucky chews your ear off about calling him another stupid nickname. 

“Y/N, Valentina’s got this guy apparently named Bob-” 

“Bob?” You ask, cutting him off. Who names their kid Bob in this day and age? 

“Yes, Bob! I’m with Nat’s sister and she said we have to go get him because he’s part of some Sentry project,” He explained, voices yelling at him in the background of the phone call. “Can you just meet us at the tower?” 

A wave of nausea rolled over you, “The tower? Bucky, I don't go around there anymore.” 

“I know, but I wouldn’t be calling you if I had anyone else to call.” 

“How nice,” you taunt. You were never any of the Avengers first calls. To be fair you weren’t sure if it is because they were scared of you or your lack of social skills. “Also Nat’s sister?” 

“Later,” Which means he says he’ll tell you later but in reality he’s never going to bring it up again unless you find the answer yourself. 

You sigh, walking over to the bookshelf in your apartment that’s filled with books, both regular and magical, and pictures. Your hand brushes across a photo of yourself, Steven Strange, and Wanda, “I don’t fight anymore Bucky. You couldn’t just ask Sam?” 

“He’s uhmm..busy,” He answered, “I know how you’re feeling y/n.” 

“You don’t,” You interrupt. How could he possibly understand how you’re feeling when he barely reaches out to you unless he needs something. Him and the rest of the remaining team abandoned you, after Wanda, you had no one to turn to. You felt the all too familiar dull ache in your chest. You chewed on the skin around your nails waiting for Bucky to respond. 

“ I think we need you for this one.” Which means in Bucky terms that whoever they are fighting is a mutant and something he can’t fight. 

“Fuck,” You mutter to yourself. 

Ever since Wanda vanished you refused to step back out on the field.She was the only one that truly knew what you were capable of considering she was the one that found you all those years ago. Not even Thor, a god, could hold you back during training sessions and the only avenger to understand your pain was Wanda. And now she’s- 

You closed your eyes and took a deep breath to ground yourself. You haven’t been able to sense her magic anywhere. No matter what realm you went to, you couldn’t find her. 

Fuck you Bucky Barnes. 

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“She already knows we’re here,” You try to explain to the group in front of you. Bucky gave you and the rest of the team a run down of Sentry and what Mel, Valentinas assistant, told him about Bob. That doesn’t stop them from driving a truck through the lobby destroying the front of the building in the process, “Awesome,” You have no choice but to join the fight to defend the group. Defense only, you tell yourself 

While Walker has his back turned, a soldier on the ground fires a few stray bullets, you toss your hand up and redirect the shots to the wall behind him, “Watch yourself walker,” You growled. Before he could reply you went back to the fight. Using your magic to cast illusions into the minds of the soldiers fighting to give the group an advantage when attacking.

“I just had that drywall put in. You can just come up, you know that right.” Valentina’s voice rang out over the intercoms, “But I know you knew that already y/n. Come on up!” 

Yelena and Ava looked at you, knowing you had previously stated that and they had just refused to listen. You just rolled your eyes at them before motioning them to go in the elevator. 

“You are not coming,” Yelena asked as the group of 5 squeezed into the elevator. 

You shake your head before pointing up. You close your eyes and feel the familiar stomach reeling feeling of teleporting to where the penthouse once was. Where you shared few but long lasting memories. Your eyes wander across the empty walls and fairly empty room before you look at Val. 

“Ah! Y/N, so lovely to see you darling. You see I’ve always wanted to work with you,” The woman said. 

“Can’t say the same,” You said in a sarcastic tone. 

“Hmm, well maybe he’ll change your mind.” You just raise an eyebrow.

You don’t have the chase to question her because Bucky and the team come through the elevator doors ready to arrest her for crimes. You look between each person and back to Valentina, honestly not sure what is going on. 

That's when you feel it. A humming. Power. You look around only to notice no one else in the “Thunderbolts”, as Alexie is calling them, notices it. You try to pinpoint a mind to tap into to find where this power is from but you can’t, a black shadow blocking you out. Shit. 

“Meet Sentry.” 

You look up to where a man is clothed in a…ugly suit, with unnaturally yellow blonde hair. 

“Hey guys,” He greats. You study him for a second, the power dripping off of him but there's something else there, something all too familiar. You try to invade his mind but there's something keeping you out. You pull and claw at the black void keeping you out. 

“Y/n.” You vacate the attempt on his mind and meet his eyes. You cock your head to the side, he knows what you were doing, “That won’t work,” his voice coming out cautious. 

“Take care of them Robert,” Valentina orders. 

“I don’t want to hurt you guys,” Bob says, looking around at all of them in front of him, “Please just give yourselves in.” 

“Wait-” Yelena tries to interrupt. 

Alexie yells before running towards the man. Instead of following the rest of the team you stand back and observe. Everything they throw at him gets blocked or countered. Teleportation. Flight. Strength.

Bucky shoots at Bob only for the bullets to be sprayed back at him and Walker. You hold your hand up blocking the bullets and directing them towards the already broken window. Thats when Sentry notices you. 

“I knew I liked her,” Walker says to Bucky, getting ready to fight again. 

“Wanda’s not here to save you this time.” 

You barely move after hearing the voice in your head when the rest of the Thunderbolts move to attack Bob. You shake your head as if to clear your thoughts but you feel his eyes on you. Instead of the blue you saw earlier, Bob’s eyes have a golden hue. 

“She left you, just like you told her to.” 

“Stop,” You whisper to yourself, rage boiling beneath your skin. 

The fight breaks out and you watch as Bob grabs Bucky's Arm. 

“God damnit,” You whisper, before running towards the two to save Bucky. Bob tosses Bucky to the side, his arm now torn off. You shot a blast of energy towards him only for him to teleport out of the way. I don’t want to hurt you, You try to telepathically tell him. 

“You can’t hurt me,” He says aloud. 

“Says who,” You taunt. Your feet leave the floor before you can’t register your rage taking over. Blast after blast and nothing is hitting him. 

He teleports in front of you and grabs your neck. What he doesn’t expect is to look behind you and see a beach. A sunset. He furrows his brows as he looks around in confusion. 

That gives you enough time to grab his wrist and teleport out of his grasp. 

The illusion collapses around the two of you as you lose contact. With every fight you’ve been in, usually your opponent will be thrown off once coming out of the illusion but Bob…He raises a hand before you can counter and you slam into the concrete wall of Avengers Tower, the wall cracking behind you. 

 You feel an arm hook under your shoulders and begin to drag you to the elevator which you see is already occupied with the rest of the team besides you and Yelena. “Get off of me,” You grumble. You teleport out of her grasp and out of the tower completely. Your knees are wobbly beneath you and you assess your surroundings. Guard still up. 

“Are you hurt?” You turn and see Bucky running towards you, the rest of the Thunderbolts following in suit. 

“You know I’m not,” You used your magic to heal yourself immediately after the hit, “I tried to help Buck but I’m not strong enough anymore. I’m leaving.” 

“No, let us regroup and we can go back in,” Alexie tries to argue. 

“All of you just got your asses beat, you especially-” 

“Well I am just rusty but now I am ready to go,” The older super soldier bellows. 

You see Yelena put a hand over her eyes. You just laugh out of disbelief and begin to walk down the street. 

“Wait y/n,” Bucky follows after you, “Just wait-” 

You turn, he can feel the rage dripping off of you, “What!” You shout, “What do you want from me?” 

He just stares at you, “I was going to ask if you were okay.” 

You laugh, “Am I okay? God, you should've asked me that when Tony died. Or when I lost Vision and then lost Wanda. Or Nat. Or Steve.” 

“You acted like you didn’t even care about half of the team, what did you expect me to do?” He argues. 

“I didn’t want to hurt any of you!” You exclaim, letting your emotions run wild on the streets of New York, “If you think that up there I used all my power, you're wrong. I didn’t want to hurt any of you so I stayed away.” 

“But Wanda-” 

“But Wanda understood me, more than you or Tony or any of them. You don’t understand what I went through, what I’ve done. Bucky, you don’t know who I really am.” 

There was commotion behind you, taking your concentration away from the conversation. Citizens were pointing up towards the sky. You and Bucky exchange glances before running to where you could have a clear view of what they were looking at. 

A shadow of man floated above Avengers Tower. You watched as he raised a hand and all of a sudden a helicopter came crashing into a crane. Concrete and rubble began to fall from the buildings that were hit. People were screaming. 

Typical avenger in New York occurrence. 

You and Bucky split off to protect the people from being crushed. You used your magic to stop concrete from crushing a family and urged them to get into a building. 

“You’re alone,” You turned to see the man closer to you now. You recognized the voice from just minutes ago, Bob, “You’ve always been alone.” You just stare at him, “It eats you alive doesn’t it, y/n.” 

People are screaming, you turn to look behind you and see shadows of people spread across the floor in dark black smoke. You heart drops, what the fuck is this guy. 

“The pain goes away. Just come with me,” Bob captures your attention once again, “I can make it go away.” 

“How?” You whisper. He reaches a hand out to you. 

“Y/n! Stop!” Bucky shouts behind you but something in your mind is telling you to go. Telling you that everything will stop if you accept his hand. Everything will be quiet. Will the pain finally go away? 

“Y/n,” The distorted voice urges. 

That’s when you close your eyes and walk into the void. 

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You open your eyes and find yourself in an all too familiar room. One lined with archaic symbols preventing you from escaping. Your heart drops because you see yourself, younger, wounded, broken standing on the other side of the room. 

You know this day, you recognize it by the energy alone. This was the first time you killed someone. The first time you disintegrated someone's body and brain. 

“Y/N, Before you is a man who is being convicted of crimes against countless women, including your own mother,” You watched as your younger self balled her hands into fists, “Your task is to eliminate him.” 

Younger you nodded. 

“N-no,” You ran over to where you stood and wrapped your arms around your younger self, “you don’t have to do this,” 

“Get off of me,” Your body is thrown a few feet away from your younger self. That's when you feel it, the pain of a curse of 1000 sharp white-hot knives digging into you, you scream and writhe on the floor. That was your punishment when you were captured, if you ever disobeyed or failed, they cursed you over and over. 

“Stop,” You sob, the curse diminishing, “Stop,” You whisper, tears falling onto the floor beneath you. Your mind whirls and your limbs ache, like you’re gripped by a fever that burns through you like wildfire. 

“Y/n?” A male voice. 

You look towards a doorway where Bob stands, not Sentry, not Void but Bob. You squeeze your eyes shut to stop crying. 

“Oh god, I-I’m so sorry,” He runs over to you, “I-I can’t stop it,” He apologized. 

“I don’t understand,” Your voice comes out as a whisper, “What is this?” You finally sit up and watch the rest of the scene play out in front of you. 

You watch as younger you raises her hand towards the man and he begins to scream in agony. You watch as his skin flairs and melts. 

“Don’t look,” Bob urges, grabbing your arm and pulling your attention from the memory. There are tears in his blue eyes. He has brown hair now instead of the fake gold that Val gave him. He’s clothed in a sweater and tan pants. He honestly looks like he’s going to pass out. “I can’t do anything right, I’m so sorry,” He mumbles, “I-I don’t even know you and you’re stuck here with me. It’s this…void.” 

“How do we get out?” You ask, looking down to study your shaking hands. 

“I-I don’t know. There’s different rooms and each one just gets worse. I’m so sorry Y/n,” He begins to cry. Your heart shatters for a moment thinking about what he must go through if he deals with this constantly, now with the serum it must have fully taken over him. 

“Let’s just get out okay,” You place your hand on his thigh and he tenses beneath you. You squeeze his leg in reassurance before standing up, “P-please don’t tell anyone what you saw, I-I can’t. No one knows.” 

“I won’t, Why would I tell them?” He asks sincerely. All you can do is nod, “Y-you can trust me.” Once again, you just nod. 

“Do you think everyone else is in here?” You ask, trying to change the topic. 

“M-maybe,” He saying, shrinking in on himself. 

“Hey, it’s okay, I’m fine. We’ll all be fine,” You soothe, “Let’s just find them.” 

Thats how you ended up finding the team, fighting Bob in a chicken outfit, and getting out of the void. Only to have Valentina throw a new title on the group right after. 

The New Avengers. Including you. Awesome. 

And that’s how you ended up here, living in the tower after some much needed renovations. Bob didn’t remember anything after the Void incident but something told you to tell him. So you showed him through your magic. He apologized profusely to the team and kept his distance since then. Honestly, he reminds you a lot of yourself when you first joined the Avengers with Wanda. But you refuse to let him fall into that dark of a hole like you did. 

You want to save someone for yourself, for once. You want to save him. 

part two!

[juanarc-thethird]

Identity theft #1

Cinder: Okay, here's the plan: Neo will impersonate Pyrrha and enter her room to sabotage her weapons, so no one will know.

Emerald: Ok, but what would happen if her teammates show up?

Cinder: I wouldn’t worry about that. Nora and Ren are spending all day searching for the golden pancake, thanks to my amazing ingenuity.

Neo: "And what about the idiot?🤨?

Emerald: Yeah, what about Jaune? Is he busy too?

Cinder: Do you think that Dunce would question Pyrrha? Knowing him, he'd leave her alone while she "works on her weapons."

Neo: "But what if it does?🤔"

Cinder: So you deal with it, but under no circumstances should you throw away your cover, understood?!

Neo: "Yeah sure🙄"

Cinder: Good, now get to work.

Later that day.

"Pyrrha" enters Team JNPR's room, and begins searching through the closets for the real Pyrrha's weapons.

Pyrrha(Neo): (Which one is her closet?😒 I've only found bottles of maple syrup, tea herbs, and comic books. Don't tell me she doesn't have her…👀 Jackpot😎)

In the last closet, she finds Pyrrha's weapons, right at the bottom. She bends down to grab them but is surprised by a somewhat unusual touch.

Pyrrha(Neo): (Is someone touching my ass?!😡)

Jaune: Hello my love, did you hear that Nora and Ren won't be here all day?💕

Pyrrha(Neo): (Wait? They're a couple?! Wow... but I need to leave now. I'll just step aside and leave before anything else happe-AaaH~💕)

Neo feels Jaune's fingers slide inside her. His movements are slow and very stimulating.

Pyrrha(Neo): (God~, this is it, I need to get out of here before…😳!!!)

Suddenly she feels something hot and big between her ass cheeks. She looks back and sees a tremendous, well-endowed piece of meat looking at her directly.

Pyrrha(Neo): (Holy shit! Is fucking huge!😨)

Jaune: Sorry, I know you prefer it in bed, but you've made me so mad for you that I can't control myself. Is it okay if I put it inside you?

Neo can't stop looking at his member after he asked her that, and a silly idea popped into his head.

Pyrrha(Neo): (Well, Cinder did said to do whatever it takes to not blow our cover😏)

She looks at him and gives him a nod.

Meanwhile...

Cinder: Why is Neo taking so long?

Emerald: Maybe she stumbled upon something that can't get out yet?

