#also forgot to SHOOT UP/take my t at 3 am like i usually do so

[muckyschmuck]

I KEEP HAVING DREAMS ABOUT DRAWING AND THEN IM MAD WHEN I WAKE UO BECAUSE I DONT HAVE THE DREAM DRAWING IM SO PISSED

[forthehpfanboys]

You're An Idiot

Pair: Draco Malfoy x Reader; he/him.

Summary: Draco is being a brat.. Again. No one's surprised when you run into him after getting back late from Hogsmeade. Also, the reader is Hermione's older brother.

Warnings: SMUT (MDI). Just- get the holy water. Swearing, oral, Sassy Hermione?? Still doesn't follow the movies or the books or anything. If I forgot any, please dm me.

Note: Requested! And Bottom Draco-I was up all night typing this. God, I am so sorry for the grammar and crap when I first posted this. I fixed it up, so it should be better!

~DO NOT REPOST ANYWHERE~

-

Being Hermione's older brother meant you usually had to deal with a lot of shit, especially since she'd drag you on adventures with the Golden Trio. She'd always use the promise you made to your parents in your face. Yeah. You had sworn you'd protect the younger Granger when she first started going to the school. At the time, you didn't know that'd mean every single bloody year.

Since you were a year older then the Golden Trio, you ended up resolving problems and fixing some of their mistakes and reminding them to sleep during particularly stressful days. You could've swore the four of you just attracted problems better than magnets attract metal. Of course, you wanted them to be safe and healthy, but one little bleached ferret always made it hard. That ferret, of course, was Malfoy. Draco Malfoy.

Stupid Draco Malfoy who always managed to look top notch in anything he wore and Godric what you'd do to get that ferret on his knees, ruin his pretty hair and- You probably shouldn't be thinking this in the dinner hall, especially since you were sitting next to your sister. Speaking of your sister, she turned to you, a smile on her face.

"So, (Y/n). I was curious if you wanted to come with us to Hogsmead this weekend? Harry got Sirius to sign for him and Professor Magonagall accepted it under the circumstances." Hermione's voice rang through your skull as she spoke, your head already nodding up and down. It'd be a nice little break, especially during your 7th year.

"Of course I'm down, Mione!" you wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to her side. "You know I'll use any excuse to be with my favorite bunch of idiots." you messed up her hair, causing her to smack your hands away and almost shove you off the bench.

You let out a laugh, completely oblivious to the Slytherin staring at you from across the room with the most desperate expression on his face. You shoved your sister back, a smirk growing on your face as she fell from the bench.

"Haha! Payback!"

"Not funny, (Y/n)!"

"Yes it is, Mione! You should know by now I'm always gonna get revenge!" you ran a hand through your hair, shooting her a smile. The two boys who sat across from you nodded in agreement.

"He's right, Herman. (haha, reference-) It is pretty funny." Ron smiled, holding his fist out for you to bop.

The week seemed to pass with ease, allowing the weekend and it's snowy fun to arrive without hesitation. You trudged out in the snow, leading the trio of 6 years to Hogsmead. You hummed a muggle Christmas song deep in your throat as you walked, looking up at the snow covered signs.

"Where should we go first, children? Hogs Head? Honeydukes? What ya kids feeling?" One thing you absolutely ADORED was teasing about the age difference between you and the trio.

"We're not children!" Ron shouted, his arms crossing over his bulky winter jacket.

"Yeah! Besides, even if we weren't totally responsible adults, we'd wanna go to the Hogs Head, right guys? Get a butter bear or two?" Harry spoke up, moving his scarf down to speak properly before putting it back over his mouth and nose.

"Uh Huh. Sure." You snickered, your hands shoved in your pocket of your pants. You'd given Hermione your jumper, leaving you in a scarf, fingerless gloves and your long sleeve t-shirt.

The four of you got interrupted by a line of people literally blocking your path. It was none other than the stupidly pretty Draco and his 'gang' stood in front of you, arms crossed like a bunch of wanna be badasses.

"Well, well, if it isn't Potter and his 3 little blood traitors." Draco spoke, his voice filled with smugness and his face dragged in a cocky smirk.

God, did you wanna get revenge against that stupid smirk.

"Oh, please Malfoy. You do this almost every week. Just admit you have a crush on Harry and move on." You spoke, taking a step toward him. The ferret's smirk faltered and turned into a scowl.

"Oh please. As if I'd stoop low enough to like someone like Potter." Draco all but gagged at the idea of dating the messy haired rival and you wondered what he'd look like gagging on your stick. It suddenly became a little warmer in the winter atmosphere.

"Then you have an unhealthy obsession, mate." Ron spoke up, his arms crossed. "Might wanna get that fixed and leave us be."

"Yeah, Malfoy. We're trying to have a good day and you're ruining it with your ugly mug." Hermione spoke up, causing you to feel nothing but pure pride. She'd changed a lot from the shy girl she used to be in 1st year.

Crabb or Goyle, you didn't care to learn their names, stepped forward, causing you to instinctively step in front of your friends. Malfoy scoffed again, looking you up and down before turning his head.

"Whatever." the blonde pureblood spoke as he began walking away, his posse turning to follow, but not without shooting you one last glare.

"Yeah, you... You better leave?" You spoke, confusion clear in your voice. Usually you'd be inches from his face, shouting about the shit antics his father pulled before he backed down. Turning to the other three, you shrugged and led them to Hogsmead, hoping to escape the cold.

Once inside, you all ordered a warm glass of butterbeer as you picked a table by the fireplace. Taking your first sip immediately warmed you up, a sigh leaving your lips.

"Godric Gryffindor. I haven't felt warmth in what felt like forever." You said cooly, smirking to your sister. "I wonder why I would be oh, so cold."

"Ok. We get it. I forgot my jacket. Stop it." The brunette responded, causing Harry to almost choke on his drink and for Ron to snort. You faked a gasp, your hand going to your chest in mock shame. You'd been teasing her about it almost the entire way there.

"Such sass!" You shook your head. "What would mom and dad say?"

"They'd say you deserve to shove it."

"Oh, come now, sister of mine! Don't be a stick in the mud!"

The two friends sitting across from the Granger siblings sat in silence. This was some of the best entertainment they get during the week and they always savored it.

"I'm not being a stick in the mud, you're just being a dick."

"Well you know what they say. You are what you eat-"

Ron and Harry didn't even miss a beat. They broke out laughing together as Hermione shouted, her face a pinkish color.

"(Y/N)!!"

"What? We all know it's true!"

"Merlin's beard you suck."

"That's the point, sis."

"Go- stop. Please. I'm begging you."

"Ok! Ok." you chuckled out, raising your hands in defeat.

You and the trio managed to keep up the conversation easily, but as time went on, it was time to go back, well, that's what you told them. It was time for the kiddos to go back and finish their homework so they had tomorrow to actually relax. Of course, this caused Harry and Ron to groan and whine, but Hermione finally convinced them, saying she'd help.

You let out a sigh and leaned back in your chair, your eyes falling closed. The stupid blonde hottie has been raging in your head for what felt like forever, so you weren't surprised when he popped up behind your eyelids again.

You truly didn't want to admit it, but you'd liked the jerk since he popped up randomly in your second year. He was a twat to your sister and her friends, but somehow he slithered into your heart and head all the stupid time.

Over time like turned to crush, crush turned to yearned, yearned turned to lust, because it certainly wasn't love. That's what you convinced yourself as you tossed your head back, swallowing the last of your fourth butterbeer.

You sat in front of the fire for a few more minutes before you stood up, placed some coins at the end of your table to pay for the drinks and left the restaurant, venturing out into the snow.

It was colder before, thanks to the sun setting over the castle. Shrugging off the cold, you walked down the familiar path back to Hogwarts. You tightened the scarf around your face as a particularly cold breeze blew past you. Once the entrance of the castle came up, you all but jogged to the door, ripping it open. The inside was warmer, thank Merlin.

You were suddenly grateful for the 7 years you'd spent at Hogwarts. You were able to mindlessly walk the halls and make it to the staircase leading up to the Fat Lady's portrait. As you were trudging up the steps, you noticed a A flash of a shadow duck past a knight.

"Oh, ok. Cool. Filch’ll just kill me. Awesome." you grumbled, hurrying up the stairs as quietly as you could, but we're quickly halted. The shadow wasn't Filch or his crazed cat. It was Malfoy.

Of course it was Malfoy. We gotta get to the good stuff somehow, right?

...

Anyway, you sensed he was up to no good considering he should be in the Slytherin Common Room probably sleeping and not sneaking around by the Gryffindor one. You crossed your arms over your chest, watching the blonde keeping his head turned to watch his back as he climbed the same steps you were on.

"Malfoy."

"AAH-"

You all but lunged to cover his mouth with one hand, the other going to the back of his neck to keep him still. "Shut it, you git! Do you want to get caught?" your eyebrows furrowed together as you pressed him to the stairs railing, trying to intimidate the younger male.

What you didn't know was that this was waayy to hot for Malfoy to comprehend. His back went rigid at your touch and his breathing all but stopped as he stared into your (e/c) eyes.

"Well, do you?"

Your hushed voice snapped Draco out of his trance, causing him to shake his head.

"Good, then keep your voice down. What are you doing out here anyway?" you spoke, moving your hands away from him, much to his dismay. He was just grateful you didn't back away. He liked your body against his.

"I was uh-well, I was trying to.. Find the bathroom." He usually kept his composure, but he was failing miserably. He usually kept it together so well but now.. Now Draco was struggling. He was not going to admit he was on his way to sneak into the Gryffindor common room and leave you a love note. No. Why would he do that??

"The bathroom? It isn't up this set of stairs, ya idiot." you grabbed his arm, leading him down the stairs. "Besides, you should have a bathroom on your side of the school, so what are you really doing here?"

"What does it matter?" he spat out. "You obviously think you know everything." you rolled your eyes at his brattiness and walked over to the corridor glancing down it before pressing your back against the wall.

"What are you doing?"

"Shut it Malf-"

"No. I don't ha-"

"I said shut it or I will gag your mouth with your own fucking tie." you covered his mouth again, pressing him back against the wall. "Godric. Just put your ego away for 2 seconds."

Draco desperately wanted to say 'Make me, Granger' but he was lost in the idea of your threat coming true.

Satisfied at his silence, you watched one of the patrolling professors walk down the corridor and right past you two. Not spotting anyone or anything, they continued on before you swept him down the entrance.

"Ok. Come on." You whispered to him as you walked down the corridor. You were taking him to that one girls bathroom that no one goes into, ya know, with Myrtle. You were just hoping she was gonna be literally anywhere but that bathroom.

"Where are we going?"

"You said you wanted a bathroom, idiot. I'm taking you to one where you can piss in peace and leave me alone."

"I.. What?"

"Forget it, Malfoy." You took one more turn and finally saw the opening off the bathroom. "Ok. We're here." Of course Blondie had a problem though. He shot the (h/c) male a glare before scrunching up his nose.

"This is the girls lavatory."

"Oh, you think I care. Funny." you grabbed him by the shirt covering his shoulder and pushed him inside, following after his stumbling form.

"Don't touch me, Granger. I don't want whatever germs mud bloods carry." Draco scoffed, fixing his shirt and brushing off his shoulder, as if dirt was there.

"Call me that again and I won't hesitate to ruin that pretty face you cherish so much." You growled out, grabbing his shirt by the collar and pulling him toward you. "One day that silver tongue of ours is going to get you in a lot of trouble." Pushing him away from your figure, you turned toward one of the many mirrors lining the wall.

You looked at your reflection and fixed a strand of hair, then took off your scarf. It was warm in this bathroom. You folded the scarf and looked back into the reflective glass to see Malfoy smirking in the background.

"What?"

"You called me pretty." He had his arms crossed over his chest. Your aggravated tone did nothing to his smirk.

".. You're dumb as hell, ya know that?" you turned to face the male and his confidence seemed to shrink a little bit. You advanced toward him and he stepped backwards. He wanted to keep distance between you two in case a fight broke out. He'd seen you fight other people bigger than you and remembered how they were sent to the Hospital wing. "You're a twat. You're a self centered brat who thinks he rules this school."

He gulped when he felt his back press against the wall. "Yeah? And what are you going to do about it Granger?" Draco could feel the blood rush to his cheeks. You must've noticed his face turning Gryffindor red because next thing he knew, you were pressed up against him, pinning him to the wall. He felt his breath catch in his throat when your eyes glanced at his lips for a brief second.

"I might teach you a lesson." Your hands came at either side of his head, a dangerous smirk drawing across your lips. You leaned forward, your lips ghosting over his. "You have been such a brat lately. A punishment is in order, hmm?"

Draco's hands tried to grip the wall, his nails scraping against it. Fuck, the way your voice dropped sent blood from his cheeks to his dick almost immediately.

With that, you slammed your lips to his, causing a breathy whine to escape Draco's throat. You tilted your head, your tongue grazing across his lips as your hand slipped through his hair. The blonde wrapped his arms around your neck as he opened his mouth, his tongue meeting yours. With teeth clashing, your bodies pressed together and a hand in his hair, you easily gained dominance.

You pulled from the kiss, causing Malfoy to let out a protest.

"Shut it, brat." You grumbled, a hand covering his mouth as you planted a kiss to the side of his neck. "Besides, we're out past curfew. Would hate to get caught."

He could feel you smirk against his skin, your hand in his bleached locks tugging his head to the side so you had more room. He jumped a little when he felt you bite down on his neck. The younger man's eyes fell shut as you attacked his neck with love bites and hickeys.

Your hand covering his mouth moved to his cheek as you placed a kiss on a particularly big hickey.

"You ok?" your voice was soft and sweet against his ear. He nodded quickly, not wanting this to end, which only caused you to snicker. Draco blinked a few times in confusion when you placed your hands on his shoulders and began to push him down to his knees.

"I'd rather not kneel on the floor."

"Why not?"

"It's filthy!"

You stared at Draco for a few seconds before rolling your eyes and you shoved him down to his knees.

"I don't care if it's filthy. You have magic, don't you? Clean your knees when we're done. Simple." you smirked down at him, joy filling your heart. God, it genuinely felt good to see the cocky pureblood on his knees, his head turned in a silent protest.

One hand stayed on his shoulder, the other moved itself to the bulge between your legs. The groan that left your lips caught his attention. The hand against your bulge grounded down, causing you to groan.

"Oh, now I've got your attention?"

"Shove it, Granger."

"Now, now. That's no way to talk to me, I am older."

Draco rolled his eyes so hard you were sure they were gonna roll straight out of his head. But since this whole event was anything but straight, you figured it wouldn't happen that easily.

The man on his knees swatted your hand away and wasted zero time unbuttoning your jeans and pulling them down around your knees. He stared at the bulge in your galaxy themed boxers, the tips of his ears turning a bright pink. He noticed the damp spot right by the tip and realized it was from him.

Suddenly, his confidence came back, and the blonde quickly began mouthing at your erection. With a rough groan, you rested your hand on top of his head and used the other stabilizing you against the wall.

"Go on, then. Don't be shy." You chuckled, gently ruffling his hair. The 6th year reached up, quickly pulling down your boxers to reveal your hard length.

"I'm not shy." When he finally met your eyes, you noticed his blue ones burning with a lust that you'd only wished to see in your dreams.

"Uh huh, then why aren't you sucking my dick, hmm?" You smirked, pushing your hips forward.

"I might bite it with the attitude you hold." The blonde spoke as he leaned forward, licking from the base to the tip in one, long swipe. You let out a sigh, your head slowly tipping backwards as his tongue grazed over the tip of your wood.

"You love my attitude. I bet you always have."

Draco wanted to mock you or laugh at you or something, but he knew you were right so instead, he sucked on your tip like it was a popsickle. He hallowed his cheeks and kept eye contact with you as he slowly took you into his mouth.

You let out a gasp at how hot it was. Visually and physically, it was so damn hot. Your grip tightened on his hair when his tongue ran along the vein on the bottom.

"Fuck- Ah, Draco-" You tried not to move your hips. After all, you didn't know how much experience he had, but it felt like he was pretty well off.

Draco, however, was focused on the way you said his name. It dragged a moan out of him. This might've been the first time he heard you say his first name and your gravely voice made it so wonderful.

The blonde on his knees suddenly wanted to hear you say it again. He closed his eyes, pulling back to take a breath before he pushed forward. The pureblood focused on trying to take you down his throat. His eyebrows furrowed together when he gagged and chose to ignore his tears.

"Oh shit!" you hissed out, your jaw dropping when you felt his nose press against your pelvis. "Draco, how the hell-?" you bucked forward when you felt him try to swallow around you. "Ooh, Godric!" you tossed your head back, your hand against the wall curling into a fist.

Draco pulled back and slowly went down on you again, a breathy whine leaving your throat.

"You are far too good at this, baby."

All too soon he was pulling off you completely, which causes you to whine and look down at him. He was looking down at his hands that rested in his lap.

"What? Did I say something wrong?" You asked, your head tilting to the side a little bit.

"No!" his head shot up to look at you, his eyes wide. "I mean.. No... No, I've just never been called something so.. Soft."

This caused your eyebrows to furrow together. "Huh. Well, let's change that. Come on." You stepped out of the pants pooled at your feet and held a hand out to him, which he took.

You gently led him over to the sinks, turning him around to face his reflection. "I got you." you whispered in his ear, causing him to shudder.

He nodded his head, looking down at the sink in front of him. The pureblood rested his hands against the porcelain. The 6th year's heart was pounding in his ears, his bottom lip becoming trapped between his teeth.

The blonde felt your hands run from the back of his neck, to his shoulders and down his back before finally landing on his hips. The wizard felt a heat pooling in his belly when he felt your hips press against his ass.

You reached around to his front, undoing his belt and slowly pulling it free from the loops before tossing it off to the side. He finally looked up at the mirror, taking in the reflection of his messy hair, swollen lips and your hands coming back to his front.

"I got you, Draco." Your voice was soft. "Don't you worry your pretty little head about anything." You smiled at him over his shoulder and winked before popping the button of his trousers open and allowed gravity to pull them down.

Malfoy gasped when you cupped his bulge, his hips automatically pushing forward. He'd been hard since you pinned him against the railing.

"(Y/n).." he whispered out, his mouth falling open when your thumb ran across the head of his cock.

"Yes, babe?" Your smile has turned into a knowing smirk. Blue eyes bounced between your hand and that devious smirk, Draco's brain conflicted on which sight was better. "Do you need something?"

He nodded his head, blonde locks bouncing.

"Please." his voice was barely above a whisper.

"Please? Please what?" Your fingers slipped past the elastic of his boxers, a false sense of innocence laced in your voice.

"Move- touch me- damnit, Granger, please."

You finally pushed his boxers down, your hands running along the front of his thighs before finally landing on what he wanted you to focus on. The blonde let out a sigh of your name when your hand finally wrapped around his dick.

A small smile stretched across his face once your hand started moving. The pleasure wasn't new, but was oh so welcomed. He was glad he finally got you.

You gave him a few pumps, allowing his precum to build up on your hand, making everything easier.

"There ya go, baby. So sweet." You whispered, kissing the back of his ear.

Draco brought a pale pink lip between pearly white teeth again, his hips pushing forward to get more.

The hand still resting on his hip came around to the front, gathered a bit of precum off the tip before slinking back around to the back. He used the pre like lube and pushed a finger into Draco's tight hole, causing him to emit a squeal and arch his back a little but.

"Oh, Godric. I'm so excited to wreck you, baby."

"(Y/n)!" he squeaked out as the finger went deeper. He bit his lip harder, the pain slowly dying out and being replaced with a burning pleasure.

You loved hearing your name being moaned like that, just like he enjoyed hearing his when he was suckin' on your lolli. You added a second finger, slowly thrusting them in and out to try and speed this along. You could only jerk someone off for so long anyway.

You licked your lips, a determined expression event on how badly you wanted him. Maybe eating his ass would've been more effective.

"Please hurry, I don't know how much more of this I can take-" his voice was higher in pitch, his hips pushing back against you. "Please-"

"Ok, baby, ok. No need to beg." you chuckled, removing your hands from their working positions. Gently rubbing your hand over one cheek, you spread it open enough to spit in it, just to be safe. "Ready?" your free hand grabbed your own dick pumping it a few times for good measure.

"I wouldn't be asking you to do it if I wasn't, now would I?" the blonde snapped back, glaring over his shoulder. How did he go from so innocent he's almost choking from one finger in him to being a demanding brat all over again?

You rolled your eyes and lined yourself up, carefully and slowly pushing in until you made it past the first ring of muscle. Both of you moaned at the feeling, your hands coming to rest against his hips as his head ducked down, his chin pressed against his chest.

You slowly pushed in deeper, a whine leaving his throat as the twisted pain came back. You reached around to grab his dick again and jerked him off a little bit more to try and counterbalance the pain.

Once you were all the way in, you just let him adjust. You kissed across his still clothed shoulders and neck, whispering encouraging words of praise.

The hand on his hip dragged itself upward, your eyes following it in the mirror. Once it made it to his chest, you cupped one of his pecs through the shirt, feeling his perky nipple pressing against your palm.

Grinding your palm down against his nipple and continuing to rub his dick, you slowly pulled out almost all the way before pushing back in with one sweep.

You literally left him breathless. He was staring at you through the reflection in the mirror, his mouth hanging open, his eyes glazed over with need, his hair a mess.

You built up a pave easily, deep and hard but slow and Draco loved every second of it. His toes curled in his boots, his back arched into your hands while his hips fought to figure out if they wanted to go forward into your hand or back into your dick. It truly was a conundrum for the twink.

"Such a good boy for me, aren't ya?" You spoke up after a while, your voice gravelly and rough and right in his ear. You let out a breathy laugh when he shuddered and moaned from that alone.

The two of you weren't concerned with the sound of skin hitting skin or your moans echoing around the hallow bathroom. You were busy, I don't blame you.

Soon enough, Draco was begging you to speed up, his release starting to creep it's way around. You nodded your head, resting your forehead against his shoulder as you spend your hips up, a grunt leaving your lips.

Draco let out a loud whine when your fingers pinched one of his nipples, his hands clawing at the walls as pleasure coursed through his veins.

"I'm gonna cum in you." You groaned against his back. "I'm gonna mark you as mine and you're gonna sit there and enjoy it."

Fuck yeah, he was.

Draco was nowhere near complaining. He'd been fantasizing of this and so much more for years. He, of course, blamed his hormones, but he knew the effect ran deeper than just lust.

Draco nodded his head. "Please-" he moaned out your name, his thighs trembling from the pleasure. He was getting closer and, honestly, so where you.

The pureblood was so warm and hugged you so right in all the right places and Albus mother-fucking Dumbledore where you getting more of this later.

This stupid cute blonde was so intoxicating it almost made you feel pathetic. Keyword is almost.

You sped up, chasing after your own release as it also reared its head around the corner.

"G-gonna cum-" Draco stuttered out, his voice cracking. One hand fell from the wall to the porcelain sink at his waist. "I-I'm.. Gonna-" he called out your name, loud enough for it to probably be heard by the Gryffindors, as he came.

He tightened and spasmed around you, his legs shaking and tiny moans leaving his throat as you helped him ride out his orgasm.

"Are you good?" You asked, rubbing his back and soon letting go of his soft dick when he deemed it was sensitive. "Do you want me to pull out?"

Draco shook his head, his ears noticeably red from behind him. "I want you to keep your promise."

He did not have to tell you twice. You went back to thrusting into him, both hands on his waist as you sought after your own orgasm. A few moans and groans from you later and you were cumming inside him.

You leaned into him, riding it out until his tight, hot ass became too much. You pulled out carefully, causing him to whine and twitch.

"Let's get you cleaned up, ok, Draco?"

The blonde nodded his head and allowed you to carefully and gently clean him up with a wet paper towel. It wasn't the lost romantic thing used to clean partners, but it was what you had.

After a few minutes of silence once you were cleaned and dressed you spoke up.

"So what.. Where are you doing by Gryffindor Tower, Blondie?" your hands ended up in your pockets again.

"Well I.." The pureblood reached into the pocket of his jacket, pulling out an envelope. "I was going to..."

"Draco, babe. I saw your 'o' face. Just tell me. You shouldn't be embarrassed." You snickered, obviously teasing the younger man.

He took in a deep breath and shoved the letter toward you.

"IwroteyoualetterexplaininghowIfeltaboutyouandhowIwassorryforhowItreatedyoursister-" he was going way too fast for you to understand anything.

"What? I can't.. I don't speak whatever this is."

"I.. Just read the letter!"

With that, you tore open the envelope. It was the love letter Draco was gonna leave by your bedside table.

The letter stated how he fell in love with you from a far over the years by watching you dominate in Quidditch, bringing light into the world with the Twins (let's be honest, imma throw them in this) and just.. Being you. Plus bickering with you was one of his favorite pastimes.

It also stated how he was sorry for treating Hermione so poorly and the citation with his dad and how he was raised.

The Slytherin was nervously wringing his hands together, a nervous expression on his face. "Umm.. Are.. You gonna say something?" his mental fingers were crossed.

You smiled, tilting your head a little bit.

"You're an idiot." You pulled him into a gentle kiss, your hand entangling with his. You casted him a genuine smile. "I like you too, Draco."

The blonde's face broke out in a matching grin and he all but jumped on you to give you another kiss. Once the two of you broke apart, your voice echoed in the bathroom once again.

"There's only one problem."

"What is it?"

"How do we tell Hermione?"

[octupus-on-the-moon]

A plan

~Yeah, took longer then expected, but i´ll update regulary from now on. The ending is bad i will change that later. Anyway i hope you guys enjoy it~

《 Previous -- Masterlist -- Next 》

Sixth part of a nightmare

Word count: 1566

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Warnings: Mental health issues 

Bucky and y/n spend the rest of the day planning how they would get to the documents of Mr. Belove. They seemed to start enjoying each other’s company. With every laugh and teasing comment, the loneliness that surrounded both faded.

“Wait a minute, won´t your father… Belove… whatever, won´t he suspect something if you don´t come home tonight?” Bucky asked from the floor. He was sitting in front of a hand painted ground-plan, looking up to y/n. She was sitting on the kitchen counter, childly swinging her feet, chewing on a lollipop.

“No, he isn´t that overprotective. I told him I met some old friend from high school and that we have a lot to catch up. Then I wrote Lisa, the woman that helps me out in the house, to pack some things and bring them to me. Don´t worry I told her to wait for me three blocks from here” y/n explained proud of her foresight.

“You really thought of everything?” Barnes praised her, tilting his head a little to the side. “I like that. You can have the bed by the way. I sleep on the floor anyway” Y/n feet stopped “Are you okey?” He frowned. Her proud expression froze. “Did I say something wrong?” Bucky added, surprising himself with a worried tone in his voice.

“No. No. It´s fine. You just reminded me of someone” She excused herself hasty. Followed by a broad smile, that didn´t reach her eyes “However, do we go over the plan again?”

 The first problem, was that her father never left the house. He spends most of the time in his office or in the library, near the office. The only moment the bureau was completely unsupervised, not counting the security system, was while breakfast, dinner, late at night or on Friday afternoon; The only day of the week he would leave the house to play golf for a few hours. Barnes and y/n decided to do the-not-actually-a-break-in that day.

The second problem only concerned Bucky. It consisted in him needing to ask Sam for another favor…  

 “It´s easy.” Barnes began “You come home from your lecture at 12 pm, then you take lunch with him. He goes off to play golf at 1:30 pm. I turn of the security system at 1:40 pm. You slip into his office and get the documents of the vault. Then we meet at the gate 2 pm sharp. If something goes wrong, we meet at 3 pm here.” He finished with his everlasting, impenetrable face.

“Sounds solid.” Her phone vibrated. “My package arrived” Y/n announced while looking at her phone. “I´ll go get it. I´ll be back in 20. Don´t do anything fun without me” and she left.

 Barnes sat still for a few moments. He was thinking. Since she arrived this morning, something inside him had changed. But what was it? Bucky questioned himself. Then he realized that he had not thought of his anger about Sam, Steve and the shield. Also, his Yori-problem, all the guilt, slid into the background. Today Bucky had laughed and smiled more than he had since 1944. Now that he was there all alone, the silences came back. He felt the void, with all his worries, slowly approaching him.

“It’s the quietest most personal hell” Dr. Raynor´s voice echoed in his mind. Maybe she was right, he thought.

Someone knocked. Barnes rushed to the door. Anything was better now. Better than that awful silence. He threw the door open, just to find Yori standing right in front of him, with a pretty displeased face.

“What about dinner James? We said 6, it´s almost 7” Nakajima complained immediately.

“Oh. Dammit. I am so sorry. I forgot. It´s just. I had a crazy day. And I have a guest.”

“A girl?”

“No! Yes. But not like that. You know what. Just come in” Yori was all smiles as he passed by Bucky, who was desperate by his sudden change of mood.

“Who is she?” Nakajima queried. He was calmly crossing the short corridor, while Barnes closed the door. Bucky´s face went blank, as it occurred him. The report was laying on the counter.

“Ehhh. She. I mean. We” Bucky stuttered as he hurried into the kitchen to collect all the papers “We are coworkers. But she has a problem in her house and is staying a few days with me” He lied after stuffing the papers into an old black backpack, casually leaning against the sink. “She should be back any moment, then we can decide over dinner” Yori looked disappointed, but his face lit up a little after a second.

“James”

“Yeah?”

“You only have one bed” a suggestive smirk appeared on Nakajima´s face. If you looked close enough you could watch Barnes´s cheeks turn red. What did he do to deserve the day of today? He asked. Probably annoy his therapist and not follow the three holy rules, Bucky answered himself, but he won´t change it in the future.

“I will sleep on the floor”

“That´s not comfortable.”

“I know but I can´t share the bed with a stranger Yori”

“Did not mean that. I have two thin extra mattresses. You can have one, till she´s home again” Nakajima offered all serious again. Barnes first reaction would have been to reject his suggestion, but if he did that, he would need to explain why he wanted to sleep on the floor so bad. Or Nakajima would misinterpret Bucky´s intention with y/n.

“That would be great, thank you”

“No problem.”

Silence. Again. But it did not last long. Although Yori preferred not to talk, he felt that something was up. James was usually a very calm guy, but now he was wriggling around impatiently. So Nakajima started to tell about his day. Barnes listen attentively, while making some tea. Grateful not to be surrounded by silence.  

 “James? I´m back” y/n interrupted them. “I thought we could order pizza” Her voice lowered at the end of the sentences, as she turned around the corner seeing Barnes and Nakajima. “Oh! Hello, I`m y/n.” She introduced herself, reaching her free hand towards Yori. The other one was holding a grey sports bag.

“Yori Nakajima a pleasure to meet you” The little grey man replied, accepting her hand.

“The pleasure is all mine Mr. Nakajima. I didn´t know you were expecting someone today” Y/n said, first addressing Yori and then Bucky.

“Yori is my neighbor. We eat sometimes together, but I forgot that we agreed for dinner tonight” Barnes explained a little insecure, because he didn´t know if it was okey for her, sharing dinner with Yori. Nakajima was silently observing the interaction between both.

“Oh, but he can stay for the pizza don’t?” y/n asked Bucky with pleading puppy eyes. Something about that look made him feel warm inside.

“Yes of course.” Barnes agreed with a little smile, that only Yori seemed to notice. Approving whatever kind of relationship these two had, with a knowing look.

“Mr. Nakajima, what kind of pizza do you like?”

 Mr. Nakajima liked the classic New York-style pizza and enjoyed the red wine, Barnes found in one of the mostly empty cupboards of his kitchen.

“James you are really in need of some furniture” Y/n commented from a wooden chair. Yori was comfortably seated on the little armchair, even though he struggled a little reaching for his wine glass on the floor. Meanwhile Bucky was standing near the counter.

“I never planned to have people over and I´m almost never at home, so what´s the point of buying furniture”

“I live alone, but at least I have a table to sit on” Yori added while he balanced the plate on his knees reaching for the glass on the ground.

“Yeah, where do you eat usually? On the floor?” Y/n teased him grinning, before she took a bite of her pizza. Barnes shifted his weight on the left side, uncomfortable with all the questions.

“I never eat at home, cooking for myself isn´t worth it and if I order something I just sit on the floor or in the armchair” Bucky justified his meager living, shrugging and nodding towards Yori. Who just shook his head, amused, about the poor argument. This drew y/n attention to him.

