#and awkwardly dial it back down to a handshake or something and push down the emotional vulnerability

[yaminerua]

I think the thing that fucks me up more about Lister’s dream is the hug that comes just before the kiss.

like the kiss moment itself is a tad awkward and it was probably kind of meant to be and it’s played a little silly for the dream sequence as they just smush their faces together (and also that puckering of Rimmer’s lips as they lean in lmao)

But I mean it makes me feral anyway bc I can’t believe they did that at all and I love the implication much later in Red Dwarf that dreams and hallucinations etc create their own universes so Somewhere out there there’s at least one universe where that moment was real and they’re fully canon somewhere;;;

But anyway the moment immediately before the kiss even happens gets me every time.

Like they’ve just said they both miss each other and the emotional weight of the moment becomes too much so Lister gets up and pulls Rimmer into a hug and Rimmer’s face destroys me bc it’s very much that ‘oh god…I’m finally home’ kind of hug.

Like he looks a little overwhelmed immediately, like all the air’s been knocked out of him by this first touch with Lister since that last goodbye hug in Stoke Me A Clipper. A hug itself is a kind of comfort he probably hasn’t experienced much of in the first place and certainly not one with as much emotional weight to it. The knowledge that someone missed him, that Lister missed him!! And the little sway they do in the hug, and the way Rimmer’s face softens hearing Lister tell him not to leave ever again. It makes my heart burst;;;

[angsty-omi]

you get jealous of their manager

suna rintarou; sakusa kiyoomi

angst to fluff, hurt/comfort.

suna rintarou

when rin told you about the new manager, you didn’t expect her to be blonde, curvy, and absolutely gorgeous. honestly, just looking at her made you insecure. the way all the boys gawked at her everytime she walked by. you didn’t care about the boys though, you only cared about a boy, your boyfriend rin. she’s with him longer than he’s with you. practices take up most of his day, so you only saw him once he got to your shared apartment where he was too tired to do anything that exterted energy. to be fair, you were fine just staying in, but imagining him with her during practices made you uncomfortable.

it was even worse when he’d go out to dinner with the team and her. you couldn’t remember the last time he’d even ask you on a date. you hated the way he stopped trying once you started dating. starting to reach the AMs when you called him.

“y/n?” his slurred tone showed that he was drunk.

“suna? where are you? it’s almost 12 am.” you scolded. how could you not? he’s drunk and with a girl that you were very envious of.

“first of all, can you chill? i literally told you that i’d be out with the boys, i don’t understand why you’re getting so upset,”

“upset? you’re literally out with a girl who’s very attarctive” you frustrated.

“oh i see what this is now, you’re jealous and you don’t trust me.”

“it’s not a matter of trust, it’s just i fe-feel uncomfortable and i oh i don’t know wanted to talk about it?” you started to raise your voice. the attempt to set a boundary has failed, and rather was replaced with you being the enemy.

“she’s my friend y/n, get over it because you’ll be seeing a lot more of her,” rin hissed.

“i’m not telling you who you can be friends with or not, but you have to understand where i’m coming from” you murmured.

“just leave me alone, i can be friends with whoever i want, and the last thing i’m going to do is let a bitch dictate that.” suna argued loudly.

it was followed up by silence, with a girl voice cutting in, “rin-rin let’s do this song together!” in a high pitch squeal caught the mic.

“oh so you’re rin rin now huh? i can’t be surprised considering how much time you spend with her!”

“well maybe i like hanging out with her. did you ever think of that y/n? it’s nice to have someone who wouldn’t nag or bitch about me, she doesn’t pry for me to open up,” he attempted to justify his actions.

“okay fine then, if she’s soooo perfect than just date her” words just started spilling out of your brain, and it was too late to take it back.

“maybe i will!” he roared. after he sunk in what he was saying, he followed up with “w-wait i didn’t mea-” trying to save his relationship.

“do whatever you want suna, whether you’re with her or not it’s not my problem anymore, i’m done.” you ended the call, tears freely flowing down your face.

you couldn’t sleep that night. pathetically, you’d hope that suna would at least give you a call back, or any sign that he still cared for you. but he didn’t, and you assumed that was your answer. you would reevaluate the relationship after a good nights sleep on the couch. you couldn’t sleep on the bed due to suna’s lingering scent.

when 4am rolled around, the door opened as quietly as possible. suna assumed that you were asleep in bed, and was prepared to join you. when he walked in the bedroom and saw the bed still made, he panicked. did you really leave? were you actually done with the relationship? he checked everywhere, the bathroom, kitchen, the basement, and not the most obvious place ever. he dialed your phone, and heard loud ringing from the living room. he slapped his forehead in stupidity and made his way over to you. his heart broke at the sight. the way you tried to fit your body with the throw blanket, unaware that you were shivering at the cold. your face was also pale, with dried tears on them. you looked so broken and so drained. immediately, suna carried you off the couch bridal style, and tucked you into the soft king sized bed. he then, moved onto his side and slid under the sheets. it’s only when he grabs your waist is when he feels safe enough to sleep.

five hours later, you awake with dried tears still in your eyes. you wiped them with your arm, and felt weight around your waist. once your eyes were cleared, it was suna. you let yourself comfort in his warmth for just a bit more, knowing that there’s a huge argument to come.

“suna we can’t just not talk about this,” you whispered into his ear, knowing he was awake. he hid in the crook of your neck, “i’m sorry. i’m so so sorry, please take me back.”

“i can’t just accept your apology blindly, we have to set boundaries or else we’ll never move forward.” you sighed while tracing circles on his bare chest.

“i’ll never even look at her again,” his face deadpanned. your laugh vibrated against his chest, “that’s not needed, it’s not really her fault anyways. how about, we spend more time on dates and devote days for each other?”

“anything, princess.”

sakusa kiyoomi

sakusa hated physical touch, the spread of germs with a single handshake grossed him out. that’s why he built a cold exterior to prevent many from getting close. however, when he met you, you happened to be the exception and you took pride in the fact that he was only comfortable with you. he’ll never admit it to you though, and claims he only ‘endures’ your hugs. although, you knew your limit, you would never show affection in front of people. if there’s one thing sakusa hates, it’s PDA.

so you couldn’t really blame the new cute manager for flirting with him, because it seemed like he was single. listen, you trusted sakusa with your whole heart, but you just wanted to see how he would react with a girl flirting with him.

you hid behind the door, eavesdropping behind the door.

“sakusa-senpai, can you please help me up?” the cute manger whined.

“can you not get up yourself?” sakusa groaned.

“no i think i twisted something,” as a girl, you knew exactly what she was doing and her execution was poor. you rolled your eyes, assuming sakusa too would know what she was doing.

but he didn’t.

“thank you, sakusa-senpai!” she squealed, and then what you can assume, she hugged him. because then it caught him by suprise, and they both fell together, with her on top of him. you didn’t hear him scolding her, rather he was laughing. he was happy with her presence when he wouldn’t even physically show it with you. you decided to just walk in and stop this.

amidst of their laughter, both heads looked up at you. “sakusa, don’t you have to get home soon?” with an eyebrow raised.

“uh actually sakusa-senpai it’s getting dark, mind if you could walk me home?” she babbled.

“fine, y/n you can walk yourself right?” he said casually, while packing up his things.

“y-yeah i guess” you stammered.

on your walk home, you were reevaluating what just happened. no longer did you feel special anymore. your brain started to overthink itself, why did they look better as a couple? and why was he so relaxed around her? was i just not the right person? has he found his true love? all these scenarios made you start to tear up. you were in love with the germaphobic man, for god sakes.

when you got the shared apartment, you immediately took a shower, knowing that sakusa was going to nag you anyways when you got home.

then, you started on dinner and chopping up some vegetables when you heard the door open. he nodded at you, acknowledging your presence and was waiting for the hug you gave him everytime he came home. but you didn’t, and he awkwardly just stood there for good minute or two. to your suprise, he was the first one to make the move. he wrapped his arms behind you and resting his head on your neck. immediately, you shrugged him off.

he furrowed his eyebrows, “is there something wrong?”

“i don’t know, is there something wrong?” you repeated his question.

“i wouldn’t know, that’s why i asked.” he bellowed.

you put the knife down and faced him, “you know i love the double standard of how i have to shower before i get to touch you, but that whore gets to touch you whenever,” you ranted.

“our new manager? you can’t be serious. we fell, it was an accident.”

“maybe you thought it was, but i know what she was doing because i, too am a girl. if you guys just ‘fell’ why did it take so long for you to get back up? why’d you let her touch you for so long?” you questioned.

“i wasn’t thinking about it, not everything i do in life is rotated around germs-”

“except when it’s with me” your voice cracked. “right? it’s when it’s with me, that must be it. that’s why you never show any affection, but it’s okay for you because you’ve gotten tons from me and her!” you raved.

he tried to wrap his around you, but you moved out the way.

“don’t touch me with that whore’s filth,” you muttered, turning off the burner and stomped to your shared bedroom, slamming the door. your insecurities were roaring on the inside. sakusa chose to sleep on the couch, thinking you needed space. but, that was the least thing you wanted. you wanted him to beg, or to at least apologize.

over the following days, you didn’t wait for him outside of practice. in fact, the only time he saw you was in the morning before classes and at night when you left leftovers for him in the kitchen. after the argument, he pushed everyone away, especially with the new manager. he only wanted one person’s touch, yours. and to achieve that, he had to put in some effort. that night when he got home, he went straight to the shower. you assumed it was just a normal silent treatment day, so you went to bed scrolling.

you felt the weight on the other side of the bed. knowing who it was, you continued to aimlessly scroll on tiktok. sakusa abruptly grabbed your waist and coddled you, drowning you in pecks all around your face.

“mh.. sakus.. sa.. mh..” continuously getting cut off with his cute pecks on your lips. you decided to let go of the whole manager situation, and let yourself to just be happy. you wrapped your arms around his neck and put him even closer to you. he then pulled away and you dramatically groaned.

putting his face close to yours, “i love you y/n l/n.” before continuing.

a/n: if you like this series please request some characters you’d like to see!

[marvelhero-fics]

Cool, cool, cool.

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader

Summary: Peter and yourself finally figure out your feelings towards each other, in the coolest way possible. 

A/N: I’m sorry I’ve been absent for a hot minute, I've just been crazy busy! But I’m back and writing for a bit :)

Word Count: 2,561

“No. I stand by my point. Darth Vader would win!” Ned exclaimed.

“No! You’re wrong! Goku would absolutely beat Vader!” You retorted, extended your arms out in exaggeration. Peter simply laughed as you bickered. The three of you dodged your way out of the crowded halls of Midtown Tech.

“Anakin was going to be one of the most powerful Jedi ever! That means Vader is probably the most powerful character-“

“Goku was a Super Saiyan!” You swiftly interrupted.

The warm afternoon New York breeze hit you as the three of you made it out the front doors. The mix of smog from the many taxis and pollen from the new spring trees danced together. You’d always complained about how much you hated Manhattan, but you had to admit, it was home.

“You’re wrong.” Ned stated, matter-of-factly.

“Unbelievable. We’re continuing this tomorrow Leeds!” You replied.

“Bye dude.” Peter simply smiled over at his best friend. Ned warmly fairwelled Peter, and with the quick completion of their handshake, Ned waltzed off. Peter and yourself began making your way to the train station.

In the least creepy way possible, Peter loved watching you. He watched as your lightly curled hair bounced around your shoulders as you walked. He watched the warm sunlight hit your soft cheekbones, prominating all your best features. He watched as your old, warn down Chucks scuffed along the sidewalk as you absentmindedly kicked loose rocks.

“So? Who would win?” You beamed, looking up at your best friend.

“Hmm?” He shook his head slightly, bringing his dreamy mind back to reality.

“Darth Vader or Goku?! C’mon Pete, why’re you being all spacey?” You laughed, pushing a lock of hair behind your pierced ear.

“I didn’t wanna say it at the time, but Ned’s probably right-“

“Unbelievable!” You whined. “You two obviously know nothing! We’re gonna have to touch up on your Dragon Ball Z, Parker.” Your arm extended out to jokingly nudge him. He turned his attention to your denim jacket. Hundreds of different patches scrapily sewn onto it. God, you were just so cool, Peter thought. You were always so authentically yourself, completely and happily oblivious to what others thought.

“Yea sure, when you watch the Prequels I’ll watch the rest of Dragon Ball Z.” Peter chuckled. You simply shook your head.

“You and Ned always go on about how not great those movies are, why would I bother watching them? And plus, what does that have to do with Darth Vader anyway?” You replied, Peters contagious grin rubbing off on you.

“It’s all about Anakin! It’s his whole back story! What are you talking about!?” Peter said, almost offended.

“Ohh...” you paused, “that makes sense.”

“You’re unbelievable, (Y/L/N).”

It had been years now. Years of you and Peter being besties. Your dad was really close with Richard and Ben, Peters dad and uncle. So you’d been family friends for a long time. Your mum would tell you that you always said you were going to marry Peter when you were younger because he could burp the whole alphabet! It was even better when she brought it up at the dinner table, while Peter was right there. You drifted a bit when Peter went through everything with his parents. With moving away to be with his aunt and uncle and all. You finally reconnected with him in High School. It had been like the two of you never left each other. MJ and Ned constantly mocked the pair of you for being ‘insperable’. But you two just really liked each other’s company! Or that’s at least what you told yourselves to fight off the awkward post-puberty sexual tension.