Cinder: Maybe. Whatever it is, I hope it's a matter of life or death. Because if it isn't, she's going to get it.

Back to Neo...

Still wearing the "Pyrrha" disguise, Jaune has her on all fours, hitting her from behind with his tremendous meat stick, and choking her by the neck gently but firmly.

PLAT!PLAT!PLAT!PLAT!PLAT!PLAT!PLAT!PLAT!

Pyrrha(Neo): "💕😮‍💨💕🤤💕‼️"

Jaune: Oh god💕! You're tighter than usual! I think I'm gonna cum!

Pyrrha(Neo): (YEs!💕 Cum inside me!💕 I want to feel your delicious warm milk inside me!💕)

Jaune: Oh Fuck💕! Im close!

Pyrrha(Neo): (Do it! Make me yours!💕💕)

Jaune: Oh Pyrrha!!💕

At that moment she can't feel her insides filling with cum, so much that some of it comes out.

Pyrrha(Neo): ( FUuUCk YEeeEes!💕💕)

They both take a breath. Then Jaune pulls his cock out of her, and it all spurts out like a champagne bottle. Staining the floor with his creamy milk.

Jaune: Oh god, I didn't think I'd cum that much. Well, how about a shower and then we go work out a bit?

Pyrrha(Neo): *Nods back*

Jaune: Excellent, I'll wait for you inside.

He says and gets up to go straight to the bathroom. Neo looks at Pyrrha's weapons and thinks for a moment.

Pyrrha(Neo): (I guess this is my only chance to finish the job🫤)

She then hears the sound of the shower running.

Jaune: Pyrrha, come on. I need you to clean me very thoroughly~💕

Pyrrha(Neo): (Well, I can't say I didn't try☺️)

She gets up and heads towards the shower.

But in the midst of all this, she never realized that a person was watching them from the shadows, one very happy to see such an event.

??????: *Giggles* Interesting

To be continued…

[sirfrogsworth]

(In reference to this post)

I'm going to be honest, this kind of attitude concerns me.

I've been going over my past lately. I'm writing something about my relationship with my brother. And I found a letter I never sent him.

Here is an excerpt.

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

I was not a good brother to you.

I took you for granted and was an ungrateful jerk. You used to do so much to help me. You did all kinds of manual labor because my stupid failing body could not. You built me things. You helped me fix things. You drove me places I needed to be. When I first got sick at college you came to Kansas City and scooped me up and brought me back home.

I remember one Christmas you even went back to the family gathering and stuck up for me. They didn't understand how sick I was and you explained it to them. I never told you how much that meant to me. I should have hugged you and thanked you profusely on the spot. You believed me even when some doctors refused to. And you used that big heart of yours to defend me.

That was an amazing act of courage. Find that same courage now. Stand up for Mom & Dad. Stand up for yourself. Put your foot down and fix this.

It took me way too long to figure it out, but it is my regret of being a bad brother that helped me realize why you don't like my humor. Why you are one of the very few people I can't make laugh. It's because I used that humor at your expense. I made fun of you. I teased you the same way those betraying bastard fake friends did in high school. At the time, I probably thought my jokes were harmless fun. But I'm sure you felt they were cruel and hurtful. We are such different people and I had a hard time understanding you. I used humor as a weapon to highlight our differences. I have no excuse. I have no justification for being a jerk to you.

All I can do is say I am sorry. Truly and deeply sorry.

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

I didn't send that letter because he was too far gone. His wife read every email and text and I had no way of getting through to just him.

My brother used to be a much better person than me. I often failed to be the good person I thought I was. I didn't realize I was being hurtful at the time. And I didn't do this to just him. I thought I was just making jokes. It was not "pretty easy" for me to realize that. It took years of growing and hindsight.

He used to be nothing but good behaviors all the way down.

And I struggled to limit my bad behaviors.

I was bullied in grade school and realized that if you are funny, people don't bully you anymore. So my brain thought I needed to make people laugh at all times. And it didn't matter if my jokes were at someone else's expense.

Bad behaviors are often easy. They can be tempting. They can require less effort. They can have greater rewards. And sometimes they can protect you. They can be a defense mechanism. Your brain trying to avoid trauma. "I'll hurt someone first so no one hurts me."

There is a reason so many people struggle to be good all the time.

Good behavior requires constant vigilance. You can't do a certain number of good things and then just call yourself a good person. And you can't just not do bad things either. A good person isn't necessarily just "not being evil to other people." That is neutral, at best.

I've learned that being a good person isn't something you just are. It is an ongoing choice. You have to maintain it. You have to actively keep it going. You have to consistently choose good behaviors and limit the bad.

And we all choose bad behaviors from time to time.

Don't kid yourself.

If you know the story of my brother, he let bad behaviors win. He let someone influence him to abuse and neglect his own family. He did it because he was traumatized. He was humiliated by a girl in high school. She said she was his girlfriend. She let him take her to prom. Then she wrote a one-act play called "Prom Nightmare" and performed it in front of the entire school. He was a laughing stock to 2000 classmates.

He is terrified of being alone but he is also terrified that any romantic partner is faking their affections. So obedience is his tool to prevent that. He will do anything his partner instructs to make sure her affection is real. His unmanaged trauma has run amok and led him to dark choices to keep his relationship intact at any cost.

He was such a good person. And now he is not. He has the potential. He is so good with his daughter. He is capable of good behaviors. And I think that is why it upsets and angers me so much. I can still see what he could be.

If you want to see people as just good and bad, that's up to you. I can't do it anymore. I think humans are too complicated. And I worry about getting complacent. I need to check in on my ratio of good to bad behaviors constantly. It would be too easy to say I am a good person and not think about it again.

I mean, sure, I don't kick puppies. I don't taunt the elderly. I don't assault random strangers.

Being good is easy!

Right?

[heart-shaped-pebble]

Imagine Bob trying to cook for you when you're sad. Partially inspired by that one WandaVision scene in Civil War. [gen!reader]; no use of y/n

You were hanging at the tower, clearly upset about something. It was so obvious Bob could almost sense it. Something on your last mission went wrong, he recalled, and you had injurying yourself. Nothing too serious fortunately, "just a scratch," you had told him. But Bob was still worried sick for you, and so was the rest of the team.

"Yelena please, I'm fine. I can fight! I can help!" You had insisted while the rest of them got ready for their next mission.

"No." The black widow repeated, her tone leaving no room for further argument.

"She's right. It's just for this one time, when you'll recover completely you'll come with us." Bucky had tried to comfort you, while Ava had simply winked at you and whispered something at your ear, not-so-subtly pointing at Bob.

John had done nothing more than shrug and offer some sort of sympathetic smile before Alexei - already in the car - honked and they all rushed outside.

So there you where, sitting on the couch while lazily flipping through a book. Your sad eyes scanned through the pages quickly, as if not aftually paying attention to what was written. It killed Bob to see you like that, and he had promised himself to be as useful as he could be at the tower since he wasn't able to fight, hadn't he?

Thirty minutes later he was standing at the couch's feet, biting the inside of his cheek and fidgeting with his fingers. "Ahem." He cleared his throat. You raised your eyes from the book, your look softening when it landed on him.

"Hey Bob. Everything good?" You offered him a tired smile, and he nodded.

"Yes. Can you, uh, follow me in the kitchen?" You tilted your head confused but nodded, standing up and walking with him to the kitchen. Your smile visibly widen when you saw what was laid out on the table, though your eyebrows furrowed when you noticed the mess of pans and left ingredients that was behind it.

"You... you made spaghetti."

"Bolognese." He specified, lifting his finger and then nervously biting his lip. When he noticed the way you were worriedly looking at the mess he had left he rushed to mention he was going to clean everything himself, but that "I thought you might have wanted to eat it immediately."

You let out a soft chuckle, moving to inspect the plate. "Well, it definitely looks good." You approved, nodding while smiling.

Bob let out a sigh of relief and gave you a nervous smile. "Thanks. I tried my best, I followed an Italian recipe online, cut‐ cut the meat myself and all." He gestured around, and that was when you noticed the bandages on his fingers.

"Is the secret ingredient your blood?" You joked. Bob looked down at his hands and hid them behind his back.

"Uh, yeah. As I said, cut the meat myself."

You laughed. "Yeah I can see that."

He shrugged and looked down, "I thought it might have lifted your mood." Your smile softened at his words. You picked a fork and rolled the spaghetting with it, letting out a satisfied moan when you ate this.

"Mood lifted." You assured him, sitting down to eat the rest of the dish. Bob stood there awkwardly, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, looking around unsure on what to do now.

Leave. They don't want you there. The voice in the back of his head said, which he tried to push away. But maybe that was what you wanted? For him to leave you eat in peace?

Before he could do or say anything, as if reading his thought you moved one of the chairs next to yours. "Sit down with me. Don't you want to try your own masterpiece?" You told him, taking another fork for him to use.

Bob blushed and sat down, avoiding your eyes, taking a small bite of the pasta you were offering. It did taste good, he had to admit. Beginner's luck, surely. "I wouldn't say masterpiece."

You snorted and lightly hit him on the shoulder. "Flatter yourself for once, Bob. This dish is great. I mean it." You told him with a comforting smile, putting your hand on his wrist. His eyes widened, unable to take them away from your hand. He was blushing so hard he was pretty sure his face had chanced colour.

"T-thank you."

Your smile widened as you leaned in to kiss his cheek, taking his hand in yours and squeezing it. "Thank you Bob. I really needed it."

Bob relaxed under your touch and smiled. Mission lifting your mood- accomplished.

[ooooo-mcyt]

There is probably something to be said for how the Life Series winners have (or haven't) died.

Grian who threw himself off a cliff in grief vs Scott who was directly /killed before he could choose for himself vs Pearl who died automatically upon winning by nature of the game mechanics vs Scar who continued to live vs Cleo and Joel who both chose their own deaths. Martyn is the only weird one because his video says he ran out of time but I think he was technically /killed, so that one's actually debatable?

I think Cleo and Joel's victories were both very kind to them. They won, and then they, while celebrating, got to choose their own ending. They both got to end it on their own terms, and they were happy for it. I don't have much to say on them, I'm happy for them.

Grian, I categorize differently to Cleo and Joel. Partially because the tone was different- he was grief stricken and dazed, not celebrating- but also because I think it's debatable how much choice he had in the ending of Third Life. From the moment it was just him and Scar left, Grian seemed to be following what he thought the spectators wanted, not what he wanted. Technically he 'chose' how his season ended, but it didn't seem to feel like one to him, and that is important.

The tone of Scar's ending is highly dependent on whether you see his survival on Secret Life as a curse or a choice. I've seen fanart of him miserably pushing a button over and over begging for his win, or curled up and alone. But personally, I think Scar chose to stay, and I see it as an act of agency and maybe defiance (in large part because why wouldn't he just jump off a cliff if he wanted out? why wouldn't grian just /kill him? but also because thematically i think this makes more sense with the character.)

Then there's Pearl. She had the choice taken from her. I've seen Scott faulted for this, people saying he selfishly killed them both to spite Pearl or something, but I think that's misattributing the real problem, which is the game mechanic itself. No matter how Pearl won, whether by Scott killing himself or Pearl killing him, Pearl still would have died in the same moment, because she was tied to another person without any choice, and she literally physically was not allowed to live without him (nor would he have been allowed to live without her). Double Life's very core game mechanic was one that limited agency. (i do think it would have been good of scott to let pearl choose anyways, but pearl didn't seem to mind- she was very explicitly touched by the 'sacrifice'- and i think the real issue of the soul link would have been the main issue regardless of how they died)

I'd say Scott is the main player who was unarguably primarily limited by another person. Grian /killed him. Scott got to the end of his season, and before he could choose how to end it himself, Grian used commands to take that choice and kill Scott himself. Which I doubt was malicious, I'd say Grian was probably not thinking about it- after all, Grian seemed to view his own victory as belonging to the will of the spectators even as it made him miserable, he clearly didn't see the winner as someone with any real agency, so why would he think it was important to let Scott have any choice either- but regardless there was an unfairness to it, for Scott to be denied in victory, the choice, not even by the mechanics of the game, but by another person.

Martyn, as I said before, is a question mark for me, because I don't know whether he canonically ran out of time or was /killed (i think both are correct so choose your favorite i guess), but I'm not sure it matters too much, because whether he was denied agency by the game or by the will of the dead, he still wasn't allowed to choose his own ending, which is painfully ironic in a very cruel way considering Martyn's whole victory was about doing things his way instead of by tradition, morality, or how others think he should do it. Everything I said in Pearl or Scott's sections can apply here too depending on how exactly you think Martyn died.

And I just think it's fascinating, the differences in how exactly each winner died (or didn't) and what that implies regarding their victory and character arc as a whole.

[elswhore]

hey gorg! congrats on the 2,000!! you deserve it. i was wondering if you could per chance do a angst to fluff with prompt 7? with ju, maybe someone was sending mixed signals and and they get in a lil argument but work things out.

(i’m so sorry this is long i wasn’t sure how to explain it🙃)

prompt 7 "tell me what you want" ── angst to fluff.

thank you so muchh!. sorry i dont get it.. but i tried hope i did wrote it right. (btw i loved writing this)

you paced the living room, your phone clutched tightly in your hand, replaying the last few weeks in your mind, juju’s laugh, her teasing smirks, the way her hand lingered on your arm a little too long moments that felt like promises.

but then there were the days she’d pull back, her texts short and distant, her eyes avoiding yours when you tried to get closer, the mixed signals were driving you up the wall, and you were done, the front door clicked open, and juju stepped inside, her dark hair loose around her shoulders, her gym bag slung over one arm.

she looked at you, her brows lifting slightly at the tension radiating off you. “hey,” she said, her voice casual, like she hadn’t noticed the storm brewing in your eyes. “what’s up?” you stopped pacing, turning to face her, your grip on your phone tightening.

“what’s up?” you echoed, your voice sharp with the frustration you’d been bottling for weeks. “juju, I’m so fucking tired of this, one day you’re all over me, flirting, acting like you want something real, and the next you’re cold, like i’m just some friend you barely care about, do you even know how confusing that is?”

juju’s expression faltered, her bag sliding off her shoulder to the floor as she straightened, her eyes locking onto yours. “what are you talking about?” she asked, but there was a defensive edge to her voice, like she was bracing for a fight. “don’t play dumb,” you snapped, stepping closer, your emotions spilling over.

“you know exactly what i mean, you’ll text me at midnight, saying shit that makes my heart race, then ghost me for two days, you’ll hug me like you never want to let go, then act like it’s nothing when i try to talk about us, i can’t keep doing this, juju. i’m not some game you can pick up and drop whenever you feel like it.”

your voice cracked on the last sentence, and you hated how vulnerable it made you sound, but you couldn’t stop now. “i like you, okay? i’ve liked you for so long, and i thought—i thought you felt something too, but if you don’t, just say it, stop stringing me along, because i can’t take it anymore.”

the room fell silent, the weight of your words hanging between you, juju’s face softened, the defensiveness melting away as she took in your trembling hands, the raw hurt in your eyes, she stepped forward, closing the distance, but you took a step back, shaking your head.

