#and also a long time for the pictures cuz i decided to try scanning it

[lieximhuman]

Thank u sm @yael-things for the script!! ^w^

[helliontherapscallion]

(Y/n) and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week: Tuesday

Monday     Wednesday     Thursday (Part 1)     Thursday (Part 2)     Friday     Saturday     Sunday

Spotify Playlist (collaborative)

Warnings: anxiety, doctor’s offices, taking pain pills (not sure if I need to tag that, but just in case), stalkers, blackmail, swearing, non-consensual taking pics of nudes, slight body dysmorphia, self-loathing, toxic friends

Word count: 5,326

(A/N): another long chapter, my little wlw heart loved writing this chapter! Also holy shit I was not expecting the first part to blow up, thank you to everyone that read it! Gosh, it’s enough to make a grown woman cry :’)

You cracked open your crusty eyes to Wilbur poking his head into your room. “(Y/n), Dad wants you.”

You groaned rubbing at your eyes in an attempt to get the sleep out of them. “I’ll be down in a sec.” Your voice was scratchy and thick with sleep.

He closed the door silently and you heard his socked feet thumping down the hallway. Your pain faded slightly into soreness, but your shoulders and upper back were slightly stiff. After you drug yourself out of bed, you shambled down the stairs to see your family at the table eating breakfast. Your stomach growled loudly, making you blush slightly in embarrassment. 

Your eldest brother snorted. “Hungry (y/n)?”

You slumped into your seat next to him slowly shoveling food into your mouth. “You have no idea.”

“You wouldn’t be that hungry if you ate dinner when you got home like I told you to do last night, young lady. You better eat every single thing on that plate.”

There was no arguing with a stern Dadza, so you reluctantly complied. Meanwhile, Tommy and Tubbo were telling Wilbur about your match animatedly. 

“And the ball was like fwoosh and she- the ball and-and-”

“And she hit it and Haley hit it to the other side! It was so cool!”

Wilbur merely smiled listening to them ramble about how badass you were last night. They made you feel genuinely happy that they admired your volleyball abilities; they were probably your biggest fans and that made your day most of the time. You remembered the first match they came to during your freshman year, they had run up to you right after the end-of-match whistle blew to spew about how good you were on the court. They met the team that day. Your team adored having them at your games, over the years they slowly replaced your school’s mascot. They played a huge part in morale boosts before and during matches. 

He looked over to you, “I didn’t know my little sister could be so badass.”

You felt your cheeks flare up. “It’s nothing I haven’t done before. It really wasn’t anything special.”

“(Y/n),” Philza pursed his lips, “you did all that with a bruised back, I’d consider that something special.”

“Wait (y/n), you’re hurt?” Tommy and Tubbo looked at you with wide concerned eyes.

“Yeah, but it’s not that bad. I can still move and stuff.”

Techno rolled his eyes, “it’s bad if you’re going to the doctor for it.”

“Eh, it doesn’t hurt as bad as it did yesterday, so I’m not worried.” 

“You’re deadass wincing everytime you move your arm,” WIlbur deadpanned, “it clearly still hurts.”

“Well yeah, I didn’t say the pain went away completely. Fuckin’ dumbass.”

“Language,” Philza glared at you two, gesturing to the two fifth graders watching the exchange with interest. 

You and Wilbur resumed eating and murmured out a defeated “sorry Dad.” You both glared at Techno when he huffed in amusement. 

“If you three keep bickering, you’re going to be late to school. Remember, you two have to drop off Tommy and Tubbo today cuz I’m taking your sister to her appointment. Now go get ready, I’ll take care of your dishes.”

Your brothers took off up the stairs, each competing to get to the bathroom first. Occasionally, you would hear shouts and slapping noises. You felt glad you didn’t have to deal with that today. Judging by Techno’s gruff voice laughing and an explosion of loud complaints from the rest, you assumed that he won today. “I swear, they’re gonna put me in an early grave.”

“You and me both Dad, you and me both.”

You went into the kitchen and pulled out a bottle of pain pills from the junk drawer. Various bottles of Motrin and Advil were scattered around the house because when you live with a rambunctious family like this one, people are bound to get hurt and headaches are common. Popping three into your mouth, you washed it down with a glass of water. The sound of the running water faucet and the slight splashing of water filled the silence of the room. 

“How’s your back? Does it feel any better?”

“Kinda, today it just feels more sore than throbbing, my headache went away mostly, and my shoulder doesn’t feel any worse, so that’s better I guess.”

He shut off the water and reached for a towel to dry off his wet hands. He moved over to the freezer and grabbed a frozen package of peas that your family never ate. You all used it whenever one of you would get a bruise. He moved behind you and held it against your back without warning. Flinching forward from the unexpected temperature change, you winced with the wave of pain moving brought you. 

“Shit, sorry.”

“You’re good. Just give me a little warning next time,” you chuckled. He gently placed it back on your back and you sighed from the slight relief that it brought you. You leaned into the peas and closed your eyes. “That feels amazing.”

“I bet. That bruise was pretty bad yesterday, can I look at it again?”

You reluctantly left the sanctuary that was the medical grade frozen peas and leaned forward, moving your hair out of the way for him. “Knock yourself out.”

He made a hissing noise as soon as he moved your shirt out of the way. “Dad, it probably looks worse than it feels.”

“...Have you seriously not looked at this yet? It looks pretty bad, hun.”

“Well, sorry I can’t move to look at my back without being in pain. I’ll try harder next time.” You snarked him.

“Hey, watch the attitude. Here, I’ll take a picture so you can see how bad it is.”

You heard the rustling of fabric as he fished his phone out of his pocket and the obnoxiously loud click of his camera app. You turned around to look at the damage. You squinted at his bright phone screen. Your entire back was swollen in some areas and was covered in ugly reds, blues, blacks, and purples. You made a disgusted noise in the back of your throat and cringed away from the screen. You always got nauseous seeing injuries.

“Yikes.”

“Yikes isn’t the only word I would use, it’s bad (y/n).”

“It looks worse than it feels, I promise. I’m gonna go get ready so we’re not late to my appointment. It sounds like the boys are finally done with the bathroom.”

You hobbled up the stairs slowly and made your way to the bathroom. The door was wide open ready for you to use. Turning on the light, you closed the door in a hurry so that your brothers wouldn’t try to get in again to hog the bathroom like they usually did. You frowned at your appearance. Your hair was sticking up in every direction and you had dark eye bags around your dull looking eyes. A few pimples dotted your skin like constellations in the night sky, but much uglier and more out of place. Turning your body, you scanned your figure. Your eyes watered as you realized that you had gained some weight. Adrian, Sammy, and Annie were right, you looked like garbage all the time.

You ripped your eyes away from yourself in the mirror with disgust etched deep into your features. You were disgusting through and through. Ripping your brush through your hair, you winced at the pain emanating from the back of your head. You deserve the pain for letting yourself go. Once you were slightly more satisfied with your appearance, you stepped out of the bathroom and quickly changed into the clothes you would wear today. You decided on a hoodie and a pair of tights. You didn’t feel like dressing yourself up. 

You once again walked down the stairs and slipped on your shoes to meet your dad in his car. You idly scrolled through your phone while you waited for him, looking at your notifications for the first time that day. You had ten texts from the group chat that you were in with Adrian, Annie, and Sammy.

Sammy <3

(Y/n) where the hell are you?

Adrian <3

Do you guys think she ditched us?

I knew she was ignoring us

Sammy <3

Who ignores their friends?

Annie <3

(Y/n) apparently. 

She has more important things to do ig

Oh my god

Do you guys think she skipped school?

Adrian <3

I wouldn’t put it past her

Maybe she finally gave up

(Y/n)

I’m sorry guys, I just have a doctor’s appointment today

I would never ignore you

Sammy <3

Yk, it’s hard to keep defending you when you keep ditching us..

(Y/n)

I’m not ditching you!

I’m sorry I didn’t tell you guys about my appointment

I’ll make it up to you guys

Adrian <3

How?

You’ve already skipped out on us enough already

Annie <3

Oh ik!

She can write our final research paper for us Dri!

I haven’t started it yet lmao

Adrian <3

Saaaame lmaoooo

Sammy <3

Guys, what about me???

Adrian <3

Idk, figure it out yourself

Sammy <3

Rude!

Uhhh

Ur gonna put together my final presentation for us history

(Y/n)

Alright, I can do that for you guys

Sam can you pls send me the rubric? 

Annie <3

Thanks love ;)

(Y/n)

No problem, I like doing things for friends

My dad’s coming, I gotta go

Talk to you guys later

Adrian <3

Byeeee (y/n), ur the best!

(Y/n)

: ) <3

You put your phone down as your dad started up the car and pulled out of the driveway. The drive was quiet as you stared out the window and thought about how much work you now had to do. On top of your own classes, you had two more to write and a presentation to make in a class you hadn’t taken since the first semester in your sophomore year. The research papers had to be at least four full pages long with a minimum of ten sources each due on Friday and you had no idea how big Sammy’s US history presentation has to be or what it’s even about. But that was fine, you’d do anything for your friends. 

“So, who were you texting? Your boyfriend?” He asked jokingly.

“Oh, just Adrian, Sammy, and Annie. I don’t have a boyfriend Dad,” because you were a closeted lesbian, but you wouldn’t tell him that anytime soon. “You know that.”

“I know,” he chuckled, “it’s been a while since I’ve seen them. How have they been?”

“They’re good. Adrian got a job at the diner, he’s a host. Sammy and Annie have been focusing more on raising their grades.”

“Good for them! You should invite them over for dinner sometime.”

“I was actually thinking that I could maybe go hang out with them on Halloween...?”

“(Y/n), the family was going to take Tommy and Tubbo trick-or-treating.”

“I know, but there’s always next year. Plus, we haven’t been able to hang out in so long! We’re always free at different times.”

“I don’t know (y/n), what if they don’t want to trick-or-treat next year? What were you planning on doing with them?”

“We were just gonna hang out at Annie’s house and watch some horror movies,” you lied. He would never let you go if he knew you were going to a party. Especially one where alcohol would be involved and hormonal teenage boys ran rampant actively scouting for an easy lay.

“...I’ll think about it.” The car pulled into the doctor office’s parking lot.

“Thank you Dad! It’s been a while since we’ve all hung out together.”

He chuckled as you both walked into the lobby, checked in, and waited for your name to be called. About ten minutes later, you were summoned by a nurse so you went into the back leaving your dad to wait in the lobby. The nurse recorded your height and weight (much to your dismay, you gained four pounds) and asked you the standard questions about your injury and uncomfortable questions about your overall health. The clacking of her acrylic nails on the plastic keyboard filled the awkward silence.

Once that was done, she left and you had to wait a little bit for the doctor. After slipping into the backless gown the nurse left, you mindlessly scrolled on your phone. Jumping when someone knocked on the door, you looked up to see your family’s doctor smiling at you.

“Hello (y/n), how are we feeling today?”

“I’m alright.”

“I hear that you had quite the fall onto some concrete, is that true?”

“Yes, I landed on my back and the back of my head.”

She reached over and squirted hand sanitizer onto her hands, rubbing it in and looking back at you. “Can you please lay on your stomach so I can take a look at your back?”

You nodded, shifting on the uncomfortable paper covered cushioned table onto your stomach. You felt her cold hands gently graze your bruises before she pulled out her stethoscope. “Can you take a good deep breath in for me?”

You complied and she instructed you to let it out. Doing this multiple times along your back, she put her stethoscope away and continued prodding at your exposed back. 

“There’s definitely some swelling in multiple areas… It doesn’t feel or sound like you cracked or broke any ribs, which is excellent… Do you have any pain deep in your shoulder when you move it?”

“Yes, I landed on it wrong last night at my volleyball match.”

“How would you describe your pain? Stabbing, sore, throbbing…”

“More sore, but a little stabbing pain when I move my arm.”

She moved her fingers to examine your shoulder. “It doesn’t sound like a sprain or fracture, can you move it up and down for me?”

You moved your arm up and down, front and back, and side to side. “You still have a full range of movement, that’s good. Can I have you sit back up again?”

You sat back up and she started testing you for a concussion. After passing her tests, you were cleared of having a concussion. “Alright (y/n), it appears that you only strained your deltoid and teres muscles and you have severe bruising along your back. Make sure you ice your back and, if you have one, wear a shoulder compression sleeve. Anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen will help with the swelling. Other than that, you have a clean bill of health! You can still participate in volleyball practices, but you need to take it easy. Don’t do anything that will strain the muscles any further.”

“Thank you Dr. Samson,” you smiled at her. 

“You’re welcome. I’ll leave you to change back into your clothes and you’re free to go! You may leave the gown on the table.”

She left the room and you redressed yourself. Walking out to the lobby, Philza’s head perked up when he heard the door opening. He stood up and walked over to you with a slightly worried face. You both walked back out to the car.

“So?”

“Dr. Samson said that I don’t have a concussion, sprains or broken bones. She told me that I just strained my shoulder muscles and I need to keep ice on my back.”

He visibly slumped in relief. “Thank god. What’d she say about volleyball?”

“She said that I could keep playing, but I have to take it easy.”

“Good, wouldn’t want you missing finals on Thursday. Do you know if the team you’re playing is any good?”

“Dad, of course they’re good, we’re the top two teams in the area.”

“I bet their setter is nowhere near as good as you are and I bet the setter and spiker aren’t as synced as you and Haley are. You two make a good pair.” 

“Yeah we do, don’t we?” You looked out the window and smiled a little and felt your ears turn red. The very mention of Haley’s name was enough to make you feel like you were on cloud nine. The car fell silent again as you neared your high school. 

In your AP world history class, the class was looking at the test you had taken yesterday. Surprisingly, you got a 74% on the multiple choice part and a 50% on your essay portion, so that landed you with a just below passing grade. You thought you completely flunked that test yesterday, so that was a pleasant surprise. It took a good portion out of your overall grade in the class, lowering it from a comfortable A- to a slightly alarming B. You supposed it could’ve been a lot worse. Besides reviewing your tests, the class didn’t do much except starting the reading for the next chapter.

Your psychology online class went like it usually did, however your phone blew up with texts about midway through the block. Glancing down, you saw that it was Haley. Shouldn’t she be in class?

Hales : )

(Y/n) meet me in the locker room right after school

I need to talk to you before practice starts

It’s an emergency

(Y/n)

What’s going on?

Hales : )

I’ll explain after school.

Can’t talk about it over text

(Y/n)

Alright, see ya then ig

You felt your gut twinge. Something’s wrong, but you didn’t know what. You were worried about Haley, usually she was really bubbly. You’ve never seen the senior act so strange before. You could only wait the block out until the bell would release you from the confines of the library and into the locker room. After sending a quick text to your brothers that you were going to stay after school for your practice, you stared blankly at your laptop’s clock as you counted down the minutes left in the class period. Ten minutes. Eight minutes. Four minutes. Two minutes. Thirty seconds-

You shot up from your seat as the bell rang. Pushing past some groups of freshmen that congregated in the hallways, you made a beeline for the locker room. In the locker room, you found Haley sitting on the metal bench on the opposite end of the locker room with her back facing the last row of lockers and facing the brick wall. She was clenching her phone in her hand with an iron grip. You hurried to sit next to her.

“Hales, what’s going on? Talk to me.”

“It’s bad (y/n). Like, really bad.”

“What’s bad? You’re worrying me.”

Wordlessly, she unlocked her phone and handed it to you. On the screen was something that you weren’t expecting to see. You scrolled through the contents and felt your stomach drop with each scroll; someone took pictures of you and Haley throughout the match last night. Every picture was a violation to yours and Haley’s dignities, they had gotten zoomed in pictures of your boobs and asses. Deeper, there were even pictures taken of you changing into your volleyball uniform through your open window. You were only in your underwear. Haley had a similar picture that you scrolled past as fast as you could. Scrolling to the bottom of the text message thread, the person that sent Haley the pictures added a caption to the last picture. It was a picture of you and Haley together celebrating your match, her arm slung around your shoulder with your mouth open mid-laugh.

Unknown

I’m sending these out to the entire school unless you stop hanging around her.

If you tell anyone, the pics will be printed off and put in every single locker and bathroom the school has.

You’ll be the sluts of Klinkver High. 

Cut all ties now. You have two days. 

Do not try me.

“Jesus christ Haley. Who the fuck would do this? This is sick.”

She took her phone back and locked it without looking at the screen. “I don’t know (y/n). I wanted to tell you not to openly talk to me for a few days. We don’t know who took these, we don’t know what they’re capable of. I don’t wanna risk angering them.”

“We can find them! If we look close enough, we might find a few clues where they were sitting. Do you remember seeing anything suspicious last night?”

“(Y/n), our best option is to leave it. We just can’t talk in person anymore; we can still text each other.”

“Hales, how are we gonna not talk? I’m your setter.”

She ran a hand through her thick black hair. “I don’t know (y/n). Just-just don’t talk to me anymore, I don’t want your pictures leaked.”

“I don’t care about my pictures. My name’s been drug through so much shit this past year that it won’t affect me. I don’t want your stuff leaked.”

She gave a watery laugh, “you care too much, I love that about you…” Glistening eyes turned to look deep into your own. “I’m so scared (y/n), I don’t know what to do.”

You pulled her into a hug, wincing slightly when she squeezed her arms around your upper back. She buried her face into your shoulder and started shaking with muffled sobs. “Haley, I promise I’ll catch whatever sick bastard is doing this to you. You don’t deserve this.”

She said nothing as you rested your chin on the top of her head and started to rock her back and forth slowly. You two stayed like that even after her sobbing resided, finding comfort in each other’s presence. Glancing at the clock, you realized that you two have been in the locker room for an hour. Practice was set to start in fifteen minutes, people were going to start coming into the locker room soon. 

You reluctantly pulled away from the hug and looked Haley in her bloodshot eyes, “I’m not going to let those pictures of you get leaked. I swear on my-”

The door to the locker room swung open and loud laughter echoed throughout the room. Haley pushed you away and speed walked off to a bathroom stall, slamming the door shut behind her. 

“Damn (y/n), what’d you do? She’s pissed.” 

“It’s none of your business, Zara.” 

“Oh, so it’s a lover’s quarrel then~” She cackled, her hair bouncing slightly with each heave of her shoulders. 

“For the love of… Haley and I aren’t dating, we’re both straight.” She’s straight.

“Mmhm.” She brushed past you to go to her locker. You followed her, your locker was in the grouping next to hers. You shared the area with Haley. You changed as fast as you could so that Haley would have time to change before practice starts. Speed walking into the gym, Zara was hot on your trail wearing a shit eating grin.

“Why are you in such a rush? Giving your girlfriend the silent treatment?”

“Zara. We aren’t dating. For the last time, we’re both heterosexual, not homosexual!” You wildly gestured with your hands to emphasize your point, your voice being amplified by the vast gym. Coach Williams gave you a confused look from across the gym. 

“You just keep telling yourself that.”

“I’m serious.”

“Hi serious,” a soft voice replied from behind you, “I’m Jazzy.”

You groaned at the pun at the same time Zara started cackling, giving the short libero a high five. “Nice!”

“That was so bad, Jaz.” You couldn’t help the smile that found its way onto your face.

Zara poked your cheek with a wide grin. “C’mon, you’re smiling!”

“I am and I hate it.”

Your bickering continued with Jazzy watching you two with a content smile. The remaining members of the team (Haley, Marlene, and Zuri) filed into the gym right as Coach Williams blew her whistle. 

Practice went by slowly without Haley talking to you. Sure, you had the rest of the team, but it didn’t feel the same with you guys ignoring each other. If the team or Coach Williams noticed you two not talking to each other, they didn’t say anything. By time practice was over, you all went to the locker room to change. After slipping into your fuzzy pajama pants, you sat on the bench and texted Wilbur to come pick you up. He was supposed to pick you up after practice today because he and Techno took the car home after school. Five minutes passed and he still didn’t reply. He probably won’t see the text until you got home from walking.

You sighed, resting your chin in your palm as you leaned forward. One by one, the girls left the locker room until it was only you and Haley left. 

“Do you need a ride (y/n)?” She asked gently.

“But what if the person sees us together? I can just walk home, it’s not really a big deal.”

She rolled her eyes at you. “It is a big deal. It’s cold and dark out. You could get kidnapped or something. You don’t even have a coat with you. I’m giving you a ride whether you like it or not.”

You playfully rolled your eyes at her and stood up to walk next to her, “okay, mom.”

“Don’t give me that attitude young lady.”

“You can’t tell me what to do, you’re not my real mom!”

She gasped and lightly smacked the back of your shoulder, “I married your- are you alright? Shit, I didn’t hurt you did I?”

“No, you’re good. It’s just this damned bruise.”

She moved her hands and frantically turned you around to pull the neck of your shirt down. You two stood in front of the school’s main entrance with the nauseatingly bright fluorescent light bouncing off the reflective surface of the tiles. The orange tinted street lights lit up the sidewalk outside.

“(Y/n)-”

“I know what you’re gonna say.”

She scoffed, “oh really? What am I gonna say then, o wise one?”

You turned around to face her, “‘oh, this is bad, yadda yadda yadda.’ Everyone’s been saying that about it. Honestly it looks worse than it feels. Tis but a scratch, m’lady.”

She snorted and covered her mouth, “never call me ‘m’lady’ ever again.”

You started to walk to her car in the empty parking lot. “Or what? What’re ya gonna do?”

“I swear to god, (y/n), I’m gonna leave you here.”

“Do it, pussy. Bet you won’t.”

“You really wanna bet?”

You grinned at her, “hell yeah.”

She broke off into a mad dash to her car, laughing freely into the night sky. You chased after her trying not to move your arms much, your laugh mixing with hers like a perfect symphony composed of the world’s best musicians. The sound of your rubber soles slapping the pavement resonated throughout the parking lot as you quickly gained on her. Reaching out to grab her shirt, she smirked at you and sharply turned to the right into the grass.

You grinned as her pace slowed down slightly. You’d be able to catch her at this pace. You pushed your legs to move faster as she looked at you from over her shoulder and shrieked in surprise at how close you were to her. You cackled at her reaction, reaching out once again, you grabbed her hand. She was stopped dead in her tracks as your shoulder was yanked with the sudden momentum, making you hiss in slight pain. Despite that, you didn’t let go of her soft hand. 

You both stood there under the moonlight and the soft orange street lamps trying to  catch your breath. The slightly damp blades of grass tickled your ankle as you shifted to face her better. Through gasping breaths and a dopey grin, you said “you… lost, pussy.”

She let out a breathy laugh as she pulled you to her car. “Shuddup.”

“Make me~”

She opened the passenger side door for you and got into the driver's seat. Her car smelled like vanilla and citrus. “Oh, you will later when I make you do more sets in weight lifting tomorrow, hurt shoulder be damned.”

She turned on the ignition and the car revved to life, soft indie pop wafted from the speakers. She backed out of the parking space and sped off to the main road. “You wouldn’t…”

“I’m your captain, (y/n). I can make you do whatever I want.” You felt your cheeks heat up a tad. You were happy that she couldn’t see you.

“Naw, you’re too much of a softie for that. Admit it, I’ve got you wrapped around my little finger.”

She chuckled as she pulled into your driveway and put the car in park. “...Alright, maybe you do. Just a bit.”

She turned to look at you. She looked stunning with the shadows accentuating the contours of her face perfectly. You found yourself glancing at her lips and leaning slightly towards you. To your surprise, she started leaning into you as well. Before your lips could finally mesh together, she pulled back with a sigh and ran her hand through her hair. You felt a rush of disappointment and fear course through your veins. She didn’t like you like that, you should’ve known better. You were so stupid. So, so stu-

“I can’t (y/n). I want to kiss you so bad, but we can’t. Not yet at least. Not until we find the pervert that took those pictures of us.”

You sighed, “right.”

The car was filled with awkward silence. Not even the soft music streaming from the speakers could alleviate the awkwardness. God, you really screwed up your friendship, didn’t you? Sammy, Adrian, and Annie were right; you messed up everything you touched.

You coughed, “I think I’m gonna…”

“Yeah…”

You grabbed your bag and walked into your house, the smell of chicken slapping you in the face instantly. Without checking in with your dad, you hurried up the stairs, desperate for the warm comfort of your bed. That, and if you wanted to get Sammy’s presentation and Adrian’s, Annie’s, and your research papers done by Friday, you had to start as soon as you could. You were going to skip dinner for tonight, you’d just grab more breakfast tomorrow morning. 

You plopped on your bed and got started on your research paper. Luckily, you already had all of the sources you were planning on using and the rough outline of each body paragraph, so writing the actual paper wasn’t going to take long. You worked until you heard a knock at your door. 

“(Y/n),” Techno’s monotone voice called out, “dinner’s ready.”

“Tell Dad I’m not hungry. Practice’s got me beat, I’m going to bed soon.”

He grunted, “you know he’s not gonna like that right?”

You felt frustration start to swim circles around your chest, “Techno, just tell him that I’m not hungry right now. Please.”

“Damn, you don’t need to be like that. I’ll tell him.”

You heard his stomping footsteps thumping down the hall. Shit, you pissed him off. You were a terrible person, he was just trying to get you to eat something, Pushing back the tears that threatened to spill from your eyes, you forced the panic that was starting to swirl around your body in laps deep into your being. You didn’t have time to deal with your failures and stupid emotions, you had to get this done. You didn’t have time to think about Haley’s warm breath ghosting across your lips. You didn’t have time to think about how she probably regretted almost kissing you. You didn’t have time to fall into an anxiety spiral, you needed to focus if you wanted Adrian, Annie, and Sammy to forgive you. You ruined yours and Haley’s friendship and did the same to yours and Techno’s. They were the only ones you had left. You needed to be a better friend.

Taglist (comment if you want to be added or if I missed you, it won’t let me tag some tumblrs :((( ):

@immadatmostthings  @thaticecreambish  @hee-hee-haw  @dearnataliealoveletter  @wasteofspacze  @dcml04  @bbigbbrainn  @dirtydiavolo  @vanhakirja  @rinzyx05  @misselsbells06  @ialexabsuniverse  @im-a-depressed-gay  @energy-drinkk  @mothra-main  @i-need-hugs  @dragons-lurk-here  @katj733  @m4r-s  @vievi  @dykeragee  @waterstrawberry  @aplaintart  @kakamiissad  @myunfinishedsymphony  @nagitokinnieissad  @autumnpleaves  @justanothergirlwithdemons  @zachariethememerie  @moon-asia  @m0on-blue  @strawberrysodababy  @akikko-yataro  @haikkeiji  @shiningsunrises  @cinnamonmochi  @queen-turtle-boiii  @imanewsoul  @sparkling-gayyyy  @angelicaschuyler-church  @vixenfoxpup  @ella-ivanov  @shio-yuki  @mosstea-png  @ijustshatbricks

[mrsalwayswrite]

Murder Is Not On The Schedule (Ron Speirs x Reader)

So this is loosely based on a prompt I found on Pinterest about murder not being on today’s schedule and immediately thought SPEIRS! I also wasn’t feeling great this week so I wanted to write something lighthearted...ya know? So this is what my brain came up with. 