“Mr. Nakajima you said you lived alone. Do you not have any family? Children?” She asked curiously. Regretting once again talking so thoughtlessly, as Yori´s face turned expressionless. Scared of breaking the silence. Y/n looked up to Bucky for help. But he was starring down at his pizza, lost in his own thoughts, which didn´t seem to be pleasant either. “I´m sorry if I did say something wrong. I didn´t know…” Nakajima took a deep breath, so she interrupted herself.

“It´s fine, as you said, you didn´t know. My wife died many years ago giving birth to my firstborn son.” Yori started talking calmly. “My son died a few years ago in a shooting. Since then, I´m alone. James moved here some months ago and spends some time with me. A girl, from the sushi restaurant around the corner, also keeps an eye on me, but that´s it.”

It took a while and an empty wine bottle to restore the relaxed atmosphere. The day ended with a more or less intense card game. After Bucky brought the mattress from Yori´s apartment to his empty livingroom. 

All rights reserved.

Ps. Yeah, i broke my own heart with the dinner scene

《 Previous -- Masterlist -- Next 》

[purpleyellow]

Freaky Holidays (3)

Originally Seventeen 14th member

Hayun’s Masterlist

“With only 1 days until December 25th, the Christmas spirit turn things around and make us wonder: What would happen if Hayun was a BTS oc?”

a/n: so I’ve wanted to do a oc/group swap for the longest time and the occasion just sort of fell into place. I tried not to make it too centered around the festivities but it was kind of inevitable so apologies to those who don’t celebrate it, next week things will go back to normal. Please let me know what you thought of it, your feedback is always welcome💙

Putting on the candy cane onesie she had since pre-debut, Hayun connected her phone to the dorm’s Bluetooth system and started playing a trap version of Jingle Bell Rock. Smiling satisfied once she heard a couple of laughs erupting from the kitchen, the girl made her way to breakfast smiling smug.

“Why do you have to do this every year?” Jin managed to say as he took a deep breath, but once she took out a pair of red ray bans and put them on they all resumed laughing.

“Merry Christmas Eve bitches” Hayun T-posed in front of them before taking the sunglasses off, pausing the music, and sitting on the table normally. “Sorry about that”

“And the streak continues” J-hope giggled high fiving her and putting a plate of pancakes in front of her “We ordered breakfast because we knew you’d be too hyped to help us make food”

“But I almost never help?” The girl frowned smiling suspiciously before laughing again “Just admit you didn’t want to cook for once” 

“Okay, we admit that we’re adjusting to your ‘make the 24th’s morning the real holiday for Bangtan’ protest” Namjoon rolled his eyes taking a sip from his glass

“See, my protest is perfect. We’re usually busy on the 25th, so it makes total sense to celebrate one day earlier” She articulated with her fork making Jimin laugh once again. “I’m serious”

“I’m aware” He fanned his face to calm down and shoot her a wink “You’re a genius, unmatched and all of that”

“Compliment accepted” 

“You just forgot one loophole that we’re also busy today” Yoongi chuckled, turning her face into a bored one, and imitated her little dance “Cheer up Hayun-ah. It’s Christmas Eve”

Rolling her eyes and dancing back, Hayun reached out for two pancakes, staking them slightly on top of each other she took out the whipped cream and added it to the entire thing. Finishing by tearing little slices of bread and strategically putting them on top of the white surface.

Picking up the plate, she turned it around to the table and cheerfully said “It’s a snowman”

One by one, the boys looked at her creepy creation and then at each other, most of them with judgmental/questioning stares and Jungkook who was trying hard not to laugh.

“I might have nightmares with this later” Taehyung calmly said, his shocked face going back to normal as he nonchalantly sipped some juice.

“You guys still didn’t get in the spirit” The girl scoffed, placing the plate back down and reaching for a clean one so she could serve herself.

“I was in the spirit, that might have taken it away” Jungkook mumbled under his breath and she slapped him in the arm. “Ow, my bad”

“Talking about spirit” Namjoon cleaned his throat in a way Hayun could tell what he was going to bring up “Let’s all hope this next year you get in the mood to finally finish your mixtape”

“Wow, really Hayun? I put out two and you didn’t even make one yet” Yoongi playfully shook his head and J-Hope added something like “Hayun World isn’t going to make itself”

“It’s really good to know that the whole time I spend in the studio helping you guys with our stuff means nothing,” The girl said in a mocking tearing up tone “I see how it is. I see”

“She’s been helping me a lot” Taehyung raised his hand and she pointed at him to emphasize what he had said.

“Yoongi Oppa never acknowledges me in his studio, but so you all know I am there most days” She crossed her arms counting on her fingers the amount of stuff she had helped them with. 

“Yah, stop talking. We get it” Jin cut her off throwing a slice of bread on her face and laughing.

“No, I don’t think you do. I also” Hayun kept going but got interrupted by Jungkook picking up the bread and shoving it into her mouth until she was chewing on it.

“Wow, I’ve never seen someone talking so much right after they wake up,” He said and paused to yawn, unconsciously adding to his point.

“Hayun-ah” Jimin caught the girl’s attention and she looked over to him and nodded for him to proceed since she was still chewing “I see your efforts. Thank you for helping us” He said, doing an awkward heart with his hands.

“Okay, why are you being so nice to me today?” Her eyebrows were raised after chewing and Jimin waved her closer, both of them standing up and meeting halfway from where they were sitting at the table as he hugged her patting her head.

Whispering to her, Jimin tried his best not to laugh “I lost the ugly sweater you told me to wear today” He ended with a giggle and bolted running to his room.

“You’re not going after him?” Hobi said, impressed and she shrugged, sitting again and holding his and Jungkook’s hands as she smiled peacefully.

“It’s the Christmas spirit in me, toning down the urge to murder someone”  Letting out a breath, she got up and took her phone off the onesie’s pocket. Turning back on the music, she T-posed again and sat down going back to her meal as she and the boys grooved to the Christmas song.

[oh-so-scenarios]

ᴛʜᴇ sᴇʀᴇɴᴅɪᴘɪᴛʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪɴɢs...♠| 11

⤖ ᴡʜᴏ ʜᴀs ᴛɪᴍᴇ ғᴏʀ sᴏᴜʟᴍᴀᴛᴇs? Jᴜɴɢ Hᴏsᴇᴏᴋ ɪs ᴛᴏᴏ ʙᴜsʏ ʙᴇɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴇᴀᴅ ᴏғ ʜɪs ᴍᴀғɪᴀ ɴᴇᴛᴡᴏʀᴋ. Hᴇ ᴡᴏɴ'ᴛ ʟᴇᴛ ᴛʜᴇ sᴇʀᴇɴᴅɪᴘɪᴛʏ ᴏғ ʜɪs sᴏᴜʟᴍᴀᴛᴇ ᴍᴏᴠᴇ ʜɪᴍ…ʀɪɢʜᴛ?

⤖ Mᴀғɪᴀ Lᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ Hᴏsᴇᴏᴋ x ᴅᴏᴄᴛᴏʀ Fᴇᴍᴀʟᴇ Rᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ, Aɴɢsᴛ, sᴍᴜᴛ, sᴏᴜʟᴍᴀᴛᴇ!ᴀᴜ,

A/N: Warning: Its starts to get....steamy. The next few chapters will. This chapter is kind of a filer. Next chapter might be a Hoseok POV. We’ll see.

* Please ignore any errors! 

(Word Count: 7.32K)

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Y/N:

It’s dark. It’s dark but it’s not scary. How long has it been? How much time has passed since I last opened my eyes? I don’t remember. 

It’s warm.

I can hear movement. The shuffling of feet? Whispers? Hushed voices and the humming of the air conditioning. Where am I? 

My body aches as I gain feeling in my legs again. Starting from the tips of my toes and up my thighs. It’s a tight and stinging sensation that makes me want to groan but I can't. My throat feels so cramped. My eyes stung and they began to water as I struggled to open my eyes. 

Wtf. Why does it feel like I’ve been asleep for a short moment, but my body is asking like it’s been in a long and stiff slumber?

I managed to get my eyes opened, first being overloaded by the white lights followed by the frantic whispers.

“Y/n?” The small voice said. I was still trying to figure out what I was seeing, as my eyes adjusted to everything around me. 

“Y/n?” This time I recognized the voice. It was Jennie. I finally found the strength to move my neck and meet a smiling Jennie. Her smile was happy, while her eyes showed a mix of relief and sadness. My eyes darted around the room, noticing Jimin and Jungkook who was looking at me with small smiles.

They leaned against the wall opposite of Jennie and were watching me closely. 

“Sleeping beauty finally awoke,” Jungkook said softly. His voice was soft and sounded like he was recovering from a cold.

The slight chuckle that played on his lips wasn’t enough to get me out of my trance. For a moment, I forgot what had happened, and why I was in the….hospital? This isn’t a hospital. This is...the headquarters? I’m in the room where Jennie and I do our work. 

My eyes darted around the place, widened as my memories came flooding in. 

The club. Hoseok. I was shot. I moved quickly to sit up, hissing slightly at how stiff my legs felt. As well as the slight tightening pain from my left side. 

“Take it easy,” Jennie said, putting her hands on my shoulders. I ignored her words and sat up, my face scrunching up due to the tightness in my back.

“How--” My voice gets caught in my throat, The one word I could get out sound gritty and broken. Like an older woman who had forgotten to speak and decided to clear the spider webs from her vocal cords.

My hand went right to my neck, looking at Jennie in shock. She giggled a bit, looking towards the two guys who had their lips pressed tightly together. They also wanted to laugh.

My brows scrunched up at them, a bit of annoyance entering my system.

“Sorry Y/n, but you sound awful,” Jennie said, placing a comforting hand on my thigh. She laughed for a few seconds before her face started to turn red. At first, I thought it was from laughing too much, but I soon noticed the tears welling up in her eyes. 

She still smiled, reaching for my hand and squeezing it tightly.

“We’re just glad you’re awake.” She said softly, fighting the sob that made its way up my throat.

After calming down, she takes a deep breath and continues to speak, “Y/n, you were out for 5 days.” 

5 days? My eyes searched everyone’s face for answers, I looked to Jungkook, and the question in my eyes was clear.

“Hoseok hyung was here earlier, he had to leave for some work. But….he’s been weird lately.’ Jungkook answered. He shakes his head as if wanting to erase the last bit of his words.

 “I’ll let him know you’re awake.” Jungkook pulled his phone from his pocket, walking out of the room as he dialed something.

The room was silent for a while before Jimin stepped up to say something, “It was a scary 5 days Y/n. Jennie did everything she could. She took the bullet out, stopped the bleeding and patched you up. It wasn’t something too serious. At least that’s what Jennie said.”

Jennie nodded, using the back of her hand to wipe her tears, “I did everything correctly, so when you weren’t waking up...it was scary.”

They kept speaking, talking to me about my condition and how worried they were. Their words weren’t sticking, my mind was still hazy and the seriousness of the situation hasn't hit me yet. I was out for 5 days? Is that considered a coma? 

I glanced down at my side, pushing my hospital gown up a bit until I saw the bandaged area. It was a little above my hip, and just at the bottom of my waist. Jennie said something about being lucky that the bullet didn’t hit my hip bone, or else there was nothing she could have done. 

After Jungkook returned with a water bottle and a strained smile, I knew something was up. I took the water bottle from him, raising an eyebrow at him.

“Where is Hoseok?” My voice was scratchy and dry. It sounded like I struggled to get the three words out. And honestly, my throat was already strained. 

“He is busy with work,” Jungkook said nervously, “But he’s come to visit you the past 5 days. I’m sure he’ll stop by soon.” 

He didn’t. Hoseok didn’t stop by. He hasn’t come to the headquarters at all. He hasn’t been answering my calls and he’s been ignoring my text messages. All we’ve heard from him is simple orders to the guys. 

Seriously….what the fuck is his problem? After one day, I understood. Maybe he really is busy but it’s been 3 days now. I won’t be okay to return to work for another week, and I have a slight limp because my side shoots in pain when I walk. Jennie said it shouldn’t last for long. 

So here I sat, at the round table of the headquarters with Yoongi who was reviewing some instructions from Hoseok. Even the guys don’t know what Hoseok has been up to. But if he was truly worried like they explained to me, why hasn’t he come to see me? 

He hasn’t been seen at the hospital. I had a few co-workers, texting me with questions. Was I really sick? Did Hoseok and I run off on a vacation? He wasn’t making it to chairman meetings and he wasn’t answering other business phone calls. 

I was getting worried. I’ve gone from confused, to angry and now I’m just sad. Did I do something wrong?

When I asked the guys if this was normal behavior form Hoseok, but the vague answers I got told me this was also something new for them.

Jennie held my hand softly, her small smile bringing me no comfort at all. Though she tried to cheer me up with plans for Hoseok's birthday. He agreed to be there for whatever we planned, and that he would sit through whatever craziness we had planned. But I can’t help but worry about the awkward interaction. 

The first time I’ll see him since I woke will be on his birthday? Should I just muster up a smile and act like I wasn’t hurt? Cause my feelings are hurt. It feels like we took some steps back, and a cold distance in growing between us again. 

It often leaves me replaying that night in my head. Did Hoseok already have a plan in mind and I ruined it? 

“So we picked out the cake, making sure it has green on it in some type of way.” Jennie further explained, but my dazed expression was enough for a tired sigh to leave her lips.

“I’m sorry,” I snapped out of my trance, apologizing quickly. She showed me a small smile, the pink lipstick on her lips looking so natural that I questioned if there was any lipstick at all. Her hair was down, tousled and in light waves as she squeezed my hand. 

“I don’t know what to tell you Y/n. I don’t understand Hoseok’s behavior. He was so...beside him when you were shot. He sat there quietly, not talking anymore. He was zoning out with that same poker face of his but his legs shook with nervousness.” 

I rolled my eyes at her. She’s said this same thing before and I’m getting tired of hearing it.

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, Jennie. He cares for me so much, and yet he isn’t here.” 

“You know how men are! They can’t express their emotions well! And Hoseok is a manly man! So he probably doesn’t know how to face you! Or does he blame himself?” 

She lets go of my hand scratches the back of her head with confusion. I turned my attention back to Yoongi, tuning into the things he was discussing. Other than Hoseok, Jimin and Taehyung were also absent, but I lacked the energy to ask their whereabouts. 

“So Hoseok wants to look more into our further….branches. He wants us to check in on those in Japan, China, and Thailand.” He pulls out some files, reading them briefly before speaking.

“He wants to tighten things up and make sure everything is running correctly since he’s been very focused on the Seoul branch of the network.” Yoongi’s eyes flicker my way. I knew Hoseok’s mafia network was large, but I didn’t realize it stretched that far. Yoongi further goes into detail on the growing number of people who are working under “Seok”. 

I was genuinely focused on Yoongi's words when the metal double doors were pushed open so forcefully that the guys at the table were ready to reach for their guns. Jennie and I spun around in our seats, ready to possibly make a run for it when my heart shot up into my throat. 

The man I’ve been wanting to see so desperately strolled wearing a grey loose t-shirt and black joggers with black combat boots. His hair was a bit of a mess, not the usual gelled together look I’ve seen from him. His eyes met mine right away, and though I couldn’t see any reaction, my heart soared. 

I was so focused on him that I didn’t notice the beat-up man he dragged in behind him. The guy had his head hung down, with his hands tied and his mouth gagged with a cloth. His build was bigger than Hoseok and he had broad shoulders with visible muscles on his arms. He was bleeding. I couldn’t tell the source, but the blood was certainly his own.

My eyes drifted to Jimin and Taehyung who trailed behind Hoseok, two more battered men being dragged along with them. They were headed towards us. 

Jungkook who had been unusually quiet today, gawked, “So this is what you guys were up to?” His voice held a slight giggle to it as he stood up out his seat to walk around to my side of the table. Hoseok stops in front of me, leaving about three feet between us. 

I stare back with wide eyes, his expression giving nothing away as his eyes moved across my face, and up and down my body. 

I suddenly felt weird in the dark wash skinny jeans and red graphic tee I wore. I opened my mouth to speak but Hoseok quickly pushed the man forward, bringing him to his knees before me. Jimin and Taehyung did the same with the other two, so the three men were lined up in front of me. All three men looked scared, breathing heavily. I leaned away, looking towards Hoseok who was watching me closely. 

He looks towards Taehyung and Jimin, almost giving them a silent signal. They removed the cloth from the mouths of all three men who gasped for air. 

“Do you have something you’d like to say?” Hoseok hissed at the men. A chill ran up my back. I haven’t heard his voice in a while. The three men look at me, and I stare back. Still confused. 

“Fuck that bitch!” The bigger once snarls, glaring at Hoseok who stood beside me. Hoseok runs his fingers through his hair, seemingly weighing his options. Hoseok suddenly kicks the man in the back, making him fall to the floor on his face. 

I gasp, this being the first time I see Hoseok really be violent. The man’s cheek is now pressed against the floor. Hoseok sets a foot on the back of the man’s neck.

“Apologize to the lady.” He yells this time. The other two men proceed to start speaking small apologizes to me. I am still confused, as the man on the floor struggles to lift his head. 

“You’re lucky she woke before I got my hands on you. She’s one to show mercy, I’m not.” Hoseok adds. I’ve never seen Hoseok so...angry. His words tremble with his anger as the guys watch on. They’ve seen Hoseok like this before. I haven’t.

“Hoseok, wait.” My voice came out softly, and I moved forward to take hold of his hand. He flinches back like I was on fire.

“I’m giving you 5 seconds.” Hoseok doubles down, stepping down harder on the man’s neck. 

“I-I’m sorry for s-shooting you.” The man on the floor manages to get out. Oh! That’s who these men are! They’re the ones from the club. My memory of that night is still a bit foggy so I couldn’t remember their faces till now.

Hoseok takes his foot off the man’s neck, proceeding to kick him in the side. The only ones who seem to react to this are Jennie and I. The both of us only see the docile and quiet Hoseok most of the time. Hoseok nods towards the men, and Jungkook steps closer to bring the kicked man to his feet. 

Jimin and Taehyung did the same with the other two men, before walking towards that other hallway. 

“In the blue room.” He commands over his shoulder. I step forward as he does, thinking he was coming to speak to me. He instead walks right by me, leaving me frozen in shock.

“Hyung,” Hoseok says towards Seokjin who had been watching everything unfold, “Push back the meeting with the art buyers. Make it sometime next week.” I’m still standing there, frozen in my spot. What is going on? Why do I feel like crying?

I am snapped back to reality as Hoseok walks around from Seokjin and past me. 

“Hoseok,” I call, my voice not sounding too confident. I walk after him, making his steps slow to a stop. He turns around to look face me and I almost shrink back. There it was. That look of indifference that I hadn’t seen in so long. 

The slight smile I’ve become used to was no more. The cheerful twinkle I thought I was seeing in his eyes was also gone. He glared down at me, making me feel like a bother the longer his attention was on me.

“I haven’t seen you since I woke up. I missed you.” I said matter of factly, trying my best to muster up a smile. He continues to look down at me, the silence surrounding us crushing me the longer it goes on. 

“Hoseok?” I asked, raising an eyebrow, “Is everything okay?” 

I watch his eyes flicker up and down my body for a moment. It doesn’t feel the same as it usually does. 

“Ho-” I’m cut off as he turns around without a word and makes his way down the hallway. I can feel the guys in the lobby on my back as I stand there frozen. My face grows hot and my heart feels like it’s dropped to the floor. I watched his back disappear into the hallway and the Hoseok I saw before this incident seemed to have disappeared. 

“Y/n?” I felt Jennie’s presence behind me. I spun around, plastering a fake smile on my lips. I noticed Yoongi and Seokjin watching on with what was clearly pity.

“I guess he’s not in much of a talking mood.” I tried to sound happy, my eyes avoiding the sad gazes on me.

“Let’s go back to party planning.” I almost whisper, keeping my eyes on my feet. 

~!~

“You didn’t have to come and visit me!” Mrs. Cho shouted as I pulled up a seat beside her bed. She smiled widely and I couldn’t help but smile back, though I wasn’t in the best mood. 

“I hadn’t seen you in a while! I wanted to see how you were doing.” I answered, managing to cross my legs. She reached out to take a hold of my hand, squeezing it tightly. 

“I was told you were going to be out for some time, and that you were hurt.” She said in a low voice, “I don’t know the details of what happened but I hope all is well.” I nodded to reassure her.

“Everything is fine.” I answered, “I’m coming along well. I’ll be back to walking down the hospital hallways soon. Don’t you worry.” 

She shakes my hand in excitement, the smile on her face seeming to light up the whole room. 

“How is your husband?” I questioned, as we feel into our normal conversation. She takes in a slow inhale and exhales even slower. The once wide smile fades into a grimace. Her lips twist up in thought and she shakes her head.

“Nothing.” She says flatly, “He hasn’t shown any sign of waking.” She pauses and continues speaking.

“Sitting there waiting for your loved one to wake up is maddening. I don’t know when he’ll wake up if he will...what problems I will face when he wakes up. All I can do is sit there and stare at his close eyes, secretly hoping they’ll open and those eyes will be looking back at me.” 

Her voice falls to a whisper, “It’s maddening and horrifying. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”

“I can’t imagine.” My voice also falls to a whisper.

“Every day that passes is torture.” Her voice wavers and tears begin to form in her eyes. We sit there in silence for some time, letting the solemn atmosphere pass over us.

“How do you think you’ll react when he wakes up?” I ask. Mrs. Cho looks away from the window where the sun shined high in the sky. She stares at me for a second, as if she heard the question wrong and looked back to the window. 

“I’d take him up in my arms and never let him go.” She looks back at me curiously, “Why?” 

When I don’t answer she leans towards me, “I knew something was wrong from the moment you walked in.”

“There is this guy--” She squeals, smiling widely.

“I knew it! There is no way a woman as beautiful as yourself is alone!” 

I chuckle at her eagerness, “Well, he’s not exactly my boyfriend. He is my soulmate.”

Mrs. Cho nods, understanding the situation from just that sentence, “Ah so it’s one-sided?” 

I shake my head, “No, I wouldn’t say that. Things were progressing. He’s kind of hard to read and he’s stubborn but I can’t get enough of him.” The shy smile that pulled on my lips was followed by Mrs. Cho giggled.

“When I got hurt he was very worried but since I’ve been recovering, he’s been avoiding and ignoring me. It’s like we’re at the beginning all over again.” 

“And you’re confused?” 

“Basically. I don’t know if he’s realized he doesn’t like me or maybe I’m too clumsy--”

“I don’t think it’s any of those things Y/n.” Mrs. Cho interjected, “This guy of yours reminds me of someone I used to know.”

She pauses, a flashback of some sort playing in her mind before she sighed. 

“He cared for me deeply. He loved me and took care of me. But, the moment things went wrong and he felt like he didn’t have control over things...he would shut down. He won’t talk to anyone, he won’t tell anyone what is bothering him, he’ll just decide that the problem must be him and want to remove himself.”

“Really?” I was surprised she was talking to me about who seemed to be a past lover. There was some sadness in her voice, so I wasn’t going to dig for more information.

“Oh yeah. He didn’t know how to move on from whatever went wrong, so he’d run from it cause he didn’t want to have whatever conversation had to be had.”

“He was sad about it?” 

She shrugs, “I think that was part of it, but he was scared. When people react to someone they love getting hurt in such a way, they are scared. I’ve learned this from my years on this earth. If it’s not anger-driven, it’s probably fear-driven.”

“So what’s the solution?” 

She gives me a knowing smile, “Guys like that? They’ll speak up sooner or later. But If I was you, I’d be the first to start the conversation. I don’t know if it’s a pride thing, but they will just not start the conversation.”

I look down at my hands, thinking over her advice for some time. 

“What’s this guy’s name?” She questions, her curiosity growing.

“Hoseok,” I answer, keeping my eyes on my lap.

Mrs. Cho is quiet for some time before she speaks again, “What a lovely name.”

~!~

“What am I dressed this cute for?” I muttered to Jennie as she danced around the headquarter lobby with decorations. She was really getting into the whole birthday party thing, to the point of making everyone dress nicely. I sat at the round table staring at the cake that we picked up.

It simply said, ‘Happy Birthday Hoseok’. We didn’t want to go too far with things. Though as I look around at Jennie’s decoration, I can tell that line has already been crossed.

I wore a rusty orange off-shoulder jumpsuit that was form-fitting with a simple orange necklace. My hair was down and resting on my shoulders as I just sat and stared around me. The guys were standing among themselves, talking and chatting. They seemed excited to do something like this for Hoseok and though I wish I could help more, everyone could tell I was down. 

It’s been two days since Hoseok seemingly stared at me like I was a stranger and I’ve been feeling off since then. I know I want to say something to him, but I can’t be sure where to start. What should I say? That I’ve missed him? That I jumped in front of him because I couldn’t help it?

What if that bullet killed him? What was I going to do? Should I tell him I think I love him? Would he even care?

Jennie wore a cute blouse with some dark wash jeans and heels. She let her hair down recently and giggled as she noticed Jaehyun struggling with the decorations. She invited Jaehyun cause why not? 

Seeing them lovey-dovey only made me urge to fix whatever this spat was between Hoseok and I. I wanted us to find and establish our own normal. Even if our normal isn’t like everyone else. 

By the time Hoseok arrives, my mood has turned sour. I’ve gone from sad to angry. I’m also annoyed. What the fuck is his problem? 

He strolls in, looking fine as hell in his dark green silk shirt and his black pants with a black belt and a thin silver chain hanging off the belt and clipping to his pants. His hair gelled back as he seemed like he had some work to attend to before getting here. 

His eyes scan the room, clearly seeing me standing a bit further back as everyone went to wish him a happy birthday. His eyes didn’t stay on me long. He looked at the guys as they spoke to him, some giving hugs with big smiles. 

He smiled slightly, muttering small thank you to the guys. Jennie who stood among them glanced over her shoulder at me. Her eyes were telling me to come over to say happy birthday and all I could do was shake my head, my gaze moving back to Hoseok. I kept my distance most of the small get together. 

I avoided sitting near him, and I tried to avoid any conversation with him. Even as everyone joked while sitting around the table, I simply ate my slice of cake and kept my mouth shut. Everyone tried their best to act like the air wasn’t so thick, but it was hard to do. Jungkook would naturally try to bring me into the conversation, resulting in some awkward silence. 

After finishing my piece of cake, I stood up with my paper plate, walking over to the trash can and disposing of it. I made my way back to my seat, Jennie giving me a weary smile. I could only nod in reply, taking my phone out from my bag that was on the empty seat beside. 

I looked up from the text on my phone in time to see Hoseok’s eyes move their focus off me. He looked off to the side, a scoff leaving his lips. 

My brows furrowed in response, my blood beginning to boil again.

“Do you have something to say Hoseok?” My voice was soft, but everyone heard it. The jokes and the laughter stopped, everyone felt like the trigger they wanted was set off. I glare at Hoseok who glares back at me, a mocking grin pulling at the corners of his lips. 

“Of course you don’t.” I snap, “You’ve been avoiding me like the fucking plague, acting like you weren’t cuddled up with me two weeks ago.” 

“Oh please stop with all that Y/n. Is now really the time for it?” He finally replies. My heart hummed at finally getting him to speak to me. 

“It looks like now is the time cause it looks like at this point you’ll never say anything. I’ve tried to be understanding.” 

“Have you?” His voice comes out cold and eager. Like I'm about to say something he’s been wanting, so he could tear it down.

“Yes! I understand that you were probably overwhelmed, but ignoring me for all this while? You need to work on your communication skills.” 

He chuckles darkly, “Overwhelmed? Y/n, you jumped in front of a bullet.”

I rolled my eyes, “Yes I know. It was a stupid move.”

“No.” Hoseok deadpans, “You don’t know Y/n. It was a fucking stupid move.” He raises his voice a bit, leaning forward with a wicked look in his eyes. 

“You jumped in front of a bullet, for me, without a second thought. What the hell were you thinking?” He scolded.  I leaned back in my seat, looking to Jennie to see what her thoughts were, but her eyes were down on the table. I looked around at the others, and even Jaehyun but no one was meeting my eyes. 

“Do you trust me so little Y/n? Do you think I don’t know how to do my job, that you thought I wouldn’t be ready for everything and anything?”

“He was going to shot you--”

“I had a bulletproof vest on Y/n! One of the best! If that bullet hit me I would have been fine Y/n! We knew what we were doing. You should have--”

“I should have what?” My voice came out small, trembling slightly. I can’t be sure if it’s the embarrassment or it’s Hoseok’s yelling that is now causing tears to well up in my eyes. 

“I should have just sat back and done nothing?” My eyes start to burn and my vision begins to blur as my tears well up before falling from both eyes and down my cheeks.

“Yes, Y/n. You should have done nothing.” He says like I'm a child. My mouth drops open in shock, surprised at the response.

“Wow. Hoseok does that make fucking sense? I couldn’t have sat there and watched you get killed..” My voice was growing louder as Jennie set a comforting hand on my knee. My shoulders rose and my breaths grew heavy.

“So it’s better for me to sit and watch you die?!” His tone was different from his previous harsh words. He was really asking me a question. Like he wanted to hear what my answer was, but he already knew he wasn’t going to like it. 

“Why do I have to watch you die? Why do I always have to watch everyone die?” His voice is quieter this time, but still speaking like he was spitting acid. He stands up from his seat at the table, pushing the chair away to make his way down the hallway. 

Before I could stop myself, I rose from my seat, dashing after him down the hallway. 

“Hoseok!” I trailed after him and down the hallway. He was walking quickly, trying to get to his office like I wasn’t calling after him.

“Hoseok!” I called after him again. He made it the double doors of his office, pushing in whatever the number key was and pushing the door open. He rushes into his office, leaving the door open and I follow him inside, shutting the door behind me.

“Hoseok--”  He cuts me off quickly, his back facing me as he stared aimlessly at his bookshelf.

“You were out for 5 days Y/n. Jennie said everything went well and you’d wake up after the drugs wore off. One day turned into two days, two days turned into three days and you still weren’t waking up.” I watch his back intently.

“You weren’t moving, you were opening your eyes. You laid there like a fucking vegetable and no one could tell me why you weren’t waking up. I felt like a 16-year-old boy again, watching my father wither away into nothing. Except his time, it was you. I maybe be used to seeing people dead but...” 

He trails off, looking over his shoulder to peek at me and my confused facial expression. 

“But those people aren’t you so...”

I walk over to him, stepping in front of him and forcing him to look at me.

His face is turning pink and I find myself pouting, 

“Hoseok,” My voice comes out softly, “But I’m fine! See!” I grab both his hands and place them on my face, I move them to my waist and I put my hands on both his cheeks, forcing him to look into my eyes.

“I’m fine Hoseok. I told you that you won’t get rid of me. No petty gunshot is gonna take me out.” 

“When the guys called and told me you were awake I was relieved but...I don’t know why I felt so worried about seeing you.”

“Hoseok, it’s okay to say you were worried! Everyone told me you were! I wasn’t thinking of how scary it probably was. I just assumed because of the work you do, you’d be used to seeing stuff like that.” I admitted. Hoseok backed up till he was leaning against his large desk. He pulled me along with him, his hands still on my waist. 

I drop my hands from his face and begin lecturing him. 

“Hoseok, that still doesn’t excuse ignoring me for the past few days? You were being rude and it wasn’t very fair to me. I woke up confused, hurt and I was really really hurt when you didn’t even come to check up on me. It felt like we were moving backward. You can’t do stuff like that, it makes this difficult.”

I was so focused on my hand movements as I rambled on, trying to make sure Hoseok understood how important communication was to me. I was so focused that I didn’t notice the way his hands gripped my waist tighter and brought me closer to him.  Our hips were basically touching, any small movement caused our bodies to brush each other.

I was oblivious to the way he narrowed his eyes and the hot gaze that was on me as I spoke. He rubbed circles into my sides with his thumbs. 

“...Communication will always be a big thing. Blocking yourself off will always lead to misunderstanding and--” My voice caught in my throat as my eyes finally looked away from the walls it was focusing on as I spoke to the man who stood before me. 

His eyes flickering from my eyes to...my lips? He leaned in closer, that familiar smell of his overtaking all my senses. 