The train was crowded, as per usual. You shuffled your way through the many bodies, finding a comfortable spot for both you and Peter. His arm raised to hold the bar above him, steadying himself as the train began to move. You, however, resumed your comfortable spot of holding Peter’s other arm to steady yourself. The bar was awkwardly high for your shorter frame, and Peter obviously wasn’t complaining. Every so often your fingers would move down to intertwine with his, which was- nice. But you two never talked about it, mainly in fear of ruining the moment.

You stuck one of the AirPods in Peters ear, sticking your other one in your own ear before pressing shuffle. Hooked On A Feeling by Blue Swede began flowing through your ears. His gaze immediately met yours with a grin. God, you were so cool.

The influx of more persons on the train drove your body closer to Peter. The warmth of your body radiating on him, your head practically resting on his broad shoulder. Of course, he wasn’t complaining. Ever since the bite, his senses were always dialed up to eleven, it gave him raging migraines for the longest amount of time, and of course you were the first to notice when something was off with Peter. Straight after Ned found out, Peter told you what happened, and as per usual, you played it cool. After all, your main concern was Peter, not Spider-Man. After long days of heightened senses and skull-breaking headaches, you’d massage his temples for hours on end, softly speaking to him about anything to relax him. You were the one thing that dialled those senses back down to one for Peter. And, God, he loved you for it.

In usual routine, Peter and yourself stopped at the Deli on the way to Peters house. Today you were heading over to his to do your AP bio assignments together. Well, that’s what you told each other. Any excuse to be able to hang out.

“Mr and Mrs Parker!” Mr Delmar greeted the two of you in his usual fashion. You both grinned, greeting him back. The first time he did this, Peter turned into a blushing, blubbering mess. But after about the 6th time, it was purely a habit. “The usual?”

“Yes please,” Peter replied, putting two crumpled 5’s down on the counter.

“Hey Murph.” You swiftly picked up the fluffy cat, holding it in your arms as it purred softly.

“He doesn’t let anyone else pick him up like that, you know!? He’s so grumpy with everyone else, but he loves you, (Y/N).” Mr Delmar explained, laughing slightly about his ‘mean old cat’, as he put it.

Your sandwiches were made within minutes. You kindly thanked Mr Delmar and walked off to Peters apartment. Mr Delmar’s deli really did make the best sandwiches in Queens, but 4:00 PM was such a strange time to each an entire sub, which meant you almost never finished your sandwich. Luckily, Peter’s appetite was constantly through the roof. He would always finish your food for you, you’d honestly never seen someone who could eat so much. Apparently it was another one of the side-effects of the Spidey powers. 

Peter unlocked the apartment building doors and the two of you walked up to his level, laughing and chatting the whole way. Conversation always flowed with Peter and yourself. It was never really that awkward, and it never had to be small talk. You two would always find yourself talking about films, physics, space, existentialism. Just all the usuals. 

The pair of you waltzed into Peter’s apartment. Peter called out a loud ‘hey May!’, to which she came out of the kitchen to greet the two of you. 

“Oh, hey (Y/N),” she smiled warmly, “are you staying for dinner, honey?” 

“Uhm,” you quickly looked up at Peter,

“Yea, of course she is.” He responded for you,

“If it’s not too much trouble!” You quickly added, 

“No it’s absolutely fine! We’re getting Chinese.” May explained, getting cut short of the conversation as Peter dragged you off to his room. 

Being the gentleman he was, he opened the door for you, letting you walk through first, and closed it behind himself. He was quick to throw his bag to the ground as make his way to his old, wooden desk. You softly sat on the bottom bunk of his bed, shuffling back slightly so your back was resting against the wall. You pulled your laptop out of your bag and opened up your assignment. Peter did the same.

An hour of studying and typing and studying and typing, and only biology related chat had passed. “Peter...” You whined. “I hate this, I hate stupid action potentials, and stupid neurons, and stupid synaptic junctions.” You continued, throwing your head back in frustration with a thud to the drywall behind you. He swivelled around in his chair, his gaze finding yours as your head lifted above your shoulders again. You pouted and batted your eyelids.

“I know, I hate it too. But it’s not really optional.” He replied. He was so studious. Which you loved, and envied. But times like these you wish he would just whip out his old, dusty Nintendo 64 and play games with you all night.

Peter wasn’t going to be that easy to get through too. You shoved your laptop off your lap, and waltzed over to where Peter was. His eyes simply followed your frame as you moved. Your body stationed next to him, and turned his chair so he was facing his desk once again, meaning you were stood behind his back. Your warm fingers ran through his brunette hair before resting on his temples. You applied just enough pressure while circling them against his skin. A loud, relieving sigh dripped from his mouth.

“You’re tense.” You whispered,

“When am I not?” He retorted, flashing a smirk.

“You weren’t before you were Spider-Man.” You responded, your voice still low but blunt.

His eyes opened, and his hands softly grabbed yours. He turned his chair to face you, your smaller hands still encapsulated in his.

“Do you not like the fact that I’m now everybody’s friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man?” He questioned, his large brown eyes staring deeply.

“No. It’s not that I don’t like it, you know I don’t have a problem with it. I just... I don’t like that it makes you like... like this.” You shrugged.

“Like what?” His voice was seemingly lower, he wasn’t necessarily whispering, but his voice was husk.

“Tense. You’re always on-edge, you’re always so stiff.” Guess it was honesty hour.

“Maybe- maybe you could help me- be less tense.” He replied, his classic Peter-style nervousness creeping through his broken sentence.

“I’m trying, I thought the head massages helped?”

“Yea- right- yep. They do help, a lot.” He stammered. “I was just- I was thinking maybe, something else?” Peter spoke. His hands had left yours and moved down to your waist, strangely enough, it wasn’t the first time they’d been there, so it wasn’t entirely weird to you.

“What’d you have in mind?” You asked, almost innocently. There was a lot of things you had wished about doing with Peter. A lot of ways you wanted to help him. You just never knew how to initate any of it. And quite frankly, you didn’t know if he felt the same.

In a sudden rush of arousal, Peter pulled you forward and you stumbled slightly.  His hands asserted themselves on your upper thighs and pulled you up so they sat on either side of his lap. Without entirely realising what was happening, you were straddling him. God, he was strong. Your faces were merely inches apart. A deep rosey blush covered your cheeks and your heart pounded against your ribs. The worst part was knowing Peter could hear how fast it was beating with his heightened senses. He could obviously tell how nervous you were. 

You were nervous, but comfortable. Strangely enough, this felt, comfortable. Your hands had wrapped themselves behind his neck, twirling into the soft hair at the back of his head. If there was going to be any time to kiss Peter Parker, this was definitely it. 

A few sharp breaths escaped both of your mouths as your eyes gazed into each others. You both stared in a sort of ‘is this really happening?’ moment. And then, you kissed him. 

Peter and your lips passionately locked together. Your raspberry lip balm now sticky against both of your mouths as your tongues finally met in the middle. This was your first kiss, and what you knew of your best friend, it was his first kiss too. In the strangest way possible, it almost felt like a flower was blooming deep in your stomach. It was the strangest, most pleasant feeling you’d had. The intensity grew gradually. The nerve endings in your skin feeling every small touch. Maybe this was how Peter felt all the time? Every so often, your head would fall away from his slightly, and every time he would pull your body back, aching for your lips to be close once again. 

That's when you felt him growing beneath you. You’d never sat on a boys lap like this. And in all honesty, you didn't realise it could grow that quick. Your fingers grasped his brunette hair and pulled his head back gently as you drew your face away too. 

You bit down on your bottom lip and grinned. He just looked back at you with wide eyes, his pupils almost entirely encapsulating his iris’. 

“I’ve never kissed anyone before.” You blurted out, almost too quickly.

“I mean, neither have I.” He shrugged.

“That was good? Right?” You shot back.

“Well,” he glimpsed down, looking at the bulge against the zipper of his worn jeans, “yea.”

You looked at each other once again. Peter’s large hands gripped tightly against your ass checks, firmly holding you against his lap still. Your hands still lightly stroking against the back of his head. Both of you silently wondering what to do about Peter’s situation. 

In a blink, Peter’s eyes unfocused from your face, and his head snapped around. “Get up.” He flashed. 

“Wha?-” 

There was a loud knock at the door, and just as May let herself in, Peter had hoisted you off his lap. As May entered the room, Peter sat awkwardly in his desk chair, his legs crossed over each other. And you stood just next to him, clearly unsure of why you stood there. 

May glanced for a moment at the situation, realising she had probably walked in at the wrong time. “Uhm, I was thinking we could go down and get dinner now?”

You could practically feel Peter’s eyes roll. 

“Sounds good. I’m starving!” You smiled at May, trying to loosen the tension. 

“Cool! Grab your coat.” May stated, and with that she waltzed out again. 

Peter turned the chair towards you and was about to groan before you caught his lips again. The kiss wasn't as passionate as the first, but it was nice. It was comfortable. You never thought it would feel this heavenly kissing Peter, but, God, it did. 

You pulled away just as fast as you’d initiated it. 

“We should probably talk about... this?” you motioned in the space between the two of you.

“Yea.”

“I- I obviously like you.” You stated. The only reason you stated it so confidently was because of how confidently Peter had kissed you back.

“Well, I obviously like you too.” The corners of his mouth curving upwards, flashing his gorgeous, straight smile.

“Cool.” You nodded, a grin also taking form over your mouth.

“Cool.”

[flightsoffandom]

A Stark Introduction

Pairs: Gender-Neutral Reader.  Left Vague, Interpret the writing however you’d like. Bruce Banner and Tony Stark are featured alongside the Reader.

Words: 1761

Summary: Your regular routine of walking through the woods is interrupted when you stumble upon a half-naked man lost in the forest.

Notes: Left completely gender-neutral. I did already use this prompt for an IZombie One-Shot, but I am wanting to challenge myself by using the same prompt with different fandoms and try to make it as unique as possible. One-Shot based on @witterprompts

“We found you wandering around in the forest. Are you sure you’re not lost?”

The dense, medium-sized forest near your house was known for its natural beauty. This is why you loved walking through as often as you could. Traveling through the woods was a great way to relax. The trail through the woods was covered in dead leaves with patches of grass poking out now and then. The trees didn't crowd around the walking path. It was almost like a second home to you and you loved it there. These walks kept you sane. Normally though, it was a pretty boring place. The most interesting thing happening was a small critter coming out into the open. You knew this forest like the back of your hand, so when something was off about it you knew. Which is why this walk was so different from normal.

When you walked through the trees everything went along like usual. You walked for a while, admiring the plant life around you. After walking for a while you started to notice some broken trees. This didn’t immediately seem odd but you didn’t remember any storms recently. Inspecting the broken branches didn’t reveal anything and you didn’t think much of it. That was until the damage appeared to be getting worse the further you walked. Branches were snapped and thrown about. Whole trees looked like they were forced out of the ground. Now you were starting to freak out. The amount of damage wasn’t something an animal could have done and it was too messy to be man-made. You stumbled upon a bigger section of broken trees that lead off the path. You began debating if you wanted to investigate further. Against your better judgment, you walked off the trail and headed into a deeper part of the forest.

As you got deeper into the forest the damage grew, until you stumbled into a clearing. It was beautiful. A cozy open area surrounded by trees. Nice and secluded with wildflowers growing everywhere. You wish you would have had more time to admire it but a noise startled you. Turning to face the source you were meet with a curly dark-haired man. He was half-naked and clinching onto an oversized part of shorts to keep them up at his waist. When the man saw you his eyes went wide. He was pretty rough looking, covered in dirt. He didn't seem to know what to do. You were wondering if he was homeless or lost. You spoke up first, “Are you lost?” The man studied you before blurting out, “No.” He said it way to fast for him to have been telling the truth and his tone was beyond shakey. You sigh worried but not sure what to make of the situation, “I found you wandering around in the forest. Are you sure you’re not lost?” He looks around, thinking it over. “I… Maybe I am…” He pauses and frowns, “Where am I?” You offer him a smile, “About three or four hours from the nearest big city.” He looks down at the ground, rubbing the back of his neck, “Shit.”