Warnings: some swearing, sexual tension (cuz i can’t seem to write Speirs without it...sorry?), my poor attempts at humor

Words:2500

Tag List: @happyveday​ @sydney-m​ @saritanotserena​

  The sound of mortars and 88s followed me as I walked into the room being used for Captain Speirs' office in Haguenau. Those same sounds should be terrifying but no one flinched anymore thanks to Bastogne. The office was in the back of Easy HQ, looking towards the river. All the walls and windows were still intact, even if the place was dreary and drafty, it fulfilled its purpose. 

 Speirs, who had been staring out the window in parade rest, turned around to lean back against the window and looked over at me. "Lip in bed?"

 "Yeah. Finally convinced him that I could handle it." I dropped down onto one of the two chairs. Both chairs were placed at the table which occupied the center of the room. 

 Lipton was an admirable man, second only to Winters himself. But Christ Almighty, he had to be the worst patient with his perpetual refusal to rest. I did not envy any of the medics who were diligently trying to take care of him. It pretty much took both myself and Luz to drag him to one of the cots in the back and me swearing in blood that if I needed help, I would find him. 

 And if I threatened him a little, no one needs to know, right?

 "Well, I appreciate you stepping up and taking over for Lipton while he is sick."

 I shrugged, already looking at all the paperwork spread out on the table. "He kept us together while in Bastogne. It's the least I can do. Besides, I used to be a secretary before joining up. It's not a problem."

 "Lucky us." He murmured, distractedly. One of his hands tapped a repetitive pattern on his thigh as he seemed to stare at nothing. 

 I knew there was to be a patrol tonight. A prisoner snatch. From what little I had overheard and observed, it weighed heavily on both Lipton and Speirs. My guess was all the names had not been chosen yet on who had to go. Glancing at Speirs, eyebrows furrowed just slightly, repetitive tapping, biting just the inside corner of his lip...he was working on the list in his head. 

 I could not help it as my eyes traced his jawline...his messy hair that looked so damn soft...those dark eyes that pierce your soul but also lit up like a beacon when amused. He looked like a rugged, dirty Greek god with an affinity for bloodlust. Even his hands looked perfect to hold my--

 You are here to help. NOT OGLE YOUR CO! 

 Even if he is pretty.

 Handsome?

 Gorgeous?

 Wet dream worthy?

 Whoa! Too much. Pull up, you buffoon! 

 With all my willpower, I turned back to focus on organizing the reports on the table and checking to make sure we had enough paper. Who knew the army used so much paperwork? Everything had to be documented. I could see why it seemed Winters never left his office...or Nixon. Without Lipton's help, I doubted Speirs would ever see his men. I absent-mindedly wondered if I should offer to help out more often. 

 Obviously out of the goodness of my heart and not to ogle the handsome devil currently before me. 

 Nope. 

 Several minutes later, there was a knock on the door. After Speirs bid them enter, two replacements stepped into the room. Their ODs were clean, helmets practically sparkled in the sunlight, eagerness written all over their faces. They did not carry the weariness from the Ardennes on their shoulders. They still looked like boys wanting to play soldier with the other neighborhood kids. All I could figure was they had gotten dropped off with the other soldiers returning from the hospital. 

 Both rapidly saluted Speirs, who only lazily saluted in response, still leaning against the window. 

 "Captain, sir." The shorter of the two spoke first, practically bouncing on his toes. "We were wondering if we'd see some action soon."

 The other one chimed in, a proud smile exaggerating his chubby cheeks. "Yeah, we heard a rumor there's a patrol. Sir, we're ready to get our rifles dirty by killing Krauts, sir."

 Christ. These two are greener than the Jolly Green Giant. 

 I quickly muffled a snort by turning it into a cough. It must have not been as subtle as I hoped with the side-eye Speirs gave me. 

 Speirs sighed, crossing his arms across his chest. "Your platoon leader will let you know. I suggest you head back to your OP… and try not to get hit by mortars or snipers on your way there."

 The two glanced at one another, seeming to remember that Nazis were just as likely to kill them. A necessary reminder. After another round of salutes, they hurried out and closed the door behind them.

 "Jesus Christ! If I hear those two asking about killing Krauts again, I'll shoot them both…. And murder wasn't on my agenda today."

 "Murder usually isn't on anyone's agenda." I murmured, making notes on a supply list. We definitely needed more ammo...and chocolate bars. There might be a mutiny if we did not receive more chocolate bars and cigarettes. 

 "No, it's on mine. Just not until Thursday."

 Wait….

 ...What?

 My head whipped up to stare at Speirs. I honestly was unsure if he was joking or serious. I mean, hell, we all knew the rumors about him. With his signature serious expression, he held my gaze, as if waiting for me to question him. I chose not to. Really, I believed him. He would be the one to throw a grenade near his men to get them to pay attention. Or get bored and sneak into the enemy's camp to steal their rifles or something just to mess with them.  

 Then I saw the twitch of his lips, forcing back a smile. 

 At that I laughed, shaking my head. "No offense, sir, but I think we need to find something better for you to do with your time."

 "Oh?" He tipped his head slightly, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Like what?" 

 Me.

 Shit. Don't say that aloud. 

 "Mmm���" I tapped my lip with my finger, pretending to think about it. "Preferably something other than terrorizing your men."

 "Ah, but it's fun. You should join me."

 I shook my head, not even trying to suppress the indulgent smile on my face. What had my life become? Here I was joking with CAPTAIN SPEIRS about committing murder…. for fun? Later I should question my sanity, but right now, I was more than amused to see him in this new lightheartedness. I had only ever seen him always stoic, poised, ready for anything in war. I found this new side of him only increased his attractiveness. 

 Damn it. 

 "What are you doing on Thursday?" He probed, still watching me with a hawk-like gaze. 

 I shrugged my shoulders, trying to appear as nonchalant as possible. If he was going to joke around, I felt I could return the favor. "Maybe I'm going on a date."

 "With who?"

 "Whoever can afford me, I guess."

 He laughed, widening my own smile. I had never heard him laugh before, and if I could admit it to myself, the world was missing out without that sound. He shoved off the window, to come sit on the corner of the table, one leg dangling off the side, almost touching the chair I sat on. "And what would a date with you consist of?"

 I thought back to before the war. Back before I was weighed down by pain and death. What my life had once entailed. "An elegant dinner at the best restaurant around. Pictures or dancing afterwards. I'm not picky. Then after all that, if I had a very good time, I might be tempted to bring him back to my apartment for some late-night drinks and, well, we'd see where it went from there. But don't tell my mother that last part."

 "Sounds like you've got it all planned out."

 "I'm a lady who knows what she wants."

 "Mmm…" He ran a hand over the stubble growing on his jaw. "I need to change my schedule for Thursday now."

 This information you are trying to process does not compute. Please try again.

 "You taking me out on the date?" I teased back, leaning back slightly in my chair. Mentally, I prepared for him to make a joke about killing whomever was taking me out for the company's sake or something along those lines, since the idea of him having interest in me was preposterous. 

 In one swift move, he shifted over so his leg was between mine allowing him to lean forward and hover over me. The air between us suddenly felt hot compared to the rest of the room. Those dark eyes scanned me, as if slowly undressing me with both the utmost care but also unbridled passion. "Yes. Though we might have to skip with the elegant dinner. I'll share the better parts of the K rations. We also might need to skip the pictures or dancing. But I am positive I can steal some of Nixon's Vat 69 and we can go straight to the late-night drinks. Of course, I'll be a gentleman and let the lady decide what happens after." He finished with a cocky wink at me. 

 Holy mother of-

 I was not ready for that. 

 I could only stare at him for a long moment. My body practically throbbed for him with the image he painted in my mind. The way his voice became so smooth and sensual. The peak of his tongue as he quickly licked his lips before speaking. Now he sat there, his leg dangling between mine, keeping me glued to my seat. Subtly, I tried to press my thighs together to alleviate some of the pressure building. Not that it helped with his intense gaze making my heart beat faster and his lazy smile telling me he KNEW the effect he was having on me. 

 Act cool. 

 Act cool! 

 Play it off! 

 I leaned forward, smirking. "Do you always offer to take your executive officers out on a date? If so, I can see why Lipton likes you so much."

 He chuckled, eyes alluring and heated. "No, not all of them. Just the ones that I've been admiring for some time." 

 Well shit. 

 Abort. 

 Abort! 

 Don't you dare, you've dreamed about this man before. Ride it out, you coward! 

 I blinked in surprise but before I could respond, he had already made his move. He leaned forward and braced his hands on the arms of my chair, hovering over me. His face now was only inches from mine. I was positive he could hear how fast my heart was beating. My lips parted, trying to encourage breath into my lungs that were struggling to send oxygen to my brain. His eyes drifted down to my lips and lingered there. As if in compliance, my own eyes glanced at his lips, how soft they looked, even slightly chapped still from our time in Bastogne. His hands slid ever so slowly further up the arms of the chair, stopping just next to my elbows. Now I could see the faint lines around his eyes. His hair slipped forward, calling my eyes upward. I struggled to not reach forward and touch it. To see how it felt with my fingers running through it. A soft chuckle had my eyes snapped back to his, as he watched me with an intensity that border-lined frightening and lascivious. 

 I gulped. "Captain Speirs…"

 "No," he just barely ran the tip of his nose over the shell of my ear. His hot breath caressed my skin. My eyes fluttered closed on their own accord; my body unable to handle the pleasurable sensation. He whispered into my ear, voice fully commanding and salacious. "No, you call me Ron when we're alone."

 Mission control. We are going down. I repeat we are going down in flames! 

 My underwear was not prepared for this! 

 "Ron." I liked the way his name rolled off my lips. If the quiet, sharp inhale from him said anyway, he liked the way it sounded too. Tilting my head just the slightest, I could look up into those dark, smoldering eyes. Our lips though...I could taste his breath on my tongue. I could feel the warmth from his skin radiating onto mine, turning me into a puddle of desire.

 Oh God, he smelled like everything that is beautifully masculine. Not the nasty, sweaty teenage boy but the pheromones that make your ovaries take notice and your uterus demands for something to be done with it. How was that possible? 

 "I'll...um, I'll make sure to add this to your schedule on Thursday." I whispered, almost able to feel his lips ghost over mine as my lips formed each word. 

 "Excellent."

 His hand trailed up my arm, setting fire to my nerves. Gently, he wrapped it around the base of my throat, his thumb rubbing a pattern into my skin. The whole time our eyes remained locked. His pupils dilated, desire coloring them and I wondered if mine looked the same. The small amount of air between us was thick with tension and salacity. My body screamed for me to drag him down and crash our lips together. To see if he tasted as good as he looked. My hands were stuck in my lap though. It felt like we were in a stalemate, unable to move forward, to take that next step.

 If something does not happen, I swear I will spontaneously combust! 

 Then someone knocked on the closed door. 

 .

 .

 .

 Dear universe. That was NOT what I meant! 

 With a sigh, he slipped his hand up to rub his thumb along my bottom lip for the briefest of seconds. I swear the regret coursing through my veins, I could see mirrored in his eyes. Ever so slowly he retracted his hand and leaned back, but stayed on the edge of his desk, his leg still between mine. 

 "Enter." He called out, only turning his heavy gaze from mine when the person stepped through. 

 First Sergeant Talbert walked in, opening his mouth then hesitated for a second as his eyes seemed to take in but not fully comprehend the scene before him. "Um, sir, there's a couple of replacements asking about a patrol…"

 "Oh, for fuck's sake!"

 I laughed at Speirs' pained expression. Quickly, I jumped to my feet and brazenly patted his chest, my hand lingering on the feel under my palm. "I'll take care of it before murder happens."

 "That's not till Thursday." He looked at me with a wry grin. His hand subtly reached forward to skim my hip before grabbing the edge of the table. 

 "Remember, you're busy now. Murder has to wait."

 "Fine. Friday it is then."

 "If you have the energy after." I winked at him. I only caught a glimpse of the hunger that flooded his eyes before I turned on my heels and headed out the door. The whole way out I could feel his heated gaze on my back, like his fingers were trailing down my spine. I shivered in anticipation for what it would really feel like. 

 I'll make sure he doesn't have the energy to terrorize Easy… I'm definitely doing this for their sakes… completely self-sacrificing… yep, I won't enjoy this at all. 

[escapewriter]

Light of My Life

pairing : minghao x reader

synopsis : what’s better than celebrating your boyfriend’s birthday rapunzel style?

genre : whole lotta fluff and a bit of humor

word count : 2k

warnings : slight mentions of murder but its a joke

a/n : for minghao’s birthday😌 it isnt a lot like how i wanted but it does justice lol. also, lets pretend they weren’t by the ocean lol

svt written masterlist || main masterlist

You sat in your apartment opening the box you received from the mail today. Jun had helped you plan this date for Minghao for his birthday and this item would complete the whole date. You pulled out the lanterns that were in a plastic bag and scanned them. 

“Perfect,” You place them carefully in the picnic basket, finally set for your date with Minghao tomorrow. You heard your phone buzz on the table.

Minghao : hi yn, what you up to?

You smiled at his text, grateful that he took the time to text you even with his busy schedule 

You : i am currently preparing for our date tomorrow :D

Minghao : ooo how exciting. can i know what you have planned??

You : you should know the answer to that question 

Minghao rolled his eyes as he stared at his screen. Of course you would turn the tables on him, he always made your dates a surprise. 

Minghao : no fair :(

You : how is this not fair??

Minghao : cuz i want to know lol. 

You contemplated but stood your ground; you can’t tell him. 

You : guess you just have to find out tomorrow. 

Minghao sighed, giving up on attempting to find out what you have planned. 

Minghao : fine. but don’t think ill tell you what i have planned for your birthday. 

You : yeah yeah i know. dont you still have practice?

He looked at the clock in the practice room and then to some of his members who were sitting on the floor or standing. 

Minghao : yeah i should probably get going. its late too, you should sleep. 

You : i will dont worry. stay safe and dont push yourself. 

Minghao : i wont. goodnight my love, i love you.

You : i love you too. 

You locked your phone and took the basket, placing it on the kitchen counter. Tomorrow was going to be an eventful day. 

~

You placed the basket with all the supplies you needed in the trunk of your car, deciding to make it a surprise. Taking the other basket that you prepared this morning with various types of food, you put it in the backseat behind the drivers side. Getting in, you started the car and headed to Minghao’s dorm. 

You tapped the wheel in excitement, you finally get to have some part of the day with Minghao before his birthday. It was November 6th, so it wasn’t exactly his birthday, but you did get to have him until midnight and that’s all that counts. And it made your plan perfect. 

You got to the parking garage and texted your boyfriend that you were downstairs waiting. After 5 minutes, you see the elevator open and Minghao step out, looking as handsome as ever. 

He approached the car and got into the passenger seat, giving you a quick kiss. “Hi,” he smiled at you, “Hi,” you smiled back. You began to pull out of the building, picking up a small conversation with each other.

“How was the drive?” You turned down the radio, “Same as usual, smooth, nothing wrong, I was safe.” He smiled, happy that you had a decent ride, “That’s good. So, where are we going?”

You took your eyes off the road to look at him for a split second before focusing back on the road. A grin creeped onto your face, “You’ll find out soon Hao. Be patient, you’ll love it.”

“No, I know I’ll love it, I just have to let my manager know because of protocol,” You sighed, “Is that really the reason?” He looked outside the window, playing with his rings, “Half of it, they told me to have fun.” 

You smiled and turned up the radio, “Shut up and enjoy the ride baby. Trust, you’ll enjoy it more.”

~

“This is nice,” Minghao sighed beside you on the picnic blanket. “Yeah it is.”

All the food in the basket was empty, mainly Minghao devouring most of it. “So, what are we gonna do now?” You looked at the time on your phone. Sun sets at 6:45 and it’s 3:50. You have three hours for what you have planned so it should be enough. 

“I’ll be right back, I have to get something.” You got up quickly and retrieved the extra basket that was in the trunk. You returned to Minghao, “Ta da!” 

“More food??” You laughed and sat down in your place, “No, an activity. Jun actually helped me with the idea.” You opened up the basket, taking out of the things you packed inside, “What is this YN?” He picked up one of the lanterns. 

“It’s a lantern. I packed all these art supplies so we could decorate them and light them up and release them. Originally, I wanted to do it at midnight because that’s when your actual birthday is, but the timing wasn’t right, and plus it’s dangerous during nighttime.” 

He looked at you with his mouth agape, “That’s so,,, thoughtful. I can’t believe you came up with this.” 

“Actually Jun-” “-let’s just give you the credit for now.” You smiled at him as he leaned over and kissed you on the lips. You held his face in place as his right hand was planted in between the two of you so he wouldn’t lose balance. Pulling away, you smiled at each other, “Happy Birthday my love.” 

“Thank you, I love you so much. Now! Let's get to painting!”

~

“My lantern looks like crap oh my god,” you looked at the blue blob on your cylinder object. “I’m sure it looks fine YN, just keep going.” You put down the paint brush and looked at your boyfriend. 

He’s been in ‘The8’ mode ever since you two started painting. He didn’t want you to see what he was making, so it became a rule that when you both finish, that’s when you present your pieces to each other. 

“I don’t know why you’re not letting me see yours, it’s not like I haven’t seen you paint before.” You continued to try and make your blob look presentable by drawing a happy face, “You know, when you took me out here in like the middle of nowhere, I thought you would’ve killed me, broken up with me and left me here to starve, or go cloud watching.”

You looked at him with a weird face, “Well for one thing, there are no clouds today. And two, I wouldn’t have let you starve, that’s too painful.” You finally looked up at you, “So you would’ve killed me?” 

You purse your lips, “Would you rather starve to death?” He rolled his eyes and looked back down at his artwork. 

“I get that Jun helped you with this, but like, how did the idea come about?” You painted mindlessly while pondering on an answer, “Well I thought of you and what you would like, even if you said anything. But I just thought about what you meant to me, like how lanterns are bright when you light them up, and when you release them, they float. It’s a really bad metaphor, but you’re like my lantern. You’re the light of my life and every time I’m with you, I’m always on cloud nine. Plus it fits with your culture.”

He was looking at you when you tried to sneak a peek at his lantern. “I’m gonna pretend I didn’t just see you try to look at my lantern. But besides the point, that was really cheesy, but I love you.” You smiled and put down the brush. 

“Well, I’m done with mine.” You looked at him, seeing him also set down his brush, “Me too. Do we let it dry and assemble it?” You contemplated on your answer for a bit, “Uhh, I could probably assemble mine because it looks like trash anyway, but if you like yours, let it dry a little and then assemble it.” 

~

Minghao just finished assembling his lantern after it dried for a bit. It was currently 6:50, the sky was just turning into various shades of orange, pink and purple. “Okay, wanna see mine now?” You looked at your boyfriend and he held his lantern behind his back, “Show me.”

He brought it in front of him and lifted it up, slowly turning it to see the details that he drew on. “Wow, it looks beautiful, I can’t really see it.”

He brought it back down and signaled for you to scoot closer, “This here, is the bouquet of your favorite flower that I got you for Valentines Day,” You smiled as he turned it a little to move to the next picture, “This is the tree that we sat by on one of our dates. The one where a bird pooped on you,” You laughed and slightly hit his shoulder, “I can’t believe you put that there.”

“How could I not? It was an amazing memory. Anyway, this is a drawing of our matching bracelets, I didn’t want to paint it because I thought it would ruin it, so it’s a bit plain.” You shook your head, “No it’s beautiful.” He turned it to the final piece.

“This is a picture of us, or a silhouette of us. We’re watching the lanterns fly up into the beautiful sky together.” You felt a tear drop fall from your eye, “Aw crap what the fuck? Why am I crying?” You giggled and quickly tried wiping away the tears with your hands as Minghao laughed beside you. 

He put down his lantern and pulled you in closer to him, “Why are you crying though, baby?” You sniffed, “Because this is a celebration for you, and I feel like I should’ve painted something beautiful for you.” You kissed your forehead softly, “I don’t care what you paint baby, as long as I’m here with you, it doesn’t matter.”

“I kinda don’t want to release that one, it’s too beautiful.” He looked at you with a pout, “but I painted the future.” 

You laughed, checking your phone, “Okay fine. It’s 7:10, we should light it up now.” 

You both got up, lanterns in your hands. Grabbing a lighter, you lit yours and then Minghao’s, “Ready YN?” You held the hand that he held out, “I feel like I’m in high school musical,” he laughed, squeezing your hand, “Keep it PG, we do not makeout in public.”

“Okay,” You rolled your eyes with a smile, “On the count of three.” You both gazed into each other’s eyes, “1. 2. 3.” 

You both let go of the lanterns and saw them slowly float into the sun-kissed sky. You felt Minghao release your hand before hearing jazz music begin to play and feeling his arms wrap around your waist, swaying softly to the music. 

“Of course jazz music.” You heard him chuckle behind you, “Well, you can’t blame me, it’s a perfect time for it.” You smiled and leaned more into his embrace.

“Did you like the date?” He hummed in response, his chin on your shoulder, “It was perfect. I loved it a lot, thank you for making this special for me.” 

“Of course. It’s, well almost your big day after all.” You turned around, placing your hands on his shoulders and his on your waist. “Happy Birthday my love,” He smiled at you, heart filled with love and happiness as he looked into your eyes more. He leaned in and placed a soft kiss to your lips, taking your breath away. You would never get tired of this feeling. 

Pulling away, you smiled at each other before he looked up, “We should take a picture.” He took out his phone from his pocket, pausing the music and switching on the camera. He held it at a low angle to get the lanterns in the picture, but also getting the sunset in the background.

“Say cheese!” Instead of smiling at the camera, you placed your lips on his cheek, him capturing the moment perfectly. “You sly person,” you giggled and quickly pecked his lips. You grabbed his phone and resumed the jazz music. 

Hold out your hand, “I believe we were dancing earlier?” He gave you a smirk and took your hand into his before pulling you closer, the two of you watching the sunset and dancing slowly to the sound of jazz.

[damn-stark]

I’m sorry for leaving you

Natasha Romanoff x fem!reader

Requested by anon “nice! okay i was thinking reader is number three and has allison’s powers is there instead of her and reader is also an avenger and she tried to rumour natasha back after her death and basically goes crazy cuz it doesn’t work so she leaves and bucky and sam go look for her after endgame? sorry if that’s too much!”

A/N- I made Natasha, readers love interest hope you don’t mind :)

Warning- talks of death, angst and fluff

���——-

“Okay what are your thoughts on this house?” Natasha points out as she scrolls down and studies the pictures, “I mean it’s nice, it’s surrounded by a green beautiful forest and has a nice blue lake close by.”

You lean in and scan the file, “it’s nice, but,”

Natasha’s eyes drift to you and follow you as you move forward to be closer beside her, “but what?” She queries.

You meet her gaze and continue cautiously, “do you want to move? I mean are you ready to leave this all behind.”

Natasha sighs and sits back in her chair, she rests her hands on your legs that were resting over hers and runs her fingers through her hair before answering. “It’s been five years, I think it’s time. And I’m not giving up, I can work away from there, but you know I think it’s time to try a peaceful life in a place where I don’t have to worry about fighting.”

The corner of your lips tug into a small smile and you move back to admire her from afar. “It sounds nice, I like that.”

Natasha turns and mirrors your smile, albeit hers soon turned smug. “And if anything, you can end up just rumoring me, number ten.”

You scoff and shoot her a pointed look to correct her, “number three.”

Natasha giggles and shakes her head, “I still don’t get that, how come your father couldn’t bother to give you a real name?”

You shrug, “easier to go by numbers I guess, plus it distinguished us by how powerful we all are.”

“Well,” Natasha clicks her tongue, “I think we both deserve a more peaceful life. With no number three, no need to use powers to protect ourselves….unless someone tries to break in or something, but who would break in a house in the middle of the forest?”

“Someone very dedicated.” You quip.

Natasha narrows her gaze and just scoffs, she shakes her head and keeps going. “Regardless, is that the house?”

You gaze back at the screen and nod, feeling a small smile on your face and feeling pure, utter joy within your heart. “That’s the house.”

~

“I heard rumor,” your voice echoes and tears sting your eyes, “that Natasha Romanoff came back to life.”

The cloaked red figure keeps looking at you with his hallowed eyes, expressing nothing but the same blank, expressionless face. “A soul for a soul,” his voice echoed around the crisp air. “No exchanges. What’s done is done.”

Your bottom lip trembles and tears roll down your cheeks. Angry and sad tears alike. There's a void within you. Even after everyone came back; your best friends, comrades, and family, there was a void because the woman you loved, your soulmate was gone. After all you went through to achieve everyone’s return, she was the one gone. When you were about to live a life she wanted, a life you both chose to finally have, she was gone.

Now with life back to normal, all you wanted was her back. That’s all you wanted. That’s why you were fighting so hard, why you traveled through space—You knew the pain was detectable in your voice, it made your power stronger, but why wasn’t it working?

You drew in a deep, shaky breath and repeat it again, you seeth it out with all the strength and pain laced through your voice and power. “I heard a rumor! That you brought Natasha Romanoff back to life!”

The cloaked red figure floats towards you and bellows, “No!” Before he vanishes like smoke. You stare at the spot where he was and only see grey cracked stone, you see ominous fog and just plainly nothing else but emptiness that matched the feeling in your heart.

However the emptiness in your heart felt painful in every possible way. It made you feel weak, it made you fall to your knees and sob and shout out in a painful cry. “GAAAHH!”

The pain was so raw and mind numbing, the emptiness, the knowledge of failure changed something within you the moment you arrived back to earth. Something that concerned your best friends the moment they saw you.

“Y/N, where the hell have you been?”

You drift your eyes to Sam and stay silent for a while, noticing Bucky come up behind him with a more gentle, concerning gaze. “Y/N…”

“I’m fine guys,” you assure them, “I was just clearing my mind, I was—”

“In space?!” Sam quips. “You were clearing your mind in space?”

You nod, “yeah, what can I say I like seeing the stars up close.”

Sam scoffs and you see his upcoming remark in his eyes, and you stop him before he could utter it outloud. “I’m back now, that’s all that matters,” you pause and show them the best assuring smile you could manage. Even if you hid the pain within, you manage it. “Now, I’m just going to go to my family’s home to just...take a break,” you sigh, “I’ll return soon.”