“You didn’t hear a damn thing I said about communication did you?” I mutter in a disapproving manner. Hoseok chuckles, just confirming my suspicion.

I rolled my eyes, ready to start from the very beginning when he closes in the spaces between us, and his lips meet mine. It was my turn to stiffen at such affection. I thought my heart was gonna explode from the speed in which it was beating. 

His lips are warm, soft and tender. He moved forward with such eagerness, but the kiss wasn’t rushed. But the neediness behind it was clear.

Hoseok is...kissing me. That instant spark and the fireworks I expected to feel when I first met my soulmate were saved for this moment because it felt like I was flying. This is why everyone is so desperate to find their soulmate. This connection and this feeling. Nothing could change my mind about this being the man for me when such a light show of sensations is bouncing between us.

The kiss was gentle, and a bit shy. He was worried that I was going to push him away, or tell him I didn’t want this. But, oh did I want this and him.

We both let out a sigh of what feels like a sigh of relief as our lips part. Though I was mostly unresponsive to the kiss, as I was lost in the moment trying to process it, I’m sure he understands that I didn’t hate the kiss.

We sat in silence for a few moments, the only sound between us is our breathing. Hoseok brought his hand up to cup my cheek and he leaned down and reconnected our lips. I couldn’t help the slight whimper that felt my lips as the kiss grew a bit rougher.

Hoseok pressed me flush against him, his lips pressing and moving against mine desperately but slowly. I couldn’t think straight with the way he was kissing me. My body was growing hot with him holding me like this. I couldn’t get close enough. My thoughts were running like a mantra. 

I love him. I love him. I love him. 

I love him. 

I am in love with him. Fuck, I am in love with Hoseok. 

As my feelings bloomed in my chest, I pressed back, kissing him back with just as much vigor. A small hum in question left his lips. Our lips left each other for a few seconds, both our chests rising and falling as I watched his eyes move over the exposed skin of my shoulders. I can see the wheels turning in his head. 

Oh, how easy it would be to just push down the top part of this jumpsuit. I kind of want him to. I silently thank Jennie for convincing me to go with this off the shoulder outfit. 

He brings his gaze up to meet mine and his eyes narrow while his lips pull up into a small smile. 

“Oooh.” He coos before I’m being lifted off the ground with his arms around my waist. I hiss a bit at the dull pain from my left side. He squeezed a little too tight, but I didn’t feel the need to comment on it.

 I yelp as we’re spun around and I’m being set to sit on his desk. I land gently, my hands resting on his shoulders.

Hoseok places both hands on the desk, caging me between his arms. He brings his lips to my ear and whispers, “What am I supposed to do when you’re giving me eyes like that Y/n?”

A shiver runs up my spine and my hands move from his shoulders to his chest. I only hum in response, my eyes fluttering close. 

“You little minx, you’ve been holding back this whole time? Do you want me that bad?” He continues to tease, his lips brushing the other part of my ear. 

“At least take me on a date first?” I could hear the smile in his voice. The breathy laugh I let out sounds choked and strained as my hands move from his chest to gripping the fabric of his silk shirt at his sides.

“A date is long overdue, but we know why that hasn’t happened yet.” I retorted and moved back to smile up at him. He smiles back, the fondness in his eyes making me want to scream.

“Yeah, yeah yeah. I know Y/n. Lack of communication can cause misunderstanding and blah, blah blah.” He mumbles, moving back from me. Or as much as he could. He takes one small step back, my hands still holding onto his shirt. 

“So let me do some of this communicating and tell you that I’m sorry.” He says, “It wasn’t fair to shut you out like that. I won’t do it again.” 

“You probably will, but we’ll work on it.” I jeer before stretching up to peck his lips. Despite the frown on his lips, I kiss him a second time. 

“We’ll work on it.” He repeats after me. I nod, agreeing with him. 

“Whatever happened to those three guys?” I raised an eyebrow at him. 

“Don’t worry about it, I took care of it.” Is all he says, and I don’t see the need to push it any further. 

“Oh!” I perk up, “I forgot to say, happy birthday!” 

He rolls his eyes, “Took you long enough!”

“Hey! You were the one ignoring me! I lacked the confidence to approach you. I thought you’d walk past me like I never spoke.” 

He hums in response.

“I probably would have.” He answers with a neutral facial expression. 

“I know your mannerisms too well,” I say under my breath. We talk for some time. I asked him about how his first birthday party in a while was. He gave me short answers, as I expected, but I still enjoyed the conversation.

We sit in silence for a while when Hoseok takes in a sharp breath. The question that follows took effort. I can tell by how he rushes it out, looking up at the ceiling as he says it. Accompanied by his ears turning a bright red.

“You wanna do this dating thing seriously?” 

My eyes widened at him, “Yeah.” I answer a little bit too quickly.

“Cool.” He replies just as swiftly. 

“Cool.” I kiss his cheek, drawing back slightly as his head my way, taking the chance to kiss his lips. A lingering kiss that’s interrupted by the ringing of a phone. A small grin leaves Hoseok’s lips, but he decides to ignore the ringing phone. 

He starts leaving small kisses along my neck, the action feeling innocent but the way he’d let his lips brush my skin before pecking another kiss caused goosebumps to rise. 

“When are you gonna start working again?” He asks, pecking another kiss on the base of my collar bone. 

“A few days? I can’t wear heels for a while though. Jennie said I shouldn’t push it.” I answered through labored breaths. 

He hums, putting an arm around my waist drawing his face closer into my neck. My breath catches in my throat when his other hand rises, tracing the necklace of my outfit. The bit of cleavage of the off-shoulder piece reveals also being touched by his finger. All he has to do is push the fabric down. 

He returns to show my lips' attention, giving me another peck just as the phone starts to ring again.

“You should answer it,” I speak like I’ve been jogging. I’m trying to catch my breath as Hoseok reaches into his pocket, staring at the caller Id before answering. He sets the phone on the desk beside me and puts it on speakerphone.

“Yes?” He answers, keeping the arm around my waist and letting the other hand fall to my thigh.

“Mr. Jung! I hope I am not catching you at a bad time!” A male voice said. 

“I answered didn’t I?” Hoseok replies, looking away from the phone at me. 

As he caresses my thigh I giggle, “You’re quite touchy aren’t you?” I whisper. His brows furrow and he takes his attention back to the phone.

“...so they want to change the terms of the agreement.” The man finishes his statement. Hoseok shakes his head, a serious frown appearing. 

“Tell them it’s not possible. If they want the funding, they need to accept it on my terms. They can go to someone else if they’d like.” 

The man sighs, “Sir. We can’t let this project slip through. If we do they’ll go to--” 

“Go to who Mr. Robins?” Hoseok barks, “To Wang? I am not worried about losing clients to Mr. Wang. The terms the owners of Project Kane were asking for too much. The amount of money for the stakes in their company was not doable.” I watched intently as he switched to Mr. Jung. 

The stern and serious CEO who was known for being able to pick out what investments would be successes and wouldn’t. I did a bit of research on Hoseok as ‘Mr. Jung’. 

Known for finding small projects, and seeming to be able to tell when they'll be a success or a failure. Mr. Jung doesn’t fund a project he believes will fail. 

“Their terms are crazy Mr. Robins! I am not going to give that much money for such a small project. What will they possibly do with that large sum?” As Hoseok got more into the conversation, I found the need to see myself out.

I hopped off the desk, his arm naturally dropping form around me. I looked at his side profile as he grabbed his phone off the desk, bringing it closer to his lips. 

If his lips were looking swollen, I don’t want to know what I look like.

“I’m gonna go.” I mouth when he looks my way. He nods, moving the phone away from his mouth. He wordlessly brings his face closer to mine. I quickly kiss him, on the lips. Feeling my face burn up as our lips parted.

He swiftly turns back to his desk, pulling on the drawers to find some files. I silently make my way out the room, pushing open one of the doors, only to crash into something. 

I gasp and peek my head out in time to see Jennie, Jungkook, Taehyung, and Jin booking it down the hallway. They were listening in? Or at least trying to. I steal another glance at Hoseok who was now flipping through a folder.

I close the door behind me, starting down the hallway.

“You guys are so nosey!” I shouted as I rounded the corner to the lobby. Those who I saw running down the hallway stood in unnatural poses around the circular table. 

I crossed my arms over my chest as I approached.

“Is there no sense of privacy?” I yell in a dramatic fashion.

“Do you want to do this dating thing seriously?” Jennie mocks in a deep voice. A blush rises on my face.

“Yeah!” Taehyung answers in a high voice. 

“Cool.”

“Cool.”

I roll my eyes, “Okay, okay. Enough with all that. Pass me a slice of leftover cake.”

Laughs sounded through the room as Jennie started making kissing noises while skipping around the table. Jaehyun shaking his head at the silly behavior.

Life is good and so are the people I have around me.

♠----♠----♠-----♠

I do not know when the next chapter will be...but it might just be a Hoseok POV. 

Idk how I feel about this chapter but...I managed to type it while I was stuck in bed.  I tried to go to work today, got sent back home because I was coughing way too much. lol. 

So my question for you is, I asked you guys some chapters ago if you liked Hoseok and what your thoughts of him are. Now, what is some growth you’ve noticed in not only Hoseok but how everyone else responses and reacts to Hoseok? Thank you :))

[jlalafics]

“Lesson Learned”-Part 3 of 4

Yes, we’re almost to the end.

Also, we’re about to have some major changes in this next section.

It’s a little squicky on some subjects but nothing I don’t think you can’t handle.

Thank you if you’re still reading! Enjoy!

Summary: Sometimes Katniss asks too much of Peeta. This time she’s gone too far. College Everlark. Katniss and Peeta POV’s. Rated M.

Previous Parts:

Part One

Part Two

_______

Those words coming out of her mouth are like a shot of electricity.

Her stare is bold, though I do see a sliver of uncertainty.

“It’s not that difficult,” I tell her. “Your hand…my hand…orally…vaginally…I assure you that it will get hard.”

She meets my eyes, chewing her lower lip thoughtfully. “Which one do you like?”

Blowjob!—my cock practically screams at me.

This isn’t about me, however. This is about her.

“What would you like to try?”

“Uh…hand, I guess,” Katniss tells me.

I nod and take her hand. “Should we do this in your room?”

She doesn’t reply; instead, she pulls me along to the open door of her bedroom and we walk in.

Katniss’ bedroom is softly lit by two tall paper lanterns that sit on each of her side tables. Her walls are painted a soft white except for the sage green accent wall behind her bed. Her bedding is a grey and white pattern with light green throw pillows.

She leads me over to the bed shyly. “Is it easier if you lay down?”

“I mean, that’s how I usually do it,” I offer, and she snorts. “Just trying to be honest.”

“Honest and gross are two different things,” Katniss informs me. “So…hop on that bed and let’s get to it.”

“Setting the mood, aren’t we?”

I sit on the bed and lay back as she follows, scooting next to me before going to her knees. We’ve laid on this bed millions of times to watch movies or listen to music. I’ve even slept here when I was too drunk to make it to my apartment. However, it is awkward to be here completely exposed as she kneels besides me and examines every inch of my skin.

“I don’t know what to do,” she finally tells me. “You have to guide me.”

I nod, taking her hand and bringing it to my cock.

“This is a penis.” Katniss rolls her eyes and I chuckle, covering her hand with my mine. “There are different parts.” I guide her hand along my length which has stiffen at the warmth of her touch. “This is the shaft. Most of the stimulation is along it—”

“Tell me more, professor,” she jokes though there is a distinct purr which cause a frisson of heat to travel through me.

My dick is definitely hard now.

“So you’re going to stroke…” I move her hand along with mine in a slow rub, letting her get a feel for the rhythm. Fuck, this feels amazing! My hips begin to move along with her caress. “Do you think you have the hang of it?”

I manage to push the question through clenched teeth.

The curiosity in her grey eyes is unbelievably sexy.

“I think I got it,” she tells me, her eyes on my hard-on. Katniss matches my movements, even following the amount of pressure I usually use to a T. The softness of her skin and the firmness of her strokes causes me to push up into her hand. “Am I doing this right?”

“So right…” I reply breathless.

“And, do I anything with the head?” Katniss asks. Her eyes peer as a pearl of pre-cum seeps out from the tip. Her thumb unconsciously reaches to smear the liquid along the head and as she sweeps on the underside of it, I suddenly feel it happen—

“Fuck!” My hips shoot up as I abruptly come, spunk covering her hand…my stomach…her sheets…I feel dizzy at the sensation.

Shit—I can’t believe I came so quickly.

It’s like a girl has never put a hand on me or something. As I come down, I realize the mess that I’ve made and look to a shell-shocked Katniss.

“I’m so sorry…I should’ve mentioned getting a towel or something—”

“No,” she blurts out. Katniss is flushed, her whole body taking on a rosy hue. “Um…it was actually amazing to watch.”

“But the sheets…” I croak out. “I’ll pay you back.”

“You better.” She looks at her hand, covered by my essence. “How does this taste?”

And without another thought, Katniss sticks her finger in her mouth—

“UGH!” She blanches and then looks to me aghast, her eyes almost bugging out. “In Johanna’s books, they all make jizz sound so good. This is…not. No offense.”

“I don’t exactly sample my semen,” I tell her as I sit up. “But how does it taste?”

Katniss smacks her lips. “Like nothing at first and then extremely bitter—” She gags. “And I feel like my mouth is going to be dry for the rest of the night…I need water…or a beer.”

“I’ll grab you one,” I tell her. “But first, I need a towel.”

+++++++

Peeta returns after taking a quick break from the bathroom and then the kitchen. He’s holding out a beer and a bottle of water for me.

“A peace offering for ruining a very nice duvet set,” Peeta says. “Which one?”

“I’ll take the water first.” The bitter taste hasn’t exactly disappeared from my tongue or my throat. “Out of curiosity, is there anyway to fix that taste?”

“I’ve heard that pineapple juice helps,” he replies. “I’m not sure how much the guy needs to drink but it doesn’t hurt to try, right?” Joining me on the bed—my sheets have now been pushed to the foot of the bed—Peeta turns to me. “Have you ever tasted yourself?”

“No. I don’t exactly think about sticking my fingers down there,” I say.

“You had boyfriends,” Peeta says, resting back on a pillow. “Have any of them ever kissed you after oral?”

I find myself scoffing.

“I had no idea how to give a handjob, you think that someone has gone down on me?”

My experience has consisted of some over-the-shirt action during a movie in high school and one rub over Marvel’s jeans which was quickly cut short because his mom had come home early from work.

And finally, this evening.

“We have to do something about that,” Peeta declares before taking the water from my grasp. “Lay back.”

“You really don’t have to,” I protest. “I’m learning how to seduce a man—”

“Listen, some guys are all for their own pleasure,” he tells me. “However, the right guys are going to reciprocate. If Cato doesn’t, he’s fucking trash.”

Oh, Cato. I forgot all about him.

The image of him has become a distant memory in comparison to watching Peeta come undone at just the stroke of my hand.

Makes a girl feel a little powerful, you know.

I nod in agreement as I lay flat on my back. “Do I ask him or should he just know?”

“The right guy is going to want to give you pleasure. Don’t sell yourself short, Katniss. You deserve someone who wants to give you what you need.” Peeta settles next to me, his lips going to my neck and I try to bite back a moan, but the feeling of his kiss goes straight to my pussy. “I want to hear you. Don’t hold back.”

“Peeta, have you been with many women?”

He stops, pulling away, and looks to me…guiltily.

“We said honesty, right?” I nod and he lets out a sigh. “I’ve done stuff with girls. But I’ve never gone all the way.”

I’m intrigued. The campus is full of beautiful women and more than one woman has come to me asking for help in regard to catching Peeta. “Why?”

Peeta shrugs. “We get to that point and…it never pans out.”

“So, I would be your first?” I ask slowly. “If it pans out.”

He nods. “Are you mad?”

I shake my head immediately.

“No. I can’t really judge you on waiting when I’ve done the same thing. It just has to be the right person and we trust each other. We’re not afraid to be real—even if it hurts.”

“Right,” Peeta agrees quietly. He looks down at me. “You really are a queen, Katniss.”

That look in his eyes; it’s full and warm. I can’t breathe from the intensity of it all.

“Now, I demand that you touch me,” I say, hoping that my voice sounds light. I take the hand resting against his side and press it to one of breasts. His eyes go to his hand, cupping my breast, his thumb just hovering over my nipple. “You have touched a boob, right?”

That snaps him right out of his trance. “I have…lots of them!”

I laugh—hard—at the incredulous look on his face. “You just looked really in over your head for a moment!”

“You have a pair of gorgeous tits in your grasp, you’re going to be a little overwhelmed,” he protests with a grin. His thumb brushes over my nipple—finally!—and I’m immediately squirming at his touch. Peeta notices, his eyes go to me. “You like this.”

I love it.  I’ll never admit that it’s because the sight of my arousal causes his whole expression to go slack. I have a power over him, and I enjoy it.

“Obviously,” I choke out.

Then Peeta leans down, taking my nipple into his mouth.

Everything flips and I lose myself of the sensation of him teasing the peak to full height. He nips, not too hard and swirls around my areola gently.

However, when he suddenly sucks—

“Stop!” I yelp.

Peeta pulls back immediately. “What?”

“Too much, dude!” I push up on my elbows. “Honesty, right?” He nods, still silent. “You have to be a little gentler. No girl wants to feel like you’re trying to milk her like a cow.” Taking his hand, I bring my mouth to his index finger and suck gently at the tip of it. Peeta starts at the motion. I draw my lips away slowly, eyes on him, pulling out with a soft pop. “Like this.”

He lets out a ragged breath. “You’re amazing.”

I snort as I lay back down. “I just believe in a good education.”

Peeta moves down, mouth just over my breast and with the slightest of touches, takes my nipple into his mouth once more.

And it’s fucking amazing.

My lower half twists and I can feel the gush of wetness between my thighs as he sucks and savors. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed anything more than feeling Peeta’s mouth on my tits.

Maybe there is one thing.

Our first kiss.

Peeta is moving downwards, his lips on my abdomen, gentle as he tastes my skin and it sends shivers through me.

This shouldn’t be happening; I shouldn’t be enjoying this…

This intimacy, those kisses.

I shouldn’t be having an epiphany about my feelings as Peeta kneels in front of me and parts my thighs. He lays on his stomach, resting my thighs onto his shoulders, and bringing his mouth over my netherlips.

“What are you doing?” I ask, pushing myself onto my elbows to look at him.

“I’m going to eat you out,” he replies matter-of-factly. “Didn’t we just have this talk about reciprocation? I swear sometimes I don’t think you really listen to me—”

“Stop with the melodrama.” I take a deep breath before speaking. “I feel a bit overwhelmed. Because I’m not going to come right away. Maybe I won’t even come.”

“This isn’t about an orgasm,” he argues. “It’s about learning to enjoy yourself. Any decent guy will enjoy the sound of his girl enjoying herself, okay?” Peeta looks at me in exasperation. “Now will you lay back like a good girl and just let me eat your pussy already?”

I huff and lay back.

The first swipe is not so bad, just a quick sweep from my lips to just above my clit, and I hum in contentment. He takes that as a good sign and continues, listening for whenever a hiss and groan escapes my lips.

I don’t make it very easy on him or myself. I’m stuck in my own head about whether or not, it’s okay down there…scent wise.

“Peeta?” I push back onto my elbows. He looks up, doe-eyed and his jaw covered in…me. “I smell okay, right?”

“You smell lovely,” he assures me with chuckle.

“Lovely?” I raise a brow. “Like what does that exactly smell like?”

“Kind of musky, but not too much,” he informs me. “And you taste just as nice.”

“How’s that?”

Peeta sits up for a moment, thinking on my question. “Faintly salty, but good.”

I tilt my head at his words. “Like a salt-water gargle?”

“No…” He pauses. “…more like chicken broth?”

I can’t help but laugh. “That’s about the realest answer I’ve heard.”

“Would you settle for bone broth then?” he retorts with a grin. “It’s much better for you.”

“Why am I friends with you?” I ask.

Peeta smirks—and he’s so damn handsome that I want nothing more than to just be near him.

“Because I’m the shit.”

I’m on my knees right in front of him. I can smell myself on his lips, it’s not bad—faintly musky.

“Shithead,” I retort.

Peeta wraps his arms around my back, pulling me close.

“Taste yourself on me,” he whispers.

I press forward, my mouth slanting over his, tasting that tang of myself. He responds ardently, his tongue rough inside my mouth, hungry and yearning for something that I desperately want to give him.

Love.

Did I just fucking fall in love with him?

He pulls away breathless, his blue eyes dark and full as he looks at me and only me.

“What did I tell you?” he says huskily. “Lovely.”

Yes.

Yes, I fucking did

[ihaveatypeanditstrickstergods]

Operation Hearthfire Chapter 1: It’s Better Warm

Finally, it’s up!

Post-Avengers canon divergent.  Loki is exiled to Earth, placed under magically binding house arrest in a SHIELD safehouse, watched by a bevy of highly trained agents... and one "caretaker," who up until recently had been a low-level archivist.  Heather Seagin doesn't know why she was chosen for this job any more than anyone else seems to, but she'll be damned if she isn't going to do it to the best of her abilities, even as surrounding circumstances and Loki himself endeavor to make it as difficult as possible.

Read it on Ao3!

@loki-yoursaviourishere  

(if you want to be tagged for this, just let me know!  If you asked before and I forgot, I’m sorry!  if you thought you wanted to be tagged for this and changed your mind, also let me know!)

It was one of SHIELD’s smallest facilities: an archive, built in Upstate New York sometime in the 1950’s, filled with reports, both news and scientific, then left mostly alone.  It was tended by only two low-clearance staff members, who were each only at the facility a few times a week (rarely on the same day), or by appointment if one of the files there needed to be consulted.  A woman who, until her recent recruitment for a more... unusual job, had been one of those two staff members was seated in a chair facing her former desk, looking over it at her supervising agent.

“Long-Term Operation Codename Hearthfire, Verbal Status Report 3,” Agent Richardson said into the pocket recorder, “27 August 2012, present Level 6 Agent T. Richardson and Exceptional Level 1 Archivist H. Seagin.  Recorded at 0900 hours at archival building designation 023.”  He set the recorder down on the desk and sat down in the chair.  Heather always thought that Richardson looked like he’d just stepped out of an episode of Law and Order, which didn’t help her nerves when they met at the archive for these status reports.  It made her feel like she was being interrogated.

“Alright, let’s start with general thoughts.  How have things progressed with the Subject since the last report?”

“They haven’t,” Heather replied bluntly.  She was now into her third week as Loki’s caretaker since he’d been exiled to Earth, and she could count the number of words they’d exchanged without taking off her shoes.  Or well, words she’d spoken to him.  He had yet to acknowledge her existence past a few glares, never mind speaking to her.

“Loki--sorry, the Subject,” she was still getting used to the phrasing SHIELD wanted her to use for these reports, “is still just staying in his room all day.  I did try staying up until when he usually gets up Wednesday night, but he didn’t leave his room then either, so I think he’s waiting until he’s sure I’m asleep.”  

“So, no progress, okay...” Agent Richardson nodded as Heather winced, then he went on to the next question.

“Have you been able to make any contact?  You were talking last week about leaving notes.”  Heather let out an uncomfortable chuckle.

“I tried,” she admitted.  As far as she was concerned, part of her job as the exiled god’s caretaker was helping him adjust to the minor details of life on earth.  At the time, leaving post-it notes explaining how to use various items across the isolated SHIELD safehouse where they’d been placed seemed like a good idea, but in practice, well...

“I do think he read some of them, anyway, at least it seemed like he was able to successfully use the shower, but there was no response, unless you count me finding them torn up the next morning.”

“Well, that’s something, I guess.”  He folded his hands, “Alright, elephant in the room.  Let’s talk about the attempted perimeter breach.”  Heather sighed.  “I think I already said what I wanted to say in the incident report,” she remarked.

“Can you just humor me and go over what happened again?  I need to have this on the record.”

“Fine.  So four days ago around 5 AM, the Subject,” she emphasized the last two words with a frustrated gesture, “attempted to leave the house and was knocked unconscious, I assume by his inhibitor cuff.”  The cuff was Asgardian, part of the provisions for Loki’s house arrest.  Neither Heather nor anyone else in SHIELD knew how it worked, and no one wanted to risk taking a closer look at it in case that disabled it, but it was supposed to keep him from using magic and, apparently, from leaving the house.

“I was asleep when it happened,” she continued, “since, you know, he only leaves his room when I’m asleep, but the team watching the house was able to bring him back in without incident,” even if it had taken six of them.  “One of them woke me up and brought me in, so I was present when he woke up about five minutes later, but he didn’t say anything and went back to his room pretty quickly.”

“Have there been any changes in the Subject’s behavior since then?”  Heather had to think about that question, but only for a second.

“Yes, actually.  He’s stopped making messes every night.”  At first, Heather would often wake up to find one room or another turned upside down--couches taken apart, drawers removed, the works, but she hadn’t since Loki had attempted to leave.  “At least for now.  It’s only been four days.  He might just be giving me a break.”

“Interesting.  What about changes in his psychological state?”

“I wouldn’t know.  He’s been avoiding me and refuses to make contact with me.”

“That’s fair.  Anything else?”  

Heather hesitated.  She did have one more thing to say, but if she did, either Agent Richardson would shoot her down or she’d be committed to this course of action, and at this point, after talking over what a bad job she was doing, she wasn’t sure which she was hoping for.

“There is one thing,” she said, deciding to go for it, “I want to try to directly attempt to establish contact tonight.  I have a plan.”

“I take it the plan’s more involved than post-it notes?”  Richardson raised an eyebrow, causing Heather to internally roll her eyes.

“Yes, it’s more involved than post-it notes,” she said with a small annoyed sigh, “You watch the house at night, right?”  She had trouble keeping track of the monitoring squads’ shifts, but he’d been there during the attempted perimeter breach.

“Some nights, yes.  Why?”

“Is there a usual time that he eats?  I know that he has been pretty much every night.”  At least if the dishes she found in the mornings were any indication.

“It varies, but usually between 0200 and 0400.  So you’re gonna try to get him while he eats?”

“Yeah.  Last time I stayed up it was in the living room, which is closer to his room... I think if I stay up in the sitting room by the kitchen, he might think the coast is clear and go about his business, then I can approach him when he enters the kitchen to eat.”

“And what, you’ll ambush him while he eats and try to get him to talk to you?”

“Hopefully.”  To Heather’s surprise, Agent Richardson leaned forward and paused the recording.

“Look, Heather,” he said, “I can tell you’re trying, and I appreciate that you’re taking this job seriously, but honestly?  You shouldn’t feel like you have to do this.  Given what Loki’s done and what he’s capable of, no one would blame you if you just let him sulk.”

While she could sort of see his point--they both knew that she wasn’t qualified for this, that there wasn’t anybody really qualified to share space with a demigod war criminal--something in his tone made her temper flare.  Only three weeks in, and he was already telling her to give up?

“I appreciate the thought,” she said, trying her hardest not to scowl, “but y’all brought me in to be Loki’s caretaker.  Last I checked, that meant more than just letting him eat my leftovers while I sleep.”  This job was aggravating, a little terrifying, and more than a little potentially dangerous, but she’d be damned if she wasn’t going to try her utmost to do it.

“Hmm,”  Agent Richardson tilted his head, and if Heather hadn’t known better, she might’ve picked up the slightest hint of a smile on his normally inscrutable face.  He leaned forward and turned the recorder back on.

“Alright,” he said, “sounds like a workable plan.  Puts you at a bit of risk, though, so I want to go back over contingencies for if he reacts negatively.”  Heather was silent for a moment, surprised at the agent’s change of attitude, but decided to continue on with her plan before he tried to talk her out of it again.

“So, first off, the sitting room by the kitchen is connected to the back door.  The perimeter breach proved that he can’t go too far outside the house, and if I come in while he’s eating, he’ll probably be sitting down, so as long as I stay by the door I’ll have a decent chance of making it out if he reacts physically.”

“Uh-huh.  And if he’s faster than you anticipated?”

“I say the cuff’s command word.”  It was the ultimate failsafe, a single word she could say to make the cuff knock Loki unconscious as sure as if he had left the house.  The perimeter breach had proved that the cuff acted quickly enough that she’d most likely be fine.

“Good,” he said with a nod, “Sounds like a plan.  Hopefully we’ll have some more positives to talk about next week.  End recording.”  Agent Richardson turned the recorder off and stood up, pushing the chair out behind him as he asked, “Was there anything else you needed to take care of here?” causing Heather to shake her head.

“No, I don’t need to do any of my fake job today,” she joked with a small grin, tension reduced now that she wasn’t actively being interviewed.  Officially she was still employed at the archive, although she only ‘worked’ in the building once a week. “Got some errands to run, though, so I’d better head out.”  If she hurried, she’d be able to get a nap in before her stakeout.

“Are you alright, Heather?” She was almost out the door and nearly missed the agent’s question, but turned around when she did.  There was a look of concern on his face, the most emotion she’d seen him express since they’d met when she first took the caretaker job.

“I’m fine,” she assured him with a small smile, “frustrated more than anything, but hey, maybe I’ll actually accomplish something tonight.”

“Alright.  Just... be careful.  This is Loki we’re talking about.”

“I know.  I will.”

***

After a grocery run and a couple of other stops, Heather did, in fact, make it back to the safehouse in time for a nap.  The house was tucked into a forest just far enough away from civilization that people were unlikely to come looking, although not so far away that cell service was nonexistent.  Until she’d been recruited by SHIELD, first for the archive job, then as Loki’s caretaker, she had lived in the downtown area of a small city in Virginia, so the quiet still weirded her out a little--although it was very nice when it came to napping.  When she woke up a few hours later--hopefully enough sleep to get her through the night--she had something to eat in the kitchen, took care of both her dishes and the ones Loki had left the night before and headed through the door on the far side into the sitting room.

Despite more or less having the run of the house, she didn’t usually bother with the small sitting room by the back door--she was pretty sure the most time she’d spent there was putting the armchairs back together after Loki had trashed the room one night--but it was perfect for her stakeout. It was adjacent to the kitchen, on the far side from the rest of the house, and the door between the two rooms created a blind spot that would hopefully keep her hidden.   Leaving the door just ajar enough that she could hear what was happening in the kitchen, she settled herself in a chair with a book. Soon it would be too dark to read, but she could at least get some in now before she had to try to keep herself awake on nerves alone.

One hour crept by, then an hour and a half, then two, each easily seeming twice its actual length.  Bringing a book had seemed like a good idea at the time, but she was so focused on the night ahead that she’d barely been able to pay attention to the words in front of her.  It was after two hours, around 9:40, when it finally got too dark to even pretend to read.  On the bright side, even if she hadn’t taken that nap, she was pretty sure her nerves would keep her from falling asleep.  As she sat in that chair, watching the door and waiting for any sign of life, she found herself wondering what if he didn’t come into the kitchen, what if he left as soon as he saw her... And what if she succeeded?

According to her phone, it was 2:27 AM when she finally heard footsteps entering the kitchen. Heather sat upright, muscles tense, the drowsiness of a moment ago forgotten. She could go in now, she supposed, but she wanted to wait until he was eating. Hopefully a plate full of food in front of him would make him less inclined to leave as soon as she came in the room--or at least put a table between the two of them if he reacted violently. The footsteps stopped, replaced with the sound of the refrigerator opening, followed by a drawer. Heather waited for the buzz of the microwave, but it never came. Instead she heard more footsteps, then a chair being pulled back.

Oh god, she thought, has he just been eating cold leftovers?  She mentally ran through a list of everything she’d put post-it notes on and internally facepalmed as she realized that she’d forgotten about the microwave.

She slowly began to stand up, her brain rapidly running through all the things she’d considered saying during her wait, only to freeze when she heard a voice--his voice--through the gap in the door.

“I know you’re in there,” Loki’s voice was hoarse, rougher than she’d expected, although she supposed that no one sounded their best after not speaking for three weeks, “Did you really think to hide from me?”

For a moment, Heather remained frozen part way through getting up from the chair, unsure of how to respond.  Somehow, all the times she’d run through this moment in her head, she’d never thought he might notice her--or at least if he had, she hadn’t thought he would acknowledge her.  For a moment, fear spread over her mind and she regretted even coming up with this plan in the first place.  But no.  She’d stayed up this late so she could try to talk to him, and dammit, she was going to talk to him.  Slowly, cautiously, as if approaching a skittish animal, she opened the door and stepped into the kitchen. 