The man in front of you started to pace. He was holding up his shorts with one hand while his other hand covered his face. You weren’t sure what was going on but you felt like he needed help. You walked closer to him as you spoke, “Do you need help?” The man froze and looked at you like he was calculating something. He then nodded, “Could I make a call with your phone?” You dig into your pocket and pull out your cellphone before handing it to him. He quickly dials a number and places it to his ear. When someone picked up on the other end you only caught half of the conversation. The man was relieved, “Tony? Thank god.” You looked around, not wanting to move too far away when a stranger had your phone. You also didn’t want to seem like you were trying to butt into his conversation. There was a long pause as the man listened. He became annoyed and starts pacing again, “I don’t know, Tony.” He took a few deep breathes before continuing, “We can figure it out once I get back but can you please come to get me?” There was a pause again. The man sighed, “Someone let me borrow there phone.” The man was interrupted by Tony, who was at the other end of the call. When the man spoke again, he was blushing. “I… I don’t think that’s an important question.” He tries not to look suspicious but he keeps glancing at you, even lowering his voice. “Yeah… I would say they are attractive… but I don’t really think that’s something that matters.” When the man notices you looking at him, he quickly looks away. You bite your cheeks to keep yourself from laughing, he was extremely cute. He nervously clears his throat. After a few more seconds the man responds to something Tony said, “Thank you.” The man hangs up the phone and gingerly hands it back to you. He avoids making eye contact with you, “Sorry about that... Tony only seems to ever have one thing on his mind...” The man pauses, awkwardly holding out his hand, “I...I’m Bruce.”

You exchanged a handshake with him after giving Bruce your name. Then you look around, "You can wait for your friend at my house." Bruce gave you a slight nod, “Thank you.” Smiling you reply, “Of course.” Bruce follows closely as you lead him out of the forest, worried about getting lost again. It didn’t take you long to navigate your way out of the trees. You lead him to your house, letting him in. Bruce nervously stands around, unsure of what to do. He seems very conscious of the fact he is dirty and didn't want to touch anything. You go to search for some towels. Once you find a few you go back to Bruce and hand the towels to him. You smile, “Here. So you can shower and get more comfortable.” Bruces goes to grab them, forgetting himself and almost dropping his shorts. Luckily he catches them in time, Bruce fake coughs to cover up the awkwardness. You chuckle, “I’ll find some clothes for you as well.” He nods his thanks as you point him to the bathroom. While he is showering you find some clothes and leave them right outside the bathroom door for Bruce.

Having finished his shower, Bruce joined you in the living room. You both exchanged in small talk for a bit. Bruce was very nice and polite if not a bit awkward at times. You learned that Bruce was a scientist and so was his friend Tony. Besides being good looking Bruce was nice to talk to. As time passed Bruce seems to be getting increasingly antsy. You halt the conversation to inquire, “Everything okay?” Bruce sighs and chuckles, “I think Tony is purposefully taking longer then he needs to.” You laugh standing up to head to the kitchen, “Why would he do that?” Bruce scoffs, “To be fashionably late.” Bruce talks lower, "And to get us to spend more time together." Bruce had tried to say it so you couldn't hear him but you did. You chuckle, grabbing water for you both and some snacks. You smile at Bruce, “Well I’m happy to have you. You’re good company.” Bruce blushes, smiling back. “So are you.” You set the water down for him and sit back down. You both resume what you were talking about before.

After another hour or so there is a series of multiple honks. Once it finishes your pretty sure someone just played part of AC/DC’s ‘Back in Black’ with their car horn. Bruce looks incredibly annoyed, “God.” Bruce gets up and goes to the front door, he stops suddenly right as he is about to open the door. Bruce turns around and faces you, “I’m sorry for that.” He pauses and sighs, “And for whatever else he ends up doing.” You laugh, “I’ll be fine.” Bruce shakes his head before he braces himself. Bruce opens the door and walks out. As soon as you step onto the porch you see a very nice convertible parked in front of your house. The driver was getting impatient. He started honking the first few notes to another song. However, upon seeing Bruce he stops. Tony tilts his head down, looking over a pair of sunglasses right at you. Both you and Bruce walk to the car. Once getting close you realize Tony is in fact, Tony Stark. Tony smirks as you before glancing at Bruce as he pushes his sunglasses up. Tony looks back to you, “Bruce, You undersold the nice person who found you. Attractive doesn’t cut it.” You cross your arms laughing, “Thanks. Both of you don’t look half bad either.” Bruce is shaking his head and shooting death glares at Tony. Bruce silently willing Tony to stop. This only encourages Tony to continue, “Now I hope you two found something… fun… to do while you waited.” Tony chuckles and Bruce gets into the car, “Tony!” Tony just grins, “What? Can’t your friend worry about you and your new ‘friend’ being bored.” You can’t help but laugh. Tony Stark was everywhere but meeting him in person was something else. Bruce puts his face in his hands, trying to ignore Tony. Bruce addresses you, “I’m sorry.” You grin at Tony, “Nothing to be sorry about. Clearly, he is just jealous you spent time alone with me.” Tony feigns offense, “Ow…” Tony places his hand over his heart before he starts laughing. Tony gives both you and Bruce another look, “Maybe they’re right.” Tony grins and gets ready to drive away.

Suddenly you remember that you never figured out what happened to the forest. You ask Bruce, “Hey, before you go… What happened to all those trees?” Bruce gives a meek glance downwards, “It was me.” You laugh, brushing it off as a joke “Seriously though.” Tony chuckles from the driver’s seat, “He is telling the truth.” Tony grins at you, “And he would be happy to explain it over dinner tomorrow night when we both come back over.” Tony didn’t leave much room for argument, not that you were against them both coming back. Bruce looks at Tony, “You can’t-” Tony interrupts him, “-I can and I did.” Tony takes the car out of park. You hear one last thing from Tony as he drives away, “If I'm not your wingman then who will, Banner?”

[lovskim]

the last supper

pairing; mark lee x reader

genre/warnings; angst, fluff, mentions of death, character death, swearing, mark being soft, just overall some pretty sad stuff

word count; 5.9k 

:: summary; you are allowed to have one last meal before Death takes you away. you decide to have it with mark lee, your longtime crush, but you have to break the news of your death as well.

author’s note; to be honest, i kinda based this off the k-drama goblin, (which you all should watch it’s really good) and i love mark lee so i hope you enjoy!!

( gif credits to owner. )

Death.

What an interesting word.

You never know when you’re going to die, where you’re going to die, or how you’re going to die.

You can die at 4:07 pm, just outside your favorite coffee shop, trying to cross the street. You can die at 8:38 pm, hiding under a table, by a gunshot that was never meant for you. You can die at 5:21 am, lying down on your bed, completely asleep, motionless.

Death was completely random, it was almost as if Death took names out of a fish bowl everyday and decided to take whoever was on that slip of paper.

No matter your reputation, no matter if you did shit that was unforgivable, or you never sinned your entire life, you never know when you’re going to die. That’s how life is, and you had to learn to accept that. Nevertheless, you lived your days just like you lived the days before that, completely incautious, completely carefree.

But what you didn’t expect was Death to knock at your door. Literally.

You had no idea if this was how Death greeted other people about to die. But that’s how it was for you.

When he arrived, a cold wind passed by your home, and the air froze, suddenly feeling like it was below zero degrees outside. You had to get your sweater, but all the lights in your house shut off abruptly, leaving you with nothing but the cloudy sky outside.

It was scary, but you suspected that there was a storm coming. But the closer he came, the harder the rain fell, like there was hail outside your window. It was like a movie, and you were living in it.

When he knocked, you opened the door. When he spoke, you shivered. When he gave you a paper, you took it.

Maybe it was your fault for not suspecting anything sooner, but Death looked normal, like he was almost human. He took the face of any other person you could have seen walking past you on the street, or by your school hallways. You never suspected anything, and that was your problem.

When he left, the cold left, the rain hindered, and the skies cleared. The sun was back out, the rain and the clouds following him. You opened the slip of paper in your hands, watching the suspicious figure walk away from your home.

The note was straight to the point, it was surprising, it was something you can never take in.

You were going to die. You can only have one last meal with anyone before your death. You could not speak of this with anyone, or you would die a painful death.

These were the things written on the slip of paper, and you wondered if it was a joke. You scoffed, throwing the paper into the bin.

Kids nowadays, always throwing pranks on every unsuspecting person they see. You were about to walk away, until the trash bin where you threw the slip of paper went up in flames.

You yelped, you fell to the ground in shock, clutching your chest. Your heavy breaths slowed once the fire died down. You were frightened, you were scared, and most importantly, you didn’t know what to do.

Maybe the note was fake. But how would you know? Would a normal note like that go up in flames? You were questioning your situation, but you decided to call someone, just in case you were actually going to die.

You didn’t know who to call. You could choose your family, but you didn’t want to deal with your siblings, or your parents crying over you. You could have a heart attack because of the pain you would face. You did not have much friends. Most of them left once you went to college.

Feeling frustrated, you plopped on your couch, rubbing your temples. You could call your friend, Jaemin. But you didn’t want to disturb him, or make him worry.

Deciding on a number, you dial a number you haven’t looked at for a long time, and you wondered if the person you were calling changed his number.

“Hello?” The person answered. Your palms became sweaty, your hands shaky, as you took in a deep breath.

“Hi Mark. It’s Y/N L/N.”

You tapped your foot against the concrete, checking your watch rather frequently. You were early, but still checked the time to see if he would be early too. It was your first time in a while to go on a date with someone, if you can even consider this a date.

You never thought for once in your life, Mark Lee would answer one of your calls. Mark was the love of your life, since high school. He was the only crush that you were close enough with to do a special handshake with, and to share answers to tests. You weren’t “best friends forever” close, but you were close enough to call each other close friends.

You lost contact for a while. Mark transferred to a different school two years ago, and you haven’t seen him since. Since he transferred towns, you haven’t really contacted him or spoke to him. But just like fate, Mark ended up moving back to his old town, and you two ended up in the same college. Different courses, but the same college. Although you two lost contact, he would still smile at you in the hallways, but with new friends. 

You haven’t formally talked to Mark for a while, but you never really lost feelings for him. He was just perfect. A gentleman, a loyal friend, and he was someone you could count on. So when Mark picked up the phone with the same cheery voice from middle school, you knew you chose the right guy to go to dinner with. Even if it was your last.

“Y/N!” You snap out of your thoughts and look up, seeing a man running towards you with an umbrella. It’s raining. You barely noticed the rain because of your thoughts. Luckily, before you could get soaked because of the rain, Mark used the umbrella to cover you.

“What are you doing?” He pants, looking at you with a concerned face. “Do you know that you can get sick standing here in the rain?” You shrug, tugging your coat tighter. “It was a good thing I brought my umbrella.” He laughs softly. His laugh was cute, the same bubbly laugh you used to love, and the laugh you still love.

“So..” He chuckles awkwardly, looking down at the soaked road. The two of you were standing in the middle of the sidewalk, making passerbys look at you with weird faces. “Long time no see. How are you?” Mark takes your hand in his as you two resume walking.

“Good. How are you?” You speak for the first time. Your insides bubble up knowing that you two were holding hands, rather cutely, if you may add. Your hands were intertwined in his, making you smile softly. “Fine.” Mark answers. “You know, I never suspected you to go for an art major.”

“I never expected you to go for a literature major. I guess we’re even.” You look down and smile when you notice Mark’s gaze on you, before you enter the restaurant. You thank the Lord that nothing was awkward between the both of you. Maybe this night won’t be a disaster after all. 

Once you enter the restaurant, a waiter walked up to you and smiled before looking at Mark. He looked confused, seeing his face, but Mark whispered something in his ear and he immediately nodded and smiled again, making his way across the restaurant.

“Let’s go.” Mark smiles at you and takes your hand as you walk through the crowded and fully booked restaurant. “What just happened?” You question as Mark walks ahead of you, with you just trailing behind.

“My uncle owns this restaurant. I haven’t been here for a long time. Probably why they were surprised to see me.” Mark waves at one of the chefs behind the counter.

He takes your hands in his, and you’re surprised with the amount skin ship Mark was showing towards you. He was never like this with your before, but you didn’t mind, it was sweet.

The waiter guides you to a door at the back of the restaurant, taking out some keys and jiggling it through the keyhole. He opens it wide, making you gasp in awe. It was wonderful.

You two were faced with a private room, beautifully decorated by Mark, as he said so himself. It was simple, but cute. There were a few potted plants scattered around the room, and a rather large window showing the outside world. It was so big, it was like the glass outside stores. Outside people were walking across the street, the soft rain was pattering against the windows, and there was the occasional hum of the engine from some of the cars passing by.

“It’s beautiful. It’s so cute!” You laugh at Mark, seeing his proud expression. “I always reserved this room for my special guests, aka you!” He enters the room, taking off his coat and yours, leaving the umbrella by the door.

Before you can sit down, you find Mark running towards you just to pull out your chair for you. You laugh at him before sitting down and thanking him before he pushes your chair back. Mark sits down across from you and hands you a menu.

“Order whatever you want. It’s on me.” Mark smiled warmly at you and you blushed, looking down at your feet. “T-thanks.” You mutter before flipping through the menu.

While he wasn’t looking, you watch Mark through your eyelashes. He was ethereal, and definitely matured into the bright, handsome young man that he is today. He was calming to look at. He notices your stare and looks up, making you immediately shift your eyes to the menu.

“So, did you decide on what you’re going to order?” Mark blushes behind the menu when he notices your stare. “I guess i’ll order the spaghetti and meatballs.” You say, unsure because of the great variety of dishes displayed on the menu. Mark nods, pleased with your decision.