“don’t,” you said, your voice quieter now, but firm. “eon’t just hug me or say something cute to smooth this over, need to know where you stand.” juju stopped, her hands falling to her sides, for a moment, she looked lost, her usual confidence replaced by something softer, almost uncertain.

“I’m sorry,” she said finally, her voice low, genuine. “i didn’t mean to mess with your head, i just… i’m not good at this.” you frowned, crossing your arms, still guarded. “good at what? being honest? caring about someone?”

“no,” she said quickly, her eyes searching yours. “figuring out how to let myself want this, want you, without freaking out..i know i've been all over the place, and that’s on me, i get close, and then i pull back because… i don’t know, i’m scared of screwing it up..but i do care, i care so much it fucks me up sometimes.”

her words hit you hard, unraveling some of the anger but leaving the hurt behind, you swallowed, your throat tight. “then why can’t you just show it? why do i have to feel like i'm chasing you all the time?”juju’s shoulders sagged, and she ran a hand through her hair, exhaling shakily.

“because i’m an idiot,” she admitted, a small, self deprecating smile tugging at her lips. “and because i’ve never felt like this before, not this much, i keep thinking if i hold back, i’ll protect myself or whatever, but all i’m doing is hurting you, nd i hate that.” ehe stepped closer again, and this time you didn’t pull away.

her hands hovered near your arms, hesitant, like she was waiting for permission. “tell me what you want,” she said softly, her voice raw, her eyes pleading. “i don’t want to lose you, i just need to know how to fix this.” your heart ached at the vulnerability in her voice, the way she was laying herself bare for the first time.

you took a shaky breath, your anger softening as you looked at her, really looked at her, and saw the sincerity in her eyes. “i want you to stop running,” you said, your voice quiet but steady. “i want you to be real with me, even if it’ messy, if you’re scared, say it, if you want me, show it, just… be here. with me.”

juju nodded, her eyes glistening slightly as she closed the gap, her hands finally settling gently on your arms. “i’m here,” she whispered, her thumbs brushing soft circles against your skin.

[justzutara]

Prompt: Zuko and Hakoda have a heart to heart about fatherhood.

Zuko stroked Katara's sweat-soaked hair as she slept. Two days after going into labor, their baby still refused to leave the safety of its mother's womb. "He's stubborn just like you," Katara had said after the first sixteen hours had passed.

Everything since then had been a blur as Katara's comment replayed in his mind again and again. "He's stubborn just like you. He's stubborn."

He.

They hadn't talked about the sex of the baby during her pregnancy, but that simple joke had confirmed exactly what Zuko feared: he did not think he could raise a son.

"Fire Lord Zuko," the head midwife whispered, "would you step out for a moment? We need to make preparations for when Master Katara wakes." He nodded and promptly got out of the midwives' way.

The frigid air was still outside the birthing hut. Snow sparkled in the torchlight under his feet, and stars glittered in the dark blue sky above. Any other night Zuko would have marveled at the beauty of night in the south pole, but with his wife's labor stalled and his mind in overdrive, every point of light felt like a needle in his eye.

A firm hand on his shoulder snapped Zuko back to his senses. "How is she doing?" A nigh imperceptible tremor punctured Chief Hakoda's confident voice.

"The midwives gave her something to speed up her labor. It should kick in soon. Besides that, they said everything is fine," Zuko parrotted what he remembered from the update they'd given before Katara fell asleep.

"That's a relief," Hakoda smiled. Zuko nodded, his eyes fixed on the snow.

Hakoda squeezed Zuko's shoulder. "How are you doing?"

"I...I don't..." his stomach turned as he fumbled over his words.

"Nervous?" Hakoda asked.

"Terrified," Zuko admitted. They walked around to the side of the hut so their voices wouldn't disturb the midwives. "Katara thinks it's a boy."

"Does she? Most men would be thrilled about that."

"Most men also didn't have fathers who burned off half their faces," Zuko snapped. Hakoda looked away and tension settled between the two men.

"You're right. I apologize," Hakoda murmured. Zuko hugged his crossed arms tight to his body. "At least you know what not to do," the chief offered with a strained smirk.

To both their surprise, Zuko laughed. It was a rough, choked sound that brought tears to his eyes--which he quickly wiped away lest they freeze--but it felt good. His father and brother-in-law's sense of humor wasn't for everyone, but Zuko was glad for it now. "You're right about that. I could use some advice about what to do, though."

Hakoda leaned against the hut. "I'm afraid there's not much I can tell you," he sighed. "I did my best with Sokka and Katara after their mother died, but to be honest, I don't remember much about those years. I left to fight in the war when they were still young, and by the time we were reunited, they'd grown up." The older man drew circles in the snow with his boot. "My children turned out wonderfully, but I can't take credit."

This was not the pep talk Zuko was hoping for. "Sokka would have tried to break you out of prison by himself if I hadn't caught him. I threw my dad in prison when the war ended. I'm sure you did better than you think," he offered.

Hakoda smiled wryly. "Well, when you put it that way..." They shared a brief chuckle. "If you really want my advice, don't try to decide who your child is; they'll tell you. Just be there to help them grow and keep them safe. You're good at that," the chief grinned. That assurance was just enough to calm Zuko's frayed nerves. He had a boatload more questions, but they would have to wait.

"Fire Lord Zuko! It's time!"

"Thank you," Zuko whispered hastily as he headed back toward the front of the hut.

"Wake me when I'm a grandpa!" Hakoda called after him.

Katara's tired face lit up when Zuko returned. He dropped to her side and held her hand. "Ready?" He asked.

His wife squeezed his hand and groaned as a contraction seized her. "Whether I am or not, he's coming!"

Zuko squeezed her hand back and kissed her forehead. "I can't wait to meet him."

--------

Thank you so much for the prompt! Personally, I love the headcanon that Katara and Zuko's (first) child is a girl and Zuko is an iconic girl dad, but I thought this would be a great opportunity to explore his anxiety around the possibility of a son due to his relationship with Ozai.

[waynes-multiverse]

Man, I was both so happy to read this and sad, knowing it's the end for now 😭💚

“Then we’ll pop over to the brewery for a bit, I can help you research your next job this afternoon, you can call Colter and harass him about making sure he’s still doing his stretches-” “It is not harassment-” “And then I’ll cook up that salmon in the fridge on the grill for dinner and we can watch X-Files on the back porch under a blankie.”

Gaaaah, they're so cute together 😍 I could legit read about them having breakfast, bantering, and teasing each other like teenagers for hours (again, So High School comes to mind lol)

And I love that they're watching X Files! I rewatched it during my pregnancy and named my son Fox 😝✌️

“Stay back,” Russell said quietly. He jogged up to the front of the house, pulling back a curtain. “Jesus fuck.” He tore open the front door, two of Russell’s special ops friends standing there.

At this point, I'm just happy it's not Colter again. I imagine reader would've only saved him this time to kill him again lol

“Because I’m not fucking over some patient when a doctor in an emergency goes to their supply and finds it drained. Get it from the bank where odds are less likely it’ll impact someone,” you said

Such good thinking of reader here! She's always so calm and clear-headed in these very stressful and high intensity situations. She'd honestly thrive as an ER doc. Could totally see that for her 🤓

“Did you operate on me only wearing a bra?” “…It’s a long story.”

“Hey,” you yawned, holding the covers to your body.  “Hello my queen of darkness.” He stepped in the room with a sleepy smile, kissing you before taking a seat on the edge of the bed. His long fingers fixed your hair behind your ear, grazing your cheek. “Jammies are on the bench when you’re ready to get up and the house is all set.” “Russ, I could have helped-” He pressed a finger to your lips, shushing you. “You did help. My friend is alive because of you. Now are you going to let me take care of you today?” You grumbled but nodded, laying back down in bed. “That’s my girl.”

I love them, your honor 😭 You can really see how much they've matured and grown together and what an amazing team they became 👫

I'm so glad you're still gonna supply me with more of them. They carved out a little nook in my heart. Just want these two to be happy and live the life they want and deserve after all that trauma 💚

He's My Man: That's My Girl Timestamp

Summary: Russell and reader’s casual morning plans turn into anything but when an unexpected visitor appears on their doorstep…

He’s My Man Masterlist

Pairing: Russell Shaw x reader

Word Count: 2,400ish

Warnings: language, gunshot wounds, life-threatening situation

A/N: Welcome back to more Russell Shaw! This story is considered a timestamp to He’s My Man and it’s highly recommended that story be read prior to this one. Please enjoy!…

____________

You stretched your arms overhead as you padded out in your bootie slippers from the bedroom. The smell of something yummy filled your nostrils and there was a faint melody in the air. Russell’s forest green tee clung to his broad shoulders, falling loose around his tapered waist, hitting the top of his charcoal gray sweats.

“Chappell Roan this early?” you teased. 

“It’s grown on me,” he said with his back to you, bopping his head back and forth. You hummed, walking around the kitchen island to spot him making two spanish omelets. 

“God, I love that you know how to cook,” you said, pecking a kiss on his cheek before going to the fridge to get out some orange juice.

“I’ve heard that once or…” he trailed off as he turned his head, jaw dropping slightly. You looked down, OJ in hand. You were wearing your favorite yellow pajama shorts but you had a feeling it was the peach bralette you wore he was stuck on. His lips curled up as you reached over, pushing the pan off the heat before he burned breakfast. “Where’s your shirt?”

“Huh. Must have lost it.” You looked up through your lashes, Russell smirking when you stepped back. “What a shame.”

“I might have to disagree with you there,” he said, pouting when you pointed at the skillet.

“Breakfast first, then dessert.” He grumbled to himself but smiled all the same. You scooted behind him and got out two glasses. “Do you want to eat on the porch?”

“Set us up at the island, qark. I don’t want you to get too cold outside,” he said, sliding an omelet onto a waiting plate. You worked around each other easily, Russell getting the food on the plates and dressing it with a creamy green avocado sauce he’d whipped up with the blender.

You took a seat, Russell taking a bow as he set it on the mat in front of you, kissing your forehead and taking his own seat beside you.

“So what’s on the agenda today?” he asked between bites. You shoveled a large bite in your mouth, a delicious explosion of flavors hitting your taste buds.

“After dessert,” you said, Russell brushing his leg against yours, making sure to touch as he cut off a piece of breakfast, “I was thinking I’d join you out at the brewery. They’re framing the building today, right?”

“Yeah. It’s starting to feel real,” he said, a quiet sigh under his breath. “I’m scared I fucked up. What if I threw all that money away on a pipe dream?”

You set your knife and fork down, frowning at him. “Russ. Your beer tastes amazing. You have investors, remember? They believe in you. If it doesn’t go well, then so what? At least you tried and I will always be proud of you for that. We’ll be okay. Now stop worrying about the money and let me handle the budgets, okay?”

“Alright,” he relented. “To be fair, I probably should let the woman that somehow had hospital grade medical equipment in the backroom of a warehouse run the books.”

“Exactly,” you said, Russell rubbing your leg with his left hand as he picked up his fork and ate again. “To be fair, it wasn’t that hard to get. The whole mob connection thing.”

“This is true. You’ve been running your own business for years.”

“Yes, which is why when I say to chill babe, chill. You have a great business plan,” you said. “Plus an amazing partner.”

“She’s so modest too,” he chuckled, wolfing back the last of his eggs. He clapped his hands together, turning to face you. “Dessert time.”

“Eh, I’m still eating,” you said, pointing at your plate. He faked a pout before he was up, cleaning up the kitchen and saving the leftover sauce in the fridge. You barely had your fork down when he was taking your plate and shoving it in the dishwasher. “Russell.”

He bounced around the island, far too adorable for a forty year old man, hands on your hips and a deep grin on his face. 

“Yes, wonderful?” he teased, pulling you to the edge of the stool. You wrapped your legs around his waist, Russell’s hands under your ass lifting you up as your gripped his shoulders. “New agenda. How about we make out a bit, let our tummies settle, then we can get our exercise in for the day-”

“Russell,” you groaned, pressing your forehead to his.

“Then we’ll pop over to the brewery for a bit, I can help you research your next job this afternoon, you can call Colter and harass him about making sure he’s still doing his stretches-”

“It is not harassment-”

“And then I’ll cook up that salmon in the fridge on the grill for dinner and we can watch X-Files on the back porch under a blankie.” 

“I love that you say blankie,” you teased, kissing the tip of his nose. “Sounds like a great day, Mulder.”

“Hey. I know things about the lizard people, Scully,” he chuckled, carrying you off towards the bedroom.

“Oh yes. I forget you’re such an expert,” you said as tires screeched outside. You shared a look for only a split second, Russell setting you down and grabbing the hidden gun safe from the end table. He had it in his hands in less than two seconds, nodding as you ran back into the bedroom and got yours out of the closet. 

Fists pounded on the front door, Russell’s weapon aimed at it when you returned, yours going towards the garage entrance.

“Russ! Open up!” Russell lowered his gun, scrunching up his face at the voice. “Shaw! Open the fucking door!”

“Stay back,” Russell said quietly. He jogged up to the front of the house, pulling back a curtain. “Jesus fuck.” He tore open the front door, two of Russell’s special ops friends standing there.

Well, standing was a stretch. 

“What the fuck happened, Hank?” said Russell, throwing his arm around Kelly who was very much actively bleeding from the abdomen. 

“I fucked up,” he said, Hank staring at you. “Can you fix her?”

You did a quick survey and spotting four, no five, bullet wounds littering the left side of her body.

“She needs a hospital-” Hank grunted, Kelly nearly passed out in his arms.

“They will find us there. Please. We knew the risk of not going. Please just try,” said Hank. You closed your eyes, setting the gun down on the island.

“She’d have better odds at a hospital,” you said, going to the pantry and grabbing the black bag tucked away at the top. You went to the dining room table, shoving chairs out of the way and ripping open the bag, pulling a blue tarp out and laying it out. “Don’t just stand there, get her down.”

You let the guys get her down, Russell shoving a throw pillow under her head while you washed at the kitchen sink. You snapped on a pair of gloves, digging through your bag and pulling out supplies left and right. Russell ran off into the garage, returning with one of his shop lights and attaching it to the light fixture overhead to give you more visibility.

“Russell,” you said, organizing your tools while tossing an orange box at Hank. “I need you to scrub your hands and put on gloves. Hank, cut off Kelly’s shirt and bra and open that box. Attach the leads to the right side of Kelly’s chest and then turn the box so I can see the numbers on the screen. What’s your blood type?”

“O positive,” he said, fumbling with his hands as she did as asked. “S-She’s A positive.”

“Good,” you said, pulling out tubing and handing it to him. “Tourniquet your arm and call Doug when you’re done. Tell him to break into the nearest blood bank.”

“Blood bank? Why not a clinic?” asked Hank as you got a good look at Kelly’s wounds. Her very, very bad wounds.