You pat Sam's shoulder and offer Bucky a warm, assuring smile that didn’t convince him, but he had no choice to take it. Even as he saw you leave, it bugged him.

But he didn’t question it until weeks of you gone turned into months and then a whole year. Sam was more hesitant, and just told Bucky to leave you to mourn your longtime girlfriend. But Bucky was worried and couldn’t just leave you to suffer alone. He knew you had a family, he knew that your siblings and you were close, but he just needed to assure himself that you were really fine.

“This is the spot.” Sam let Bucky know as he parked the car in front of a tall building.

“Are you sure?” Bucky queried as he looked out the window, “she said small house.”

Sam leaned over and studied the huge building. “Well the file said this is her “small house.”

Bucky hums and gets out, tilting his head back to take in the home, and playfully remark to Sam, “your apartment can fit here like a hundred times over.”

Sam scoffs and just continues towards the door, knocking a couple times to then wait until something opens it.

“Hello, this is the Hargreeves residence, how may I help you?”

Bucky blinks in disbelief and looks down at the talking animal. “Is that a monkey?”

Sam narrowed his gaze on the monkey and nodded slowly, “yep. But why should it matter, we’ve met a talking raccoon and talking tree.”

“I’m an ape, but that doesn’t matter, Is there something you need?” The money asked once more.

“Yeah,” Sam answered, “we’re looking for someone. Y/N Hargreeves.”

“Oh, Ms. Hargreeves is not here.”

“No?” Bucky said in worried tone. “She said she was coming here. We’re her friends, we're concerned for her.”

“You and I both,” the monkey shared, “she came here once to reunite with her siblings, but she left soon after and never came back.”

Sam and Bucky both looked at one another and shared a confused look.

“But,” the monkey continued, “her brothers may know where she is. One is here, so if you gentlemen want to wait here while I fetch him that’d be fine.”

Bucky and Sam share another look and this time silently come to an agreement and follow the monkey in the suit inside a long living room with a portrait of your siblings and you over the fireplace.

“What a small house,” Sam remarked sarcastically as he stopped in front of the portrait.

Bucky looked up at the same thing and smiled as he noticed you in a mask and a school uniform. “Cute.”

“Rich.” Sam quipped as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“And also my fathers pride and joy,” a voice said behind Bucky and Sam, earning their immediate attention and making them turn around to face a slim man that looked almost like a misplaced hipster. He waved his hands and they noticed tattoos on the palms and a grin on his face. “Hello. What a surprise and an honor to have two of the best looking Avengers come to my humble home. I’m Klaus Hargreeves, one of y/n’s brothers.”

“Sam,” Bucky introduced the man next to him before introducing himself, “Bucky.”

Klaus smiled wider and had a child-like glow in his eyes before walking to the bar and speaking what he knew. “Pogo says you’re looking for my beloved sister. Drinks?”

Sam nodded and approached the bar, while Bucky only followed behind to decline and say his reason.“Yeah, we’re worried, she said she was going to return and she hasn’t yet. We keep trying to call her, but nothing. We just wanted to know if she’s okay.”

Klaus sighs and puts the alcohol away, he props his hands on the edge of the bar and his face turns more serious. “She only came home once. She left that same day and never came back.”

“Do you know where she is?” Sam probed.

Klaus meets his gaze and nods. “I do.”

“Can you take us to her?”

Klaus gets water and drinks it as he moves away and avoids the question until Bucky asks again. “I’ve been told not to.”

“Do you atleast know how she is?” Bucky insisted.

“No.”

Sam sighs and meets Bucky's gaze to share a weirded out and concerned look.

“And she's blocked me out too. She doesn’t want to speak to anyone, she said to let her grieve in peace and as someone who has also lost their soulmate I understand her.”

Bucky scoffs, “she’s in pain, she needs us, just like she needs all of you. We can’t just leave her to deal with it alone. I understand pain and it can be devastating. We need to check on her. She can’t be alone.”

Klaus hesitates but he decides to give in and give them what they want. “Fine, I’ll take you to the town she’s living in.”

And he does as he says, he drives several hours to a small town where you’re supposed to be in, but stops at the first street and turns back to both Sam and Bucky. “This is far as we go, beyond here we have to ask someone. She just told me which town, not which house.”

Sam groans in annoyance, but he and Bucky begin to follow after Klaus, searching for someone in this town who would give them the time of day, but none of them gave them the time of day. They would simply look at the trio and stare for a few seconds before walking as if nothing. And usually Bucky didn’t like to gloat. Anymore, but he knew that Sam and him were well known around the world. Someone always recognized him.

Not even kids came up to either of them. It’s like they were ghosts. All women ghosts in fact now that he really got to noticing his surroundings.

Until the wrong people came up. A police unit. “You’re not allowed to be here. We have to ask you to leave now.”

“What?” Klaus squeaked, making the policewoman look to him and stare at him for a long time, not saying anything, like if she was searching her own mind for a response.

“Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes are not allowed within the perimeters of this town.”

Klaus sighs in relief and grabs his chest once the woman looks away. “Oof, thank god, I am allowed here. Now lovely ladies do you happen to know where my sister is? You see it’s an emergency. Our mother has died! She needs to know, please.” He begged dramatically.

The policewoman calls something in her radio and then tells them to wait but they point their guns at Sam and Bucky, insisting they get out. Just as a fight was going to break out, someone’s voice came out of the shadows of a nearby alleyway. “Klaus, brother, why did you bring them here?”

Klaus shrugs, “because we want to talk.”

You scoff and slowly walk out and maneuver through the crowd of policewoman. “About our robot mother dying? What happened?” You play along

“A heart attack, because she was devastated about your disappearance.”

You shake four head and glance at Bucky and Sam before looking back at Klaus. “Well it’s a good thing she doesn’t have an actual heart. So she’s fine. Now why are they here?”

“Why are you?” Bucky quipped, stepping up towards you.

“Running a town.”

“Full of woman?” Sam snapped. “That look like they’re all mind controlled?”

You sigh and shove your hands in your coat pockets. “They’re blackwidows, like Natasha was. I’m just helping them.”

“Helping them by controlling them?”

You simply shrug and frown as you look at the floor. “I’m helping them.”

“By taking them hostage?” Bucky rebutted. “Natasha wouldn’t want that. Let them go to live their lives, come back home with us, they’re not going to fill the void you have inside you. Don’t be that person.”

You clench your jaw and ball your hand. “That person? I’m just helping them, they’re the closest thing I have to Natasha. They’re going to help me bring her back.”

“Oh, I see,” Sam sighs, “so they’re your army? Your perfectly trained soldiers. What are you going to do? What’s your plan? Invade the planet where she died? Natasha is gone! She wouldn’t want this for you.”

You step back and feel your eyes sting. But you don’t let yourself cry, instead you glare at them and just as you were going to rumor them both, Klaus stepped in front of them and quickly blurted out. “Don’t. She’s here.”

“What?” You snapped as you snap your attention towards him. “What do you mean? Don’t mess with me Klaus.”

“I’m not,” Klaus quickly explained himself, raising his hands and looking to an empty spot beside him. “I got to connect with her.”

“What?” Bucky questioned too.

Your eyes widen and you leave your lips parted as Klaus begins to talk for her. “She says that she loves you, that she watches over you every second of every single day.” Your bottom lip trembles and tears once again fill your eyes. “She says you’re acting stupid right now and that if she were here she’d punch you.” You cover your mouth and sob softly. “She says that she doesn’t want this for you and she’s sorry for leaving you.”

You fall to your knees and keep looking at the space where Klaus was looking at, Bucky and Sam listen in disbelief, but Bucky manages to come to your side to try and comfort you.

“She wants you to go back home, be with people you love and just live life. Either being a hero or just simply living a life. All she wants is you to be happy, knowing she’s also going to be by your side. She loves you.”

“I’m sorry,” you cry, “I’m so sorry. I never wanted this, I just wanted you back, please..forgive me.”

“She does.”

“I love you,” you mutter, “and I miss you every single day.”

Klaus walks towards you and crouch’s down in front of you, cupping your cheek and offering you a kind smile. “She loves you too.”

A wobbly smile grows on your lips and you know by the look on Klaus’s face she was gone again. However you didn’t hesitate to do as she had said, you did the right thing with the Black Widows. Even if it was painful to think of Natasha dying, you let them go.

“So what now? You mumble as you look at the three men in front of you, swaying back and forth on your heels.

“Depends on you,” Bucky tells you, “we can use you out there, but if you want to go home, you can. We were worried for you, we just wanted you to be okay.”

“I will be,” you sigh as you hook your arm around Klaus’s. “Soon.”

“Well we can go back to your huge house,” Sam suggested, “I saw some expensive alcohol in that bar and I’m down to go there.”

You chuckle softly, “fine. Let’s go home. For a while, but after, I’m getting back to work. I know you boys can’t be without me.”

Sam snorts. “Sure whatever you say Number Twenty.”

“It’s Number Three!”

[aleksadnezz]

Sweet Night 2

Jae x Reader

 It is Saturday and I don't have errands today but I don't want to waste this day by just laying on my bed and watch sum tv shows because that's what I always do (after my shift or when I don't have work). I decided to take a shower and wear a white shirt, jeans and one out of my three pair of shoes cuz I’m broke af. I put sum random stuff into my tote bag just in case cuz I still have no idea where I wanted to go. I head out my room and locked it. I glance over to the room across mine, I wonder when he will return my charger.. I’m just kidding. I wonder if he’s alright, I mean if he seems okay living alone and streaming all day? or all night not leaving his apartment. I’m just a concern co-tenant that’s all.

 I walked and walked and walked until I reached to the bus station. I didn’t wait that long for the bus to arrive, I hopped in thankfully there’s not much people at this hour. It’s only 10AM and I still have lots of time to waste. Since this bus is heading to the center of the city, where most people go cuz there are a lot of shopping malls and attractions I’ll stay there and let where it will lead me.

 When we reached the bus station, I immediately got off the bus and casually walked on the street. There are lots of stores in the area that I’m in, there are sum bookstores, clothing stores and cafés. I don’t usually go outside like this but when I do, I only go to market to buy groceries so it feels new to me to go out alone in a different place. What I like about living here is that people don’t actually care about others, it doesn’t matter to them whatever you do in public as long as it’s not harmful.

 I entered to sum clothing stores just to checked their prices and left right away. Damn. Why does clothes have to be that expensive, I can already buy five thrift items for that price. I went to a bookstore and bought one book. It’s a self-help book, though I don’t actually read but I want to give it a shot, this might be a new hobby for me so. I also went to Daiso which I think is now my favorite place, they sell random stuff and cute stuff which I ended up buying more than 5 items.

 Going to stores surprisingly took me 3 hours it’s already lunch time so I went to a café that also sells meals. The ambiance of the place is so calm and expensive, and there’s not much people inside which what I like. I ordered iced matcha and sum carbonara. After I eat, I headed back home cuz I might end up spending all my recent salary in just one day cuz that’s possible to happen. Knowing myself I’m a big spender but try to manage that since I’m now earning and paying my own bills.

 On the way home I didn’t saw the strange old man, thankfully. I’m tired and can’t deal with him right now. I put down all my bags on the floor, got change and lay on my bed. I was busy scrolling through my phone when I heard a knocked on my door so I stood up and walked over my door. My eyes grew bigger when I saw who knocked. It was my neighbor, Jae. He’s wearing sum navy long sleeve button down polo and jeans, way different from what he always wears except only his slides.

 “Hi Jae.” I greeted.

 “Hello y/n. Do you have time?”

 “Yeah why?”

 “Um I know we don’t know each other that much but can you help me?”

 “Well, I guess what is it?” I honestly don’t have an idea what help he is asking. I don’t know he might ask me to help him move furnitures or carry huge boxes or even buy him food outside the building or sumthin.

 “I’m sorry if it’s so sudden, you’re the only person that can help me about this, can you do makeup on me?” Eh? that’s all? I really though he’ll make me carry boxes. When I looked at him, he’s scratching his forehead. I think he’s embarrassed. So cut-I don’t to make things complicated for him so I I’ll put my curiosity behind.

 “Yeah, of course.”

 “I already bought makeup earlier so you don’t have to worry.” I nodded and bite my lip. So, I have to go to his place? Omg

 “Uhh so where do you want us to do it?” Woah that sounds so wrong. I immediately covered my mouth that made him laugh. “I-I mean am I going to your place or?” I nervously laughed. Damn. What the fuck.

 “Anywhere you’re comfortable.”

 “Okay so.. my place?” I asked him and he nodded.

 “I’ll just get the stuff” he said and entered his apartment.

 I scanned my room making sure that my place is clean. All my dirty clothes are on my basket. I have no dishes in the kitchen. My bed is a mess so I quickly smoothen the crease I made on my bed earlier. I sat on my chair and suddenly felt my heart beats fast. I just realized that it is my first time inviting a guy that I barely know, in my apartment. Not that I trust easily, it just my gut feeling telling me that he’s a nice person.

 I heard a knocked so I stood up and opened the door.

 “Hello again” He smiled and extend his hand carrying a paper bag. I took it and oh boy it’s heavy.

“Have a seat.” I offered him to seat on my small dining table cuz I don’t have a couch in my apartment. I sat on the other chair across to him. I took out all the makeup inside the bag and lay it on the table. I think he bought every item that’s in the store, there are more than 10 products inside the bag.

 “Okay..” I looked at him and he fixed his posture and looked straight at my face. Woah. I never felt more shy in my life.

 “I already have moisturizer on.” He spoke. How come he can read my mind? Besides from being a streamer is he a mind reader too?

 “Do you think that’s enough cuz I don’t know what I bought.” He pointed the bag.

 “it’s.. a lot.”

 “I asked for assistance and the lady there suggested those.” I laughed. Poor boy.

 “I think she tricked you from buying everything.”  

 “Happy to help.” He said.

“Great. Okay I’ll put foundation on your face first.” I opened the bottle and put sum at the back of my hand. When I said that he bought every single item in the store, I mean it. He even has the complete set of brushes.

 I can see that he’s still staring at my face while I put foundation on his face. He’s prolly counting my acne and dark spots. I’m too shy to tell him not to look directly at me so I just asked him to unbox the products.

 “Can I ask?” I spoke.

 “Sure.” He answered while he’s busy unboxing each item.

 “Why am I the person you reached out for this?” I raised the foundation and brush, referring to the makeup.

 “Most of my friends are men I bet they don’t know anything about this and I think you’re the only woman that can help me plus you lived across  so..” I laughed when he said the last part.

 “What is this for? If you don’t mind me asking” There, I said it. I’m just curious why he wants me to his makeup at 3pm. Not sus at all.

 “A-ahh I have an event.. yeah an event I need to attend to”

 “Hmm. Is it like the streamercon thing?”

 “Y-yeah something like that.”

 “By the way what time is the event?”

 “Probably at 6 but I have to leave at 5.”

 “Alright I’ll just make it natural.” He nodded and stared at me again.

 “Do you play games?” He suddenly asked.

 “No and I will never.” He laughed.

 “Why?”

 “I don’t know, I just don’t like playing and It looks complicated”

 “Maybe at first but once you started playing, you’ll get used to it.”

 “Still not convince.”

 “How about hobbies? What do you do?” I stop what I’m doing and looked up as if that I’m thinking. He looked at me intently, waiting for me to answer.

 “Nothing.” I said and continue doing his face.

 “What? Really?” He said surprisingly.

 “Yeah, I don’t really have a hobby.”

 “How about that painting?” He pointed something on my back so I looked back to see. It was my painting on top of my drawer, I hid it behind my picture frame cuz I have a nowhere to hide it.

 “That was years ago. I don’t paint anymore.” No story behind it. I just stop doing it. Besides I got busy from working.

 “Why though? That honestly looks really cool.”

 “Really?”  He nodded. “Thank you.”

 “Alright.. down to the last part.” I finished doing his face and I didn’t put a lot of makeup since he already has great skin. I just put concealer under his eyes and brought colors back to his face. I grabbed the peach lipstick and twisted it open. Still laughing in my mind cuz the sale’s lady prolly made him buy 4 lipsticks.

 Now it’s my turn to look at him. I’ve been avoiding his gaze while we’re talking, trying to focus on what I’m doing. I don’t want to make it awkward for the both of us so I’ll just make it fast.

 “Just stay still okay.” He nodded while looking anywhere but me.

 I don’t know where to put my other hand so I let it rest on my lap while the other one is holding the lipstick. I raised my hand and before the tip of the lipstick even touch his lips, he grabs my wrist.

 “Why?”

 “Nervous.” He said, still not looking at me. I’ve seen guys afraid of having lipstick on them which I don’t understand why but I don’t question it either.

 “Is that necessary?” He added.

 “Not really but for you, yes. You’re quite pale, I don’t want you to look dead.” He slightly laughed and softly released my wrist from his hand.

 “Am I that pale?” I nodded.

 “Alright then.”

 “Do you want to?” Asking him is he wanted to put it on himself.

 “No, it’s my first time I might mess it up. I’ll just let you do it.” Woah.  I feel honored.

 “Okay hold still.” I leaned my hand on his face but I can see him leaning backwards.

 “Don’t lean!” He laughed.

 “Alright.. sorry.”

 I hold his shoulder using my other hand and raised the other to glide the tip of the lipstick on his soft lookin lips. I saw him shut his eyes and I find myself smiling cuz I think he looks like a cute little kid. I didn’t realize that the application was taking too long until he slowly opened his eyes. My smile slowly fades while my hands still attached to him, creating connection between us. Our eyes locked into each other for a solid 4 seconds until his eyes slowly landed on my lips-sxsnpRYrccxSWwhhelp

 “W-woah.. m-my makeup is a masterpiece.” I said and quickly moves away. I grab a palette with a compact mirror and hand it to him. He took it and scanned his face. I can feel my cheeks heating up.

 “Masterpiece…” He said and turned to me smiling.

 “Thank you so much y/n for helping me. I owe you.” Thankfully I’m not that dumb enough so I heard it right.

 “No worries Jae. Happy to help.” I said mocking him about the sale’s lady situation. He laughed.

 “No really. I can’t thank you enough.” His phone rings, he looked on it and put it in his pocket. “Also.. can you please keep the bag for me?” I nodded.  We stood up and walked over the door.

 “Sure.”

 “Thank you again y/n I’ll see you… sometime. I’ll definitely make it up to you.”

“Don’t bother. It’s alright.”

 “I insist.” He looked at me intently. It’s like there’s sum energy from his eyes or maybe it just him that made me agree to everything that he says. I think I need to go to hospital. There’s something wrong about here or there’s something wrong about me…

 “Alright. Alright.” I slightly raised both my hands, showing him that I surrender.

 “Good. See you then. Bye y/n” He smiled. What the fuck

 “Bye Jae.” I smiled back. I waited him to leave before I hardly shut my door. I leaned on the back of my door, thinking about what just happened today. There’s nothing wrong about me. It’s him. He’s the problem. The way he looked at me. The way he smiles. The way he laughs. Gosh.

 I’ve seen this in films before and I’m now living on it.

1   2   3    4   5 

[princessjungeun]

It’s Normal: Chaeryeong x Reader

Request: hi love, i was going to request a scenario where itzy are your best friends and they comfort you when your parents don't show up to your graduation but i wasn't sure if this topic is triggering or not and i was wondering if it fits your rules?

‼️CW: Family Issues ‼️

So the way I wrote this, I read the ask wrong cuz once again. Your favorite Admin can’t read. So the reader is Chaeryeong’s girlfriend and the rest of the girls are the best friends. As always, I’ll redo it if you don’t like it 🥺

High school was an incredible four years, especially for you. You came to Korea the summer before high school. Thankfully you were hip to kpop and k dramas so you had a basic knowledge of the Korean language. That and the Duolingo owl that popped in your emails every day you missed a 10 minute Korea. lesson.

On the first day you met Lia, a fellow freshman. She was perhaps the nicest and smartest person you ever met in your life. She also spoke English fluently so you could easily communicate with her. In addition to her, you also met her friends Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna. Although Yuna was two years younger than you all, she was very smart and skipped 3rd and 5th year in elementary school. Hence why she’s graduating with you all. The six of you took on high school together, not letting anything get in your way...kind of.

Sophomore year you realized rather quickly that you had a gigantic crush on one of your best friends, Chaeryeong. Lia and Ryujin told you that Chaeryeong liked you too but you never believed them. In addition to this, Chaeryeong was still quite shy when it came to talking about her love life. As much as she wanted to confess to you, she was too shy.

Until one day your best friends were fed up with the two of you being such chickens. Ryujin and Yuna devised a plan which Lia and Yeji followed through with. They locked you two in a room and didn’t let you out until you both confessed. You both ended up confessing after almost 12 hours, shortly after you fell asleep on the floor with her in your arms.

That was truly the only bump in the road between you and your friends. But now it was graduation day, the day you six looked forward to since the beginning of high school.

“Baby come on we’re lining up.” You pulled Chaeryeong’s arm and led her to her spot in line before finding your spot. The music played and you all walked to your seats. Thankfully the way the students were arranged was by homeroom, so you got to sit right in between Yeji and Yuna. Whereas Ryujin and Chaeryeong were the opposite side from you. Lia on the other hand was Valedictorian so she was in her own section in the front.

You saw Yuna out of the corner of your eyes, she was scanning the crowd for her parents. When she found them she smiled widely then pointed them out to you. Yeji did the same thing but slightly more descreet.

Yuna asked you “where’s your family?” You kept you eyes ahead and answered “don’t know. Definitely not coming though.”

•

•

•

The girls knew you had a rocky relationship with your family. It was best described as disfunctional and chaotic. When you were younger, things were better but as you got older that wasn’t the case. Especially as you started nearing the end of high school.

It was now to a point where you loved your parents, but you did not like them. They didn’t seem to really care anymore about anything you did. The support they once showed disappeared. In place of it was harsh criticism and unkind words that were forever engraved in your mind.

However the only one who knew very well about your current situation (besides Chaeryeong of course) was Yuna. You spent much of your time in her house. So much so you called her mother and father “mom and dad” than your own parents.

It broke Chaeryeong and Yuna’s hearts that there was nothing they could do to fix it. Chaeryeong especially. She constantly voiced that she wanted to help but you always told her not to worry. Always telling her you can’t necessarily fix what’s already been broken, it takes two sides to fix the problem. And one side isn’t even there to think about fixing it.

•

•

•

“And now we will have our Valedictorian speech. Please welcome Jisu Julia “Lia” Choi.” Your principal a moved so Lia was now standing at the podium. She stepped down and pointed at the microphone. “It’s too tall...” Everyone laughed as they moved it for her height. Lia started her speech “Hello everyone-” Yuna shouted to her happily “HI LIA UNNIE!” From that moment forward you and Yeji made sure Yuna stayed quiet.

As they called names for diplomas as well as awards you cheered for your friends. When they called your name, you went up and accepted your several awards. You saw Yuna’s parents smiling proudly at you, waving a taking pictures.

After you all got your diplomas and the ceremony ended you all found your parents. In your case your “parents”. You and Yuna found her mom and dad and greeted them. Her dad and older sister talked to her while her mom spoke to you.

The woman wrapped you in a warm hug “I’m so proud of you sweetheart.” You smiled and said “thank you so much eomma. And thank you for always being here for me...truly it means a lot.” She moved a stand of your hair behind your ear, “of course, and i’m sorry your parents weren’t here...” You responded “it’s normal. I’m just happy you all are here and that’s all that matters.”

You left them so Yuna could have her moments with them, after all they were her family to begin with. Looking around you saw hundreds of other students, your eyes scanning the crowd until you saw Chaeryeong.

Her older sister pointed you out and she immediately ran over, hugging you tightly. You kissed the top of her head and laughed “what’s got you so excited all the sudden?” She interlocked her hand with yours “I just love you that’s all.” She smiled then dragged you over to her family. You knew her family very well, and they adored you at that. However, you always seemed to get just a little nervous around her parents.

“Y/N! Congratulations on your awards, were so proud!” Chaeryeong’s dad congratulated you with a wide smile. You talked to her parents a little bit before meeting back up with your friends. You decided to go home then meet back up with each other in an hour.

•

•

•

You walked into your house, as usual it was pretty quiet. “Hello? Anyone home?” You called out loudly so your parents could hear you. Walking upstairs you saw your dad asleep in his bed, but your mom was awake. “Where were you?” She asked with an attitude. You responded “my high school graduation.” She rolled her eyes and looked back at her phone “so nowhere important”. You sighed, and walked to your room.

You wished you had a better relationship with your parents but you knew it wouldn’t happen. They just didn’t care. They made sure you had the necessary things to live like clothes and a home and access to good healthcare. But supporting you and having an actual relationship with you? That ship sailed at least 5 years ago.

Quickly you yanked off your cap and gown, leaving it in the plastic covering in your closet. You changed into shorts and a cropped t shirt and your favorite sneakers. “Hey I’m going back out.” You poked your head in your mom’s room. She responded blankly “ok tell your eomma and appa I said hi.” You sadly nodded before bolting our the house before tears could leak from your eyes.

Your mom found out long ago that you called Yuna’s parents eomma and appa. It slipped out one day when Yuna’s parents gave you a gift on the last day of your freshman year. Her parents didn’t seem to mind and constantly called you their daughter anyways. When your actual mom found out she didn’t care, as expected. The worst part was she acknowledged the fact that they weren’t your parents but they cared for you like they were. That’s what hurt the most.

•

•

•

When you got to the usual meeting spot for your friend group, a convenience store in between all of your neighborhoods, Chaeryeong was already there. “Jagi?” She hugged you when she saw you looked upset “what’s wrong?” You responded “just family things, the usual.” Quickly you wiped away the few tears that fell before placing a smile on your face.

“Hey love birds.” Ryujin came with Lia on her back, the older girl smiling happily. You all looked around before you saw Yuna sprinting down her street yelling “IS HE STILL THERE?” You all laughed and shook your heads.

The youngest of you all held herself up on a wall as she said “my neighbor’s dog was trying to kill me. Oh my god. Phew.” You asked her “Your neighbor Mrs. Park?” She nodded still trying to catch her breath. You all laughed harder “her dog is a Chihuahua!” Yuna whined “OK BUT HE IS FAST AND VISIOUS.” Yeji finally walked over, already knowing the topic of conversation “oh please Bija is an angel. He loves us.... just not you.” She whined and led you all to your destination, your favorite ice cream place.

•

•

•

As the night started to fall you all sat around a table outside, laughing about memories you made during high school.

“Remember when Lia fell asleep and we drew on her face?” Yuna smiled at the memory of your first sleep over as a 6 friend group.

