#and said that i will get the rest later this week once my foot hurts less

[cherriegyuu]

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[mattybsgroupie]

tape | matt sturniolo

contents: cursing, fighting; established relationship; oral (m receiving); spanking (f receiving); degradation; p in v; creampie; use of “y/n”; dom!matt

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notes: posting this and another one later this week in celebration of almost 600 followers. so thankful for this community and for every single person that enjoys my writing (but if one gets more likes than the other im KILLING MYSELF) <3 not proofread blablabla hope you enjoy i love y’all so so much

- ♡ -

“y/n!” matt slammed the door shut, loud voice taking over the kitchen, where i was peacefully sitting. “are you fucking dumb?!” he hissed at me, throwing his phone on the table.

“wow, chill” i said, frowning my eyebrows, confused look in my face. “what are you talking about?”

“what did you do with our camera’s flashcard?” matt crossed his arms, impatiently tapping his foot on the ground. my mouth hung open, but no words came out of it. matt looked so angry, and i knew i had cause us trouble. as i kept searching on my mind, he screamed once again “fucking tell me!”

“i don’t fucking know!” i hissed back at him, throwing my hands in the air. “i changed it the last time, i told you we were out of memory but i don’t remember where i put the other one!”

“oh you don’t?” he narrowed his eyes, stepping closer to me and removing a tiny object from his pocket. he showed me the flashcard, holding it with his thumb and index right at my face. “what about leaving it on this fucking table next to nick’s work stuff?”

my eyes widened. “matt i-i’m so sorry, fuck” i stuttered, realizing what i had done.

“you’re sorry now? after nick saw everything? we have so much shit here y/n, for christ’s sake!” matt kept holding the memory card, free hand running through his hair as he tried to calm himself down. “he saw your naked pictures, he saw mine! there are compromising videos in here y/n, can you imagine if he had uploaded any of them by mistake?”

“matt, please” i got up, walking closer to matt and resting my hand on his chest. “babe, i didn’t mean it, i’m really fucking sorry.” he looked away, scratching his freshly shaved beard.

“sometimes i think you’re asking for it, you know?” he said grabbing my wrist. “you fucking want our pics to get leaked, so that way everyone can know how much of a slut you are”. matt finished, pulling me to his room as he walked, grip in my skin getting stronger.

he slammed the door once again and pushed me on his bed, my breath turning heavy from his sudden change of behavior. matt went next to his computer, grabbing our camera. it was one of the first cameras the boys ever used to record their youtube videos, and nick gifted it matt after they changed to a new, more modern equipment. matt opened the video screen and turned it on, green light signaling he had started recording.

“take your shorts off” he demanded and i knew i could no longer run from my punishment. i kept sitting, slowly removing the cloth down my legs, kicking it away with my foot. i was wearing pink panties and a t-shirt i borrowed from him, not looking my best.

“you wanted this so bad, didn't you?” he asked, positioning the camera on the nightstand. matt sat next to me, but only to pull my legs over him. he turned me over, my belly now resting on his thighs and my head falling down, only my left arm resting on the mattress. i opened my mouth in disbelief, my calves trying to move away from him somehow.

“what are you doing?” i asked, trying to at least get a bit more comfortable in that position.

“giving you what you wanted” matt said, his arm locking my legs together while the other one held me by my breasts - at least my head wouldn’t be spinning. one of his cold hands smacked my ass, the sudden contact making me choke on a moan. i could feel matt’s grin growing wide as he palmed my skin, preparing me for another slap.

“fuck!” i groaned as the burning sensation started. i knew matt didn’t actually want to hurt me, he rubbed my butt after each smack, soothing the tingles i felt as my blood started to run faster.

“matt- please” i tried to speak, but another spank interrupted me. “behave, yeah?” matt whispered in my ear and pointed to the camera. “everyone’s gonna see how much of a fucking slut you are. can’t even take a punishment, right?” he teased, long fingers now travelling between my buttcheeks, brushing lightly over my panties. matt pressed his digits harder over my cunt, feeling the wetness there “soaked already?”

i looked away, trying to cover my embarrassment with my hands - it was humiliating, my ass in the air being spanked by matt after a mistake i didn’t even mean to make. “you’re fucking embarassed? can you imagine how i was after nick gave this to me? my brother saw everything, your dirty whore” he didn’t stop the slaps, and i couldn’t stop whimpering as his hand kept on marking my skin.

“ah!” i cried once more, until he two other spanks were enough. matt gave a kiss on each of my senstive buttcheeks and tossed me out of his lap, getting up and standing in front of me. he grabbed the camera once again, turning the screen so that only him could see what he was filming. my face was burning red and i was already exhausted. matt looked at me, rising his eyebrows, wide grin on his face.

“come on” he said, zooming the lenses on me. “you’re gonna look so pretty with your mouth wrapped around my cock”.

i gulped, quickly nodding and moving my hands to his belt. i had barely unbuckled it, but i could feel matthew’s impatience growing. i pulled matt’s pants down along with his underwear, revealing his hardened dick. matt moved the camera to show off his own length, eager for me to touch him, even when he was the one in charge.

i wrapped my fingers around his shaft, veins pulsing in my palm. i brought my mouth closer to his tip, lips wrapping around the sensitive area as i received a groan in response, matt finally getting some relief to his aching cock. i couldn’t fit him entirely - matt was huge - so both of my hands started pumping the missing part as i moved my head down.

i heard matt chuckling, delighted with the view of my teary eyes begging for him. he started to slowly move his hips forward, trying to thrust his leaking dick inside of my throat. one of his hands went to my hair, already messy and tangled, in order to set my pace as he pleased.

i mumbled on his cock, asking if i could please, please, please, take a breath. of course, no words came out, my muffled voice only sent vibrations and warmth to his length which made him push his cock forward in my mouth, making me gag.

i could feel the saliva running down the sides of my lips when i softly tapped matt’s thigh and he slowly removed his cock, realizing he might have been a little too rough. i coughed, catching my breath as he pouted at me, faux sympathy showing by the lust in his eyes.

“can’t you take anything?” he asked, tugging the hem of my - his - shirt. “you cry when i spank you, you can’t even blow me properly… weren’t you supposed to act like a good slut?” matt said, helping me remove the white cloth, exposing my breasts. my nipples had been poking through the shirt from a long while, but only now matt decided to zoom in on my nubs. i caught him licking his lips as i positioned myself further on the bed, showing off my body to him. my fingers around as his followed from my neck to my collarbones and down to my tits as i teased my hardened nipples with my own digits.

“so pretty” matt whispered so low i wouldn’t have heard it if i wasn’t paying attention to his lips. “on fours” he said in a serious tone, making my pussy clench.

i turned my body over, standing on my elbows and knees, sticking my ass out as he placed himself on the bed with his knees behind me. matt’s cold fingers touched the waistband of my panties, slowly pulling it down my legs as he filmed everything.

he grabbed his own cock and pumped a few times, spreading the pre-cum along his length before dragging his dick between my buttcheeks and moving it down my cunt, lazily rubbing my folds, not really trying to fuck me. after teasing me a bit more, matt quickly put the camera back on his nightstand, now filming both of us.

matt placed his digits on my entrance, pressing my wet hole with two fingers. he slowly started to push in, but didn’t go all the way, pulling out when he saw me biting my own lips. i whined in protest - i needed him to fill me up. “fucking shut up” he spoke in a lighter mood than in the beginning of the night, showing that he was now just as needy as me.

his hands rested on my hips, holding it tight as he gradually buried himself inside of me. his pre-cum and all of my juices made it easier for matt to slide in, quickly stretching my walls and not giving me time to adjust to his size before pounding into me. “gosh- matt!” i moaned, throwing my head back as my cunt throbbed.

“always so tight for me” he said, hovering his body over mine. his chest was almost glued to my back, one of matt’s hands holding my jaw so he could kiss me. “who owns that pretty cunt, huh?” matt asked, my mouth hanging open as i could no longer stop my gruntings “y-you! ah-”.

“my fucking slut” he kept on talking while jointing his hips forward, cock finally hitting my spot. “only mine”.

“yes matt, fuck!” i pleaded, feeling my cunt clench its own walls against his dick. “i’m gonna cum, please!”

“don’t you fucking dare coming before me” matt said as his thrusts turned sloppier, trying to reach his orgasm. “f-fuck, taking me so well” he groaned loudly, palm once again meeting my ass as he slapped my skin. suddenly, i felt matt’s release filling me up completely, his sticky spurt leaking down my thighs as he finally allowed me to cum as well. my whole body trembled as my orgasm washed over me, my chest panting heavily, letting my head fall on the mattress.

matt slowly pulled out of me, lying down by my side as he came back from his high.

“are you okay?” matt asked, his hand resting on my back while i still recovered. “was i too rough?” he caressed my skin and i could feel the concern in his voice starting to show as i didn’t say anything in response.

“i’m never” i started, still out of breath. “losing the fucking card again”. i heard matt chuckle as he moved his other arm further, trying to reach the nightstand. he grabbed the camera and placed it next to my face. “say hi, pretty”

“hi pretty” i joked, matt giggling before turning the lenses to himself and winking to the video, pressing the finish button and closing the video screen. “and yes, babe. i’m okay” i assured him. “im sorry for being irresponsible and-“ he cut me off with a kiss. as he pressed his lips against mine, i realized he was no longer mad at me, and i could finally let myself relax.

“by the way” he spoke, throwing the camera on his side of the bed “you can leak this one” i giggled, hugging him, both of us acknowledging we could never - ever - lose this flash card again.

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taglist (drop a 🌸!): @thepubeburgler @marselise @pearlzier @mattsfavbitchhh

[cobaltperun]

i have a request if possible ? for a tara carpenter x reader , or any jo character as you see fit , but in my head , it’s always been tara and no gf au-

so basically , if you’re familiar with 5 seconds of summer , every time i listen to them (their self titled album, specifically heartbreak girl) i always come up with like scenarios of r, mindy, amber and wes being 5sos basically and having r write that song about tara and how she’s always calling/texting r about the problems she’s having with chad without realizing that r is in love with her

which ofc leads r to go to amber, mindy and wes to write that song together and having them preform at a local bar/club or something because they’re locally known and tara, sam, chad and the rest of the friend group is in the crowd, being supportive- but once they hear the song , they immediately know who it’s about and just look at tara awkwardly , and- that’s as far as i’ve gotten

Heartbreak Girl

Tara Carpenter x gn!Reader (Request)

First of all, thank you for the request, it kind of just flowed out and here it is. I went with gender-neutral Reader since you didn't specify the gender. I hope you'll enjoy reading this.

Masterlist

Word count: 2.7k

"I know I should have seen it coming, but it still hurts, you know? I still love Chad, I just can't get over him," she sobbed, and you stopped pacing around your room to lean back and rest your head against the wall. You knew the story, you heard it from Tara countless times, and you may have heard it from Mindy even before Tara told you, mostly because Mindy got a bit pissed that Chad would end his relationship with Tara like that. Tara and Chad were in a relationship, they worked the summer job together and met Liv. Chad fell in love and broke up with Tara. The rest was history, and Tara, sharing Chad's circle of friends, and still being in love with him, couldn't move on.

One time Tara told you she figured it would be easier if he cheated on her. He didn't. He just sat down with her one day and said how he felt. Two weeks later Chad and Liv went on their first date and the circumstances kept Tara and Chad as somewhat friends.

"I'm sorry for being a bother, Y/N," she must have noticed your silence.

"You're not being a bother, Tara, I just don't know what to say that I already didn't tell you before," you bit your bottom lip, knowing full well you were lying. You knew what you wanted to say. You wanted to tell her you loved her, that in her heartbreak she kept breaking your heart too. Another sob made you speak before you could think things through. "Let's go out, just the two of us," you suggest, realizing too late what you were saying. "As friends, of course, just to get your mind off of everything," you quickly backtracked, hoping the explanation was sufficient enough, hoping she couldn't hear the nervous tapping of your foot against the floor, or the crack in your voice when you said 'friends' or anything else that could give you away.

Because, as much as you loved her, as much as you wanted to be with her, you didn't want to push her into another relationship when she was vulnerable and still heartbroken. You also didn't want to be her way of getting over Chad and nothing more. And you absolutely didn’t want to take advantage of her emotional turmoil.

"I'd love to, Y/N," it sounded like she stopped crying, thought she still sniffled a bit. "Thanks for being my friend and always being there to cheer me up," her words, even if you just encouraged them yourself, still hurt you.

"Don't mention it, I'm here for you," you brushed it off, subconsciously hoping maybe, just maybe, she'd realize how you feel on her own. You had no idea how mixed the signals you were sending her looked every now and then. In less than a minute you went from proclaiming friendly hanging out to promising to be there for her. "When do you want to meet up?"

Tara paused for a moment. "I'll call you tomorrow at ten to figure that out. Is that okay?"

You nodded and then frowned when you realized a moment later you were on the phone with her. "Of course."

And so you said your goodbyes, and you just slumped into the chair and dropped your head down to the table. A bit recklessly you tossed the phone to the bed on your side and silently expressed gratitude that it didn't hit the wall or drop to the floor. You sighed and placed your hands over your head, feeling like you were stuck in a never-ending cycle with Tara Carpenter.

Against your better judgment, you grabbed a pen and a piece of paper and began writing.

~X~

The friend date went well, better than you imagined it would and you and Tara hung out an hour longer than either of you anticipated. It was a nice change of pace and for a moment you actually convinced yourself you didn't feel anything romantic for her. For a moment, you were reminded of simpler times, when Tara really was just a friend in your eyes. That time was a long time ago, but sometimes you wished you could go back to that, at the very least everything was much simpler back then.

The paper waiting for you at your table broke that illusion and you grabbed your guitar, maybe you had something here after all. As you sat down to try different tunes you sent a message to the band, Mindy, Wes, and Amber, asking to meet up tomorrow for an additional practice.

~X~

The four of you met up in your garage where you kept your instruments, the guitars, and drums, anything else you needed you would just rent out for a couple of days. You were still a local band, so renting still saved you money.

"Let me see if I got everything right. You," Amber pointed at you, almost accusingly. "wrote this song about Tara and you don't want to confess how you feel?" she asked incredulously.

"Come on, it's not that obvious," you defended yourself and pointed at a line in the song. "See? Chad didn't exactly treat her bad, he just broke up with her."

"Yeah, sure, one line is going to convince everyone it isn't about Tara," Mindy added sarcastically and threw her arms up. "It's there for the dramatic effect, Y/N! Remember?" well, yeah, but still, were you really that obvious?

"She got you there," Wes wasn't helping.

You picked up your guitar and began playing the tune you thought would work well with the song. "Listen, I think we got something good here," you tried to focus on the song itself. "Regardless of who it was written for," you muttered.

"You're kidding, right? A sad tune? You're making this a ballad? No way," Mindy went to her drums. "This needs more energy," judging by the tone of her voice she wasn't budging on this. Well, at least she was on board.

"We are totally adding 'Thanks for being a friend' to the lyrics," Amber teased and you just groaned and buried your face in your hands.

"Don't forget being a sucker for anything Tara does," Wes joined in, causing all three of them to laugh at you.