“A classic. But also the restaurant’s bestseller.” Mark rings a bell on the table, signalling that you two were ready to order. “So how’s school? How are you?” Mark leans his elbows on the table. “It’s fine. I’m applying to be a TA next semester.” You reply, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear and looking down at your hands.

“No way! Me too.” Mark laughs, happy that a friend of his is applying for the same position as he is. “For who?” Mark asks. “Mr. Kim.” You say happily. He was always your favorite teacher, and he gave some top-notch advice as well. Mark nods in agreement. “He’s great. I love him too.” You smile, unsure on what to say next.

 “It’s been a while hasn’t it? I missed you.” Mark shyly says, making you smile. 

“Why did you invite me today? To be honest, I was a bit confused with your sudden call, but i’m happy to see you again.” Mark says. You panic for a while, unsure on what to tell the man. Telling him about your death would be too much, and too soon, but changing the subject would make him suspicious as well. 

“Nothing much. I just missed talking to you I guess. I missed what we used to do during the old days.” You answer. Mark laughs, remembering the old days. “Remember when we were lab partners? That was so tragic.” You clap your hands at the funny memory. “We messed up almost every single project that was given to us.” 

“And our English project?”

“I did the art and you did the written piece. Best work in the batch. I remember rubbing it in that loser’s face.”

“Jeno? He’s a sweetheart now apparently. He studies acting in my old town.” The fun fact made your eyes widen. Jeno was a complete bully towards you and Mark during your freshman year, and it was a nightmare. “No way. Mark Lee you’re lying aren’t you?” You laugh in surprise.

The waiter enters the room, and Mark gives your order as well as his. You still can’t believe your scary high school bully would study something as cool as acting in college. He was handsome though, and would fit acting for action films or whatnot. Mark finishes up the order and the waiter leaves the room, leaving you and Mark alone once more. 

Silence. There was nothing in the room but silence. 

“What made you move back?” The sudden question leaves Mark a bit surprised, but he answers it anyway. He fumbles with the utensils on the table. “I guess I just missed this town. The town I moved to was boring, and didn’t have as much flare and excitement. I also missed some of my friends, including you. So to say I wasn’t sad when we stopped talking is a lie.” 

Mark’s soft words made your heart melt inside. He was such a softie, which made you in love with him even more. Mark looks up, and leans forward, like he was about to whisper something. “Do you remember in our sophomore year, when Jaemin and Donghyuck made us skip classes to go to McDonald’s and we got detention for a whole week?” Mark asks. Of course you remembered that moment. Your parents grounded you for a month, scared that you would turn into one of those gang members that do drugs and that would vandalise school property.

“Of course I do. I think that was one of my biggest regrets that year.” You answer. Mark continues to play with the utensils beside him. “D-do you maybe want to do it again? Right now?” Mark asks, and you can tell the guy’s nervous. “Right now? Like leave the restaurant?” Your eyes go wide at the suggestion. “Yeah. I mean it’s okay if you don’t want to but I figured instead of wasting our time waiting, we could be doing something really fun.” 

What a way to spend your last day alive. 

“I’m fine with it. But are you sure? All your work will but put to waste.” You tell him, looking around and admiring the decorations, but Mark seems completely sure with his actions. “Let’s go. I’ll make it up to you some other time.” Mark reaches out to take your hand. 

What made you sad was that there was going to be no other time for Mark to make it up to you. “Are you asking me out on another date Mark Lee?” You take your hand away from his, and he laughs. “Maybe I am. Are you going to say no?” Mark crosses his arms. 

“Let’s go.” You say, feeling mischievous, and Mark smirks before getting his coat as well as yours, and the umbrella. “Put this on, it’s cold outside.” Mark helps you put on your coat. He leads you towards the back door of the restaurant, making sure no one sees the two of you leaving.

“To be honest I used this exit when my father’s meetings got super boring.” Mark opens the umbrella and makes sure to cover the two of you before the both of you join the people walking on the sidewalk. “You must have had a nice childhood growing up. I mean, the private room in the restaurant shows it all.”

“I mean I guess? My father was always busy with work but my mom was always there taking care of me so it wasn’t really a problem.” Mark takes your hand and guides you towards the stoplight. “Want to go to McDonald’s?” Mark suggests and you smile brightly. “I would love to.”

You and Mark stand in line for food in McDonald’s, and although you wanted real food, you decided the best meal you can have at the moment was ice cream, and maybe some fries. 

So that was what Mark ordered. Two ice cream sundaes and two large fries, for two hungry people. Mark questioned your weird appetite, especially since it was raining outside and it was cold, but you urged him to order the meal and he did it anyway, since he couldn’t say no to you.

The two of you ended up in a park, not too far away from the brightly-lit McDonald’s. Mark took out some napkins he got from the fast food chain and used it to wipe the water from the bench due to the rain that stopped a few minutes ago. You on the other hand, poured out the french fries on the paper bag given to you, so you and Mark could share the fries easily. 

It was nearly 10 pm, so a lot of people in the park were leaving, with their dogs, with their babies, with their significant other, leaving you and Mark alone on that bench with a clear view of the moon and the stars. 

If there was a perfect time to tell Mark, it was now. 

You munched on the french fries, and occasionally dipped it in your ice cream. Mark stayed quiet next to you, licking his ice cream and eating his fries. Suddenly, he turned to face you and took a fry. “Open up.” Mark tries to feed you, and you open your mouth so Mark can shoot the fried food in your mouth. 

You two stayed like that for a while, feeding each other and laughing when there was ice cream smeared on each other’s faces, or when you or Mark miss when shooting a fry in each other mouths. 

Once the fries were all finished, and the ice cream eaten by the both of you, you took in a deep breath. It was time to tell him, even though you knew it would hurt him dearly. No matter how much you didn’t want to tell Mark, you chose him, and you had to face the consequences of your actions.

“Mark, I have something to tell you.” You say, suddenly serious. Mark was still in a joking mood, so he laughed lightly and turned to face you. “What? You’re gay?” You laugh a bit, but your face doesn’t light up like it usually does.

You take deep breath. “Mark, I-I like you, and I might start rambling, but I don’t know when i’ll ever get the chance to tell you again.” You continue rambling, and Mark doesn’t look surprised. In fact, he just sighs and looks down to look at the grass. 

“I know, Jaemin told me a while back. I haven’t had the chance to tell you, but now I can.” He takes a deep breath and looks down, like a kid who did something bad and had to apologize. “I like you too, Y/N, ever since I figured out we faced the same situation during our sophomore year. You’re really cute, and when you smile, I can hear angels singing.” You laugh at his comment. “I wasn’t lying when I said I came back because of you. I totally didn’t expect for us to end up at the same college, but i’m really glad we did.” Mark confesses. 

You’re speechless at Mark’s confession, suddenly unsure on how you’re going to tell him. Mark continues to ramble, and you chuckle when he shows no signs of stopping, until you softly place your lips on his. Mark melts into the kiss, placing his hands on your cheeks. 

He pulls away from you, breathing heavily. “My God, I should’ve confessed sooner.” Mark laughs breathlessly. He smiles happily, but you look down, and he immediately senses something’s wrong. 

“Actually, there’s something else I need to tell you.” You say softly, looking at your hands. Mark takes your hands in his, and pulls you close to him. You lean your head on his shoulder, and he rubs your back. “What is it?” Your whole body fell numb, and you felt the tears run down your cheeks.

“I-i’m going away.” Mark feels your tears fall down, and he shakes his head. It was all too sudden. You guys just found each other. “Like moving away?” You shake your head as more tears fall down your cheeks, and Mark, shaking, wipes your tears using his thumb. The both of you stay silent for a while, nothing heard but your cries as you cry on Mark’s shoulder. 

Mark, suddenly realizing what you meant, shakes his head and grabs your shoulder. “Y-you can’t, Y/N. There are so so many people that love you. You just can’t.” You shake your head, unsure on how to tell him.

“I-I have no choice. I was told today–“

“Someone threatened you?” Mark’s alert, wiping his tears and holding your shoulders tightly. He looked scared, but you can see him trying to keep a strong face for you. “No. D-Death himself told me.”

“What the fuck? Y/N! Do you not know there are people out there trying to prank people. Are you that gullible?” Mark looked mad, and for a second, you were scared.

“It’s not a prank!” You shout, shutting him up. You then calm yourself, wiping your tears. You explain to Mark your situation, and he listens, never interrupting you. “It doesn’t matter. It’s real. I know it’s real.” 

Mark’s quiet for a while, and you’re scared that he might not believe you. “Why did you choose me?” He asks quietly, wondering out of all the people you could’ve called, you chose him. “Telling my family was too risky, and also, I kinda wanted to confess to you.” You answer, voice also quiet. 

The city is quiet. There are less cars on the street, and the shops and restaurants are closing. The silence was comforting, and it would have been nice if you weren’t stuck in the situation you were in. Mark stood up from his place on the bench and he started walking around the park, probably to clear his thoughts.

You were confused, but followed nevertheless. “What are you going to do now?” Mark holds your hand as you two walk. He was confused, and mad, but it was life. If there was life, there was also death. If whatever you were telling him was true, then he wouldn’t know what to do with his life. He just found you, reconnected, and told you he loved you. It was hard, and Mark felt like crawling in a hole and staying there forever.

But there was still a few hours left before the night ended, and he wanted to spend it with you, and especially with you.

You turned to face Mark, and you’re surprised as you watch tears fall down his cheeks. “Why are you crying?” You laugh because even though you knew why he was crying, it was still so sudden. Mark laughed as he wipes his tears and embraces you. “What do you think? My girlfriend who I just confessed to tells me she’s going to die. What do you expect me to do? Laugh?”

“I don’t want to go either, trust me.” His tears are glistening due to the moonlight, and you wipe them away. Mark keeps his hands on your waist, and kisses the top of your head. “I’m sorry.” You tell him as he hugs you tighter. “I’m sorry I didn’t confess to you sooner. I could have taken you on a proper date.” Mark apologizes and you shake your head.

“This is a proper date, what are you talking about?” You continue to walk with Mark hand in hand. “One where we go to the movies and watch Spider-Man or something.” Mark tells you and you gasp. “You still remember!” You laugh as you remember your obsession with the Marvel superhero. “Of course I do. How can I forget? I mean, you practically talked about him everyday-”

You hit him on the arm. “No I didn’t!” You protest, and Mark chuckles. 

“Listen, he’s cool and he has web shooters and overall he’s just hands-” Mark places his lips on yours. This time, he’s the one to initiate the kiss. You wrap your arms around Mark’s neck as you deepen the kiss. “Even cooler than me?” Mark asks breathlessly as you pull away. “Maybe.” You say before you walk ahead of him, making him run as he tries to catch up.

The both of you end up playing tag, and sadly, Mark was ten times faster than you are, so he ended up catching you faster than expected. He grabs your arms and wraps your body in an embrace. “Let’s go home?” Mark suggests.

The two of you walk back to get your things, and you’re suddenly hit with a wave of emotions. Your last night was coming to an end. 

“You’ll never forget me, right?” You tell Mark, and he looks at you with a sad expression. “Never.” Mark tells you, a serious expression on his face. “Don’t wait for me anymore. Find someone good to you, and make sure she treats you better than I will ever treat you. Promise?” 

Mark’s about to protest when you stop him, sticking out your pinky. Mark takes in a deep breath before nodding and locking his pinky with yours. “Promise.”

“I love you, Mark.” You lean your head on Mark’s shoulder as you two sit on the bench.

“I love you too, Y/N.”

The sun shines through the curtains of your room, the brightness causing you to yawn and shift around on your bed. Your body aches due to the uncomfortable position you slept in the night before, and you stretch your arms, hoping that the ache will go away.

You rubbed your eyes as you sat up, taking in your surroundings. You’re in your room. You check yourself for any injuries, anything on your body that would tell you that you were dying.

Surprised that you were perfectly fine, you stand up and jump around. You were fine.

You try to pick up something, or go through walls. Maybe i’m a ghost. You groan in pain when your body collides with the wall. You were alive, and you were fine. Maybe it was a false alarm after all. Mark and I cried for nothing.

Mark.

How was he? Was he sad? Was he crying? Did he sleep well the night before? The thoughts lingered as you stood still in the middle of your room. It was still a school day, so you’ll surprise him in school.

You pick up your clothes, your shoes, and tidy up your room. You changed to some comfy clothes, a hoodie, some leggings, your usual sneakers, and soon enough, you were ready to go.

8:57 am.

Your first class started at 9:45. It left you enough time to maybe visit Mark in the library. You were excited to see him. Imagine how his face would light up when he sees you again. It made you tingly inside.

You decided to take the car. Picking up your keys from the kitchen counter, you enter your car and start the engine. You were excited to see him again, and you couldn’t wait.

Driving past houses and buildings, you make your way downtown, making sure to be aware of your surroundings, especially since you never know what could happen to you. Turning towards the campus, you stop by a stoplight and wait for a while.

You look around, and see some fellow schoolmates walking to school, one of them being the love of your life, Mark Lee. Love of your life is a bit dramatic though...

You roll down the car window. “Mark Lee!” You scream at the top of your lungs. His head is down, and he��s wearing a hoodie today, hood up. He turns around, looking for the source of the sound. You wave at him, and you have to admit you were at least a little bit right.