“And that time Y/N pretended she didn’t speak English so she could get an easy A+ during year 2.” Yeji pointed to you with her spoon.

“Oh! That time Yuna got gum stuck in her hair and had to cut it so Ryujin cut her hair too.” Chaeryeong chimed in.

“When Yeji auditioned for that company to be a trainee because she lost that bet. Then she got in and didn’t tell us until she declined the offer.” You spoke up.

Yeji responded “in my defense I had no interest in being a YG or SM trainee...i’d rather JYP.” You all nodded in agreement.

“Remember when we locked those two in a closet until they confessed. And then they did and are now the power couple of our whole grade?” Lia pointed to you and Chaeryeong.

You looked at your girlfriend, eyes filled of love. Slowly you saw her cheeks heat up, your friends teasing her loudly. She turned her face into your shoulder out of embarrassment. You patted her head and placed a kiss on the top of her head before saying “i love you all so much. Thank you for giving me your friendship.”

All 5 of them looked at each other and shared a collective “awwww” before surrounding you in a group hug. You were always going to be grateful for your best friends and girlfriend. They filled that hole of love that you lacked for so long.

[adorkabletodd]

Red as Ruby (Jason Todd x Reader)

 This is part 2 of my first fanfic called Green as Emerald if you’d like to, go ahead and read the first part

I was feeling a little inspired so I decided to sketch my man

 Soulmate AU! Whenever you lose something it’ll end up in your soulmate’s hands/possession. You’ll never find it again until you find your soulmate. Things you forgot existed also goes to your soulmate and vice versa.

Warnings: more curse words than before Word count: 1680

---

It’s been 3 days since my encounter with the famous Red Hood, and so far I’ve tried my best to avoid alleyways that reek of mob gangs. 

Lately, I’ve been occupying myself with twice the amount of work. I kept telling my brain that it’s for the good of my job but I know deep down it’s just an excuse to make me forget about that stone Red Hood was wearing.

Honestly, I shouldn’t believe that he really is wearing my stone, right? Lots of people probably own the same green emerald that I used to have! Though I couldn’t help but wonder.

Besides my parents, only a few of my friends would confirm that they do believe in the miracles of finding a soulmate but some hadn’t had the opportunity to ever experience them. 

...What are the odds of Red Hood being mine?

“You seem to be deep in thought, (Y/N).” I turn my head to the source of that voice and saw Garrick, my co-worker. A good guy, though I wouldn’t say we’re anything more than friends.

“Hey. Sorry, been doing a lot of thinking lately. What’s up?”

“Package just arrived for you in the mail. Sent all the way from Star City by someone named Connor Hawke” Garrick handed me a small packaged. 

“Thanks, Garrick,” I gave him a smile as I take the package from his hands. I didn’t think Connor would reach out to me so soon. Connor was one of my closest friends back home, we went to the same high school together and I always find myself comforting him whenever he had trouble with his dad. He in return helped me throughout the loss of my parents. There’s a lot of mystery to that guy after he dropped out of school I rarely get to see him but there are times where he would always find me in the most unexpected times.

Grabbing a scissor from my desk, I rip the package open and was astonished to the remaining things inside. There were a bunch of old pictures of us together back in our high school days, and a note from Connor. 

‘ Found these old photos of us when I cleaned your old apartment, I thought you might want it back. Good luck in Gotham (L/N), seriously, you’re gonna need it. Don’t be a stranger.

 PS. I also found this little treasure of yours.

- Connor H.‘

One item that stood out was what looked like a tip of a familiar pocket knife buried beneath the photographs. I held my breath once I cleared away the photos.

The pocket knife was a beautiful ruby red with a single black streak printed on the back. The handle still has those rough scratches and a couple of marks that resembles the letter ‘J’ at the bottom. God, I can’t believe I accidentally left this behind. I used to bring this everywhere I go. It became a handy tool though I don’t recall how I gain the possession of it in the first place.

By the time I didn’t realize it was already half past 5 pm. I’ve completed all of my assignments, would love to get an early leave before it gets dark.

---

On my way home I remembered that I haven’t restocked my fridge yet, right on queue: my stomach grumbled. Guess I accidentally skipped lunch again. Just across the street, I saw a fast food restaurant called the Bat Burger.

“…”

Ah hell, why not? I mean it’s not like Red Hood would mindlessly hang out in a food joint named after him and his vigilante group.

When I entered, the place seemed so flashy and colorful. Like straight out of a comic book kind of atmosphere. A lot of pop art style no doubt. Once I finally ordered I made my way near a windowed booth. A sigh of exhaustion escaped my lips, I was ready to dig into my dinner when suddenly a man sat across from me.

Startled, he seemed to be in alert. This man wore a black shirt underneath his dark gray jacket and a red cap. Even though he seems to be hiding his face with that cap, I can see the clear blue of his eyes.

“Um... Can I help you?”

When he noticed my presence, he hunches over his shoulder attempting to hide his face even further. “Sorry, didn’t mean to invade your space but could you pretend like we’re a couple of friends having dinner for just 2 minutes? Then I’ll go and you can just pretend I was never here.” Before I could even question what he meant two other men barge in from the entrance. The man in front of me held his breath waiting for an impasse. I tried my best to avert my gaze away from their peering eyes. Sliding my fries over to him slowly.

The two goons didn’t seem to notice the man in front of me before heading back outside. Once they’re gone the man made a cautious check over his shoulder before exhaling a sigh of relief. “Thanks for playing along.” He was about to reach over my fries and quickly I slap his hands away.

“Just because I helped you doesn’t mean you can actually take my food.”

He raised both of his hands in defense before letting out a soft chuckle. “Well, sliding your fries over to me, I thought you sincerely meant to share me some food.”

“What exactly was all that about?” I found myself saying the question out loud.

“Let’s just say I had a job that I needed to take care of, wasn’t as sneaky as I turned out to be.”

His hand started to fidget on the knot of his jacket string. “This your first time eating here?”

“Oh let me guess, you’re a regular here.”

“My brothers and I always come here to mock our dad, a lot of our... inside jokes came from this place.” The man took off his cap and rake his fingers through his messy hair. I notice the white streak on his jet black hair and the look just made him stood out.

“I’m Jason, by the way. Jason Todd.”

“(Y/N) (L/N).”

Normally I wouldn’t get too comfortable with sketchy guys who came to me for cover. But I gotta admit, this man is ridiculously handsome. “Not that it’s any of my business but, it’s not really safe to be alone at night in Gotham.”

“When isn’t it good time to be safe in Gotham, honestly? And I can take care of myself if that’s what you mean.”

“Oh, I have no doubt about that,” Jason smirked, his eyes gleamed with mischief.

I didn’t know how but the conversation between us continued naturally. It’s rare to find a guy like him to connect with. He’s not like anyone I’ve ever met before and from a glance, you can tell what a sly asshole of guy he can be, weirdly I don’t mind getting to know that part of him. If he’ll let me.

When I finished my burger, I wiped my lips with the napkin and slide the remainings of my french fries left to him. “Here, I’m too full to finish this, you can have the rest.” Jason looked at me doubtingly. “Seriously. Here, you’ve been a good company.”

“Well, it’s nice to know you don’t hate me yet.”

“Keep that annoying face of yours and we’ll see.”

I grab hold of my bag and place my phone inside. “Nice knowing you, Jason.” I gave him a small smile before sliding out of the booth. To my satisfaction, Jason smiled back.

Walking towards the exit, I was about to reach my hand to the door when I heard Jason’s voice.

“(Y/N), wait. You dropped – ...This.”

Turning back I saw Jason lean down grabbing something, in his hand was the red pocket knife Connor sent me. 

“Oh! good lord, not again!” I really need to keep an eye on this thing. I don’t want to lose it for the second time. “Thanks. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I lost this.”

“Does it mean that much to you?”

“Well... Not really, this thing helped me out when I needed a little tinkering. It’s one of those stuff where you can’t really let go when you have it, you know?”

“Yeah... I do.” Jason looked at me, surprised.

He looked at me as if I made him realize something, the way his eyes softens as my fingers traced the small scratches of this red pocket knife.

“You should head back. It’s getting late.” Jason said quietly.

A part of me didn’t want to leave him behind, but another part told me that I should be on my way. “Yeah... Thanks again for this, see you around Jay.”

With that, I made my way out. Urging myself not to look back. Though my eyes couldn’t help but glance back to the restaurant window, I noticed. The time I spent talking with Jason felt like we were the only ones in the room. And we were.

---

The sound of jingling key echoed the empty hallway as I unlock my door. Once I entered I turned the lights on and place my bag on the kitchen island. I made my way to the fridge to grab myself a bottle of water when I suddenly heard a single tap sound from my window.

I became anxious with the thought of someone breaking in. Cautiously I close the fridge and try to reach into my bag to grab the pepper spray. Every second I feel my heart race faster and my eyes scanned on the darker parts of my living room waiting for something to strike.

I came closer, and closer to my bag when suddenly a figure emerges from the shadow.

My mind became blank and the bottle dropped from the numb feeling in my hand.

I was face to face with Red Hood.

“Hello, angel. I believe you have something of mine.” 

---

Oof I had to cut that cuz it’s getting way too long.

Hope you enjoyed it and I have a feeling I’ll be writing part 3 to conclude this Soulmate AU. 

[neoarchipelago]

Ghosts (John Wick x reader part three)

AN: it was complicated to write more cuz so many of you are awaiting this and i'm literally so afraid to fuck it up xD i really hope you enjoye this! If you see any mistake please do tell me.

Part one

Part two

Word count: 3 240

Warnings: curse words, there will be other warnings in other parts.

_______________

You spun around, planting your eyes into black ones. Your heart was pounding in your ears.

"JOHN!" You half-yelled.

He stepped back, noticing your closeness.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you" he answered with a smirk.

You looked at him with a dirty look making him chuckle. You breathed trying to calm your heart rate. He was wearing a simple white shirt and some grey sweatpants and the thought of him looking just as good with casual clothing as before made you blush. You turned back to the food, that you were just finishing.

"That's a nice tune. You're russian?" John asked.

"No. Someone used to sing it to me, when I was little. I didn't understand russian so she kind of translated it for me." You explained grabbing two plates.

John grabbed some forks and knifes and some cups helping you. This scenery almost felt normal. It should have been awkward maybe, weird, but you two felt pretty at ease.

"Was it your mother?"

You sighed.

"No… my mother died when I was a baby." You looked up at John and continued before hearing the usual condolences. "It was an old woman who used to take care of me. Baba. She died a few years ago." You finished putting down the, now, two full plates on the table.

John nodded. You both sat down at the table. And started the meal. It wasn't that good but John humed as he took a bite. You smiled looking at him.

"Stop it's not that good…" you said softly.

He frowned licking his bottom lip, making your own mouth dry up.

"It is, how did you manage to cook this with what I had?" He asked looking at you.

"I managed." You simply said, shrugging it off, smiling a bit.

You were a bit proud yes. He liked your meal and that made you stupidly happy. You both ate while comfortably talking.

"Was your mom your only family?"

"No…" you said lingering a bit there. Simply playing around with your food. "I have my father. And you? No one else? I saw some pictures of a woman around…"

John looked away and you felt bad for bringing it up. You were going to apologise when he finally answered.

"It was my wife. She.. died over a year ago."

Just as you were going to give your condolences, he spoke, stopping you, a bit like you did earlier.

"So university?" He asked.

"No actually I work." You answered not really paying attention to the full interview he was trying to do.

"Where?"

"A small restaurant. It's been a year."

"Well that's why you cook so well"

You blushed. You weren't that good.

"Where do you work John?"

"I bind books."

You looked at him. He was staring right back at you. It felt like a lie, but you didn't push further into it. You won't be here tomorrow in anyway. The thought saddened you as you looked down. Yes. It's just tonight.

__________

John had finished his shower and got dressed. He had headed downstairs and heard you sing softly. The first few sentences sounding like honey on your tongue, he had walked up behind you. Then he heard it. Those words. Baba Yaga. It made his breath hitch and he had scared you. He had regretted it immediately, the last thing he wanted was for you to actually be afraid of the Baba yaga. You didn't seem so bothered though once the shock had settled in. The kitchen smelt good and he actually felt hungry now.

He had questioned you and was a bit sad to hear from your mother's death. You had seemed to not want to talk about it. He had sat down at table with you and felt almost like it was just a normal diner between… between what? The food was very good and he was enjoying the conversation, overall it sounded like a nice ending to a long day and night. He wasn't surprised you worked at a restaurant. He had also tried the usual profession for you to believe in and was surprised you didn't seem to buy it. He was still glad you didn't push the matter further.

You had lowered you head sadness in your eyes and he remembered how he found you. Yes. Perhaps now she'll speak.

____________

You didn't want to go back to your life. If only you could just stay here. You felt safe. He made you feel safe.

"Are you going to tell me what happened?" He asked.

You could feel his eyes on you. You looked up and your eyes found his. The darkness in them making you feel safe and trapped at the same time. You stayed like this a few minutes, simply looking at each other in the eyes. You felt compelled to tell the truth once again, his eyes almost pressuring you to spill everything but no. You closed your eyes, breaking the connection and easing the tension between you two. You shook your head. No. You couldn't tell him. These were your problems and you couldn't drag this awesome man into it. Tears swelled up in your eyes and you opened them, blinking a few times hoping to chase them away and that John wouldn't see them. He sighed.

"Alright. I won't push it."

You were both done with your plates, feeling much better. John stood up gathering the plates to clean up and you tried to mimic him but he stopped you.

"Please, this time let me do it." He said, his tone leaving you no room for discussion.

You simply nodded. You looked at him as he took the plates to the sink and watched him start washing them. His shoulders moving under his shirt made you feel hotter then you wanted to and looked away blushing. No! He was after all a sight to see. This man was handsome no matter what he was doing. He was being so gentle with you. This whole situation was a dream. And you knew it, you always wake up from a dream. You felt something nudging your leg and saw the beautiful pup looking at you. You smiled and pet his head.

"He likes you." You heard John say.

"I like him too" you said in a joyful tone.

"People are usually a bit scared of him"

"Yes. But I think he's the best. He suits you well." You added absentmindedly still petting the dog.

"Really? Why?" John asked, now curious.

Realizing your previous words you decided to be honest.

"Well… he's sweet and gentle, yet he looks at you protectively. He's cuddly yet he looks so… strict." You finished in a whisper.

You didn't need to look up at John you felt his eyes burning you. No. You couldn't look at him in the eyes you'd melt. The tension building up, you felt the urge to change the situation.

"And what would I be?" You asked in a playful tone, finally looking up.

Your breath hitched, his dark gaze looking into your damn soul, as he quickly answered in a dark tone that sent shivers down your spine.

"A kitten."

____________

He had seen you pet Dog. He seemed to like you. He was happy for a unknown reason when he heard you say that you liked him as well, because yes, people were sometimes afraid of the poor pup. It had highly surprised him that you would found the dog  'suited' for him and out of curiosity he asked you why.

He had heard you compliment him over his dog. Yes, he was being gentle with you and protective, cuddly did make him doubt but strict did fit him well. The thing was not exactly the words you used to indirectly describe him, but the soft tone you voiced them out in, and the damn look you were giving the dog. A loving look, that he wanted to see in your eyes as you looked at him. And for the second time that night he felt himself slightly loose control as he eyed you hungrily. You were so sweet, kind, loving, that the desire to protect you was slowly starting to rise in him. The need to comfort you like he had wanted to when your eyes had filled with tears and tried your best to chase away earlier.

You had asked him what did he saw you as, what pet would suit you, and the words had escaped his mouth without even thinking, the same dark look in his eyes. Yes the perfect pet name. Kitten. He felt his blood slightly boiling as your eyes were planted into his, as he saw you shiver from it. John wake up.

He cleared his voice looking away. What's this this girl? Making the Baba yaga feel like a stupid teen over a girl. Making him lose control so easily. He was maybe tired, maybe he was feeling lonely recently and it made him get attached to you so easily. It was late, and he needed sleep, that's all.

"Do you want to shower?" He proposed.

__________

You swallowed hard has he looked away. God it felt hot in the room right now. Yes you were sure, that man was dangerous. The way he looked at you so hungrily should make you want to run the hell out of there but no. You still felt that odd feeling of being safe. A kitten. Yes it's what it felt like. It was like you were a kitten in front of a pitbull. He had spoke, taking you out of your daydream, asking you if you wanted to shower.

"I-I.. don't want to, bother more than I already do, plus I don't really have any other clothes." You said, quickly a bit out of breath, still trying to send him a small smile to hide the feelings he was rising inside of you.

He smiled and rolled his eyes.

"You're not bothering, stop saying that. I'll lend you something." He said turning around and walking out of the kitchen.

It took a second for you to realize you had to follow him. Dog had gotten up, started following John, and stopped in his track looking back at you giving you that feeling of you comin' ? You rose and followed quickly upstairs. You walked down the hallway to the door at the end of it, who was actually the only open one. You slowly walked in and watched as John was going through his closet. He got out a white shirt that looked exactly like the one he was wearing but a bit smaller and some shorts.

"You can wear those they're small on me." He said looking at you, scanning you up and down just with his eyes. "They might be a bit big for you" he finished with a smirk.

You smiled, and nodded feeling your cheeks burn at his inspection.

"The bathroom is right next door, take your time I have a few things to take care of before bed." He said walking past you and closing the bedroom door behind him.

You were actually in his room and that felt awfully weird. That feeling of breaking into someone's intimacy creeping over you. You hurried up to the shower, taking the clothes he gave you with you, and got in the shower. You showered quickly but still taking time to enjoy the warm water over your body. You stepped out of the shower and dried yourself off. It felt weird because the entire room smelled of cologne, like him. You had stopped for minute and hummed the smell that surrounded you. You hadn't felt so relaxed in…  you couldn't even remember. You threw his shirt over your head. It reached the top of your thighs and hid most part of your ass. You tried the shorts on who definitely were big but you tried to tie them as tightly as possible. You hair was still wet when you heard a knock on the door making you jump.

"There's a hair dryer in the cabinet underneath the sink." You heard him say from the other side of the door.

"Thanks!" You answered, quickly grabbing it.

You had dried your hair and were exhausted. You felt comfy in his clothes and the shower had relaxed you. You opened the bathroom door leading to the bedroom and saw John, laying on top of the bed his eyes closed. Had he fallen asleep? You walked a bit closer when his eyes shot open making you jump again. You heard him chuckled as you rolled your eyes.

"Ready for bed?" He asked.

"Yes" you answered in a soft voice, smiling down upon him.

_______

Her smile made his heart skip a beat. She stood there, in his clothes, looking fucking adorable and she was smiling. A sweet and kind smile. He smiled back and quickly walked back to the hallway, hearing her following him. The door next to his led to a spare bedroom that he had prepared after making some phone calls.

"There's your bedroom." He said.

She turned to him and smiled again.

"Thank you John." She said.

He looked at her. She seemed to be so honest in her words that he didn't know if she was thanking him for the bedroom or just the whole night. He smiled back and walked out, closing the door behind him. He stood there for a minute before passing his hands over his face. He sighed and walked to his bedroom. He needed rest yes. He could finally sleep. He lied down in bed, Dog jumping up on the bed. He closed his eyes breathing deeply. Yes he could finally rest, his kitten was safe. My kitten?! John opened his eyes out of shock at his own words.

__________

You had gotten yourself comfortable in the bed. The pillows were soft and the covers weren't heavy but still warm. You sighed of happiness as you closed your eyes a small smile on your lips. You didn't want to leave. You had enjoyed the calm evening, the food, the place. You had enjoyed Dog and mostly you had enjoyed John's presence. John's eyes. You felt your cheeks heat up a bit before remembering that tomorrow morning you'd have to leave. Go back to work and… to you father. Anxiety rose back and you could feel your heart speed up. You had no choice, no way to escape it. Yes the dream would be over soon and you'll never see him again. You'd never feel that feeling of having someone who cares even the slightest about you. You felt the tears sting in your eyes. You'd turn back into a ghost. And there was no way to escape. You fell asleep a few minutes later, the tiredness and the tears overwhelming you.

-

You felt the rising sun hit your face. You opened your eyes blinking a few times, looking around. You were at that man's house. John Wick. You sighed. The time had come. You listened closely to try and figure out if John was awake but the house was silent. You stood up looking at the clock on the wall facing your bed. It was a bit past 6 am. You'd have to be at the restaurant at 9am to prepare for the lunch service. You glanced down at John clothes and felt your heart ache. You had to leave, and you really didn't want to. Actually right now you'd give anything to be able to stay. But you couldn't. So as the tears threatened to come back, you got up and changed clothes, to your baggy sweatshirt and leggings. You decided against to put your shoes on, to make sure you didn't wake up John.

You took a deep breath and opened the door. Turning the handle slowly making as little sound as possible. You stuck your head out of the door and looked around. John's door was slightly open but the house was perfectly quiet. You stepped into the hallway and walked down stairs. You felt bad to leave like this. Without a goodbye. But you couldn't stay here until he woke up and have to go through all the pain of the actual goodbyes. The tears were nearby already. You glanced at the kitchen and a thought ran through your mind. I should make him breakfast at least.

You sighed and walked in the kitchen. It took you a few minutes to prepare some bacon and eggs, with some toast. You turned on the coffee machine so he'd have a warm coffee as well. You suddenly heard paws on the floor and fear ran through you, had you woken up John?

Dog walked in the kitchen with no one behind him. You let out a breath closing your eyes. You smiled down at the pup and pet him with a whispered 'good morning'. Tears swelled up in your eyes again and you cursed. You decided to feed the pup before leaving. Looking down at him, eating. Yes you couldn't leave like this. You looked around the living room and grabbed a some sticky notes and a pencil. You stared at it before quickly writing something and putting it next to the plate. You then walked to the door and dropped to the floor putting your old shoes on. You took a last glance back, silently crying before walking out.

_________

John woke up unusually late. It was almost 9. He looked around for Dog, who should have been hungry and woken him up much earlier. Not seeing the pup he got up and walked downstairs. Passing next to (y/n)'s open room door. Something felt off. Downstairs he saw nothing unusual. But he did smell eggs and bacon. Which was unusual. He walked in the kitchen and first saw dog's bowl full. That explained why he hadn't woken him up. He then saw the plate on the kitchen counter. You had prepared breakfast. He smiled his heart feeling warm. But where were you know?

He looked around and saw the pitbull walk to him and sit down. Staring up at him.  

His eyes flew over the plate again, and he noticed a small note. He took it, carefully.

Thank you for being my shelter for the night. Thank you for allowing me to feel safe. I'm sorry I had to leave, here's breakfast to try and make it up to you.

Ps: you should go shopping, your fridge is empty John!.

You had vanished, like a ghost. He smiled down at the note but deep down he felt bad. Sad even. You still needed help and honestly he wanted to thank you as well for taking care of him. The image of your face wet from tears, the way you spoke softly, your pout. John clenched his fists. The way you smiled and laughed. No. He had to at least make sure you were fine. Even if you never wanted to see him again. He remembered you said you worked in a restaurant but you hadn't detailed which one. He had nowhere to start. He sighed.

He ran upstairs to grab his phone, the note still in his hand. He quick dialed the number and listened, waiting for the voice at the other end of the phone.

"Good morning John. What's going on so early in the morning?" The man's voice said, sounding slightly surprised.

"I need you to find someone for me."

AN: there we go... I hope it meets your expectations!

Here's some tags:

@lalesnotes @onebatch--twobatch @derangedcupcake @lovelycarose @fanficsrusz @shatter-me-now

[arcanesupern0va]

Rick In The Water; Ch4: Pornostartrek

Summary: W H E R E A R E Y O U ?

A/N: Awwww, shit, who wants some Rick POV? Is it you? Cuz that's what you're getting! What's that? You also want Rick to fight against feelings? GUESS WHAT I HAVE FOR YOU THEN. ehehehehehehe. CW: Discussions of death, suicide and all manner of death Pairing: Rick Sanchez/Reader Word Count: 5329

My ao3

Masterlist

|Ch3: Neon Moon|

I woke up one morning, two weeks after being dosed with truth serum, to Ryan sitting with his back to me, rocking back and forth slowly. I desperately wanted to just roll back over, to just ignore him and go back to sleep but he caught me before I had the chance.

“(Y/N), we need to talk,” he said sadly, and my stomach dropped. My mind raced with whatever I could’ve possibly done to upset him. Sure I’d been spending most of my time hanging out in Rick’s garage, but with my entire day open ever since my salon had to let me go, what else was I supposed to do with my time? Nevermind the fact that I was becoming just as addicted to his presence as he had admitted being about mine, as though his admission made it okay.

“Uh, okay. What’s up?” I asked as casually as I could. I sat up, pulling the blanket up to cover my naked form to give him my full attention as he stood up and started pacing the room.

“Are, are you happy being married to me?” His voice was raw as he spoke. “You’re just never home, and when you are, you’re so distant. I’m starting to think you don’t love me anymore.”

I went into panic mode, prepping myself with my finger on the metaphorical trigger of Rick’s panic button. Was this finally the time? Was this going to be when he snaps? “Of course I love you, Ryan,” I murmured, but as soon as the words left my lips, I knew they weren’t true. I hadn’t loved him for a long time and no amount of mental dampening would ever change that. Unfortunately, judging by the look on his face, he was coming to a similar conclusion.

He never got the chance to try to confirm his fears as a portal opened up in our bedroom, Rick stepping through, looking at me frantically.

“Nova! Nova, I need you to come with me!” he pleaded, grabbing me by my wrist and pulling me up from my bed and toward the glowing green orb.

“W-wait Rick! Where are we going?” I demanded, yanking my arm out of his grasp to cover my now exposed nude form. He gave a frustrated groan, averting his gaze.

“L-look, something’s not right with Morty! I just need your help.” he explained, annoyance seeping into his panic.

“And you were going to drag me off to help him in the fucking nude?” I asked hysterically as I started digging into my closet, looking for something to return my dignity.

“Is Morty okay Rick?” Ryan asked, his voice dripping with concern. I pulled on a pair of sweats and a tee-shirt, slipping on my trusty running shoes,

“He’s not going to be if Nova doesn’t hurry the hell up,” Rick said, panic taking over his voice again as he watched the window nervously.

“I’m here,” I announced. “I’m ready, let’s go.”

I followed him to the portal, sparing a glance to Ryan who watched sadly as I disappeared through it. I knew that conversation wouldn’t stay unfinished, but at least for now, I wouldn’t have to deal with it.