"You're the worst," you muttered, too embarrassed to look at them. As it was the song that maybe could have passed as, you know, not absolutely obvious, might as well be named ‘Tara’ with how specific it was turning out to be.

~X~

Over the next month and a half, you and Tara fell into a bit of a habit. The first two weeks she continued sobbing, and you'd ask her to hang out. The week after that she just complained and you still asked her to hang out. The past few weeks she rarely even mentioned Chad during your calls, but she still insisted you were friends.

Honestly, just the fact that she seemed to be moving on as weeks went by mended your own heart. Somewhere along the line, you found out you were fine with the way things were. In a relationship or as friends, you wanted Tara in your life.

You walked her to her house, the backs of your hands occasionally brushing as you walked. The accidental touches became something both of you were comfortable with, as neither of you moved away from each other.

"You'll be performing tomorrow night, right?" Tara asked out of the blue.

You glanced at her and your eyes met. "Yeah. Are you going to come?" it wouldn't be the first time Tara would be in the crowd. Tara, Sam, Chad, Danny, Anika, and Liv were all supportive of your band, so they regularly came to your performances.

"You're not really asking that, are you? Of course, I'm going to come," she lightly jabbed your arm. "Besides, Mindy might have told me you guys have a new song you'll be performing for the first time in front of a crowd."

That little traitor. You cleared your throat to buy yourself a few extra seconds to get it together.

With the way things were going between you and Tara, you were almost tempted to scrap the song, but the other three voted against it. "No pressure then, it's not like we haven't had a new song in almost four months now," what could you say, it was a bit of a drought period as far as creativity went.

Tara laughed and just for a moment you thought you saw something else in her eyes, something similar to the way you would so often look at her. "You'll do great," she offered a much-needed encouragement as the two of you stopped in front of her house.

"Guess this is it for tonight," you smiled at her.

"Mhm, I'm glad I was the one to ask you out tonight, as friends, of course," she took a step closer and tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. And then you froze when she got on her tiptoes and kissed your cheek. "Thank you, for always being there for me," somehow, this time she omitted the friend part.

"I," you cleared your throat once more. "did say I'd be here for you, didn't I?" you tried to brush it off as you usually did for months now.

The intensity of Tara's gaze captured all of your attention and for a moment you even considered leaning in. You didn't though, you weren't sure she felt the same, or that she actually moved on.

"I'll see you tomorrow night, then?" she asked, lowering her gaze to your lips before quickly looking away.

You noticed it, and you wondered if Tara could hear how loud your heart was drumming in your chest. "Y-yeah," you finally stepped back from her, and the tension you were trying so hard to ignore began fading.

~X~

Tara pretty much threw herself on her bed and buried her face in her pillow. This wasn't good. This wasn't good at all. What was wrong with her? Falling in love with you so quickly and almost out of nowhere. Especially when you so explicitly insisted on hanging out as friends. Perhaps you were insisting too hard to cover your own feelings? A girl could hope, right?

She turned her playlist on, hoping to find some peace in music. As if to spite her, the first song that played was Brian Fallon's You Have Stolen My Heart and she nearly chucked her phone into a wall. Groaning she turned around and tucked herself into a blanket. It was entirely your fault. With your charming smile and clumsy mixed signals, she could never get a good read on them.

~X~

You were amazing on that improvised stage, just mesmerizing to watch and listen to and Tara found herself falling even harder. She also found herself ignoring Sam's teasing smile.

"Thank you, thank you! You are too kind! We'll wrap up the night with a premiere of our new song!" Wes yelled, hyping up the crowd.

"Let's hear an applause for Heartbreak Girl!" Mindy demanded, encouraging the crowd to interact with the four of you.

Tara was pulled to her feet by Anika and they both cheered. The name of the song, however, made Tara's heart skip a beat. Or was it the way you looked at her from the stage?

"You call me up, it's like a broken record, saying that your heart hurts. That you'll never get over him getting over you, and you end up crying. And I end up lying, 'cause I'm just a sucker for anything that you do," you sang, your eyes never leaving Tara's. It felt like there was no one else in the club but the two of you. But you weren't alone, and Tara felt the awkward stares directed at the back of her head.

Did you actually write a song for her?

"And when the phone call finally ends, you say "Thanks for being a friend" and I'm going in circles again and again," now she had no doubt, that the song really was about her. She stopped cheering and just stood there, taking the lyrics in.

She saw you hesitating, probably since you noticed her reaction, and she just smiled. You smiled back and continued.

"I dedicate this song to you, the one who never sees the truth, that I can take away you hurt, Heartbreak girl. Hold you tight straight through the daylight, I'm right here, when you gonna realize that I'm your cure, Heartbreak girl?" did you...? Were you saying what she thought you were saying?

She wasn't reading this wrong, was she?

"I bite my tongue, but I wanna scream out, you could be with me now. But I end up telling you what you wanna hear, but you're not ready. And it's so frustrating, he treats you so bad and I'm so good to you, it's not fair," her heart skips a beat as you continue, quoting the promise to call you tomorrow at ten and once again singing the chorus.

"I know someday it's gonna happen, and you'll finally forget the day you met him. Sometimes I'm so close to confession, I gotta get it through your head, that you belong with me instead," the look in your eyes, the eyes that told her 'This is it, I can't take it back now' it vanquished any doubt she may have had about how you felt.

She just wondered how long you felt that way about her without saying anything? Definitely before you first asked her to hang out as friends, but how long before that? And she felt like apologizing, for not noticing how you felt, for leaning on you for support even if it hurt you as well. And at the same time she fell even harder, because you were there for her even with everything you were feeling you were giving her all the time she needed.

~X~

The moment you ended the song and without any idea where the sudden boldness was coming from you jumped down from the stage and went over to Tara. You took a few deep breaths as you closed the distance and offered her your hand, the guitar still in your other hand.

Yeah, you didn't quite think that through.

Tara raised an eyebrow, clearly looking at the guitar, but then shrugged and took your hand.

"Uh, what now?" you asked sheepishly.

"Isn't that something you were supposed to figure out? Before you jumped down and came over?" she gave you a cheeky, teasing smile.

"I didn't think I'd get this far," you admitted, causing Tara to laugh.

"Just go behind the stage dumbass!" Mindy yelled, with the microphone still on. "And leave the guitar there while you're at it!"

You lowered your head and winced, trying to hide the embarrassment clearly visible on your face. Tara wasn't doing much better as she quickly pulled you behind the stage to escape the teasing.

You packed the guitar as both of you took time to compose yourself and catch a breath. "I really didn't think this through, did I?" you asked.

"No," Tara sat down on the chair near you. "You really didn't," she was fiddling with the loose thread on her shirt.

"I meant it, the song. Well, at least when I wrote it a month and a half ago," you decided to just be honest with her.

Tara raised her head to look at you, you could see hopefulness and uncertainty in her gaze. "What changed?"

You approached and sat down next to her. "I don't think you are still heartbroken," you took her hand.

Tara smiled. "I'm not. I'm in love with a clumsy musician that sucks at flirting," she leaned closer to you.

"Hey, it worked," you closed the distance, capturing her lips in a soft, gentle kiss. "Mhm, how about we go on a proper date then?" she asked when the kiss ended and you couldn't think of any better idea.

[moscnios]

Hi. If you're comfortable with writing this ( if not, please feel free to ignore, no pressure on you, I really really appreciate your hardwork & I love your writing thank you so much for all of this amazing fanfics you keep bringing!! 💗💗💗💗 ), may i request some angst where Zoro & gn!reader gets into a heated argument with each other which leads to reader wanting to break up with him?

★ WHAT ONCE WAS! roronoa zoro ★

── pairing. zoro x gn!reader.

── summary. change was something you feared. but it had happened before your very eyes as you watched your long-term boyfriend train to take on unknown dangers out on the sea. you can’t even recognize him anymore.

── cw(s). angst. gn!reader. no pronouns used. shitty summary. reader says something kinda mean. zoro being kind of a jerk. takes place pre-timeskip before zoro leaves the shimotsuki village. mentions of kuina.

── wc. 1.2k.

── notepad. i actually been so long since i’ve written something angsty that just stayed angsty. it hurt my soul just enough. so thank you so much for this !! i know the rq says that the reader wants to break up, but this one is kind of a mutual break up

things just kind of happen, don’t they? everything feels fine one moment, but the next moment not so much. people change all the time, even when you don’t want them to. maybe, you were afraid of change. maybe, you were just afraid of him changing.

he didn’t hold you anymore. when the sun had fallen to rest, and the moon had taken its place to shine silvery blue in the cool night sky. not once had his arms draped over your body like they used to. he hadn’t even faced you, as he drifted into the world of dreams. most nights, he did not even come to bed.

instead of lying beside you until sunrise, he found himself striking a dummy a hundred times with the same attacks to perfect them. instead of breathing in your cozy scent, he had pushed his mortal body way beyond its limits.

he didn’t kiss you like he did before, full of passion and love. his strong hands cradled your face as he kissed like every time would be the last one. instead, he had settled for quick pecks to the side of your temple, as he muttered “love you” against your warm skin. hardly even a moment later, he would be out the door. he didn’t even give you a chance to say it back. he never even said ‘i love you’ anymore.

maybe it was a minor thing to gripe about for some people, for it to be those special three words instead of the two. but it meant a lot to you, and he knew that. or at least you thought your boyfriend of several years would have known that.

you made up excuses, anything to keep you from believing that the man you loved more than anything was changing before your very eyes more and more every day. you found yourself thinking questions you never wanted to think about.

does he care anymore? was he no longer attracted to you? did he even love you anymore? had he ever even loved you?

it filled you with so much dread, to the point it was overwhelming. it was getting harder and harder to keep how you were feeling behind the closed door of your, well once shared bedroom.

you couldn’t keep going on like this. going on like everything was fine when it wasn’t. pretending to be fine, as you watched your neglectful boyfriend exert himself to near injury in the name of becoming the world’s greatest swordsman.

now he was talking about leaving the village to challenge dracule mihawk to a duel? you loved him dearly, but you heard one too many stories about “hawk-eyes”, none of them were good. allowing your boyfriend to even set foot off this island was sending him to an early grave.

you believed in him, sure. one day he would be the greatest swordsman. but for once, you just wanted him to be realistic and realize that that day will not be tomorrow, it won’t be next week, it won’t be next month.

why doesn’t he understand you feel this way because you care about him?

“zoro…” you say gently, standing at the door frame of the dojo.

the swordsman was still swinging away at the wooden dummy that was a few swings away from falling apart. of course, he didn’t hear you the first time. he never did.

“zoro” your voice was much louder this time, finally grabbing his attention. “huh?” was all he even said before he went back to swinging at the dummy. he didn’t even spare you a glance.

“can we talk, please? it’s important.”

“just say what you’re going to say, ( y/n )”

“WILL YOU PUT DOWN THOSE LOUSY SWORDS AND LOOK AT ME!”

you didn’t mean that. you knew just how much his swords meant to him, especially the one dawning a pure white hilt. you knew what his dream meant to him. you were just angry. frustrated. tired.

you watched as he sheathed the swords, and did as you said. his expression was stone cold. it was like looking at a whole new man. never had he ever looked at you like that. you knew what you said hurt his feelings.

“if you’re still trying to talk me out of leaving, forget it. if i don’t do it now then…”

“THEN WHAT?! you’ve never been out of the east blue! and you’ll be a DEAD MAN if you challenge a shichibukai!” you couldn’t stop yourself from yelling. “you don’t know what lies ahead of you in the other seas, zoro! i’m just trying to help you!”

“i never ASKED for your help!” he retorted, clenching his fist around the hilt of one of his swords. he continued, “i never WANTED your help! i never NEEDED your help!”

a silence filled the room, as your face dropped and your heart sank into the dark void of your body. you opened your mouth to speak, but you couldn’t even form the words you wanted to. you weren’t even exactly sure what those words were.

“if i don’t do this now…then i may never have a chance to do it again. i have to do this, I thought you understood that.” his voice was full of disappointment, as he turned his back to you, as if you had meant nothing, as if this has all meant NOTHING.

you balled your fists, “i do understand that! but i also understand that there are battles that we are not prepared for just yet! kuina meant a lot to you, zoro. her dream has become yours, and you want nothing more than to achieve that for her. but you are not ready. letting you go would be suicide! kuina would not want that!”

“YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT SHE WOULD HAVE WANTED! YOU DIDN’T EVEN KNOW HER!” he snapped at you.

“YOU’RE RIGHT! I DIDN’T! BUT I KNEW SHE WOULDN’T WANT HER FRIEND DEAD! AND I’M NOT GOING TO SIT BACK AND LET THAT HAPPEN TO YOU!”

“then don’t. leave.”

“…what?”

just like that, you felt everything crash around you. leave? what did he mean 'leave'? leave and go where? how could you leave when this was all you knew? HE was all you knew. you were each other’s firsts. how….could you just leave?

how could he throw everything away? everything you were willing to stay and fix.

“leave! you don’t want to be here then go. nobody’s stopping you.”

he made it clear.

it couldn’t be any clearer than that.

with shaking hands, you slowly turned on your heel, putting one foot in front of the other, walking out of the dojo, walking away from your first love, walking away from the man you thought you would spend the rest of your life with.

you had hoped, he would have stopped you. that he would drop his swords and chase after you, pull you into a hug, and apologize for what he said. you had hoped you just start over, like none of this ever happened. that he would see that you meant well, that you just wanted to keep him safe, that he would stay here with you.

but that didn’t happen. tears flooded your cheeks, as you continued to walk home without him.

it was over, wasn’t it?

© MANGEKYUOU — do not copy, repost, or translate my works.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA in this friendship? give me a minute here, it's more complicated than it sounds

I'm 19 years old, female. So there's this friend, we'll call her B (also 19F). We've been friends for years, since elementary. We've been good friends for that time, I thought.

But especially during high school, it was hard to spend time with her. She was always convinced the friend group hated her even though all I'd ever hear was that they liked her and were confused/frustrated/hurt as to why she thought that. She's always had a lot of mental illness going on (depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc) so I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. She spent most of her time in another part of the school refusing to spend time with me or the friend group saying she wanted "alone time" even though she was surrounded by other friends.

I knew she was feeling unwanted within the friend group, so I tried to spend time with her when she would let me. But it kind of alienated me from the rest of the friend group so I spent a good portion of my lunches alone. Plus, even though she would say its ok for me to be there, sometimes it felt like she hated me and my presence. But then she would turn around and tell me I was the only one she could be truly honest with, etc, etc.

The reason I tried not to pay too much heed to the idea that she might really hate being my friend is because I also struggle with anxiety pretty badly. I've been working really really hard to just listen to what people tell me, because I can't trust what I'm telling me.

But this feeling continued after high school, and it felt like there was something I didn't know, like she secretly hated me and only put up with me.

Almost every time I would invite her to do something, she would try to invite someone else too. That's fine, but when it happens almost every time... it made me feel like I was unwanted.