“I just wanted to talk to you,” she admitted as she closed the door behind her, “this was the only way I could think of to do it.”

Moonlight shone through the window, hitting Loki like a spotlight.  The god sat at the kitchen table, arms loosely folded across his chest.  His blue-green eyes stared intently at her as she emerged into the room, the casserole dish of baked ziti sitting on the table seemingly forgotten.  As he watched her, still as a statue, she struggled to remember even a single word she’d planned on saying.  For a moment, the two just stared at each other, he in interest, she in apprehension, until finally the god spoke.

“Who are you?” he asked, his eyes scanning her face as if it was a book in a language he couldn’t quite comprehend.

“My name’s Hea-”

“No, who are you?” Loki stood up from the table and took a slow step towards her.

 “I had wondered,” he continued as he slowly and casually walked towards her, “if Odin would choose to exile me to Midgard.”  Unconsciously, Heather took a step back, backing herself against the door.

“I had even considered the possibility of being turned over to my previous captors,” his stare broke away from her for a brief moment as he looked into the room's camera, adding, “never mind that they only held me briefly, and only because I willed it. But I never anticipated you.” He turned back to her, closing the space between them as he asked, “What are you meant to be to me, hmm? A jailor? A servant?"  He leaned a hand on the doorframe, looming over her, "A sacrifice to an angry god?"

Heather looked up into Loki’s face, her eyes meeting his. She was sure he could see her fear, her wide eyes, her trembling legs. Her fight-or-flight instinct was screaming for flight, urging her to back through the door to the sunroom and either make a run for the perimeter or use the newly gained space to say the cuff’s command word and drop him. But instead, she took a quick breath, steeling herself.  If she ran now, she knew, she may as well leave the house, because she’d never get another opportunity to really talk to him.

"Your caretaker," she answered his question with only a slight tremble in her voice, "So a little bit of all three, depending on who you're asking."  

Loki’s eyes narrowed, and for a moment that seemed an eternity, he said nothing and stared into her face, his head cocked in what Heather hoped was just curiosity and not anything more sinister.  Finally, the god let out a sharp exhale through his nose--she wasn’t sure, but part of her thought it might have been the smallest hint of a chuckle--and shook his head.

“A caretaker?” he asked mockingly, “Your masters would throw a rabbit into a wolf’s den to, what, leave me notes explaining the obvious?  To wait up all hours of the night, for naught but a chance to speak with me?  No, you’re no caretaker.”

Any other time, the way he sneered the last word would have been enough to demoralize Heather then and there.  Her report that morning had been a reflection of how little an idea she had of what she was doing, and even now, the situation she’d engineered, one she’d intended to have full control over, had been all but usurped by the god who was now practically pinning her to a door.  By all accounts, she could be doing a lot better.  But then, that was why she was there.  After all, how the hell was anyone supposed to know what kind of caretaker she was when her charge made it this hard to even try?  Heather took a breath, straightened her shoulders, and began one more attempt to shift the conversation in her favor.

“So,” she said, pointedly looking past him to the ziti on the table, “you’ve been eating cold leftovers this whole time?”  Her nerves made the question spill out of her mouth more quickly than she’d intended, and she wasn’t sure if the confusion on Loki’s face was because the question was abrupt or because it was unintelligible.

“What?” the god asked, glancing over his shoulder to follow her gaze.  She continued while she had him off balance.

“I can heat it up for you,” she said, gesturing towards the table, “The ziti, I mean.  It’s a lot better warm.”

He actually did laugh at that, a rolling chuckle that seemed to come right from his chest as he turned back to look at her.

“Such tenacity,” Loki murmured, more to himself than to her.  She tensed, preparing for more insults or possibly even threats, but instead he stepped back, finally giving her some blessed breathing space.  

“Very well,” he said, “if you’re that dedicated to your role, by all means, show me.”

Heather took advantage of her newly-gained space to make her way towards the cupboards, still tense as she braced herself in case Loki tried anything.  The god remained still, but she could feel his gaze following her as she opened a cabinet and a drawer, removing a plate and butter knife--anything sharper was locked up, and she didn’t really want to deal with that at the moment--and approached the table.  The fork he’d had was still sitting next to the casserole dish, and between that and the butter knife, she managed to put what she thought was a good-sized serving of ziti on the plate.  She carefully walked the heavy-laden plate to the microwave, put it in, and pushed a few buttons, wondering once again how she had forgotten to leave a post-it explaining that--although, she didn’t know if it would’ve done much, given the shredded paper she’d found all over the house the morning after she’d placed them. As the microwave buzzed, she turned back to face Loki, who was still standing by the door.

“It’ll be ready in a moment,” she informed him, “so you can sit back down.”  To her surprise, he complied, although his eyes continued to follow her intently as she removed the now-steaming ziti from the microwave.  As she set it in front of him, he gestured at the chair across from his.

“Sit,” he ordered.  When she hesitated, he added, “You wished to speak with me, did you not?  You may as well sit where I can see you.”

“Oh, okay.”  That made sense.  Heather sat down, looking at the god now seated across from her.  Despite his claimed desire to look at her during their conversation, Loki was barely paying her any attention, instead focusing on the steaming plate of food in front of him.  He almost looked human now, a tired part of her brain noted.  As that thought ran through her head, he looked back up at her, one eyebrow cocked as if silently asking Well?   Right.  He wasn’t human.  He was a god, he was her charge, and this was quite possibly her only opportunity to talk him around.

 During the silent hours she’d waited for him to come into the kitchen, she’d mentally run through this conversation dozens of times.  She’d put together a speech she was confident would have had Loki understanding her position, and of course she could only remember it in scrambled bits now.  But she could tell that his patience--such as it was--was running thin, so she let as much as she could fall out in whatever order came to mind.

“Look,” Heather said, “I’ll admit that a lot about this situation is... weird.  I don’t know if there’s any sort of precedent for it, I mean, I’ve never been a god’s caretaker before, but I want to do the best I can for you.  To help you out here, I mean.”  As frustrating as Loki’s avoidance was, she understood why he would be wary of her--she was, after all, working for the organization that had helped to assemble the Avengers to defeat him a few months ago and now was overseeing his confinement. 

“Obviously I don’t expect us to be friends or anything,” she continued, “but I do think that things would be a lot more comfortable for both of us if we communicated... or at least if you didn’t completely avoid me.  I get if you need space, but...”

“Enough.”  The sudden clatter of Loki’s fork hitting the table cut off whatever she was going to say next.

“I’m impressed with your persistence,” the god pushed his now nearly empty plate forward, “I’m sure that some would even find it admirable.”  He picked the fork back up, idly playing with it in one hand,  “But you needn’t treat me like a fool.  We both know that you didn’t consent to being locked up here to ‘do your best for me’.  You’ve all but given yourself to a god who invaded your world not one of your years ago.”  His eyes narrowed as he stared directly into hers, “I would know why.”

“Why?” Heather hesitated.  Shit.  She’d hoped he wouldn’t have asked that.  Up until this point, she had been completely honest with him--she was sure Agent Richardson would say too honest, given Loki’s reputation for manipulation.  But she’d even kept her full reasons for agreeing to the caretaker job from SHIELD; there was no way she could tell Loki.  It would leave her far too vulnerable.  Maybe she could tell part of the truth, just enough to--hopefully--satisfy him.

“I mean...” she began, looking up to meet his eyes, “I was offered the opportunity to live with a literal god.  I knew that it was going to be dangerous, but, well... if I’d said no, I would have regretted it.  I would have spent my entire life wondering what would have happened if I’d agreed.”  Her words hung in the air between them for a moment, and she was afraid she’d said too much, but then Loki shook his head, a smirk twisting across his face.

“And you never thought you might regret agreeing?” he asked.  Before Heather could come up with an answer, or even properly register the question, Loki stabbed his fork into the table, leaving it standing straight up.  She started, almost knocking her chair over.  Before she could even right herself, she was looking up at the camera, shaking her head and hoping that Richardson or whoever else was watching wouldn’t come barging in.  If Loki had meant to hurt her, some part of her brain that wasn’t panicking reasoned, he would have hurt her, and she didn’t want to ruin whatever miniscule progress she’d made.

The god snickered, flashing his teeth in a vicious grin.

“That’s what I thought.”

By the time Heather turned away from the camera, Loki had stood up and was silently making his way to the doorway.  Before he left, he casually said over his shoulder, “You were right, by the way.  It was more... palatable warm.”

Supplemental Status Report 08/28: Subject S has successfully made verbal contact with Subject L.  L seemed unaware of any significance S may have to Asgard, although he and footage can both be deceiving.  For the time being, continue observation and noninterference unless Subject S appears to be in imminent physical danger.

 - T. Richardson, Level 6

[quiet-onset]

In The Wind

Pairing: Steve Rogers x black!Reader

TW: alcohol consumption, implied sexy times, a pinch of fluff and a fuck ton of angst

Word Count: 10.2k (this is the longest single fic I’ve ever written by like 4-5k words, i'm never doing this again lmao)

A/N: Broke = cacw discourse, Woke = using cacw canon to write angsty fics at 3 am. this is only kind of edited so it is what it is lol. Enjoy!

You weren’t sure if you regretted meeting him.

You didn’t know how you felt anymore. You knew you thought of him everyday. You knew that you longed to feel the warmth and heaviness of his body against yours. You also knew that you were angry, so damn angry for making you feel these things. For making you miss him, want him.

But did you regret him? You weren’t sure. 

The first time you met shouldn’t have happened. Steve knew that. He should’ve been more careful. Checked more security cameras, spied a little better. But espionage was always Natasha’s expertise, and, for now, he was running it solo. So when he ran from the FBI in Hell’s Kitchen, he had no one to blame but himself. 

He had been jumping from roof to roof, dreading the sound of the approaching helicopter. He knew if they got that spotlight on him, it’d be over. So, instead of jumping to the next roof, he dropped onto the fire escape, traveling down until he found an open window. 

He climbed inside and pressed himself to the adjacent wall, heart pounding against his ribcage. He listened as the helicopter continued on, searching for him with no success. Just as he allowed himself to breathe, he heard the cock of a gun. 

When he turned his head, there you stood, curls tied up with a blue silk scarf, shorts and a T-shirt two sizes too big, with a shotgun aimed and ready to fire. “Get out of my house.”

Steve took a step toward you, watching as you steadied your hand. “I’m not gonna hurt you.”

“I’m the one with the gun here, dude. So, unless you want a chest full of buckshot, get—“

Finally, you saw him clearly. His hair was a tad longer and he had the slightest bit of stubble, but he was still recognizably Steve Rogers. After all, the news had his and his friends mugshots plastered on every channel. You barely managed to part your lips for a gasp when Steve heard the thunder of footsteps come down the hall outside your door.

“Look,” He said, “I’m sorry, I just needed—“

Three solid bangs on your front door. “FBI, open up!”

You lowered the gun as you looked back at Steve. It was clear that he was trying and failing to come up with a new route of escape. Three more bangs, and you sighed. “One second!” You called.

You handed him the gun and quickly guided him to your bedroom. “Get under the bed and wait.”

He followed your instructions while you grabbed your robe and scurried to the door. You swung the door open as you brushed a stray curl away from your face. “Can I help you?”

Two men pushed past you and into your apartment as the first one spoke. “We need to inspect your apartment.”

“Do you have a warrant?”

“Are you hiding something?” He returned.

“Asking for a warrant isn’t an admission of guilt, agent.” You raised a brow. “Besides, what would the FBI be looking for here?”

“Steven Grant Rogers.” He eyed your living room suspiciously before continuing down the hall, leaving you to follow close behind. 

“Captain America?” You snorted. “What would he be doing in some random woman’s apartment in Hell’s Kitchen?”

“You tell me.”

He walked into your bedroom, and your heartbeat sped up. You had no idea why you were putting yourself at risk for a stranger, but somehow, it felt right. Like you were doing what you were meant to be doing in that moment.

“Agent, I am not hiding Captain America in my fucking bedroom. Alright? I was getting ready for bed, actually, when you banged on my door like I was the one being arrested.”

He walked up to you, invading your space. He looked down at you, tried to make you feel small. It was a popular tactic, one you were used to. You watched as the other two agents came in and began to search. “We have orders to search every apartment. If you don’t want to cooperate, we can arrest you, too. Ma’am.” 

“This might be news to you, but I have rights, same as you. You need a warrant to search my house unless I’m an immediate danger to the public.” You told him. “However, considering you’ve already searched my entire home, I suggest you leave now while I’m still thinking about not suing you.”

“Suing us?” He chuckled.

“I have some lawyer friends, same ones that put Wilson Fisk in jail. If they can get a life sentence for a man like Fisk, imagine what they could do with this story. Agent.”

You watched as they all stopped, including the agent who was just about to bend over to look under the bed. The agent’s brow twitched as he stepped back and gave you an indignant look. “That’s what I thought.” You said. “Feel free to come back with a warrant.”

Moments later, your front door was locked, and you went back to your room where Steve sat on your bed. You almost winced when you saw him in the light. His right eye was beginning to swell, his lip was split, and his leg looked like he needed stitches. He placed the shotgun beside him. “Do you really know the lawyers who took down Wilson Fisk?”

“Not at all.”

He chuckled and stood on his feet. You knew he was trying not to put too much pressure on his leg, but his scrunched brow told you he was failing. When he managed to steady himself, he saw the shine of concern in your eyes. “I’m fine.”

“You’re hurt.”

“Super soldier healing. I’ll be fine.”

“Let me help you.”

“You’ve done enough for me already.” He told you. “I know that couldn’t have been easy for you.”

“Easy?”

“I’m an Avenger, but I’m not blind.” He said sincerely. “America’s fucked up, and anyone who’s not white or rich gets the short end of the stick.”

You paused, surprised that he’d explained himself so outright. He seemed unapologetic about his statement, eyes only wavering when the pain became too much. A sigh with the faintest remnants of a smile passed through your lips. You walked a few steps over to your dresser and pulled open your drawer. Out of it, you pulled a bottle of whiskey and a first aid kit. “I’m already abetting a fugitive, Rogers. Might as well add aiding to the crime. Sit down. I’ll get some ice for your eye.”

Steve usually didn’t take well to orders. But you, you made something in him stir, if only for a moment. Some part of him that longed for someone else to take over. To make him forget about being an alleged criminal, about the friends that he’d lost. The part of himself that he’d lost. 

So he sat down.

When you came back, you began tending to his wounds. Your hands were delicate as you tried your best not to cause him any additional pain. He almost chuckled at your caution and grace. In some dark part of his mind, he knew the damage he could cause you. Yet, you were the one asking every other second if he was okay.

“You know you don’t have to do all of this.” He said.

“I didn’t have to not shoot you either, but here we are.” You answered, tilting your head. You handed him the bottle of whiskey as you got ready to stitch the wound in his thigh. “You might wanna drink some of that.”

He chuckled, “Alcohol doesn’t really do anything for my senses.”

“Right. Super soldier, I forgot. Guess you’ll have to brave it.” 

“Not the first time.” He let out a small hiss as you moved the fabric away from the cut.

Your eyes flickered up to him for a moment, catching the clench of his jaw, sharp and tense. “So you sneak into people’s houses to hide from the FBI often?”

“I was, um, handling some business in Hell’s Kitchen. Wasn’t paying attention, and they found me.”

“Wow. Steve Rogers outsmarted by the FBI.” You joked. He chuckled along with you as you finished stitching him up. You offered him the bottle once more. “It won’t get you drunk, but it’ll burn on the way down, and I have a feeling that’s what you really need.”

He looked taken aback for a moment. You imagined that not many people were so straightforward with him. He was called Captain for a reason, you supposed. Not many people told Steve what he needed to hear — that was why the Avengers was perfect for him. Nobody was afraid to tell Steve how it really was. But now, with him being a fugitive, lots of people were scared. Of him or of what he represented, he wasn’t sure.

But not you.

He took the bottle with a small smile.

“Well,” Steve spoke when the silence got a bit too loud for his liking. “I should be going. If that agent’s attitude was any indication, they’ll probably be back with a warrant. That’ll give you some time to get rid of the evidence.”

“Evidence?”

“My blood?” He chuckled.

You looked down at your hands and saw the faint tint of blood on them. You let out a short laugh and nodded, “Right.”

The way you looked at each other was far too comfortable for two strangers. Each set of eyes held a story. The ever-stretching line of inconceivable loss in his and the struggle to overcome social hardships in yours. Both your hearts were hardened in some ways, and you could both sense it. When it became too much, your gaze flickered to the ground for a quick moment. “Don’t pull those stitches, Captain. I won’t redo them.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He said with a weak salute. “Thank you.”

“Just don’t get caught.”

The next afternoon, the FBI would return with a warrant and search your apartment as you watched the news. The headline?

Captain America in the wind once more.

---

“I’ll be fine.” You slurred to your friend. “I can get upstairs just fine.”

Your friend, Heather, shot you a disapproving gaze as you hiccuped, the alcohol in your body starting to slowly wear off. She unlocked the car door with a sigh. “Text me when you’re inside.”

“Okay.”

“I’m not moving until you do.” She added. “And lock your door!”

“Alright!”

Although you stumbled up the stairs and eventually had to take your heels off, you made it safely to your apartment. The text you sent as you locked the door was incoherent, but you knew your friend would understand. You dropped your heels at the door and padded into your living room.

“Your window is broken.”

You gasped at the sudden deep voice that cut through the dark, only recognizing him when he turned on the lamp. There sat Steve Rogers once more. He looked up at you with a furrowed brow, noticing your glazed over eyes. You threw your phone at him for scaring you, which he caught easily. “You can’t just break into someone’s house and sit in the dark! That’s weird!”

“I couldn’t risk anyone seeing me.” He explained quickly. He stood, “Are you drunk?”

“What’s it to you?”

“You’re drunk in an apartment with a broken window. Anyone could break in. I did.”

“Yeah, which is still weird.” You hiccuped. “What are you doing here, Captain?”

He was at a loss for words. He didn’t have an answer. Not one that made any sense, at least. He couldn’t explain the feeling, but he couldn’t forget you. Your eyes were burned into his mind, your bravery forever in his heart. He tried everything to forget you, but nothing worked. Whether it was attraction, infatuation, or some feeling that could only be expressed in another language, he didn’t know. Still, he couldn’t tell you that. Especially not while you were drunk. So he settled for, “Steve. Call me Steve.”

You paused, crossing your arms over your chest. “Alright. Steve.”

Steve felt a shiver travel down his spine. He would never admit he liked the way his name slipped past your lips. He watched you stumble over to the couch and helped you sit down. “Happy drunk or sad drunk?”

You snorted, “Both.”

“Wow, two for one.”

“I broke up with my cheating boyfriend.” You explained. “I’m happy to be rid of that asshole, but it still hurts, you know?”

Steve nodded, holding back a chuckle as you burped quietly. You groaned and threw your head back as you realized you would probably throw up soon. 

“He didn’t deserve you.” He told you.

You laughed bitterly, “I know.”

As if on cue, you stood and ran to the bathroom with Steve quick on your heels. He watched as you dropped to your knees over the toilet bowl and emptied the contents of your stomach inside. You pulled a few stray curls out of your face and held them back, praying you hadn’t gotten any vomit in your hair. You felt Steve’s presence behind you and sighed. “I’m sorry. You should… you should just go.”

But of course, Steve was never good at taking orders.

He marched up to your sink and found a few bobby pins before opening up your medicine cabinet. He found some painkillers for later and took them out for you. He quietly walked up behind you and softly cupped your hands with his own. You barely had the chance to protest before another wave of sickness washed over you.

“Let me help you.” Steve said gently. “I’m just returning the favor.”

You knew there wasn’t much you could do for yourself, and you couldn’t deny that you needed help. So you let go of your hair and allowed him to pin it back. His warm hands then fell to your shoulders as he spoke. “I’ll be right back.”

Moments later, he returned with a glass of water and some crackers he’d found in your cabinet. He sat with you on the cold tile floor, flushing the toilet as you turned away from it. He offered the glass silently, and you drank it in a few gulps. You looked over at him as he worked on opening the crackers. “You know, you’re good at this.”

He chuckled, seeing that you were starting to sober up. “You’re not the first drunk person I’ve taken care of.”

You took a cracker from the packet. “When was the first time?”

“You don’t have to humor me.”

“If I were humoring you, you’d know.” You scoffed playfully. “I want to know. At the very least, it’ll keep my mind off of the nausea.”

He shook his head with a short laugh as he took out a cracker for himself. “I was fifteen. My best friend Bucky told me he had a surprise, that I had to come over after school. I didn’t suspect anything until I saw the brown paper bag in his hands.”

“Wait, you’re, like, ninety. Isn’t this during Prohibition?”

“He always knew a guy who knew a guy.” Steve nodded with a smirk. “His parents were out of town, and his sisters only kept his secret because he let them taste it. I already had enough health problems back then, so I wasn’t really interested in getting drunk. But Bucky…”

“As drunk as me?”

“Oh no, much worse. Absolutely shit-faced.” A smile tugged at his lips as you laughed. He admired the way your glazed eyes lit up with happiness for those few mere moments. “I ended up in the bathroom with him all night.”

You smiled softly as you nibbled on another cracker. “He’s lucky to have you.”

Steve felt his chest tighten at the smile on your lips. His brain told him to stop whatever he was feeling. He had no business barging into your house, into your life. He had other things, bigger things to worry about. Yet, he sat here on the floor of your bathroom, worrying about whether you were going to vomit again or if you needed more water. It was stupid of him to let this feeling go so far, he knew. But he couldn’t help it. Not when you smiled like that.

He reached over to the sink and grabbed the painkillers, giving you two. “I’m gonna get you some more water. Keep eating those crackers.”

“Yes, sir, captain sir.” You gave him a weak salute. He saluted back with a playful chuckle before leaving to get more water, not sure if this behavior was your true self or the remaining alcohol.

When he returned, he found you clumsily taking off your makeup. “That couldn’t wait until tomorrow?” He asked, handing you the glass of water.

“No. Do you know how bad that is for your skin? I’m too pretty to damage my skin.” You chuckled before downing the pills.

Steve looked to the ground, making a quiet noise of agreement. He hadn’t expected you to stop drinking the water and ask him what he said. He was caught red-handed. “What?”

“What did you say?” You asked.

“It’s not important. I just…” He sighed. “I agreed with you. About you being pretty.”

“Oh.”

He shrugged. You’d have recognized the slight shyness in his voice if you were fully sober. “I’m not blind.”

It got quiet after that. You couldn’t help the way your mind was racing alongside your heart. The space between you both was so small. All it would take a gust of wind, a slight nudge and the space would be filled. And for some reason, you longed to fill it. As your thoughts caught up with you, you remembered that you’d just met him. He didn’t even know your name. The longing you had made no sense. Not to mention, you were still a little drunk and nauseous. You couldn’t act before you considered the outcomes. “Y/N.”

“What?” Steve’s brow furrowed.

“My name. It’s Y/N.” You stepped back and took a deep breath. “I just realized I never told you.”

“Right.” He mimicked your movements, putting a bit more distance between you. “You should get some rest.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I’ll, um, head to bed right now.”

Steve nodded once before giving you one last long look. He told himself that this would be the last time, that he wouldn’t give in to that insistent tugging in his heart. If this was the last time he’d see you, he wanted to remember. You watched him as he walked back down the hallway, stopping just before he entered the living room.

“Fix your window, Y/N.” He called.

You smiled. “I will.”

“Someone could break in and sit in the dark.”

“I get it, Steve.”

And just as quickly as he’d arrived, he was gone. 

---

A few months pass before you see him again. And you have to be honest with yourself, you spend every second thinking about him.

You weren’t sure what it was about him. Sure, he was Captain America, but that didn’t seem to matter when he came through your window. In your apartment, he’s just a man. He’s just Steve Rogers. Sure he was on the run from every conceivable government authority, but he was running from more than that. It was like he was running from himself, from everything that made him Captain America. And without fail, all the running somehow led back to you.

It didn’t matter where you were or who you were with. At work, you’d see his smile in the reflection of your computer screen. When you were with your friends, you could hear Steve’s laughter as he recounted his childhood. Even on the few dates you’d been on, the only thing on your mind was Steve’s voice calling you pretty.

And that was the annoying part. You knew you were pretty. You knew your value and how much you were worth, but when he said it, it felt unreal. There were butterflies in your stomach, a feeling you hadn’t felt since you were a teenager. It was strange having such a visceral reaction to a statement you already knew to be true, but it wasn’t the statement. It was the man making it.

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.

You were walking home from a friend’s when two men in ski masks stopped you. Guns locked and loaded, they shouted at you to give them your wallet and phone. Your hands were raised in hopes that they wouldn’t shoot, but they simply yelled louder.

“Okay, okay.” You started calmly. You moved your hands slowly to your purse, digging around the bottom in a frantic search. You flinched as they told you to hurry up. 

Suddenly, a man dropped down from a nearby fire escape. Steve.

As soon as he snatched the guns, Steve crushed the barrels with his bare hands. A fist flew at one guy’s face while you grabbed the pepper spray at the bottom of your purse and sprayed the other. 

You watched as Steve kept going with a fierce look in his eyes. It was unlike anything you’d expect from Captain America. No, this was sheer rage. You marched up behind him and grabbed him by the shoulders, pulling him away. He only allowed it as the two men scurried away with blood dripping down their faces. 

“Steve, what the hell?” You dragged him into a nearby alley. “What are you doing out in broad daylight?”

He ignored your questions and placed two large hands on your cheeks, tilting your head this way and that as he checked you for injury. “Are you okay? Did they hurt you?”

“Steve, stop it. I’m fine. What are you doing here?”

“I was on my way to your apartment when I saw those guys trying to rob you.”

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why were you going to my house?” You asked. “Why do you keep coming to my house?”

And once again, Steve was speechless. He couldn’t explain the panic in his heart when he saw you being held at gunpoint. He couldn’t explain the blind rage he felt as his fists collided with their bodies. He wanted to believe he had  no idea why he kept coming back to see you, but he knew why. Despite his reputation, he was never great with his feelings. At least not these kinds. “Y/N, can we just.. Can we talk? Please?”

You sighed, crossing your arms. “Meet me at my place. And try not to make another scene. You’re a fugitive, Steve.”

He’d made it there before you, but was unable to get in. See, you’d taken his advice and fixed your window. So, he stood on the fire escape, hoping to God that no one would look and see him as he waited for you. When you got back, you rushed over and flipped the latch, pushing the window up with a squeak of the frame. “Again, what are you doing here in the middle of the day?”

“You fixed your window.”

“Yeah, you told me to.” You stepped aside so he could slip in. “Thanks, by the way.”

“Y/N, they were robbing you. You don’t have to—“

“No, not that. I mean, also that, but I meant thanks for that night a few months ago.”

His head dropped as he let out a weak chuckle. “I’m surprised you remember that.”

“I remember waking up with the worst hangover. I also remember the night before.”

“Everything?”

You nodded. 

You could see the gears in his head begin to turn, giving you a moment to look over him. His beard was thick and full, and his hair was longer than before. Dressed in a black combat suit, you wondered where he just came from. He obviously had bigger fish to fry, so what kept him coming back to Hell’s Kitchen. 

Then, without a word, he reached into his pocket and pulled something out before placing it on the table between you. 

A cell phone. Albeit a very old one, but a cell phone nonetheless. 

“I wanted to give you this.” He said, “For… emergencies.”

You stared at the phone, your brow furrowed, before looking back up at him. “Steve—“

“I can’t stop thinking about you.” His eyes were shut tight as he emptied his heart. “I don’t know why, but I can’t. No matter where I’m going or what mission I’m on, you’re always on my mind. I know it doesn’t make any sense, and I understand if it freaks you out, but I needed to tell you.”

“Steve—“

“And even if you don’t feel the same, just keep the phone. I wouldn’t forgive myself if something happened and you needed to contact me but couldn’t.”

You paused as he took a deep breath, finally opening his eyes. You looked at him expectantly. “Are you done?”

“I think so.”

You silently picked up the flip phone, chuckling because it was just so Steve-like. You opened it and realized that his number was the only one programmed into the phone. You smiled softly as you raised an eyebrow, “Does it work?”

“I just—” Steve let out a short laugh of disbelief. “Yes, it works.”

Steve watched as you pressed a button and held the phone up to your ear. You looked up at the ceiling, clicking your tongue as it rang. With a grin on his lips, he dug his phone out of his other pocket and flipped it open. “Hello?”

“I like you, too, dummy.”

---

Turns out, you changed the definition of emergencies only. 

It had been four or five months since you last saw Steve. He’d spent the night after you both confessed to the feelings that you’d been repressing since the day you met. You helped him peel off the black suit he wore and showered with him. You helped him scrub off the blood that had dried into his skin, and he massaged your shoulders, tight and tense from the stress of your own life. And later, you’d both gotten into some activities that made you both need another shower. 

But now, you were alone. Your place felt so empty without him. It was only one night, yet your whole life was changed. You were acutely aware of the sound his bare feet made against the hardwood floor. The warmth of his chest against your back as you slept in bed. The low timbre of his voice when he just wakes up. 

Plus, it was the day before his birthday.

You knew how stupid that sounded. Steve Rogers was a fugitive on an international scale. He had plans to be in a different state or country practically every other week — he hardly had time to celebrate about being a year older. Yet, you couldn’t stop yourself from thinking that he deserved it. He deserved to do something as mundane as celebrate his birthday. 

So, instead of using the burner for its intended purpose — emergencies — you called him. 

And received no answer. 

You sighed and snapped the phone shut. You held the phone against your lips as you thought through a plan. When you had it all figured out, you smiled, wondering if that was how Steve felt when he finally perfected a plan. You grabbed your purse and headed to the nearest grocery. 

You strolled through the decorations aisle with your cart, stopping as you saw an employee, a teenager, removing something from the display. As you got closer, you realized what it was and frowned.

Fourth of July balloons with Steve’s shield plastered on them.

The employee saw you eyeing them and smiled gently. “Got a call from the owner himself to remove them.”

“Crazy, right?”

“Not that much.” She shrugged. “I mean, he did break the law.”

“Yeah, to do the right thing.”

“How do we know he was right, though?”

You stared at a picture of Steve’s shield and saw all it represented. Hope, justice, bravery — you couldn’t explain how you knew. You just did. “He was.” You told the kid.

The kid watched you stare aimlessly at the balloons. She wasn’t sure why you were so invested, she could tell it meant a lot to you. She pulled two packets out of the box and handed them to you.

“They were taken out of circulation so security won’t pick it up.” She explained. “Just don’t let the manager see.”

You looked over at her, not even realizing that you’d zoned out. You smiled at her and took the balloons before slyly stuffing them in your purse. “Thank you.”

Your smile returned as you gathered all your other supplies before walking over to the bakery. The man behind the counter smiled as you approached. “Last minute Fourth of July cake?”

You chuckled, “No, not Independence Day. A birthday actually.”

“What would you like on it?”

“Do you, um, do you mind decorating it with Captain America’s shield? Or maybe just red, white, and blue in general?”

The baker’s smile widened. “You’re the first person to ask for that this year. I’m glad.” He began gathering the frosting he’d need. “I don’t believe anything they say about him. He’s a good man.”

You smiled to yourself. “Yeah. The best.”

Meanwhile, Steve was in Philadelphia, trying to get some intel into Tony’s future plans. He just got back to the quinjet when Natasha called his name from the pilot seat.

“You’re never leading the mission again.” Steve teased her, touching two fingers to his split bottom lip as he stood just to the side of her seat. 

“Afraid of getting a little banged up?” She chuckled.

“More like tired of it.” He replied. “Bucky and I have been taking all the beatings lately while you and Sam somehow always manage to come out unscathed.”

“You and Bucky should do better at your jobs then.”

Steve let out a little laugh as she lifted the jet into the sky and immediately turned on the cloaking mechanism. He braced himself above her head and looked out over the clouds. “So why did you call me?”

“‘Cause somebody called you.”

“What?”

“That mysterious burner you always carry around? It rang while you were in the field.”

His eyes widened as he reached for the flip phone, seeing the ‘Missed Call’ notification glaring back at him. He turned back to Natasha, “I need you to take me back to the city.”