The portal dropped us into a small apartment, with Morty nowhere to be seen. I scanned the room, quickly realizing this was a den of a man who had all but given up. Old take-out tins littered the floor, mixed in with crushed beer cans and trashed gadgets. The room was dimly lit, making it hard to decipher much of the filth spread across the room, but I could make out a picture resting on a filthy pillow on an even filthier couch. I squinted, attempting to make it out but try as I may I couldn’t see anything other than a feminine figure.

“W-where’s Morty?” I asked nervously, but Rick’s face no longer wore a look of panic. Instead, a watery smile was spreading across his face as he gazed lovingly down at me before pressing his mouth to mine, kissing me desperately. I pulled away, shocked at the brazen assault.

“I missed you so much Nova; I thought I would never see you again,” he murmured, resting his forehead against mine.

“M-Missed me?” I sputtered, pulling away from the desperate man in front of me. “Rick I just saw you yesterday. Circling back, what the fuck was that kiss?”

He looked at me with sadness in his eyes as he started pacing. “Goddammit,” he swore in frustration. “I just, I was hoping you and your Rick would’ve crossed that bridge by now,” he rambled, wringing his hands together.

“ My Rick?” I demanded, “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Nova, I’m sorry,” he raised his hand to my face, his wrist opening up to expose a small aerosol can. It sprayed mere inches away from my face, making my head spin. “I’ll explain, I promise. Just not right now.”

And everything went dark.

+Rick+

Where in the hell was Nova? Usually, when I saw Dipshit’s car pulling out of the driveway, she popped up like clockwork. I wracked my mind, thinking of something I could’ve done to upset her, and while there was more of a list than I’d like to admit none of it wasn’t recent or offensive enough to earn me her version of the silent treatment.

Maybe she had laundry to do or something. She’ll be here eventually.  

I turned back to my workbench, going back to the atomic speaker I had been working on, but I couldn’t quite focus. I had felt the alarm from rubbing her panic button, but it had been one of the many comfort alerts, nothing that would signify something was wrong.

If she wasn’t here in an hour, I was going to go check on her.

*+*

Ok. where the fuck is she?

I stormed up to the house, preparing to give her a piece of my mind for making me worry about her. Sure, I had only waited forty-five minutes, but my brain decided to take me down the dangerous path of immediately jumping to the conclusion that Ryan had done something to her. I rapped on the door, peeking into the windows as I tapped my foot impatiently. Her car was still in the driveway, she had to be home.

Thirty seconds.

A minute.

My mind raced with images of her being knocked out, hurt or god forbid dead. I pulled out my portal gun, opening one to her room and stepping into it. There didn’t seem to be any signs of a struggle, but her phone was still on her bedside table. That was… weird. I sat down on her bed, turning the screen on to find a text from Ryan.

“I hope everything’s okay with Morty, we’ll have to pick up where we left off when you get back. I love you.” My nose wrinkled in disgust at the message as I tossed it back onto her bed, but its importance wasn’t lost on me.

“I hope everything’s okay with Morty.”

The fuck did that mean?

I opened another portal, this time into Morty’s bedroom. Summer meant the kid was still sleeping, so I grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him violently. He awoke with a horrified gasp as I glared down at him.

“Wh-where in the fuck is Nova?” I asked him urgently. Shit man, dial it back. She was probably fine.

Right?

“I-I-I don’t know?” he exclaimed, confused. “I haven’t seen her since last night.”

“So you didn’t talk to her or anything? Telling her something was wrong?” I grilled him.

“N-No!”

Well, fuck me running.

“Well she’s not home, and there was a message on her phone, hoping you were okay.” I spat at him, panic starting to consume me. I pulled out my flask, taking a soothing swig from it. If I wanted to figure out what the fuck was going on, I needed to keep a steady head.

“Why were you going through Aunt Nova’s phone?” Morty asked angrily.

“Everyday, Morty, every fucking day Nova shows up after her idiot leaves for work.” I shouldn’t have to explain this. Morty knows she’s at the house almost every goddamn day. “She didn’t show up today.”

“O-okay and? She has a life, Rick,” Morty reminded me viciously, “Maybe she had other shit to do?”

“Okay, that could be true Mo-uuurp-ty.” Pausing to take another swig, I considered his response. “Then what’s up with the text message. What- how are you logicing that one out genius?”

“I don’t know, Rick! Maybe she lied to Ryan, it wouldn’t be the first time.”

“Except with how docile he is, she doesn’t have to,” I shot back at him. Even though Morty’s explanations made logical sense, something just didn’t feel right.

“I-I-I don’t know Rick, maybe it’s just habit at this point,” the boy grumbled, climbing out of bed and pulling on his jeans. “I’m sure she’ll be over later, th-then maybe you can act like a clingy bitch to her and not me.”

“I-I-Wha-Fuck you, Morty,” I stammered, “I was worried about her, her fucking husband happens to beat her from time to time. Or are you going to keep ignoring that like everyone else in this fucking house does? Th-th-that makes me a clingy bitch? Paying fucking attention?”

“Uh, a little bit Rick?” He glanced over at his clock. “Ryan’s only been gone for an hour. You’re in full-tilt panic mode a-a-after an hour? Plus, if your mental dampener is working so well, why are you freaking the fuck out?”

“I said it wouldn’t work forever Morty,” I spat at him. “I-if his internalized, repressed rage becomes too much for it to handle, i-it’ll short out and it’s all going to come out at once.”

He didn’t respond, so I followed the boy out into the kitchen, letting my mind go wild with potential scenarios. Beth entered after us, an annoyed look on her face as she read a message on her phone.

“Dad, could you not be portalling into Nova’s bedroom?” she sighed, ”Ryan just texted me to ask, he said you scared the shit out of them.” She rolled her eyes as she tossed her phone on the counter. “What were you doing over there anyway?”

“I-I wasn’t there? At least, not when Ryan was,” I assured her. “I went over there looking for her, but she wasn’t there.” Her phone buzzed again and she sighed as she picked it up to read the new message.

“Well, yeah, he said you showed up, freaking out about Morty and disappeared with Nova,” Beth quickly looked her son over. “What’s wrong with Morty?”

Oh, fuck me.

*+*

“I fucking told you, Morty!” I shouted, dragging him behind me into the garage after assuring Beth her son was just fine, for now anyway. “How many times are you going to doubt my judgment?”

“When you stop being completely erratic,” he mumbled. “L-look, clearly one of the other Rick’s kidnapped Nova. Do- do you think it’s because they want something from you?”

“Yeah, and they’ve already got it,” I growled as I opened the small metal cabinet I kept all of my anti-Rick technology. Fuck, I didn’t want to have to explain this to Morty. Jesus Christ this was going to be awkward.

“Th-There are some Rick’s- on the citadel Morty- that developed a romantic relationship with Nova. Those Rick’s lo- care about their Nova’s like they’re the physical embodiment of a Blips and Chitz or something.” Attaboy Rick, compare her to an overpriced fucking arcade, that’s what she deserves. “So either you’re right, and they’re holding her for ransom, which would probably be an easy fix or some heartbroken stupid ass Rick lost his Nova and came for ours. And that asshole is no-uuurp-ot gonna wanna let her go.”

Morty processed a moment, before a look of confusion passed over his face. “I-I didn’t see any Nova’s at the citadel when we were there.”

“Well Morty, if you weren’t so n-narcissistically focused on yourself and all the other versions of yourself, you would’ve seen her. Sh-she was there, you just-- just had to pay attention,” I insisted. I could feel my throat tighten, her absence felt like a glaring hole in my side. I slammed the metal cabinet shut, tossing Morty an anti-Rick pistol of his own and downing the remnants of my flask before pulling out my portal gun, punching in coordinates for the citadel.

God fucking dammit.

I opened the portal to the citadel, stepping through and immediately groaning. How fucking narcissistic was I to have so fucking many statues of myself in one city? Morty hopped through the portal behind me, eyes wide with wonder as he looked around, still utterly fascinated by this hellhole.

“C-come on Morty,” I ushered him past a Batman Rick and Robin Morty as we cut down a small alley, headed to the one place I did not want to go.

The Council.

I gave the Rick at the front desk a brief rundown of the situation, as he typed into the computer in front of him and gave me a number. Seventy-seven of… thirty. Fucking bureaucratic nonsense. This was going to take forever. I refilled my flask at a complimentary cooler, taking a swig. Ah, the space equivalent to vodka. It had been awhile. I paced back and forth as we waited… and waited… and waited.

What was happening to Nova? Was she okay? What the fuck was the fuckwad doing to her? Jesus Christ, when did I become such a fucking baby?

Thirty-one.

Thirty-two.

It had been half an hour and only two Ricks had gone in front of the council. Why wasn’t this a higher priority? Didn’t those assholes have a Nova of their own? They didn’t deserve her if they did.

Thirty-three.

Thirty-four.

Another thirty minutes. At this rate, if the Rick that took her was going to do anything to her, he’d already would’ve had time to wine and dine her. Would she know it wasn’t me? I mean, there was no way for her to tell if he didn’t tell her himself.

Thirty-five.

Thirty-si-

Fuck this.

I barged in front of Number Thirty-Six Rick, dragging my Morty behind me as forced my way into the Council Hall. “The fuck are you doing?” Thirty-Six Rick shouted at me.

“Wh-whatever parking ticket you got will have to wait,” I told him angrily. He followed me into the hall, the five Ricks sneering down at us.

“Rick N-682, to what do we owe the honor?” Riq IV asked smugly. “Rick J-384, we’ll be with you in just a moment. return to the waiting room.” Rick J-384 started to argue, earning him a one-way ticket out of the hall, courtesy of the Soldier Rick stationed by the door.

“You assholes owe me after that Evil Rick shit,” I started viciously.

“You got your one free Morty coupon N-682,” Rick Prime shot down at us. “What more do you want?!”

“SomeRick came to my dimension and kidnapped the Nova from it.” My heart raced as the Ricks started murmuring back and forth, some wearing actual looks of distress.

“When did your Nova go missing? What is your relationship status with her?” Riq IV asked finally, his tone significantly less venomous than before.

“Sh-She’s my neighbor. Spends a lot of time around m-my house.” I did fucking not want to get all in my confusing fucking feelings about her with this asshole. “She’s one of the Nova’s that married Dipshit, what’s his name, Morty?”

“Ryan.” Morty sighed.

“She married Ryan.” I spat his name out. “U-usually she shows up every morning after he leaves for work but when she didn’t show up I went to check on her and she wasn’t there.” My heart raced as I rambled. “Beth got a text from Dipshit saying I portalled into their bed-bedroom and took her because something happened to my Morty, but I was never there.”

“Y-You let your Nova marry that fuckwad?” Quantum Rick asked furiously.

“I-I didn’t have much choice. I wasn’t around when that happened,” I admitted. “A-anyway, that’s not important. What’s important is someRick took her for Rick knows what reason and I have no idea where she could be.”

“Alright N-682,” Riq IV mediated, “Computer! Bring up reported Nova d-deaths in the past six months.” The huge screen to the right lit up with images of beaten Novas, apparently taken out by their Ryans, a Nova that was smashed in a car accident and countless other heart-wrenching scenarios.

“Wh-what the fuck are you Ricks doing to your Nova’s?” I blurted out, horrified at the images I was presented with. Morty covered his eyes next to me, unwilling to see his beloved Aunts in such horrendous situations.

“What is the likelihood of your Nova not knowing the Rick she’s with is not you?” Riq IV asked, pointedly not looking at the screen himself.

“H-How am I supposed to know? I don’t know what the asshole is doing with her!”

“Computer! What Ricks did the d-deceased Nova’s belong to?” A list of Ricks appeared on the screen, along with the cause of death associated. “Computer, run a filter for Ricks who’s Novas were killed unexpectedly but also romantically attached.” The list shortened considerably, only four Rick’s remaining on the screen. The computer printed out the list for Riq IV who looked it over before passing it down to me. “Here’s a start N-682. Two of these Rick’s live here on the citadel, the other two in their own dimensions. Keep us updated on your findings. Good luck.” I grabbed the list out of his hand, opening a portal to head to the first Rick.

*+*

“Y-Ya know Rick, seeing Au-Aunt Nova like that…” Morty trailed off as stepped through the portal to the first Rick on the list’s home on the citadel.

“It fucking sucks doesn’t it.” I hissed at him, unwilling to sort out how that might be traumatizing the kid,

“M-maybe it is good you did make that dampener,” he murmured. Ah, he was starting to see sense. It’s about fucking time.

“W-Well yeah. Like I said, I’m not the biggest fan of domestic abuse,” I relented.

“Oh give it up Rick, I saw your face too when those d-dead Novas came up on the screen,�� Morty chided. “Y-Y-You looked fucked up too.”

“Wh-what do you want from me, Morty?” I asked venomously, stopping at the stoop of the small house.

“You care about Nova. M-m-more than you’re willing to admit,” he probed viciously,

“Wh-Whate-*uuurp*ver you say, Morty,” I dismissed, ending the conversation with an urgent knock on the door. Morty conceded but still eyed me smugly.

What in the hell did he want from me? Nova mattered to me, sure, but he was making it out to be way more than it was. Sure, I liked having her around, but if worst comes to worst I could just go get another Nova, they were just as replaceable as Mortys. Or Jerrys. Or hell, Beths.

Goddamn, you’re full of shit old man.

The door opened and a solemn-looking Rick greeted us disdainfully. I resisted the urge to blow past him and scream Nova’s name, hoping she would reply. Emotional thinking like that would only get us killed. Instead, I had to lie. But, hey, I was good at that, I lie to myself every goddamn day.

“Hi, we’re here on behalf of the council, may we come in?” I asked, putting on a very professional front.

“Wh-what do you assholes want?” he grunted in response.

“Just a moment of your time Rick,” I glanced down to the paper Riq IV gave us, “T-394. Just some routine questioning. In and out.” He relented us, leading us through his dingy home. My eyes scanned every room we passed, falling on a picture of this Rick and his Nova. It was obvious she had been the one to take the picture, judging by the irritated look on his face. T-394 noticed my pause and turned to look at me.

“She died a couple of months ago. Car accident on the citadel,” he explained thickly. “What did you want?”

“M-My Nova just went missing,” I admitted softly, before shaking my head and clearing my throat. “We were wondering if you had heard anything about anyone kidnapping Novas.”

“Why in the hell didn’t I think of that?” T-394 said, irritated. “Look, no. My Nova was the only person I’ve met that was even remotely irreplaceable. Besides, Ricks don’t let them go willingly. And for the Novas that never met their Rick, those are few and far between at this point.”

“The Novas that didn’t meet their Rick?” Morty asked.

“Most of the time, Nova ends up hanging around with Beth but there are a scarce few whose parents moved them across the country or Beth and Nova just weren’t friends. Rick’s that lost their Novas used to go after them, trying to rekindle the relationship but it doesn’t always work,” I explained, exasperated.

“How’d you lose her anyway? Are you sure she didn’t just run away? Some Novas do that you know,” T-394 scoffed.

“She didn’t- Nova didn’t fucking run away you dick,” I bit back, “Some fucking Rick appeared acting like he was me and said something was wrong with Morty so she went with him.” T-394 nodded but didn’t speak. “If I come back here, after going through all these other Ricks and she’s here, I’m going to kill you, you know that right?”

“You’d kill me if she was here right now anyway,” he retorted, unfazed. “I’ve dealt with my Nova dying. I moved on.” The look on his face, however, completely refuted his claims.

“Yeah, whatever you say. You better hope I don’t have to come back here,” I threatened darkly, pulling out my portal gun, pressing in the coordinates to the next Rick.

“Oh, fuck me, buddy.”

“Yeah, fuck you.”

*+*

The next Rick lived in a high rise in the city. Morty and I took the elevator to the top floor, ignoring all of the Rick bums sitting outside on the street.

“H-How are there Rick Bums? Aren’t they smart enough to just leave and go back to their dimension?” Morty asked.

“Life on the citadel is preferable for most Ricks, but some have a hard time making a life here. L-look, I’m not here to teach you ethics, Morty. Figure it out on your own,” I told him harshly.

“Jeez Rick, if this Rick that has Aunt Nova is in love with her or whatever, isn’t she gonna be okay?” Morty shot back.

“Yeah, that’s if Nova doesn’t fight back or do anything that could possibly be construed as an escape attempt.” My heart was racing again, and I quickened my step at the thought. “We don’t know anything about this Rick, Morty. He could be a fucking psychopath.” We approached the door, knocking urgently. The Rick that answered had long blue hair, and instead of the usual Rick attire, wore a long Hugh Hefner-esque cigarette jacket and lounge pants. Ugh, the upper-class Ricks were the fucking worst.

“The fuck do you want middle-class Rick?” he barked from the doorway.

I took a deep breath, trying to control my temper as I went with the same line from before. “We’re with the council of Ricks, may we have a moment of your time?”

“Fuck off. The council knows not to bother me,” he dismissed, moving to slam the door in my face. “You’re not from the council.”

I caught the door with my hand before pushing my way in. “No, I’m fucking not but someone fucking took my Nova and I am going to find out who one way or another.” Hugh Hefner Rick stepped back in shock, clearly not used to people standing up to him. He sighed, allowing Morty to follow us into his disgustingly decadent apartment. Long mirrors hung from the walls in a horrendous display of vanity, along with an advertising standee for Jerryboree. “Wa-Wait, you’re the Rick that came up with Jerryboree? I-I don’t give praise often, but that was ingenious.”

Hefner Rick shrugged, glancing over at the standee with irritation. “Y-yeah, bigger headache than I anticipated.” He walked over to a small stand with crystal bottles of various sizes and poured himself a drink. “Now what’s this about your Nova being kidnapped? How the fuck did you let that happen?”

“I-I didn’t let anything happen,” I roared. I was really getting tired of having to explain this over and over. “SomeRick came into her house, pretending to be me, told her something about Morty being sick, or hurt or fucked up or something and she went with him.”

“A-And you think I had something to do with that? My Nova died from an overdose,” he said flatly. A horrified look formed on my face and he continued, “This life ain’t for everyone. I can’t have someone that can’t hang holding me back,” he shrugged again, lighting a fury within me.

“Oh, so you’re one of those Ricks,” I challenged him, completely disgusted. Morty looked between the two of us, looking confused so I elaborated. “Most Ricks lo- care about their Novas, but then you have these assholes who use them and throw them away like garbage.” Venomous hatred was coursing through me as the Rick in front of me made no attempts to defend himself. He knew what he was.

“It is what it is,” Hefner Rick confirmed nonchalantly.

“Let’s get out of here Morty,” I spat at the other Rick one last time before opening a portal back downstairs on the street. I paced angrily once it was closed behind me. Morty watched me cautiously, trying to think of the right thing to say.

“R-Rick, we should probably get to the next one,” he said in what I assumed was an attempt at a comforting tone.

“Fucking dick. H-How do you just let someone like her just fucking die like that?” I shouted, drawing attention from the other Ricks and Mortys passing us on the street. “She deserves better than that. There are Ricks that would kill, o-or kidnap to have a Nova in their life. And he just- he fucking let her die? I should go back up there and kill him myself.” Ricks and Mortys were stopped in their tracks, as Morty pulled the paper out of my pocket, looking at the next destination. I let him pull the portal gun out of my pocket as he fumbled to punch in the coordinates.

*+*

As we appeared in this dimension, we were immediately greeted with its resident Rick and Morty. They eyed us suspiciously as I glared down at Morty.

“You’re not supposed to portal directly into a Rick’s garage,” I chastised him before looking back up to the Rick. “Rick U-679, I’m Rick N-682, I just had a couple of questions for you,” I told him, dropping all pretenses of the council. I was running out of time.

“I don’t have anything to say to you fucks,” he growled back at me.

“Your Nova died not too long ago,” I posited, ignoring his slight.

“Yeah, what of it?” he asked defensively.

“My Nova was just kidnapped and I wanted to know if that would be something you knew anything about,” I accused. It was either him, or the last Rick and my patience was running thin.

“I haven’t left the house in weeks. My Morty can tell you,” Rick dismissed, turning around with a wave of his hand. This dimension’s Morty nodded, rolling his eyes.

“He really hasn’t. Ever since Nova died he’s been hyper-focused on trying to figure out how to resurrect her,” this Morty explained,“We’ve even got her corpse downsta-”

“Shut the fuck up Morty,” U-679 shouted, delivering a blow to the back of his Morty’s head. “Look, I want my Nova back, I don’t want some fucking hand me down that doesn’t know me from the Rick she knew. Now, get the fuck out of my dimension,” he snapped.

I opened my mouth to continue, but Morty U-679 shook his head fervently. I rolled my eyes, portalling back to the citadel.

“This last guy, W-358 must be the guy Morty. Are you ready to fuck this asshole up?” I asked, pulling out my laser pistol, checking to make sure it was working properly.

“D-Do we have to kill him?” Morty asked hesitantly.

“For all the headache I’ve had to go through, yeah, I’d say we have to kill him,” I assured him darkly.

“It’s just- aw jeez Rick seeing those two Rick’s who lost their Novas, it seems like they were just hurting,” he reasoned, rubbing his hands together nervously.

“I fail to see how that’s my problem, Morty. It’s simple. You don’t steal from another Rick.”

“I-Is that all Aunt Nova is to you? A possession?” Morty accused me. I stopped my inspection to look at him, narrowing my eyes at him as I spoke with as evenly as possible.

“Of course not Morty,” I fumed, “Y-You just don’t get it, Morty.”

“No, you don’t get it, Rick,” Morty argued back. “You c-care about Aunt Nova. Why can’t you just admit to it?”

“I-I already did?” I shook my head at him, going back to my pistol.

“Y-Yeah, you try to make everyone think she’s just something of yours with your ‘my Nova’ this and ‘my Nova’ that, but you are going insane not having her here. I can see it on your face and in your rage about how that rich Rick, as you said, threw her away like garbage,” he ranted.

“L-Let’s just get your Aunt back okay?” I said dismissively, stowing my pistol back into its holster. “You can get all worked over feelings and shit when she’s safe.” I opened a portal in front of us, preparing myself for a fight as I stepped through.

Holy shit, was I unprepared for what I walked into.

Rick W-358 was perched at his workbench, slumped over the table. Oh, and his entire fucking head was disintegrated from the laser contraption secured with a metal clip to the side of the desk. Something awfully similar to the one I had at home. Jesus.

“H-Hey Rick!” This dimension’s Morty was calling from elsewhere in the house. I grabbed my Morty, pulling him out of view from the garage just as he entered the grisly scene. “Hey, Ric- HOLY SHIT,” he shouted. My Morty and I shared a glance as W-358 Morty screamed for his mom. I opened a portal, disappearing on the other side.

“H-Holy shit Rick,” Morty gasped, bending over a trash can to vomit. “H-Holy shit. Don’t you have one of those at home?” he asked me with a horrified look. “W-Were you gon- A-a-are you gonna-”

“N-No Morty!” I sputtered. “I mean, it’s there if I e-ever needed it, but I have no immediate p-plans to.”

“Jesus Christ, that poor Morty,” he lamented.

“Y-You’re missing the point, Morty. That Rick obviously didn’t take Nova,” I changed the subject, lest I end up losing my breakfast too. “So that means either one of the Ricks from before, or someRick completely different.” I sat down on a nearby bench, resting my head in my hands as feelings of hopelessness finally crashed over me.

“S-So we go back to the Council. O-Or, m-maybe you could create a device to g-go through each dimension to find her. There’s gotta be something we can do,” Morty reasoned desperately.

There was nothing Morty could say that would make me see sense, nothing. It was the gentle alarm going off in my cybernetic arm that finally washed those helpless feelings away.

Nova’s panic button was going off.

+Ch5: I Wanna Be Yours+

[ventingblacklist]

4x6  The Thrushes

“If you love me...if you ever loved me, just give her to me. Please.” 

A dude named René Le Bron has made a business out of loaning money to super rich big wigs who have their assets frozen by the government. For a hefty fee, plus interest, and the assets, once they’re unfrozen. 

Kirk has had his assets frozen. So Red goes after the man who is loaning Kirk money. A team takes Le Bron and all the 600 million he was about to give to some of his clients. And a plane. 

Red takes his case to the task force. He and Liz have a suspicion that there is a tap in the post office, so they stage a little snit for Kirk’s benefit. 

Red: When the sanctions are lifted, Le Bron makes a hefty profit by pocketing the frozen assets he insisted his borrowers put up as collateral...Truth be told, I’m disappointed I didn’t think of it.

Liz: Why bother when you can have us arrest him and then take his place?

Red: Good point.

Red says he’s captured Le Bron and can make him cooperate to give them Kirk if the government guarantees him immunity. It’s something Cooper will have to ask Panabaker for. 

Liz joins Cooper in his office and Cooper brings up the snit.

Cooper: I can’t pretend to know the stress you’re under. But from where I sit, he’s doing everything in his power to find Agnes.

Liz: And kill Kirk.

Cooper: You have a problem with that?

Liz: Alexander Kirk is my father. ... I’ll do my job, but I am done cozying up to that snake. 

Liz is doing this for the benefit of the tap, but later tells Ressler that she meant it. But the part about only putting up with Reddington until Agnes is back is probably an act, since, in the end, she’s clearly still putting up with Reddington. 

Cooper talks to Panabaker over the phone and asks for immunity for Le Bron. The Thrushes guy is listening in. He alerts Odette. 

See, this is what I don’t get. Cuz the tap is like, on the phones. The communication. It doesn’t seem to be just, around. To pick up arguments had in offices. It’s not like, a bug on a desk. If it was, Kirk’s tech guy could have called Odette before this. And yet Odette will also know about the ‘seeds of doubt’ sown in Masha.

The snit happened off the phone. But maybe Cooper also mentioned to Panabaker that Liz was feeling grumpy and they just didn’t show us that part? idk. They could be using computer microphones or something, but again, you’d think tech guy would have alerted Odette before the phone call. But whatever.

Odette was already aware that Le Bron had been taken, but this confirms it was Reddington who did it. 

“I just received confirmation from the Farm. Reddington was behind the Le Bron abduction. If the FBI manages to turn him, they can track and seize all of your remaining assets. Shall I deal with it? I’ve already acquired the details of his transport.”

Kirk says yes. So basically she’s going to have Le Bron killed to ensure Kirk’s money remains untouched. I assume the details of the transport were also left lying around in the tech world because Red wants Kirk to know. He wants to flush out the Thrushes. 

Odette: It appears the seeds of doubt you sowed in Masha have taken root. Kirk: It’s time to reach out. Take adequate precautions. Odette: Adequate precautions? She’s a key consultant for the FBI.

Kirk: Yes. And she’s my daughter.

Odette is protective of Kirk. She doesn’t want him dead or in prison. She thinks his obsession with his FBI consultant of a daughter is making him take unnecessary risks. 