His face lights up, and a huge smile ends up on his face. He looks shocked for a second, wondering how could you be alive, when in reality you were supposed to be dead. But he lets all thoughts aside as he waves back, just enthusiastically as you do, and you smile widely.

He was here, and so were you.

What you didn’t notice was the stoplight turn green, and the cars honking at you, as they turn to overtake your car. Mark then signals you to go, and that he would soon catch up, so you nod before driving forward.

The bittersweet moment ended as quick as it started.

The stoplight turned red.

You were too late.

The last thing you heard were the honks of numerous cars heading your way, screams, and sobs.

So this was how you were going to die.

Mark sprinted towards your car, panting as he pushed the crowd away, tears threatening to fall. People were crowding around him, as he looked at your car, flipped over due to the collision. You were inside.

Mark pushed away the glass, trying his best to carry your bloody body out of the car. People helped him, and soon enough, your body was right in his arms. Mark wiped away the tears falling down his cheeks. Some of his tears stained your white floral blouse. Luckily, he can hear someone calling an ambulance.

He quickly pulled up his hoodie sleeves, and checked your pulse.

No pulse.

Just as he started to panic, he took a deep breath and carefully tilts your head to see if you’re breathing. He places his hands on your chest and starts pushing down, like what he learned from one of his classes. Tears are falling, and he wipes them away before pushing again.

“The paramedics are here.” Someone softly grabs his shoulder, and he nods, stepping out of the crowd, and catching his breath. He cries softly, as he squats down and puts his head in his hands. He really lost you. There’s silence, no one to comfort hum, no one for him to talk to.

“Are you Mark Lee?” He looks up and finds one of the paramedics looking down at him. He wipes his tears and nods, standing up. “She’s gone. I’m sorry, there’s nothing we can do to save her.” The paramedic tells Mark, and he nods. “T-thank you.” Mark answers and the paramedic gives him a sad, comforting smile and pats his back.

To be honest, Mark expected this. When he saw you in that car, a wave of relief washed over him, but he knew something wasn’t right. Nevertheless, he was extremely happy to see you.

Until the oppurtunity got taken away from him once more.

He sat down again, sobbing this time, like there was nothing else he could do.

You were gone, and there is nothing he can do to save you.

You, on the other hand, could only watch the chaos that happened in the span of five to ten minutes. Your clothes were clean, not a single drop of blood on it, and you looked completely fine. But of course, you weren’t present in the real world, and people would not be able to see you.

You stood on the sidewalk, watching everything. It was surprisingly calm, and the sound was blocked out, almost like you were spacing out. There were people crowding around your car, paramedics, smoke. Mark was right outside the crowd, crouching down, crying. You didn’t want to do anything but to embrace him in your arms.

Everything was blurry, except Mark’s figure, as he talked to the paramedic and looked down once more when they confirmed your death.

“Y/N L/N, 19 years old, died from a car crash only a day after confessing to her crush.” Someone said behind you. You turned around almost immediately once hearing your name. It was him. He was there again.

Death stood beside you, watching the scene before you. “Is that you?” He turned his head to look at you. He looked exactly the same as he did the last time. The same human face, the same human clothes, nothing changed since the last time you saw him. “Why’d you take me?”

“It was time for you to go. I don’t make the decisions, the universe does. It told me it was time for you to go.” Death tells you. He had a scary aura, but you weren’t even a little bit frightened of him, or it, you weren’t sure. “Did I do something so bad in this life that I had to be taken away?” You question him, confused and mad. You watch Mark as he sobs by himself, with no one to comfort him.

“The universe doesn’t choose people to die based on their sins or whatever they have done during their mortal life.” He tells you. That’s how you understood it too. “If the universe chooses who’s going to die or not, what do you do?” You ask Death. He doesn’t move or flinch when you ask that, like he heard the question a million times before. “I’m merely a messenger. I connect the mortal world and heaven or hell, even. I’m not good, or bad, just neutral.” The answer doesn’t surprise you, so you remain quiet.

“Somebody once told me that it was always the good ones that go, and i’m starting to believe it.” You mutter. With this, Death turns and faces you.

“Are you one of the good ones?” Death asks you. You think about it for a while. “I like to consider myself one of the good ones.” You tell him, hoping that it was true, and that you were one of the good ones. “Will I ever see him again?” You’re talking about Mark, who continues to cry in the middle of the road, the crowd now heading back to their normal lives.

“You can only hope.” Death answers, a hopeful message, but not knowing if you’ll ever see Mark again pained you, but you couldn’t feel, not anymore. You nodded instead. “Are you ready to go?” Death asks, turning away and walking the opposite direction.

You watch the scene one last time. The cars, the smoke, the sirens, and the world becomes quiet again once you stare at him. Mark stood up now, tears continued to fall as he watches the paramedics take your lifeless body, but he looked beautiful, either way. You walk towards him, knowing that he can’t see you. He wipes his tears using his hoodie and opens his phone, probably to call your parents. Instead, he opens a picture the two of you took the night before, in the park. It was a selfie, supposedly, but Mark ended up taking a video instead.

Mark presses the play button on the video as it shows the both of you laughing before Mark presses the shutter button. You smile softly as Mark holds his phone close to his chest.

“Ms. L/N?” Death calls your name again. You turn around.

Sure, maybe the Death did take out names from a fish bowl and decided to take whoever was on that slip of paper, and you would never know why your name was on one of those slips of paper. And sure, maybe you didn’t deserve to die and maybe this was all a misunderstanding, or some really messed up shit. Probably the latter part. But you had no other choice but to do what you always did, to take what’s in front of you, and never look back. 

But with the Mark now in the picture, it would be quite difficult to do just that. 

Nevertheless, you looked at him one last time. His messed up hair, his puffy eyes due to all the crying, and his ruffled clothes, you were going to miss him, a lot.

You turned around.

“I’m ready. Let’s go.”

[scribeofmorpheus]

The Rebel Queen (iv)

Chapter Four: Convergence

Pairing: Poe Dameron x (OFC) Princess Calista Ordell

Series Masterlist | Main Masterlist | A03

Words:  | Warnings: More ramblings of a delusional fanfic writer…

A/N: Finally our two protagonists meet... just not how you#d envision it.

Taglist is open

Epilogue | About Thesmora

Hyperspace...

Poe took his holo-call in the privacy of a storage room. General Leia’s face was a portrait in blue as she filled him in on what new intel she had gathered.

“Maz got in touch again. Your contact has arrived on Takodana. She’s a member of the House of Ordell. And seeing as there are only three members of that house remaining, I’m assuming it’s the young princess, Calista.” Leia’s face lit up in a half-smile as she remembered something. “I met her once. When she was just a child. She was so shy, unlike her mother and father. Always clinging to the coattails of the admiral like he was some boulder keeping her from being swept away.” She lifted her head, her eyes set back on Poe.

Poe shook his head when he realised she was waiting for some form of confirmation that he knew about what she was speaking of. The name didn’t ring any bells.

Leia explained further, “They’re royalty. They govern over a small planet situated close to the Outer Rim. Thesmora.” She said the planets name as though it would mean something to him, but Poe simply ran a hand through his hair and shrugged with indifference. The General huffed at him.

“It’s a big galaxy,” he defended himself.

“Indeed it is,” she replied matter-of-factly. “It used to be a beacon of neutrality within the galaxy. However, Thesmora has fallen to infighting. Not much noise has been made about it considering how much confusion and fear the galaxy is in after the First Order fired their superweapon. Their skirmish has gone relatively unnoticed.”

“Maybe the people simply wanted to govern themselves?”

“No, I knew the late queen. We didn’t agree on much and she was as stubborn as a mule, but her subjects adored her. More importantly, she would have proven to be a great ally…” Something bothered Leia, the lines on her face becoming more prominent as she furrowed her brow in thought. “It’s curious. News of her death came to me around the same time I received correspondence from her. It can’t be a coincidence. “

Poe lingered for a while, feet kicking the air.

“Speak your mind Commander,” Leia urged, having noticed his reaction.

“Are you sure this was all worth it?” He slumped onto a box, a sigh escaping his lips. “I don’t doubt your reasons for sending me on this mission. I just can’t help but wonder if I was the right choice. I’m trying to see things your way, but I’m flying blind here. And that’s the worst feeling for a pilot to have. Especially the pilot you chose to lead this expedition.”

“You’re afraid it would all turn out to be a waste of time,” she said it as if she had the power to read his thoughts. “Have faith, Commander. I had sensed something before Maz had contacted me. She felt it too. And now we discover that a potentially powerful ally is in need of assistance… Call it fate or coincidence, matters not. What matters is that the Resistance is hobbling on one leg as it is. If we hope to survive, we have to be willing to take risks. Even if those risks seem to be fools' errands.”

“Those are large hopes to place on a princess of a homeworld that is currently too busy fighting its own war to care about the one being waged against the entire galaxy, General.”

“I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see.”

“And my orders?” he asked.

“I am transferring a data packet to your terminal. Hand it to the princess. And only the princess. It’s time we took direct action.”

The terminal stopped the projection and Poe was left alone with his thoughts. Then he heard Paige call him over his terminal, “Uh, hotshot, mind coming back down here. I’ve gotta pull us out of hyperspeed and I’m afraid I might rip us to shreds if I accidentally press the wrong button.”

Poe smiled as he left the cold, compressed space of the storage locker and made his way to the cockpit which was filled with the noises of several alarms and flashing lights.

 "Easy does it, Tico, don't want to jostle us around on landing," he cautioned as his new second mate retracted the landing gear sloppily. Her arm muscles strained to keep the ship in alignment and he could tell she wasn't ready for this particular task just yet. He flicked a few switches, turned more dials and pressed several buttons. The landing controls had been transferred to him and Paige audibly sighed, wiping the sweat off her brow. A shake settling in her bones more freely now.

"I could’ve handled that," she made light of the situation after Poe had set the ship down in a clearing surrounded by tall, canopied trees.

He chuckled, unbuckling his seat belt and pushing his chair backwards, "Sure you could've." It was hard to tell whether he meant to be sarcastic, sincere or teasing, but Paige seemed to take it lightly.

"I just thought you were getting bored since I did all the flying this time," she wore a smug smile.

One of his eyes twitched, "All the flying?"

She playfully punched his sides as they made their way to the rear of the ship, "Is someone's ego hurt?"

“It’ll take more than that, I assure you,” he shot her a warm smile as he pressed the door’s side panel and light flushed through the cooling ship.

Paige took a step back from the encroaching light, face scrunched up in a tight squint. She had yet to habituate herself with the constant changes forced upon the human body during intragalactic travel. Poe recognised that squint, he had worn it many times when he first started flying through hyperspace. It was always accompanied by vertigo, nausea and a flash of white spots that bombarded his vision. During his worse trips, he’d even experience the regular bout of muscle spasms. Years of flying had trained his body to become acclimated to the abrupt changes in environment that came with travelling through hyperspace. It was a discipline that came with the territory. Being a passenger was one thing, piloting under intense conditions and forcing your mind and body to stay lucid and responsive was a whole other ball game. Lucky for Paige, Poe hadn’t noticed any uncontrollable shaking… yet.

“Shut your eyes. Take three deep breaths and focus on your feet while walking. Your inner-ear should balance itself out. If you start to shake, ride it out, it’s worse when you fight it,” he offered his advice while she tentatively took a step forward and regretted it because she hissed away from the light in lightning-quick movements.

“Ughh, why does piloting make you feel worse after?” she groaned as she tried her luck one more time.

Poe chuckled, “It’s a small price to pay for conquering the stars.”

“Commander,” one of his men saluted behind him. It was a young lad with freckles dotted all over his nose and cheeks. His bright-eyed manner adding no hardness to his fresh face. Poe guessed he wasn’t a day older than him when he first started flying for the New Republic.

Poe extended his hand and was met with an enthusiastic handshake, “You’re new. I don’t think I saw you board the ship. What’s your name?”

“Ah, yes. This is my first official mission. I usually work in engineering. It’s an honour, sir,” he rambled, a flush of embarrassment and excitement turning his skin almost the same shade of red as his curls. “I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself earlier –since you were flying and such. I just… wanted to offer my assistance.” He fumbled with his hands until he decided fisting them into his overalls was the more convenient thing to do.

Paige tittered behind Poe’s shoulder and he had to bite his cheek to keep from doing the same, “I didn’t get your name?”

“It’s Cors, sir. Zeeke Cors.”

Paige’s voice took on a high pitch, “Wait, the Zeeke Cors? I thought you’d be… older.” She sounded impressed.

Poe turned to her, his brows raised by half a millimetre, “Am I missing something.”

“Oh, it’s nothing, sir. Just a fluke that stuck and made me sound like some big wig with big brains and a little too much luck on his side,” he beamed. “Frankly, I’m just a guy who was in the right place at the right time.”

“He’s being modest,” Paige scoffed. “He managed to sneak aboard a First Order ship and sabotage its flight controls preventing it from pursuing a resistance medical vessel back to D’Qar. No one would have known he did it either, if they hadn’t found him passed out in the galley with the capacitor fused into his palm.” She turned to the young man, finger pointing to his arm, and then continued: “Didn’t they have to give you a prosthetic?”