I got really clingy. I'll admit that. I texted her often (most days a week) and would get anxious when she didn't respond within a couple of hours, leading to me double, triple texting most of the time. She told me not to text her during work, but how am I supposed to know for sure? She told me her hours once, but I have no record of it and I don't expect her to memorize my schedule so I feel like that's unfair. Plus, if I didn't press for an answer, I often wouldn't get one at all or wouldn't get one for days. Like one time I tried to schedule a time to hang out a few weeks in advance. She told me she would get back to me, but then the day before, still nothing. I texted over and over again, trying to get an answer, until she got mad at me for texting so much and told me she didn't think hanging out would work out. But the point is I got clingy, in a way that I understand made her anxious.

My anxiety got the better of me and I decided to stop contacting her. I held to it for a couple of months, aside from wishing her happy christmas/new years. But my birthday came and went for the second year in a row without a word, and I decided I needed to talk to her about it.

I did, and although she refused to do it in person like I wanted, I thought it was a pretty good conversation. She told me about a couple things I was doing to make her uncomfortable. I promised to work on those and being less clingy. I told her I need her to be honest about the things that bother her, and she said she needed time to work on that skill. She said she was thinking a month, maybe less, so i agreed not to contact her first during that time and she promised to contact me soon.

I didn't hear from her for three months. I finally broke down and texted her, asking to talk it out and telling her this arrangement wasn't working for me. She didn't respond for almost a week. I needed peace of mind, so I said I was done with waiting and I would be open to rekindling the friendship later, but I wasn't going to hold my foot in the door for her any longer. No response again.

I remembered I owed her money and asked her when would be a good time to drop it off (it was not like five bucks, it was a fair amount of money so I didn't want to like leave it on a doorstep or something). No response again for a day. I told her if I didn't hear from her in a couple of days I was going to keep the money.

She finally responded a day later, saying she didn't have the energy for a "high maintenance" friendship and to leave the money in her mailbox.

I don't know who was at fault here. I mean, I was clingy and I ended the friendship, but she didn't give me a chance to change and didn't stick to her word. But I don't know if contacting her again after those three months was clingy? I really don't know, and the end of this friendship has been tormenting me. I just want to know who was at fault and then I can deal with it, but I honestly don't know.

Also, WIBTA for contacting B again and trying to rekindle the friendship?

Please do not ask multiple questions in a single submission. It just confuses things and makes it hard for people to vote in the poll.

[wolfjackle-creates]

Ghost!Robin Part 7

All right! Here's part 7. I hope you enjoy. I don't think I really have any opening notes to go over this time, so I'll just leave it there. Check out the ask game I posted yesterday if you're interested.

This week you get a bit more than usual at 1.6k words.

First, Previous

----------

“What was that you meant about me being Jazz’s second dead boyfriend?”

Over his surprised laughter, he heard Jazz’s groan from across the hall. Yeah, he really did like Jason more than Johnny.

“One of my former rogues, Johnny 13, pretended to be human and started dating Jazz for a period. He was trying to mold her body into a vessel for his equally dead girlfriend Kitty. He had a similar bad-boy vibe to you but was actually awful. We might be cool now, but I’m still pissed he did that.”

Jason blinked at him before a slow grin took over his face. “So Jazz has a history of bad choices, does she? She always acts like she’s always had it together.”

“Oh definitely not. No child raised by our parents could have it always together.”

“Jazz refuses to talk about your parents, will you tell me what they did?”

Before Danny could answer, Jazz shouted his name. “Danny! If you’re done apologizing to Jason, start helping me explain!”

Danny rolled his eyes to Jason. “Later, I suppose. Duty calls! Come on, you’ve got to have a lot of questions, dead boyfriend number two, and yours will get priority answers.”

Jason’s surprised laugh made him grin despite the deepening glares of the other Waynes.

Surprisingly, it was Duke who blurted out a question in a high, freaked-out voice first. “Why do you have a crown?”

Danny, who’d turned and took all of one step in the direction of the dining hall, paused and turned back around. “How can you see that?” And then he realized the ground was still littered with broken glass and ceramics. “Never mind. Later. Let me clean up the broken glass and stuff first. Least I can do.”

Bruce’s hand landed heavy on his shoulder. “No. You will answer our questions now.”

Danny rolled his eyes. “Yeah, no. Look, the short of it is that I died when I was fourteen because I was stupid. It didn’t take and now I’m only half dead. I have a ghost form and a human form and all the standard ghost powers. The main ones being invisibility”—he turned invisible for a moment—“intangibility”—Bruce’s hand fell through his shoulder—“and gravity manipulation.” He raised in the air until he was floating a foot above the floor. “I also have some more unique powers, such as ice.” With a wave of his hand, ice grew around the shards of glass.

Alfred and Duke quickly backed away from the mess, but once every piece of broken china was encased, the ice stopped growing.

“So, if you’ll just tell me where I can dispose of the shards, I’ll be happy to do it. And this way no one has to be at risk of hurting themselves cleaning broken glass. Plus I got up all the fine powder, too. No little bits that can barely be seen but will fuck up your vacuum cleaner.”

“A handy skill,” said Alfred before anyone else could speak. “I will lead you to the bins.” To the rest of the group, he said, “Jason, would you and Duke collect the desserts from the kitchen and set up the dining room? As it appears we are all allies here, there is no reason to have this conversation standing in a hallway when we could have it sitting down with good food.”

“Alfred—” started Bruce.

Only to be cut off by the butler. “Master Bruce, I will be quite safe with the young man, I am sure of it. Jason’s… ghost has explained a few things already.” Only the slight pause before the word ghost betrayed that the man wasn’t entirely at ease.

Tim stepped forward. “Let me come with you both, Alfred?”

With a put upon sigh, the man agreed. “Very well, Master Tim, if you must. Mr. Danny, please follow me.”

“Yes, sir.” Danny followed obediently, the ice floating along behind him with barely a thought.

“You don’t need to make any sort of gesture to control the ice?” asked Tim.

Danny shook his head. “Nah. It’s my ice. It’ll do what I want it to. Most ghost powers are based on thought and emotion, honestly.” They took another turn. His castle didn’t even have this many hallways.

“So when you said the ghosts in Amity, you meant that literally.” Tim acted like it was a revelation.

“Of course I did. Shortly after my accident, ghosts started attacking on a regular basis. Took years for me to get things under control and by that point I’d already failed out of high school.”

“But if it was so hard… why didn’t you call the Justice League?”

Danny threw back his head and gave a hysterical laugh. “And then have to fight an overshadowed Superman? Or, worse yet, speedster? No. No thank you. Never. A representative of Justice League Dark stopped by about six or eight months after I got my powers and I told him to keep everyone out of my haunt. He gave me a phone number in case I came across something I couldn’t handle. But I kept being able to handle it, so I never used the number.”

“Overshadowed?” asked Alfred, “I do not believe we know that term. Ah, here we are.” He opened a door that led outside to a drive where a collection of garbage bins sat. “That container there”—he pointed—“is for glass recycling. Will the ice leave the bin filled with water?”

“Not at all. It’ll be completely gone.” Danny had the ice hover over the bin and made it disappear slowly enough that the shards were released without any falling outside the container. No water remained to show how he had transported them.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Danny. Now, overshadowing?” he asked as he held the door open for the boys to precede him inside.

“Oh, um. It’s like possession. Ghosts can take over a living being’s body. But when we do, we don’t have access to memories or knowledge or anything. And after the ghost leaves, the human just doesn’t remember anything from the time they were overshadowed.”

“And is this another of those basic ghost powers you have?” Tim’s voice was hard.

“Yes,” Danny answered simply. “It feels gross, though, and I’ve only done it a handful of times. Ever. First on my dad to get out of some school trouble, but I kept making things worse. After that on my friends and Jazz, with permission, so we could document limitations and if it hurt humans. Far as we could tell, it doesn’t.”

“You sound like a very conscientious young man. I have no doubt you use your powers responsibly.”

Danny laughed. “I screwed up more than a few times before I found ghost mentors. And ghosts are always a little chaotic, so some messing around is not only expected but encouraged.”

Alfred smiled. “I’m sure we will love hearing some of those stories as we get to know you and Ms. Jasmine better.”

“I can’t… I can’t tell you everything. There’s far too much and so much of it just doesn’t matter on Earth that it’d be pointless to go into.”

Danny saw Tim open his mouth to speak, but Alfred cut him off before he could. “I only want to know one thing: will Jason be all right?”

Danny smiled in relief. “Yes. That I can promise. I don’t know for sure how best to help him, but I’ve some ideas and I’ll consult with my doctors. They’re the leading experts in human-ghost biology.”

“Then I am glad you came tonight and were able to notice something was wrong. Thank you.”

With a shrug, Danny just said, “It’s literally my job. This is what I do.” Up ahead, he could see the doorway back to the dining room.

“If it’s your job, how much do we owe you?” asked Tim.

That question brought Danny up short. “Owe me? What are you talking about?”

“If you’re doing this for work,” said Tim as they entered the dining room, “Then you need to be paid somehow. If not by us, then how?”

“What are you lying about now, Danny?” asked Jazz, shaking her head at Tim’s question.

“Nothing! Tim asked why I’m planning on helping Jason and, besides the fact that he’s dating you and I’ll obviously help, I just said it’s literally my job. You heard his reaction to that!”

Bruce grunted. “Then I suppose you know where your explanations should begin. What is your job? A full explanation this time, please.”

“Right, yes, I can totally do that. I’m so great at explaining things.”

Jazz snickered at that statement and Danny poked her as he sat down next to her. Tim and Alfred took their seats as well.

“Now, Mr. Fenton.”

Danny winced at the name. “Don’t call me that. I’m not allowed that name anymore.”

“Danny, your job,” repeated Bruce, face expressionless.

“Right. Um… Well, I do just kinda do whatever is necessary or find someone who can. Because, um, well, I’m… kinda the High King of the Infinite Realms? There’s a bunch more titles after that but I refuse to memorize them because ugh.”

Danny looked down at his plate, not wanting to see everyone’s reactions. Jazz must’ve made sure he got a piece of pie because it sat in front of him. It looked so good. Did they even know about the Infinite Realms? Justice League Dark members did, but did Batman? Jazz reached over and took his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

----------

Next

Looks like Danny found another excuse to delay the interrogation! (I honestly forgot about the broken glass before Duke spoke up and asked about the crown. But I did always plan to have Danny clean it up.)

Tag List: I'm getting posting errors, so I'll be splitting the tag list in two.

@addie-lover-of-stories, @justwannabecat, @gin2212, @amercurio, @regonold, @overtherose, @readerzj, @sjrose1216, @echoednonny, @deeterzz, @blu-lilac, @number-one-jew, @rowanaway-fromthisbs, @vythika96, @tired-yet-awaken, @themirrorghost, @emeraldcorpral, @all-mights-asscheeks, @darkhinauniverse, @blep-23, @phandomhyperfixationblog, @larkcoe1, @thegatorsgoose, @job-ross-the-second, @britcision, @lenacraft, @bubblemixer, @androgynouslordofescapism, @purefrickingspite, @leftmiraclechaos, @lizisipancardo, @starlight-sparks

[starsurfacemortalkombat]

Politely asking for regressor Bi Han from mk1 headcanons please :)

I almost feel bad, you asked so politely and I'm warning you now, some of these are kinda sad . . . <3

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Regressor Bi-Han Hcs

❄️ Regresses to about 2-3, sometimes older though

❄️ Involuntarily regressed for the longest time and it terrified him, started regressing when he was about 13

❄️ Did not do CGs for the longest time

❄️ It wasn't until Kuai Liang and Tomas began regressing with or around him that he even thought about

❄️ And even then, you gotta be really, really close to him

❄️ Grew up with a constant fear in mind that someone will walk in, some one will catch him, someone will hurt him while he's vulnerable

❄️ Personal Headcanon that'll effect the rest of my requests: I don't think Bi-Han is a horrible brother. Not a good one, he definitely doesn't like Tomas. But Tomas will glare back at him and mouths him back, things people don't do to abusers.

❄️ ^ I think in the scene where we saw them fight that Bi-Han took it a bit too hard, because yes, Tomas did look genuinely hurt. But I've said things that hurt my own brother before and didn't apologize until later.

❄️ ^ Unfortunately they with both children forced into a terrible situation with no say of their own

❄️ Now, back onto regression hcs-

❄️ Tomas was the first one who found him regressed and it was one of the few times Tomas had ever seen Bi-Han cry

❄️ They were angry tears, and he didn't speak to Tomas for days later, but eventually Tomas sat them both down and they ‘spoke’ (Bi-Han didn't say much, but Tomas found some fruit on his bedside table the next day with a note that only said Bi-Han's name)

❄️ Tomas, Kuai Liang, and himself are his most preferred CGs >:/

❄️ (^ He's had some babysitters, but it took a couple of playdates to even think of it)

❄️ Actually really likes it when Raiden watches him because Raidens really calm and can handle young regressors really well

❄️ ^ Does NOT like hanging out with Kung Lao when hes also small though, he makes too much of a ruckus!! >:(

❄️ Very grumpy baby

❄️ Won't tell you what's wrong, he'll just pout and glare and have tears in his eyes as he stares at the floor

❄️ It can be a bit frustrating, but he knows your doing your best and will cuddle up to you out of apologies

❄️ Lashes out a lot while small

❄️ The easiest things can set him off into a fit of screaming and hitting

❄️ Please don't leave him during this time, just let him act out for a few minutes before hiccuping and looking up at you in shame

❄️ You have to tell him that he's still a good boy, but that's not how we handle our very big and negative emotions

❄️ Experiment with different ways to work with his feelings (blowing finger candles is his personal favorite, but he also thinks it's too silly for him so you have to prompt it)

❄️ No is his favorite and least favorite word

❄️ Hates hearing it from you, but loves hearing it himself

❄️ Hissy fits are also common where he'll stomp his foot and scowl

❄️ Although the softest coe and asking him what's making him all upset makes him melt very quickly and sheepishly whisper what's wrong

❄️ If he's verbally communicating, his voice is very quiet, but he's trying

❄️ Doesn't like watching cartoons but will do so if it means he can cuddle you for a long period of time

❄️ Pulls a Liu Kang and refuses to regress for weeks on end until he drops incredibly hard and is totally dependent on someone (he hates it)

❄️ ^ Kuai Liang and Tomas are working on him with it, don't you worry

❄️ Once had such a stressful week and pushed back his regression for so long that he regressed really young for almost three days straight

❄️ ^ It was also kinda his eye opening that maybe he needed to change some habits of his

❄️ It's a struggle to let himself be vulnerable at times so he'll demand that he changes the channel or cooks his own food

❄️ But only gets more frustrated with himself that he can't do any of the stuff!! >:(

❄️ Just gently shush him and tell him that he doesn't have to be all big and strong anymore, he can be a baby, it's okay

❄️ When he's not throwing a tantrum or having a hissy fit, a pretty good boy

❄️ Pouty, scowly, but also constantly seeks your attention and praise

❄️ Cuddly, but he has to reach out first

❄️ Doesn't speak much unless he has a complaint or is upset, he just doesn't like talking while small

❄️ Unless its a complaint, will complain about everything you do because it's ‘not right’, like putting his goldfish in the wrong bowl and flat out refusing to eat out of them now

❄️ Tell him you don't like being birrated, and his complaining will go to more whiney because he doesn't want to make you feel bad

❄️ He knows he's a lot to handle while regressed, especially if he's had a bad day, and will buy you things when he's bigger as a thanks

❄️ I know it's frustrating at times, but don't yell at him please

❄️ He hates it, he despises yelling, it terrifies him

❄️ Can't do punishments either

❄️ ^ Either of these could cause him to withdraw from you while he's small, and maybe even big

❄️ (Although if all you did was slightly raise your voice when he was upset, he won't entirely run away, he knows it was probably an accident)

❄️ Sitting down, talking about what's wrong, maybe even writing it all out and tearing up the paper later, that's what he'd prefer

❄️ And he is getting better as time goes on, it's really rough at first, but eventually he'll go more for his blowing candles and paper ripping than full on screaming and hitting

❄️ Favorite little nicknames are Snowflake, Sweetie, Baby Boy, Little One, Tough Guy, and Icey

❄️ Favorite little activity has to be reading his nursery rhyme book and cuddling

❄️ Doesn't have any regression items, it too scared to actually own any

❄️ But he has this thick nursery rhyme book that he really likes you to read to him

❄️ Please do voices, it makes him really happy and smiley 🥺

❄️ If you ever got him a paci, he might freak at first, but he does adore it

❄️ Although he'll only use it with his mask on so you can't see

❄️ Although one day he sheepishly used it without his mask, only to hide in your neck

❄️ Your his CG, and he loves you, and he's very thankful to have you in his life <3

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

I love him, I do, but Pookie over here needs to learn how to heal a little bit. He's doing great though (I'm my own mind :3)

[mychoombatheroomba]

Don't Let Go

Between the Bones (Leon x GN! Reader) - Chapter 36

You get some unexpected support, and you and Leon come to an understanding that neither of you likes.