Odette gives the order and has someone kill Le Bron as he’s being transported. Cooper calls up Red to tell him. Red gives nothing away on the phone. But now he knows for sure that there’s a tap on their system. 

He tells Dembe to send out the ‘invitations.’ 

See, I would have missed it entirely. I’m not sure if I’ve ever looked at the inside lid of a pizza box. 

The team responds and is scanned and ushered into a tap-proof environment. 

Samar is peak disinterested.

Red: Welcome to the past. This space is impregnable to every frequency of wireless transmission, including microwaves. Every piece of equipment you see is analog. Our sole concession to the digital revolution is a Ms. Pac-Man machine in the break room.

Cooper: But why?

Red: Because I like Ms. Pac-Man.

Red informs them that Le Bron was a way to confirm there was a mole in the post office. 

Red: We set the bait. He took it. Cooper: A human sacrifice. Red: I prefer the term “tethered goat.” 

Red briefs them on the Thrushes. Cooper wants to shut it down right now, but Red wants to use this to feed Kirk disinformation. But the post office is tied to the NSA, CIA, etc... Leaving the system vulnerable is something Cooper will have to get Panabaker’s approval on. 

Cooper puts a lot on the line in the name of getting Kirk. He’s super pissed off when Red just lets him go. I’m sure Cooper took a lot of off-camera reaming from his superiors for that one. 

The Hunter interrogates Kaplan. Says whoever shot her might come back.

She claims she shot herself. So the Hunter goes and looks for a gun. Finds none. Then he checks his trail cameras and finds a picture of the gang. 

Red has Chester install cameras around the warehouse nursery. 

Liz is snippy about it. She’s upset at Red for not telling her her father’s been out there alive all this time.

Red: Any word from Kirk? Liz: You mean my father? Red: Honestly, Elizabeth, it astounds me that you could be hornswoggled by something as simple to fabricate as a DNA profile.

Yes, but let’s never give her the context of that dna report that would clear it up for her. That would just be crazy.

The dna report plus the memories at the Summer Palace has her convinced.

Liz gets a call from a shoe repair shop claiming to have found her lost phone. They go there and she picks up a burner that has one number saved in it. She calls it and Odette hands it to Kirk.

Kirk: Masha. Liz: Tell me about Agnes. Kirk: She’s healthy. She’s happy. Can’t wait to see her mother.

Liz: You could make that happen.

Kirk: I want to. But as long as you refuse to shield her from Reddington, I can’t.

Liz: I got your SVR file. Your DNA profile was in it. I know you’re my father. 

Kirk seems confused as to why the dna report would be in the SVR file. Him being ignorant of his wife’s activities. 

This appears to be the first Red is hearing about where she got the profile too. 

lol

So maybe I was too hard on him before? Maybe he thought Kirk fabricated one? idk. In any case he knows where it came from now. So he could tell her now. Remove that ‘Kirk is my father’ conflict of interest. Ya know, or not. Whatever. 

Kirk: Then you know Reddington lied to you from the beginning. Liz: Yes. Kirk: There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be together.

Kirk suggests that they meet. He’ll work out some way to meet her without Reddington knowing and will be in contact later. 

She says, ‘goodbye, Father’ in Russian. He responds with a Russian ‘goodbye.’

He’s all happy now. 

Red: You were very convincing. Liz: That’s because I meant every word.

Odette: I don’t trust her.

Odette is right. lol

Samar talks to someone who investigated one of the Thrushes’ other hacks. While looking at the pictures of the scientists that were killed, Samar recognizes Aram’s girlfriend. 

So in the midst of an arc about a man deceived by his wife, a wife who also targeted a Naval Intelligence officer, we have Aram targeted by Janet. Aka, ‘Elise.’

Samar tells Ressler and Cooper. She wants to tell Aram, but Ressler thinks Aram will give away that he knows. It doesn’t matter anyway because Aram figured it out on his own. 

Aram: Someone had to dupe an FBI employee with level 4 clearance... Samar: And it was you.

Aram is going to use his dinner date to run a tap on Elise’s computer the way she did on his. 

Aram: No, no. What, am I gonna shoot my girlfriend?

Samar: She’s not your girlfriend. She’s a hostile operative, and you are a trained federal agent. 

"If anything goes wrong, the safety word is “banana.”...Use it, and in come the Marines. But they better get there before I do because I will mess that bitch up.”

Aram: Really? Samar: Oh, yeah. Really.

Red and Cooper wait back at the analog safe house. Red confides a bit in Cooper.

“When I turned myself in, I never imagined things could’ve turned out this… badly....I knew it’d be hard, but I… never expected that it would get… harder with every day....I knew it would complicate things. I’d be forced to take security measures… Things she’d hate.”

I think the complication is Liz being exposed on the news as Masha. But Red says Kirk was never on the blacklist. He wouldn’t have bothered Kirk if he hadn’t come for Liz. Cooper is obviously in the dark as to why. Cooper buys that Kirk is Liz’s father.

“Now all I see is the resentment in her eyes. I’m suffocating her, Harold.” 

At the end of the season it will be Cooper who takes the initiative to see whether or not Red is Liz’s father. 

Meanwhile, Liz is deciding whether to call Kirk and set him up. She doesn’t want to lose access to him. She doesn’t want him thrown in a hole where she’ll never be able to get the information she wants out of him.

But Kirk won’t hand over Agnes unless Liz agrees to shield her from Reddington. And as pissed off as Liz is at Red about the whole thing, whether or not she allows Reddington to be in her life or Agnes’ life is her decision, not Kirk’s. As she’ll tell him later. 

So she sets up her father to be arrested. She’s not going to surrender to ‘conditions’ to get her daughter back. 

Kirk: You’ve decided. Liz: You abducted me once. What assurances do I have you won’t do it again? Kirk: Things have changed. The DNA test. Liz: I want this to be real.

She does want it to be real. And she wants his care to be real, not just a cell donation thing. But he has Anges. And she currently believes Red on the cell thing. 

Kirk: I’ll contact you with instructions.

Kirk trusts her now because he thinks she trusts him. So ‘abducting’ is no longer necessary. 

He will try to kill Reddington though. He thinks she’s anti-Reddington now anyway, but even without that. It’s for the best. Just to be sure. In Kirk’s mind. Make sure he won’t bother any of them anymore.

Aram bumbles his way through it, but he gets the thing uploaded onto Elise’s computer. Elise is onto him, but he covers by claiming he’s in love with someone else. 

Odette calls to make extra sure that the Thrushes have not been compromised. She doesn’t want Kirk walking into a trap. 

"Your client is about to expose himself on the basis of your intel. If you’re wrong and he is harmed in any way, I will personally see to it that you and The Thrushes are exterminated."

Odette is like, my boyfriend’s life is on the line, you better be freaking sure.

Elise says she’ll run another check and call Odette back in ten minutes. She then sees Aram’s tap. 

Fight ensues.

“Quack, quack, bitch.”

Aram’s got muscles.

Samar has Elise call and make that final verification of ‘all clear’ to Odette at gunpoint. 

Liz is concerned that Elise might have coded her words in some way that would alert Odette. Red suspects she’s really worried about Kirk. 

Red: I don’t believe Elizabeth’s concern is about her security or her daughter’s.

Liz: That is my only concern.’

“Clearly your only concern is that it might actually bother me that I’m about to entrap my biological father, that because of me, he’s gonna go to prison for the rest of his life.”

Kirk committed actual crimes that will be more the reason he’ll go to prison for the rest of his life, but Liz is turning him in. So. 

"If I go through with this, you will be my only link to my past. I lost Sam. I lost my mother. And I’ll lose Kirk.”

“And whatever you want to call him, he was married to my mother. He raised me as a child. And he’s willing to do what you are not… Tell me about who I am.”

Tom shows up with a scribbled down message from the phone. The meeting is set. 

So the FBI will be at this meeting place to deal with Kirk’s men. Meanwhile, Red and Liz will arrange to have Kirk go to a different meeting place. Because Red wants to deal with Kirk himself. He puts it down as a condition of his continuing his work with the task force. 

Liz calls Kirk to arrange that alternate location. 

Liz: The FBI knows about your mole. They’ve got her in custody....They know about our meeting…I’m telling you, it’s a trap.

Kirk: ...Doesn’t matter. I have an alternate location.

Odette is like, ‘wtf are you doing?!’ Kirk waves her off. He’s fully convinced Masha is on his side now. 

Shoulda listened to his weird girlfriend.

I remember kind of wanting Liz to be doing this for real. 

Liz meets Kirk on the roof while we’re led to believe Red is headed for the tunnels, when he’s also on his way to the roof. 

She steps out and asks where Agnes is. Kirk says he’ll bring her out once Reddington has been ‘dealt with.’

Liz: What are you talking about? Kirk: Smile, solnishko. In less than 5 minutes, he will be dead...

Liz: That wasn’t our agreement.

Kirk: No. But you know as well as I do, it needs to be done.

Liz: I picked you… over him. I lied to everyone for you. Now you want to kill him? You can’t do that.

Kirk: I’m doing this for us.

Liz: I know you’re sick. I know that Agnes and I are nothing more than possible donors for you.

Kirk: Oh, come now. You know if that were true, all of this would have been resolved long ago with your abduction. True… it’s a consideration. But the only circumstances under which I’ll accept your help… is if it’s given freely.

"We had a deal.”

"Patience, dove.”

He waves Romina over. But before he can hand Agnes to Liz, Red bursts through the door and Kirk runs. 

I.. have a hard time analyzing this ledge scene cuz I just find it kinda stupid. I’m sorry, I’ve tried not to, and I just... I can’t even like... nope.

I think it’s supposed to showcase just how desperate Kirk has become. To show Red. But I never get a real sense he’s actually gonna do it? 

Also, Kirk has clearly kinda lost it on this whole thing, but still. Protect the kid by killing her? I mean, even in your most desperate straits, would that be the conclusion you’d come to? Maybe. I doubt it. 

If Red having her is the issue, Red could just back away and say, ‘okay okay, i’ll leave her alone. look, walking away. just get off the freaking ledge.’ 

Also, Kirk could totally have just killed Red right there. So all around I’m just like... this dumb. 

Liz embodies fear.

“This is madness, Constantin. Because you cannot have that child, you’re gonna take her forever from her mother? It’s madness.”

It’s actually not about him not having the child, it’s about you not having the child. But whatevs.

This has to sound incredibly odd to Constantin, who thinks Reddington did exactly that. Well, kinda. He thinks Reddington took a kid that wasn’t even his just ‘cuz he was mad at Kat for breaking off the affair. That’s probably what he was told about it. Kat’s deception feeds this whole thing.

It’s unclear what Constantin knew between the kidnapping and the suicide. Perhaps he believed Kat was so devastated she killed herself, idk. So Reddington took his child and killed his wife, basically. In Kirk’s mind. 

Kirk shoots at Red and wings him.

Liz asks him in Russian not to do this.

“There is no other way, solnishko. This man, that took your mother away from us, took you from me, he will not have my granddaughter.”

“And I hate him as much as you do for it. But if you love me, if you ever loved me...”

“Just give her to me. Please. Otets. Please, father.”

When she finally gets Agnes, she exhales in sharp relief.

Red’s eyes are on Kirk.

Liz has her pink burrito. 

We cut from this to Aram and Samar watching Janet get interrogated. 

Aram: I was an idiot. Samar: No. You were human. You wanted something, and she was trained to exploit that. Aram: Trained, or born?

Samar says she’s no longer transferring. Little montage of the two of them eating the leftovers of Aram’s perfect date with Tom and Liz looking at Agnes, Kirk being put in the box, and the Hunter feeding Kaplan. 

Red shows up to see the baby. 

"I just wanted to thank you for trusting me, trusting the plan. I understand what a.... a leap of faith it must have been.”

"Not really. Considering what was at stake.”

Red asks if he can come in. He sees Agnes. 

“She’s a beautiful girl.”

When I first watched this, I got serious ‘Liz and Tom are gonna jump him now’ vibes. Cuz Kirk was only one of the two criminal bosses in their lives. You’d think, one down, one to go. But then Liz is just like, ‘yeah, we’re not going to live under your guard anymore.’ They’ve clearly discussed this beforehand.

Red knows. He knows she’s felt suffocated. He’ll be eager not to make her feel that way again. 

He bids them good night and leaves. 

The door slams on Kirk’s box. 

Told ya. You should always listen to your weird girlfriend.

[sunnyoongi]

hey!! so i decided to start my own restoration and melanin blog for another group, and i was just wondering how you promoted yourselves, if you did at all? and how you got attention or anything like that?? basically any tips for starting off???

I am so sorry I haven’t been able to answer this until now! 

But yes, we are so glad that you started up your own restoration and melanin blog!

Here are some tips I recommend.

There is absolutely no shame in looking up references, they’re important and you should always have them and keep yourself updated because people’s skintones can change with time. And comparing to unwhitewashed content from time to time can help you understand lighting/skintone dynamics easier and show you areas you need to improve on. The best unwhitewashed content you can find is probably from tv broadcastings (pictures and videos) or fansites that don’t whitewash

Don’t try to restore selfies. reason why here.

When posting your restores with the original whitewashed pictures, try to pay attention to the order of the pictures because people tend to look from left to right and top to bottom, so if your pictures don’t follow that type of ordering it can get confusing. Once you feel like you are at a good enough level where the restores look really realistic, you dont have to add the whitewashed picture next to it if you dont want to.

Set a tagging system you’re comfortable with to be able to be organized not only for yourself but your followers as well

Experimentation is necessary when restoring, especially because not all fansites whitewash the same way ( so don’t be afraid to play around with the software and you should also get familiar with it’s tools )

Set up a queue so you don’t rush yourself as a lot of things can get in the way as time goes by

Focus on your job and what goals you want to accomplish and dont let possible negativity and hate get the best of you 

If you feel like you can’t take negativity ( possible anon hate etc), it could be best to not have anon available

It’s ok to step back once in a while cuz it can be stressful sometimes, handling so much whitewashed content ( it is for one of our admins, it’s why we’re saying this) 

You can check our pages for more useful content: explanations ( where we talk about matters regarding whitewashing in general) and our tags ( especially the uww that can serve as reference) and faq

Lastly, don’t be afraid to mess up and don’t expect to do great right off the bat, restoring gets better with practice and references. And trust us, we were NOT THAT GOOD when we first started. It’s like any other skill.

Please give us your urls so that we may add you onto our more melanin , where we promote and support other melanin/anti-whitewashing sources

As for promoting yourself and getting attention, we didn’t really do much of it. At first we had nothing. Then we relied on the team work of other E/SE Asian owned restoration blogs and melanin blogs to promote us and get our name out there. It really took us a long time to get to where we are now. And it was painstakingly slow. 

Although, I do think one of the things that helped to build popularity was the fact that, we also post/reblog unwhitewashed content like fansite pictures, official videos, magazine scans, etc. And avoided more personal/extremely edited things like fanart/fanmade MVs/graphics/moodboards/memes etc. Because people, lovers and haters alike, tend to look for ACCURACY in restoration and melanin blogs. And comparing your stuff with uww content helps your blog look more “legit”.

Another thing I think helped was that we explained and researched, as detailed and as much as humanely possible. So that information helps people get more educated as well as “block against” the haters. Luckily, we already have the explanations/faq page that is linked above that you can use and expand upon. 

I hope this information has helped!

Welcome to the team child~ ( ´ ∀ `)ノ～ ♡

[ficswithrimi]

Mine (Chapter 2)

First: Chapter 1

Next: Chapter 3

Title: Mine

Pairing: Noctis Lucis Caelum x Reader

Genre: Angst, Romance

Trigger Warning: Mentions of blood, violence, depression, minor sexual content, and suicide attempt

Synopsis: Daughter of a Niflheim soldier, you were sent out to Tenebrae to spy on the Nox Fleuret family and their involvement with the Lucis Caelum family. However, after learning the truth about Niflheim, you betray them. Your journey of revenge begins after learning of the death of your adoptive sister, Lunafreya, and your childhood friend Noctis Lucis Caelum.

A/N: This long ass, took me forever to write, too much in one day, I’m tired as hell, finals got me bent outta shape chapter. WHEW! Finally, I can start the story line. So basically, this story will be in the POV of you (my reader) and Noctis. Also, they’ll be time skips, cuz like, who got time to go through every chapter of the game via a story? Not I. So yeah. Enjoy chapter two and leave thoughts and comments, please! 

You lazily laid in the sunroom of the Nox Fleuret castle, casually stroking the back of Umbra’s head. He had just returned from yet another journey from Insomnia to deliver a message to Lunafreya from Noctis. Letting out a sigh, you used your free hand to cover your eyes from the blinding sun that shone within the room. At any moment now, Lunafreya would come waltzing into the room, notebook pressed tightly to her chest, and a bright smile upon her face. She usually walked around the castle with a gloomy look but on the days Umbra returned with a new message, it was almost as if the world was once again a better place for the 21-year-old woman despite being under lockdown in her own home by Niflheim forces.

At least she was happy, however. You would give anything to continue to see that smile on her face. The Gods and everyone who has ever run into you knew that you thought of the world of Lady Lunafreya. She was your best friend – your sister. Technically, you weren’t supposed to communicate with the oracle as often as you did. However, Lunafreya often stood up for you against the soldiers and commanded that you still be treated the same as when you were nine and living happily with her and her family. You both still shared a room, ate meals together, tended the garden, and strolled the castle hallways just as you did as children. Niflheim wanted you dead, there was no doubt in your mind, but as long as the oracle protected over you, they couldn’t do anything.

Still, you sometimes wanted to be the one to protect Lunafreya. You were perfectly capable. When you were 12, Ravus came to you one day in secret, offering to train you in combat. He said it was to not only defend yourself, but Lunafreya as well, in case Niflheim ever turned back on their word of keeping you and the oracle out of harm. You picked up his lessons well and was fully capable of taking down an army of about 15 men by the age of 15. Sometimes, you’d sneak out of your bedroom at night to practice to become stronger.

“Y/N!” The sound of Lunafreya’s delicate voice filled your ears as she shuffled her way towards you. You uncovered your eyes and sat up and, sure enough, that bright smile was plastered on her face and the notebook was being hugged tightly against her chest.

“Ah, hello!” You grinned at her as she plopped down beside you, now resting the notebook in her lap. She turned towards and you could’ve sworn you saw her blue eyes twinkle. “Another message from the royal brat?”

Lunafreya’s smile dropped at your comment. “I think the only royal brat here is you.”

You shrugged as you tossed your head back on the couch. “Mh, last time I checked, I’m only a disowned child.”

“Y/N…”

“Kidding, kidding. What did lover boy say this time?”

“We’re not lovers, simply friends,” Lunafreya playfully hit you in the leg, causing you to bring your head back up.

“Oh Luna,” You mocked a young Noctis’s voice, “How I miss you dearly in these dreaded walls of Insomnia! When will we be reunited, my love?”

“Y/N, that is not nice.”

“Make sure to invite me to the wedding,” You jokingly smirked at her as her pale face turned a vibrant red.

“I came here to simply show you a picture!”

“A picture? Of what?” You arched a brow as you watched Lunafreya pull a photograph from the notebook. “Oh Gods, what did he send you a picture of?”

“See for yourself,” She grinned as she handed you the picture. Taking the picture from her hand, your eyes scanned over it. It was two boys – one blond and the other with raven hair – standing in front of a schoolyard in uniform. The blond held up a peace sign as his other arm wrapped around the raven-haired boy’s neck whom was smiling shyly at the camera. Your eyes widened at the darker haired boy. Though you haven’t seen him in nine years, you immediately recognized him as Prince Noctis. Your heart leapt at his picture. He had surely grown into a handsome young man.  

Shaking the thoughts of Noctis from your head, you nonchalantly handed the picture back to Lunafreya. “Why’d he dye his hair blond?”

“No, silly, he’s the darker haired one. Isn’t he handsome…” The smile returned to Lunafreya’s face as she mentioned the prince. “What I wouldn’t give to see him again…”

“Then let’s go,” You turned your body to face her. Her eyes widened before shaking her head and placing the photo gently back into the notebook.

“It’s impossible. We’re both stuck here until who knows when!”

“We can make it possible,” You smirked.

“Y/N no… it’d put our lives in danger…”

“Don’t you want to see Noctis again? I mean, you’re obviously infatuated with him-“

“Am not!” Lunafreya gasped.

“Lunafreya…” You frowned deeply as she denied her feelings.

“I mean… I don’t even know what I mean…”

“Exactly,” You snapped your fingers at the blonde woman. “So, let’s go to Insomnia.”

“I’m afraid I cannot…” Lunafreya sighed.

“What are you afraid of?”

“They won’t kill me for trying to escape… but you?” She looked over at you, tears appearing in the corner of her eyes.

You let out a heavy sigh at her words. It was true, if caught sneaking out – especially with Lunafreya – then it’d be the end of you. You were useless. A disgraced citizen to Niflheim who failed her country and leader. With you gone, they’d probably be able to have more control over Lunafreya. Honestly, they were probably waiting for you to mess up.

“They won’t kill me… I promise you…” You smiled gently at her as you placed a hand over hers. However, she still shook her head at you.

“I will not comply… I’m sorry. If the Gods want Noctis and I together… then it will happen in due time…”

Letting out a defeated sigh, you leaned back into the couch. “If you say so…”

~!~

Two years later…

           A 19-year-old you casually walked the hall back to your bedroom. It was late in the afternoon and you wanted to take a short nap before Lunafreya and you were called to dinner. Lunafreya was already in the room, studying up on some oracle notes her ancestors left for her. As you got closer to the bedroom, you passed a group of Niflheim soldiers, armed with guns, walking in unison down the hall. As you passed one of them, you saw him glare slightly at you through the opening for his eyes on his helmet. Feeling slightly taken aback, you returned the frowned and sharply turned your head away from the soldier. It seemed as the years progressed, tensions between Niflheim and Lucis were increasing and that meant stricter enforcements for Lunafreya and you. Now, you two weren’t even allowed in Lunafreya’s garden after sundown. When leaving a room, you were required to inform a solder on duty where your next destination was. You, personally, was also banned from traveling with Lunafreya on her activities as oracle, where’d she heal the infected people across the countries. Ravus claimed it was because they feared you’d turn against them again and try to escape with Lunafreya to Insomnia. You laughed grimly when he told you this and mentioned if you wanted to kidnap Lunafreya, you would’ve done so years ago.

As you reached the doors to your bedroom, you stopped as you heard the voices of Gentiana and Lunafreya inside. Deciding to eavesdrop, you gently pressed an ear against the door.

“What would I do to see him again. I miss him so much. The messages… they’re not enough. I want to hear his voice, embrace him, tell him how much he means to me…”

“It’s only a matter of time…” Gentiana replied to the oracle.

“But when? You’ve been saying that for the past three years now and nothing! My heart yearns for someone I cannot be with. Wasn’t it you that said the oracle was to stand beside the chosen king? Then why am I not beside him?” Lunafreya’s voice began to rise as frustration overtook her.

“It is the duty of the oracle to stand beside the chosen one. You will know when that time comes…” Gentiana gently replied.

“Why us… why? Why can’t we just be normal people and live normal lives together? I’m tired of being cooped up in this castle as if I’m some prisoner! Why? I just want to be with Noctis… it’s all I ever wanted…”

Your heart dropped at the sound of frustration and sadness in Lunafreya’s voice. You wish there was something you could do to make her feel better but there was nothing. Nothing and no one could make her happy besides being beside the one she loved. Letting out a heavy sigh, you walked away from the door.

Lunafreya has given you so much in your lifetime. You wanted to return the favor and if that meant risking your life to see her happiness then so be it.

“Lunafreya Nox Fleuret…” You said as you solemnly walked towards your next destined area in the castle. “I guess you’re… no longer mine.”

~!~

           “I’ll be back in a couple of days. Make sure to eat properly and try not to anger the guards,” Lunafreya slightly scolded you as she closed her suitcase. You were lounging on her bed, watching the oracle and former princess pack for yet another trip to rid people of the plague. This time she was just going to the city in Tenebrae but she wouldn’t be back for a couple of days because of the long distance it was from the city to the castle. You had asked one of the leaders of the Niflheim soldiers if you could possibly tag along this time since, technically, you weren’t leaving the country and it was your 20th birthday tomorrow. You hoped they’d take this into consideration and let you travel along with Lunafreya, however, they just laughed in your face.

           “Me? Anger the guards? Why, Lady Lunafreya, I’d never!” You playfully smirked at her. The frown that was already plastered on Lunafreya’s face deepened.

           “Y/N, I’m serious,” she said as she looked towards the closed bedroom door. Swiftly, she leaned in closer to you and lowered her voice. “I have a feeling Niflheim is planning something and I don’t know what it is. However, I do know I fear for your life…”

           “I can handle myself. Our big bro taught me all the tricks, did he not?” You patted the slight bulge on the waist of your pants. Lunafreya’s eyes glanced at it and immediately knew you were keeping one of your many daggers hidden there.

           “Still, I don’t want to come back to here you’ve passed at their hands. And Ravus… he works for them… be careful on how much you trust him… I fear they’ve brainwashed my – our ­– brother.”

           “Lunafreya,” You let out a heavy sigh as you hopped off her bed and placed both hands on the petite woman’s shoulders and turned her to face you. “I will be fine. Stop being so protective of me. When will you let me protect you for a change?”

           “Y/N, you’ve-“

           “Besides, if you just leave your little messenger here with me, won’t I be okay,” You looked past Lunafreya and at Gentiana who stood next to the large window in your shared bedroom. Gentiana simply stared back at you with no expression. Typical of the divine messenger.

           “I would if I could, but it’s her duty to stay by my side.”

           “That’s okay,” You let go of Lunafreya’s shoulders and shrugged. “I don’t wanna hear her nag to me about how much the Gods hate me anyway.

           “The Gods do not hate you. They simply want what’s best for you as they do everyone else…” Gentiana spoke.

           You just rolled your eyes. “Did Shiva tell you this?”

           “Yes.”

           “Tell Shiva she needs to worry about her love affair with Ifrit-“

           “Y/N!” Lunafreya raised her voice at you, causing you to jump slightly. Sometimes what you said to Gentiana were out of line and that’s when Lunafreya would turn motherly-like on you. Gentiana simply bowed to you both before disappearing. She normally did that when trying to not lose her composure. You were positive if she wasn’t a messenger for the Gods and didn’t mind losing the respect of Lunafreya, she’d kick your ass.

           “Sorry, sorry. I just enjoy getting under her skin, is all,” You smiled apologetically at Lunafreya who slowly began to soften her frown. Shaking her head at you, she reached into her breast pocket of her dress and cupped something in her hand without you noticing.

           “I’m afraid I won’t be able to wish you a happy birthday until I come back from the city.”