Her brow furrowed as he began packing a duffel bag toward the back of the jet. “What, New York?”

“Anywhere is fine. I’ll get to where I need to be.”

“Steve, we’re supposed to be headed for Switzerland in a week—“

“Then, I have a week.”

“Tony and the feds will be on our asses soon if we don’t get out of the country.”

Steve turned to look at her and saw that she’d put the jet on autopilot. She was looking right back at him in that way that she always did. If there was anything Natasha Romanoff was good at, it was knowing when someone was lying, even by omission. But Steve was no victim of her skills. He was her best friend. And that worried look in his eyes? It scared her.

Steve sighed. “There’s someone on the other end of that phone. Someone I really care about. She’s the only one with that number and I told her to call me if there’s an emergency.”

Natasha shifted her weight onto her other leg, her hands on her hips. “Is she cute?”

“Natasha.” He smiled softly.

“Where can I drop you off?”

“Near Hell’s Kitchen.”

She turned on her heel and began punching coordinates into the navigation system. “I get to choose where we go after Switzerland.”

You arrived back at your apartment a few hours later, finally gathering everything you needed to pull off your plan. You smiled to yourself as you locked your front door and threw your keys onto the side table. 

Suddenly, when you turned the lights on, a man emerged from the hallway, and you let out a loud gasp. You dropped the bags you had been carrying, only calming when you realized that it was only Steve.

“Steve!”

You stepped over the bags and raced into his arms. He wrapped his arms tight around you, cradling the back of your head in his large palm. He couldn’t help but release a breath of relief as he felt the comfortable weight of your body against his. He pulled away from you and held your face in his hands, eyes searching for any sign of injury. “Are you okay?”

“Steve, I’m fine. I promise. Why are you so worried?”

“You called me on the burner.”

Oops. You’d totally forgotten about that. You smiled sheepishly, “About that...“

“Y/N—“ He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, preparing for your explanation.

“I’m sorry! You were gone, and I missed you. Then, I remembered I had a way of contacting you.”

“It’s for emergencies only.” He scolded you.

“I know, I know. It’s just that I missed you a lot, and your birthday is coming up, and—“

“My birthday?”

You looked behind you at the bags you’d dropped on the ground. Steve followed your line of sight before spotting something that had fallen out. He stepped away from you to pick it up and inspected it carefully. His head dropped and hung between his shoulders, a quiet laugh spilling from his lips. “Captain America balloons?”

“And other non-Captain America stuff.” You added defensively. “Not the cake though. That’s got Cap all over it.”

“You got a cake?”

You gasped, “The cake!”

You ran to the bags and fished out the one carrying the small circular cake, frowning when you found it. The cake was still in one piece, but the frosting was ruined, mushed against the top of the container. “Shit! Ugh, none of this is going how I planned.”

You couldn’t see beyond the messed up cake, but Steve’s eyes had the softest look. “You had a plan?”

“I was going to have a little party. Blow up balloons, light some candles, have cake. And I was going to send you pictures so you knew I remembered and that I wished you here with me and,” You looked back up at him and saw the gentle look in his eyes, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

He smiled, “No reason. You know my birthday is tomorrow, right?”

“I didn’t know what time zone you were in.”

He let out a laugh and slid his arms around your waist. He kissed you so gently, more so than he ever had before. There was no lust behind the kiss. No promise of anything more than his tongue sweeping across yours as he pulled you closer still. Nothing but care, adoration, and a little four letter word that neither of you dared to say. 

When you pulled away for air, you rested your cheek on his shoulder, peering up at him as you wondered how he stumbled into your life. “What was that for?”

“For the party.” He pressed a kiss to the crown of your curls. “C’mon. These balloons won’t blow themselves up.”

---

Since that last visit, Steve had made it a point to visit you more frequently. Every two months, at midnight on the dot, Steve was at your window with his duffel bag, a small smile on his face. It was working well for you both, and his variation in changing locations kept the feds and Tony off his trail. 

At least, that’s what you thought.

It was your birthday the next time you saw Steve, but it wasn’t exactly planned — at least not on your end. Bucky was flying the quinjet over the city, dropping Steve off so he could surprise you for your birthday. Then, Steve spotted a squadron of black vans. They didn’t seem to be following the jet, which was good, but they were following a route that Steve was all too familiar with.

“Shit.”

“What is it?” Bucky asked.

“They’re going to Y/N’s place.”

“What? How did the feds figure that one out?”

Just then, an object shot across the sky above them. It didn’t detect the jet thanks to Vision’s modifications, but they could very clearly see who it was. Steve glared at the hot rod red and gold suit as it flew further away from them. “The feds didn’t.”

You were lounging in bed, enjoying your day off from work when you heard a knock on your window. Your brow scrunched as you wondered why Steve would be here. Sure, it was your birthday, but he was scheduled for a mission today. Then you realized, he must’ve been lying so he could surprise you for your birthday. With a smile on your lips, you slipped out of bed and walked down the hall, prepared to give Steve the biggest hug you could muster.

Then the smile dropped. Because it wasn’t Steve outside your window.

It was Tony Stark.

He was in a suit, in typical Tony Stark fashion, the Iron Man suit keeping itself suspended just behind the rails of your fire escape. He knocked on the glass once more with a slightly facetious smile on his face. You walked up to the window and unlocked it, pushing it up for him. “Was there a reason you couldn’t use the front door?” You asked.

“Tony Stark, nice to meet you.” When you stepped back, he swung one leg over the window sill, then the other, stepping in and giving the room a once over. “Do you know why I’m here?”

“No. I’ve only ever seen you on television.”

“Does the camera add ten pounds?”

“It does something.”

“You flatter me.”

“I don’t.”

Tony’s eyes narrowed, amusement tugging at the side of his lips as he picked up a picture that sat on your mantle. “You sure hold a lot of animosity for someone you’ve never met.”

“I can’t imagine you haven’t experienced worse.” You took the frame from him as you replied.

“Aren’t you wondering how I knew to come here?” He asked. “How I knew to knock on your window? How I knew you’d answer?”

You stood silent, glaring at him.

“Really? You’re gonna make me do the whole monologue thing?” He asked, only to be met with more silence. He huffed dramatically, “Fine. I’ve been trying to track him for a long time now, Y/N. I’ve tried the internet, tracking the quinjet, cell towers. Cell towers were a big one. But I also know Steve isn’t stupid. He wouldn’t risk calling anyone while on the run, especially not on the fancy new phones we have today.”

“Is this going somewhere?” You watched as he paced around the room, trying to keep your heart steady. You still had no idea where this was leading, but you were sure he was going to tell you. 

“So I figured, maybe he’d buy a burner. And lo and behold, he did. Janky flip phone, real two thousand five looking. But he paid good money to have GPS and the tracking number erased, so cell towers were useless. Until you.”

You knew he was baiting you into giving Steve up, into admitting that you knew Steve personally. Although you would never tell him about Steve, you were on edge as you thought about the many ways you could have left him vulnerable. Still, even as a thousand scenarios played out in your head, deep down, you knew that you hadn’t been anything less than discreet. The only way they could have known is—

“You had me tailed.”

“And you were a hard one to tail, I will say. You were very careful.” He admitted. “But that’s not how I learned about you.”

You watched as Tony fished through his pants pocket before pulling out a flimsy sheet of film, burnt around the edges. Something Tony had found in the aftermath of one of Steve’s crazy intel missions in a hole-in-the-ground government facility. He walked up to the table that stood between you both and slid it across to you. As your eyes widened in surprise, Tony knew he had you. It was a picture of you and Steve, taken on a polaroid he’d brought a few visits before.

A flip of the latch and he was in for the rest of the week.

You squealed as he lifted you off your feet, spinning you around. When he finally set you down, you pulled him in for a kiss, slow with the promise of something more. He chuckled lowly as he pulled away only for you to whine. “I wanna show you something.”

“Show me later.”

You swatted his hands, urging him to drop the duffel bag he’d been carrying, and led his arms around your waist. One long and very tempting kiss later, he was pulling away again. “Y/N.”

“I’m busy. Giving you my best work here.” You pressed wet kisses down his neck. Then, you settled on the spot just below his ear, always guaranteed to make him lose his mind. He had to fight the urge to throw you over his shoulder and take you to the bedroom, his hands clutching tight to your hips. Then, he pushed you back to an arm’s length and took a deep breath to calm himself.

“I’m gonna show you one thing, and then, I promise, I am all yours.”

You sighed dramatically, crossing your arms over your chest with a pout. “Fine. But this better be good, Steven.”

You watched as he quickly slid off a backpack that you’d only then noticed. Digging around the inside, his eyes lit up when he finally found what he was looking for. He dropped the backpack and showed you what was in his hands.

“A camera?”

“A polaroid.” He added excitedly.

“Babe, that’s a little old school. Even for you.” You chuckled.

“This is a newer model, thank you very much.” He said, shaking the small black camera for emphasis. “I thought about a digital camera, but that’s the issue. They’re digital. If someone got their hands on the SD card, they could connect you to me.”

“I don’t care, Steve.”

“I do.” He took a step closer. He cupped your cheek with one hand and caressed his thumb across it lovingly. “If I ever get caught, I don’t want them to find out you were helping me. You’d go to prison.”

It was at that moment that you came to a scary realization. You didn’t care if you went to jail because you’d be doing it for Steve, for what you believed was the greater good. That was when you knew you loved him. Neither of you had told each other, but the sentiment could be felt every time you saw each other. It was the spark between your fingers when you held hands. The way he’d twist your hair for you when you were too sleepy to do it yourself. The way you’d scrub blood off his body when his visit happened to coincide with a mission gone bad. 

You both knew, but it was impossible to say.

“So,” You changed the subject. “You bought a polaroid instead.”

“That way, no one will know except you and me.”

“Our secret.” You nodded, your smile finally matching his. You grabbed his arm and pulled it up in the air as you positioned the camera where you wanted to be.

“Oh, so now you’re an expert in photography?” He joked.

“Shut up and take the picture.”

Tony’s eyes softened as you picked up the photo and relived a memory that he’d never be able to understand. He couldn’t say it didn’t hurt — hunting the man he once considered to be one of his best friends. His heart hurt as he watched you swallow down your tears and refuse to cry in front of him. He didn’t want to be the one to bring Steve in. Still, he had to be.

“Where is he, Y/N?”

“Screw you.”

“Just tell me where he is, and you’ll never hear from me again.”

You opened the drawer to the table and fished out the lighter you’d bought for Steve’s birthday party. You held the polaroid to the flame and watched as the picture burned to ash, gently tossing it in the waste bin. “You have no physical proof that I know Steve Rogers.”

“Y/N—”

“Get out of my house. Now.”

Tony looked at you, defeated and heartbroken at the same time. He acquiesced, stepping back out the window while telling his agents to meet at the rendezvous point. When he stepped back into the Iron Man suit, he gave you a nod. Even behind his mask, you could tell he had a backup plan.

Once he was out of sight, you remembered the emergency plan that Steve had drilled into you once it was clear you were getting serious. Pack a bag, get some cash, and leave town. “He’ll find me.” You kept repeating to yourself as you stuffed your clothes into a spare duffle bag.

When you were done, you picked up the burner and called Steve, sighing when it went straight to voicemail. “Hey babe, it’s me.” You cringed at your shaky voice. “It’s an emergency this time. Tony Stark just showed up at my house. He knows about us. I’ve packed a bag, and I’m getting ready to go. I don’t know where. But you’ll find me. Right?” You shook your head, pushing away any bad thoughts. “Okay. Don’t come to my place, alright? Someone’s probably watching. Just find me.”

Just as you hung up, there was a knock on your window. Worried it was Stark or one of his men, you ran to the closet and picked up your shotgun. Then the window slid open.

Shit, you thought, I forgot the latch.

You inched down the hallway, taking deep breaths as you held the gun steady. Suddenly, someone stepped out, your finger pulled the trigger. Your brow furrowed, though, as the sound was contained in the palm of the man’s hand, light splintering off of it. “Bucky?”

“You must be Y/N.” He smiled kindly. “Steve sent me. I’m gonna get you somewhere safe, alright?”

Meanwhile, Tony flew across the city to the rendezvous point, an abandoned warehouse on the Upper East Side. He’d gotten confirmation from his agents just a minute ago that they’d arrived and were waiting for him on the scene, yet when he got there, nobody was to be found. He stepped carefully around the back of one of the black vans, finding one of the agents passed out beside it. “FRIDAY, scan the warehouse for heat signatures.”

“There’s no need.”

When Tony rounded the vehicle, he saw Steve standing across the room. He looked different — a full beard, longer hair, a new black tactical suit that Tony was sure he didn’t design — and yet, he still looked the same. A glimmer in his eyes that Tony once mistook for self-righteousness. He now knew that was just Steve’s determination. “This is a pretty stupid plan, Steve.”

“It would be if it was a plan.” Steve shrugged. “I’m winging it.”

“That’s an even worse plan.”

“Something tells me I’ll be fine.”

“You know I can’t let you walk out of here.”

“You never let me do anything. I’m only here to warn you.”

Tony’s head drooped as he let out a low chuckle. “This is about the girl. You do know her.”

“Stay away from her, Tony.” Steve snapped. “I mean it.”

“You think I’d hurt her?”

“Of course not. But I don’t put you above turning her in.”

“She aided and abetted a fugitive.”

“I’m not having this argument with you. I know you just came from her house. From here on out, stay away from her. This is your only warning.”

Tony was thankful that his mask could not emote as surprise overtook his face. This wasn’t one of Steve’s idle threats that would amount to nothing like when the Avengers were first formed. Tony knew he was serious because he recognized Steve’s expression. It’s the same one Tony got when anyone dared to threaten Pepper.

It was hard admitting that he understood where Steve was coming from. But he did.

“And what if I don’t?” Tony asked, just to gauge his response.

Steve discreetly let out a breath of relief as he heard Bucky confirm that you were safe on comms. Looking back at Tony, his expression was a mixture of darkness and regret. “I’m not sure either of us wants to find out.”

Then, there was a flash of light that all but blinded Tony. When his eyesight returned to normal, Steve was gone.

In the wind once more.

---

Screw him.

After Tony found out who you were, Steve had taken to a safe house — a cabin in upstate Pennsylvania. It had been another favor from T’Challa. The king bought it under an alias and allowed you to stay in it until it was safe for you to go back to New York.

And to be honest, you couldn’t say you didn’t like it. It was kind of a neighborhood, multiple cabins built around one large lake. None of your neighbors actually lived there; they were more like vacation homes. Still, over the few years, you got to know them. It was nice, having that small sense of normalcy. 

Not to mention, it was much easier for Steve to visit this way. He’d come in the back entrance from the woods and stay a week or two, maybe more if he didn’t have any upcoming missions. In fact, it almost became like Steve’s home, too. When he wasn’t on a mission or in Wakanda, he was with you. And though Steve was always the first to say he no longer craved the normalcy of family, he couldn’t deny that being there, with you, was like a dream. A dream that was so close but still unattainable.

He was reminded of that when aliens invaded Earth. For the second time.

He up and left in a hurry one day, rushing out an explanation about how aliens were after Vision for some unknown reason. Still, he assured you that he’d come back, and you nodded sending him on his way with a quick kiss of his lips. It wasn’t unlike any of his other missions.

The difference this time was that he didn’t come back. At least, not for a year. Then, he was at your door again. No warning. No call. No cuts or bruises. Just him in the navy blue combat suit, silver star viciously ripped out. Thick beard, pink lips, and a look in his eyes that could kill. That is, if you didn’t know him. But you did know him. More than he’d like to admit.

So yeah, screw him.

How dare he just show up at your door without so much as a call. Steve had never gone that long without not seeing you, not speaking to you. You thought you meant at least that much to him. Even so, when you saw his face, you couldn’t help but want to be back in your old, beat-up apartment, eating junk and talking about shit that eventually wouldn’t matter until the sun rose.

Your first thought, though, was to slap him. So you did.

He’d seen it coming. He watched your small, soft hand that he’d held in his one too many times rise toward his cheek. He knew he could’ve stopped you. His instincts told him to stop you. But part of him knew he deserved it. He’d become the hero everyone needed, but in return he was no longer satisfied with the man he saw in the mirror.

He was a shell. Smiling for his friends when needed, saving the city, country, world when needed. Or trying to save the world. But inside he barely felt anything.

One of the few things he did feel for stood right in front of him. That’s why he let you slap him.

You knew the hit would barely phase him. He was a super soldier after all. The only thing he could feel was relief. Relief in knowing that you were here, in the flesh. Relieved knowing that the woman he adored hadn’t vanished into thin air. So he crashed his lips against yours in a passionate embrace. 

Surprised didn’t begin to explain how you felt. Still, you could hardly complain when Steve’s lips were moving so tenderly against your own after so much time apart. You were still angry — how could you not be? — but you still worried for him. It all seemed to be happening too fast. From what you saw on the televised memorials, he’d lost half his team, his best friend. You were starting to wonder if he should do this so soon.

You were finally given an opportunity to breathe when Steve started to leave a trail of kisses down your neck. One of his hands slid down your body and grabbed onto your thigh, hooking it around his waist. “Steve.” You called.

He hummed, finding and nipping at the spot on your neck that made you gasp. 

“Steve.”

His grip only tightened, pulling you as close as he could. 

This time, you spoke more firmly, pushing his head away, “Steve.”

He looked at you, his breaths coming out in huffs. “I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to be sorry.” You admitted as you caught your breath. “Are you sure you—“

“I need to feel something.” He said quietly. He seemed almost ashamed as he spoke. “I wanna be sad. I wanna be angry. God, I want to be angry. I'd at least have something fueling me. But I don’t.”

“You don’t what?”

“I don’t feel anything. I feel empty. Every time I close my eyes, I see Bucky turning to dust. Or Vision’s head caved in. Sam’s gone, Wanda’s gone. I just, I need to feel something, anything. Please.”

The look in his eyes was one you’d never seen from him before. Distraught, hopelessness was only a start. In the year he’d been gone, you had no idea what he’d been through. And, to some extent, you know how he felt. You saw some of your own friends and family on the memorial reels. You’d cried yourself to sleep more than once, wondering if you’d ever see them again. You knew that as bad as you felt, Steve probably felt worse because in his mind, it was his job to save them.

And he couldn’t. Didn’t.

So you pulled him closer and pressed your lips to his. Walked him back toward the bedroom. You took care of him, made him feel, even if only for a moment, when he was completely and utterly numb. And you laid with him afterward until you both fell asleep, no idea what the morning would bring for you.

You’d find out that the morning would not be much kinder. When you woke up, Steve was slipping his combat suit back on. He cursed softly when he realized you were awake, “Didn’t mean to wake you.”

“Right.” You huffed, your voice still groggy-sounding. “You just meant to leave before we could talk about what the hell happened last night.”

He sighed, “Y/N—”

“So this is what you do now? Show up and leave when it’s convenient for you?”

“Y/N, I’ve always been honest with you. You know that—”

“That you’re a fugitive? Half the fucking universe is gone, Steve. They’re not worried about you anymore.” You scoffed, sitting up and clutching the sheets to your bare chest. “You know what? For the first time, I thought I could be selfish, that you could be selfish.”

“I can’t.” His voice was barely above a whisper. He tried to veer away from the conversation as he glanced around the room and muttered to himself. “Where the fuck are my boots?”

“You’d saved so many people. So many lives kept safe because of you. And when you made one mistake in the eyes of the law, a whole lot of them turned on you. And you’d think that, of all things, would make you want to be selfish, just once.”

“I can’t afford to be selfish.” He replied. “People need me.”

“I need you, Steve.” Your voice was so quiet, so vulnerable, that it made him freeze. In all the years he’d known you, he’d never once heard you sound so helpless. Child-like, almost. “You were gone. For a year.”

“I know.” He let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding in. He came around to sit next to you, a comforting hand on your thigh as you leaned back on the headboard. “I’m sorry.”

“I had to watch my neighbors disappear into thin air. It was like everything was moving in slow motion, and for the first time in my life, I was terrified. Terrified because I didn’t know if I was next.”

“Y/N…”

“Then I saw the memorials. I lost my best friend, too. Heather.” You told him, a tear finally falling from your eye. “My aunt, two cousins, my nephew. They’re all gone.”

“I did everything I could.” Steve said, trying but failing to hold in his own tears.

“I know you did. That was not your fault. I know you would’ve given your life for the world.” Your brow furrowed as you looked over at him. You placed your hand over his, squeezing reassuringly. “That’s not why I’m upset with you. You didn’t come back to me, Steve. I knew you were okay, they said so on the news. I kept waiting and waiting, and you never came.”

“I couldn’t.” He wiped the tears from his face. Then, he abruptly stood from the bed. “I shouldn’t have come back here.”

“Steve—”

“It’s only hurting both of us to be here.” He quickly found his boots and slipped them on.

“Steve, stop it!” You slipped out of bed and grabbed your robe.

“Y/N, you don’t get it! I can’t do what I have to — I can’t be Captain America — if I’m always thinking about you!”

“Then tell me you don’t love me.”

His lips parted in shock as he tilted his head, eyes giving you a sad look. “That’s not fair.”

“Just tell me. That way, all this, this bullshit, will make sense.”

“You know I can’t do that.”

“Why not?” You chuckled bitterly. “It’s not like we’ve said it to each other anyway.”

“Stop, Y/N.” He shook his head and walked out of the bedroom, toward the back door. You were quick to follow him, staying on his heels.

“Say it.”

“Don’t.”

“Say you don’t love me, Steve.”

“Goddamn it, you know I love you, Y/N!” He snapped, turning to face you. “I love you, alright?”

Everything about that moment was the portrait of juxtaposition. He’d just snapped at you, sure, but he also just said the three little words that you’d both been tiptoeing around for years. He finally professed his love to you, but his eyes were filled with sadness, with regret. Steve may have been the hero, but the way he was looking at you made it clear that he was the one who needed saving. Not that he’d ever let you.

And to think it was him who initially sought to be a part of your life.

“Then, why are you leaving?” You asked, tears still falling from your eyes.

“I can’t be Captain America and the man who loves you, and I do love you. So much.” He stepped closer, ignoring his own tears. He placed his warm hands on your cheeks and pulled you close, resting his forehead against yours. “Because if it ever comes down to everyone or you? I’m choosing you.”

You wished the moment could have been more tender. But your heart broke at the thought because looking in his eyes, you knew it was true. You grabbed his wrists tight, afraid to let go. “So this is it?”

“I’m so sorry, Y/N.”

He pressed his lips to yours in a bittersweet kiss. You could taste both your tears on your lips, but it didn’t matter. Nothing else in the whole world mattered except for the feeling of his lips on yours because this would be the last time you ever felt it. You prayed to whoever was listening that you’d never forget the feeling. His soft lips nudging yours apart, the heaviness of his hands on your face. You hoped you never forgot what it was like to feel him, his weight, his heat, his joy, his sadness. Everything about him, you hoped it would be ingrained in your mind because even though it had only been a few years since you met, you couldn’t imagine life without him anymore.

When he pulled away, it felt too soon. He looked at you one more time, his eyes puffy and red. He memorized your eyes and your lips, the contrast of your brown skin against his pale hands. He slid his hands down your neck, to your shoulders, then your forearms, finally willing himself to step back. He looked like he wanted to say something, and you hoped that he would. But nothing came out.

With one last glance, Steve was out your back door.

In the wind. For good.

[kristoffxannafanatic]

The Happiest Place on Earth

The Happiest Place on Earth

Happy Kristanna in July @artnerd2003. I am your Secret Santa and I hope you enjoy this little fluffy modern Kristanna AU. This fic was inspired by a Tik Tok video.

A huge shoot out to @michaelakuntzmann for giving this the once over and correcting my boo-boos. And thank you to @lukin08 for previewing it as well.

Anna stood there in complete disbelief…how did this happen? They were always super careful. It just did not make any sense. How was she going to tell him? The knock on the bathroom door startled her back to the present.

“Anna? Are you going to come out and tell me the results?”

Anna unlocked the door to let her sister in. Elsa walked over to the little pink stick sitting on the counter and looked down to read it…. PREGNANT.

“Are you ok?”

“NO! How can I do this now? I am 22, just graduated from college and no job! And Kristoff is only 25 and working for his Dad’s construction company.”

“You aren’t alone in this…you have me and don’t sell Kristoff so short. That man loves you with everything he has and would go to the moon and back for you.”

“Sure, he loves me, but we have never talked about having kids or about the future. Now he is going to be tied to me for the rest of his life because I seemed to have messed something up with the birth control.”

“Now wait a minute…it takes two to make a baby. He is just as responsible for it as you. I really do not think you have anything to worry about regarding Kristoff. I mean it is not going to be easy but if anyone can do it, you and Kristoff can. Are you going to go tell him?”

“No, not yet. I do not want it to ruin our trip to Disney World. It may be our last chance to be happy together.”

“Don’t wait too long. He has the right to know. Why don’t you tell when you are in Disney?”

“Wait, what?”

“I don’t know…I’m sure we can look up some cute ways to tell a dad to be on Pinterest.”

“Do you really think I can do this? Do you think I can be a good mother?”

Elsa walked over to Anna put her arm around her and wrapped her up in a tight hug.

“If anyone can do this, you can. You were born to be a mother.”

The girls spent hours on the internet looking for memorable ways for her to tell Kristoff that he was going to be a dad. Elsa could sense Anna’s frustration at all the ideas they saw.

“I wish it could be like the wedding proposal ones.”

“What do you mean?”

“I would love to do it in that spot with Cinderella’s castle in the background and have someone capture the moment on camera. But it isn’t like I can give him a ring.”

“What if we combine a couple of ides. Like you said in front of the castle but instead of getting on one knee with a ring, hand him a baby onesie that says I Love My Daddy.”

Anna loved the simplicity of the idea and decided this was her best option.

“Let’s go shopping for the onesie but first call your doctor and make an appointment for when you get back from Disney.”

Looking at all the baby things changed her outlook on the situation. Maybe she could do this and just maybe this could be the start of a new adventure.

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

Kristoff wanted to make sure this trip went off without a hitch. They were leaving in 3 days. He made a list of everything he needed to pack. He also knew how Anna was and that she would be packing ten minutes before they had to leave for the airport.

He decided that he should call his feisty girlfriend and see if she had thought about packing for the trip.

“Hi Baby…how are you? I wanted to know if you have thought about packing for the trip ahead of time?”

“Ummm….” Anna fiddled with the tiny onesie in hand and started to panic. “Kind of…I bought a few new things.”

“Oh good…I was afraid you would be packing as I pulled up to pick you up for the airport.”

Anna let out a nervous laugh because he was not 100% wrong.

“Do you want to come over tonight and binge some Netflix?”

Anna knew if she saw him, she would blurt out that she was pregnant and had to think of a reason not to get together for the next three days.

“I would love to, but I should really spend some time with Elsa because she is going to miss me when we are away.”

Kristoff was confused by Anna’s answer but who was he to question sister time.

“Alright but promise me you will take some time to pack. I want you to have an unforgettable time on this trip. I want it to be something talk about for years to come.”

“Oh, I will be.”

“What?”

“Nothing, honey…just saying that I know this will be a trip full of all kinds of surprises!”

Kristoff was worried that Elsa had told Anna about the surprise he had planned for the trip.

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

Kristoff had not seen her in four days. Every time he suggested they hang out; she had a weird reason to stay home. He chalked up her wacky behavior to excitement for their trip. The night before the trip, she was not answering any of his call, so he decided to text her.

‘Hey Baby…just checking in to see if you are all set for tomorrow morning. I will be there at 6:00am for our 8:30 flight. I hope you are as excited as I am to see Mickey Mouse & Co.’

‘Hi Handsome…you would be proud of me…I am all packed AND my bag in by the front door. I just need to pack my last-minute stuff in my carry on.’

‘I am proud of you! Get a lot rest because it is going to be a busy 10 days! I love you!’

‘Good night, Kris! Love you too. xoxo.’

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

Kristoff was surprised to see Anna sitting on her front step with Elsa when he pulled up. He jumped out of his truck and walked up to the sisters.

“Well, well, well. This is certainly a surprise. Did you have to drag her out of bed?”

“No, she dragged me out of bed.”

“I guess only Mickey Mouse can get her up and moving.”

“Yeah, yeah…keep joking you two. I don’t have a chance when the two of you gang up on me.”

Kristoff grabbed her bags and headed for the truck. Anna took this quiet moment to look to Elsa for one last bit of advice.

“Are you sure about this Elsa? I don’t want to lose him.”

Elsa took both of Anna’s hands in hers and kissed them.

“I promise this will all work out. Have faith in Kristoff and yourself.”

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

Once Anna was with Kristoff she settled back into their normal groove. She had made up her mind and was going to tell him today.

Their flight was on time and did not encounter any problems. Anna had never traveled so smoothly. Their bags were among the first to come out on the luggage carousel. She took that as good sign of things to come.

They took the shuttle to the Grand Floridian and arrived a short time later. The moment they entered Disney World, Anna forgot about all her worries and started getting overly excited.

“Settle down Feistypants…we still need to check in and correct me if I am wrong, but I remember someone wanting to go buy us some Mickey Ears.”

“Oh, my goodness…I almost forgot all about that. How am I going to decide which ears to buy?”

“You can pick out any ears you want as long as I can have something plain.”

Anna lunged over to him and hugged him tight. “You are such a good sport! I know it is not your favorite thing to do.”

“Anything for you, my love.”

They got checked in, dropped off their bags, and freshened up. Anna was pulling him all the way to the shop she read about online.

“So, you don’t mind if I but a whole bunch of these headbands because I can’t decide on just one?”

“Whatever you want princess. I will get those simple Mickey Mouse ones and the Captain America shield ones.”

“That’s it?”

“Well in all fairness, I won’t be wearing anywhere but here. You will be able to wear them in your classroom whenever you want.”

“That if I get a teaching job.”

“You will, I just know it.”

He leaned down and kissed her temple and grabbed the classic Mickey ears and the Cap ears. She decided on the sequined Minnie ears to match his Mickey ones.

“Hey Anna, can we go do that couple thing that everyone does?”

“What couple thing?”

“Can we go to that spot where the castle is in the background and t-take a picture.”

A million butterflies erupted in her stomach. He did not usually want to do such cliqued things. He was never one for pictures, selfies or public displays of affection and he seemed nervous. She was beginning to get cold feet but then she put her hand in her small backpack and felt the baby onesie and decided that this was it.

“OK…I guess since I have you wearing Mickey ears we might as well go all in.”

“Milk it for all you can because you know I won’t be wearing a headband all week for you to get these pics.”

They walked hand and hand until they arrived at the spot. They both took a moment to enjoy how beautiful the castle really was in person.

“It is funny how they did that optical illusion thing to make it look taller than it is.”

“I was so shocked when I saw that too. I am so glad you are planner and made us watch all those YouTube videos about it.”

“Ma said it was the best way to find all the tricks and ins and outs and get the most bang for our buck. OK…I think this is the perfect spot. Let me just find someone to take a picture with my phone.”

Kristoff walked over to a Disney World and asked them to pretend to just take a picture of them in front of the castle but hit the record button and not to stop recording until he said so.

They set up next to each other and posed for the photo.

“Alright look right here and smile. Perfect.”

Kristoff pulled away from Anna slightly and got down on one knee and took her left hand in his. Anna turned to him confused.

“What are you?”

“Anna, will you marry me?”

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING? OH MY GOD!”

He pulled out the ring and started to put it on her finger and Anna start to tear up and covered her face with her right hand. She had to take a deep breath and get through this. She looked up at the woman and realized she was recording a video and held up a finger.

“Wait one minute.”

Kristoff finished putting the ring on her hand and Anna started to pull something out of her backpack. Kristoff was confused and just waited. Anna looked over again and said, “wait, keep recording.”

Kristoff was so confused. What could she need in her backpack at this moment?

Anna pulled out some fabric and unrolled it and held in front of her and it said I Love My Daddy on it. After a minute he finally gets it. All he could hear was the crowd cheering all around them. One guy even yelled out, “She hit him with the reverse Uno!”

He looked up at Anna and said. “Really?”

All she could do was shake her head yes. He ran his hands down his face and started to tear up. Once he composed himself, he got up and wrapped his arms around Anna and pulled her in for hug.