(Cross-posted from Ao3)

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Chapter Index

They had the day off, but the first thing that everyone wanted was answers.

To his credit, Krauser took the time to answer them all as best he could. 

“Why didn’t you warn us?” 

“I didn’t know.”

“Do they have the authority to even do that?” 

“. . . Yes.” 

“What are they so afraid of us blabbing about?” 

“You’ll be learning that in the coming weeks.” 

“Are those assholes really going to be staying?” 

“Yes.”

Leon stood in the back as the rest of the squad learned what he already knew: what they’d suffered for. What some of them were being sent home for. No one was happy with the answers given, but most understood. Leon understood. The reasoning, at least. Not the practice. Not the torture. He would never understand that. 

Nor would he understand the answer to the question Valeria hissed out, one that had been eating away at Leon, too. The one thing he wasn’t reasonably sure of, on Krauser’s end regarding the whole experience. 

“They had our letters,” she said, her foot tapping against the floor beneath where she sat on her bunk. “From months back.” 

Leon watched shadow overtake Krauser’s eyes, that crease between his brows deepening. 

“Hadn’t heard from my mom. Is it because they held those letters from us?” 

Krauser nodded once, his gaze unwavering even if it was full of regret. “Yes.” 

“And you knew?” Valeria pressed, hurt evident in her features. 

Another pause, before Krauser nodded. “Yes. STRATCOM procedure. No communication with the world outside during training.” 

“So any letters we sent home . . .” 

“. . . Were never sent.”

Top-secret shit, even before the bioweapons were brought into play. 

Not that it made the pill any easier to swallow. 

Still, the Major didn’t try to shift the blame off of himself, even as Valeria fixed him in a scalding glare. If looks could kill, Jack Krauser would be a pile of ash on the ground. “That’s bullshit,” Valeria snapped. “Sir.” 

“Watch that tone, Soto,” Krauser met her, steel for steel. Leon had seen the man make soldiers give him fifty push-ups for mouthing off . . . but he’d also seen him allow Leon to speak his mind. He’d seen the Major listen to Leon’s own concerns, even if the Major seemed to like quite literally everyone else better than him. So, even if he barked at Valeria now, Leon wasn’t surprised when a moment later, the Major just gave her an apologetic look. There were a lot of those that he gave that morning, until there were no more questions. 

None that anyone was brave enough to ask, anyway. 

Their personal effects were passed back out to them - the ones that had been abandoned in the Humvees when Reed and Hellman had taken the squad. Three days ago. Three days and a lifetime, it felt like. 

Just like how Raccoon City felt like a lifetime in one night. 

Pain had a way of doing that, didn’t it? Warping the world. A day became forever, forever became attached to the idea of something terrible. A cage with no bars. He wondered how long he and the rest would be stuck in that cage? How long the bruises would take to heal, how often, like last night, someone would hear movement in the barracks and jolt awake, expecting a blow for having fallen asleep . . .

Everyone was still so quiet as they unloaded their freshly returned packs. Hard not to be when Andersen and the other three who had failed were there, not bothering to join in the unpacking. What was the point if they were going to be gone by tomorrow anyway?

As for the rest, the day was theirs to do with as they pleased, and no one had any idea how to spend that free time. 

Not until heavy footfalls against the floor made Leon and those around him - Alenko, Williams and Valeria - look up, and they found the Major standing there, his hands behind his back. He looked at each of them, gaze sweeping from right to left before landing on Leon and hardening. Sharpening. Leon was sure then that he was about to hear a speech about his failure. About how he’d broken and the only reason that he and Valeria were being allowed to stay were because of Krauser’s own intervention. Or maybe that this entire thing was because of a request that Leon made. He could think of no other reason for the loathing in that stare. 

Instead, the Major looked back at the group as a whole. “Heard you had some trouble back at Fort Benning,” he said, and Leon’s brow furrowed. So the conversation wasn’t going to be about the beatings taken in those cells, but rather the one that he and the others had taken in defense of one another. “Got a call from Commander Cortez a few days back. Said you got into a fight. That you put twelve of his men in the hospital. That true?” 

That, too, seemed like a lifetime ago. Alenko was the one to nod and answer Krauser’s question. “Yes, sir.” He frowned as he spoke, the expression tugging at the splotches of blue and purple on his face. 

Krauser nodded once, his face set in stone. 

“Good,” he finally said, and Leon recognized veiled pride in his eyes. “Make sure you don’t end up in the hospital too, next time.” 

It was one of the few orders that Major Krauser had given in his time here that Leon agreed with. 

Of course, when the Major unclasped his hands and tossed what he’d been holding onto the bunk nearest him, Leon felt an entirely different wave of emotion sweep through him. The little radio rolled onto its back as it landed amidst the scratchy blankets, leaving a flash of recognition to cross Williams’ and Alenko’s faces as they saw it. The same radio that had been in Cortez’s office. The same one you’d somehow stolen for them, that you’d all been listening to on the ride home before everything went wrong. 

Krauser was giving it back to them. 

“And don’t make a habit of stealing from your Commanding Officers.” 

Leon might have laughed, under different circumstances. 

Instead, he found himself even more surprised as Krauser went on, this time looking towards Valeria. “Your letters,” he began, “they were from your mother?” Hellman must have told him, then. Or maybe Krauser had read the letters himself, after the fact. Leon hoped that wasn’t the case. He hoped he hadn’t read through Sherry’s letters before Leon even had the chance to. Still, he knew enough about the contents to ask.

Valeria’s mouth twitched down, and she nodded once in response, stiff and all too plainly upset. 

Krauser nodded too, and again Leon saw conflict in the Major’s face. Whatever combat his thoughts were doing, though, it was over quickly. “I’ll do what I can to get you clearance to write home. All of you.” 

That was all Krauser said . . . but just before he turned away, his eyes found Leon again. Fixed on him like crosshairs. The words spoken were all that were said, but Leon could see that Krauser had more to say. Something lurking just beneath the surface, unformed but sharp. Leon only glimpsed it for a moment, but it was there all the same. Leon almost didn’t care if the Major was angry, now though. Because even if he didn’t have a home to write to, really, he could write to Sherry. 

He might be able to tell her he was sorry for not answering her letters. To tell her he was okay, to make sure that she was alright too. 

So, whatever was behind the sharp look that he received now, Leon just met that sharpness with gratitude. He didn’t get much but a moment of that gaze losing its edge. Just a second or two, and then the moment was gone, and so was Major Krauser, moving down the rows of bunks. He hesitated as he neared Andersen, the older soldier sitting on the edge of his bunk, looking shell-shocked. 

Krauser looked down at him, his jaw tensing as he reached out a hand, patting the other man on the shoulder. 

Then, lifting his chin, he left the barracks. 

More silence followed, until at last, Williams spoke up. “Looks like Sarge was right about him being proud,” she muttered, watching as he stepped through the door. 

There was no doubt in Leon’s mind. Jack Krauser was an asshole. He had a sadistic streak. He liked to push people and he would never apologize for doing it. All of that was still true. 

But maybe you’d been right about more than just Krauser being proud of you all. 

“Do you buy it?” Alenko asked, looking over at Leon. “That he didn’t know about Reed and Hellman?” He didn’t sound overly skeptical. Just like he wanted to be sure. That he needed that one last opinion that reinforced his own. 

You had faith in the Major. Leon had criticized you for that, once. 

Now he understood it better. 

“He’s telling the truth,” Leon nodded, and he could have sworn he felt hell freeze over because he was defending Krauser of all people. “You saw how he reacted to . . .” to your injury. Leon had seen it up close and personal. The shock that mutated into rage. Rage enough to make Krauser nearly do something stupid. 

“Yeah,” Alenko conceded, knowing well enough what Leon was referring to. They’d all seen the concern the Major had for you. The regret he’d hidden poorly as he answered the questions today. He had not meant you all to come to harm. Not like that. 

Didn’t change the fact that you were still going to be hospitalized for who-knew-how-long. 

“Never seen him worried like that,” Williams nodded, shaking her head. 

“Never seen Sarge hurting like that either,” Alenko said, and tensed when he felt Valeria’s gaze turn on him. She was still feeling guilty, Leon could see it. Alenko could too, shutting his mouth when he realized he’d just reminded Valeria of what she’d inadvertently caused. 

Because Reed and Hellman had asked about the two of you specifically. That’s what Valeria had said last night, and those words had Leon on edge. That’s what made him worry even now that there was danger, even now that they were all free of those cells. 

You’d told him last night that you couldn’t risk him being there, and you hadn’t known how right you’d been. 

The two of you had been obvious with your care for one another. So, even if she’d given up information about you two being close, Leon didn’t blame Valeria for what happened. Even if it was clear that she blamed herself. 

Maybe that was why, after a moment, she reached for the radio that Krauser had left on the cot in front of her, and stood. “Come on then,” she said to the group, and her voice had more resolve in it than Leon had heard in a long while. 

“Where are you-”

“We weren’t the ones that stole the radio, right? And Sarge is gonna get a lot more use out of it than we are.” 

It was a day for looking past old angers, Leon found. He hadn’t liked Valeria much before the trip to Fort Benning. That had changed steadily while there. Now, though, as she marched off in an effort to try and alleviate your loneliness, whether to lessen her guilt or because she genuinely cared for you, Leon didn’t care. What mattered was the effort. It mattered that someone besides him cared enough to think of that before he could even voice it. 

And Leon, for the first time in the last few days, smiled. He didn’t hesitate as he stood alongside her, following her as she moved towards the door. It didn’t take long before Williams and Alenko were following along, too. 

⧫⧫⧫

As soon as you heard the knock on the door, you steeled yourself. 

You weren’t sure how you were going to tell Leon. Distancing yourself had been the first instinct. You were good at that. It would be easy. Well, not easy, but doable. You’d done it once before, after all. 

It had left you feeling like shit, and it hadn’t solved anything. 

You’d both promised to talk about what you were feeling. It was a promise you regretted now that it made things more difficult, but you wanted to honor it. You owed him that much. So, you’d torn your mind apart all morning trying to put together the right words. 

Krauser knows-

Reed and Hellman will be watching-

We can’t-

All of them seemed like bullshit, even if the concerns Krauser had raised were valid. Real. Just as the happiness that Leon Kennedy brought you was real, too. The most real thing you’d felt in months, besides that old and aching pain that you could never be rid of. Pain that was dulled and, sometimes, forgotten around the man you’d come to care for so much. The man you’d watched grow into a stronger person, inside and out. The man you would take a thousand hits for. 

You couldn’t just let that go. 

So when you heard that knock, you weren’t sure what the hell you were supposed to do because Leon wouldn’t want to end this. Not now. And neither did you. 

The door opened and you found yourself speaking on instinct alone. “You shouldn’t be in here,” you repeated the words from the night before, not looking up from that spot on the floor you’d chosen as yours. 

And then you regretted not looking up as soon as you heard a smoky but strained voice reply. “Nice to see you too.” 

Your head snapped up and you pushed yourself up from bed, thanking the pain meds in your system for allowing the movement. Valeria didn’t wait to be invited in. Neither did any of the three people following her. Alenko and Williams gave you gentle, apologetic smiles as they followed the shorter woman in, and you felt your heart splinter because you’d thought to spend this day alone, like the last time. You thought you’d have to push Leon away the moment he stepped through the door, just for the sake of keeping up appearances. 

Instead, you found yourself looking at your squad mates with wide eyes. 

And when Leon did walk through the door, you felt that splintered heart break apart when he smiled at you. 

“Hey,” he greeted, and you knew this conversation was going to hurt. Both of you. 

But what conversation was it going to shape up to become? 

You didn’t know, and, as you looked at the four visitors in front of you, you decided that maybe you didn’t want to know, either. 

“Hey,” you said. “What are you all-”

“We got the day off,” Valeria answered. “Figured you could use the company.” 

“If you wanted it,” Leon added, giving you an understanding look. 

You’d been alone during your recovery from Finland. Krauser had checked in on you when he could, but he had a life and duties to attend to. The nurses that pitied you had made for shitty companions. Not that you’d wanted anyone, anyway. Solitude. That had been your companion and your shield. You’d thought just Leon had the ability to break down that barricade around you. 

You’d been wrong. 

It wasn’t quite a smile that you gave the group as you nodded, but it was close enough. “Okay.” 

That surprise and that slight smile only grew as Valeria held out her arm and presented you with none other than the little radio you’d stolen from Cortez’s office. “Think you’re missing this, too.” 

You weren’t sure what to think as you took the radio from her. Valeria seldom did anything without cause. What was her reasoning for this? For being, well, downright kind to you? You didn’t know, and, honestly? In that moment, when you had been so sure you’d been condemned to isolation in every possible way, you decided that you didn’t care, either. 

So, you settled the radio between your hands, fighting back the new kind of pain in your chest. One not born of your cracked ribs or the fear that Krauser’s words had instilled in you. 

This pain was sweeter. One you hadn’t felt in a long, long time. 

“Thank you,” you murmured, looking from Valeria, to Leon, and then the rest. 

Valeria just shrugged. “You’re no fun when you’re miserable. So pick a station and let’s fucking relax for once.” 

You couldn’t really argue with that, so you flipped switches and dials until you heard a synth beat and vocals you hadn’t heard in so long. A song from another life. 

“. . . there’s no turning back.”

“Even while we sleep . . .”

“Shit,” Alenko smiled wide as he took a seat a ways away from the bed you sat in. “I love this song!”