           “It’s okay. I know you’ve got duties to fulfil as oracle,” You shrugged as you sat back on the bed, avoiding her eye contact. Secretly, you were upset Lunafreya would be missing your birthday tomorrow. It was only once that you’d turn 20. You would officially become an adult tomorrow. No longer a teen that people looked down upon. No longer someone Lunafreya would feel she’d have to protect often. You hoped that, finally, it’d be your turn to protect Lunafreya in your adult years. You owed so much to her. You loved her so much.

           “I sincerely apologize… but, I got you a present!” She smiled at you as she rushed over to you, grabbing your hands and placing a small object. You looked at her unsurely as she nodded towards your hands. Glancing down at your hands, you noticed a beautiful ring in the shape of the flowers of Tenebrae – the flowers Lunafreya and you often tended in her garden – sylleblossoms. Your mouth fell open as you admired the ring’s beauty.

           “…How?”

           “Remember when we were kids and you wished you had your own crown weave from sylleblossoms like us? Well, even though we’re no longer royalty, I thought this ring weaved from the flowers would work just as well! It took some time to make but I do hope you like it!”

           A tear fell from your face as you immediately stood up and engulfed Lunafreya in a hug. “I love it. Thank you so much.”

           Lunafreya embraced you back as a tear of her own fell from her face. “With this ring, know that I am with you always; that I look over you, no matter how far apart we are from one another. You are my dear sister. Our bond will never be broken.”

           “This sucks, all I gave you for your birthday was a lame homemade card,” You laughed as tears continued to fall down your face.

           “And I cherish that card,” Lunafreya hugged you tighter before letting you go. “I’m afraid I must go now.”

           “Be safe. Come back in one piece,” You smiled at her.

           “You be safe, too,” She returned the smile before grabbing her suitcase and exiting the room. As she shut the door, you glanced down at the ring. Another tear rolled down your face as you gripped it tightly.

           “Our bond will never be broken. I’ll never betray you. I’ll make sure you’ll always be happy… even if I lose my life in doing so,” You gulped as you placed the ring on your right ring finger. “You are my only family…”

~!~

A year later (Four days before Lunafreya’s 24th birthday and six days before your 21st)

             “I see you’ve been practicing,” Ravus tried to regain his breath as he laid sprawled on the grassy field underneath him. You used the edge of your t-shirt to wipe the sweat dripping down your face before running over to the 28-year-old. Grinning, you held your hand out for him to grab onto. Grabbing onto your hand, he hoisted himself up.

           “You never know when I might have to go into battle,” You shrugged.

           “Battle? With whom?” Ravus arched a brow.

           You laughed nervously while rubbing the back of your neck. Sometimes when training with Ravus, you forgot he was a high commander for the Imperial army. He considered you his sister and looked after you but deep down, you knew he’d been somewhat brainwashed by Niflheim and Aldercapt. Sometimes when you mentioned the army around you, he’d give you an unsure look. You knew that they told him not to trust you; that you could turn on him at any given moment.

           “I’m just messing…” You smiled at him before letting it fall. Nervously, you began to fiddle with your ring as you watched Ravus pack his things up. “So, um, can I ask a favor of you?”

           “I have to return to Niflheim. I do not have time for another spare,” He said without looking over at you.

           “No, no, not that! It’s um… kind of a birthday present…”

           Ravus immediately turned around to look at you as you said this. “Oh yeah, your birthday is a few days after Lunafreya’s, isn’t it?”

           “Yeah!” You grinned at him, happy he remembered your birthday this year. He’s forgotten a few times in the past.

           “What is it that you wish for?”

           “Well,” You continued to fiddle with your ring and look away from him. “I’d like to see the city-“

           “Of Tenebrae? I can manage that.”

           “No… the city as in… Insomnia.”

           “Absolutely not!” Ravus shouted at you, causing you to jump in fear slightly. It frightened you slightly at how the simple mention of the city’s name sent a fire into the man’s eyes.

           “B-but,” You stuttered over your words. The courage that you mustered up a few minutes ago had completely vanished. “I’ve always wanted to see the city and me going isn’t technically for me… but for Lunafreya.”

           “Lunafreya? What business does she have with Insomnia?”

           “Noctis is there!”

           “Oh, here we go again. Just the sound of that boy’s name pisses me off,” Ravus shook his fist angrily.

           “Listen, Ravus! It’s all I ask for my birthday! Lunafreya has done so much for me since I’ve arrived here twelve years ago! I just want to see her happy and Noctis makes her happy! Please, it’s all I want. I just want Lunafreya to be happy…”

           Ravus undid his fist as he looked away from you. You straightened your posture as he looked back in your direction. You noticed his eyes softened as you gave him a pleading look. Lunafreya’s happiness meant the world to you and if you could give her the world, you would.

           “I’ll… talk to Aldercapt about it…”

           A grin immediately broke out on your face as you ran up to Ravus and wrapped your arms around his waist. “Thank you so, so much!”

           “This doesn’t mean you’re going for sure. You know Aldercapt has a grudge against you as do all of the Imperial army…”

           “I know, I know but I can only pray to the Gods that he’ll let me go!” You smiled up at the man.

           “Hm…” Was all Ravus said as he gently patted your head.

           You closed your eyes as a smile enlightened your face. This was it. Your chance to make Lunafreya happy. The chance to temporarily escape Tenebrae. Everything would work out in your favor. Everything would be okay.

~!~

           Your eyes widened as the city of Insomnia filled your eyes. You were finally here. After waiting an agonizing week of hearing Aldercapt’s response to you visiting Insomnia; he finally agreed to let you go. The city was even more beautiful in person than what you’ve seen on television or heard on radio stations. Nonchalantly, you scratched behind Umbra’s ear as he sat beside you on the train. Lunafreya made you take the dog along as he was carrying another message for Noctis from her. You begged her to let you deliver the message personally to the 20-year-old prince, but she said he would be expecting Umbra and not you. Besides, she said it was a chance for Umbra to keep you company on the long journey to Lucis.

           “Welcome to the capital of Lucis. Please enjoy your visit!” The intercom spoke as the train came to a stop in front of the station.

           “This is it… happy birthday to me,” You grinned as you nervously tugged at the tights you were wearing. It felt so nice to be in casual clothes for once instead of the formal attire you had to wear around Tenebrae. You wore black tights that were cutout in the front and tied into tiny bows from the calf of your leg to your upper thigh. Along with it, you wore a cropped, sleeveless beige hoodie and simple black slip-on shoes. An arm bracelet with the symbol of Tenebrae wrapped around your arm and, of course, the ring Lunafreya gave you for your birthday last year occupied your right ring finger. Letting out a sigh as you stood up to gather your things, you shifted your hair to cover the scar on your neck. You considered the scar an eyesore and a grim reminder of where you really came from even if you represented Tenebrae now.

           “Arf!” Umbra barked excitedly at you as he ran off the train.

           “Wait! Umbra!” You called after the dog as you hauled your bags and tried to run after the dog the best you could. The train station was highly packed with people getting on and off trains. You quickly lost sight of the dog and let out a heavy sigh as you looked around the station. Deciding that you first destination should probably be to find your hotel, you shifted the strap of your bag securely on your shoulder, and made your way to the exit of the station.

~!~

           After hours of getting lost and asking people for help around the city, you ended up at the hotel you were staying at for the week. It was a grand hotel and you were surprised Aldercapt managed to get you into such an expensive looking place despite his obvious dislike for you. The hotel was in the heart of the city, literally in front of the Citadel. You assumed Ravus must’ve recommended this as he knew your true motives for coming to the city. Tomorrow, you would go to the Citadel and book a tour in hopes of running into Prince Noctis in the process. You couldn’t help but wonder what the man looked like now. Lunafreya hadn’t shown you a photo of him since he was about 16 and you knew his features had to of have drastically changed since then. Was he even more handsome now? Or had he had been at his prime at 16 and now his looks were going down the drain. You snickered at the idea of a possible unattractive prince. It’d be an insult to his father who was a good-looking man. It’d be an insult to Lunafreya if she knew her prince charming didn’t match her good looks. You didn’t mean to be shallow, but Lunafreya deserved the best in your eyes and if Noctis wasn’t it then…

           “Last name?” The hotel receptionist interrupted you from your thoughts.

           “Ah,” The question took you by surprise. You hadn’t been asked your last name since you were a kid. “Um… Nox Fleuret…?”

           The receptionist’s eyes widened as he stared at you in awe. Feeling slightly uncomfortable under his gaze, you cleared your throat.

           “Ah sorry! It’s just… are you related to Lady Lunafreya?” He whispered the last part to you.

           “Um… in a way, yes?” You tilted your head in confusion at the man. You knew Lunafreya had a huge impact across Eos but you never thought you’d get recognized for simply knowing her.

           “Ah! Why are you here?! Shouldn’t you be in Altissia in support?”

           “In support?” You asked. “Why would I be in Altissia?”

           “The wedding! It’s Saturday! The prince and-“

           “Jerr! Why is there a line? What’s the hold up? Is there a problem with this guest’s reservation?” A tall man you assumed was the supervisor asked.

           “Ah, no! This is a No-“

           “I don’t want to hear your excuses. Check her in and keep the line moving! This is a busy weekend for us because of the signing!”

           Signing? What was going on in Insomnia this weekend? And who was getting married in Altissia? What did Lunafreya have to do with anything?

           “Sorry for the wait, ma’am. If you just sign here, you’ll be all set,” The receptionist, now known as Jerr, nervously slid a paper for you to sign and your room key over to you. You nodded cautiously as you signed your name and took the key.  You walked over to the elevators where you were able to board along with a couple chatting excitedly. You couldn’t help but overhear their conversation as the elevator slowly climbed to your respective floors.

           “She’s gonna be so beautiful! Oh, honey, can we marry in Altissia also?”

           “Altissia is expensive,” The man chuckled. “I think here in Insomnia is nice.”

           “But Altissia is the city of love!” The young girl whined as she gripped onto the man’s arm.

           “Enough about Altissia. What time should we arrive at the Citadel to get a good spot for the signing event tomorrow?” The man asked as the woman shrugged. You immediately turned your attention to them as you heard this. Another mentioning of a wedding and signing event. What was going on?

           “Um… excuse me…?” You asked as they both turned to look at you. The woman looked you up and down before her eyes landed on your bracelet. She gasped as she discreetly tried to get the man to notice the Tenebrae symbol on your arm. “What signing even is taking place?”

           “The coming together of Niflheim and Lucis, of course! How could you not hear about it! It’s all everyone’s been talking about since it was announced along with the wedding last week!”

           “Last week…?” You scratched your head as you tried to remember what happened last week. All you remembered was Lunafreya being excited for something but worried at the same time. Imperials also escorted her to Tenebrae’s tailor several times that week and even caused her to miss your birthday again. You just assumed she was getting so new outfit to travel in or a late birthday present from Ravus. Wait…

           “Niflheim and Lucis are ending the feud?” You gasped as the first part of the information finally sunk in. “What? Since when?”

           “Since announced last week. Do you live under a rock?”

           “Honey,” The woman tugged on the man’s shirt and blatantly pointed at the Tenebrae symbol on your arm. He looked from her over to you. His eyes widened as he straightened his posture.

           “You’re from Tenebrae?” He asked suddenly, catching you off guard.

           “Uh yeah,” You lifted your arm to better display the symbol to them. Confused, you dropped it back down. “Why?”

           “How do you not know of your former princess getting married to our prince?”

           At the mention of that, the bag that was sliding off your shoulder dropped to the floor as the elevator dinged. The couple looked at the number displayed on the elevator’s screen before pushing past you.

           “Sorry, this is our stop! Nice talking to you!”

           You ignored them as the doors shut behind you and the elevator began to climb again. Lunafreya was marrying Noctis? Since when? And when did Lucis and Niflheim decide to put aside their differences? Did this mean… you could return home after this? The elevator reached your destined floor and you quickly hopped off it and ran to your room. You found the room and immediately unlocked it. Tossing your bags to the side, you ran towards the tv and immediately turned it on.

           “Hotels are filling up fast people prepare for the signing event celebration tomorrow. Finally, after centuries of feuding, Lucis and Niflheim will put aside their differences and bring peace to all the lands. In light of the signing, Prince Noctis and Lady Lunafreya will marry the following day to officially conceal the peace treaty. What a wonderful time it is for all of Eos-“

           You immediately switched off the television as your heart pounded inside your chest. Lunafreya was getting married… to Noctis? More importantly, Niflheim was putting aside their differences with Lucis? Would they make you return home after this? Where would you go? You haven’t spoken to your father in twelve years. You’d be alone in Niflheim. Was Niflheim really going to go through with this? They were shady people who couldn’t be trusted. Was Lunafreya in danger? She did warn you multiple times of the Niffs planning something, was it this? Was she secretly aware of everything that was happening? And if so, why didn’t she tell you? Why didn’t she tell you she was marrying Noctis? Something was going on. Something was off. It’d explain why Aldercapt agreed to let you go to Insomnia and give you such nice reservations at a hotel directly in front of the Citadel the same weekend as the signing event and wedding. You had to get out of here and back to Lunafreya.

           You reached over to the hotel phone and dialed the front desk. “Hi… um… I would like to have an early checkout tomorrow morning, and if possible, purchase a train ticket back to Tenebrae tomorrow morning. The earliest time, please. Thank you…”

~!~

           You were on a train the next morning back to Tenebrae. You only prayed to the Gods that you’d get back in time before Lunafreya left for Altissia. The ceremony would be taking place later today in Insomnia. Your knee bounced nervously as the train began to slowly pull out of Insomnia’s station. Looking around, you couldn’t help but notice how empty the trains were. Everyone must be going into the city for the ceremony instead of out. Nerves getting the best of you, you stood up from your seat and made your way to the train’s small bar. As you walked down the aisles, two Imperial soldiers coming your way caught your eye.

           “Shit,” You mumbled as you immediately went to take cover in the nearest seats. You listened as the took a seat in front of yours. What were they doing on the train? Shouldn’t they be on guard at the ceremony or something? Worse, what would happen if they saw you? Every soldier was aware of you being in Insomnia for the weekend. They’d grow suspicious if you they caught you on a train back home so early.

           “What time is the signing taking place?” You heard one of the soldiers ask.

           “Around 12pm this afternoon.”

           “Think we’ll succeed?”

           “No doubt. I highly doubt that old king and his son can defend themselves from what’s going to happen,” the other soldier chuckled.

           “What about the girl?”

           “Lunafreya?”

           “No, the traitor. She’s skilled in combat and smart. She’ll definitely side with Lucis and try to stop things.”

           “She’s located in the designated bombing areas. She’ll be blown to bits before she can even realize what’s going on. Aldercapt is a genius, I tell you. No need to worry!”

           “Yeah, you’re ri-“

           “What the fuck?!” The soldier beside him immediately stood up and drew his sword as he watched in horror as a dagger entered through his friend’s neck before being plunged back out, instantly killing him and causing blood to splatter everywhere.

           “Quick! Call for back –“ The soldier called in his walkie talkie before dropping it at the sight of you. You gripped tightly onto your now bloodied dagger as you glared furiously at the soldier who nervously aimed his sword at you.

           “What the fuck is going on? Why are Prince Noctis and King Regis in danger? Where is Lunafreya right now!?” You yelled angrily as you positioned your dagger, ready to attack the soldier.

           “Who are you?!” He asked nervously, his sword trembling in his hand.

           In a swift movement, you high kicked the sword from the soldier’s hand, causing it to land on the floor and slide under the seats. He gulped nervously as you slowly approached him. You brushed aside your hair to reveal the ‘x’ scar on the side of your neck. The soldier’s eyes widened at it.

           “Y/N Nox Fleuret…”

           “I’ll ask again,” You looked past the soldier as you saw a group of more Imperials making their way towards you. “Where is Lunafreya?”

           “She’s on her way to-“ Bang! You gripped your arm in pain as a bullet grazed past it. Glaring, you saw the others had arrived and were armed. The soldier in front of you immediately dropped to the floor to retrieve his sword. Noticing this, you switched the blade you held to your uninjured arm and stepped on the soldier’s back, causing him to yell out in pain. Bullets flew past you as the other imperials began making their way towards you.

           “I don’t have time for this shit! I need to get to Lunafreya!” You yelled as you plunged the blade into the soldier’s neck and swiftly removed it. Looking up at the other soldiers, fire raged in your eyes. They’d be tougher to kill since they wore their helmets but with your skills, you could get it done. Yelling out in rage, you began to take on the soldier’s one by one, aiming for the weak spots of their armor that you learned after examining one of the suits one day. You knew that there’d be a day like this and you prepared yourself with Ravus’s help. Ravus…

           He betrayed you. Ravus was aware that Niflheim was going to attack Lucis. He was aware that you would be killed while in Insomnia and he was okay with it. You tried to shake those thoughts from your head as you killed soldier after soldier. He wouldn’t condone the death of Lunafreya, however. She was safe. She had to be. Then again, was she? Would Ravus turn on her as he did you? As you approached the last soldier who was fallen on the ground, you enclosed him with your legs and removed his helmet. He was a young man – about the same age as you. Fear took over his eyes as he looked at your blood splattered outfit and knife, the only blood belonging to you being the one from the bullet wound from earlier.

           “P-please! Spare me!”

           “Where is Lunafreya?!” You spat in his face.

           “I-In Insomnia! She went there for the signing!”

           You gasped at the information. Ravus would condone the murder of his own sister.

           “S-she’s safe! I promise you!”

           “How can I trust you!” You placed the tip of your dagger to his neck. One quick plunge and he’d be done for.

           “Ravus! He wouldn’t hurt her! She’s a Nox Fleuret! She’s his blood! He loves her!” He pleaded with you. Meanwhile his words resonated within you. She’s a Nox Fleuret. You weren’t a Nox Fleuret to Ravus. You weren’t his sister by blood. You were never a Nox Fleuret. You were just an orphaned child abandoned by her father and country. Someone who betrayed the ones who cared for her. And now, Ravus was the one who betrayed you; a taste of your own medicine. Tears fell from your eyes on the soldier’s face. Having a blurred vision, you sunk the dagger into the man’s neck and yanked it back out. Sniffing, you wiped the tears from your face with your arm, smearing blood on it in the process. Putting yourself together, you realized you had to get back to Insomnia. Walking seemed to be the only way to get back and you knew you wouldn’t arrive until later the next day. Praying to the Gods to look after Lunafreya, King Regis, and Noctis until you got there, you opened a window and jumped from the moving train. Landed on the hard gravel, the wind was knocked out of you as you groaned in pain. You collectively got your thoughts together before forcing yourself to sit up. You were in front of a car repair shop that read Hammerhead. The place looked deserted as you assumed everyone was already in Insomnia or watching their televisions to witness the soon destruction of the city. Coughing, you stood up and began to limp your way to the direction of Insomnia.

~!~

           It was nightfall by the time you reached Insomnia and fear had already set in your heart. Niflheim ships soared above you to the way of the city. As you reached the bridge that led into the city, you gasped as Imperials guarded the gates. Explosions and smoke could be seen arising from the city. Tears streamed down your face as your biggest fear sat in the back of your mind: Lunafreya was dead; The Lucis Caelum family was dead. Trying to still think positive, you limped weakly towards the city, not noticing a daemon appearing behind you. Hearing the snarl of the daemon behind you, you turned your attention away from the city and drew your blade. Exhaustedly, you ran towards the goblin-like daemon and swiftly stabbed it in its head, killing it instantly. To your unfortunate, more daemons began to surround you. You let out a bitter laugh. This was just your luck.

           After taking out the daemons, your body collapsed to the ground. Your energy was gone. You just needed to close your eyes for five minutes before continuing onward. Just five… minutes…

           “Hey! Hey! Are you okay?!” You heard the distance voice of the man. “Hey! Come help me, guys! I think she’s a survivor of the attack!”

           Unable to open your eyelids, you felt your body be lifted from the ground and into the back of a vehicle.

           “Is she dead, mama?” A small child’s voice was heard.

           “No, sweetie. She’s going to be fine,” a soothing woman’s voice said.

           “Damn, she’s covered in blood! Let’s get to Hammerhead quickly!” The sounds of doors closing were heard as you felt the vehicle begin to move in the opposite direction of the city.

           “What’re we gonna do now that everyone’s gone, mama? Prince Noctis, King Regis, and Lady Lunafreya… they’re gone.”

           At the sound of this, your eyes snapped open.

           “Insomnia has fallen. Reports of King Regis, Prince Noctis, and Lady Lunafreya not surviving the attacks are coming in. We, the people of Lucis, must come together in this time of despair and remain calm! The Gods will protect us!”

~!~

Noctis’s POV

           “I suggest we get curatives before hitting the road…” Ignis suggested as the boys pulled into Hammerhead’s station.

           “Nice idea, Iggy! While you do that, I’m gonna get some food! Comin’ Noct?” Prompto asked his raven-haired best friend. The prince – now King – looked off into space as he sat in the Regalia. His father was dead. His fiancée was dead. Hell, even he was dead according to the media. What was going on?

           “We’re not sure about Lady Lunafreya so do not let that get to you,” Gladiolus said as he slapped Noctis on his back before exiting the car. Noctis just casually nodded his head before exiting the car. “Go grab some grub with Prompto and we’ll meet back here before meeting up with Cor at the hunter’s HQ.”

           “Right…” Noctis said as he walked beside Prompto. Prompto placed a comforting arm around his best friend’s shoulder as they walked towards the diner together.

           “Hey, what about Umbra? I’m sure he’ll appear any moment now to confirm that Lady Lunafreya is okay!”

           “Maybe…” Noctis said as they entered the diner. The smell of breakfast foods engulfed their nostrils, causing Noctis’s stomach to growl. After a long day, it was no doubt he was hungry.

           “Whoa…” Prompto’s arm fell from his best friend’s shoulder.

           “Whoa is right! It smells amazing in here!” Noctis agreed.

           “Not whoa that but whoa her!” Prompto pointed to a booth where a woman sat. Her arm was bandaged and clothes were battered. She looked like she had just come back from a raging war. She was fiddling with something on her hand as a plate of food that appeared untouched sat in front of her. “She’s a beauty…”

           “Huh?” Noctis looked where Prompto was pointing. Noctis tilted his head slightly as he the woman looked familiar from afar – as if he’s seen her before. He watched her carefully as she brushed some of her hair back, revealing the ‘x’ scar on her neck. As Noctis blinked, her hair fell back into place, covering up the mark. However, it only took a glance for him to remember who she was.

           “Y/N…” Noctis mumbled your name causing the blond man beside him to repeat it.

           “Y/N. What a beautiful name – wait – how do you know that’s her name?” Prompto turned to face Noctis only to find the man had already made his way over to the woman. He watched as the woman’s head swiftly looked up at him, eyes widening. Before Prompto could get his thoughts together, the woman had stumbled out of her booth and wrapped her arms around Noctis’s neck, sobbing uncontrollably into his chest. Noctis stood frozen for a while before hesitantly wrapping his arms around the crying woman, attempting his best to console her.

           “What’s going on?” Gladio asked as he and Ignis entered the shop and caught sight of Noctis comforting the woman.

           “Y/N…” Ignis said as he recognized the woman. Noctis had mentioned another girl with Lunafreya whenever he talked about the oracle and his time spent in Tenebrae. She would be the only other woman Noctis would act this way towards. It had to be Y/N.

           “I don’t know why we’re giving this woman a name but… I think we should plan to make room for one more on our journey for her…”

           “Agreed,” Gladiolus and Ignis said simultaneously as they watched the woman continue to grip onto Noctis for dear life. He turned towards his group for help but they simply shrugged much to the prince’s despair.

[aubzylynn]

5 Times

Word Count: 2056 Warnings: Fuckton of fluff. Yall know how I do. I broke Sarah when I initially sent this to her. Request: Hey babe, I absolutely love your writting, could you write a 5 times steve was hipnotized with the readers voice? Pweaseeee?! Love you xxx A/N: Heyyyy, guys! I’m on the road to NY as we speak! Special shout out to @sarahwroteathing cuz I’m gonna see her fuckin gorgeous face in a little over 24 hours and I COULDN’T BE HAPPIER!!!! This is queued up for your reading pleasure. Please remember to comment & tell me what you think about my stories! Make my roadtrip stops better by having sweet words to read!!! I always love reading what you guys have to say! You guys be good. I love you all very much! 

The first time Steve is hypnotized by your voice is when he finds you laughing with Scott’s daughter, Cassie. The music of your giggles was a luxury he wasn’t used to. So soft, so beautiful, so full of a joy he hasn’t felt in years. Bucky notices the way his best friend’s attention is suddenly captured by you and tells him to go introduce himself. Steve cracks a smile and dismisses the thought immediately with a slow pull from his beer.

He can’t help but spare glances your way while the party plays around him. You’re perfectly content sitting with the little girl, telling her stories and laughing at hers in turn. Tony wanders over to you, and Steve watches as your face falls into an easy smile. He wishes he could hear the undoubtedly sweet way you greet him. There’s just something about you, he knows that everything you do has an undercurrent of grace.

Tony gestures over to where Steve, Bucky, and Sam are sitting and your eyes trail to him. His heart stutters as your eyes meet his and a small smile graces your lips. You turn back to Tony, taking his proffered hand and rising to your feet.

Steve turns suddenly, hoping to look like he��d been in Bucky and Sam’s conversation and not watching you from the corner of his eye-- y’know, the perfect embodiment of nonchalance -- only to find that his friends had left and he hadn’t realized it. He scanned the room, slightly panicked, until he found Bucky over by the bar with a smug smile firmly in place as his eyes flickered between Steve and the woman that had captured his friend’s attention.

That jerk, he set this little meeting up! And Steve was sure that he was none too subtle about it. Tony would surely have a field day knowing he’d been mesmerized by you. But Steve couldn’t dwell on it for too long. You’re laughing at something Tony says as you both come to a full stop before him.

“Cap, have you met this beauty? She’s my assistant, I could have sworn you’d been introduced before--”

You laugh, pushing your shoulder into Tony’s side. “I’m Bruce’s assistant. He’s not gonna be happy if you keep trying to steal me away.”

“Jolly Green knows I like to push his buttons.”

You shake your head good naturedly at Tony before extending your hand and telling Steve your name. He repeated it, tasting it in his mouth as he smiled at you and shakes your hand.

You duck your head, suddenly struck shy by the unintentional intensity of his gaze. Your voice was rendered soft and sweet, feeling suddenly coy. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Captain Rogers--”

“Call me Steve. Please.” His lips quirked up as your neck grew hot. Your name is called behind you. Turning, you find Cassie frantically waving you over. As you turn back to the boys in front of you, you duck your head again in apology. “Excuse me, gentlemen, there’s an urgent matter that requires my attention.”