He untucked his left hand from his pocket and rolled up the sleeve, “Nah, just grafts. My injuries were somewhat exaggerated by my crewmates. Makes for a more interesting story. At least, that’s what they tell me.”

The hero type, eh?

He took a step forward, glancing around as though someone might be listening in, “Between us, the ship was empty. The troopers had already disembarked when I snuck in through a maintenance hatch. The pilot and second mate didn’t even notice me because I was in a crawl space the entire time.”

Poe tucked his arms around his chest, “How’d you know about the crawl space? Ever worked on a First Order ship before?”

Zeeke shook his head, “Nope. I just have a knack for fixing things. Besides, most ships are designed the same. My brother works on Canto Bight as a…” he paused for a second and decided to let that detail slide. “Anyway, he showed me some blueprints once. The Hutt’s pay a lotta credits for any info they can get on ship designs. Makes for good saboteuring. That’s what they say, anyway.” He shrugged awkwardly before stuffing his hands back into his pockets. “So, what ‘dya say to having an extra pair of eyes tag along? I make a good spotter.”

From how he held himself, Poe would have figured Zeeke to be a little too nervous to have on a mission, but after hearing the strange twang in his accent and the types of words he used, he wasn’t so sure nervous was an accurate assumption. Wiry was perhaps a better description. He mulled over the short boy’s proposal for a long minute.

Paige was the one to break the silence, “Aww, come on Commander, cut the kid some slack. How many chances do you think he’s had to visit Takodana? Hell, it’s my first time here too. And by that count, it means only one of us knows the lay of the land. An extra man watching our backs doesn’t seem so bad.”

“Twice,” Zeeke added.

“What?” Paige hummed in confusion.

“You said ‘how many chances do you think he’s had to visit Takodana?’” he held up two fingers in a V. “Twice. Which means you’d have two people who know the lay of the land on your team. I also have a good memory. Remember most things on the fly. Makes me a terrible sabacc player.”

“Because you always lose?” she cocked her head to the side.

“Because I always win. And the house didn’t like that…” his attention drifted momentarily before he shook himself back to the present.

Paige opened her mouth, probably to inquire about his two prior visits or his penchant for sabacc considering he seemed unlike the usual type that would wind up at a pirate haven –not once, but twice– and also partake in high stakes gambling. Poe interjected to wrap thing up. They’d spent long enough just standing there.

“Why not,” he agreed. “Tell the others to stay ready in case we need to make a quick and loud exit. Maz will try and keep things civil, but you never know.”

“Great!” he rolled on the balls of his heels like a kid building up confidence to ask a question. “Do I get a blaster?”

Paige and Poe exchanged a look before they both nodded, but not in a way that said yes. “No,” they said simultaneously before they made their way to Maz’s place beyond the dense tree line, Zeeke ran after them once he relayed Poe’s orders.

 “What do you think a princess looks like?” Paige whispered in Poe’s direction as they scoured the riff-raff populating the hot and stuffy make-shift cantina. “I mean, I know the General used to be a princess but then… you know, Alderaan went all kablooey. I’ve seen images of the queen of Naboo before, but if someone dressed like that was in here, they’d stick out like a Tusken Raider on Hoth.”

Zeeke chuckled, his voice drawing the attention of several lurkers who had kept their sights trained on them since they arrived. That small action seemed to tell those unfriendly faces that they weren’t intimidated in the least, despite being relatively new faces in this establishment. The staring masses seemed to be satisfied with Zeeke’s show of confidence and they went about their business as usual.

He sure was good at reading a room, Poe thought. That could come in handy.

“I’ve seen a few princesses. Most of them always wear fancy dresses with too much jewellery. The kind of too much that means they aren’t in the least bit worried about losing one of their eight rings. Heck, I once saw a prince wearing so much jewellery I mistook him for a woman,” Zeeke told Paige. She found his slip up amusing. “Don’t laugh, it was an honest mistake. Besides, if you’d seen him, you’d be thrown for a loop too.”

Paige poked his side with a large grin, “What, did the handsome prince fluster you?”

Zeeke scoffed, “No. And he wasn’t handsome.” He stuck out his thumb close to Poe’s chin. “Poe is handsome. He was… beautiful. Hence the reason I mistook him for a princess.” His words came out nonchalantly like he was telling Paige water was wet.

Paige snorted loudly, a laugh braced behind her palm as she tried to hold back her laughing fit.

“Well, I guess all we have to do is look for a beautiful man who wears a lot of jewellery,” Poe teased with a half-smirk.

Zeeke mouthed a ‘Ha-ha’ before he tapped on Poe’s jacket discretely, “Actually, I think I’ve spotted them.” He nudged his nose towards a table in the back placed in a poorly lit area with five people sat around it. At first glance, they would seem to blend right in, but upon a more thorough observation, Poe noticed they were more guarded than most of the people inside this cramped space.

Sat in the farthest right corner of the table was a tall, stout man with a gut protruding over his belt. He wore a small sleeveless jacket that looked ridiculous on his frame. It was probably too small for Poe’s shoulders. Perhaps Paige or Zeeke would have fit into it better. Beside the large man was a Jawa sitting on top of stacked crates. His arms waved around energetically as some of his Jawaese made its way to Poe’s unfamiliar ears. Listening attentively was a woman in mechanics overalls. Her posture was slumped and her face marred by dark rings under her eyes –a blaster holstered at her thigh. She wasn’t unattractive, but sitting beside the much more poised and stiff looking woman dressed in purple, she was easily overlooked. The woman in purple and black was probably the princess. The scary, tall man with his right arm in a sling, casting a deformed shadow over the table, was probably her bodyguard. Though, Poe wondered what good he was to her right now considering his battered state. And as though he had sensed their presence, the man with the dark storm-filled eyes looked over at Poe, a grim line pressing his lips together until they turned near-white. Poe shuddered on reflex.

 “So, what now?” Paige asked.

Poe’s fingers smoothed over the data disk he had downloaded Leia’s data packet onto. A hesitancy in his actions as he squared his jaw and let out a breathy sigh. “I guess, now we talk to a princess.”

“Boy, tone down that confidence, why don’t you,” Zeeke jested.

“Are you certain that was the whole message?” Koa inquired in a hushed voice.

Calista’s fingers dipped and ran over the ridges and snaking twists of her newly braided hair, the umber ends reminding her a little too much of her aunt’s signature colour. With distaste, she tossed the heavy braid behind her, feeling it swing and tickle her lower back. “That was all it said,” she replied finally.

“It makes no sense,” Odhen grumbled, as was his usual manner of speaking Calista had discovered. “Why send us all the way out here to find your friend if his half of the message simply lead to co-ordinates in the middle of nowhere? There’s no star, no planet, no planetoid… nothing’s in that quadrant. Except black.”

Everyone turned to Mokk-Toh hoping he would provide them with more answers, but he had been silent ever since she had found him in that cave, lost and despondent. Calista feared that he wouldn’t ever truly recover from the news of Lenora’s death and that worried her. She had always suspected they shared a strong bond, maybe even one that proved to be of an intimate nature, but she had never witnessed more than kind words and trusting gazes shared between them while in their presence. And right now, all she had was speculation. That made her feel… conflicted. Calista was good at reading people, but not when it came to her family. And never when it came to Mokk-Toh. He was an impregnable fortress of secrets and silence. A statuesque sentry, ever on watch.

Mokk-Toh ignored their inquiring gazes, he was too preoccupied with staring at a group of strangers who had just walked into the stuffy space. It was for good reason too, because now those three strangers were walking towards them with purpose. Their leader, a man in a dusty brown jacket, caught Calista’s eye. He looked like a man with a mission. She couldn’t help but notice how kind his eyes were, even if his jaw was set tightly and his shoulders were squared in an intimidating manner.  

Calista’s gaze wandered down to the point of contact between Mokk-Toh’s less accurate right hand and his swords frayed hilt. She cleared her throat discretely and he eased up immediately. So did Koa. It seems their pendulum had found a new addition. Now they were a singular organism. A cluster of nerve endings fused together to form a synapse.

The man in the brown jacket kept his hands freely visible at his sides, his blaster clipped firmly in place by his holster. He wanted them to know he wasn’t a threat. Though, Calista also noticed that he was gravitating towards Koa, like she was the authority head at their table. She bit back a humorous smile as he stopped a meter short from Koa’s seat.

“Princess Calista of House Ordell?” he seemed unsure of his own voice, but he still kept his shoulders square.

Odhen hid his snigger behind a loud cough, sending a wink in Ton-Ton’s direction. It went unnoticed. Or so she thought until she saw the young kid with the ringlet curls hold up his finger towards his leader’s back to try and tell him something. The woman with the woolly hat pushed his hand down and muttered something at him with nervous eyes.

Koa cocked her head to the side, staring at the three strangers with an impressive poker face. She stayed quiet, deciding it would be more beneficial to see how things played out. For some reason, he took her silence for admission.

“The name’s Poe Dameron,” he offered as he pulled up a chair and joined their table without permission. “This my second mate Paige,” he pointed to the woman behind his left shoulder. “And this is Zeeke.” He pointed to the boy over his right. “General Leia Organa sent me… with this–“

He pulled out a data disk and slid it over the enamel textured table.

Odhen’s smile vanished as soon as he heard the man speak, his brows growing heavy again. Ton-Ton spoke to him, though not as loudly as his usual choice of expression. The boy with the ringlets –Zeeke– lifted his chin slightly at the sound of Jawaese. Calista wondered if he was familiar with the dialect.

Calista opened her mouth to say something when Poe spoke over her, “I’ve been sent here to bring you back with us… to our base.”

“Why should I trust anything you say?” Koa stared him down.

The smaller woman, Paige, gulped in place of Poe.

Poe ruffled his hair and rubbed his hand over his scruff growing just below his nose, “Look, princess, I’m just following orders. I was told you needed my help. Here I am.” There was a slight petulance to his tone that made Calista chuckle softly. Koa and Mokk-Toh didn’t find his tone of voice as amusing.

Zeeke bent side-ways towards Paige and whispered something into her ear. Suddenly her eyes went buggy as she turned her focus to Odhen, her mouth pried open by whatever it was Zeeke had told her. The burly pilot was made aware of the woman staring at him by the crude way in which Ton-Ton had jabbed at his resting palm. With a pained snarl, he retracted his hand and stood off the stool.

“I’m heading to the Somnambulist, gonna make sure she’s all fuelled up. If you see Maz, don’t tell her I’m here,” he said as he pulled Ton-Ton behind him in the red trolley.

Calista, Mokk-Toh and Koa all hummed in unison as they watched their pilot stride away. What ensued next was a series of rapid fired back and forth between Koa and Poe. Both of whom grew more and more annoyed by the others arrogance, impatience and reluctance to back down. Calista had tuned them out as she stared at the data disk under Poe’s palm. It looked to be the same make as the ones she and Mokk-Toh had been entrusted with. That couldn’t have been a coincidence.

Calista tried to speak for a second time, but it was Mokk-Toh who spoke this time, “We need to leave.”

“Do you sense something?” Calista asked in their native tongue.

Mokk-Toh gave a rigid nod as he trained his eyes up, not to the ceiling, but beyond. His good arm reaching to massage the tender flesh of his formerly dislocated left shoulder. “Now,” he advised.

A crackling noise moved through the structure, a tingle lining every metal structure. Zeeke pinched his muscles to stop the cramp that had been triggered in his two fingers bending unnaturally.

“What was that?” Paige asked.

“It felt like a pulse,” Poe replied.  

“We’re too late…” Mokk-Toh said.

 Calista scurried after the panicked Mokk-Toh as he rushed out of the cantina and made his way to the spot where the Somnambulist was parked. Koa and Poe were right on their heels, the two of them still locked in a heated battle of words.

“I must insist you and your people return with me, you’ll be safer there,” he argued.

“No place is safe in the galaxy right now,” she bit back.

He sighed, “Look, you’re my mission and I always complete my mission.”

“You’re going to be sorely disappointed then.”

Without warning, a gust of strong winds blew through a brush of dense trees and then a hot, blinding flash of light devoured a sector of the forest and left nothing behind but the thrum of the earth quaking beneath their feet and ash where trees used to be.

“By the stars… Poe,” Paige tugged on his brown jacket. “Isn’t that where…”

Poe forced his spit down with a rough bob of his Adam’s apple, “The Rose One…”

Calista’s eyes narrowed when she felt Mokk-Toh’s grip grow stone cold and then let go of her wrist. He unfastened the knot that held his sling in place and his bones groaned and popped in agony as he stretched it free. Dark bruises and fresh cuts marring his skin.

He unsheathed his sword and his voice turned dark, “He’s here.”

Automatically, she reached for her blasters handle.

 “Who?” Zeeke turned to them, worried and afraid –though valiantly keeping his wits about him.

Mokk-Toh’s glazed over, “Versengen.”

Then, as if on cue, an ugly, droning ship glided through the air and set itself down a few paces in front of them. The doors peeled back and out of the darkness, the bounty hunter emerged.