Williams just nodded, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning against the wall. “Least it’s not the Spice Girls,” she mumbled over her split lip before she looked over at the rest of you who, back in the Humvee, had made her sit through one of their songs. It seemed her opinion of them hadn’t improved. “Respectfully, they’re shit.” The near-apology was delivered with a near-smile to match. 

“Well, Williams,” you found yourself saying, even if your words were muted by the ordeal you’d just been through. Still, there was something familiar there. Something you’d rediscovered at Fort Benning, and were glad to find at your fingertips now; humor. That was what ever-so-slightly colored your words as you told Williams, “ respectfully, go fuck yourself.” 

An Army brat like you, Williams just smirked right back. 

“Help me make the-”

“Most of freedom and of pleasure-”

“Nothing ever lasts forever . . .” 

It made it easier, having them there. There weren’t many words, but there didn’t need to be. You all just listened to the song as it played, finding a comfortable state of quiet between each other. Valeria moved to lean against the wall by Williams’ side. Leon . . . you could tell he wanted to move closer to you. You wanted that too. You wanted it to be just the two of you, like in the hospital in Fort Benning, but Krauser’s warning hung over your head. 

“There’s a room where the light won’t find you-”

“Holding hands as the walls come tumbling down-”

“When they do, I’ll be right behind you . . .”

Being alone with him was dangerous, more so now than it ever had been. That didn’t change simply because you wanted his presence or company. Your desire for him wouldn’t be pitied in a court martial. Not if Reed and Hellman were already looking at you like an infected limb that needed to be cut away.

You needed to heal, and Leon needed to finish this training. You both did. You’d just never thought it would be apart. 

“So glad we almost made it . . .”

So . . . you would be alone with him one more time. At least for a while. 

“So sad they had to fade it . . .”

You hoped he would understand that this was for the best, for now. 

The song eventually finished and you looked up to meet his eyes. You’d learned to speak without words to each other, now. So many stolen glances and nights spent side by side, in training or with him pressed up against the wall of the mess hall, you had a language all your own. Insight into each other’s thoughts. And as you looked into those ocean blues, you saw your own thoughts reflected back at you. 

There was a talk to be had, and both of you knew it. 

⧫⧫⧫

The day went on and eventually the others left. Alenko was first, saying he was going to go in search of food. Had to be desperate, to want what the mess hall served, but Leon didn’t begrudge him. The hunger of those three days had left them all empty just as much as the rest of the experience had. 

Williams went next, saying she needed to move, to make up for those days spent in captivity. Valeria didn’t take much convincing when asked to join her.

Leon almost told them to be careful. To not let the agents see them. 

To not end up in the predicament that the two of you were in. 

A situation that became clear and present, once the two of you were left alone, the radio playing on. 

“How are you feeling?” He knew what the answer would be, but he asked anyway.

“They gave me pain meds,” you shrugged as best you could, “so not that bad right now.” 

At least there was that. Even if you shouldn’t have had to be in the infirmary in the first place. “Have they told you how long you’ll be on bed rest?” Leon asked, because he didn’t want to have the other conversation. Not yet. 

The mirth that had been present on your face, however muted, faded. “It was a six week recovery last time. For the bones.” 

“Six?” The number sounded so much worse than what Leon had imagined. He remembered his own long recovery from the gunshot wound he’d suffered in Raccoon City. It had seemed long then, but he hadn’t been kept from anything. It hadn’t stopped him from living his life. Not that he’d done much living after that night anyway. Still, he couldn’t imagine what this was like to you, because it would be six weeks without physical training. Six weeks without sparring, without being able to clear your head in the way Leon knew you would need. Six weeks of what would be hell to you. 

And if you couldn’t train for combat like the rest of them . . . would you be able to graduate with the rest? With him? 

“You need to keep practicing,” you told him, and by the stiffness of your words, Leon could tell that you were thinking of exactly what he was thinking of. It sounded like you were telling him to go on without you. “Train with the others, but ask Krauser to spar too. He’s the best. He’ll kick your ass, but he’ll make you better.”

“You say that like you’re not gonna-”

“I’m not gonna be able to spar with you, Leon. Not for a while. I’m not gonna be there. You can’t let yourself fall behind with me.” 

The words, while well intentioned, were painful to hear aloud. True, but painful because after months of training with you, he couldn’t imagine not being by your side. He didn’t want to have to train for hell on earth and not know that you would be there to face it with him. 

But you were right. 

As unfair as it was, as completely and utterly shitty, you were right. 

“Okay,” he nodded. “But then when you’re better, we’ll catch you back up.” Because he knew you would need it. He knew you’d want it, too. That after so long letting your body heal, you would want nothing more than to throw yourself back into the swing of things. 

The trouble was-

“Leon . . .” you shook your head, and he knew that the conversation he’d dreaded was here. “Krauser knows.” 

Just like that, the color drained from his face. You’d never been one to beat around the bush, but those words were like being doused in ice water.

“About . . .”

“Us.” 

He felt a pit open up in his stomach that threatened to turn him inside-out, and all he could do was sit on the bed beside you. The jaws were closing in. Had that been the cause of that look from Krauser earlier? Had the Major been looking at him with such disdain because of that?

“. . . Fuck.” It was really all he could say. Why even warn you about Reed and Hellman if the game was already over . . .

“He’s not going to report it.” 

. . . or maybe not as over as Leon had thought. 

“What?” he blinked, turning to look at you without bothering to hide his confusion. Major Krauser hadn’t exactly been by the books, as far as Leon knew, but he’d been so adamant about respecting the order of things. This whole mess had happened because he’d not wanted to step outside the bounds of red tape. Why the hell hadn’t he reported fraternization? 

“Said he doesn’t care. But he also said that Reed and Hellman will.” 

Leon nodded, trying to reconcile all the mismatched thoughts and solutions buzzing around his mind. 

“So he’s saying he won’t stop us but if we get found out we’re fucked.” 

You just nodded, the air growing heavier and heavier with each moment. Because Leon knew where this was going, just as much as you did. 

Leon pursed his lips, looking down. “They asked about us during the interrogations,” he finally said. “Reed and Hellman. Valeria told me they were asking.” 

It was your turn to frown, he could see it out of the corner of his eyes. He wouldn’t rat Valeria out, but you deserved to know that the agents were onto you, even if Krauser wouldn’t be the one to confirm it.

Why wouldn’t he confirm it?

“Then they’ll be watching.” 

Leon nodded once, feeling emptiness beginning to set in. “So what do you want to do?” he asked, dreading the answer because he’d heard the distance in your voice last night, and he could hear it even then. He’d heard it once before, after you’d kissed him that first night and tried to convince yourself and him that it was a mistake. 

The difference was that, then, he’d seen that emptiness in your eyes, too. He’d seen you retreating into yourself. 

He knew you well enough now to know that the look that he saw in your eyes didn’t match the attempt at distance in your voice. Because, as you turned your gaze up towards him, Leon could see only conflict. Only you, a casualty of the crossfire between what your mind had to be telling you and what your heart wanted. When you answered, that conflict was all the more apparent. “You know what I want. But we have to be smart about this. Because if Krauser knows - and has for months now - then Reed and Hellman will pick up on it too, and they’re already gunning to cut me for this shit,” you gestured down to your ribs, and Leon swore he heard your voice waver.  

“They wanted me out, too,” Leon admitted, and he watched some fear seep into your expression. “Krauser convinced them to let me stay.” 

And again, Leon found himself wondering why?

“They wanted . . . why?” you asked. Why they’d wanted Leon gone - that’s what you were asking about. 

“Because I broke,” he admitted, his voice hushed. Not ashamed, but overwhelmed by other emotions. “When they were hurting you, I had to get them to stop. So I was going to tell them what they wanted to know. Right before Krauser got there.” 

You looked at him then, silent, your eyes piercing his own. Searching and seeing straight through him, just as you always had. 

You had suffered on account of him. It was the last thing he ever wanted for you, but you’d endured it. You’d taken pain for him, in fights and behind bars, and you’d been taking pain from him for far longer. With your company, with your touch. You’d helped each other learn to walk again. It was what had made him fall in love with you, even if it had been something that happened to him at the end of your knife. 

He loved you. So, he made a decision. 

“Look,” he went on, turning to face you more, feeling something in him building. A resolve or a desperate hope, he wasn’t sure. “I’ll focus on training. I’ll work with Krauser, I’ll . . . I’ll only visit you with the others, if you think it’ll be less suspicious. But I’m not leaving you here by yourself. I’m not letting go of this. I can’t do that. Not if you don’t want to let go, either.” 

He watched you, feeling emotion overtaking him. Bearing down on him, nearly making him shake because it had all been too much. Raccoon City. STRATCOM. All the hurts he’d suffered - that you’d suffered - and the best thing to come from it all had been this. You. 

So, his throat constricting, he hoped that you felt the same way. 

For a moment, he worried, because you were staring at him like he was something you could never have. He saw the regret in your eyes, the tension in your body, like you were bracing for some great pain. It all faded, though, and the corners of your mouth turned up just a bit. The dark of night graying as the sun tried to appear once more. 

It was all the warning he had before your lips were on his, and Leon felt the resolve he’d built up for months, the guard he’d put around himself in that prison, crumble. Emotion and relief flooded him, and his hand shook a bit as he lifted it to your face. It was different from the kisses the two of you had stolen in the shadows. Different than the sweet one he’d given you in the hospital at Fort Benning. This was all longing. Wordless in its declaration. He held you gently, no longer needing to memorize the feel of you but trying to hold on to every detail anyway. 

Because he didn’t know when he’d next get the chance to kiss you. Or hold you. Or be with you the way he wanted. 

But he wasn’t letting go. 

“I don’t want to let go, either,” you told him, your lips against his. “I don’t know when we’ll be able to-”

“Neither do I,” Leon admitted, as the words tore at him. “But . . . we’ll find a way.” 

He had to believe that. 

He had to believe that this wedge being driven between the two of you wouldn’t change what he felt. And to that end, he would watch. He would find moments of safety for the two of you, he would learn to play the spy game if it meant he could steal a few heartbeats with you. He’d wait for those moments, and he’d wait for you. 

However long it took. 

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Chapter Index

[oxpogues4lifexo]

Keeping up with the Camerons

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Keeping up with the Camerons

Episode 1 - Kildare Royalty - Part 3

Episode transcript (/ means cut scene, bold italics means narrator, bold means host)

Word Count: 3K

Part 2 Here

"Are you having a girls night tonight? Seeing as everyone's here!"

"What do you mean? Sorry. Bella isn't here?" She tilts her head in confusion, having to push her glasses back up the bridge of her nose.

Ryan sniffles, holding back an obvious laugh, "Bella's.. Bella's on the boat! You didn't know that?"

"Bella's here??" Her demeanour changes. Her body lifts as her eyes light up, a soft smile taking her lips. She grips onto the edge of the couch to hold herself from getting up.

"Uh yes she is!" There's a small pause. Ryan watches Wheezie as if she was about to say something and Wheezie waits for Ryan to move the conversation along, feeling slightly uncomfortable in the silence.

He coughs and his fingers find his hair, "Would you uh.." He contemplates his next words not knowing if he should cut the interview short or not. "Do you want to go?"

You see her lips quiver, her mouth opening and closes contemplating the same exact thought before settling back down into the couch. "No, no.. I shouldn't! I mean.. I can see her later!" The tone of her voice was evidently disappointed. With how sweet she's been and how patient she was Ryan couldn't help but feel bad for her determination for the show; when everyone else was quick to move on.

"No it's fine you go! We had finished the questions anyways." He gives her a reassuring smile as he stands up. He lied straight through his teeth it was obvious. This whole time there were no set questions. Anyone could've known that. But with Wheezie's mind somewhere else she didn't even think to question him.

Her lips grow wider as she lifts herself from the couch, opening her arms wide to gesture a hug. Ryan takes the opportunity, gently patting her back and whispering in her ear.

Barely made out by the camera, "You deserve it.."

She smiles once more, waving bye to the camera before running off quickly outside.

/

"Sarah I didn't want to bring this up but I'm not sure what else to ask really. Wheezie told me that you and Bella don't like each other. Why?"

"Uhh.. I dont understand? I never said I don't like her? We just don't talk."

"Sarah?" A small voice radiates through the air causing the blonde to look away from the camera.

"Hey Wheez, you okay?"

"Yeah. Um.. Topper wants you!" She plays with the string of her bikini that she only just changed into from the boat.

"Okay. Well Ryan said we're finished so I'll be out in a second!"

"Okayyyy!" Wheezie skips off back outside.

/

And with that the interviews were done.

More will be revealed throughout the rest of the week so don't worry about the lack of questions. We're finding everything out at the same time as the rest of you!

Whilst Rose makes dinner and Ward gives us a tour, the kids take some time to rest on the boat. The cameramen and I will join them but after today, all filming at home will be done by pre-setup cameras. You'll see me around from time to time but other than that, my time here in TannyHill has come to an end!

Thank you.

/

"Oh my god??"

"Topper stop your gonna get hurt!"

"Top your not close enough!"

"Rafe??"

"What's going on here?" Ryan steps into the boat, the sudden shock causes Topper to lose his footing and fall off the edge of the boat, a big splash of water hitting everyone close enough, including Ryan.

The kids all can't help but laugh, Rafe's radiates in the air whilst Wheezie covers her mouth, knowing she shouldn't really be laughing. The only person not to laugh would be Sarah. She quickly runs over to the edge of the boat and leans over, giving Topper her hand to pull him back up.

"Thanks.." He wraps his arms round himself as he tries his best not to shiver whilst Bella runs inside to grab him a towel.

"Um. Im sorry I didn't mean to scare you."

Topper scoffs, "Scare me? You didn't scare me don't worry. I just.. slipped!"

Kelce and Rafe both look at one another, whispering something inaudible to the cameras.

"Top you wouldn't have fallen if you weren't scared!" Bella mocks as she hands him the towel, his eyes snap to her. She giggles quietly as she stares back, "What's wrong?"

"Say that again Bells.. I dare you!"

She shrugs, dropping herself beside Rafe, his grip on her waist was tight enough that she wasn't scared for Toppers reaction, "Okay! You wouldn't have fallen if you weren't scared!" She giggles again, this time slightly muffled as Topper jumps for her, the towel falling off him as he chases Bella inside.

"For fuck sake.." An unfamiliar voice speaks up. Ryan and the others look over at him.

"Cal I swear just leave her be for once." He mumbles sharply, eyes burrowing into Callum's skull.

Despite Rafe's attempt at stopping his next move, Callum ignores him and gets up anyways.

"Dude?? It's not like he's gonna hurt her. Jesus calm down!" Kelce steps in, as he noticed the look in Rafe's eyes.

//

"Rafe can't stand the way Cal treats Bella. It's obvious I'm sure you've all noticed it too. But to be fair we all can't. It's not like Topper did anything wrong and as far as we all knew, Bella was smiling and laughing and everything. She was fine. Cal was just being unnecessary!" Kelce states, later on in the evening. The air was cooler and the sky was dark. He was outside by the pool, slightly private from the rest of his friends in the living room. The host was taking turns to pull them out separately to speak on the day. Just like he did with the rest of the family earlier.