“Because I’m not fucking over some patient when a doctor in an emergency goes to their supply and finds it drained. Get it from the bank where odds are less likely it’ll impact someone,” you said, Russell appearing by your side, blood staining his shirt and pants already. He nodded, watching you grab the tubing and shove the needle into the exposed vein on Hank’s arm. “Let’s pray this fucking works.”

Twelve Hours Later

You checked Kelly’s pulse as she stirred awake, her eyes hazy from the strong pain killers you’d given her.

“Hey,” she whispered, glancing around. “Am I on your dining table?”

“Yeah. Sorry about that. Last second decision,” you said, adjusting the sheet over her body. She closed her eyes, breathing deeply. “Do you feel cold?”

“Just my feet,” she said. You looked down, smiling to where they were uncovered.

“I’ll get you some of my fuzzy socks. Nothing in your stomach, no chills?” She shook her head barely an inch but it was good enough. “Alright. Sounds like no internal bleeding right now then. I’m going to keeping checking every hour so you’ll probably want to throttle me by morning for not letting you sleep.”

“S’okay,” she mumbled. “How’m alive?”

You rested a hand on her head, stroking it gently. “You have either extremely shitty luck or extremely good luck. You were hit five times. Once in the arm, through and through, non life threatening. Three hit your rib cage and got stuck. A sliver more and that would have been it. The last one was tricky. Gut shot. Thankfully, it missed your digestive tract or you would have been septic or dead by now. Bad news is you no longer have a spleen. But again, in terms of if you have to get shot in an organ, the spleen’s a pretty good one to pick.”

“Thank you.” You hummed, Kelly forcing her eyes open. “I’m so sorry.”

“For what?” you asked. 

“I told Hank to let us take our chances, that Russ was out of this life. We should never have brought this to your front door.” You smiled, leaning down so she could see you better.

“You guys helped me with Owen and you didn’t even know me. I will always help Russell’s friends,” you said. She smiled a smidge, relaxing when you wiped a washcloth over her face. “You don’t have to worry. The boys are dealing with those guys that shot you right now. You’re safe.”

“I’m so sorry to make Russ-”

“Russell’s a big boy. He doesn’t do anything he doesn’t want to and trust me, he was more than happy to go fuck up the people that tried to kill you. So you focus on resting and I’ll be right here, okay?” She hummed, her eyes darting down to where dried blood clung to your chest.

“Did you operate on me only wearing a bra?”

“...It’s a long story.” You glanced at the monitor near her head, her heart rate and blood pressure looking good at the moment. “So. When did you and Hank become a thing?”

“Me and Hank?” she asked with a pout. “We’re not…I’d like to be, you know, more but…”

You smiled, Kelly’s brow unfurling. “He has been a nervous wreck all day. You two ought to have that talk. In the meantime, let me walk you through next steps.”

The sun was just starting to break the horizon when the door to the garage opened. You sipped from your cup of coffee, glancing over Kelly’s wounds, no sign of infection by some miracle. She had a long road ahead of her but her making it through the night gave you hope she’d be able to recover.

“Hey,” said Russell quietly, giving you a small smile you returned as Hank trailed in on his heels. Russell nodded as Hank rushed over, taking the chair on the other side of the table and taking Kelly’s hand in his.

“How’s she doing?” asked Hank as you rose to your feet.

“Hanging in there. It’d be better if we could get her in a more sterile environment, had more equipment to monitor her vitals,” you said.

“We have a medical evac on the way now that the…issue’s been dealt with,” he said. You relaxed a bit at that. Her odds were much better if you could get her in an ICU with a dedicated team.

“Good,” you said when faint sirens sounded in the distance. “Let’s help clear a path so they can get her out of her fast.”

Thirty minutes later the house was quiet. You put a hand on your head as you looked around the room. Blood was everywhere. You were thirsty, starving, needed to pee and caked in dried blood that made your skin itch. 

“Come on,” said Russell, taking your hand and leading you back towards your bedroom. 

“I should clean up-”

“Later. You have more than earned a shower and some rest.” Russell tugged you behind himself, lifting you up and carrying you straight into the bathroom. “You didn’t sleep at all.”

“Neither did you,” you said, gently set down on the shower seat. 

“Yeah, well I didn’t perform major surgery in a kitchen yesterday for eight hours,” he said. You rested your head against the tile wall, Russell peeling your clothes away and tossing them in a pile on the floor. “Thank you for saving Kelly.”

“She could still die,” you mumbled.

“You did extraordinary for what we had on hand,” he said, arms around you again. “Now let’s clean you up.”

You peeled open your eyes around lunchtime, the air smelling of disinfectant. Rain was hitting the roof, Russell popping his head in just as you sat up. 

“Hey,” you yawned, holding the covers to your body. 

“Hello my queen of darkness.” He stepped in the room with a sleepy smile, kissing you before taking a seat on the edge of the bed. His long fingers fixed your hair behind your ear, grazing your cheek. “Jammies are on the bench when you’re ready to get up and the house is all set.”

“Russ, I could have helped-” He pressed a finger to your lips, shushing you.

“You did help. My friend is alive because of you. Now are you going to let me take care of you today?” You grumbled but nodded, laying back down in bed. “That’s my girl.”

“...Give me another hour of sleep,” you whispered.

“Whatever you need, sweetie. Anything at all.”

___________

[caoimhewritesfics]

Firefighters

TF 141 + König as firefighters who help you out

CW: Mentions of fires/floods, minor injuries, mainly fluff

WC: 1k

Ghost: You stood outside your office building, arms wrapped around yourself, trying to shake off the shock. The fire had been small, and contained quickly, but the panic was real. A shadow loomed over you, and you looked up to see one of the firefighters who had ushered you out of the building. “Sit still,” he said, voice commanding yet oddly comforting. You hadn’t realized until now how badly your arm hurt. He crouched down in front of you, his dark eyes flicking over the small, minor burn before he gently took your arm in his gloved hand. "It's not too bad, but we'll need to take you to the hospital anyway," he mutters, eyes focused on the bandages. “Thanks… for helping,” you murmured, wincing slightly as the burn stung. Ghost glanced up, his eyes softening. “It’s my job.” You feel your cheeks heating up slightly. "Thanks anyway," you give him a small, bashful smile. "You uh... see a lot of fires?" You regret it the second it leaves your mouth. Do you see a lot of fires? Seriously? Out of everything you could have said, why that? Before you faint from embarrassment, he chuckles. "How did you know?" You breathe a sigh of relief at his humor, your eyes meeting his brown ones, "Just a feeling."

König: You stood in your front yard, eyes fixed on the tree in front of you. Your cat was perched on a branch near the top, her wide eyes with fear. "Mrs Platypus!" you called, trying to coax her down. She meowed in response but refused to move. Panic rose in your chest. You'd tried everything, calling, shaking treats, even using the neighbor's ladder, but nothing worked. “You need help?” You turned to see a towering figure approaching. You swear you've never seen a man so tall. "I- yes." You nod, your eyes glued to the skyscraper of a firefighter. "I didn't call anyone or anything," you add. You were surprised to see a firefighter there on your lawn. "I'm off duty, I live next door. I thought you could use some help." he says simply and effortlessly reaches up, pulling your cat out of the tree. "What's her name?" You let out a chuckle of embarrassment, "Mrs Platypus..." He lets out an amused bark of laughter. "Really? Now that's one I definitely haven't heard before." He gently hands you the cat and smiles. You notice he has quite a nice smile. The way it makes the corners of his eyes crinkle. "Thanks. I thought I would never get her down," you thank him. He just smiles and says, "Anytime."

Price: The screech of metal against metal echoed in the dim light of the elevator. You pressed the button repeatedly, but the display above the door only flickered. Your heart raced, panic bubbling up as you tugged uselessly at the sliding doors. "Come on," you muttered, trying to calm your breath. You have no idea how long you've been in there. The emergency button naturally wasn't working and the service on your phone was pathetically weak. You were sure you were going to have a breakdown just before you finally got help on the phone. "Hey! You in there?" You froze for a moment. Was that… a man’s voice? "Yeah, I’m stuck," you called back, your voice laced with anxiety. "I need help. Please, can you get me out?" You heard the loud wrenching of the doors as they are pried open. They snapped open just enough for you to see the man on the other side. "Hey, love. You alright in there?" If your jaw dropped any wider it would be on the floor. He's gorgeous. "I'm fine," you nod rapidly, suddenly feeling like every word you've ever known has dripped out of your brain. "Sorry we took so long, love. Busy day." He gives you a wink and pries the doors open wider, extending a hand to you to help you out. You give him a small thank you as you take his hand and step out. "How ya feelin'?" He asks softly as he gazes down at you. You stammer for a moment, "good... great, excellent," you say rapidly, blushing like a tomato.

Gaz: The air was thick with smoke, the scent of burnt wood and fabric stinging your nose. Firefighters moved around you in a blur, shouting orders, directing people away from the ruins of the apartment complex. A hand on your shoulder snapped you back to reality. You looked up, blinking through the haze, and met the gaze of a firefighter in full gear. “Hey, you alright?” he asked, his voice calm and comforting. “I—I don’t know,” you stammered, swallowing back the lump in your throat. “My apartment… it’s gone. All my stuff was in there." He nodded, stepping closer. “We’ve got the fire under control now,” he said, eyes scanning the wreckage, “but I’m sorry about your place. That’s a tough break.” You sighed and nodded, "I'll figure it out." He thinks for a second, "You know, me and my team are heading back to the station after this. We can give you a ride somewhere if you want. We can even put on the sirens for you," He says teasingly and smiles down at you warmly.

Soap: The storm had ravaged everything. Floodwaters had quickly turned your neighborhood into a river. Luckily your house wasn't damaged too badly but you definitely couldn't stay. You were lost in thought when you heard the loud knock at your door. When you opened it, there stood a firefighter, drenched from head to toe, with a look of determination in his eyes. His dark, mohawk was soaked flat on his head, and his uniform was heavy with water, but he didn’t seem to care. “Hey, you alright in here?” His voice was warm, calm, but laced with urgency. You nodded, swallowing the lump in your throat. “I—I don’t know what to do." He cuts you off, “Don’t worry, love. I’m here now,” he said, stepping inside without hesitation, boots squelching in the water. His steady presence was an instant relief. "We've got time," he says reassuringly as he gently helps you out the door. He catches you when you stumble through the water. "Careful, love. I got you."

[frequentlykit]

Helping Hand Pt3 - Bang Chan

Bang Chan x fem!reader

Warnings: None

Genre: Fluff

WC: 1.8k

Summary: Chris is torn about seeing Y/N again and looks to his members for help.

A/N: i'm sorry this has taken so long and please don't kill me for breaking this up but i wanted to get something out for you, i promise to update again soon

- kit <3

Part 1 Part 2

Though you hadn’t seen Chris since that night in the hotel, you had been texting with him pretty frequently. And more often than not it was him who texted first. Asking about your day, if you’d eaten, what your plans were or apologizing for not having time to hang out.

Your phone was almost knocked out of your hands as you slammed into someone else, also looking down at their phone, “Oh my god I’m so sorry I-”

“No, no, I’m sorry, my fault.” That voice… you knew that voice.

No way. No FREAKING way. This was not happening to you again. But sure enough, as you looked up, you locked eyes with Hyunjin.

“Jesus christ, you guys are everywhere. What is this?”

“Huh?” Hyunjin looked at you with his big brown eyes, confused.

“Uh, nothing, sorry. How are you, Hyunjin?”

He squints at you, “...good? Do I know you?”

You shake your head, “No… I’ve seen you though, I mean, not in a creepy way! I’m a fan.”

“Oh! You’re Stay?” He says with a small smile.

You nod.

“Well nice to meet you.” He smiles.

You laugh, shaking your head, “You too.”

“What?” He asks, again making that adorable confused face, like he’d been left out of a joke.

“Nothing, nothing.” You wave him off. “Where are you heading, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Convenience store, we’re out of my favorite ramyeon.”

“I am also heading that way,” You smile, quickly adding, “I swear I’m not just saying that to follow you around–”

Hyunjin laughs, “I believe you.”

CHRIS' POV

I never thought I could be friends with a fan, I always thought it would be too complicated. But I now realize that while I don’t think I could be friends with a fan, I could 100% have a friend who happened to be a fan. 

Or maybe more than a friend. 

I couldn’t stop thinking about her. About the way she looked at me. About that kiss.

I hadn’t mentioned her to the kids, I didn't want to try and explain myself. Though I did debate thanking Hyunjin for telling me about that dumb spa. Which, while very nice, I spent most of my time there thinking about her. Then that phone call.

I could tell right away that something was wrong. Though I thought it might have been a wrong number, I was glad I trusted my gut.

Y/N hadn’t answered my message so I set down my phone on the desk. I was sitting in the studio with Jisung and Changbin, staring off into space as the two of them debated which of two beats they wanted to use for the song Jisung wrote.

“Hyung? Hey Hyung!”

I blink, turning my attention to Jisung who was waving dramatically in front of my face.

“What?” I shove his hand away.

“What is going on with you lately?”

“Nothing is going on.” I say, less than convincingly.

“Come on, Hyung.” Changbin chimes in, “You’ve been spacy since the break.”

“I have not!” 

“Hyuuuung!” Jisung whines, shaking my shoulders.

“Stop! Nothing is going on, I swear!” I say, standing up and stepping away from the pair of them.

“Is it a girl?” Changbin said, obviously teasing.

I tried not to make a face, tried to scoff and act like that was ridiculous, but based on the face that Changbin made, I didn’t do a very good job.

“Oh my god, I was kidding, is it a girl!?”

“No…”

“God, you’re a worse liar than Felix.” Jisung grins, “So who is it?”

“No one!”

“Is it Jihyo-noona? You’ve been spending more time with her lately.”

While that was true, I had gotten lunch with Jihyo three times in the past two weeks, it wasn't for the reason Jisung was thinking. She had been kind enough (pitied me enough) to let me pick her brain about dating as an idol, especially a fan, as well as how I should go about things with Y/N. I'd even text BamBam who was, while insightful, unhelpful.

“No, god, no. Who are you? Dispatch? You know we aren’t like that.”

“Who is it then!?” Jisung insists.

“No one… no one you know…”

“Oh so it’s someone you met?” Changbin grins.

“Okay, this is ridiculous. Can’t I keep my private life private?”

“It’s like he doesn’t know us.” Jisung looks at Changbin who nods.

“See, you can tell us and we won’t tell the others. Or you can try to keep your stupid little secret and we’ll get the others to pester you about it too.”

“Are you threatening me?” I squint at the pair.

“No,” Changbin grins, “I’m just telling you how it is.”

“Wow, Minho is rubbing off on you.” I shake my head.

“Hyung!” Jisung whines again.

“Okay, okay, fine. I met… a girl, while I was in Japan.”

“At the spa?” Changbin asks.

I shake my head, “On the plane ride over.”

“Were you sitting next to her? How did it start? What does she look like? Is she cute? Does she-”

Changbin covers Jisungs mouth, “How did it happen?”