It really was the happiest place on Earth, and it would be a story for them to share with future generations of Bjorgmans!

[soyeahitsmiddleearth]

Dimension Jumping pt. 3

The Fellowship x Reader

Grocery runs, unsavory conversations of stalking, and toxic mushrooms. Fun.

Trigger warning: Discussions of stalking and dangerous people.

Good ole Sam wasted no time in compiling an entire list of at least 25 different items (some of which you don’t know of), and when he handed it to you, you pat him on the head and praised his devotion to good food. 

You hold a great deal of respect for Samwise for a couple of reasons, and his excellent knack for culinary things is one of them. He does use some off language when referring to different techniques, but it’s easy to work around that language barrier since he’s pretty well spoken (also, you have the others there to give you assistance if you're too confused). 

After you got the list, though, you went ahead and walked to your room and began to get ready, which is what you’re doing now. 

Reluctantly, you change out of your fluffy pants and put on a pair of jeans and maroon shirt, fixing up your hair with some pins once your clothes are all sorted out. 

Once you’re satisfied that you don’t look like a total slob, you leave your room and join the others who are having a discussion about something in the living room. At this point you’ve learned to just tune them out during their boring conversations. 

When you step out into the room it goes quiet.

At first you think it’s because they’re discussing sensitive information, but then you see their eyes locked on your outfit which is different from your usual fluffy pants and t-shirt. 

“Are you going somewhere?” Aragorn asks, glancing over at Sam who seems to know exactly what’s going on. 

You nod your head and grab your purse from the counter and pull your phone out of your pocket. 

Great, more calls and texts from Brian. 

With a roll of your eyes you put your phone in the pocket of your jeans and head towards the door. “I sure am, and I’ll be back shortly." 

"Wait, I still have the list!” Sam calls suddenly, making you pause and pat your pockets. 

“Oh shoot, you’re right!” You turn and accept the list gratefully, then say apologetically, “I promise I wasn’t trying to pull a fast one on you, I just forgot." 

He nods his head (he doesn’t quite understand your odd figurative language) and takes a step back, asking slowly, "Are you sure you don’t need any help…?" 

Aw, what you would give to be able to bring him with you, but no matter how much you wanna, you can’t. 

"I’m sorry Sam. I really want to bring you with me, but it won’t end well for any of us. People will take pictures, hunt me down, and you’ll all probably be taken to government facilities for ‘testing’.” You ruffle his hair tenderly and sigh.

“Government facilities for testing?” Pippin the ever curious hobbit asks slowly. “Taken away?" 

Right, they probably have no idea what any of that means. "Well… how should I put this…” You reach up and bite your thumb while you think it over, then you nod and start again, “You see, humans in my world are really 'curious’ I guess you could say. When there’s something they don’t understand or can’t control, they like to take that thing and do one of two things.” You hold up a single finger, “One, they will lock you up in a lab somewhere and do god knows what to learn what they want. Like experiments and stuff.” You then held up a second finger, “Two, they will eliminate you." 

It seems your explanation successfully scared them all straight because none of the hobbits asked to come along after that. 

"Maybe I’ll be able to figure something out later on, but for now just stay put, okay?”

They all agreed without hesitation.

—

When you came back a few hours later you were greeted by a really excited Penny as well as Merry and Pippin. “Do you need help with the bags?” They ask eagerly, and you nod. 

“I do… my car is only a few feet away so I suppose it’s okay for you two to go out and grab some. Just stay out of sight and come back in straight away.”

The two hobbits nod their heads and scamper outside to your car (you’d showed it to them a few days back) and began taking the bags from your car. 

Boromir follows after them (he’s quite fond of them you’ve noticed) to make sure they don’t drop anything or get seen no doubt, and nods at you on his way out. 

After everything is brought inside you begin to put everything where it belongs, letting Sam look at everything you got food-wise before putting it away which seemed to make him quite happy. 

Once all the food is taken care of you go back to the remaining bags that contain some other things like toiletries and new clothes that will actually fit them with Merry and Pippin standing over your shoulders to see what you’ve got. 

You hold up some kids section plain clothes and hand it off to them, “These are for you two and Sam and Frodo too." 

They nod in unison. 

You then pull out some more clothes that are more fit for men and pass it off to Legolas who is standing with the hobbits. "And those are for you and Boromir and Aragorn.”

After everyone takes the things you gave them you stand up straight and clap your hands, “Alright, so what I want to happen is everyone bathe and then change into those and then I’ll figure out how to wash your things. Sound good?”

“Yes, thank you very much for your hospitality.” Boromir states, standing from his claimed spot on the couch to approach. “You’ve been very generous." 

"Very generous indeed. We owe you a great debt for welcoming us like this and paying our way through your world.” Aragorn agrees from your comfy chair with Penny in his lap.

You have to resist the urge to glare at him for stealing the love of your life, so you glance away quickly with a pout on your face. “What else was I going to do? Throw you all out?" 

Theres a few moments of silence before Aragorn speaks again, "Well, yes. You would’ve been right to do so, as well." 

"No way, that would’ve been a horrible thing to do! And I like to consider myself a pretty decent person.” You cross your arms over your chest after saying this and glance over toward the front door, thinking silently to yourself for a moment before asking, “None of you happened to see a small black vehicle outside earlier, right?" 

Pippin and Merry share a questioning look, a silent exchange asking if one or the other saw what you’re asking about, before looking back at you and shaking their heads. Boromir also shakes his head 'no’, "I’m afraid not. May I ask why?”

You don’t reply right away, and when you do it’s more of a mumble, “It’s nothing. Just, well, that’s the car the guy who was here yesterday drives and…” You trail off after a moment reaching up to bite at your thumb again like earlier. Quite well you know that Brian has been lowercase ’s’ stalking you, and while that’s unnerving and creepy as fuck you don’t feel much worry about anything happening with them here. What you’re really worried about is him seeing them.

When you don’t speak for a while Legolas asks curiously, “And, what?" 

Your teeth stop biting at your thumb and you allow your hand to fall to your side, focusing in on them again, "Sorry, what I was saying is that he… likes to watch… me, and, er, my house. I’m just worried he’s trying to catch a glimpse of the lot of you is all." 

The taller men and elf share a look, one that you can’t put your finger on, but none of them get a chance to speak before Gimli grumbles, "It sounds like you’ve got a double shadow, if you were to ask me." 

That’s one way to put it. 

"I guess you could say that.” It feels weird to discuss this with others (much less 8 others from another timeline), but it’s better than discussing it with Marissa or something. Nothing ever happens to him because he’s the son of the boss, so when he set his sights on you, you had no other choice then to deal with it. Certainly you would be fired if you were to make a complaint, and it sends shivers down your spine to think about not having your job as a safety net against him anymore. “I-It’s complicated." 

When you descend into silence once more they share more odd looks, and Legolas breaks the quiet once more. 

"Is that man from the day before the reason for your,” he pauses and looks like he’s trying to recall something. His expression brightens when he seems to remember, too, “your hand phone’s constant singing?”

Oh, so they noticed that. Isn’t that embarrassing. 

“You’re very observant… Yes. He is. When I don’t reply right away he likes to send upwards to 100 messages to get my attention." 

"100?” Merry asks in disbelief, looking at his cousin, “That sounds like a lot." 

You reach up and rub the back of your neck, nodding your head sheepishly, "It is. I guess I just ignore it usually." 

"And he tracked you to your home?” Aragorn asks. Before you can respond he asks another question though, “Is he your lover?”

The innocent question makes you physically cringe, and you shake your head quickly and make an 'X’ with your arms, “Um, hell no. That stalker ain’t no lover to me. I don’t know how things are for you, but men like that typically are of the very unsavory sort.” You drop your arms to your sides again, then reach up and run your fingers through your hair as you become more stressed, “He’s a bad person." 

"Then why not tell him you wish to be left alone?” Boromir questions, eyebrows furrowing. “Like you did yesterday." 

Oh, these poor dears certainly don’t get it at all. 

Of course, it’s your job to explain it to them, but you’re not sure if they will even understand. Who knows how things are where they’re from, after all. Maybe they live in some place that doesn’t have this sort of problem.

You then begin to explain, "It’s hard to explain… You see, sometimes when men don’t get their way here, they take it anyway and then we get punished for it. I can’t just tell him to leave me alone because he’s the son of my boss, therefore he is also my boss. So if he makes… advances towards me, I can’t tell him to screw off because I can’t afford to be fired. And the reason I felt comfortable enough to do it yesterday is because I had the two of you there. He’s a coward, and wouldn’t dare to do something in the presence of others he has no control over.” It seems they’re beginning to understand, but there is still confusion in their expressions. 

“So you can’t say so for that reason?” Merry asks, head tilted to the side slightly in a way that makes his shiny curls sway in front of his face. 

“That’s one reason. Yes." 

"And the other?” The blond elf asks again. He’s got to be the most curious of this bunch (next to Pippin of course).

“The other? Well, it’s something a lot more, um, unhappy.” You’re not sure how else to explain it.

No one says anything this time, but you can see that they’re waiting for you to elaborate further. 

“People like him aren’t used to being told no. They see people as playthings and puppets since they’ve been handed everything their whole life. He has power, and I don’t, so therefore I have to just deal with it. I mean, no one would bat an eyelash if he did whatever.” You don’t want to outright say it because it’s a very unsavory and uncomfortable topic, but they just don’t understand where you’re coming from. 

At least they don’t judge you, though.

“But why?” Pippin asks again, scratching the back of his head. “A new job doesn’t seem so bad if you don’t have to deal with him, right?" 

A part of you is grateful that they’re trying to hard to see where you’re coming from, but gosh they won’t get it if you aren’t more direct. 

"I don’t know what people like him are really capable of, Pippin. If I tell him I’m not interested and I hurt his feelings, there’s a strong possibility he would probably kill me, or do something worse than that." 

It seems that bluntness did the trick.

Unfortunately, the confusion is quickly replaced with expressions of horror and bewilderment. 

"He’s going to kill you?” Aragorn questions in alarm, looking over at Boromir and Legolas who share similar shocked expressions. 

Boromir shakes his head and looks at you again, saying rather determinedly, “We won’t let that happen." 

"No, I didn’t say he is going to kill me, I said it’s a strong possibility.” You feel kinda guilty for worrying them like that, “Besides, as long as I don’t go out at night by myself or address his affections directly then I won’t have to worry about it too much anyways." 

You get some weird looks and Legolas asks slowly, "Why do you say that so calmly? Like you’ve already accepted that something horrid could happen with a single misstep?" 

That’s a nice way to put it. Not. 

"Because it’s the reality I live in. Is it not like that where you’re from?” You rub your arms and shift from foot to foot, glancing down at the ground briefly to avoid looking at all their stares. 

“I wouldn’t say that. The world of men is just as despicable there as it is here, but I suppose that it seemed more likely that it would be different in this place.” Aragorn explains, gently stroking his hand down Penny’s back. “But I suppose with us here, you’re safer." 

"I don’t doubt that for a second.” A small smile comes to your face at the assurance of protection, and it warms your lil’ ole heart. 

Okay, but you’re kinda done with this topic now, so you suddenly clap loudly and pick up a bag full of fluffy fabric. 

“Enough of that depressing stuff! I’ve got a bag here full of absolute heaven, and there’s some for all of you!" 

Pippin’s expression brightens, he knows exactly what you’re about to bring out, and he runs over to look inside of the paper bag.

You pull out a bundle of dark blue, red, and black checkered fuzzy pants and drop them all onto the couch. You begin to separate them by size, all the kids sizes on the left, and the mens sizes on the right. 

The boys pants are red and black, while the mens are dark blue and black. What you really wanted was to have everyone match, but this was the best you could do. 

"I’ve also got some t-shirts in this bag,” you nudge another paper bag to your right with your foot, “So you can all bathe and give me your… outfits, and we can figure out how to clean them in my washing machine." 

You turn with a bright smile on your face, and it seems your excitement is rubbing off on them because you see at least 5 matching smiles. 

The hobbits get all of theirs right away and seem rather grateful, Gimli grumbles something about the color, and the dudes and elf guy all share a look but accept it regardless. 

Pippin holds his new pants on one arm and states a very happy, "Thank you!” Before scampering off to the guest room you gave them to, probably, put them on. 

—

Later in the day after you’ve successfully corrupted the majority of them with your magical fluffy pants, you are hanging out in the backyard with the hobbits (you have a substantial backyard with a tall wooden fence, so you don’t worry about anyone seeing them) when Merry and Pippin suddenly gather around the far left corner of your backyard. 

You pay it no mind at first and continue to idly scroll through your phone, slouching heavily in the chair with your feet planted on the ground and butt half off the chair, until Merry calls to Frodo and Sam, saying something about looking at a thing over there. 

Still you don’t get up to investigate, but you do lower your phone a bit and look at them over the screen like you do when Penny is misbehaving and trying to be sneaky. 

They’re all huddled over something, so you sit up normally on the chair and squint a bit to look at what they’re doing before your eyes go wide. “Hey! No, stop that!” You yell loudly, jumping to your feet and running over as your phone falls on the concrete. You take on a tone you usually only use when talking to your pupper, force of habit you suppose, and it successfully makes them all turn with wide eyes. 

You’ve only ever raised your voice two times, yesterday with Brian, and now, so suffice to say your sudden outburst shocked them all. 

All the hobbits paused with wild mushrooms halfway in their mouths or in the middle of chewing, each one looking like a deer caught in headlights. 

“You can’t eat those!” You exclaim, leaning down and smacking them out of their hands. “They’re poisonous!" 

Oh god, you’re going to have to call poison control, but how on earth are you going to explain any of this? But you can’t just let them die or something, ugh but then you be in so much trouble. 

You reach up and pull at your hair roughly, pacing back and fourth, "Oh god, oh god.” Your pacing is quick and movements frantic as you try to figure out what you’re going to do, “I’ve just killed their hobbits, oh god, why wasn’t I paying attention? I can’t believe I didn’t notice, how could I not?! Oh god!” You look over at them, noticing how all of them are looking at you weirdly, but you ignore that as you rack your brain for a solution, “Is it too late for them to regurgitate it? Ugh that’s disgusting but I can’t call poison control! Way to go Y/N!" 

It seems the commotion has drawn the attention of the other four inside, because the next thing you know Aragorn is stepping in front of you with an alarmed expression on his face. "What’s wrong?”

“I’ve just killed your hobbits is what’s wrong!” You cry, pointing at the four of them and their damned mushrooms, “I-I wasn’t paying attention and they started putting those in their mouths and eating them! They aren’t supposed to do that!" 

The backyard is silent for at least 20 seconds before everyone around you bursts into laughter.

Yes you heard that right, laughter. 

These psychopaths think this is funny!? 

You look around at all of them with bewilderment, stopping your pacing since you aren’t quite in on the joke. 

Was it a prank? Or is there something you’re not getting here? Because they are definitely laughing at you and you don’t like it one bit. 

"Those mushrooms are not poisonous to the little ones, Miss Y/N.” Boromir explains. He’s not laughing quite as much, though he does still looking very amused. “They eat things deadly to us all the time, but they’ve an immunity to it." 

You kinda just stare at him blankly for a few moments before slowly looking over at the hobbits again, then back at Boromir. "I-Immunity…?” Comes you slow question. “So like, they aren’t gonna die?" 

"No." 

You don’t say anything for a little while, running your hand through your hair slowly as you try to process what the hell is going on. "You know what, I’m not even gonna touch on that." 

Really the fact that you haven’t gone insane yet as is, is impressive in itself, so you find it better to just let the weird stuff pass on by and hope none of it affects you directly. "Enjoy your… mushrooms.” You grumble, walking back to the patio to pick up your phone. 

You were so panic stricken a moment ago that when you dropped your phone on the concrete, the screen cracked. 

Legolas walks up to you as you dust off your phone, “You seemed rather concerned for the hobbits.” He muses, looking down at you curiously. 

A slight flush begins to creep up your neck and you look away, “And what about it?" 

"I only think it interesting how quickly you came to care for them, nothing more. I do not think we have seen you so panicked before." 

Well he’s got a point there. 

You shrug your shoulder lamely, not really sure yourself the reason behind being so concerned for them. "I dunno… I just felt really scared when I saw that is all. I’d be really upset if something were to happen to them.” Your words surprise you slightly, because it’s true. In such a short amount of time, you’ve managed to care for all of them much more then you probably should. 

The blond elf hums thoughtfully and looks back at the others, “It puts me at ease to know we have such a gracious and attentive host, so allow me to thank you for that." 

His praise warms your heart, because truthfully there have been a few times that you’ve been concerned that you aren’t doing enough, but it seems they don’t share in this thought process. "Thank you for saying that." 

"My pleasure." 

[osakaso5]

Momo Twelve Hits! Rabbit Chat Part 3: Request Hits 2

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 4 | Part 5

Yamato: Sorry about the disturbance. Can we continue now?

Momo: I'm good, but are you sure you are? lol

Momo: Iori and Tamaki didn't notice your whoopee cushion until it was too late, right? lololol

Yamato: We're good. We agreed that I'll make decorated school lunches for them on my next day off.

Iori: It's not that I fell for his bribery, I just didn't want to prolong this pointless fight.

Tamaki: It's been super long since we last got Yama-san's fancy lunches!

Yamato: I'll put in a little dessert, too.

Tamaki:

Riku: Where did you get a whoopee cushion, anyway?

Mitsuki: Apparently he got it from a bingo at a wrap party, lol

Yamato: I did get it, but I wasn't sure when to use it.

Sogo: That doesn't mean you had to put it in the living room...

Yamato: I forgot I left it there (lol)

Nagi: Goodness. Sogo is right, the living room is not your personal locker.

Mitsuki: You're one to talk, Nagi! The merch you bought online is still lying around in there!

Nagi: Just think of them as decorations :-)))

Tsumugi: In any case, I'm glad the whoopee cushion incident has been resolved! lol

Momo: Yep! Let's get back to the requests, shall we! (^O^ゞ

Tsumugi: Right! Go ahead, Mitsuki-san!

Mitsuki: Gotcha!

Mitsuki: Mine is to recommend a game!

Mitsuki: You're really busy, but you play a lot of stuff, right? I figured you'd know everything from the most popular stuff to more niche stuff!

Momo: I'm not an expert or anything, lol I just casually play whatever catches my eye.

Mitsuki: You play  a lot of stuff, but aren't action games your favorite?

Momo: They're so exhilarating! When I'm in a bad mood, I play games to let off some steam, lololol

Momo: Plus it's fun to plan the allotment and pacing of my weapons and ammo when I play.

Nagi: So you are a strategical player, Mister Momo.

Gaku: Wow. I don't play games that often, but when I do, I just shoot at everything until I run out of ammo and lose.

Ryunosuke: I usually get surrounded by enemies and die because I'm too busy checking my surroundings...

Tenn: Even if it's just games we're talking about, it's worrying that two of our members are the self-destructive type

Kaoru: They're very on the nose, though...

Momo: Everyone's got their own playstyle, so I can totally see that (≧▽≦)b

Momo: I've also been playing mobile stuff lately, like escape games! I'll make a list of my top game recs later.

Mitsuki: A ranking! Awesome! I can't wait to see it!

Momo: If any of them seem interesting, try them out and let me know what you thought ☆

Mitsuki: I will!

Tsumugi: I'm sure Momo-san's game ranking will be very interesting!

Tsumugi: Yamato-san, you're next.

Yamato: I wanna hear if there's anything in particular that you do for relaxation.

Yamato: You're really good at stuff like mental control. I was wondering if you had some kind of trick to it.

Momo: Do you have anything, Yamato?

Yamato: I drink beer and sleep (lol)

Iori: It feels like all you do is drink...

Riku: There's always beer in the fridge!

Nagi: Yamato... Are you actually drowning some sort of sorrows in alcohol..?

Yamato: Nope, I mostly just drink beer because I love it.

Nagi: (´・ω・`)

Sogo: It's hard to tell whether you're drinking for fun or to relax... Maybe you could come up with some kind of signal?

Yamato: I don't exactly want to let everybody know when I'm stressed, y'know (lol)

Yamato: Well, Momo-san?

Momo: I don't think I do anything special to relax.

Momo: If whatever's stressing me out is something I can't control, I just close my eyes. If I need to eliminate whatever's making me feel that way, I do that.

Yamato: You say the scariest things sometimes.

Tsumugi: Mental balance is important. I try not to let stress build up, either.

Tsumugi: Yaotome-san, may we hear your request next?

Gaku: Mine is to do a one-man Re:vale show!

Momo: What's that supposed to be, lol It sounds really funny, lololol

Gaku: You pretend to be Yuki-san and host the show as if you're both there!

Yuki: Momo's going to pretend he's me? Great idea

Gaku: You did it for me off work just the other day, remember? Your so-called Supreme Hunk act was really funny.

Momo: I didn't want Yuki to find out about that, lololol

Yuki: Oh. Did he sound just like me?

Gaku: No, not really.

Momo: That's harsh! I feel a little hurt by that, lololol

Gaku: My bad (lol)

Gaku: It's not that your tone or the language you used were too different from his. It's just that the pose  you took every time you said  anything kinda overshadowed the rest (lol)

Momo: I know, but I couldn't help it...

Yuki: Now I really want to see that

Momo: It's too embarrassing to do in front of you, Yuki!

Yuki: I'll be praying that you end up with Gaku-kun's request ^^

Gaku: Thank you! (lol)

Tsumugi: That would drive all Re:vale fans wild! 

Tsumugi: Tsunashi-san, are you ready?

Ryunosuke: Yeah. Mine is to tell everyone  a weakness of yours,  if you have any! 

Ryunosuke: You've got fast reflexes and you're a great speaker, so I feel like you're kind of great at everything. I can't even imagine anything you couldn't handle...

Banri: Momo-kun's such a multitalent. He's got skill, guts, and courage.

Yuki: He never gets lost at a place we haven't been to before.

Banri: And he's good with bugs...

Ryunosuke: You must really be fearless, if you're even good with bugs!

Momo: I can handle bugs, but I wouldn't say I'm "good" with them, lololol

Momo: I've totally got weaknesses! Like the sound of two pieces of styrofoam being rubbed together!

Riku: Aagh! A chill just ran down my spine..!

Tamaki: There was a bad taste in my mouth just now..!

Sogo: These two are very sensitive to those sorts of things.

Momo: Sorry, lololol

Momo: If I said this on radio, would it have the same effect on the listeners!? I'll have to come up with an answer everyone can handle, lol

Ryunosuke: Thank you! I'm looking forward to it.

Tsumugi: I can't imagine Momo-san having weaknesses, either!

Tsumugi: Momo-san, could we hear your request for yourself next?

Momo: Okay!

Momo: My request is a super deep Re:vale talk, about stuff only I know! (*^▽゜)v☆ミ

Momo: The show isn't just for me, it's for our fans too. I figured it'd be a nice treat for them!

Yuki: If it's stuff only you know, does that mean it's something even I don't know about?

Momo: Basically, I'll be approaching Re:vale's charm from my own perspective!

Momo: Like the time Yuki almost dropped his phone in a pot because he was half-asleep, or how all of Yuki's pictures turn out amazing, even when I try to take them without warning!

Tamaki: You're only gonna talk about Yukirin!

Momo: Oh! Am I?

Tenn: That won't be much of a Re:vale talk

Iori: I suppose this is the impact of marketing yourself as a married couple...

Ryunosuke: I'm sure your fans will be happy to know how close you are!

Yuki: Re:vale is both of us. If you only talk about me, I'll be sad, and maybe even a little angry

Yuki: Maybe I'll get so sad that I barge into the recording booth with you

Momo: While I'm broadcasting!?

Yuki: No, not really.

Yuki: Even if I want to

Momo: Yuki..! I'm so sorry for making you sad! I'll make sure to talk about myself, too!

Momo: I'll tell you all about how important you are to me ☆

Gaku: Did he listen to anything Yuki-san just said..?

Tenn: Who knows?

Rinto: Yuki-kun has gone quiet...

Tsumugi: IDOLiSH7 could learn a lot from Re:vale's intimacy..!

Mitsuki: Nah, they're way too intense, lololol

Yamato: Our manager says pretty unhinged stuff sometimes.

Nagi: I do not mind doing a marriage routine with IDOLiSH7 :-)

Riku: There's seven of us, so it'd be really hard to decide our roles..!

Tsumugi: Lastly, Yuki-san, may we hear your request?

Yuki: Yeah

Yuki: Momo, try treating me more coldly

Momo: Huh!? You mean I gotta be mean to you!?

Momo: No way! That's too hard! Σ(T□T)

Yuki: I had a different request for you originally, but I changed my mind.

Momo: You change requests too fast! You told me the same thing just a while ago.

Yuki: That's good. Keep going

Momo: No! That wasn't me being mean, I was just calling you out!

Yuki: But it's not quite enough. Say something meaner

Momo: Yuuukiiiiiii~~~~~~ ・゜・(ノд`;)・゜・

Kaoru: Do you think he'll get mad and start sulking if you say something mean to him, even though he asked for it?

Yamato: Ugh, that's so annoying.

Rinto: This is Momo-kun we're dealing with, so I'm sure he already has the proper aftercare in mind...

Yuki: Say anything you want

Momo: I'm absolutely never gonna get this request!!!

Yuki: ^^

Tsumugi: What a passionate development..!

Tsumugi: I'm sure you've all got more things to say, but that's it for the requests. Thank you!

Yuki: Now it's time for Momo to request something from us

Sogo: If there's anything you want, let us know.

Choices/outcomes:

1. Do you have a request for us?

Momo: To keep playing with me, I guess! Thanks for being such good friends (○´д`人´д`○)

2. Do you have a request for TRIGGER?

Momo: We've got a tour coming up, so come see us if you've got the time!

3. Do you have a request for Yuki-san?

Momo: Change that request from earlier to something else right now, please... |ω・`)

Gaku: Those were some great requests!

Yuki: I hope they get fulfilled ^^

Momo: I was serious about all of them, so here's hoping!

Mitsuki: It's almost your birthday, too! I hope you'll let us celebrate it with you, even though it comes before the requests!

Momo: Yay! I've been waiting for this, lol

Mitsuki: Happy birthday, Momo-san! I'll bake you a cake later!

Ryunosuke: Happy birthday! I'm glad you were so excited for this!

Tamaki: Momorin, hbd! Make sure to get my request!

Riku: Happy birthday, Momo-san! I'm looking forward to your radio show!

Tenn: Happy birthday. Thank you for always looking out for us.

Kaoru: Happy birthday. I hope you have a good year.

Nagi: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Sogo: Momo-san, happy birthday. As both your fan and junior, I will be praying for Re:vale's continued success.

Iori: Happy birthday. I hope you continue to look after IDOLiSH7.

Gaku: Momo-san, happy birthday. Come see TRIGGER's lives, too!

Yamato: Happy birthday. Here's to many more years of being friends.

Banri: Happy birthday! I'll be cheering for you, as always. And I look forward to your upcoming live.

Rinto: Happy birthday! It makes me very happy to have celebrated all these birthdays with you. I hope I can continue doing just that.

Tsumugi: Happy birthday, Momo-san..!

Momo: Thanks for the requests and birthday messages! I'm super happy right now..!

Momo: Now that I got all this, I can head towards my birthday at full speed!

Gaku: Do you have any plans?

Momo: We have the afternoon off, so I'm planning to have dinner at Yuki's!

Yuki: It's too bad we don't get the entire day

Momo: Half a day is more than enough! lol I'm so happy I get to celebrate with you and Okarin (ノ*´▽)ノ

Momo: But I need to host a great radio show before that!

Momo: With all your requests, I'll make sure that my Twelve Hits! will be fun. Just you wait!

[ablogcalledrevenge]

Never Really Over

(a Gabriel O’Malley x Reader Insert Multichapter Fic, Rated M)

Chapter 3

The phone by your bed rings at 2:47 in the morning and you jolt awake out of a pleasant, if bizarre dream with your heart hammering inside your chest. Rolling over, you grab the receiver and focus on breathing.

“Hello, what?” You mumble, your cat’s eyes glowing yellow in the darkness from the foot of your bed. Getting a call this late at night, or perhaps this early in the morning, was never a good thing.

“Hey, I need your car. Can I borrow it?” The other voice says and there’s a pause where you try to figure out what the fuck is going on. 

“My car? Why do you need my- who is this? Gabe? No, you can not have my fucking car! It is 3 in the morning and I have work tomorrow. Go away!” You yell into the receiver. But before you can hang up the phone, he sighs.

“C’mon baby please. I’m doing this job and I gotta get this body outta the way. Please (Y/N), I’ll pay for the gas and everything.” He pleads into the phone. You rub at your temple and frown. 

“You are not putting a fucking body in my brand new Cadillac! Go ask Tony or David or somebody. This is your job, not mine. Zayde wouldn’t want me to get involved anyway.” You shoot back, wondering why you haven’t hung up on him.

“Tony’s busy and David’s car is in the shop. Besides, don’t you think I know that! I tried a bunch of other people before I called you. I promise I won’t get your car dirty, I won’t ask you to do anything but drive. C’mon baby I need your help please.” His voice has taken on a peculiar quality and your face floods with heat when you finally place it. He’s using his sex voice! He’s using his fucking sex voice to make you leave your house at 3 in the morning to drive him somewhere with a dead body. It was an underhanded move, he knew what that deep whisper did to you, and you clench your thighs together.

“Fine, fine! I’ll help you. But you can’t tell anyone and if you get so much as a scuff mark on my Cadillac, you’ll be joining that body.” You decide and Gabe cheers into the phone. He gives you the address and you figure you’ll be there in 15 minutes, although if you hit traffic you wouldn’t be surprised. But before you finally say goodbye, you lower your pitch as well to mimic his.

“Oh and Gabe? I’m not your baby.” The half groan, half laugh he responds with is worth the trouble.

The ride to the house where Gabe had prepared the body is pretty short, so you don’t feel too guilty about spending a good few minutes changing into a cute nightgown and brushing your hair. Gabe knows what you look like, but a little mascara never hurt anyone. Plus if you got arrested at least you’d look pretty for your mugshot.

You quietly pull up in your ‘76 Coupe DeVille, the street lamps bouncing off the red paint. Gabriel is waiting outside with a duffel, hiding in a shadow before hauling the large garbage bag over to your trunk. You join him at the rear of your car, helping him lift up the body and place it on the tarp inside. He slams the trunk closed and turns to you, long and lean.

“If that bag leaks, I’ll kill you.” You repeat, pointing your finger at him. He leans forward and playfully bites it. Scowling, you pull away and get back in the driver’s seat, glancing around the quiet neighborhood. 

“So where are we going? The river again?” You ask, adjusting your mirrors before getting on the road. Gabriel’s eyes travel up your bare leg to the hem of your nightgown but you ignore the leer.

“Santa Monica.” He finally says when you hit a red light. You’re glad the car has stopped, because you turn to gape at him.

“Santa Monica? Santa Monica! Are you out of your mind? That’s like a 45 minute drive from here! I’m not taking you to fucking Santa Monica. What’s wrong with the river?” You ask incredulously, getting on the highway regardless. He smirks but wisely doesn’t comment.

“The tide’s going out tonight, it’s perfect to dump the body. It’ll be out in the middle of the Pacific by the time anyone knows he’s gone. Besides, last time I used the river, I got sick.” He points out, turning on the radio. Dolly Parton sings about someone smiling that smile and there go all her defenses. You give the radio a glare because that’s a low blow.

“Yeah, I remember.” You murmur absently, merging into another lane. You remember everything and at least Gabriel has the kindness to look abashed. You ride in silence for the rest of the journey.

You make good time to the pier, everything dark and quiet above you as you walk under the wooden beams. The Ferris Wheel sits unmoving, all the bright lights are off and the only sounds around you are the waves lapping against the dirty sand. You take a deep breath in, always having loved the scent of the beach. Gabriel grabs the body from the trunk and you take some plastic bags out as well.

“Here, put these around your shoes so they don’t get wet. You’re not getting back into my car smelling all briney.” You explain, watching him drag the garbage bag down under the pier. 

“It’s fine, I brought a change of clothes. I’m gonna have to go in deep to make sure it doesn’t get stuck on the sand when the tide goes out. But hold this for me, will you?” He replies, whipping off his t-shirt and throwing it to you. Catching it with a smile, you sit on the hood of your car and watch Gabe disappear into the darkness.