//

Callum takes a glance at Kelce before noticing a camera inside the boat. Whatever happens, it'd be caught on camera. He has nothing to worry about. Without a word he sits himself back down next to Rafe.

"Dude just gotta chill alright." Rafe slaps his arm.

Ryan places himself on the edge of the boat as he watches Topper and Bella come back outside, Bella now on his back giggling to herself.

"Wheezie!" Roses voice appears from around the corner. Wheezie's eyes widen and she quickly runs off back down the dock. Sarah also lifts herself from the chair, "I'm gonna go too.." she mutters to Topper before placing a kiss to his cheek and stepping away from the boat.

/

"Sarah's avoiding the cameras! She hates it. Unless it's about her or she's asked a question she has no reason to be on it and therefore she won't be. It's fair enough. I just don't get it tho like this shows about her you know?" Topper explains as he runs his fingers through his golden strands.

/

"Well.. nice to meet you all!"

Everyone repeats his words back as they turn themselves to face the camera. "Well Rafe mentions how you've all been friends for some time. How did that all start?"

They all look at one another waiting for someone to answer. No one does for an awkward minute so Bella speaks up, "Well I mean, after mine and Cals dad passed we moved in here with Rafe. And by that point he was already friends with Topper and Kelce so we all just got close through each other!"

"Bella, Sarah mentioned how you two don't talk anymore? Why?"

Her shoulders shrug as her eyes follow to her brother. "I'm not too sure. We were friends for a few years and then she kinda just.. stopped talking to me. I don't know people grow out of things I guess.."

"Oh that's a shame. But you have these four now!"

"Yep! And I wouldn't change it for anything!" She smiles softly, the boys coo at her as Rafe wraps his arm round her neck, pulling her closer to his chest. He places a kiss to her head as the other boys start making out with the air.

Bella giggles at the joke but Cal wasn't taking it as he chucks an empty can at their heads, ultimately silencing the group.

The awkward silence causes a few quiet giggles which soon erupt into a mass of laughter.

One look at the other and they cracked. So they forced themselves to stop and look anywhere but each other.

"You guys seem like you get along very well-" A few snickers follow, "In every group there's a dynamic right? Like the funny one or the smart one. What would you all name yourselves?"

They all look around as silence hits once more.

Bella looks up at Rafe and immediately her eyes light up, pushing herself to sit up using his thigh. "Rafe's the 'slut' of the group!" The others begin laughing again as Rafes faces scrunches, his head tilts to her as his eyes sit wide. He lets out a small sigh, "I can't argue with that to be fair."

"He literally tells me, in detail, every little thing that happens on a date. Like it's everyday there's someone new and I don't actually care."

"I thought you know.. cos you're the 'virgin' of the group you'd wanna know?"

Her mouth falls as she smacks his chest, "Your an asshole!"

He laughs at her expression, before soon apologising quietly.

"Nah l'd say that Bella's definitely the mum of the group!" Topper finally admits, his giggles finally subsiding.

"Oh yeah totally!" Kelce agrees as Bella's smile comes back, her head turning towards them shyly as a small blush takes her cheeks.

"The other day we came to hers after we got into a fight-"

Bella sighs, lifting her hand up to the camera in shock, "With my best friend by the way!"

"Oh yeah! She has OTHER friends!" Rafe scoffs jokingly as she rolls her eyes.

"Yeah one!"

"Two.." he corrects, earning him another smack, this time to his arm.

"Anyway.." Kelce chuckles as his and Toppers eyes stick on the other two for a while. "Yeah okay we got into a fight with her friend-"

"Who, may I ask?"

"Uh JJ Maybank!" Bella blurts out proudly, a smile taking her lips as her cheeks redden once again. Cal groans at the name and Rafe scoffs.

//

"I swear to God everytime I speak about him, it's made out like such a big deal. It's not. We're just friends?"

//

"We were like bleeding and shit, bare in mind this was like three in the morning! And she came and cleaned us all up and then slept in the living room with us."

"To be fair we're only still all alive cos of Bella so.. thanks!" Topper laughs.

She smiles at the camera, shrugging her shoulders, "What can I say!"

They all laugh with her before Ryan, again, cuts the moment short. "So how did you and JJ meet then? Seeing as he is on the other side of the island!"

"Well I mean I met him through John B! John B works for Ward and I go with him whenever he goes down to the docks. So yeah me and John B got close but me and JJ got closer!"

"Unfortunately.." Rafe mutters and Bella shoots him a dirty look, Kelce pipes up, "To be fair he's not wrong! Whats wrong with us? The Kooks not good enough for you?" He mocks knowing he's getting under her skin.

"I.. obviously not! You guys are family to me! I just sometimes want to talk about you guys with someone else."

"Wait-"

"What??"

She giggles, "I'm joking dickheads!"

"Bella, sorry to ask but-" just those few words caught Cal's attention. He looks up at him suddenly, eyes sharp and brows furrowed.

Bella looks up at him too, but with the opposite complexion; her face holding a sweet smile.

"Earlier, when you were on the phone with Rafe, you sounded upset. What happened?"

"Dude what the fuck? Why's that got anything to do with you??" Rafe interrupts, his voice harsh. His eyes cutting deep into Ryan as his hand finds Bella's back; pulling her in slightly.

Her eyes widen as she takes a glance at him, "Rafe.??"

"No! He's got no business being all in your fucking issues this ain't the Brooks show??"

"You gonna ask actual questions or you gonna leave? We were fine here without you bothering us!" Callum states plainly, bored of the constant interrogation. His body shifts to sit closer to Bella, facing away slightly so she was partly hidden from the camera.

"Oh my god.. I'm sorry! Maybe we could talk another time?" Bella's face falls as her mouth sits agape, her eyes glassy as a slight shakiness fills her words.

"No you wont!!" Callum orders forcefully.

Rafe smirks, lifting a hand to the camera as the other sits tighter round Bella's waist, holding her back from being able to move, "Bye Bye now!" He waves them away.

When they don't budge, Callum stands up and before he could even take a step, the camera crew and Ryan were gone.

//

"Yeah so uh.. they're just a 'little' protective? It doesn't take much to piss them off really. Even if it's not, if they think somethings bothering me they have no issues to deal with it right then and there. I just didn't expect it on camera! Sorry. But um.. yeah the question you asked! I don't feel comfortable answering, sorry. But I'm fine! Promise!"

/

"Bella hates when Rafe and Cal get up in her business. Like she tries so hard to be nice and they make her seem worse. I get it I do, but she kinda signed up for it when she became friends with us!" Topper chuckles, shrugging his shoulders.

//

Rose finished up dinner and Ward finished with the tour, and after the small interviews with the family, everyone sits down for dinner around the dining table.

Whilst the family have their dinner I'll take this moment to say thank you for watching! It was a pleasure filming and making this for you. The Camerons are, well sometimes, are a delight to be around! And we can't wait to show you more. This has been Keeping up with the Camerons!

Oh! And before you go, look at this gem we caught that night.

/

"Rafe.." Bella mumbles. It was dark, too dark that the camera could barely make out her figure as she leans over the edge of the couch.

Rafe lay on the floor next to her, Callum by her feet and Topper and Kelce on the other chairs.

It was late, around 1 in the morning.

"Rafe.!" She repeats, this time Rafe hears and covers his eyes with his arm.

"Mm."

"I can't sleep.."

Rafe opens his eyes finally, lifting himself onto his elbows to get a better view of her in the dark. "Why not.?"

"I don't know." She plays with the blanket that lay on her. His eyes follow her fingers as his concern grew.

"You don't know..?"

"Mm.. maybe because of the cameras?"

Rafe frowns and looks around, not realising there were any in the room, "They're still on..?"

"Mhm they're always on Rafe."

"Shit.." He watches her for a minute, running his hand through his hair before lifting it to take hers. "Okay.. You wanna go sleep in my room.?"

"Umm.." Her eyes drift away, Rafe catches her face in the moonlight as she looks around the room with a slight frown.

After she doesn't answer he stands up, reaching out his hand to take hers, "Come on.."

She doesn't hesitate to take his hand. He guides her up the stairs and they stop by his bedroom door. Bella looks over his shoulder at the two cameras sat in the hall. He realises what she's looking at and takes her hands, "Hey.. don't let the cameras get to you okay.?"

She sighs, looking down at their hands as she swings them side to side, "That's easier said than done Rafey.."

"I know I know.. sorry.. but just.. I mean it. Pretend they're not there!"

"Mmmm.." She wines, bouncing up and down. Her tiredness and frustration adding up into one big pile of upset.

Rate follows her eyes, tucking her hair behind her ear and resting his hands on her shoulders, "I know Bells.. but it's just a stupid show my dad wanted to do. If you want a camera off I'll make them turn it off. You want something cut out the show? Then I'll make that happen, okay? You just worry about being your pretty self and I'll deal with the rest. Does that sound like a good deal..?"

She lets out a soft giggle as her eyes finally take his own, "Yeah.. thank you for understanding.."

" 'course Bells. I'll always understand okay? Now go get some sleep.." He kisses her forehead, watching her for a moment before going over to the stairs.

"Rafe..?" Bella steps forward slightly, getting Rafe's attention as he turns back.

"Mhm?"

She stops a moment, and picks at her fingernails, "Love you." She whispers softly.

Rafe can't help but break a smile, taking in one last look at her; she stood in his top that was way too big for her, covering everything that needed to be covered.

"Love you too Bee, now go to bed!" He raises his eyebrows. Bella can't take him seriously and lets out a small giggle before nodding and going into his room.

Rafe stands there a moment; watching the door close behind her. He smiles once more before shaking his head and going back downstairs to sleep.

Next Episode Here

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[chronicmisfit]

Hallo Azul, could I order Fruit salad and a Caramel Latte with Whipped Cream. Additional Comments: Include Hanahaki disease plz, i'm sorry if i did the additional part wrong

Oh my god Anon, I was so inspired by your request that I ended up writing so much that I would qualify it as a oneshot instead of a drabble. Also I may have gone a bit heavier on the hurt than the comfort.

And dw, you did perfectly.

Order: Romantic Jude Jazza with Hurt/comfort

Additions: Hanahaki Disease

Monkshood: A flower meaning hatred. This flower was included to represent that Kate thinks that Jude hates her. As a bonus, they are purple.

Orchids represent luxury, beauty, and refinement as well as longing for someone out of reach. That along with the purple hue they can have make them the perfect fit for Kate who is in love with Jude.

Kate tries to hide the disease as long as she can

Ellis is the one who discovers the flowers

But Ellis has to take the flowers to another member of Crown to find out the meaning

Once he knows the meaning, Ellis is pretty sure that whoever the flowers came from is in love with Jude

He tries to tell Jude about Kate’s feelings, but Jude keeps himself from hearing Ellis (Jude doesn’t want Kate wrapped up in this world of darkness)

It takes Roger telling Jude what is going on for him to act

Jude knows what Hanahaki disease is so just hearing those words has him rushing to her side

Kate hides the flowers in the trash bin in the restroom before heading back to her room, lying about feeling tired to anyone who passes by her.

Purple and white petals and fully purple petals spill out of the bin when Ellis looks around- half an hour later- after seeing one peek out. “Who…?”

Ellis knows about Hanahaki Disease, he has tried to help people get over it before so that he could see them happy, with questionable results. He’s not even sure what these flowers mean. He realizes which Crown member could help him only after he’s already halfway to his room with the petals in hand.

“Hm? Ellis?” Harrison looks at Ellis, then the bloodied petals in his hand, “Are you in love with me or something?”

“No, I need to know what these mean.” Ellis stares at the petals as if they are a 10 foot wall blocking him from paradise. “I need to help whoever coughed them up.”

“I don’t know anything about flowers.” Harrison says with an aloof smile.

Ellis names a mystery novel that Harrison was reading just last week. In the book, the killer left a flower at each crime scene, denoting a feeling that the victim had moments before their death.

Harry chuckles, “Ah, so you knew I was lying then. Come in, I can’t find out what those petals are from here.”

Ellis sets the petals down on the table in Harry’s room while Harrison grabs a book off the shelves. For a minute, Harrison examines the petals while flipping through the book.

‘Language of Flowers’ Ellis reads the cover of the book. It was likely bought the day after he started reading that mystery novel in an attempt to figure out who the killer was before it was revealed.

“These…” Harrison points at the purple and white petals, “Look like Orchids. They represent Luxury, but also longing. Whoever has Hanahaki disease must be in love with someone that they think is unreachable.”

Ellis points at the other petals, “What about those?”

“Those appear to be Monkshood, also known as Wolfsbane. Those mean Hatred, whoever they’re in love with either hates them, or made them think they hate them.” Harrison answers smoothly, “If you think I’m lying you can double check.”

Ellis shakes his head, “I think that the one who coughed these up is in love with Jude then. But I don’t know who coughed them up.”

“I can help there too.” Harrison smirks as Ellis’ head snaps up to look at him, “Kate said earlier that she was going to rest because she was tired, but she was lying, she also seems to have some kind of cold.”

Ellis’ eyes widen as he wonders how he didn’t notice. The next week is spent trying and failing to convince Jude to talk to Kate. However, Jude won’t even let Ellis get out the words “Hanahaki Disease” before he tells Ellis to shut up and do his job.

At the end of the week, Roger approaches the two as they come back from a mission.

“We’re fine, ya Quack, fuck off.” Jude snaps, particularly annoyed after their mission.

Ellis ignores Jude, “Is something wrong?”

Roger nods, “It’s about Kate.”

“Oh yeah, is there a real reason princess decided to blow off her job?” Jude smirks.

“Did her disease get worse?” Ellis asks.

“You knew?/The fuck’re ya on about?” Roger and Jude speak simultaneously.

Roger looks at Jude, “Since Ellis already knows, let me tell you. Kate has Hanahaki Disease. That means-”

“I know what that means, quack. What’s it got to do with me?”

“She’s in love with you, Boss.” Ellis frowns, then addresses Roger, “How bad is it?”

“She’s coughing up full flowers now.” Roger says grimly, “It’s only a matter of time before her fate is sealed.”

Halfway through Roger’s statement, Jude grits his teeth and leaves.

“Wait!” Ellis calls out.

In Kate’s room, there are some medical supplies that Roger left in here when he went to talk to Ellis and Jude, and there is a large pile of purple petals and flowers. The girl who stays in this room is sat up on her bed, leaning against the headrest as she coughs up more blood than flowers at this point.

“Princess-!” Jude slams the door open. “Shit. Ya look pathetic.”

From where he stands, Kate does look pathetic. Blood drips down her chin and covers her hands, the latest flower- another orchid- in her hand. “J-Jude. I know. I’m sorry.” Her voice is hoarse from coughing as much as she has the past couple weeks.

“Yer also an idiot. Ya should have went to the Quack the moment ya got sick, especially the moment ya started spitting out all this mushy shit.” Jude continues, “But ya also should’ve never gotten sick in the first place. Ya shouldn’t have feelings for a guy like me. And you’re a special kind of naive for falling for me. You’re especially an idiot for not realizing that I care about ya.”

“W-what-?” Kate’s eyes widen at the last statement Jude says.

Jude scoffs, “I’m never repeating that, so you better have heard me.”

Tears well up in Kate’s eyes as she feels the flowers stuck in her throat go away.