“She… caught my attention and then offered me an empty seat next to her when the people I was sitting next to were falling asleep on me. We got to talking and it was nice to just be and talk to someone without expectations. I… I gave her my number when the plane landed and then I left.”

“That’s it, that’s the interaction that had you all wrapped up.”

“Well no…”

“Spill! I’m glued to my seat!” Jisung grins.

I sigh, “She called me two days later and asked for help when some drunk guys were creeping on her, I picked her up and took her back to her hotel. We talked for hours, I've never been so relaxed with someone outside the group, and then… I kissed her.”

“Hyung!”

“Don’t even start!” I point at them, “You would’ve too if she looked at you like that.”

“So what now?” Jisung asks.

“I’ve been texting with her and it’s good, I’ve wanted to meet up but we’ve been so busy and honestly… I’m a little scared.”

“Does she live here?” Changbin asks.

I nod, “She was on a work trip in Japan, she lives in Seoul.”

“So plan a date with her! You’ve had time to see Jihyo, you can make time for her.”

“What were you doing with Jihyo-noona?” Jisung asks, suddenly suspicious.

“Asking her how to go about seeing Y/N…” I mutter, looking down.

“Oh my god, you’re adorable.” Jisung grins. “I’ll bet you called BamBam too.”

“Shut up!”

“Hyung,” Changbin steals my attention, “Ask the girl out, I promise it’s not as complicated as you’re making it.”

“Where do I take her though?” I groan, sitting back down on the couch.

“What did Noona say?” Jisung asks.

“The basic stuff, park, restaurant, cafe, but honestly I’m more worried about getting photographed. I don’t want her to have to deal with that but if I pick somewhere too secluded she might be freaked out or uncomfortable and I don’t want to come across that way andsinceshe’safanthere’sthatpowerimbalanceandIalreadyfeelweirdaboutkissingherwhenIdideventhoughshesaidshewanteditbutIdon’t-”

“Chan!” Changbin calls, interrupting my word vomit. “Calm down.”

“Did you say she was a fan?” Jisung asks, ever observant.

“...yes.” I mumble.

YOUR POV

“Do you frequent this convenience store?” You ask as you and Hyunjin peruse the aisles.

“Not really,” he shrugs, taking a few bags of ramen from the shelf and putting them in his basket, “But Felix and I were hanging out nearby and I wanted to pick these up before we left.”

“Felix didn't want to join you?” You ask, grabbing some candy.

“He said he didn't want to walk all that way.”

“How far did you walk?” You ask, chuckling softly.

“Eh, a couple blocks.” He walks over to the counter and sets down his basket. “Here,” he reaches his hand out for the candy in yours.

“Oh, Hyunjin, you don't have to do that.” You say, shaking your head.

He slips the candy from your hands, “I want to. You've been so nice to talk to.”

“Well thank you,” you smile.

Your phone suddenly buzzes in your pocket and you remember that you'd been texting Chris.

“Who are you texting? Your boyfriend?” Hyunjin teases, leaning his head over your shoulder.

“Uh…” You don't really know how to respond, or if he'd even believe you if you told him the truth.

“You don't have to answer, I'm just being nosy.” He smiles, handing back the candy you'd picked out.

CHRIS' POV

“Huh.” I chuckle as the texts from Y/N come through.

“What now?” Changbin asks.

“It's Y/N.” I answer.

“Ooo, what'd she say!” Jisung grabs my arm and leans over my shoulder to take a peek at my phone.

I shake him off, “She ran into Hyunjin.”

“For real?” Changbin laughs.

“How'd that happen?” Jisung asks.

“Don’t know yet, but apparently he bought her candy.” I shrug.

Changbin and Jisung looked at me for a moment and they were so quiet that I looked between the pair of them, “...what?”

“You’re jealous.” Jisung grins.

“What!?”

“You are!” Changbin adds, “Your shoulders got all tight when you said that.”

“I am not. Why would I be jealous?”

“Because he’s with her and you’re not.” Jisung pokes my side.

“Jisung, I swear to god-”

“Call him.” Changbin interrupts.

“Call who?” Jisung and I say together.

“Hyunjin.”

YOUR POV

“Uh, yeah, no, umm,” You aren’t sure how to start, making yourself busy by putting the candy in your bag. “Remember when I said ‘You guys are everywhere?’”

Hyunjin nods as the pair of you walk out of the convenience store.

“Well I said that because I met another member a few weeks ago.”

“Really?” Hyunjin laughs.

“Yeah, I-”

You’re cut off as Hyunjin’s phone starts to ring, he pulls it out and laughs again, “Speaking of other members.”

He answers, “Hey Channie-hyung… I’m just about to head back with Lix… uh…” He glances at you, covering the speaker of his phone, “I never caught your name.”

“Y/N.” You smile.

He nods, going back to the phone, “Yes I am… how in the world did you know that?”

“Hi Chris!” You call.

Hyunjin pulls the phone away from his ear and puts it on speaker phone.

“Hi sweetheart.” His voice rings through the phone. “I figured this would be an easy way to ask, do you want to join the kids and I tonight? For hot pot?”

“Oh…” You say, shocked at the invitation.

“No pressure,” Chris is quick to add, “It was Changbin’s idea.”

You laugh, “I’m flattered.”

“You should!” Hyunjin said, looking excited.

“Okay.” You shrug with a smile, “Let’s do it.”

“Great! You can come back with Hyunjin and Felix if you want, unless you want to change or something since you just got off work.”

“I’d rather go home and shower but I can meet you guys at the restaurant.”

“That works for us, I’ll text it to you.” Chris responds.

“Can’t wait.”

Hyunjin ends the phone call, “Well, small world.”

You nod, “You have no idea.”

“Well I guess I will see you tonight.”

“See you then.”

He waves before crossing the street and walking around the corner. Just then a text from Chris came through.

A/N: i swear i will post again soon, let me know if you want to be added to the taglist. thanks for reading and don't forget to like and reblog (god i feel like a youtuber lol)

TAGLIST: @akindaflora @lezleeferguson-120

[c4tluver02]

after work date

wc: 1.6k

summary: You go into Family Video for a new movie but leave having plans with Steve. <3

warnings: none! sooo flufffyyyy

Walking into Family Video you are immediately greeted by Steve. He’s sporting his green vest and a big smile that shows every time you open the doors. You want to watch Top Gun, unable to see it when it was out in theaters and you were told that the movie just made it to stores. And thankfully you just started dating a boy who happens to give you free movies. Not that you were dating him for the free movies, but of course it didn't hurt. 

“Hey honey!” Steve says, walking around the counter. “Didn’t know you were stopping by.” 

You give him a hug and he presses a kiss to your temple. 

“I wanted to ask if I could borrow Top Gun?” You look really pretty right now and it’s all Steve could think about. 

“Uh- I don’t know if we have anymore, three people have already come in to get a copy.” You can tell by the way he says it he's cursing himself for not magically knowing you’d want to see it. 

“Oh, that's okay I guess I should have known people would want it.” You say, unable to help the pout that comes to your face. 

“I wish you’d told me earlier I would have totally hid a copy for you.” He says matching your frown. 

“I know I’m sorry.” 

“Nothing to be sorry about, let's look just to make sure. Robin put them away so I don't exactly know how many we got.” He grabs your hand so that you’re following him. He hopes they have another copy.

Standing on your tippy toes you try to look at the top shelf with Steve where the movie would seemingly be. But unfortunately you aren't that lucky. 

“‘M sorry baby.” He’s being all too serious about it, it’s just a movie and it will come back but the patients you had to wait for it are wearing thin. 

Just as he says it Robin steps out from the back and Steve decides to ask her. It’s his last idea to get you what you want, and isn't that boyfriend duty #1? 

“Rob, do you know if we have any more Top Gun?” He asks as you stand behind him looking at the movies, you'd at least like to leave with one movie. 

“Why? Did you already promise it to someone?” She says, rolling her eyes. Knowing him he probably did.  “I took a copy and i'm watching it tonight, whoever needs it will have to fight me tooth and nail!”  

Steve lets out a sigh and smiles. You won't have it tonight but at least you’ll have it tomorrow, he’ll take that as a win. But as you poke out behind him Robin lets out a gasp, she didn't see you and the last person who deserves her wrath is you. 

“It’s ok Robin I won't fight you tooth and nail.” You say with the prettiest smile. You aren’t as close with Steve's friends, only just started dating but Robin does like you. She thinks you're good for Steve

Robin lets out a laugh. “But like I said I’ll watch it tonight so if you wanna come back tomorrow it’ll be all yours. Promise.” 

“Okay, yeah I can come back. Thank you.” 

She nods at you and goes to the other side of the store with a cart full of movies. As she does this Steve grabs onto your wrist and pulls you into a corner, one that blocks Robin from seeing you two. 

“Sorry, it’s just that if Robin sees me not working she’ll throw a movie at me.” 

The laugh you let out makes Steve's heart ache. He is so glad you came in today. 

“So tomorrow I get off at 5 so I was thinking you could, maybe, come in around that time and then we could go get something to eat and then watch the movie together?” How he came up with this whole plan between the time Robin said to come back to now surprises you, but also makes your cheeks heat up. 

“Yeah, that would be nice.” You want to kiss him so bad but you’re at that awkward stage that you could count on one hand how many times you've kissed him and it builds pressure. 

“Okay I’m excited.” Steve says happily as he plays with the rings on your fingers. 

“What do you think we do for dinner?” You ask, trying to distract your brain from how close he is to you. His hands are so warm and he smells really good. 

“Oh, good question, maybe pizza?” He’s now looking at you to see how you respond. When your nose scrunches he’s got his answer before you even put it into words. 

“We just had that this weekend.” This weekend you and the kids had a small pool party at Steves and the big meal was pizza. 

“You’re right, I forgot about that. Okay what are you thinking? Did you want to go out?” His thumbs are so soft as they rub against your knuckles. 

“I don't care we could cook something? Maybe spaghetti, I feel like that can be good.” You and Steve haven't cooked anything together, there's so many firsts between you two it makes you giddy. 

“It does sound good, you're right.” That's the second time he's said it but you’re always right. “I am not gonna lie to you though I am not the greatest cook.” He winces a little, hoping it doesn't put a dam on your plans. 

“That’s okay, what can you cook?” 

“Hmm like five things but I make pretty stellar pancakes, at least that's what the kids said.” 

“Perfect, we can have breakfast for dinner then. Do I need to go to the store to get anything for it?” If you were both in the privacy of his home he would dig his face into your neck and let out a groan. How could you change what you wanted just for his sake and then offer to buy him groceries. Your kindness is something Steve wants to absorb. 

“We really don’t have to change it honey. Whatever you want we can make that.” He’ll get back to the groceries later because you buying anything is a whole conversation in itself. 

“It’s really ok Steve, pancakes sound good and if they are so famous I need to know what the hype is about.” You say as you push yourself off the wall you were leaning on to wrap your arms around his neck.  Automatically his hands land on your hips. 

“You’re too good for me.” He lets his hands drag away from your hips to settle in the back pockets of your pants. 

Your small grin turns into a big smile at the action, he’s never done that but you hope he never stops. All this touching he’s doing makes you officially break, leaning against him to press a kiss to his lips. Steve is quick to respond and pushes you further into him. 

When it feels like Steve is starting to fall backwards from your leaning you squeal, breaking the kiss. It must be loud enough for Robin to hear as she's quick to yell.

“Steve, if I go over there I better see your cart fully empty.” It’s quick and snippy, not giving him any room to fight back. 

Steve however, rolls his eyes used to her lectures. 

“I guess I should let you work huh?” 

“I think you should stay here all day with me.” He obviously is joking but man you wish you could. 

“Then nothing would get done.” 

“Then good thing there's two workers here.” It’s said with the same tone you just had. 

“You’ll live wont your Stevie? I'll see you tomorrow!” 

Steve was so busy looking at your kiss-bitten lips he almost missed the new nickname you just gave him. You saying Steve sounded like velvet coming from your lips but, Stevie. Now that was pure sugar, something so sweet he could get a rush from. 

“I guess we’ll have to wait and see if I make it tomorrow.” He’s expecting that same sweetness to travel over but all he gets is a small hit on the arm. 

“Ow!” It didn't hurt at all but he pouted like it did and if his comment didn't make you feel light headed you would think about how adorable he looks all grumpy. 

“Don’t say that! I will see you tomorrow at 5pm sharp.” You say factually, finally leaving this corner you both have been glued to. 

“Yes I will see you tomorrow honey.” He says as he follows your every step. You’re walking towards the door, trying to leave so he can do his job and not get fired. 

“Wait, one more kiss?” 

Smiling you quickly turns on your heels. Your hands cup his jaw and you start giving him a kiss on his nose, cheeks, and finally his lips. 

“Have a good rest of your shift.” It comes out quieter as your face is extremely close to him from the kisses. 

“Thank you honey.” He gives you a peck himself, unable to hold back. “I’ll call you later tonight, okay?” 

He gets off in 3 hours, you’re not sure what more will change from now till then that he’ll have to tell you about but nonetheless you're excited to hear from him. 

“Okay, I'll be waiting.” 

“Bye, see you tomorrow.” Robin says walking up to your two. Not that there was a deep moment going on but whatever moment you were having now over. 

“Bye Stevie, bye Robin!” You say giving them a small wave as you leave. 

Steve watches to make sure you get to your car safely, sighing with big heart eyes as he looks at Robin. 

“Stevie huh?” She jokes. 

Her mocking voice alone pushes him back to reality and he rolls his eyes going back to his cart. He is already thinking of what you’ll talk about on the phone later tonight.

[cup1drul3z]

★ — Only a vampire can love you forever | CH 4

ᴠᴀᴍᴘɪʀᴇ!ꜱᴇᴠɪᴋᴀ x ᴄʜᴜʙʙʏ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ | 6.7ᴋ ᴡᴏʀᴅꜱ

CW : dark!sevika, age gap, private school, toxic, forbidden love, mentions of blood, hopeless lesbians, TEACHER X STUDENT, porn with plot, oral sex, reader is a virgin, innocent reader, theres like a 500 year age gap, courruption, masturbation

A/N : what the sigma

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

"Caitlyn! I'm sorry!" Sevika called, striding after her down the hallway.

Caitlyn didn’t stop. She didn’t even acknowledge her, just turned the corner sharply, her posture rigid with anger.

"Caitlyn!" Sevika tried again.

This time, Caitlyn halted so suddenly that Sevika nearly ran into her. Then, she spun around, eyes blazing.

"My family didn’t help you get a job at my school just so you could seduce my best friend," Caitlyn snapped, jabbing a finger into Sevika’s chest.

Sevika exhaled sharply. "Listen—it wasn’t planned. I just... I went too long without fresh blood, and she—she made me lose myself."

There was something raw in Sevika’s voice, something that made Caitlyn hesitate, her brows furrowing.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I understand," she admitted, "but that doesn’t explain you two sleeping together."

Her nose wrinkled in disgust.

Sevika hesitated, avoiding her gaze.