You know that the body has been drained and chopped up to make it smaller, that there are weights in the bag to keep it underwater. By midmorning, that body will be in the middle of the ocean, halfway down among the fish. You didn’t know who the stiff was, but if Gabe had to deal with him, he probably deserved it.

Gabriel returns 10 minutes later, soaking wet and beautiful. The moonlight shines on his pale skin and the small ridges of muscle and bone are mesmerizing. He’s never been a wide sort of guy but there’s something so attractive about his body, in the subtleness of strength and the delicacy of his gait. He looks fucking good and you cross your arms for something to do. 

Grabbing his duffel from the backseat, he takes out a towel and wipes himself down. His gold cross shimmers in the early morning light and the car jostles as he joins you on the hood. The yellow light of dawn usually turns people’s faces sallow but Gabriel glows in his success. You turn your head and watch the waves instead. You should probably leave now before the surfers and dog walkers head over. You have to be at the bank in the morning but you’re tempted to call out. You haven’t done that in a long time and considering your uncle was the bank manager, it would probably be okay.

“All done. Give me a second and I’ll change my pants. Then we can go.” He says quietly, shaking out any remaining sand from the towel. He scratches at the back of his neck awkwardly.

“Thanks for helping me with this. You didn’t have to and I appreciate it. Thanks (Y/N).” Gabe adds, letting his hand rest next to yours, pinky fingers touching. You flush at the thanks and nod, content to watch the sunrise with someone you know.

Ten minutes later you’re fucking in the back seat of your Cadillac and you’d be pissed if you weren’t so satisfied. You almost kick a hole through the car roof, you forgot how good it could be. 

Once your breathing regulates and Gabe lights up a cigarette for each of you, do you actually say something other than expletives and his name.

“What was Claire like?” You ask, immediately hating yourself for bringing it up. Gabe was probably still mourning her and you didn’t want to know. Except you really did.

Taking a long drag of his cigarette, he looks over at you with a sad smile before turning his eyes back to the middle distance. You focus on the condensation left on the windows.

“She was great, she really was. She was tough; you know she was married to that guy for fucking years letting him hit her and curse her out. Never complained, never said a word against him. She stuck it out, she was resilient.” Gabe says and you can’t help but feel a little bad. No one deserved to be in an abusive marriage. In that way, you did feel for her.

“She was nice too, if you had a problem, she’d help you; no questions asked. She was one of those people that helped; a doer. That’s the resilience. She did what she had to do to stay alive. She was probably too nice for the shit she got mixed up in, but she wanted to be able to take care of herself. I could respect that.” He’s lost to his memories now and you bite your lip to keep from crying at your folly. You shouldn’t have asked.

“You know I showed her how to handle the bodies? She didn’t seem squeamish about any of that stuff, she wanted to learn everything about the business. It wasn’t darkness, not like you have, but it was a pragmatism. If she was going to be in charge, she didn’t want to be taken advantage of again.” The mention of you causes an intake of breath that he either doesn’t hear or pretends he doesn’t. You’re not sure if it’s a compliment or not. You’re also aware of the similarities between you and Claire and it makes you uncomfortable. At least if she had been your total opposite you could make peace with the fact that you would never be like her. But you two were so alike, which made your failure to measure up even more obvious.

“The sex wasn’t bad either”, he adds like one more nail in the coffin, “Yeah, she was really great.” And you’re underground with her, your bodies rotting with the worms. Gabriel O’Malley has killed you both. It’s amazing how he does it so effortlessly. Your thoughts drift to the body sinking down beneath the floam; how peaceful it must be to just lie back and let the sea take you.

You don’t cry, you just smoke your cigarette down to the filter and toss it out the window. He does the same. The sun rises higher in the sky and paints his skin golden.

“I’m sorry Gabe, I really am. I know you loved her, loved her a lot.” You finally choke out. You’re ready to go home now.

“I’m not finished (Y/N).” Gabe says, turning in the backseat to face you. He takes your hands and the tears start falling.

“Please I don’t want to hear anymore, I’m sorry I asked, I’m sorry I brought it up. You love her and you never loved me and it’s obvious now and I feel like an idiot and I just want to go home. I want you to leave me alone. Please leave me alone.” You cry, pulling your hands away but he keeps grabbing them and pulling them back. What the fuck does he want with you?

“I will if you let me explain something, something important!” He demands, his hands resting on your upper arms and shaking you once. You stop outright crying and nod.

“Claire was all those things. She was tough and hardworking and smart and so kind. But she was also a person with good and bad parts. Stuff that I needed to discover and accept about her. The thing is, I wasn’t treating her like a person, I was treating her like an ideal. I was comparing her, the real her, against the image I had created in my head. An image no real person could ever compete with. To be perfectly fucking frank, Claire was really boring.” Gabe confesses, looking tired. Your brain short circuits and you blink several times.

“Listen, I could’ve dated her and married her and had kids with her and I probably would’ve had a nice life. She would’ve been a great mom and a great wife and we would’ve been happy in the grand scheme of things. But she was just… outside of the business, we had nothing in common! We didn’t like the same music or movies, we didn’t like doing the same thing, we had nothing to talk about. The sex was good because that’s all we were doing, it passed the time. Although let me tell you, I forgot how repressed these Catholic girls are sometimes. It was a trial and a half to get her to let me fuck her from behind. It gutted me when she died, partially because it was my fault. Cathy wanted me to spare this kid, but he wasn’t a kid. He came back with a buddy and Claire got one but she didn’t know enough about this world to be prepared for the second guy. I should’ve told her, I should’ve protected her, but I didn’t. Turns out I was wrong about her, wrong about a lot of things. I realized while I was out there that the Claire I thought I wanted didn’t exist, she never existed, and it was wrong of me to compare her to the Claire I had, and to you. So yeah, I cared about her. I cared so much about her, I wanted her to be happy. But I didn’t love her, I couldn’t love her. Not the way she deserved, not in any real way.” 

There is silence in the car again, the sound of gulls starting to rise with the sun. Your tears have stopped and your breathing has too. You look at him, really look at him, and it’s like a bad picture trying to come through. His edges have gone blurry and the sound of your accelerating heartbeat is becoming the only thing you can hear. Your hands are shaking but you don’t know whether it’s from the comedown or your anger or something else entirely.

“Do you mean to tell me that this whole time I have been comparing myself to a person who does not exist? That I have been letting you compare me to a woman who is so perfect, she couldn’t even measure up to herself? You left me for something that was never going to work out? Is that what you’re telling me?” You confirm, your voice tight and deliberately slow. Gabe nods and swallows.

“Let’s get into the front seat and go home, huh?” You say after you watch him squirm for a moment. You pull your underwear back on and climb over the front seat while Gabe gets out and walks around to the passenger side door. You think very briefly about killing him, there’s a gun in your purse, but you decide against it. He was working for the Godfather now and you didn’t want to take away one of his guys.

Gabe pulls on the handle of the passenger side door but it doesn’t budge. You try and tame your hair in the rearview mirror, ignoring the sound of the door handle being pulled. 

“Unlock the door, let me in.” He says, the sun almost completely out on the beach. You give him a once over and start the car.

“Find your own way home asshole.” You say, before pulling out of the spot with a squeal and driving off. The last thing you do as you leave him in Santa Monica is snake your hand out through the open window, middle finger tall and straight.

Chapter Four Coming Soon....

Tagging: @babbushka​, @theold-ultraviolence​, @stylelovechild​, @niniita-ah

Please let me know if you’d like to be tagged in future chapters!

[literallyprentissstwin]

𝚒'𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞. - 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝟸

request: yes I no

characters: Sonny Carisi x Y/N Y/L/N

others: Lieutenant Olivia Benson, Detective Fin Tutuola, Detective Amanda Rollins, ADA Rafael Barba, mention of Peter Turner (the suspect), Dr. Langford as well as some nurses

category: angst, hurt/comfort, crime

warnings: talk of kidnapping, mention of torture, violence and rape, slight mention of PTSD

previous parts: part 1 

A/N: thank you all so so much for the amazing feedback to the first part of this story <3 it literally means the world. i´m having a good time finally being back writing and your feedback is more than welcome. i decided to make this story a three parter since part 2 would otherwise have been too long. so i hope you´ll stick with me and this story till the end. this is my first ever SVU fic and i´m really happy with it so far. again, feedback is very appreciated. don´t forget that english isn´t my native language, so please be kind. i do make a lot of grammar or spelling mistakes and it´s okay to point them out :) now, enjoy reading part 2!

if you wanna be tagged in my upcoming SVU fics, let me know <3 

It felt like the world around Sonny Carisi was moving in slow motion. 

Ever since he and Amanda had found Y/N in that dark, cold, hell hole, the world around him stopped turning for a while. Things started to slow down and time seemed to pass painfully slow. 

It felt like an eternity until the squad had finally arrived at the hospital. 

And here they were, patientily waiting in that small, overcrowded waiting room. They´ve already been her for two hours; Barba had joined the group ten minutes after they arrived at the hospital. An uncomfortable silence and tension lingered in the air. Sonny, as usual, was pacing around the room, while Fin and Amanda sat next to eachother and watched their friend, knowing that there was no way that they could get him to calm down. Barba and Liv were standing at the door of the waiting room, trying to have a quiet conversation, while also eyeing their nervous friend. 

The more time passed, the more people were leaving the waiting room. Sonny started to to become impatient. He stopped pacing for a minute before he started to speak. 

“What is taking them so long?”

“I´m sure they´ll gonna be out here soon.”, Liv tried to reassure her detective, which wasn´t working. 

“Nobody tells us anything. We´ve been here for almost five hours and yet, we still haven´t seen a doctor or a nurse who could update us.”, Sonny said, growing more and more frustrated. 

“They are all doing their jobs, Carisi. Them not coming out and updating us doesn´t have to mean a thing. So let´s just calm down and take a seat. Your pacing is driving me crazy and it doesn´t help you or Y/N.”, Barba reasoned with the man. Sonny tried one last attempt to talk back to him, but decided against it, when he saw the ADA giving him his famous glare. Letting out a long sigh, the detective sat down next to Amanda, who put a comforting had on his shoulder. He just hoped and prayed that Barba was right and that everything would be alright. 

It took another three hours until the long wait was finally over. 

“Y/N Y/L/N?”, a doctor asked, as he entered the waiting room. 

“Yes, that´s us. How is she?”, Carisi immediately wanted to know as he and the rest of the squad stood up from their seats and gathered around the young, lanky doctor. 

“I´m Dr. Langford, I performed the surgery as well as the examination on Detective Y/L/N.”, he introduced himself before Olivia began to speak up. 

“I´m Lieutenant Benson, Detective Y/L/N´s boss. How is she?”

“So far, her condition is still not where we want it to be, but as for right now, she´s stable. She suffered a concussion and she had at least five broken rips which had caused an internal bleeding which we were able to stop in time. Moreover, she has a sprained ankle and wrist as well as lots of bruising all over her body. Also, she´s been very dehydrated and malnourished.”, Dr. Langford started to explain. 

“D-Did you find any signs for a sexual assault?”, Amanda dared to ask altough she already knew the answer to this. 

“We did find signs for a sexual assault, yes. There´s a lot of bruising on her upper inner thighs as well as other indications for a forceful entry. We already did a rape-kit since Detective Y/L/N consented to it.”

“Apart from the physical damage, how is her psychological condition, Doctor?”, Barba wanted to know. 

“Well, to put it out bluntly, she´s a mess. She´s very jumpy and flinches at every touch or every noise she registers. We needed to sedate her to actually examine her. Up until now, she hasn´t really spoken yet; she´s still in shock and seems to try to stay distant. I would recommend for her to see a shrink as soon as she´s well enough for it. She´s severely traumatized and it will take a lot of time for her to heal and to deal with everything that happened to her.”, the young doctor explained, giving the squad a sympathetic look. 

“C-Can we see her?”, Sonny asked, his voice barely above a whisper, his face all pale and emotionless. 

“Detective Y/L/N is still under strong medications and out for most of the time. We don´t want to put her under immense stress, but we also think that seeing familiar faces might help her cope with everything better. So yes, you can see her, but I would recommend only one to two persons at a time.”, Dr. Langford said before his beeper started to ring, “if you´ll excuse me now. Nurse Monica, could you show those detectives the room of Detective Y/L/N?”

The nurse nodded before she joined the group. 

“Thank you, Dr. Langford.”, Fin said. 

“It´s my job, detectives. If there´s still anything you need, don´t hesitate to reach out to me.”, and with this, the man disappeared. 

“I think Carisi should go see her first.”, Amanda suddenly suggested to the group. 

“Yeah, Carisi. Go and check on our girl.”, Fin agreed and patted the detective on his shoulder.

“You´re sure?”, Sonny asked, looking ath his friends. 

“Go, Carisi. We´ll be waiting here.”, Liv said, carefully pushing the man towards the door of the waiting room. 

“Okay...thanks guys.”, Sonny quickly told them, before he followed the nurse to Y/N´s room. 

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

The first thing Sonny was confronted with when opening the door to Y/N´s room was silence. 

Silence and the beeping of a maschine that helped Y/N with her breathing. 

As he opened the door further, he finally saw her. 

Unconsciously laying in her bed, almost as pale as the bed itself. She seemed so calm, yet so vulnerable. 

Carisi saw all the bruises and bandages and his for once calm demeanour grew angry again. 

How could someone hurt another human being so much? The detective could´nt wrap his head around it. 

Carefully, he walked closer to the bed, grabbing a chair while doing so and taking a seat right next to her. Equally careful he grabbed her hand and held it in his own. He was so scared to hurt her even more, so all he did was holding this hand and he would not let go of it. Never. 

“I-I´m so so sorry, Y/N. This is all my fault. I should have never let you walk home alone.”, he began to talk to her, the tears he had been holding in for so long finally starting to fall. 

“I-I-I..I just hope you´ll be able to forgive me.”, he continued, “please...please wake up.”

A moment of silence fell between the couple, but not for long before Carisi decided to continue rambling. 

“God, Y/N. I´m a mess. I mean what am I gonna do without you if you don´t come out of this okay? I can´t live without you. Please. I´m really sorry...”

“C-Can you please stop saying that?!”, a voice suddenly said and it took Carisi a minute to realise that this voice belonged to Y/N. 

“Oh my god..Y/N. Can you hear me?”, he said, quickly moving closer to the bed. 

“E-Every single word you said.”, Y/N hissed, finally opening her eyes, but immediately closing them again due to the light being too bright. Slowly, she tried to open them once again, blinking a few times to adjust them to the brightness of the light. Sonny scooted even closer to the bed, carefully squeezing Y/N´s hand, smiling in relief when he saw Y/N´s beautiful eyes wide open. 

“Hey...”, he whispered, the smile never leaving his face. 

“Hi..”, Y/N said back, a small smile tucking at her lips as well. 

“How are you feeling?”

“Been better, but I´ll survive. How are you holding up?”

Sonny laughed. “You´re the one laying in that hospital bed and you´re seriously asking me how I am?”

“Well...yeah..”, the woman said. 

“You´re unbelieveable, Y/N.”, Carisi still laughed, “but to answer your question: I´m better now that you´re awake.”

“Good.”, Y/N smiled, “I´m sorry.”

“Oh, Y/N, no. There´s nothing you need to be sorry for, you hear me? It wasn´t your fault.”, Carisi tried to reassure his partner, as he carefully sat down on the bed. 

“Neither has this been your fault, Sonny.”, Y/N replied, looking the detective straight in the eyes at which he sighed, “thank you..for saving me.”

“That´s what friends are for.”, Sonny said and smiled at Y/N. 

Another uncomfortable silence spread between the two detectives. There was still so much Sonny wanted to tell Y/N, but yet, he found himself unable to put his thoughts into words. Also, the hospital wasn´t quite the ideal place to confess your love to someone, no. This needed to wait. Sonny´s first and most important priority was to make sure Y/N was okay and safe. 

For now, that´s all that matters. 

“Where´s the rest of the squad?”, Y/N wanted to know, pulling Carisi away from his thoughts, breaking the unbearable tension between the two of them. 

“They are all outside, waiting to see you. Even Barba is here.”, Sonny explained.

“Wow, I´m starting to feel kind of special now.”, Y/N laughed, but immediately winced at the pain shooting through her body.

“Woooah, you okay?”, Carisi asked. 

“Ugh, yeah. Just peachy. I just forgot for a second why I´m actually in this hospital bed.”, Y/N answered through gritted teeth. 

“I´m gonna get the doctor.”, Sonny said, immediately making his way over to the door. 

“Carisi, no, I´m fine.”

“You´re far from being fine. Please, let me help you just this one time.”, the man begged. 

Y/N sighed. “Fine, but only this one time and only because this pain is killing me.”, and with that, Carisi rushed outside to get a doctor to look after Y/N.

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

15 minutes later, the doctor was still in Y/N´s room checking her out, while the squad was, again, waiting in front of her door. Before Carisi could open his mouth to start argueing again, Dr. Langford exited the room. 

“Doctor? Is everything alright?”, Fin wanted to know. 

“Yes, Y/N is doing pretty good right now, all things considered. She´s in a stable condition. We gave her a mild pain medication considering the fact that you might want to get her statement later in the day. Her now healing ribs are causing her a lot of pain right now, but otherwise, she´s okay, physicall.”, the doctor explained, “she actually asked me to send in all of you. I know, I said one to two persons at a time, but she seems well enough to meet you all right now.”

“Thank you, Doctor.”, Liv said before all of them entered the room. 

“Hey...”, Y/N whispered as she saw her whole team plus Barba come into the room. 

“You have no idea how good it is to see you.”, Amanda said as she carefully came towards Y/N and tried to hug her as careful as possible, checking if this action was okay with her. Since she didn´t flinch away from her, Amanda took this as a sign to actually hug her friend. 

“It´s so good to see you too.”, Y/N smiled, turning her gaze towards Rafael, “to what do I owe the honor of you being her as well?”, she joked. 

“There´s no place I would rather be right now, Y/L/N. I´m glad you´re still with us.”, Barba replied truthfully. 

“Me too, Counselor, me too.”

“How are you doing?”, Liv asked from her place at the foot of Y/N´s bed. 

“I´m okay. The pain killers make the pain kind of bearable. But I´ll live.”, Y/N answered. 

“Good, because the squadroom would have been pretty quiet without your rambling.”, Fin joked. 

This went on for another 10 minutes. Everyone was happy to see Y/N alive and okay, they all just wanted to distract her from what happened to her, but they all knew that eventually, she had to talk about it and much to Liv´s dismay, she had to be the one to break the bad news. 

“You know, Y/N, I hate that I have to do this, but in order to prosecute Turner correctly..”, Liv started to talk.

“...you need to know that happened, I know. I-I just didn´t think it would be that soon.”, Y/N finished Liv´s sentence, kind of getting anxious. 

“I´m sorry, I really am.”

Amanda and Fin immediately got up to leave the room, while Carisi hesitated to do so. 

“Sonny, it´s okay. You can go.”, Y/N tried to reassure her best friend to leave the room, although everything inside her screamed at her to tell him to stay. But was she really ready to let him hear the truth of what had happened to her?

“Are you sure?”, Sonny asked. 

“Yes, it´s okay...really.”, Y/N reassured the man and gave him a weak smile, which he returned before he left the room as well. Y/N sighed. 

“Okay, so where do you want me to start?”, Y/N wanted to know. 

“Right at the beginning. Tell us about the night he got you.”, Barba answered. 

“Well...Liv had told us to go home and get some rest since we´ve been trying to catch Turner for days now and we hadn´t really had time to rest. Carisi....I should have listened to him, he has been so concerned. He always talked about how it was unusual for Turner to go MIA and not kill within two days. He said that he thinks that Turner might have something planned. He was worried about me, because I fit the victimology perfectly, but I didn´t think any of it. He wanted to walk me home that night, but I´ve told him that I appreciate his concern, but that I could take care of myself. I reassure him that I would text him as soon as I got home...”, Y/N started to explain. 

“But that text never got to him, right?”, Liv asked.

“Um, no. I didn´t even make it into my apartment. He must have followed me all the way from the precinct to my apartment complex. Turner got to me right before I could open the door to my apartment.”

“What happened next?”, the ADA wanted to know. Y/N started to get more anxious at this question. 

“I woke up in that basement. He took my bag, my phone, my gun, my badge. He took everything away from me. The first time I saw him for real in front of me was when he first started the live stream for you guys. Right after that..he..he r-raped me for the first time. I-I tried to push him off of me, but he was just way too strong. So I just lay there and let him do this to me.”

“Hey, listen to me. You had to do whatever it took to survive this, okay? What happened to you was not your fault.”, Olivia tried to reassure her detective, carefully placing her hand on Y/N´s, at which the young woman flinched. 

“Yeah..anyway..from there on, everything just passed by in a blur. He came to bring me food once a day, but I never ate it. This was when he started to get more violent. He thought I was ungrateful and a shame for my family and the NYPD. He took all his anger out on me. I didn´t even dare to fight back, I was just so freaking scared. I-I´m such a coward. How am I a detective for the NYPD  who faces the filthiest of scumbags every day and yet, I can´t manage to fight back and protect myself.”, Y/N said, starting to get herself worked up. 

“I think we should take a break right here.”, Barba suggested, sensing Y/N´s discomfort. 

“I-I should have just listened to Sonny. For once in my life, I should have just admitted that I was wrong, but no. I refused to believe the people who cared about me and instead I put them through hell and back.”, Y/N continued rambling, getting even more worked up, so that her heart rate on the monitor started to speed up. 

“Y/N, listen to me. This wasn´t your fault, okay? Please, you really need to calm down or otherwise, you´ll just hurt yourself.”, Liv tried to reason with her, but it seemed like her words didn´t get through to her. 

Y/N had a flashback; she was back in that hell hole. Her heart rate continued to speed up. Liv stepped closer to the bed, carefully trying to put her hand on Y/N´s shoulder. Y/N flinched at the contact. 

“NO. GET AWAY FROM ME.”, and with that, Dr. Langford and a few nurses came rushing into her room. 

“You need to leave, NOW.”, the doctor yelled while a nurse pushed Liv and Barba out of the room before closing the door. Everything went silent. 

Turner had been right. This was far from being over. 

SVU tag list: 

@lclb13 @playbucky @thefifthmaraud3r @misssirenlove @smolpersonbigworld @illegalcerebral @ultrarebelheart @briannareneea985 @imaginecrushes 

[officerrxyes-inactive]

Tagged by @prodigalleverage (thanks for always thinking of me)

Rules: answer 17 questions and tag 17 people (if you want to)

1. Nickname: I don’t really have a nickname... everyone just calls me my name (Jamie) or I guess if you’re really close you can call me Jam but written it looks like the food jam and I don’t like that so that’s more like if you know me irl.

2. Zodiac sign: Pisces

3. Height: 5′3″

4. Hogwarts house: a mix of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw 

5. Last thing I googled: "Ronen Rubinstein cameo” bc I forgot how much it was and folks I am so tempted and I need someone to talk me out of it... ik he puts all of the money to charity and I LOVE that but I can’t put my whole paycheck to that... even though I really want to

6. Song stuck in my head: "26″ by Caamp (I’m really getting obsessed with their music lately..)

7. # of followers: 45 

8. Amount of sleep: Usually shoot for 9 hours but sometimes it’s only 8... I do try to go to bed early though (that’s more bc it takes forever for me to actually fall asleep haha)

9. Lucky number: 15

10. Dream job: I would love to be a performer on Broadway but that is a dream I have given up... currently I really want to work with a theater company in like programming or public relations so I didn’t totally disregard it, just modified it a bit.

11. Wearing: t-shirt and joggers

12. Favourite song(s): probably “All the Debts I Owe” by Caamp (I told you...)

13. Favourite instrument: I don’t think I really have one... piano is fun to listen to and try to pick out in songs. I don’t play any thought.

14. Favourite author: I don’t read that much but F Scott Fitzgerald is always a fave (I’ve lost count how many times I’ve reread Gatsby and his shorts are incredible too!)

15. Favourite animal noise: I guess a cat purring

16. Aesthetic: waiting for a broadway show to start, flipping through the playbill and seeing which names you recognize, taking in the design of the theater itself, the loud chatter that turns into a low murmur when the lights are dimmed, the orchestra tuning up (oh my god it’s been too long I need Broadway to open up again)

17. Random fact about me: I work at a Dairy Queen that my parents own... so yes I get free ice cream :)

I had a hard enough time picking 10 people to tag last time but I’m going to try and come up with 17 and If you’ve been tagged already I’m sorry and if you’ve done it already I’m sorry and if you don’t want to do it, that’s fine and also I’m sorry.

@sunshinestrand @jewishtk @brillliantbanshee @judsonryder @sneetchestoo @crockettstiddies @lafddiaz @evaneddie @lire-casander @bucky-buckley @evansbvckley @lonestarkk @goldenbucky @christopher-diaz @buddiebathena @spacedoutlesbian @theworld-is-out-there

[pandawritespoorly]

With Time: Chapter 23 - Unhandyman

Author’s Note: Ah! I'm so sorry! I forgot today was Saturday! I was responding to comments, and was about to say 'tomorrow's update' when my brain did a double take. Either way, it isn't Friday, and while I'm late, at least I got it up today! As reparations, here's a 14 page chapter (usually aim for 8-10). Also, there's two reference slides for this chapter.

See the akuma here. (No, I don't regret it)

Chapter Summary: During an akuma attack, Ladybug is put out of commision. What's a cat to do when his partner can't help?

First | Previous | Saturday

Claude had just exited the bakery. He had been visiting Marinette because he’d been in the area, and they’d hung out for a little bit until Marinette fell asleep. Now, walking out of the bakery, they saw another of their friends. Adrien is in the nearby park with-

Oh.

He’s with them. Alya, Lila, and some boy that must be Nino. It looks like it must be some sort of ‘double date’ but as Adrien had pointed out before, that would require both couples to be dating. That Lie-la girl is hanging off the poor boy who is so clearly uncomfortable. The so called ‘friends’ don’t seem to notice his distress, and Alya even seems to be taking pictures of the ‘cute couple’ every so often.

It’s time for an intervention.

“Adrien! I didn’t know you’d be in the area! We could have planned something with everyone!” Claude runs up to the group.

“Claude, it’s nice to see you!” Adrien takes the chance he gets and extricates himself from Lila to move closer to his friend. It’s only a momentary relief, Lila clings to Adrien again, looking at Claude in feigned fear.

“You! Y-you were one of the people that helped Marinette attack me at the museum!” Alya and Adrien both open their mouths to say something, but Claude speaks first, “Oh I’m so sorry to hear you were attacked, but I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about! When did this happen- I’d like to clear this up.”

“Early December a-at the Louvre. I-I haven’t been back since.” Lila’s shaky voice prompts Alya to hug her closely, glaring at Claude suspiciously.

Claude shakes his head, clucking his tongue, “Sorry darling, but you must have mistaken me with someone else. I was in England performing for most of December, just got back last week. I’m an actor.” He pulls out his phone, showing her various pictures of him in front of various English landmarks, and some with him in costumes with different people also dressed up. One specifically shows the date that he knows she’s talking about, so he lingers on that one, but doesn’t point it out seeing as he’s not supposed to know the day specifically.

Adrien covers his confusion well. Lila looks startled, “B-but-”

“Sorry, girl. It’s okay, it must be the trauma,” Alya comforts Lila, before looking at Claude, “Sorry about that, it was a scary day. She had a run-in with a former bully.”

“Hm.”

Lila gasps quietly, freezing in the journalist’s arms.

Alya and Nino notice immediately, asking her what’s wrong and hovering over her as though she might break.

“I-it’s j-j-just I forgot-t-t how c-c-close we were t-to her house.” Lila stares wide-eyed at the bakery nearby.

Alya frowns, handing Lila to Nino, storming over to the bakery and throwing the door open. She hasn’t even stepped inside before the group hears raised voices from the couple inside. Alya comes back after a moment, fuming.

She mutters bitterly, and Claude figures this is as good a time as any to rescue his friend.

“Well, anyways, Adrien did you still want to see Allegra’s practice for her upcoming concert? I was just on my way there!” Obviously, there is no practice, especially given that said girl is out of town visiting family for a few days.

“Oh, that’s today! I completely forgot! Sorry guys, I can’t miss it - she’d be so bummed!” Adrien plays along flawlessly.

“Well, maybe we could come with? We barely see you out of school anymore, Adrien!” Lila clings to him once more, and Claude knows that if Allegra were here she’d not have the self-control to keep herself from forcibly ripping the leech from him.

“Oh, sorry dear, but you can’t join us!” he shakes as head as though truly sorry, “The orchestra likes for people planning on watching performances to sign up beforehand - they don’t want too many people at once.”

“W-well maybe we could see the actual concert in a few weeks? We’d come with Adrien of course!” She won’t give up.

Adrien joins in, “Actually, that’s why I’m seeing the practice - the concert is on the same day as an important shoot so I won’t be able to see it. It’d be kind of weird for you guys to go without me.” He finally pries her off of him, moving to be near Claude, “Well, you guys enjoy the rest of your day!” He hurries away and Claude follows.

“Ugh, how long were you trapped with those dreadful people?” 

“A few hours. Thanks for saving me.” Adrien looks to him questioningly, “Where did you get those pictures?”

“Adrien, Adrien, Adrien. You should know that a magician never reveals their secrets.”

--- 

Adrien is practicing piano when Plagg flies over with his phone.

“Alright, Kitten. You’ve got an akuma to deal with. It’s near Notre-Dame.”

Adrien checks his phone for confirmation.

 Akuma Alert:

Type 3

Notre-Dame

More information and updates available.

 “Plagg, claws out!”

It’s their first akuma attack in a while. The absence of akumas lined up nicely with his father’s trip so they’d had a break from both his controlling nature and Hawkmoth’s nonsense. 

That break’s over with now apparently.

He arrives to see that Ladybug is already there. She’s standing on a nearby rooftop shivering and clearly not wanting to be out of bed. He lands beside her.

“Hey Bug, surprised to see you managed to beat me.” 

She only leans into him, mumbling, “I woke up. Didn’t wanna’.”

“Understandable. Do you know anything about the akuma, or are you just cold?”

“Both.” She huffs, as though he should realize she’s always cold,”’t’s giant construction work’r.”

“Did he see you?”

“No.” He hears loud thuds from down the street, and she continues, “He’s back…”

He turns, seeing a man wearing a yellow construction hat, an orange and red checkered shirt and blue overalls. He’s got work boots on, and a construction belt with various tools sticking out of it.

Oh, and he’s as tall as a building. There’s that too.

The man is holding a wrench and swinging it around, smashing the street and nearby buildings. Civilians are staying inside. Definitely a type three.

He spots the heroes and points at them with a screwdriver from his belt, putting the wrench back as he does so, “I am the Unhandyman! My work wasn’t good enough, so now nothing will work well! Nothing is repaired - everything is broken! Give me your miraculous!”

“Nah…” Ladybug mumbles at the victim.

“I’m with my Lady. You’re going down! What happened anyways? Didja’ screw up a construction project? Just couldn’t nail it?”

The man doesn’t respond, just throwing a hammer at them. They jump out of the way, but the building gets hit anyways, opening up the ceiling as the tool crashes through the ceiling. It fades eventually, showing up in his work belt again.

“Le’s get him… less build’ns an’ peoples…” Ladybug suggests.

“Good idea, we can lead him in this direction.” The duo continues in the same direction, being sure to be slow enough to keep him captivated. If he gets bored and wanders away then the citizens of Paris could get caught in the crossfire.

Ladybug swings around him once they’re in an open area, looking for a way to wrap him up. It’s a good thing their weapons are indestructible because it makes them easier to use when an akuma needs to be restrained.

Of course, their weapons are indestructible, but the things they attach them to are not. Unhandyman sees a chance and hits a hammer against where Ladybug has latched her yo-yo, sending her flying into a snowdrift. Chat winces as he realizes she will most definitely be hibernating. He needs to get to her immediately.

The akuma victim has other plans. Surrounding Chat with nails taller than him, Unhandyman aims the hammer at him. The hero ducks out of the way, only hitting a nail with his suit. The impact of the hammer shakes the ground and he stumbles slightly. A giant screwdriver stabs into the ground in front of him, stalling him long enough for the Unhandyman to draw out a measuring tape on its side as a makeshift barrier.