“Damn, you look good like that.” Jude smirks at her tears, “Don’t expect me to kiss ya, yer’ve got blood all over ya. And don’t expect the kind of relationship a naive princess like you would want. I’m not doing all that.”

“Okay.” Kate chuckles, slightly delirious from the mixture of blood loss and finally knowing that her feelings are returned.

Jude turns toward the open door and sneers, “Ellis, I know yer out there, come help her get cleaned up. I’ve got work to do.”

Masterlist

[alex-wrestling]

Greenwood

Poly BCC

Warnings: depression, brief suicidal thoughts (it’s like a paragraph)

A/N: I wrote this during my William Regal obsession lmao. I don’t know why I made Mox an asshole OR why I used Regal’s first name but I’m not fixing it because I’m lazy. I love hurt/comfort and there’s none with Regal so I made my own! Title is from the Bell Jar, which I was reading when I wrote this in February.

When William said there would be no practice of any kind, the others immediately worried.

He was strict, even with himself. If someone missed a training session or match review, they had to make it up later. It didn’t matter how drained you were; unless you were actively dying, you showed up to learn.

It was a perfect day for running. A nice breeze on a warm sunny day, a few clouds for shade, and it was a Sunday morning, meaning people would either be in church or sleeping in.

The four others stood outside of the Englishman’s door. Bryan’s foot tapped impatiently, while the others weren’t too worried. They’d take a free day any day, but they were concerned about William. He hadn’t woken up with them, and Yuta swore he’d seen a blue eye peek at them as they tiptoed out of the room.

”Regal,” Mox said at last, “get your lazy ass out here.”

Bryan was quick to swipe at the back of his head. “Shut up!”

“He‘ll probably make you do laundry or dishes for talking like that,” Claudio whispered, ever the peacemaker in the house.

”Mox might have to, considering Regal hasn’t done anything around here.”

Bryan, they all knew, was right; laundry was halfway up the wall, stinking up the room, and the dishes were piled high. Doing chores for one person was a nightmare, but five?

”Maybe we should let Mr. Regal rest,” Yuta suggested meekly. “He might be stressed.”

Claudio nodded in agreement, while Mox and Bryan shook their heads.

The bed creaked behind the door, and they all paused, waiting for another sign of life. The door slowly opened, and red eyes peered at them from the dark room.

The blinds had been shut and all the lights turned off. It was a state the bedroom was rarely in during the day. William loved to have light whenever he could. That was the first thing the four noticed.

The next were his eyes. “Are you alright?” Claudio asked, his slightly accented voice dripping with concern.

”Splendid,” William replied. His voice cracked, and if he were feeling better, he might care. “Please, keep talking about all of my flaws, right where I can hear you.”

Mox didn’t seem to catch the sarcasm dripping from his voice. “We sweep, we dust, we mop, we’ve even had to cook for you because you’re too fucking lazy to get out of bed! Yuta’s done more work than you have this week. Maybe you’re just useless.”

William clenched his jaw. The others held their breath, waiting for some kind of discipline. The oldest let out a breath.

”You’re right.”

Dead silence.

”You don’t mean that, Regal,” Claudio said. “He’s just mad, he doesn’t mean it.” Mox opened his mouth to argue, but a kick to his shin silenced him. “Is that why you’ve been so…tired? Because you’re depressed?”

Yuta, who had been bouncing up and down for the past ten minutes, stepped forward and hugged his mentor. William’s eyes widened. He hadn’t been hugged since he was a child.

Yuta wasn’t big and warm and strong like the others in the club, but he was comforting nonetheless, and William felt his resolve slip. He felt the tear before he knew what he was doing, and once the first one fell, he couldn’t stop the rest. “I-I haven’t been a good partner, have I?”

Bryan joined the hug. “It’s not that. We just don’t appreciate you enough.”

Claudio slipped in. “You are wonderful, Regal.”

Mox stood outside of their makeshift circle, twiddling his thumbs and avoiding looking at William. “Come here, sunshine,” he said, managing to maneuver an arm out and beckon their other lover over.

”I can’t,” Mox said, “I made you cry.”

”I’ll feel better if you come here.”

Mox sighed and wrapped his arms around the pile of humans in the hallway.

”You can talk to us,” Claudio said. “We would’ve helped you.”

”I don’t need it.” The response was automatic. “I can deal with it myself. I won’t drag you into this.”

Yuta shook his head from where it was buried in William’s collarbone. “I’ve known lots of people with depression. If you don’t talk to us, maybe a therapist? We don’t want you to hurt yourself.”

William thought of all the nights he stayed up, sleeping on the street, wanting to step off of a bridge, ‘forgetting’ to cross the road, holding a knife to his wrist willing himself to shred his veins.

”He’s right,” Bryan said, interrupting his thoughts, “we love you.” Hums of agreement followed. “We’ll help you, step by step.”

”I can cook,” Claudio offered, “I’m very good at it.”

Mox was silent. William wasn’t expecting him to say anything, as cruel as that sounded, but he was always full of surprises.

”Please be okay.”

William had never felt so loved, so cared for in his entire life. The feeling was overwhelming, and it threatened to escape his chest and cradle his boys. “I’ll try,” he said, and that was all they wanted.

He was Sisyphus, rolling the rock uphill as a punishment for being born, but he had four people who loved him chipping away at that boulder.

[dazedvivenne]

Hi! Please can I request an angst fic for Kit Walker being inside Briarcliff? Thank you

SORRY - KIT WALKER

Short summary: Kit has recently been commissioned to Briarcliff and you go to visit him, which goes wrong quickly.

Warnings: Choking, aggressive behaviour, mentions of murdering.

It had been weeks since you saw your fiancé, Kit Walker. He recently committed to Briarcliff after being accused of murdering his female friend and two other unnamed women.

Of course it scared you, you knew Kit could never do something like that but prior to leaving to Briarcliff he was getting more aggressive towards you.

You shrugged it off, assuming his workplace was a very dangerous and stressful place to work at. Excusing Kit’s behaviour because you loved him and never wanted him to leave you.

Weeks after the incident, you are finally able to visit Kit. Which even just thinking about it made you blush, you decided to wear something beautiful for Kit. A expense Betsy Jersy dress, it had a white collar over a red dress white white buttons on the front.

It flattered your body quite nicely. You brushed your hair and made it look big and fluffy. A little bit of makeup wouldn’t hurt, so you put it on. A typical blue eye shadow, eye liner, red lipstick, and some mascara.

Once you felt completely with your look, you put on your white church shoes and left your house, getting in your fiancé car. Driving off to Briarcliff which was a somewhat long drive.

You let your hand rest out of the rolled down window, the other hand resting on the wheel, turning the wheel whenever necessary. You foot gently pressed on the gas.

The drive there was very peaceful, but once you arrived at Briarcliff you felt this strange feeling wash over you.

You closed the car door and walked to the front doors of the building, only to be greeted by two male security guards.

“I’m here to visit my fiancé, Kit Walker.” You informed the security guards, “I spoke with Sister Jude Martin, she said I could visit during visiting hours today.” You added onto your statement.

The two security guards let you inside the building, the heavy doors slamming behind you. Which made you yelp.

You walked over to the front desk, straightening out your dress. “Where is the visitor area?” You asked politely, “I’m here to visit Kit Walker.” You said happily, not caring if the front desk lady would judge you for seeing “The Bloody Face” killer.

“His room his number 89. If he’s not there please come back to the front desk.” The lady spoke kindly, a fake smile plastered all over her face.

You nodded your head with a smile, walking past the front desk and going over to the stairs, there were so many stairs. You started walking up then until you saw the 80s numbers.

You go onto that floor, walking on the hard floor. Once you found Kit’s room, you knocked on the door with a big smile on your face.

Minutes later the door swung open, seeing Kit wearing a light blue button up, royal blue pants. His face had a couple of scratches. He still looked handsome as ever.

You watched as Kit’s face turned bright as he recognized who it was. His smile was so big his eyes shut, he left his arms open and you jumped into them.

Your legs wrapped around his torso, your arms wrapped around his neck and Kit squeezed your back out of joy.

You pulled away and kissed all over his face, his face now stained with red lipstick kisses. “I’ve missed you so much, Kit.” You whispered sadly, your hands on his shoulders as he closed his door and sat you on his bed.

Kit smiled, “I missed you more, It sucks in here.” Kit mumbled the last part, standing in front of you. Kit cupped your cheek and bent over to kiss your lips, a sloppy but passionate kiss was shared between the two of you.

You pushed Kit away gently, looking into his eyes with pure lust. You wanted so much more than just a sloppy kiss, you needed Kit inside you.

Kit sat down beside you, “I…” Kit cleared his throat, catching your attention.“I have a question… Do you think I did the killings?” Kit asked seriously, staring deeply into your eyes.

You swallowed a loud bit of air, nervously you shake your head after a couple of seconds. “No, honey. I know you could never do something like that.” You answered hesitantly.

Kit felt his eyes water, “You think I did it?” Kit asked in disbelief, his mouth slightly parted.

“No! No. That’s not what I said.” You argued, watching as Kit stood up stressfully running his hands through his hair.

Kit shook his head, “You had to think about it.” Kit mumbled, looking down at you. “I would have never thought for a second that you ever do something like murdering… but you… you believe it?” Kit barked, his sadness turning into anger.

You stood up, gently touching Kit’s back. Attempting to calm him down by rubbing it, but he just pushed your hand away. “Kit…” You spoke softly, jutting your bottom lip out.

Kit ignored you, he was angry. You seriously thought Kit could do something do heinous and sickening. “No!” Kit shouted at you, “You seriously think I could do something like that?” Kits gaze darkened.

His hands making way to your throat, softly squeezing it. “You think I could do something like this?” Kit squeezed a bit harder, grunting angrily.

Your eyes watered up, trying to breathe air but Kit aaa blocking your air way. “Kit! Stop.” You cried out, trying to push away his threatening hands.

Kit let go of your throat, slowly, not realizing what he just did. Until he saw the bruises forming on your throat. Tears started streaming down his eyes, “I’m sorry.” Kit cried.

You held onto your throat, you were scared of Kit how. He had never put his hands on you, no matter how angry he was. Now just tried killing you, it terrified you how quickly someone could change.

You ran out of Kit’s room, running down the flight of stairs. Kit following behind you, calling out your name.

It didn’t matter how sorry he was, cause it could happen again. Maybe it is just best if you left him alone for a while.

You left the building through the front doors, Kit chased after you concerned, when he tried to run out of the building he was tackled by the two body guards.

You ran to your car and got in it, watching as the guards held Kit onto the ground, Kit’s eyes watching as the car drove off.

[thruheavenandhighwater]

Pairing: Eddie Munson/ Steve Harrington

Requested By: NA

Word Count: 2,932

Series Summary: Eddie left Hawkins in 1986 with no reason to ever return. But now, a few years have passed and life has changed. Eddie finally returns home and has to deal with everything he left behind, including Steve Harrington. This story starts in May 1991.

Chapter Summary: A peek into the Munson's future together. This takes place in 2008.