Caitlyn sucked in another breath, pinching the bridge of her nose, clearly debating her next move.

"I'm not gonna tell my parents," she finally said, crossing her arms. "Because I know how she feels about you."

Sevika’s jaw tensed, but she stayed silent.

"But listen to me, Sevika." Caitlyn stepped closer, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Do not feed from her again. And don’t even think about turning her."

She jabbed Sevika’s chest once more for emphasis before pushing past her, making her way back to the lounge without another word.

Caitlyn stepped back into the lounge, quietly closing the door behind her.

You were sitting on the couch now, underwear back on, legs tucked under you, arms wrapped tightly around yourself. The silence was heavier than it had been before, and you didn’t look up when she entered.

Caitlyn approached slowly, her heels barely making a sound on the polished floor. She sat beside you, careful not to startle you.

“Hey,” she said gently.

You didn’t respond at first, just kept your gaze fixed on a spot in the carpet.

“I’m not mad at you,” Caitlyn continued, her voice calm and careful. “But I think… I think it’s best if you stay away from Sevika.”

You finally looked up, eyes glassy.

“She’s not safe for you, Y/N. Not like this.”

You nodded quickly, almost too quickly. “Okay.”

But your voice was small. And your eyes—your eyes said something else entirely.

Caitlyn noticed. She always noticed. Her shoulders softened, and she gave your hand a gentle squeeze.

“I just want you to be okay.”

“I know,” you whispered.

And though you said yes, and though you nodded like the good, obedient girl she knew you could be—your heart was somewhere else. Still aching for someone who’d already made you bleed.

And Caitlyn didn’t say it out loud, but deep down, she knew… You weren’t done with Sevika yet.

The ball was over. The masks were off, the polished smiles gone, and the eerie elegance of the Kiramman estate had faded into memory—at least for now.

You stood barefoot in Caitlyn’s room, the rich velvet of your borrowed cloak crumpled in the corner, replaced by a borrowed hoodie and your favorite pair of ripped jeans. Your neck still ached a little, but you’d brushed your hair over it to hide the puncture marks, even though Caitlyn already knew they were there.

“Are you sure you’re up for this?” Caitlyn asked, rifling through her closet for a jacket. She was already halfway out of her formal gown, in a tank top and plaid skirt, her hair tied back loosely.

“Yeah,” you said, sitting on the edge of her bed and tapping your knee anxiously. “I could use something… normal.”

Caitlyn glanced over her shoulder and offered a soft smile. “Well, normal is definitely not what I’d call a high school party. But it’s human. Loud. Probably sticky. Lots of bad decisions.”

You laughed softly. “Perfect.”

Caitlyn pulled out a cropped leather jacket and tossed it your way. “Here, that hoodie is killing the vibe.”

You caught it and slipped it on, admiring the way it hugged your frame in the mirror. “I look hot.”

“You always do,” Caitlyn said without hesitation, applying a touch of gloss in the mirror before leaning over to spritz perfume on both your wrists. “There. Now you smell expensive.”

You caught your reflection for a moment, the flicker of sadness still in your eyes, the memory of Sevika’s hands on your skin not quite faded.

Caitlyn noticed, of course. She didn’t say anything, but she brushed her pinky against yours.

“Tonight,” she said, “we drink cheap beer, complain about the music, and avoid any creepy upperclassmen trying to grind on us.”

You smiled, small but real. “Deal.”

As the two of you walked out the door and into the buzzing world of teen chaos, you told yourself this was good. This was better. Normal.

And maybe, for one night, that would be enough.

The house was massive—nothing compared to the Kiramman estate, sure, but still outrageously big for a high school party. It had marble floors, a winding staircase, a chandelier that probably cost more than your tuition, and speakers in every room thumping with bass-heavy music.

“This place is insane,” you muttered as you and Caitlyn stepped through the front doors, already surrounded by clusters of people in designer fits and knock-off confidence.

“Right?” Caitlyn smirked, taking in the scene like she’d walked into a familiar routine. “It’s one of those houses where the parents are ‘on a cruise’ and somehow forgot they had teenagers.”

You followed her past a group shotgunning energy drinks and vodka, down a hallway lit with purple LEDs. The smell of cologne, weed, and perfume clung to everything.

It was chaotic. It was human. And for a second, you could almost pretend you weren’t marked by something… other.

“Let’s grab drinks before people get weird,” Caitlyn said, already leading the way to the kitchen.

You nodded, trailing after her. The kitchen island was covered in half-empty bottles of every kind of liquor imaginable, red Solo cups stacked high, a bowl of questionable punch swirling at the center.

Caitlyn poured something clear into a cup and handed it to you. “Don’t ask what it is. Just drink it fast enough you won’t care.”

You took a sip and made a face. “Tastes like regret.”

“That’s the theme of the night.”

You both leaned against the counter, sipping in sync, watching the party start to spiral. Music grew louder, someone screamed “cannonball!” from upstairs, and two guys were already arguing over aux.

But then Caitlyn glanced at you—too long. Too careful.

“You haven’t said anything about what I told you,” she said suddenly, her tone shifting just enough to make your stomach flip.

You blinked. “About what?”

“About Sevika.”

You stiffened, eyes flicking down to your drink. “We already talked about that.”

“Yeah, and then you got that look in your eyes like you were gonna run right back to her.”

You set your cup down, your expression hardening. “I told you I’d stay away.”

“But you didn’t mean it,” Caitlyn said, arms crossed. “You looked heartbroken, not convinced.”

“I didn’t know I needed your approval to feel something!” you snapped, your voice rising just enough to make the music feel quieter.

Caitlyn opened her mouth, but whatever she was about to say got swallowed in your frustration. You grabbed your cup and turned away.

“I’m getting a refill.”

And with that, you stormed off, weaving through the crowd, heart pounding harder than the bass.

You were in the middle of refilling your drink—carefully tipping a bottle of something pink and probably dangerous into your cup—when a voice behind you made your whole body tense.

“Well, if it isn’t Miss Piggy.”

You froze.

Turning your head slowly, your eyes landed on Bella—same cruel smile, same designer top hugging her perfectly flat stomach, same girl who threw a paper ball at your head the first week of school and made the whole class laugh.

She hadn’t changed. But you had.

“What do you want?” you asked flatly, not even looking at her as you continued pouring.

“Oh, nothing. Just wondering how many favors you had to cash in to even get invited here,” she said with a tilt of her head. “Or wait—was it your new girlfriend who got you in?”

You blinked. “What?”

“You know, Sevika?” Bella scoffed. “The teacher everyone’s suddenly whispering about? Kinda weird how you’re always around her. Like, are you trying to fail your way into her lap or what?”

You slammed the bottle down, the liquid inside sloshing dangerously. “Watch your mouth.”

Bella smirked, clearly getting the reaction she wanted. “Or what? You’ll cry into your little hoodie again? Newsflash, Y/N—just because one person pays attention to you doesn’t mean you matter.”

Your face burned.

“At least I don’t walk around like I own everyone,” you snapped. “How’s it feel knowing no one actually likes you, they’re just scared to be on your bad side?”

Bella’s expression twisted. “You really think Sevika likes you? Please. You’re just entertainment for her.”

You pushed her.

It wasn’t hard, just enough to make her stumble a step back. But it was enough.

The crowd shifted. Phones came out.

“Cat fight!” someone shouted, half-laughing.

Bella’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction—she wanted this. Wanted a scene.

She shoved you back, harder. Your drink splashed against your shirt.

And just like that, everything boiled up—Caitlyn’s warning, the blood, the lies, Sevika, all of it.

You weren’t the same girl who cried after class anymore.

You weren’t going to let her win this time.

Your chest heaved. Everything felt too loud—the music, the laughter, the pounding of your heart. You could feel the heat rising up your neck, your pulse thudding wildly beneath the still-healing bite.

Bella shoved you again. “Poor little freak,” she sneered. “Go cry to your mommy.”

You didn’t think.

You didn’t even blink.

Your hand shot out, grabbed the empty vodka bottle from the counter—cold, slick, heavier than it looked— and you swung.

A sickening crack echoed through the kitchen as glass connected with the side of Bella’s head.

She dropped instantly.

The bottle shattered in your hand, shards spilling to the floor with a soft, glittering clatter.

Blood started seeping from her scalp. She let out a choked sob, one hand pressed to her temple, the other groping blindly at the tile.

“Stop—stop, I didn’t even mean—” she whimpered, tears already mixing with the blood on her face.

You stood there, frozen.

Holding the jagged neck of the broken bottle, your hand trembling, little cuts already forming on your palm.

The party had gone dead silent.

All eyes were on you.

And then—

“Holy shit.”

Caitlyn pushed her way through the circle forming around you and came to a full stop, eyes wide, taking in the scene. Her gaze locked on the blood, the glass, your shaking hands.

“Y/N… what did you do?”

You didn’t answer. You just stared down at Bella, who was crying now—bloody and broken on the floor— and for the first time in your life…

You felt dangerous.

The ride home was dead quiet, except for the soft hum of Caitlyn’s luxury car and the distant thump of bass still echoing from the mansion behind you.

You sat in the passenger seat, stiff, hands still trembling in your lap. The blood on your fingers had started to dry, crusting against your skin and under your nails. You hadn't said a word since Caitlyn dragged you out the back door and into her car, barely managing to push through the panicking crowd.

Caitlyn kept glancing over, one hand white-knuckling the steering wheel.

"Y/N…" she started gently, voice tight, "I’ll talk to my parents. They’ll know what to do. We’ll keep it quiet. No police, no charges—Bella’s family won’t say a word if mine are involved."

You didn’t respond.

You just stared straight ahead, eyes unfocused, jaw locked tight.

Caitlyn swallowed. She hated when you went quiet like this—when you shut down.

"You didn’t mean to hurt her. You just snapped. It was the stress, the bite—whatever’s happening to you, we’ll figure it out. But you’re not a bad person, Y/N.”

Still, nothing.

You sat there, unmoving, staring into the dark road ahead like if you blinked, it would all come back. The crunch of glass. The blood. The sound Bella made when she fell.

Caitlyn looked over again, her voice softer now.

“Just… say something. Please.”

But you couldn’t.

Because deep down, you weren’t sure if she was wrong.

Caitlyn’s estate was cold and quiet when you arrived. The staff had gone home for the night, and her parents were away on one of their business trips—some hush-hush “diplomatic retreat” that you were never allowed to ask about.

You trailed silently behind her through the marble halls, still in the clothes from the party, your limbs heavy with exhaustion and something else you couldn’t name.

Caitlyn had offered the guest room without question. She didn’t try to talk anymore. Just handed you a pair of clean sleep shorts and a T-shirt, then gave you a tight hug at the doorway and whispered, “Lock the door if it makes you feel safer.”

You nodded. Said nothing.

Now you lay in the wide, soft bed, staring at the ceiling. The room was dim, moonlight filtering in through gauzy curtains. The sheets were cool against your skin, and the silence pressed in around you.

But your thoughts weren’t quiet.

They flickered constantly. Not to Bella, not to the blood, not even to Caitlyn.

To her.

To Sevika.

You hated it. The way her voice lingered in your head. The way her hand felt on your skin. The way your body responded before your mind could stop it.

You shifted under the covers, pressing your thighs together.

Images flooded your mind—the way she had hovered over you on the couch, how her mouth had felt against your neck, how close she always seemed, how hungry her eyes looked when she stared at you like you were something meant to be devoured.

Your breath hitched. You swallowed hard.

You knew it was wrong.

But that didn’t stop the warmth from blooming low in your stomach.

Didn’t stop your hand from sliding slowly beneath the waistband of Caitlyn’s borrowed sleep shorts.

Didn’t stop you from whispering her name like a secret—

“Sevika…”

Your fingers brushed lightly over your skin, hesitating for a moment—almost like you were waiting for someone to stop you. But no one would. No one could.

Not here. Not now.

You let out a shaky breath as your hand slipped further down, into the warmth between your thighs. The fabric of your borrowed sleep shorts offered just enough friction to make your pulse quicken.

You closed your eyes.

In your mind, it wasn’t your hand.

It was hers.

Rough, calloused, deliberate. Sevika never touched you like you were fragile. She looked at you like she wanted to ruin you—slowly, completely. And god, you wanted to let her.

Your hips shifted as your fingers moved in slow circles, barely teasing yourself, drawing out the tension that had been building since that night on the couch. Since her mouth had been on your neck, her breath in your ear, calling you her sweet girl.

The memory made your back arch slightly, your breath catching as you pressed a little harder, the heat building rapidly now.

You whispered her name again, softer this time, like it hurt to admit.

“Sevika…”

A tiny whimper escaped your lips as your fingers moved faster, hips rocking gently against your own touch. You could almost hear her voice—low and commanding in your ear.

“Good girl. Just like that.”

The way she’d looked at you, after feeding—eyes dark, lips red, still hungry. You imagined her pinning you to the bed, her hand wrapped around your throat, her mouth hot and wet between your thighs.

Your legs tensed, muscles coiling tight, your body aching for release. You bit your lip to keep from moaning too loud, your fingers moving faster, chasing the edge with desperation you couldn’t hide anymore.

And when it finally hit—

You gasped, sharp and breathless, back arching as pleasure rolled through you in waves.

It left you trembling. Empty.

But not satisfied.

Not really.

Because when you opened your eyes again, the room was still dark. Still quiet.

And Sevika was still nowhere near you.

The clinking of silverware on fine china was the only sound filling the grand dining room that morning.

Sunlight streamed in through the tall windows, making the white tablecloth practically glow. You sat stiffly at the long table, a delicate porcelain plate in front of you, eggs untouched.

Across from you sat Cassandra Kiramman, perfectly composed in her silk robe, not a single brown-greyish hair out of place. Her husband, Tobias Kiramman, sat beside her in a crisp button-down, reading glasses perched on the bridge of his nose as he scrolled through something on a sleek tablet.

Caitlyn sat to your right. Quiet. Still in pajama bottoms and a sweatshirt, sipping her tea like it was the only thing anchoring her to the room.

You didn’t belong here. Not in this house, not at this table, not after what happened last night.

But Cassandra spoke before you could spiral further.

“Y/N,” she began calmly, folding her hands in front of her. “Let’s talk about what happened.”

You shifted uncomfortably, your thighs sticking slightly to the leather dining chair. “I… I know what it looked like, but—”

“We’re not accusing you,” Tobias cut in, voice firm but not unkind. “We simply want to help. And to do that, we need the full truth.”

Your eyes flicked to Caitlyn, but she didn’t look at you.

“Y/N,” Cassandra continued, watching you closely, “we can ensure this doesn’t follow you. Bella’s family is—” she paused delicately, “cooperative, when necessary. But they’ll want answers. And so will the school.”

You licked your lips, your mouth suddenly dry.

“I don’t… I don’t know what happened,” you said truthfully. “One moment she was laughing in my face, and the next she was on the floor.”

Tobias raised an eyebrow slightly. “You don’t remember hitting her?”

“I didn’t mean to,” you added quickly. “I just… blacked out, I guess.”