“I told you, I’d find you.” the masked hunter’s voice was distorted. “And look,” he tilted his head as far as his restrictive armour would let him. “You’ve got friends.” His laugh sounded like someone choking on marbles. “Hello… Calista. You look so much like your father…”

My father? She wondered. What does he have to do with any of this?

Shivers prickled at her tired flesh as another ripple of unnerving laughter filled the air. Calista’s stomach grew tight and her chest felt hollow when the burning odours in the air filled her lungs. There it was again… despair.

 To be continued...

Tags: @gruffle1 @thechickvic @notawarriorjustyet @savethehoneeybees@carolinamalo53 @everything-intertwined

[whisperoftheheart1995]

An Unexpected Moment- Chapter 6

(Also posted here)

(Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5)

(Warning for brief references to underage sex. nothing actually happens, written or not, more just discussion of "being safe" and as peter has to deal with the awkwardness of people finding out about their relationship)

Peter sits next to MJ on the couch, her feet resting in his lap as she leans against Ned, eyes glued to the documentary she put on the TV. Ned has an arm around her as he scrolls through his phone.

Peter has his own phone out, staring incredulously at a Daily Bugle article accusing Spider-Man of tax fraud, when Ned speaks up.

“Did you see Johnny’s new post?” Ned asks, still staring down at his phone.

“Uh, no?”

He turns his phone around for Peter to see. It’s a shirtless picture of Johnny lying in bed, a lazy smile on his face, hair messy in a way that seems natural for once. Peter’s heart does little flips in his chest.

“The caption says ‘thinking about him’ and then it has, like, fifty heart emojis.”

Peter feels his cheeks heat up.

“Called it,” MJ says, leaning over to get a better look. “I knew there was no way that guy was straight."

“Who do you think it’s about?” Ned asks curiously.

Peter shrugs wordlessly, suddenly feeling hot all over, and stares straight ahead at the TV.

He can feel MJ’s eyes on him, a calculating silence filling the room. He fidgets nervously under her gaze. “That post is about you.”

“WHAT?” Ned all but yells.

Sometimes he hates how perceptive MJ can be. Most of the time, actually. Peter rubs the back of his neck, then nods. “I mean, I think it is. Unless he’s kissed any other boys in the last 24 hours.” He laughs awkwardly.

“You kissed him?!” Ned exclaims. He throws a pillow at Peter from where he’s sitting, but Peter catches it easily. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me!”

“Technically, I think we made out.” Peter ducks out of the trajectory of another throw pillow. “Sorry, bad joke.”

“Ugh. I hate you.”

“So do you want to hear about it or not?”

“No,” MJ replies at the same time Ned says, “obviously.”

He recounts the story for Ned’s sake, of how Johnny kissed him for the first time at their usual spot (“The Statue of Liberty? That’s so tacky,” MJ says bluntly, but Ned interjects that it’s actually super romantic).

“And now we’re together. Like, together together.” Peter smiles goofily.

“Oh my god, that’s so great. We should totally go on double dates. Triple dates even, if MJ would finally let me set her up with someone.”

“Never gonna happen.”

“But I know the perfect girl-”

“No you don’t.”

Ned rolls his eyes at her, then turns back to Peter. “You know I was just giving you a hard time before, right? I really am happy for you.”

Peter nods. “Yeah, I know. And thanks.”

Ned holds out his hand for their secret handshake. “What are friends for?”

Peter laughs and pulls him into a hug instead.

It’s late when Peter shows up at Johnny’s window. He taps lightly, grinning at the way the other boy lights up when he sees him.

Johnny unlocks the window, stepping aside as Peter crawls through. He takes his mask off, tossing it aside.

“Hey,” Johnny greets, kissing Peter’s cheek. “What are you doing here?” His expression hardens. “You’re not hurt again, are you?”

Peter nearly melts at the concern in his eyes. “No, I’m fine. I just wanted to see you.”

Johnny puts a hand to his heart. “Aw, that’s so lame. You’re going soft on me, Parker.”

Peter elbows him. “You’re such a jerk.”

“Yeah, but you love me anyway.”

Peter rolls his eyes, but can’t quite bring himself to argue.

“You wanna play video games or something?” Johnny asks, turning away.

“Not really.” Peter grabs Johnny’s hand. The other boy looks back at him, smirking.

“Oh? You got something else in mind?”

“I think I can come up with something.” Peter pulls Johnny to him with a little too much force, sending the other boy stumbling into him as he kisses him. Johnny laughs against his lips.

“A little eager, are we?” he murmurs.

Since they first started dating, Peter has become a lot more confident in himself, and their relationship. He’s not afraid to take control, especially since Johnny seems pretty into it.

“I just spent two hours fighting Scorpion. Give me a break.”

Johnny frowns. “Is Scorpion actually a scorpion?”

“What? No, of course not.”

“I don’t know, you fight a lot of weirdos.”

“And you don’t?”

“Is now really the best time for this argument?” He pushes Peter backward onto the bed, crawling into his lap. “Less talking, more kissing.”

“But you’re the one who-” he starts to argue, but breaks off into a moan when Johnny nips at a sensitive spot on his neck.

“God, that’s- shutting up now.”

They both fall quiet. Peter kisses him again, deepening it when Johnny’s hands tangle in his messy hair.

Peter flips them over so they’re both lying down, settling himself between Johnny’s legs. Johnny looks up at him, eyes a little wide.

“Woah.”

“Sorry, was that- was that too much?”

Johnny shakes his head. “Spider strength is so hot.” He pulls Peter back down toward him, connecting their mouths again.

Peter’s hands have just found their way under Johnny’s shirt when the door bursts open, startling Peter so badly he falls from the bed.

The Thing stands in the doorway, looking somewhat amused. Peter is pretty sure his face has never been as red as it is right now.

“Ben!” Johnny yells, more angry than embarrassed. “Knock!” He picks up a pillow and throws it in his direction.

“Sorry. Didn’t realize ya have… company.” He turns to leave, making a point of leaving the door wide open when he does. Johnny grumbles.

“Sorry Mr. The Thing!” Peter calls out nervously from the floor.

Johnny looks at him, eyebrows raised.

“What?”

“Mr. The Thing? God, you are so lame.”

Peter sticks his tongue out at Johnny, who blows him a kiss in response.

“Ugh,” Johnny groans, running a hand through his blonde hair. “I guess we better go face the music. I’m sure he’s told Sue by now.”

Peter starts following him out of the room, but stops when Johnny turns around to look at him quizzically. “No mask?”

“A little late for that now,” he says, laughing nervously. “Besides, I trust you guys.”

Johnny nods, then takes his hand and gives it a little squeeze. “Let’s get this over with.”

Ms. Storm is surprising calm, given the fact that Peter had his tongue in her little brother’s mouth not even ten minutes ago.

He guesses it’s not the first time they’ve walked in on Johnny with someone, but judging by the look of surprise on her face when Johnny introduces Peter as his boyfriend, it’s the first time it’s actually meant something.

“Told ya the kid was sweet on Spider-Man,” The Thing says to her, loudly enough that he and Johnny can both hear.

“Ben!” Johnny whines, cheeks tinted pink.

Peter can’t help it. “Aw, you have a crush on me,” he teases. “That’s so embarrassing.”

Johnny gives him a look. “Peter, we’re dating.”

He shrugs. “Still.”

Johnny elbows him gently and Peter laughs.

Ms. Storm stares at them with a knowing smile as they joke back and forth.

The rest of their conversation goes smoothly. He tells them about how he got his powers and is using his internship at Stark Industries as a cover. Ms. Storm promises that his secret is safe with them, and that he’s welcome anytime. She doesn’t even bring up all the “menace” stuff, which he considers a win.

For a minute, he thinks he got off easy.

Until the next afternoon, that is.

“So, kid,” Mr. Stark starts and Peter flinches. “Somebody told me that you’re doing the nasty with the Human Torch.”

“WHAT?” Peter practically screams, face turning bright red. “Who even told you that?”

“Sparky’s sister. She said Ben walked in on the two of you.”

“That wasn’t- We weren’t-” They weren't, and they wouldn't have, even if they hadn't been interrupted. Peter's never even kissed someone before Johnny, there's no way he's ready for that.

“Save it, I’m not your aunt, you don’t need to lie to me. I just want to give you something.” He pulls something out of his pocket and hands it to Peter. “Go nuts, kid.”

Peter looks closer at the small wrapper and flushes when he realizes what they are. “Mr. Stark, I don’t-”

“No need to thank me. Just keep your hormones in check in my lab, okay?”

Peter opens his mouth, then shuts it again quickly, nodding curtly. He knows his chances of changing Mr. Stark’s mind are nonexistent, and he’d rather the conversation end now before he offers to show Peter how to use them or something equally embarrassing.

He turns back to the modifications he’s working on, but finds himself completely unable to focus the rest of the afternoon.

“How was your day, Peter?” May asks kindly over dinner, but Peter is still thinking about his conversation with Mr. Stark. He’s never been so embarrassed in his life.

“Peter?” May waves a hand in his face. “You okay, kiddo?”

“Mr. Stark gave me condoms,” he blurts, then cringes. He probably could have brought it up a little smoother.

“What?” May all but shouts. “That’s incredibly inappropriate, he’s your boss, there’s no reason for him to be- I’m going to call him.”

“May, please don’t-”

“I’m sorry, kid, but that’s not okay with me. He overstepped his boundaries with you and now I have to yell at him.”

She’s already pulling out her cell phone, dialing the number and putting it up to her ear. Yikes. If this is how she’s reacting to condoms she’s definitely not going to be happy when she finds out his “internship” frequently involves getting shot at.

“Hi, yes, this is May Parker. Oh, hi, Pepper. I’m okay, but I do need to speak with Tony about something he did that I’m not exactly comfortable with. He gave Peter condoms.” A pause. Peter can practically hear Ms. Potts’ frustrated exhale. “He did. So I’m sure you understand why that’s completely inappropriate. Peter is only sixteen, and he’s an employee, it hardly seems professional to- uh huh.” Another pause. “Thank you so much, Pepper. We should get dinner sometime next week if you’re free.” May nods. “Thursday sounds perfect. I’m looking forward to it already. That’s fine, I’ll wait while you go find him.”

It’s then that Peter flees the room, though May is loud enough he can still hear her, even behind his closed bedroom door. She’s on the phone for at least an hour, yelling loudly at Tony the entire time about how inappropriate his actions were and how uncomfortable he made Peter feel (which is technically true, but doesn’t make it any less embarrassing). When she hangs up, there’s a quiet knock on his door.

“Come in,” he calls, flopping backward onto his bed. May comes and sits next to him, brushing away some of the hair that’s fallen on his forehead.

“I’m sorry you had to hear that. But I hope you understand why I had to do that.”

He nods wordlessly, sitting up next to her. May goes silent for a moment, as if contemplating her next words carefully. “Do you need condoms?”

“No!” Peter yells, blushing profusely.

May softens. “Peter, I want you to feel comfortable talking with me about these kinds of things. I’ll admit, I think you’re a little too young, but if you’re going to have sex, I at least want you to be safe about it.”

“May, I’m not having sex. I promise.” He looks down at his shoes. “But there is something I want to talk to you about.”

“What is is, honey?”

“I’ve sort of been dating someone.”

“That’s great news!” she says cheerfully. “Can I meet them?”

Her choice of words isn’t lost on Peter, the way she says “them” instead of “she”, like she knows that might not necessarily be the case. It makes him wonder how he could have ever thought he could hide something like that from her, why he ever thought he might need to.

“You’ve met him actually.” He rubs the back of his neck nervously. “Johnny?”

He fidgets with his hands. “I’m bisexual,” he admits.

“Oh, sweetheart,” she murmurs as she pulls him into a tight hug. “You know I love you no matter what, right?”

Peter nods, feeling a little choked up. “Right.”

“It doesn’t matter who you love, if they’re a boy or a girl, all that matters to me is that you’re happy.”

“Thanks, May,” he says, giving her a squeeze. “I love you, too.”

“So…” May starts again a few minutes later. “I want to know all about this new boyfriend of yours.”

Peter grins. “What do you want to know?”

[firesoulstuff]

For the awkward thanksgiving day prompts, 10. Or 5. Or combine 10 and 5. For legends of tomorrow/Captaincanary?

Happy Thanksgiving!

No Thanksgiving Goes as Planned

Read on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16706920

“Listen. I’m just saying,” Leonard starts for at least the third time this morning, and if they’re really about to have this conversation again Sara might just ask him to turn the car around. “If you’re not frying the turkey you might as well just throw it in the trash.”

“And I’m just saying we fried the turkey last year.” She reminds him, turning to fix him with a pointed glare. “Can we get through one Thanksgiving without someone going to the ER?”

“Wa’s the mer-mergency room?” Rory pipes up from the backseat and it’s all Sara can do to keep from bashing her head against the headrest behind her.

“It’s a special office in the hospital,” Len explains, shooting Sara an apologetic glance for bringing up the subject at all; he knows she’s anxious enough about today as it is. “Remember last Thanksgiving when I left early with Uncle Mick?”