Steve can feel his heart swelling as he watches you suppress your smile and skip across the room to Cassie.

“Y’know, she’s just as smitten with you, gramps. I’ve only heard that voice when she met Wilson a few weeks back.”

Steve shakes his head, trying so hard to focus on Tony’s words. “What d’you mean?”

“That almost sickeningly sweet tone she was using? Her voice does that when she’s around people she admires.”

Steve scoffs, watching you laugh and pick up Cassie. “Admires?”

“Is it so crazy to believe?” Tony asks, watching Steve as he watches you. “She could be really good for you.”

The second time, Steve’s walking through the compound. He’s just finished up his training with Wanda, decidedly making his way to the kitchen for a bottle of water before heading to his room to shower. He heard cabinets closing, ceramic cups clinking together, and a soft melody wafting through the air. When he enters, he finds you by the stove mixing tea bags into a pot of simmering water. You’re lost in your own head as you hum and dance around in the space.

You tossed your hair over your shoulder as you started to sway to the song, humming and singing under your breath. It’s the most beautiful sound he’s ever heard, only second to your laugh.

He could stand here and listen to your quiet melodies for hours, but Steve also doesn’t want to look like some creep just standing here and watching you make tea. You’ve had a few encounters, a few more conversations, but Steve wouldn’t say this was a friendship. Not just yet.

Your favorite crooning song comes on, you can feel the smile light up your face. You feel brave and sing just a little louder. Not by much though, because this tower is full of people and you have an irrational fear of people hearing you sing. An instrumental reprieve has you swaying again as you remove the tea from the pot and get the cups ready.

“Hey, you.”

Your heart skips in your chest as a smile takes over your face. You turn to face Steve, who’s smiling politely and ducking into the fridge for a water bottle. “Hiya, Steve.”

“How’s your day going?”

“Mmh, ya know, listening to my favorite calming songs and making tea for myself and Bruce is really awfully stressful.” you grin through your sarcasm, giggling a bit at the end. Steve smiles as he watches you pour the tea gracefully into the cups. “Oh, I’m glad I found you, though. Bruce was saying that he needed you to come by the lab for a bit. You know, just--whenever you have time.”

“Yeah, of course. Let me get cleaned up and I’ll be up there soon.”

“Okay.”

He grins at you as he leaves, and you can’t help but smile at him while feeling your heart inflate at the thought of seeing him again.

The third time, Steve’s in the middle of a mission debrief. He’s mid sentence when he hears your laugh echoing from the next room over. He knows it’s you. There’s no one else that has a laugh that makes his heart sing like this.

He shakes it off, hoping no one noticed his momentary pause and continued to give his report until he takes his seat.

After that, he can’t focus. His attention is captured by your muffled voice. He’s wondering who you’re speaking to, what you’re doing on this floor. Would it be inappropriate to ask you on a date? You had known each other for quite some time now… How would Dr. Banner feel about Steve dating his assistant? Should he ask his permission first? No, that’s silly you’re not his daughter or anything. Maybe he’ll just ask him about it? See what he thinks?

Steve has to resist finding you after they’re dismissed. He would probably just end up asking you on a date by blurting it out, and that’s not how he wanted to do this. You deserved more finesse.

The fourth time, Steve is accompanying you to an awards banquet in Dr. Banner’s honor. Bruce was still missing in action, so you accepted the award on his behalf. The way you spoke with such love and adoration for the man that most of the world feared sent Steve tumbling head over heels for you. As you spoke about the work that you helped Bruce with, you were filled with passion and confidence, and Steve couldn’t get enough of it.

Sure, over the past few months that you two had been dating exclusively, he’d seen some of this. But, for you to bear your soul to the whole conference, to have such power and conviction in your voice; something rose up in Steve and he knew he wanted to marry you. Right now. This second.

The thought both thrilled and terrified him, but he knew he needed to pump the breaks. You hadn’t discussed marriage...or a family for that matter. You weren’t even his girlfriend, officially, yet. Steve decides at the end of the night that he’s going to ask you to be his girl and that you’ll take it a step at a time after that.

Once you got back to the table, Steve rose out of his seat respectfully and pulled your chair out for you. That little bit of old time charm always made you blush. When he sat back down, you grabbed your phone off the table and swiped open the camera app, telling him to scoot closer. You situated the award between you both and took several pictures: from the sweet ones you’d keep for yourself to the goofy one you planned on sending to Bruce.

Opening your chat thread, you deflate a little seeing he hasn’t responded. You’d sent him multiple texts over the time he’s been gone. You added your picture to the line of texts, including: Miss you, boss! Hope your vacay is worth it. I’ll keep this safe for you. <3

Steve watches your face as you hit send, pulling you into a half hug and kissing your temple. “I just don’t want him to think I’ve forgotten him.” You explain, knowing he’d seen the thread of unresponded messages.

Steve pulled you in for another kiss in your hair. The capacity in which you loved people around you made his chest puff with pride. “I know, sweetheart. I know.”

The fifth time, Steve needed to hear your voice. He needed it like a drug. He’d been dragged back into the fight and it’s been weeks since he’s seen you. He calls you as soon as he collapses on the quinjet, needing you to calm him down.

The phone rings and rings, each seeming longer than the last until your sleepy voice comes through. “Steve?”

His shoulders relax, slumping with relief. If he could wrap himself in the sleepy way you said his name, he would die a happy man. He sits with it, soaks it in for a moment, forgetting you’re actually on the phone.

“Stevie?” Your voice rises a little in panic. “Are you okay?”

He realizes he hasn’t said anything and smiles apologetically even though you can’t see it. “Sorry, sweetheart. I’m okay.”

“Are you sure?” You tease, some of the roughness ebbing out of your voice. “Use your Life Alert if you need it, okay? I can’t fly halfway across the world just to help you get up.”

He laughs quietly, not wanting to disturb his teammates. “God, I miss you,” He blurts out. He hears your smile when you tell him you miss him too and it makes his heart flutter. “We’re on our way home.”

“Good. I’m in desperate need of a hug from my boyfriend. He’s been gone way too long. Oh, while I’ve got you on the phone, I need your opinion on something.” You’re suddenly more alert as you speak, but Steve is lost in the all-consuming way his heart swells when you talk. He’s distracted by the smile on his face and the way he feels lighter than air. How long has he been in love with you? Why is he only now realizing that he hasn’t said it to you yet? Did you know?

He gathers his courage, feeling like he has to tell you right now. He’s running on just a few hours of sleep, and this might not be the best decision, but damn it, it feels important. “Hey, sweetheart?” he calls, waiting for your full attention.

“Yes, dear?”

His lip quirks up in a boyish smile as he takes a deep breath, willing his nerves away. “I love you.”

Your end of the phone is silent for a moment and it sends Steve into a panic. Was it too soon? It was probably too soon. He just needed you to know. He didn’t expect for you to say it back--

He hears a quiet, disbelieving laugh on your end, and he can practically see the smile you’re wearing as you say, “I love you, too, Steve.”

That was absolutely hypnotising. Before he realizes it, the words are tumbling from his mouth, “Say it again? Please?”

“I love you, Steve.”

God, he could live in this bliss forever.

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[vampamber]

“Trick Or Treat!” (Inktober Day 2: Children)

Title: Trick Or Treat!

Author: VampAmber

Pairing: Dean/Cas

Summary:  After getting hit with a witch's curse that causes de-aging, what Dean wants to do more than anything is go trick or treating. He wants Cas to go with him too, of course, because he just knows Cas is going to love it. And since Castiel can't say no to Dean, no matter his age, he's stuck wearing fake wings and a halo. Good thing it's only treats tonight, the one at the end probably being the best.

Word Count: 1872

AO3 Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/12247962

“We should be focusing on reversing whatever spell that witch cast, not goofing off,” Sam complained as he poured through yet another book of lore from the bunker’s vast library.

“I agree,” Castiel said as scanned the pages of a different tome. “But he is being rather insistent, and it’s becoming somewhat distracting.”

“I wanna go trick or treating, Sammy!” Yelled Dean as he ran into the room, his four year old body full of far too much energy. “I wanna costume, and I wanna get candy, and I wanna do it now!” They’d been dealing with this for over an hour already.

“Dean, we need to be fixing what the witch did,” Castiel scolded him.

“You’re not the boss of me, Cas,” Dean pouted. “You’re the same age as me, so you can’t be.” The freckle faced child stuck out his tongue at the angel before running back off again. Castiel just sighed and turned the page, his legs dangling in the air because they weren’t long enough to touch the floor now.

Whatever the spell was that had hit Dean and Castiel, causing them to de-age, had also apparently worked on their mental ages as well. The angel was quite certain that Jimmy, were he still in this vessel, would probably have been acting the same as Dean right now.

“Maybe we should just take him?” Sam suggested, closing his book. “We’re obviously not getting anywhere right now, and I doubt taking a break for a few hours would really affect this one way or the other. Besides, he didn’t get that much of a childhood, since everything started around this age. Maybe this is a temporary good thing?”

Castiel closed his book as well. “I didn’t think of it that way, Sam,” he said, still not used to hearing his voice come out so high pitched. This wasn’t the first time he was in a child’s body, but Claire hadn’t been quite this young for the short amount of time he used her body, so this was all quite new to him. “Dean could certainly use more happy memories.”

“So, to the store then?” Sam asked, and Castiel nodded. “Hopefully there are some costumes left still,” he muttered before calling to Dean.

“Oh boy, trick or treating,” Dean said from the backseat of the Impala, bouncing up and down no matter how many times Sam told him to sit still. “This is gonna be so much fun! You’re gonna love it Cas, I promise.”

“Dean, I’m not actually a child, so I have no reason to go trick or treating,” Castiel said, which was apparently the worst possible choice since Dean immediately burst into tears. “You can still go, though,” Castiel promised, trying to sound as soothing as possible.

“Wanted ta go with you, Cas,” Dean said in between sniffles. He rubbed at his eyes, though tears were still leaking out.

“Of course I’ll go with you, Dean. I’m sorry,” the angel said, not wanting Dean to start crying again. He really hoped they could lift this curse soon, because children were a lot more difficult to deal with than he had originally imagined.

“You’re gonna love it,” Dean said, already back to his smiling, happy self.

Just as Sam had expected, the costume selection at the store was rather sparse, having already been picked over by the other children and families going trick or treating that night. But Dean still rushed over, all excited energy and laughter. Sam and Castiel followed behind him, but Dean was already holding up a dark colored costume by the time they got there. “I wanna be Batman!” He shouted, holding the clothing up like he had won a prize.

Sam smiled, obviously amused at how Dean was acting. “Sure, if it fits we’ll get that one.”

Then Dean rushed off to another section of costume pieces, and was back in seconds holding a plastic bag filled with black feathers. “And Cas can be an angel.”

“Dean, I…” Cas started to say before Dean cut him off.

“Please, Cas?” He begged, giving the real angel a pleading look that would have looked completely ridiculous had he still been an adult. “They’re nowhere near as pretty as your real, actual wings, but they’re kinda close,” he continued, holding up the package awkwardly to show off the picture of a little girl wearing them.

Castiel felt himself blush, even though he didn’t fully understand why. This wasn’t the first time he’d been complemented, or even the first time Dean had complimented him. Yet he could still feel the heat staining his cheeks. “Thank you,” he said softly, feeling more awkward than he usually did. He accepted the wings from Dean, who was smiling at him in a way he’d never seen him smile before, and tried not to let his disgust show when he saw a little plastic halo was included with the wings. Why humans ever decided angels had such a silly thing as halos, he would never understand. At least it didn’t come with a harp.

The Batman outfit ended up fitting perfectly, much to Dean’s delight, and after grabbing two special orange plastic buckets to collect the candy in, they were on their way back to the bunker. Dean went right back to jumping around in the back seat until Sam threatened to not take them if he didn’t settle down. Dean was even more well behaved than when he was an adult for the rest of the ride. Castiel would never understand children, even if it was Dean.

Since the bunker was located quite a distance out of town and had no neighbors, they left early enough to drive to one of the suburbs in the nearest city. Dean was still being well behaved, though every so often Castiel could hear him say, in a gruff voice, “I’m Batman.” Since Metatron had given him all of his pop culture knowledge, Castiel knew enough to know that Dean was imitating the character, but he was unsure what appeal it held.

He was doubly unsure why anybody would ever want to wear fake wings like the ones he had on his back right now. Even through his shirt, they itched, and they barely resembled the real thing. As soon as Dean wasn’t looking, Castiel was planning on ‘losing’ the halo, as well. But at least the look of awe that Dean had given him when he stepped out of his room had been worth it. And when Dean had stuttered out “You look so awesome,” Castiel had found himself blushing again.

The angel was shaken out of his thoughts when he felt the car stop and Sam announced, “Well, here we are, guys. Ready for some candy?”

“Yeah!” Dean shouted from the back seat, already scrambling for the door handle. Castiel climbed out of the Impala more slowly, but then Dean grabbed his hand and yanked him along, explaining how trick or treating worked as they headed towards the first house.

The lessons didn’t seem to stick, though, because more often than not Castiel forgot to say “trick or treat” when he was supposed to. Dean would elbow him in the ribs to remind him, but thankfully most of the people passing out candy just thought his awkwardness ‘adorable’ instead of strange.

“They’re so cute,” a girl in her early twenties told Sam after giving Castiel and Dean their candy. “Are they yours?”

“Uh, no,” Sam stumbled over his words, the question somewhat unexpected. He recovered quickly though. “That one’s my brother, and that one’s his friend,” he explained as he pointed to each child. Both things were technically true.

“Best friend,” Dean corrected his little brother, pulling Castiel in for a tight side hug.

A second girl walked up behind the first and hugged her from behind. “Aww, they’re so cute, just like we were back then,” she said, laying her head on the first girl’s shoulder.

The first girl laughed. “Yeah, they are, aren’t they? You guys gonna get married, too?” It was then that Castiel noticed they both had matching rings, which usually indicated a married couple.

Castiel didn’t know how to respond, but it didn’t matter because Dean apparently did. “Yep,” he said proudly, squeezing Castiel even tighter. “Cuz I’m in love with him.” Castiel froze while the girls both giggled. They told Castiel and Dean again how cute they were, and added a second handful of candy to each of their buckets before closing the door. Dean started to hop down the stairs, but Castiel was still frozen to the spot. Sam was also unmoving, staring at Dean.

“Hey, you guys comin’?” Dean called from the sidewalk when he finally noticed that he was alone.

Sam jogged to catch up, but Castiel could barely handle anything above a walk. Had Dean meant what he said? The angel went through the motions for the next few houses, though his mind was elsewhere, playing what Dean had said over and over, trying to figure out what it had meant. Was it just because they were children, or was it how Dean felt even when an adult? Castiel would be lying to himself if he said he wasn’t attracted to the hunter, hadn’t been attracted to him for years now. From what he understood of romantic love, it was definitely what he felt towards Dean. But never had he thought his feelings might be reciprocated.

When their buckets were both full of candy, they all headed back to the Impala. Castiel stopped Dean before he climbed into the back seat. “Did you mean what you said back there?” He asked, hoping Dean was old enough to understand. Dean nodded. “Even when you’re an adult?” Dean nodded again. “Why did you never say anything?”

“I was scared,” Dean admitted, blushing a little himself now. Then he looked at Castiel and smiled. “Dunno why now, though. It’s not really scary. Not like demons or ghosts or monsters.”

Castiel could feel tears well up in his eyes, he was so happy. “I love you too, Dean,” he said, never thinking he would be able to say it out loud. Then Dean did something even more unexpected, and leaned in to kiss Castiel. It was a quick peck on the lips, completely innocent, but probably meant everything when you were only four years old.

They were interrupted by Sam calling out of the open car window, “As glad as I am that you two guys finally got your heads out of your asses and admitted your feelings for each other, we need to get back to the bunker. I’m sure Dean should probably be in bed soon or something.”

“Don’t wanna go to bed,” Dean pouted, back to being a normal child again.

“Tough,” Sam said, turning the car on. “Now get in already.”

“Meanie,” Dean muttered under his breath, before opening up the door. “Since we’re boyfriends now, you wanna ride back here with me, Cas?”

Castiel nodded. “I’d like that, Dean.”

“And can I have your Snickers? They’re my favorite.”

“Of course, Dean.” Never, in his very long life, had Castiel ever been more thankful that witches existed than right at this moment.

[officialjkhogan]

STRAY: Chapter Eight

STRAY: Chapter Eight

by J.K. Hogan

Noah’s stomach cramped with hunger as he tapped the glass touchpad that controlled the holographic display. He was using the library’s public data-deck to take a practice test for his level twos. If he got the grades he thought he would, he might be able to escape his almost certain future of working in a factory or a plant, and instead become an engineer. Level two proficiencies were the highest level of education for everyday citizens—doctors, for instance, went on to level threes. Noah knew from his history lessons that back in the days of brick-and-mortar schools, level twos were referred to as “university.”

He sipped bitter coffee that someone had left sitting on the machine, obviously having forgotten about it while it was being filled. Gods, he was hungry. He hadn’t made many sales at the Bazaar last Tuesday, and a couple of his regular customers had stopped coming around, so he had literally five dollars to his name at the moment. He just had to manage not to starve to death before he took the tests, then he could get a decent job and find an actual place to live and, like, food and stuff.

At least he had a current roof over his head, as undesirable as it was. And crashing with Cousin Tom was definitely undesirable. Being a dealer meant that Tom had a revolving door for customers at any time of the day or night, and they were always eyeballing Noah real creepy-like. Sometimes even Tom did. Noah had gotten used to living with the hunted feeling, that need to constantly be on his guard and look over his shoulder. He always felt like there was someone just around the corner, waiting to grab him—be it Tom’s addict friends, stalkers on the street like that one time years ago when the blond guy saved him, or even goons from his parents’ church-cult, deciding they were going to force him to join after all. He’d never, ever felt at ease. Well, only once. With that guy. Whose name, irritatingly, he couldn’t ever seem to remember.

Noah had been avoiding going back to Tom’s, because the way the man looked at him had been making him increasingly uncomfortable. Sure, they were family—at least, he thought they were. He’d only met Tom after his parents had dumped him. They ran in the same circles, and Tom approached him one day, saying that he was the son of Emmy Cowan’s estranged brother. Noah had been so desperate for any kind of connection to another human being that he hadn’t questioned it. Still, occasionally Tom’s stare became sort of possessive, and even…predatory. Sometimes.

Noah scored nearly perfect on the practice test before his hunger started making him lightheaded. He had two more days until the Bazaar opened again, but he’d starve before then. He had no other choice but to back home—not that it was his home—and find someone to blow for a twenty. There were always some tweaked-out druggie closet-cases around to hit up. They consumed more when they got off, so it was lucrative for both Noah and Tim. As much as he hated doing it, Noah refused to let himself feel ashamed. It was survival, pure and simple.

As he walked home later, Noah passed by Sanctuary just like he did every time he went to the library. And each time, he remembered the masked man who suggested there might be a job for Noah inside. Hell, the guy probably just wanted Noah to come in because he thought he was pretty. It had been a nice fantasy, but Noah didn’t believe a word of it. It was rare for businesses to have enough capital to employ an in-house engineer to keep their tech up and running. Still, every time Noah walked by, he wondered if he’d given up before he even tried.

Tom lived in a ramshackle house on the edge of a former residential district that hadn’t survived the last purge. No one had bothered to claim the land and redevelop, so people like Tom and his ilk had colonized it, squatting in buildings in various stages of disrepair. The front door rocked on its hinges as Noah swung it open to reveal stained tan carpeting and puke green walls that were peeling enough to expose the sheetrock beneath the paint. The sickly sweet smell of ganja was a physical cloud in the hallway, so Noah followed it into the dark den with its blackout curtains and psychedelic tapestries.

Tom lounged on the threadbare couch with two men who were obviously sampling the wares, and a woman was asleep—or unconscious—in the recliner that hadn’t reclined since they’d found it on the side of the road. Tom looked over and gave him an oily grin.

“Eyy, Noah, my dude! Have you been at the fuckin’ library this whole time?”

With a sigh, Noah half sat, half fell into the only empty chair left. “Yep. Killed my practice test though. I’ll be ready for my level twos. I only came home because…I got hungry.”

Tom took a sip of his lager and eyed Noah for a moment, before jerking his chin at the guy to his left. “I’m sure Adam here can help you out.”

Noah’s stomach rebelled, and he had to swallow down the urge to vomit air—because that’s all he had in his stomach—but a guy had to eat. At least Adam was somewhat attractive, built like a tank, with a razor-sharp jawline and a crooked nose, but he also looked like he could get mean with very little provocation.

“My cuz here needs some work to make a little extra cash,” Tom said to Adam. Some kind of silent communication must have happened to inform Adam just exactly what kind of work Tom meant, because Adam gave Noah a long onceover and licked his lips.

Fuck. The guy was definitely down for it, and Noah should be happy because he would get to eat but, fuck. Noah stood up and headed for the door, looking over his shoulder and raising a brow until Adam got the picture and followed him. As he climbed the stairs, with Adam’s fingers brushing the top of his ass, Noah hated himself just a little bit more.

****

Tonight I am a creature. A man but not a man. Who dreams of nothing but murder.

****

Tuesday, the Bazaar was swamped. Noah sold half the inventory he’d brought from the crypt, and he should have been flying high on the accomplishment, his full belly, and the wad of cash in his pocket, but he was just…numb. All he could think of was the feeling of Adam’s beefy hands on his skull, pulling his hair, and Noah wondered why he did it.

He had no one. No family, not really, no real friends, only people who seemed to want to use him, so why the hell did he fight so hard not to starve. Why didn’t he save himself the trouble, and his jaw the strain, and just go fall off a bridge somewhere.

Shaking his head, he stuffed his remaining tech into his duffel. How fucking melodramatic. He’d never been suicidal…not really. Honestly, he’d always felt like there was something just offstage, waiting in the wings, something that he was meant to do but couldn’t quite see the full picture yet. Some days it was the only thing that kept him from knotting sheets together.

He piled up his boxes and crates behind an old food stand from the bygone days of the amusement park and hoped no one would steal them before next Tuesday. The back of his neck prickled as he bent to pick up his duffel, so he spun around and scanned the almost empty Bazaar. There was no one near. No one, except for a big white cat.

This time, the coincidence of seeing the cat again made Noah’s hair stand on end. He was half convinced he’d been hallucinating the creature this whole time. His fingers clenched on the leather strap of his bag, but he tried to act like he wasn’t afraid he was losing his mind.

“Hey, there, um…cat. I don’t know how you keep finding me. In fact, I’m ninety-five percent sure I’m seeing things. I’m surprised you haven’t gone home by now. Hell, I’m surprised you’re still alive.” Noah scrubbed his hands over his face, then shook his head. “I’m surprised I’m still talking to a gods-be-damned cat.”

The creature meowed, then slinked over and wove its way between and around Noah’s legs, leaving long white hairs all over his jeans. He brushed off the denim-myolene blend and glared at the cat. “Yeah, thanks for that.”

The cat purred and let out another plaintive moan.

“Ugh… I know that look too well. You’re hungry, yeah? All right, then, follow me. Today, we eat like princes.”

Eating like princes for Noah meant one of the mobile kitchens that frequented the park. He ordered some falafel, with curry chicken and rice, and hauled it all over to a picnic table. He sat down on the table part, while bracing his feet on the bench. Inexplicably, the cat followed him like it thought it was people. With a sigh, Noah spread out a napkin and spooned some chicken onto it for the cat, who eagerly wolfed it down, snarling a little as it chewed.

“Easy, killer,” he said with a laugh. “Don’t choke. Damn, you must’ve been starving. Been there, pal. Hey, at least you found a generous benefactor to keep you in curry, and you didn’t even have to blow anybody to get money.”

As if it understood, the cat froze. It stopped eating and stared at him, blinking slowly. It sat back on its haunches, ignoring the food, and waited, as if it expected him to continue. Embarrassed about talking to a cat, Noah gave an agitated wave of his hand.

“It’s nothing. When you’re homeless, you do what you need to do to get by. Every day I see people who are way worse off than me, so I try not to complain.”

The cat padded closer, curling up and pressing against the side of Noah’s thigh, purring. Noah stroked its back, running his fingers through the soft fur, and felt the knobby bumps of its spine as it arched up to chase his touch. Looking down at the cat, Noah noticed something he’d never seen before—a flash of black on the inside of its ear.

“Hey, what’s this?” he asked, as if the cat was going to answer him. He swiped a finger along the pink, paper-thin skin of the cat’s inner ear. It was ink. A tattoo. He knew that animals were often tattooed with ID numbers by shelters, or even their owners, but this marking was unusual. It was a glyph of a small, five-pointed crown. Beneath it, letters spelled out a word he didn’t recognize. “I wonder what this means. Basti.”

When he said it, the cat whipped his head around to stare up at him, and it let a garbled little growl. It sounded so disgruntled that Noah had to laugh. Obviously at some point, someone had cared about this cat enough to mark it, but he’d seen it on the streets too many times for it to be anything other than a stray.

“Is that your name, then? Basti? It’s cute.”

The cat narrowed its eyes, exhaled sharply through its nose, then mewed and went back to the curry chicken. That, apparently, was that.

While Basti inhaled his food, Noah ate at a more sedate pace, savoring the feeling of, for once, not being hungry. He looked at the cat, who in turn watched him. It was lithe and willowy, but not skinny. Its bones didn’t protrude past its thick coat, so it had to be fed with some regularity.

“I wonder where you normally get your food,” Noah said before he could quell the impulse. He sighed, setting down his now-empty food carton. “I know I must seem like some freaky stranger who speaks to you as if you were human, in a language you couldn’t possibly understand but…I don’t have many people—or animals, I guess—in my life, so I just can’t help myself. You’re safe.” Noah didn’t know if he meant that the cat was safe for him to talk to, or that the cat was safe with him. Maybe both.

“I have to go home. It will be dark soon.” The last place he wanted to be was Tom’s, but it wasn’t safe on the streets at night. “You should go on back to wherever you normally sleep and eat. Trust me, where I’m going isn’t anywhere you want to be.”

Noah tossed their trash into a nearby agri-dump receptacle, and set off west, toward Tom’s. The cat jumped down from the picnic table and followed. Noah sighed heavily, because with his work done and his belly finally full, all he wanted to do was lie down on his lumpy mattress and sleep for a week.

“Shoo! Get out of here! Trust me, you don’t want to go where I’m going.”

Basti grumbled and sat back on his haunches. As Noah continued through the rapidly darkening park, he pretended he didn’t know the precocious feline was still following him.