Chat Noir backs off for a moment, going to higher ground before vaulting over to land near his partner. All-in-all, she’s been in the snow for a little more than five minutes, maybe six. He isn’t sure how long exactly, but it’s definitely been too long.

She’s in a snowdrift that reaches above his knees, curled in on herself and shaking slightly. He’d typically be concerned about hypothermia, but her ladybug tendencies can protect her from the cold better than it would seem. Going into hibernation can help her, but only for so long. He picks her up carefully.

She doesn’t move to be any closer to him, completely limp in his arms. Definitely hibernating - not that he had any doubt given the whole falling into a snowdrift bit.

He makes his way to the rooftops, sparing a glance back at Unhandyman. He’ll have to trust that Paris will be able to stay out of his way while Chat gets Ladybug somewhere safe.

He won’t be able to defeat this akuma alone though. 

---

“Master, I’m sorry, I know Marinette usually comes for back-up, but…” He trails off, lifting the still limp girl in his arms to show his point.

Fu looks startled for a moment, “I take it that you two have revealed yourselves then?” He moves to allow the still-transformed pair into the house.

“Oh. Uh, yeah. Sorry, it was an acci-”

“No matter. It was bound to happen eventually. What led to this?” He gestures at Ladybug.

He nods, “She got knocked into the snow and I couldn’t get to her for a while.” 

“You should de-transform, Plagg will be able to release Tikki.” Wayzz suggests.

“Claws in.” 

Plagg flies out of the ring, blinking for a moment before going to the earrings to release his other half as he has before. Tikki falls against Marinette’s shoulder, both girls are entirely asleep.

“While it is not ideal, you will have to leave them here while you deal with the akuma. Wayzz and I can keep them warm, though she likely won’t wake up with you so far. Would I be correct in assuming you came for back-up as well?” Fu leads Adrien into the main room, grabbing the Miracle Box and placing it in front of him.

He hesitates. This is Marinette’s job. He’s never done this before and doesn’t know where to start. He’d default to Honey Bee - trusting Marinette’s past decisions - but Allegra isn’t in Paris at the moment.

“A distraction would be useful here, Kid.” Plagg suggests. Adrien nods, grabbing the orange fox tail. He transforms, thanking Fu for his help and hurrying to the rooftops.

He has someone in mind.

---

“Claude De Rosier, this is the Miraculous of the Fox which grants the power of illusion. You will use it for the greater good. Once the job is done you will return the Miraculous to me. Do you accept?”

They stare at him in complete shock, “Me?”

Chat Noir smiles, “I don’t see any other Claudes here.”

Claude blinks, taking the necklace and placing it around his neck. He startles when an orange glow appears, fading to reveal Trixx.

“Greetings kit, I am Trixx, Kwami of the Fox Miraculous! Are you ready to be a hero?”

“I’ll do my best.” 

“It’s simple! To transform you say, ‘Trixx, let’s pounce’ and to detransform you say, ‘Trixx, let’s rest’. When you transform you will be able to use your flute to create a mirage for your purposes. Once you do so, you will only have five minutes before you will detransform, the necklace will display how much time you have left. Chat Noir can guide you.”

Claude notes the absence of the heroine’s name, “What about Ladybug?”

“Tikki is hibernating, I could feel it back when we were at the Guardian’s place.”

“Ladybug won’t be able to help. I can explain another time.” Chat offers.

“Ready?” Trixx turns to Claude excitedly.

They nod, “Trixx, Let’s Pounce!”

The Kwami flies into the necklace, and an orange glow overtakes the boy. As it fades, Chat looks to see how he changed.

He has an orange tunic with a white stripe running down the middle, and the long sleeves are covered by black elbow length gloves that end in zig-zagged cut and look fuzzy. The tunic is tied around the waist, and the material trails behind him, ending in three almost diamond shapes that are tipped in white. Their legs are orange and are covered from the knee down in boots similar to the gloves, that appear to have toe-prints on the bottom. On his head sits two fox ears that are more triangular than those of Rena Rouge and Volpina’s - more like a real fox and fluffy too. His mask is almost entirely orange, though the eyes are lined in black, as is the tip of the nose. They have a short shoulder cap around their front, orange except for the white zig-zagged cut edges. The flute is on their back, held there by magic.

He looks over himself, inspecting the various parts of the outfit.

“What should we call you?” Chat asks.

“Hmm…” The fox hero thinks for a moment, “How about… Kit Mime?”

“I like it. Let’s go!” The two boys jump out the window, Kit Mime taking a moment to adjust to using his abilities. The flute doesn’t extend, instead, they can jump far better than normal - luckily for them the boots seem to negate the slipperiness of the iciness of the rooftops.

It’s easy enough to find Unhandyman, following the trail of destruction which leads them to the Eiffel tower. He’s about to bash one of the legs with his hammer when Chat calls out, “Hey! You miss me?”

The giant turns, glaring once he’s spotted the heroes, “Where did Ladybug go? Finally admit defeat?”

“Actually my Lady realized she has better things to do, sorry if you’re a fan.”

“May I say something sir? I’d just like to say that I understand that it can sometimes be difficult choosing the right hammer, but you’ve nailed it!” Kit grins innocently at his pun.

Their response is the giant hammer being thrown at their head. Both boys jump out of the way easily, running to get closer.

“Any ideas on the akumatized object?” Chat questions Kit.

“Maybe the hat? Or the belt?” He’s new at this, but those seem like the most likely options.

“Okay, we’ll start with the hat - it should be easier. Maybe we can climb down from the  tower…”

They’re at the base of the tower, and Chat stops to consider things. Kit Mime looks up and jumps, landing at a platform much higher up. He continues in this way until he’s higher on the tower. At this point Chat has realized what they’re up to and is distracting Unhandyman.

Kit Mime lands softly on the hard-hat, stopping for a moment to think before shrugging and slamming his flute into it. A hole shows up, but no butterfly comes out. The victim has realized what happened so Kit jumps back to safety, sliding down the tower and running to join Chat.

“It was a good attempt.” Chat offers.

“Oh well. Do we try the belt now?”

“Yep, it’s mostly trial and error. I’ll let you in on a secret-” He leans in, whispering conspiratorially, “Ladybug and I don’t actually know what we’re doing.”

“I think you do pretty well for people that don’t know what they’re doing.”

“Thanks, you’ve done well for someone who probably also doesn’t know what they’re doing.”

The thud of a wrench slamming into the Eiffel tower brings them out of their conversation.

“Alright. Here’s how we’re going to do this. Make an illusion of me and just stick near me. Make it seem like we’re trying to get to him. I’ll sneak up from behind and catacl- destroy the belt. First let me go out of sight for a bit - maybe don’t let him see you making the illusion though.”

Kit Mime and Chat Noir duck into separate hiding places. Soon enough Chat Noir sees another him running alongside Kit, and he sneaks over to the tower, climbing quietly. Whispering, he says, “Cataclysm.”

He jumps to the belt touching it with his hand. An akuma flies out and he holds it between his fingers, sliding down the tower to meet Kit.

“Let’s get somewhere quieter. We gotta’ detransform.”

They find an alley just as the necklace runs out. Claude stands in his place, and Trixx is flying about excitedly, “You did so well!”

“You did. Welcome to the team.” The ring beeps, “I’ve got to take Trixx back now though. Are you free tonight?”

Claude lifts the fox tail over his head, “I think so. Why?”

“We’ve started bringing our temporary heroes on patrols every so often - for practice. Seeing as you’re free, I’ll stop by later. I’ve got to go now, are you good here?” “Yep! One of my friends lives near here, and I left a coat at his place once so it’s as good a time as any to grab it.”

Chat gives a two finger salute and jumps away, arriving at Fu’s place just as his time runs out.

“Alright kid, let’s check on our bugs.” Plagg is clearly antsy about being away from a hibernating Tikki for so long.

“I can assure you, Wayzz and I have kept them safe.” Fu allows them in and Adrien hands back the fox miraculous in its box.

Plagg ignores him, zipping through the walls to get to Tikki.

“Master, what can we do about this?” Adrien holds up the butterfly he still has pinned between his fingers.

“With Plagg’s assistance, we may be able to get Tikki to purify it and cast the cure. She will not be awake, but such a task is second-nature to her and as such she could likely do it while not entirely conscious.” Wayzz speculates, taking the butterfly and going to the other Kwami to discuss it as they enter the main room.

Marinette is lying across one of the mats, covered in blankets. Tikki is nearby, similarly unconscious, surrounded by Wayzz and Plagg. He sees a soft white glow and ladybugs rush out to repair the city. Plagg pulls her closer hugging her in the hopes of helping wake her up.

“Should I take her home now?” Adrien looks to Fu.

“It may be for the best. Her room is likely warmer than this one, and a familiar environment could be better for her.”

He nods, scooping her up without hesitation. He waits for Plagg to gently place Tikki on top of her before he transforms.

He does his best to avoid places he may be seen on his way to the bakery - one of the heroes of Paris carrying an unconscious girl could raise some questions.

Luckily, (thanks Tikki) he manages to go without anyone spotting him with the two bugs. He slips in through the trapdoor, relieved to see that her absence hadn’t been noticed. Her parents are still busy in the bakery below.

With her being in hibernation, there’s no hope of simply waking her up. He covers them in blankets and releases his transformation so that Plagg can be with Tikki. 

Hugging his partner closer to him, Adrien plays with her hair softly, hoping to warm her up faster. It probably isn’t good for a human being to hibernate for too long. Eventually, he falls asleep too, resting against her and purring contentedly.

---

Adrien hears his phone ding in his pocket, waking him. Pulling it out, he sees a text from Claude.

 Kid Mime: elsie drew me

Kid Mime: this is the best thing i’ve ever seen

Kid Mime: allan im stealing your sister

 The Mom Friend: no she’s mine

 Hug This Boy: Wait, who’s Elsie? Allan’s sister?

 The Mom Friend: yep

The Mom Friend: shes 6

 Kid Mime: i love her

 Hug This Boy: Is Claude at your place?

The Mom Friend: yep

The Mom Friend: someone decided the best way to get there coat back is to go OUTSDIE in the SNOW without a coat al teh way to my house

 Kid Mime: well i can only where 1 coat at a tme.

 The Mom Friend: C A R R Y  O N E

The Mom Friend: you coud hve goten sick

 Adrien looks next to him at Marinette. She’s still sleeping, but seemingly out of hibernation. That’s good. What isn’t good is the fact that - despite being in her warm room covered in blankets and right next to him - she’s very visibly shivering. He frowns at her shaking, touching her forehead gently. Definitely far too warm, it would seem her time in the snow got her a fever, perhaps also a consequence of her body being shut down for hibernation. The human immune system doesn’t work well that way.

 Hug This Boy: About that.

 The Mom Friend: oh no

The Mom Friend: are you sick?

 Hug This Boy: No.

Hug This Boy: Our favorite pig-tailed designer may or may not have ventured outside and may or may not have fallen into a snowdrift and may or may not have stayed there for upwards of five minutes before I happened to find her.

 The Mom Friend: SHE WHAT

Melodie: Is she okay?!

 Hug This Boy: I think it’s just a fever.

 Kid Mime: poor girl

 The Mom Friend: hi 😀⭐❤

The Mom Friend: my b ther is makin food

 Kid Mime: allan is stress cooking

Kid Mime: looks like pizza

Kid Mime: so were good

 Hug This Boy: What?

 Melodie: There are levels to it. If he’s making pizza then this should be enough to get it out of his system.

Melodie: Hi Elsie! Do you remember me? The girl with the long hair?

 Really Cool Girl⭐🌞🥀🌛🎂: yeh i tink i do

Really Cool Girl⭐🌞🥀🌛🎂: clwed mayd me name pretty

Really Cool Girl⭐🌞🥀🌛🎂: do u lke it

Really Cool Girl⭐🌞🥀🌛🎂: 🍏🌻🐒🐧🐨🐩🐌🌺🎉🎅🎨

 Felix: It looks great Elsie.

 Really Cool Girl⭐🌞🥀🌛🎂: hiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Really Cool Girl⭐🌞🥀🌛🎂: r u the cat boy

Really Cool Girl⭐🌞🥀🌛🎂: ???❓❓❓❓¿

 Felix: Yes. I take it that you are referring to Pluto?

Really Cool Girl⭐🌞🥀🌛🎂: yeaaaaaa ⭐⭐😺😺😺🐋

Really Cool Girl⭐🌞🥀🌛🎂: he relly cute!!!!!!!!

Really Cool Girl⭐🌞🥀🌛🎂: can i seeee him agan???❓❓❓

 Felix: Attachment: 1 Video

 Melodie: (This is such a wholesome conversation)

 Kid Mime: (its even bettr in person)

Kid Mime: (felix she loves u. shes so smiley)

 Really Cool Girl⭐🌞🥀🌛🎂: i love kitties!!

Really Cool Girl⭐🌞🥀🌛🎂: tel him hes reallie pretty

Really Cool Girl⭐🌞🥀🌛🎂: an giv him a lot of pats

Really Cool Girl⭐🌞🥀🌛🎂: 😽😻😺😹😸🐱🐈😻😻😻😻😻😻

 Felix: I will.

 Really Cool Girl⭐🌞🥀🌛🎂: o allin mayed me a samwitch by by

 Felix: Farewell.

 Melodie: Bye!

 Hug This Boy: Goodbye!

 Marinette hasn’t woken up yet. Adrien is starting to worry.

“It’ll be fine. Bugs tend to get sick if they hibernate too long. It’s like a cold or a fever.” Plagg consoles.

“A magical cold or fever.” Adrien points out.

“There is that, yes.”

Marinette stirs slightly, murmuring nonsensically. Adrien focuses on her immediately, turning her face to him and feeling her forehead again.

“Mari? You waking up, Bugaboo?”

“...there’s chinchillas in the walls...:”  

“If you say so.” he holds her up carefully, her head lolling to the side. She’s still asleep, “Come on, you should wake up now. You’re sick, and I can’t help you if you’re sleeping.”

She only scrunches up her face trying to process what’s happening.

“Please? You can go back to sleep once we’ve made sure you’re okay.”

She squints at him, “Kitty?”

“Hi Princess.” he smiles at her, happy that she’s finally awake.

Marinette slumps onto him, mumbling incoherently. ‘Awake’ may be too generous of a term. 

“‘ssss col’...”

It isn’t actually that cold, but given her clear shivering she probably wouldn’t accept anything other than agreements, “Is that so? I had no idea.”

“‘cause you warm…” she falls against him again, humming happily. She’s still shivering.

He opens his mouth to respond when he hears someone on the stairs. Tom or Sabine must be checking on her.

Speaking quietly, he tells her, “I’ve got to go now. I’ll try to check on you if I get the chance. Feel better soon.” 

Her feeble attempts to stop him via hugs aren’t entirely effective. His heart breaks at her sad face, but there’d probably be trouble if they came in to see him with their sick daughter in her bed. He kisses her forehead softly and jumps through the trapdoor to the balcony, transforming once he’s outside. 

He probably needs to get back to piano anyways. 

---

Patrol with Kit Mime had gone well. He’d been understanding about Ladybug’s tendencies and had adjusted further to his powers.

Chat had returned the miraculous to Fu at the end of patrol, and is on his way to his house. 

What kind of partner would he be if he didn’t check on Marinette first though?

It’s a good thing he does, seeing as she’s on her balcony. Again.

Landing behind her, he lectures her, “Claws in. What is it with you and going out on your balcony when you’re sick?”

She turns to him, “...hi Adrien…?”

Tikki sits on her head, “Please get her inside,” she’s shivering from the cold, “She’s b-been out-t-t here for… too long?” Keeping track of time is difficult for sleepy Bugs.

“Why are you out here?”

“Gotta’ t-tell Chat I won’ be doin’ pat-trol… he k-know I’m m-me now, so I c-can do that…” She looks around at the nearby rooftops hazily.

“Mari. I’m right here. I already knew you were sick.”

She frowns, “N-no, you’re A-Adrien. Chat is C-Chat…”

“Right. My bad. Sorry Plagg, Claws Out.” the Kwami yelps in protest as he’s sucked into the ring.

Chat Noir stands in front of her, touching her arm gently, “Alright, will you go inside now?” “B-but I gotta’ t-tell y-”

“Shh. I know you’re sick, okay? Now you have to sleep.”

He leads her to the trapdoor, “I alr-ready slep’ a lots t-today?” 

“Hibernation isn’t the same as sleeping, Princess. Besides, I know for a fact that you’re tired right now.” He helps her inside, making sure she doesn’t trip on the snowy balcony as she enters.

Marinette slumps into him once she’s inside, “...am.”

“Told you. Can I detransform now?”

She hums in confirmation and he releases the transformation, Plagg returning to Tikki immediately.

“How have you been feeling? Have you eaten?” He leans against the wall and covers her in a blanket while she curls into him.

“...col’...Paris is mean, dum’ sno’.” she glares at a window across the room.

“That’s just how it is. The snow can’t get you in here-”

“You gonna’ save me from the sno’?” she looks at him expectantly.

“I will. You don’t like snow.” What else is he supposed to say? No? To that face?

“Yay.” she hugs him tighter, which isn’t actually all that tight given her exhaustion, “...’re purrin’...”

“Mhm. Don’t think you can avoid my second question though, did you eat?”

She makes a face, “yeah… Maman made me soup…”

“I take it you didn’t want to eat soup. What do you have against soup?”

“‘s not aphids. All them left ‘cause col’...luckies.”

“Are you still cold? What’s your temperature?” He glances around, hoping for a thermometer. He’s in luck, there’s one on a nearby shelf - presumably left by Tom or Sabine.

“Not enough. ‘Cause ‘m cold.” Clearly, Marinette doesn’t understand the question.

Adrien stretches, grabbing the thermometer and moving back to lean against the wall. Marinette settles herself again, glaring at him for disturbing her.

“Okay, can I take your temperature?”

She harrumphs, clearly wanting to rest, but allows him to check with the thermometer.

“38.8 (101.8℉). Hmm.” he pulls out his phone, googling a few things, “How’s your head feel?”

“Bad… everythin’ hurts.” she’s started blinking slowly, feeling heavy.

“Sorry Bug, you might have the flu. According to the internet at the very least. It’s hard to tell, seeing a lot of the symptoms are just your tendencies…”

“Kay…”

“Though I don’t think you’re supposed to be so confused…” He peers at her in concern. She only blinks up at him, smiling softly. She reaches up and ruffles his hair.

“...like ‘ur hair, Kitty-cat…”

“Yeah, that’s the earrings again.” Plagg interrupts, “Hibernating animals are going to be confused if you wake ‘em up early. She’ll recover by tomorrow, just stay close.”

“Always. She’ll still be sick though?”

“Yep. Bugs get sick really easily in the winter. Especially after they hibernate.”

Marinette is still mussing up his hair. He purrs at her happily, leaning into the touch. She blinks at him tiredly, still feeling heavy from exhaustion. At this, he returns the slow blink - not even thinking about it. It’s just what feels natural.

Marinette likes that Adrien is here. His hair is soft. His purring is nice too. What isn’t nice is her headache. It’s more than a headache - a person-ache? She’s a person and she aches. Her throat is sore too. It’s very cold. She has heaters, but they must be broken because she’s still cold. Then Adrien showed up. Then he left, but Chat came. Then Chat left again and Adrien came back. They should stop leaving her. It’s very confusing trying to keep track of who’s here and who isn’t.

At least he’s warm. He’s warmer than the rest of her room. She loves him. Also she likes that he is warm. Has she mentioned how cold it is? It is very cold. She wants to stay awake to be with her kitty longer, but it’s cold and she’s tired, and the tired is making her cold and the cold is making her tired.

She fights against the sleep hanging over her, forcing her eyes open again and again. It only makes her more tired, but she gets to see her favorite person so she’ll keep doing it. She can stay awake. She’s a hero, so staying awake is easy compared to everything else she has to do.

She feels Adrien’s hand playing with her hair, and her eyes slip close for a little longer, before she remembers that she’s awake right now. She forces them open again, determined to stay awake. His purr seems to get a little louder, and he’s still playing with her hair and she’s really tired. She’s stopped messing with his hair - her hand limp, twisted in his blonde hair and just above his face.

Okay. She’ll compromise. She’ll close her eyes for a little bit, and then she’ll open them again for the same amount of time. If she keeps up that cycle, she’ll make it through the night. Easy.

She’s on the verge of sleep when she remembers herself, startling herself awake. Maybe she can close her eyes for longer than she keeps them open? She really is tired. Adrien is really warm and it would be so easy to just sleep. She just doesn’t like that she’d miss him. He’s still running his fingers through her hair and purring, so she tries her new compromise, certain it will work better.

Adrien watches Marinette carefully. She seems to be fighting sleep, though he can’t imagine why - she must be exhausted. He keeps running his hand through her hair, trying to get her to finally rest. He’s still purring, doing nothing to quiet it, because Ladybug would always fall asleep on him in patrol when she was tired if he was purring.

Marinette is still fighting it, but he can see it’s a losing battle. He knows her too well for her to be able to fight him when it comes to her wellbeing - which includes getting the rest she deserves. He can feel her hand twitch slightly, as though she’s trying to keep messing with his hair. She’s too tired to pull that off properly, and only makes her hand slip slightly.

Her eyes finally close, and he waits to see if they’ll finally stay that way. She gives a small adorable yawn and snuggles closer to him. Her breathing finally steadies and she gives in to sleep. 

He keeps playing with her hair - it’s nice.

Inevitably, he will have to return to his house. For now though, he rests with his Lady, eventually following her to slumber.

---

Author’s Note: Well, what do you think? Lateness aside, this is one of my favorite chapters, so I hope you enjoyed!

New year (almost), new fox hero! Claude is the fox holder, I saw plenty of you guess that! Congrats on being right! I'm pretty proud of that name by the way, I feel like it's pretty clever! (Though I could be biased) Reference slides here! I had fun with their outfit. It went through many changes.

That akuma seemed familiar. Huh. Probably not an easily recognizable cartoon character or anything. Slides here.

Allan's sister made her debut! I haven't even considered what she looks like, but maybe I'll come up an outfit or something (I will take any excuse to mess around on dress up games, I have a blast). I love her.

Last update of the year! Decade too! There's no telling what the next chapter will bring, unless you have 2020 vision of course! (>ᗜ•)

Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave any thoughts, theories, constructive criticism, or anything really in my ask box, in replies or through reblogs. I love seeing what you think!

(Nearing 100 followers, feel free to give me ideas on ways to celebrate)

First | Previous | Saturday

[achieveandhunt]

live typing extra life 2019

part 2

warning: this was a mistake and i’m in the grapes

this starts right at Facilities vs AH. link to first post

let’s fuck some shit up babEY

oh what the fuck they’re playing a prerecorded video

last year was a fuckin doozy, nobody forget that

“legends of the under achiever” i didn’t know someone wrote my biography

why do i hear geoff screaming “FIVE FUCKIN FOUR” in my head, like in the legends of the hidden temple minecraft videos

jeremy looks. so dead inside on this fine november evening

ryan buzzing while they’re trying to explain the rules

my video quality went down so much that i thought i was watching someone playing roblox for a second

ryan “salty mother fucker” haywood has made a lovely appearance. he’s my favorite

michael and lindsay looking so domestic makes me so happy,, they’re my parents

someone donated under the name “ryan goes feral” uh??? yeah? you say that like it’s a bad thing??

oH FUCK MICHAEL GO DRIVE WIN PLEASE

jeremy HAS BROKEN OUT THE GLASSES SHIT’S SERIOUS

NO THEY’RE LOSING GOD DAMMIT

ʳʸᵃⁿ ᶦⁿ ᵗʰᵉ ᵇᵃᶜᵏᵍʳᵒᵘⁿᵈ, ᵠᵘᶦᵉᵗˡʸ: ʰᵉˡᵖ

JEREMY IT’S TIME TO TEST OUT THAT NONEXISTENT GAG REFLEX AND SWALLOW THE OPPONENT’S CONTROLLER

oh nvm they’re winning again lmao

OH FUCK thEYRE LOSING

oh nvm

OH FUCK

oh nvm they unplugged his contoller lol

OH FUCKING TH EY LOST MICHAEL JONES MY HEART IS BROKEN

the amount of people watching has gone up from 32k to 40k in the past fifteen minutes

michael “hurry up you dumb cunts” jones

“oh don’t worry about destroying our cabinet, it’s essentially matchsticks”

“how are you feeling john? are you ready for this?” “MM M M Mmm mM”

TEAM NICE DYNAMITE IS NEXT AND IM READY FOR PERMANENTLY RINGING EARS FROM ALL THE LEET DONATIONS

oH god here we go

“hopefully they haven’t been saving them all day” oh honey. you’ve got a big storm coming

if xavier slaps gavin i think gav might go up in a puff of smoke

i did the math, they went up 45k+ within five minutes of team nice dynamite showing up on stream

GAVIN AND MICHAEL ARE GOING TO DIE

THERE’S GONNA BE A MOONBALL SIZED HOLE IN GAVIN’S CHEST

ryan and lindsay both donating a grand during this segment... so good

the day gavin free successfully gets a tattoo is the day i drop dead

lindsay saying she didn’t want the TND tattoo on michael but she agreed because gav is michael’s boi :((( 

i’m too sleep deprived for this i might cry

oh god michael’s punching the floor

i’m too sober for this

EIGHTY EIGHT LEET DONATIONS IN TWENTY MINUTES HOLY FUCJKIGN SHIT YOU GUYS ARE GONNA BE THROWING MOONBALLS FOR FUCKIN SIX YEARS

on a sentimental note- i love how much collective love we have for gav and michael,, they deserve it all

milk boarded has some not-so-great connotations attached to it

gavin “the bullshit bitch” free

a mark nutt reference?? in my 2019 extra life????

this just in: sarah is going to obliterate gavin

oh. oh my god. that was the sound of a wet fish smacking a wall

why is jeremy the liquor goblin walking like a crab that has a bird attached to its back??? see: flapping arms

that beer and milk concoction... gag

“drink that milk yard”

“YOU GOT MY TOES MILKY”

no. nO MICHAEL NO YOUR INTESTINES NOO

michael “the milk’s in my brain” jones

“stop pouring it on people!” “iT’S HARD DICKHEAD”

lindsay is now. taking a milk shower

*caiti brings a small roll of paper towels* *gavin gently places a single paper towel on the massive puddle of milk*

no LINDSAY NO THINK OF THE CHILDREN

gavin: this has gotten way out of hand. she’s... she’s swimming in an inch of milk! everyone knows you should swim in at least two!!

the fajita seasoning will solve everythinG everyone calm down

fiona: yeah this is my first extra life. jack: and what were you expecting? fiona: this. exactly this.

ah yes. the bunny suits have arrived and michael is ready to tackle gavin

aaaand here comes the AH fanfic. it can only get worse from here so buckle up fuckos

“holy fuckeroni”

“re-reanimated trevor”

michael is so fucking smashed and god i wish that was me

“cum-ductor”

fiona “this is a white man” nova

“bone-ating” *leet donation* *leet donation* 

“ready set blow” made me genuinely bust a lung laughing

aaaand michael’s licking the floor which is to be expected

jeremy “i’m gonna actually harm you” dooley

IF ONE MORE PERSON BRINGS UP RANCH IM GOING TO WALK TO AUSTIN AND PROJECTILE VOMIT ON THE OFF TOPIC SET

no JEREMY NO YOU WERE THE CHOSEN ONE I THOUGHT YOU WOULDN’T DO THIS GET OFF THE F  L O O R

don’t get close ups on jeremy’s tongue. don’t do that to me. i don’t want nightmares

“fuck root” “let’s just fucking fuck”

1 2 3 CONSENT

michael has gone full gerkie

alfredo’s look when larry is reading the part about trevor choking him is how i feel about everything that’s happened in the past twenty minutes

almost 300k in less than an hour 

fiona saying “i don’t want this” overlaying michael humping a trash can

“TAKE THE TACO CHAD”

aaaand michael’s in the trash can

nO why is there a triangle is this a POETRY READING ALL OF A SUDDEN

oh thank god it’s over

OH FUCK THERE’S A N EPILOGUE

aaand trevor’s dead again. poor treyco

DUSK BOYS DUSK BOYS DUSK BOYS EVERYONE PUT A CUP IN YOUR PANTS

people singing along... what goes on

why am i downloading this fuckin song asap

jeremy turning his phone flashlight on and waving it like he’s at a concert god dammit i love these people so much

those are my BOYS

oh my gosh they’re still singing the song. why is my heart so happy from this i need to get slapped

“come on you’ve never been waterboarded before gavin?”

everyone standing in a circle shining their flashlights at gavin

someone surprise them and instead of a moonball just yeet a whole gallon of milk at them

actually, on second thought, no

OH god GavIN Is GOING to Die 

gavin “i forgot to breathe” free

several milk explosions

gavin “my brain is cold” free

michael has milk dripping from his ears

i’m about to pass out i don’t know what’s happening

michael is in the grapes right now man

how many moonballs? oh, only 107. :)

i’m not writing this part- you guys have to watch the moonball segment yourself, if you didn’t watch it live!

team nice dynamite finishes up with over 300k!! holy shit, that’s so cool! this community is awesome

werewolf is up next!

xavier is such a gentleman can we keep him

alfredo: *chooses to kill miles* trevor in the audience: *silently freaking out*

xavier is about ruin another man on stream

miles has no self preservation instinct

barbara is now smelling fiona

this just in: i love alfredo and 100% would have done the same thing

trevor running up to film alfredo getting smacked. what an icon

alfredo SCREAMING oh my god i felt it in my soul

the high-five of the backs in solidarity of intense pain

miles choosing alfredo is so fucking good

and also, i feel so bad 

his heart might shoot out of his asshole this time guys

oh NOOO HE’s so bruised :(((( fredo nooo :((

oh my god it’s gotten to the usual point in the stream where you start to question whether someone is going to die this time

rip blaine but at least i think he can take the hit

he can but ouch it still hurts me 

barbara “i’m participating in the game” dunkleman

yo miles might win this game

the crowd when someone needs to shoot barb: TREVOR TREVOR TREVOR! trevor, with the strength of a thousand suns: N O

people are now chanting about shooting an unprotected trevor. the man already died once this stream god dammit

alfredo is about to throw hands for fiona

that’s a big F in the chat for miles, but his loss is well deserved

xavier’s hands could serve as a defibrillator

alfredo showed jeremy his chest and jeremy shied away as if he was looking at the sun

 --- i’m taking another break to finish an assignment---

i’m barely alive and it’s ready set show time 

oh god please no more shock collars

i’m so fucking tiiiiredd please take thge res t of this post  wigth  a grain of salt lbecasue i can hardly type at this ponitn 

“do you want to control the shock collars” “will there be repercussions” “no” “fuck yeah i’ll do it then”

“smother the children. steal the baby” “DONT STEAL THE BABY TREVOR”

lunging forward “s c a r e  t h e  b a b y” “OKAY I’M PASSING THIS ONE”

“you can’t bake popcorn????” jeremy hits the floor

alec and matt clearly = dream team

oh thasnk god the shock collars are on their arms now i was stressed out for chris earlier

this stream does not promote recreational nyquil usage 

i don’t even know how to explain the pure insanity of what ready set show has become

alec has become this whole segment

i would write more but i have no thoughts because my brain doesn’t work

larry “makes people fuck other people besides their wife” insert last name that my brain can’t come up with

anyways. marbles

oh. no marbles

i’ve blacked out idk what happened during backwardz compatible

i mean i was awake but does that really mean anything at this point

SPPOKU PSOOKY SPPOKKKY SPOOOKY !!! FUCL YEAH 

cole is so good during this segment

oh so many 1337s right away 

the real scariest thing during the segment: being genuine

oH my god the scream being pitched up. i have fucking dogs outside of my house now

i don’t fuck w/ ghosts no thank you

“aba-jail” wow if u guys weren’t gonna get haunted before you will now

okay i’m about to pass out i have to take a nap

oH fucking I SLEPT until thirty minutes before the en d  fuck

conclusion: this community is incredible and raised an unimaginable amount of money for charity. the fact that rooster teeth does this every year is awesome, and honestly, it makes me feel hopeful in times when things aren’t so great. so yeah! for the kids & stuff