There’s no word from the backseat for a moment, presumably because Rory is thinking. Truthfully Sara doubts her daughter remembers all the way to last Thanksgiving, especially since they hadn’t exactly let her know what was going on.

“You might have been asleep baby,” she offers, “It was before dinner.”

“What happened?”

“Uncle Mick wasn’t being careful,” Leonard supplies, “He was cooking the turkey and he turned the dial up too high, so he got hurt.”

Sara almost laughs, because that is certainly one way of putting it. The full story is Mick had somehow managed to convince them all to let him use a fryer for the turkey, Leonard had backed him up with the claim that he’s done it before and it always comes out great. It probably would’ve been fine, really, if Ray hadn’t gotten involved. He meant well, he always does, but he was convinced that Mick had the heat set too low. Mick argued it was fine, one thing led to another, and somewhere in the argument the nozzle got turned too far to the left and the whole fryer went up in flames.

It wasn’t nearly as bad as it could’ve been. Ray got clear in time and Mick only suffered a few burns, he had only gone to the hospital to make Ray feel better. Still, Sara is hoping that there aren’t any incidents this year.

When they finally pull up in front of the Stein’s house there are already plenty of cars parked along the street, much to Leonard’s obvious distain. Sara can’t help but to laugh as he brings the car to a stop behind Ray’s, grumbling as he does so.

Sara goes around the back of the car to help Rory out of her car seat, Len going around to the other side to grab the pot full of mashed sweet potatoes off the floor. The two of them exchange a quick look through the back, and even though Len looks just as nervous as she does it still makes Sara feel better. She doesn’t exactly think anything is going to go badly today, she certainly hopes not at least, but this Thanksgiving is different than any of the others they’ve celebrated together.

It’s their first Thanksgiving without her dad, and without Martin, though Clarissa has still insisted on hosting. It’s also the first Thanksgiving since Laurel woke up from her coma, and while she says she is adjusting just fine to everything that changed while she was asleep Sara knows it’s all still a little unsettling.

She doesn’t know if today is going help that or be the final straw.

“Hello?”

Zari is sitting on the living room floor at Jax’s feet when she hears a voice call from the front door of the house, and not even a second later Sara and Leonard Snart appear in the entrance to the living room. Leonard is carrying a pot, Sara their daughter who is quick to hide her blushing face from the sudden onslaught of people. Clarissa approaches them first, giving Sara an awkward hug from the side that the younger woman can’t exactly return thanks to her burden, whom Clarissa tries to say hello to but it’s unsuccessful. She then greets Leonard and points him to where he can place the pot in his hands. The others all say their hellos as Sara makes her way deeper into the party, her daughter protesting against being put down. Zari smiles a little at the sight, she doesn’t know the Waverider’s former Captain very well but she knows enough to know this is a novel sight, and therefor she suddenly feels a little out of place.

She gets up and heads into the kitchen, asking Clarissa if she needs help with anything.

“Oh thank you Zari. Actually, if you wouldn’t mind putting the rolls and the butter out on the table.”

Zari nods, taking the two bags of rolls off the counter and heading into the dining room. The table has already been set, for the most part, but there are two clear-ish spots at each end for the bags of rolls. She sets them down and heads back to the kitchen for the butter, and when she returns she finds none other than Nora Darhk rounding the corner of the other doorway.

Nora stops, briefly, upon seeing her and then offers a small, awkward smile. The two of them are still sometimes a little… odd, around each other. They have nothing against each other, at least not that Zari knows about. But Nora is still new to the team; her relationship with everyone is still new and a little awkward. Except for Ray. She and Ray have practically been joined at the hip ever since she came on board, yet right now she’s alone.

“Where’s Ray?” Zari asks and Nora shrugs.

“Downstairs I think, talking to Lily about something. I’m just looking for a place to hide out.”

Zari nods, she can understand that. She spent most of last Thanksgiving hiding out; in fact she’s doing that a little bit now.

“Come on,” she says, putting down the butter dish and nodding towards where Nora’s come in. “Let’s get a drink.”

There are some times more than others in which Laurel really wishes she could have a drink, and today is definitely one of those times. She’s just walked into the house of Clarissa Stein, a woman she’s never even met, and into a room of mostly strangers. One exception to that statement, however, is her sister’s husband Leonard.

“Hey Laurel,” he says, greeting her at the door. He hesitates for a second, and then awkwardly gives her a hug.

She wraps her arms around him gratefully; she knows he isn’t big on being touched except for by a very select few people, who she really isn’t one of but he’s willing to make an exception.

“Hi,” she returns as he leads her deeper into the house.

“I think Sara just went-”

“Oh you must be Laurel!” A voice cuts him off and suddenly there is a middle-age blonde woman standing in front of her and pulling her into a hug.

“Yes… Hi.” She says before pulling back from the hug. “You must be Clarissa, thank you so much for having me.”

“Oh of course!” The woman practically cheers, “Please make yourself at home, I’ll be in the kitchen if you need anything.” With that she hurries off, and when Laurel turns she finds Leonard is gone.

She doesn’t exactly want to continue standing there in the middle of the hallway, so she ducks in through the nearest doorway, and immediately regrets it.

The room, unlike the rest of the house, isn’t crowded with people. It’s a study, not a large one but filled with books and knick-knacks all the same, along with a small liquor cabinet over in the corner from where the room’s lone occupant is retrieving a bottle.

And looking very much like a thief caught in the act.

“I… I’m sorry.” She stutters out, though she suspects this man should be the sorry one. She’s seen his face somewhere before, though she can’t put her finger on where, but in any case he certainly isn’t the late Martin Stein, whom this study very clearly belongs to.

The man shrugs, she straightens up with a bottle of amber liquid still in his hands.

“Drink?”She shakes her head, “No thanks,” she declines and the man shrugs, and then begins pouring himself a glass.

“You’re Blondie’s sister?” He asks, “The one who’s been asleep for four years.”

And here she was worried people might be walking around eggshells around her.

“Yes…” She drawls, arching an eyebrow at the man. “And you are?”

He regards her for a second, just before he tips back his drink and approaches her, one arm outstretched in the offering of a handshake.

“Name’s Mick.”

After Clarissa ambushes Laurel Leonard smirks to himself, and he’s planning on staying right there until it’s over, he really is, but then he sees the bathroom door is still closed and he decides that it’ll be better if he’s alone when he knocks on that door rather than with Laurel, so he slips away.

“Sara?” He calls, following a light rap of his knuckles. “Are you in there?”

“Come in.”

He does as he’s told, opening the door barely a crack and slipping inside. His heart clenches in his chest at the sight before him, that of his wife sitting in the cramped half bathroom with her back against the wall and her hands pushing back her hair.

“Your sister’s here.” He informs her, crouching down to her level.

She nods at his words, sort of, as much as she can.

“How are you feeling?”

The response he gets is nothing more than a groan, and with a frown he begins to rub her back.

“How is she?” Sara asks after they’ve sat in silence for a few seconds, and she must see it in his eyes that he is about to tell her she hasn’t answered the same question, because her mouth presses into a firm smile.

“Please,” she adds, “I’m worried, and that isn’t doing me any favors.”

Well, she has him there.

“A little overwhelmed I think,” He admits, “But she’ll be ok, she was talking to Clarissa when I came in here, I’m sure she’s showing her around.”

Sara chuckles at that, her eyes closing but her smile still on her face.

“If you aren’t feeling up to being here-”

“Nice try crook,” she interrupts him. “You aren’t getting out of today that easy.”

He chuckles this time, he had to try.

“Come on,” Sara says, placing her hand on his knee and using it to help herself up. “Before someone finds us in here.”

“So this is what normal people do on Thanksgiving?” Nora asks as she follows Zari out into the backyard, where Ray, Nate, Jax, and Charlie were presumably playing football at one point. Although right now it looks more like Charlie and Jax searching the bushes for the ball.

“I guess,” Zari shrugs, taking a sip of her beer as she watches the commotion. “My Thanksgivings were pretty small growing up, though that doesn’t mean stupid things like this never happened.”

Nora hums at that, thinking back to her own childhood Thanksgivings. Sometimes it’s a little odd to remember that 2018 isn’t the time she’s supposed to be in right now… it seems like she’s always been here.

Right now, technically, she’s only fourteen years old. On this very day, her fourteen year old self is locked away in a temple somewhere, likely being tortured, by doctors of all people, or so they always called themselves. That girl doesn’t even know today is Thanksgiving, she hasn’t yet figured out that the occasional changes in her food signify a holiday. By the time she does it won’t matter, she’ll have long ago lost track of the years. It’s just easier, less heartbreaking at least, to let herself believe that 2018 never ended.

“Hey!” It’s Ray’s chipper voice that brings her from her thoughts, as usual. He’s waving at them and approaching, leaning down to give her a kiss when he reaches them and giving Zari a smile.

“You guys want to play?”

“Oh, uh…” She looks to Zari, who looks back, and then tilts her beer to her lips for one last sip before putting it down on the patio.

“Sure,” she agrees, her eyes moving back to Nora along with Ray’s, and so Nora follows Zari’s example.

“Sure,” she repeats, “Why not?”

Laurel is… interesting, to Mick. She isn’t what he was expecting, although now that he thinks about it he doesn’t really know what he was expecting. He knows about her from before, she had quite a reputation around Iron Heights as the Assistant DA who could call you on even the tiniest lie and get you sent away. Not mention after four years of knowing Sara…

Well, he wasn’t expecting this. This quiet woman sitting so stiff on the couch of Stein’s back room. He’d brought her in here cause the study had seemed too quiet, too heavy with the shared knowledge that they weren’t really supposed to be in there. But the living and dining rooms are crowded with people, all of them either strangers to her or friends who have become strangers. This room is quieter, but also just around the corner from the party. It’s only a matter of time before someone walks in and notices them hiding out, so when it happens he is grateful for Laurel’s sake that it happens in the form of stubby little legs moving in their usual hurry.

Rory stops in the doorway for a second, looks between them, and then promptly toddles over to Laurel where she begins urgently patting her Aunt’s knee.

“I can’t find mommy!” She complains as Laurel lifts her into her lap, bringing her arms around her protectively.

“Oh I’m sure-”

She doesn’t get to finish, because as though summoned Sara and Snart show up in the doorway and Rory launches herself off Laurel’s lap and hurries over to her mother.

“What?” Sara mockingly groans as she lifts Rory up, hugs her, then settles her on her hip. “You’re ok. You’ve got Uncle Mick and Auntie Laurel. You don’t need me.”

Rory responds to this by giggling and wrapping her arms around Sara’s neck, to which Sara rolls her eyes before heading to sit next to Laurel. While the girls begin to talk Mick look’s over at Len, a silent question in his eyes and his friend nods with a small smile.

Snart knows better than to try and hide what’s going on from him. All the others, sure, but not him. They both know he’s more intuitive than he lets on, and he was the one there at the very beginning the first time around. As soon as he saw Sara dart into that bathroom he knew-

“Uh… We need some help outside!”

Raymond’s voice suddenly calling through the house gets everyone hurrying into the yard, Leonard going out the back door with Sara, Rory, Mick, and Laurel on his heels. He doesn’t know what could possibly be going on out there, it isn’t like they have a deep fryer this year, but when he gets there he stops short.

Heywood and Zari are both staggering to their feet with their hands pressed to their faces. Haircut and his girlfriend are standing back and looking like they want to help but aren’t sure how. At first Len isn’t sure why Haircut has made such a big fuss, but then he sees the blood seeping from under Zari’s hand, and notices Heywood’s hand is completely covering his eye.

“Oh dear!” Clarissa exclaims; rushing for Heywood and taking that as some sort of cue Raymond moves for Zari. “What happened?”

“They were both running for the football and they ran smack into each other.” Nora supplies just as Clarissa gets Heywood’s hand away from his eye and, shit, the skin from the side of it is just gone.

“Ok.” Clarissa gulps, looking like she is trying very hard not to faint. “Ok, you two need to go to the hospital.”

“We’ll take them,” Raymond quickly volunteers with barely a glance back to Nora, but she nods along with the idea and takes his place by Zari, so he moves onto Heywood and they start heading for Palmer’s car.

“Well,” Sara says, coming to stand next to him. “I guess that answers my question, apparently we can’t get through one Thanksgiving without someone going to the ER.”

He smirks, not that this is funny but still, and then he leans close to her ear so that only she, and Rory of course, will hear his words.

“Looks like the plan of telling everyone at once that you’re pregnant is out the window.”

She smiles, like she can’t believe that’s really what he’s thinking about right now, and suddenly Rory perks her head up as though a bolt of lightning has hit her.

“Can I tell them?!” She begs. They had told her last week and sworn her to secrecy, letting her know that they were planning on telling everyone at Thanksgiving dinner.

“How about this?” Sara says, smoothing a hand over Rory’s blonde curls. “You keep the secret a little longer, until daddy and me tell everyone at dinner, and after we’ll go to the hospital and you can tell them.”

“Ok!” Rory agrees happily and Len smirks, the group one by one heading back inside.

Len shakes his head as they go in, they really can’t ever have a normal Thanksgiving.