A long pause followed. Cassandra tapped one manicured nail against the rim of her coffee cup.

“You’ve never had an episode like that before?” she asked, her tone unreadable.

“No,” you lied—well, half lied. You hadn’t blacked out. Not really. But it had felt like someone else had taken over. Something inside you cracked, and the next thing you knew, there was blood on your hands.

Caitlyn finally spoke, quietly. “She was overwhelmed. Bella’s been tormenting her since the start of the semester. The school knows that.”

Cassandra exchanged a glance with Tobias. Something silent passed between them.

Tobias finally nodded. “Alright. We’ll handle the necessary damage control. You’ll remain enrolled, but this stays off the official record. No police. No expulsion.”

Cassandra’s gaze lingered on you. “But we expect you to be honest with us, moving forward. No more surprises.”

You nodded slowly, but you felt their eyes on you like a weight.

You knew too much. And they had no idea.

Caitlyn’s bedroom door shut with a soft click, but the moment it did, she was pacing.

Back and forth.

One hand tangled in her hair, the other wrapped around her waist as if trying to hold herself together.

You sat on the edge of her bed, fingers twisted in the hem of your borrowed sleep shirt, watching her silently.

“This isn’t normal,” she muttered, more to herself than to you. “You shouldn’t have blacked out. Bite side effects don’t work like that. Not unless…”

“Unless what?” you asked quietly.

Caitlyn froze, then turned to look at you. Her face was pale—more than usual—and her blue eyes were wide with panic barely restrained.

“Unless something’s wrong, Y/N.” She started pacing again. “God, what if the bite affected your brain chemistry? What if it triggered something dormant in your bloodline? What if you were compatible—what if my parents find out and think we’ve been hiding it—”

“Caitlyn.”

She didn’t hear you.

“They already think something’s off. My mom was watching you like a hawk at breakfast. And if they find out Sevika bit you—if they find out you know—then we are all so royally fucked.”

“Caitlyn.”

“What if the Kiramman Council finds out? What if they call a vote? What if—”

“Caitlyn!”

She stopped dead in her tracks, chest rising and falling with shallow breaths.

You looked up at her, voice softer now. “I'm still me. Okay? A little... off, maybe. But I don’t feel like I’m turning into anything. I don’t want blood or power or to sprout wings or whatever it is you’re imagining.”

Caitlyn stared at you. “But something is happening, isn’t it?”

You looked down at the bite mark, hidden beneath your collar. It throbbed faintly, like it remembered what happened even when you tried to forget.

“I don’t know,” you admitted. “I just know I’ve felt weird since she bit me. Like I’m on edge. Like everything’s too loud. Like I’m too aware of everything.”

Caitlyn didn’t respond. She just slowly sat down beside you, staring at the floor.

“If my parents find out Sevika fed on you, they won’t stop at just firing her,” she whispered. “They’ll tear her apart.”

You swallowed hard, unsure what that did to you—scared you… or something else entirely.

Caitlyn let out a long sigh and sank into the chair at her desk, spinning it slightly back and forth as she stared out the window. You sat quietly on the edge of her bed, fingers fidgeting with a loose thread on your sleeve, your mind racing.

“We can’t go to a hospital. We can’t tell my parents. And I doubt Sevika’s gonna give us a straight answer,” Caitlyn muttered. “I feel like we’re backed into a corner here.”

You were quiet for a moment, then suddenly sat up straighter.

“What if we went to the public library?” you said.

Caitlyn turned to look at you, brow raised. “The library?”

“Yeah,” you nodded. “The one downtown. It’s old—like, really old. There’s gotta be stuff there that doesn’t show up online. Books, records, weird mythology sections. Maybe something that talks about bite effects or… supernatural conditions that aren’t completely made up.”

Caitlyn looked thoughtful, the gears turning in her head. “My mom always said that place was a waste of taxpayer money. That means there’s definitely something useful in it.”

You laughed softly, and for a second, the tension eased between you.

“Alright,” she said, standing. “We’ll hit the library. Sunday hours are until six, and if we go soon, we’ll beat the evening crowd of old men and overachieving middle schoolers.”

You slid off the bed, already pulling your hoodie on. “Perfect. Let me grab my bag.”

Caitlyn was already slipping on her boots. “Let’s go figure out what’s happening to you.”

And as you both headed for the door, something in your chest stirred—anxious, scared, but just the slightest bit hopeful.

The town’s public library smelled like dust, old paper, and the faintest hint of lemon-scented cleaner. It was quiet inside—almost unnaturally so, the kind of silence that made every page turn sound like a thunderclap.

You and Caitlyn walked side-by-side past rows of bookshelves, your footsteps muffled against the worn carpet. It was colder inside than you expected.

Caitlyn looked around and leaned in slightly. “We should avoid the computers. If we search anything weird, the system might flag it. Let’s stick to the old-school stuff.”

You nodded, and the two of you split off, weaving through the aisles.

After a few minutes, you found a dusty, mostly-abandoned corner labeled Folklore, Mythology, and the Occult. Jackpot.

Caitlyn joined you, arms already full of oversized hardcovers. “These were literally buried behind a shelf of forgotten cookbooks.” She set them down on the nearest table with a dramatic thud.

You slid into a seat beside her, pulling a yellowed volume toward you. “Obscure European Folklore: Blood Magic and Binding,” you read aloud. “Sounds promising.”

Caitlyn opened another. “Transmutation, Transformation, and Myths of the Body.” She raised an eyebrow. “Light reading.”

For a while, the only sounds were the soft flipping of pages, the occasional scribble of notes, and the distant squeak of a cart being wheeled somewhere out of sight.

“Here,” Caitlyn said after a while, tapping a passage with her finger. “Listen to this: ‘Those who survive an incomplete vampire binding may exhibit altered temperaments, dissociation, heightened awareness, and loss of memory in states of emotional distress.’”

Your eyes flicked to her. “Loss of memory… like blacking out?”

She nodded grimly. “Exactly.”

You looked down at your hands, your heart sinking.

You had survived the bite. But what if it didn’t just leave a scar—what if it changed you?

Across from you, Caitlyn was flipping to another page. “Okay, this says something about recovery. ‘Strong emotional anchors can reverse early symptoms. Time, distance, and purification through willpower may restore the host to baseline.’”

You raised an eyebrow. “Translation: don’t have feelings, don’t see Sevika, and hope for the best?”

Caitlyn gave a half-smile. “Pretty much.”

You leaned back in the chair, staring up at the ceiling. “This doesn’t feel like me anymore.”

She looked at you, quiet for a beat. “Then let’s figure out how to make you feel like you again.”

The sun had dipped lower by the time you and Caitlyn returned to the estate. The sky outside was awash in dusky gold and pink, casting long shadows through the arched windows. You felt heavier now—not just from what you’d read, but from the quiet realization that something real was happening to you.

Caitlyn unlocked the door, pushing it open with a sigh. “Let’s get you something to eat, and then maybe we can go through those notes again.”

You stepped inside behind her—

—and froze.

There, sitting calmly on the living room couch, was Sevika.

Your breath caught.

She was leaned back, ankle crossed over her knee, speaking in low tones with Cassandra and Tobias Kiramman, both seated across from her like this was some kind of scheduled business meeting.

Caitlyn stopped dead beside you. “What the hell is she doing here?” she hissed under her breath.

Sevika looked over the moment the door shut. Her eyes met yours—sharp, unreadable.

But something shifted in your chest.

Pain.

A sharp, piercing pain erupted behind your eyes, so sudden and blinding it knocked the breath out of you. You stumbled backward, clutching your temples.

“Y/N?” Caitlyn reached for you, alarmed.

You gasped, vision swimming.

The lights seemed too bright. Sevika’s voice sounded warped, echoing like it was underwater. You took another shaky step back, the pain splitting across your skull like someone was driving nails into your brain.

“Y/N!” Sevika stood suddenly, concern flickering across her face—

But everything went black before she could reach you.

Your legs gave out, and you collapsed to the floor.

The guest room had been converted into a makeshift infirmary by the time the vampire doctors arrived—two tall, pale figures in sleek black suits, their movements eerily precise, their presence unnervingly quiet. They didn’t ask questions. They simply got to work, examining you with instruments that looked more magical than medical, murmuring things in a language you didn’t recognize.

You were still unconscious.

In the hallway just outside the room, the real storm was brewing.

“She could’ve died!” Caitlyn shouted, her voice echoing off the marble walls. She stood between her parents and Sevika, visibly shaking, hands balled into fists at her sides. “Do you even get that? She’s a human, Sevika. What the hell did you do to her?”

“I didn’t mean for this to happen,” Sevika growled, jaw clenched, her metal hand flexing at her side. “She begged me—”

“Don’t,” Caitlyn snapped, stepping forward. “Don’t even try to blame her for this. You’re the one with the fangs, the power, the responsibility. You knew better.”

Tobias Kiramman raised a hand between them, trying to play mediator. “Caitlyn—please. This isn’t helping.”

“No, what’s not helping is you both standing there like this is just another boardroom meeting!” she shouted, spinning to face her parents. “She’s in there—bleeding, shaking, fainting—and you're acting like this is normal! Why aren't you doing something?!”

Cassandra, ever composed, gave Caitlyn a measured look. “Because we’ve known this might happen for a while now.”

The hallway went quiet.

Caitlyn blinked. “What?” Her voice dropped, brittle with disbelief. “You knew?”

“We didn’t know it would be her,” Tobias said carefully. “But… yes. We’ve seen it before. Rare cases. When a vampire’s bite doesn’t follow the normal course. When it reacts with something in a human's blood. It’s been documented, though not publicly.”

“And you didn’t think to warn me?!” Caitlyn’s voice cracked with betrayal. “You’ve been letting me get closer and closer to her while knowing she might—what, change?”

“We were monitoring the situation,” Cassandra said calmly. “The moment symptoms began, we brought in the doctors. It’s under control.”

Caitlyn laughed, but it was hollow. Bitter. “Right. Of course. You were just waiting to see if she’d turn into a science experiment first.”

Sevika remained quiet, her gaze locked on the closed door down the hall.

She wasn’t thinking about policies or protocols or damage control.

She was thinking about the way you looked before you fell—afraid, in pain, and worse… like you didn’t trust her anymore.

The first thing you felt when you woke up was the cold.

Not on your skin—inside your bones. A chill that didn’t belong, crawling beneath your ribs, whispering down your spine.

Your eyes blinked open slowly. The room was dim, the curtains drawn, and a soft hum came from some kind of device by the bed. You tried to sit up, but your head spun so hard you immediately collapsed back against the pillows.

Nausea. Pressure behind your eyes. And a faint, rhythmic pulsing deep in your chest that didn’t feel like your heartbeat.

Something was wrong.

Outside, you could hear muffled voices—Caitlyn, angry. Sevika, quiet. And then another voice—smooth, clinical. The vampire doctor.

“…She’s awake now,” the doctor said, stepping out into the hallway. His hands were folded behind his back, pale and composed. “But she’s not stable. And likely won’t be for some time.”

Caitlyn straightened immediately. “What the hell is happening to her?”

The doctor adjusted his cuffs, then looked between Tobias and Cassandra. “You were correct in suspecting a partial bond. The bite didn’t last long enough to turn her—but it lasted just long enough to change her.”

Caitlyn’s brows furrowed. “Change her how?”

“She’s phasing,” he said flatly. “Stuck between human and vampire. The body is confused. It’s not a clean conversion, nor a clean rejection. The bond created a link that never finished forming… and now, she’s paying the price.”

Caitlyn’s stomach sank. “What kind of price?”

“She’s experiencing the unstable side effects of a failed transition. Nausea. Headaches. Disorientation. Blackouts. Emotional instability. Heightened aggression.”

“She’s suffering,” Caitlyn whispered.

The doctor gave a small, slow nod. “Yes.”

“What about Sevika?” Tobias asked, arms crossed tightly.

“She is, unfortunately, receiving the benefits of the bond. A psychic tether was formed. She can hear the girl’s heartbeat when distressed. She can read thoughts—though the bonded subject’s mind is the strongest, loudest, and most accessible. And most critically, Sevika’s body now relies on her. She can’t go too long without being near the bonded subject, or she’ll begin to weaken from blood deprivation.”

“She’s feeding off her, and she didn’t even turn her?” Caitlyn spat.

The doctor turned calmly to Sevika. “In theory, if you had bitten her a few seconds longer, the change would have completed. But you pulled away. Just enough.”

Sevika’s jaw tensed, her eyes shadowed. “I didn’t want to turn her.”

“But now you’ve tethered yourself to her. Permanently.” The doctor’s voice dropped. “That bond will not fade on its own. Not unless one of you dies.”

The hallway went silent.

Inside the room, you stared at the ceiling, heart pounding—and you knew, without even hearing the words, that Sevika could feel it.

“I said no,” Caitlyn snapped, blocking the hallway.

“She’s mine, Caitlyn,” Sevika growled, her voice low and barely restrained.

“She’s not—” Caitlyn faltered, jaw clenched. “She’s sick. She needs space. She needs peace.”

Sevika’s eyes glinted in the low light, the usual sharpness dulled by something far more desperate. “I can feel her.” She placed a hand against her chest, just over her heart. “She’s hurting. And if I can feel it, that means it’s bad.”

Before Caitlyn could respond, Sevika brushed past her, the air between them electric with tension.

You heard the door creak open, but you didn’t turn your head. You already knew who it was.

The shift in the air. The static crawling over your skin. The way your heartbeat kicked up—not from fear, but something else.

Sevika stepped inside quietly, closing the door behind her. You were curled beneath the sheets, pale, barely holding it together, your fingers gripping the edge of the blanket like it might keep you anchored to reality.

“Hey,” she said softly, her voice a rasp, like she hadn’t spoken in hours. Maybe she hadn’t.

You didn’t respond right away. Just watched her as she moved closer to the bed, her eyes never leaving yours.

“You shouldn’t be here,” you whispered, though your voice lacked conviction.

“I know,” she murmured, sitting at the edge of the bed. “But I had to see you.”

You didn’t pull away when she reached out, her warm, calloused hand brushing your cheek. The touch made your breath hitch.

Your skin burned where her fingers touched it.

“Your heart’s racing,” she said, almost to herself.

“You can feel that now,” you whispered.

“I can feel everything,” Sevika breathed. “Every time you flinch. Every time you cry. Every time you think of me.”

Your throat tightened, and the silence between you grew heavier, soaked with the weight of things left unsaid.

Her thumb traced your bottom lip. Not forceful. Just enough.

“I didn’t mean to do this to you,” she said. “But I don’t think I can let you go either.”

Your eyes locked with hers. There was a hunger there—not just for blood. For you. For the way you looked at her, even now. For the way you hadn’t told her to leave.

She leaned in slowly, her forehead brushing yours, her breath warm against your lips.

“I dream about biting you again,” she confessed. “Not to feed. Just to feel you like that again. Yours. Mine.”

Your breath trembled.

Her hand slid to your waist, just resting there, like she was grounding herself.

“You’re warm,” she whispered.

“I feel cold,” you admitted.

Sevika pulled the covers down a bit and slid beside you, one arm curling around your middle.

You didn’t stop her.

You let her pull you into her chest, into that heat, into that soft place between wrong and inevitable. Her mouth hovered at your jaw, never quite kissing, but close enough that your whole body thrummed with anticipation.

It wasn’t sex. Not yet.

But your body knew. Hers did too.

This was the edge of something.

And neither of you were ready to step back.

The sun filtering through the stained-glass windows of Valemont Private Academy did nothing to ease the knot in your stomach. The polished floors gleamed beneath your shoes, and every click of your steps echoed a little too loudly through the halls.

Caitlyn walked beside you, shoulder close to yours, her brow furrowed with concern.

“You really don’t have to do this,” she murmured for the fifth time, clutching her books tighter. “You could’ve stayed home. My parents would’ve made the school excuse it.”

“I’m fine,” you said, your voice soft but steady. A lie, maybe—but a necessary one.

“Y/N…”

“I’m fine, Caitlyn.”

She didn’t believe you. But she didn’t press. Not here.

You approached your first class—English, of course—and just as Caitlyn reached for the door, you grabbed her wrist and stopped.

She looked back, eyes scanning your face.

“Do I look like I’m gonna pass out?” you asked.

She smiled weakly. “You look like you could kill someone with a pencil.”

“Cool. I’ll take it.”

The two of you stepped inside.

The classroom went dead silent.

Every head turned. Whispering stopped mid-sentence. It was like someone had pressed pause on a scene.

Eyes widened. A few mouths parted like they might say something. A boy in the back leaned in to whisper something to his friend but stopped when Caitlyn shot him a look sharp enough to draw blood.

You didn’t need vampire senses to hear what they were thinking.

That’s the girl who snapped. She hit Bella with a bottle. Did you hear she Like, lost it?

You moved to your seat like it didn’t faze you—like your skin wasn’t prickling under every stare, like your headache wasn’t slowly building again behind your eyes.

Caitlyn sat beside you, tense and silent, her jaw tight.

The teacher cleared his throat awkwardly at the front of the room, pretending to flip through papers. “Let’s… get started.”

But no one was really paying attention.

They were all still watching you.

You were no longer invisible. Not after Saturday night. Not after Sevika. Not after everything.

you weren’t sure if that scared you or excited you more.

The lunchroom was too loud. The kind of loud that made your head pulse and your stomach twist. You hadn’t eaten—again. Every time you tried, your nausea flared, and now you just sat at the edge of the table next to Caitlyn, pretending the lukewarm pasta on your tray didn’t exist.

Then you felt it.

That pull—low and warm in your chest. Your heart skipping a beat in a way that didn’t feel entirely yours.

You turned just in time to see Sevika at the far end of the hallway, framed in the glass of her classroom door.

She didn’t motion for you. She didn’t need to.

You were already on your feet.

The classroom was empty, dark except for the soft sunlight spilling in through the blinds. The air was cooler in here. Still.

You shut the door behind you.

Sevika didn’t say a word. She stood near her desk, arms tense at her sides, her breath visibly shallower than usual. When she turned to face you, you froze.

Her eyes were bright red. Not glowing faintly—burning.

“Sevika…” you whispered.

She moved without speaking, crossing the room in seconds, and before you could react, your back hit the wall with a soft thud.

Her hands caged you in, planted on either side of your shoulders, her body a breath away from yours. She leaned in close, her lips nearly brushing your cheek, her nose brushing the curve of your neck.

The moment her breath hit your skin, your knees nearly buckled.

You tilted your head without thinking.

“Please,” you whispered, voice trembling. “Please, Sevika. Just do it.”

Her jaw clenched. You could feel the heat of her mouth hovering over your pulse. You wanted the bite. You ached for it.

Her fangs dropped. You could feel the sharp tips just barely graze your skin.

But then—she pulled away.

Just an inch. Then two. Then all the way.

Her hand brushed against your cheek as she wiped away a tear you didn’t even know had escaped.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” she said quietly, her voice thick, as if it physically hurt her to speak. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

You blinked, breathless, chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. “You didn’t.”

Sevika gave you a look that said she didn’t believe you.

She stepped back, rubbing at her jaw, her fangs still visible but retreating.

“I can’t do this—not while you’re like this. It’s already too much. If I touch you again like that, I won’t stop.”

You stayed against the wall, heart hammering, your body still humming from the nearness. “Then don’t stop.”

Sevika turned away quickly, shaking her head like she was trying to break a spell. “Don’t say that.”

“But I mean it.”

She looked over her shoulder at you—haunted, hungry, tethered.

And then she whispered, “That’s what scares me.”

Comment to be added to the taglist!!

[gothamite-rambler]

Batman will go so far as to embarrass himself to save those he loves

Zatanna: Okay, if you want to save Gotham and its occupants, you... Oh, dear.

Batman: What?

Zatanna (slowly): You have to sing.

Batman (not sure he heard that right): What?

Zatanna (holding back her laughter): Yeah, sing a song that expresses your true feelings. So, nothing where you're feeling dead inside.

Once Zatanna finished explaining, a microphone formed from the magic orb. Zatanna chuckled, holding the microphone out to Batman.

Batman blinked, his mouth twitching as he tried to suppress his inner mortification. Flash held out his phone, pretending to text while secretly ready to record the spectacle.

Green Arrow (lamenting, sniffling): My son is in Gotham, and now he's going to die!

Batman (insulted): Okay, hold on. I am Batman, and I can do this! I can sing; I just don't like doing that in my suit.

Wonder Woman (dryly): That's not what would make you look silly, Batman.

Superman: She's right, now sing.

Aquaman: And you have to sing it from your heart.

Martian Manhunter: You are not about to let your family and friends perish in Gotham simply to maintain a reputation. Sing the darn song!

Batman: I'm going to regret this... So much! My stuff is in Gotham and I can't afford to lose that.

Hawkgirl: What about your family?

Batman: I SAID MY STUFF!

Hawkgirl (shrugging): I should've expected that.

Batman (snatching the microphone from Zatanna's hands): Give me the microphone!

--- Monster from Epic the Musical ---

Batman (singing): How has everything been turned against us? How did suffering become so endless? How am I to reunite with my estranged? Do I need to change?

During Batman's vocal performance, the Justice League exhibited a range of reactions; some members expressed shock, others displayed amazement and enjoyment, while a few speculated about a potential anomaly within the Matrix simulation.

As he sang, the terror over Gotham began to fade, but a voice could be heard singing through the air.

Batman (singing): So if we must sail through dangerous oceans and beaches. I'll go where Poseidon won't reach us and if I gotta drop another infant from a wall. In an instant so we all don't die?!

Batman hesitated, mortified. He knew he wasn't going to live this down, but if it meant saving Gotham and his family, he would belt his heart out.

Batman (singing): Then I'll become the monster!I'll deal the blow! And I'll become the monster like none they've ever known! So what if I'm the monster lurking deep below? I must become the monster and then we'll make it home!

An hour later, the Justice League returned safely to Gotham. Everyone was safe and unharmed. Green Arrow, panicked, searched for Arsenal but quickly spotted him. Running over, he nearly knocked Arsenal down with a fatherly hug.

Arsenal (patting his father's back, sincerity): I missed you too.

Nightwing: We heard singing when the monsters started to die. Who was that?

Flash (watching the video): We don't remember his name.

Wonder Woman: Strange man, but we swore not to tell anyone who he was.

Hawkgirl: Yeah, you guys are lucky he was around, right, Batman?

Everyone turned to Batman; the hero, fortunately concealed by his cowl, was silent for a second.

Batman: Yeah, and he thanks you all for not identifying him. Nightwing, let's go.

Batman yanked Nightwing away from the Justice League by his arm.

Superman: He won't admit it, but we are really good friends.

Flash (amused): Yep. And I have video evidence of the Dark Knight singing a musical he swore he hated.

Martian Manhunter: Text that to my phone.

Flash: Don't worry, I got a group chat already.

What singers voice do you associate Batman's singing voice with? Comment or reblog your answers 😊

[karikitdemonrp]

Shippo listened to Inuyasha, a bit shocked by the half demon's demeanor. Must've been some talk. "I wasn't super sure about it so I talked about it with Kagome while you were with Kari and she gave me the basics about it. At least enough for me to understand a bit more." He sighed.

"I'm glad she's doing better. She looked a bit happier too." Shippo said with a thoughtful expression. "If she is part kitsune maybe I could help her at least a little bit if she has any fox magic or related abilities... Kagome said that she felt Kari's control on her abilities wasn't very good. Makes sense, she's never used them before and just learned about them." The fox hummed in thought. "I dunno what she can do, but I'll still help where I can. If I were in her situation I'd want someone to help me, at least a little." He informed with a wagging tail.

When Inuyasha brought up pranking the bullies, Shippo let out a grumbling noise, clearly upset. "Those kids did a number on Kari, I'm not sure if you saw but when those bullies were crowding her like that she looked so scared. I don't blame her." He growled softly at the memory. "So I'll definitely be pulling out some nasty pranks on those kids as pay back for sure! They'll regret what they did by the time I'm done!" Shippo puffed out his cheeks a bit in anger, tail fluffing out violently.

When Inuyasha smacked Shippo's head slightly, the fox gave a surprised chirp. Not out of pain, just shock since he had gotten lost in thought. Hearing Inuyasha say that they were all part of Kari's pack and that they looked after eachother caught Shippo off guard a bit. He fully agreed that they were all a part of the same pack and that they looked after one another, but this was Inuyasha saying it. This wasn't normally what the half demon would say. Regardless, Shippo gave a confident nod. "Yea, we look after eachother!" He said with a proud grin.

-----

The day turned into night with not much else happening. Kari had her hair washed, now with a hint of strawberries and vanilla thanks to Kagome's shampoo and conditioner, and Shippo was out setting up his pranks for those bullies. Some had already happened given loud screams and crying from a few of the bullies, but there were a few more to go.

Currently Kagome was setting up a large futon in the spare room and Kari was drawing with some spare drawing supplies Kagome brought for Shippo from the modern era.

The child let out a huff, scribbling in some herbs she saw that she didn't want to forget about due to how helpful they were. Kagome noticed this and slightly frowned. "Kari, you can draw something other than helpful herbs ya know, right?"

"I know," Kari chirped softly. "I don't wanna forget them tho."

"There are scrolls already with that information. I'm sure we can find you something somewhere if you want. I have a few books from our time too with some herb information too so you should try to have fun with it."

Kari looked up at Kagomw, a bit puzzled. Have fun? With this? The child looked back down at the paper and hummed in thought as Kagome went to sit next to her. "What... Should I draw?" Kari asked softly, pencil hovering over the paper.

"Well... Why not draw something or someone who makes you happy? Or at least makes you feel safe." The child blinked, taking a moment. Then she moved to have a clean piece of paper and slowly began to draw again.

Then her pencil moved faster, Kagome watched for a bit with a chuckle once she realized who Kari was drawing. Eventually Kari moved to begin coloring in her drawing and smiled at it. It was a simple drawing of Inuyasha. Not super detailed but it was clearly him. After a moment, something clicked. "Inuyasha and I have pretty similar hair colors... Huh?" Kari muttered, glancing at the dulled white crayon she used.

Kagome nodded. "Yea, you never noticed?"

"I did but... I dunno, it just didn't sink in until now." She muttered and Kagome's gaze softened.

"Yea, his hair kinda reminds me of fresh snow. Yours does too. Its so pretty and it shimmers in the sun in a way that just... I'm not sure how to describe it, but it's very beautiful." Kagome informed, Kari staring at the teen with wide eyes. "What’s with the--- Oh!" Kari rushed into give Kagome a brief hug, body shivering a bit. The priestess was a bit caught off guard but slowly relaxed and gently pat Kari's head, having already been told about what the bullies said.

The two stayed like that for a moment until Kari moved to stand up and clear her throat. "I--Im gonna go show Inuyasha my drawing." She muttered, drawing clutched in her hands as she rushed out to go look for the half demon.

Inuyasha gave a slight glance toward Kari as she rattled off her guesses about his family—she was quiet and thoughtful, not pushy, which he appreciated more than he let on. He grunted in vague confirmation. “Yeah. My mom was human. Sesshomaru’s mom wasn’t. So yeah, he’s a full demon—acts like it too.” His tone didn’t sound angry, more like he’d just accepted it a long time ago. “And… yeah. You stay near me if you ever meet him. He might not like it, but tough.”

Then she called herself not a turnip, and he let out a snort. “Yeah, yeah, fine. Not a turnip. Maybe a sweet potato. All stubby and covered in dirt.” He smirked, looking amused as she tried to think of what vegetable she was.

When they spotted Kagome and Shippo, Inuyasha’s ears twitched at the sound of Shippo’s fussing. He watched quietly as Kari explained herself, and though Kagome’s reaction was soft, he could tell she was concerned. Inuyasha didn’t step in, but the way Kari held his sleeve didn’t go unnoticed by him or Kagome. He said nothing as the girls went off, just watching for a moment with a slight tilt to his ears, until Shippo hopped onto his shoulder.

At Shippo’s words, Inuyasha’s expression darkened slightly. His jaw tensed and his hand clenched into a fist for a split second before he let out a rough exhale through his nose. “Tch. Figures they’d go for her hair. Buncha cowards.”

He looked toward the direction Kari had gone. “Doesn’t matter what they said—she held her own.” There was something proud in his voice, even if it was subtle. “But I’ll remember those brats’ faces.”

When Shippo dropped the real news, Inuyasha’s gaze snapped back to him, and his brows rose just a little. “Hmph.” He crossed his arms. “So you figured it out too, huh? I figured you might’ve, eventually.” He didn’t sound angry—if anything, there was a strange kind of relief behind his voice. “I ain’t tellin’ her yet. She’s got enough on her plate without tossing some big revelation into it. But… yeah, you’re right.”

He looked thoughtful for a second, then added, “Her aura’s different from any one thing. She ain’t just one piece. But if anyone’d pick up on the fox in her, it’d be you.” His ear twitched. “She doesn’t know what she is yet. But she’s strong. Stronger than she thinks.”

Inuyasha finally looked back down at Shippo when the kitsune asked if she was doing better. He gave a quiet grunt, but this time it wasn’t dismissive—it was more like agreement. “Yeah… she is. Slowly. She talked to me today. Really talked. That ain’t easy, not for someone like her.” He scratched the back of his head, looking slightly awkward for a second. “Said I made her feel less alone. So… yeah. She’s doin’ better.”

Then, with a huff, he gave Shippo a soft smack on the head—not hard, more like an affectionate bop. “And don’t beat yourself up. You’re part of her pack now. We all are. That means just being there’s already more than enough.”

His voice lowered just a little, more serious. “We protect our own. That’s all there is to it.”

Then he gave a slight grin. “But if you do wanna prank those bullies later… I’m not stoppin’ you.”