Stranger Things Masterlist

Steddie Masterlist

Series Masterlist

~~~~~

"We're gonna be late!" Eddie called up the stairs for the third time in five minutes. "Listen, I know I'm cooler than Dad, but you don't have to be exactly like me, Lu!"

Lucy bounded down the stairs with a smile. Her hair and makeup were done, dress on, shoes in hand. She sat on the bottom step and slid one tan sandal onto her foot, fussing with the buckle as she did her best to fasten it as quickly as possible.

"She's not exactly like you, babe," Steve said, rounding the corner to join them at the stairs. "Lucy's graduating on her first try."

"And you're not cooler than Dad," Lucy said as she stood from the step. "I just tell you that so you'll let me borrow the car."

"I've been doomed to live the rest of my mortal life in a family of really mean, not funny comedians."

As much as Eddie whined and complained when Lucy and Steve would gang up on him, he wouldn't trade it for anything. The past seventeen years with them had been the best of his life. Probably the best years ever, if he were to guess.

Eddie and Steve had become official two days after Eddie kissed him in front of his uncle's house. Three months later he and Lucy moved into Steve's apartment. Then, once Lucy was old enough to need her own room, into an even bigger apartment. And finally, in 2001, they bought their forever home. It wasn't anything fancy. Two floors, three bedrooms. But it was theirs. They were even able to get themselves a dog. Not a golden retriever, to Steve's dismay. But a big, hyper German shepherd that Lucy had named Sully. Their life was perfect.

Together they'd seen it all. Lost baby teeth and skinned knees. Lucy's first crush and school dances. Even a trip to California the year Lucy found out about "gay days" at Disneyland and absolutely insisted they all go as a family. "You guys are gay!" She said almost too excitedly, earning exhausted eyerolls from both of them. "It's like, meant for you!"

They'd only heard from Billie twice since that November day in 1991. Once, when Lucy was six she'd tried to take Eddie to court again. But when her lawyer showed up and she didn't, the case was dismissed. And then earlier this year she'd found Lucy online and wished her a happy 18th birthday, two weeks after her 17th birthday. It had hurt Eddie to see her so upset, clinging to Sully as she asked her dads why she didn't have a mom like everyone else's.

But through it all, their little family stayed strong. When Wayne fell at work and cracked a rib, Steve was there every morning to check on him. And when Steve's mom passed away from liver failure, Eddie had held him every night for eight months while he mourned a woman who had been out of his life by her own choice for nearly a decade.

"Call your grandpa and tell him we're on the way," Steve said as he opened the door to usher Lucy and Eddie outside. He loved both of them more than anything, he really did, but the Munson gene of being habitually late to everything was not going to work. Not today.

Once they arrived at the high school Lucy had just enough time to run inside and slip into her rented green robe. Eddie, Wayne, and Steve bid her goodbye and good luck, each of them giving her a hug before watching her walk through the glass doors of Hawkins High.

The ceremony itself was exactly the same as Eddie and Steve remembered. The principal led the faculty out onto the stage, where they all sat in a line of folding chairs behind him. He gave a speech, more or less the same speech he'd given at every commencement ceremony he'd ever done.

"And now," he said, the microphone cracking with feedback as he picked up the stack of note cards he'd been reading from. "The valedictorian of Hawkins High School class of 2008, Lucy Munson."

Eddie and Steve stood from their seats immediately. They both clapped and loudly shouted as they watched Lucy walk to the podium. Wayne clapped along with them, staying in his seat and tucking his cane between his knees. Eddie didn't even try to hide the few tears that were falling down his cheeks as he watched his daughters brown curls bounce over the shoulders of her green robe. He felt Steve's arm wrapped around his back. He leaned his head onto his shoulder, wiping his cheeks. The two sat down as Lucy cleared her throat, leaning away from the microphone just like Eddie had taught her. He placed his hand on Steve's knee with a sigh.

"How did we raise a valedictorian?" Steve asked. He could hear the pride in his voice.

"No idea," he answered quietly. "More importantly, how the fuck is Higgins still principal?" Steve giggled, pressing his cheek into Eddie's hair as Lucy began to give the speech she'd written.

"To all of the family and friends with us today, I want to say thank you, from all of us, for being here. It wasn't an easy road for any of us, and I think I can speak for everyone when I say that it means a lot to us for you all to be here."

"She's good," Steve sighed.

"She gets it from me," Eddie answered with a shrug.

Steve laughed just a little. He turned his head, his lips resting atop Eddie's head. He closed his eyes as he kissed Eddie's hair. It took everything Steve had not to cry. He listened to Lucy through the speakers, talking about her teachers and her memories of her time in school. But all he could think of, all he could see in his mind, was Lucy at six months old. The day he met her. The day he knew that he was going to love her for the rest of his life.

He heard her start to talk about prom and how it was the last time their class would all be together, hearing the smile in her voice. He remembered eight months ago when he took her to the small bridal shop in town. The way her eyes lit up just like Eddie's did when she found the perfect dress to wear, a baby blue strapless gown. He remembered the way he and Eddie had both shed a tear the exact moment her dates car turned the corner.

"And finally, before I hand the ceremony back over to Mr. Higgins, I want to take a moment to thank the men who raised me to be the person I am today." All three of them sat at attention when they heard her sniffle into the mic. Steve turned to face the stage just in time to see her reach up and wipe her nose before resuming her speech.

"My dads, Steve and Eddie Munson. The best dads anyone could ever hope to have. And my wonderful, funny grandpa Wayne." Lucy sniffled once more, taking a deep breath as she looked up to the stands, easily finding her family in the front row.

"I'm lucky enough to be loved by the three most incredible men in the world. I was raised in a house full of music, and fun, and terrible jokes, and love. From Sunday night football with my grandpa, to dinner time dance offs in the kitchen with my dad. Even having to listen to Anthrax while my daddy taught me to drive last year."

By now even Wayne was getting misty eyed. Eddie nudged him with his elbow, smiling as his own tears fell freely over his cheeks.

"They have always done so much for me. My entire life none of them have ever told me 'no.' Perks of being the only child and the only grandchild," she joked, earning wet giggles from the three of them.

"But the most important thing they've ever given me was my attitude. My adventurous and hardheaded spirit. They worked together for the last seventeen years to teach me that life… Man, life is though. But Munson's are tougher. And for that, I want to loudly and proudly say thank you. And I love you all more than words could ever say. Thank you."

There was not a dry face to be found among the Munson family as Lucy took a step back from the podium. Eddie's chest swelled with pride as he watched her walk across the stage, down the stairs and to her seat. Lucy was happy. She was healthy and thriving in a town that he had tried so hard to get away from.

The following afternoon was Lucy's graduation party. Steve stood at the grill in their backyard, burning hotdogs and burgers for their friends. Eddie was playing his favorite role, busy housewife. He was in and out the back door a thousand times. Bringing more meat to Steve for the grill, refilling drinks, opening fresh bags of Doritos.

"Daddy, relax!" Lucy called from the picnic table she was sat at with her friends. "Sit down and eat something before dad yells at you."

Steve clicked his tongs twice in her direction. She was right and everyone at the party knew it. Eddie rolled his eyes dramatically and picked up a green paper plate from the stack on the food table. He sidled up to Steve and bumped his hip into him.

"Scared of your daughter?" Steve asked with a smile as he turned a row of hotdogs.

"No," Eddie scoffed. "Scared of your daughter. She's mean when she acts like you."

"Sometimes you need to be humbled," Steve answered with a shrug. Eddie smiled as he wrapped one arm around Steve's waist. He turned to look over his shoulder. He saw Lucy surrounded by her friends, laughing as one boy snapped off pictures with his new digital camera - a graduation gift.

"She's a good kid, huh?" Eddie asked, his eyes still on Lucy. Though she was nearly grown, he had a hard time looking at her and seeing anything other than the half bald little baby he'd brought back to Hawkins seventeen years before.

"She's an awesome kid," Robin stated matter of factly, suddenly standing on Steve's other side. Eddie jumped higher than he thought was possible, muttering a string of profanity under his breath as he begged his heart to stop beating out of his chest. Robin laughed, shaking her head as she held her plate out in front of her. "Man, that never gets old. Honestly, though, you did a good job on her."

"What about me?" Steve asked, his mock offense almost seeming real.

"I watched her drink pickle juice out of the jar when she was nine," Robin told him, her voice suddenly very serious and monotone. "I have yet to be given a reason that that wasn't your influence at work."

Steve scoffed and dropped a burnt hotdog on her plate. "The only influence I've had on her is that she brushes her hair every day. Other than that, poor girl is all Munson." Eddie let out a small laugh, his smile bright as he looked down to his feet. Steve nudged his shoulder with his own, pulling his attention back to him. "But, I guess there are worse things."

Lucy's party spanned the rest of the afternoon and into the evening. All of her aunts and uncles made appearances, bringing with them hugs and cards and congratulations. Lucy spent most of her party alternating between spending time with her friends and running around with the kids who were, for lack of a better word, her cousins. Watching her play hide and seek with Max and Lucas's twins was nearly enough to bring a tear to Steve's eye.

Eventually, the sun began to set and their friends and family slowly started to trickle out. Lucy hugged Will and Jack goodbye, ruffling their daughters hair as they turned to leave. As they walked around the house to their car Lucy walked over to where her dads were standing with Robin, watching the last few embers of the grill die down.

She had her hands clasped in front of her as she walked. She ducked her head, revealing the best puppy dog eyes Roane County had ever seen when she finally looked up at Eddie. The picture of innocence.

"Daddy?" She started quietly. "Can I pretty pretty please stay the night at Lindsay's?"

Eddie looked over her shoulder to where the friend in question was sat on a patio chair, anxiously watching the interaction. "Dunno, kid," Eddie started with a sigh. "It's a Sunday. Don't you have school tomorrow?"

Lucy immediately dropped the innocent, pleading act and turned to Steve. "Dad? Please?" Steve looked from Lucy to Eddie, who was wearing the textbook definition of a shit eating grin.

"Oh, be nice," Robin admonished him, landing a soft smack to his shoulder.

"Fine," Steve relented. Lucy bounced on her toes, Lindsay stood from the patio seat behind her. The girls ran into the house, Steve calling out behind them. "We're doing thank you cards tomorrow!"

A few minutes later Lucy reappeared in the doorway. She stuck her head out and announced that she and Lindsay were leaving.

"Get your ass over here," Eddie told her. She rolled her eyes, set her bag by the door and walked towards her dads and her aunt. "Just 'cause you think you're grown now don't mean you can get out of hugs, young lady."

Lucy hugged each of them before retrieving her bag. She turned back to them, "Love you guys!" She called out, waiting for a chorus of the same sentiment in return before letting the door fall closed behind her.

Eddie leaned into Steve's side, hugging him close as they listened to the girls leaving for the night. Steve wrapped his arm around Eddie's shoulders, pulling him tightly to himself and placing a kiss to the top of his head. "We should make a new baby," Eddie sighed. "Ours is old now."

"We haven't had any luck yet, but I do love trying," Steve answered, his voice low as he purred the final words. Eddie lifted his head only enough to capture Steve's lips with his own.

"Disgusting," Robin gagged dramatically.

"Don't you have your own house you could be at?" Eddie asked, dropping his forehead to Steve's shoulder.

"But I wanna hang out with my husband," she whined. "And my husband's husband."

Eddie sighed, moving to hide his smile against Steve's shoulders. "That joke hasn't been funny for like, 15 years."

"It was actually never funny," Steve asserted. "It's always stupid. Can't believe you thought I'd marry her."

"It was funny for a little bit, baby," Eddie told him softly.

"It was kinda hot that you got all jealous on me," he relented. "I liked seein' ya get all squirmy on that stool when you thought you didn't have a chance."

Eddie smiled up at him as the sun continued its descent in the distance. He moved forward, kissing him softly. He heard Robin groan behind him. He felt Steve smile into the kiss. For a moment he considered putting on a show, just to annoy her. He moved his hands to the hem of Steve's old t shirt, his skin soft and warm against his palms. Just as he was beginning the move up towards his chest, taking the cotton with him, she spoke up.

"Okay, oh my god," she whined. "I'm leaving. At least wait until I'm out of earshot to start your nastiness, please."

Both men hugged her tightly before she rounded the side of the house. They listened, waiting for her usual send off. They heard her car door close, then the engine roared to life. "Peace out, husbands!" Before she backed out of the driveway and turned left towards home.

Steve and Eddie began to clear up from the party. Eddie followed Steve around with a trash bag, holding it open for him. They moved the grill back to its spot on the back porch. Eddie complained about having to eat leftover hot dogs for a week as they packed away the uneaten food. He was placing a plastic bowl full of Wayne's famous potato salad when Steve appeared suddenly behind him.

Steve placed his hands on Eddie's hips. His lips ghosted over the sensitive skin of his neck. His hand began to move, his fingertips dipping into the waist of his jeans.

"I got a hot dog for you right now," he whispered.

Eddie shivered against him. "I hate that I'm already in love with you," he sighed. "That was the worst fucking pick up line I've ever heard."

"But did it work?"

"Yes, but I'm homophobic now."

Steve chuckled, his lips curling into a smile against Eddie's skin. He pulled his hands away from Eddie only long enough for him to turn around. They heard the refrigerator door close behind them as Steve led Eddie upstairs. They both giggled as they almost tripped over Sully, sleeping at the bottom of the stairs. Once they were upstairs, in their bedroom at the end of the hallway, they were like kids again. Neither said as much, but both of them knew that no matter what, they'd always be those two early twenty-somethings who were hopelessly in love and trying to figure out life together some seventeen years ago.

~~~~~

previous part

~~~~~

Oh, how I've loved sharing this story with you all. I hope you've enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing this. Also! I used my own baby pictures for this because it felt weird to me to try to find pictures of random children online. Please appreciate how cute I used to be 😅

I'm going to make an official post in a few days, but I figured I'd let my loyal readers know first. I'm not at all ready to leave these boys and their little family behind. So I'm asking for requests for them! If there is anything you'd like to see the Munsons get up to, please let me know!!

[thedeluluverse]

First time doing a crossover/multi-fandom fic, I was so nervous throughout writing this, but I hope it’s decent! Obviously, no hate towards Jimin-ssi, ult is BTS just a fun idea I had inspired by the song “Boyfriend” by Dove Cameron.

Summary: Despite the love you have for your boyfriend, you can’t help but feel invisible at this party. He would rather play games but all you want is to feel seen. Will your wish come true?

Pairing:  idol!Jimin x curvy!freader x idol!LeeMinho

Genre: idol!au, angst, fluff, mentions of smut-related topics, acquaintances to lovers, secret mutual pining, crossover, hurt/comfort, songfic, oneshot, RPF, toxic relationship, neglected partner, slight slow burn

Word Count: 4,148.

Warnings:.  swearing, angst, toxic/strained relationship, feeling neglected, jealousy, manipulation, guilt, crying, mention of sex, illusions to cheating, gambling, reader is made to feel insecure about their weight, slight bullying due to weight, lack of self worth, gaslighting.

Six months ago, you started dating one of the most talked about K-pop idols, Park Jimin. You met him at a fan sign event for his new solo album 'Face' and hit it off immediately! However, it was still quite shocking when he slipped you his phone number and said he couldn't wait to see you again upon that first meeting. Chalking it up to fate, you texted him later that night.

Y/N: "Hey, it's y/n from the fan sign earlier today. This seems surreal, but I wanted to message you before I lost my nerve. It's late, so I hope I didn't wake you, talk to you later!”

Not even a full minute later, your phone buzzes with a flurry of new text messages from none other than Jimin himself.

PJ: "Hey there, y/n! I'm so glad you messaged me so quickly! You were so beautiful; I just had to get to know you more! Are you free to grab some boba and hang in the park tomorrow?”

Staring at your phone for what feels like 5 whole minutes (it was 30 seconds, calm down, drama queen, lol). You shakily manage to compose a reply.

Y/N: "Oh my, you got me blushing, Mr. Park! Lucky for you, I'm available all day tomorrow! Where should I meet you?”

PJ: "Don't worry about a thing! Just send me your address, and I'll pick you up myself! I am getting rather sleepy, but I will text you the details in the morning, cutie 😉”

Y/N:    "Sounds like a plan; get some rest!"

            In the beginning, at least for the first 2 weeks, he was a perfect gentleman and doted on you hand and foot. Until his first visit at your place, you cooked him dinner, and everything was magical! This led to quite an intense make-out session on your couch; once y'all took a break to breathe, he says

PJ: *raising an eyebrow and smirking* “Shall we move this to the bedroom?”

Y/N: *bites lip and looks down while fidgeting with your fingers* “I…um..thing is..”

PJ: *confused* "What is it, y/n? I'll be gentle, don't worry, unless told otherwise."

Y/N: "It's not that; I…ugh, here goes. I didn't know how to bring this up before, but I'm a...still a virgin..”

PJ: *processing* "Oh well, that's no problem! I mean, what better first time than with myself?! We can go slowly, and don't worry, I’ll make this night as memorable for you as it is for me” *lust clouds his eyes*

Y/N: “I wasn’t done…

PJ: "Well, c’mon then, someone is eager to meet you” *glances down at his bulge, growing with the thought of how tight you must be and how lucky you are. *

Y/N: *slightly frowning, not liking the vibes* "That's the thing, I want to wait a bit longer before we take that step. I have no doubt that you know what you're doing, and I want to, trust me… just... not tonight. I know that feelings will be intense after, and I don't want to just be a quick fuck, and then you move on and never speak to me again. I don't see you as that type, but you are an idol, after all, with girls throwing themselves at you constantly. You can understand where I’m coming from…right?”

PJ: “Wow, y/n… I thought you trusted me... I'm not that kinda guy. What the fuck??!! Well, I’m just gonna go since I’m so sleazy” *hurriedly puts shirt and shoes back on and grabs his keys*

Y/N: *prancing behind him, trying to stop him* "Wait, no!!!! That's not what I meant. I promise, come back. I have dessert...”

PJ: *ignores you until he starts his car* "Just let me cool off, y/n. It's messed up for you to get me all riled up and not put out. I need to mull some things over. I'll talk to you later…maybe."

            Tears well up in your eyes as you watch him drive away, nauseated with worry that you may have just lost your one chance with one of your long-time biases. After multiple failed calls and unread texts, you fall asleep, exhausted from the constant sobs since he left. The next day, you sleep until noon, grateful you don't have work until 5. Eyes still blurry with sleep and post-cry puffiness, you check your phone to see no responses from your (ex?) boyfriend, Jimin. Heavy-hearted, you shower and get ready for work, unable to eat anything due to the dread in your heart. The shift is relatively slow at the coffee shop you work at, which does no good for your preoccupied mind repeating, "If he would just contact me, I'm sure we could work this out…." As if summoned, in strolls Mr. Park in all black, including his baseball cap; barely lifting his head, he gives his order avoiding eye contact. He occupies a corner of the café at a perfect angle to keep an eye on you while also blending in with the shadows so as not to be disturbed. As you clock out, you see him get up and head toward the door. Determined not to miss this chance, you jog after him as he gets to his car.

Y/N: “Hey! What gives? Did you yeet your phone to Hawaii as soon as you left? And then what’s with coming silently stalk me at work?? I had to lie to my boss and say you were a secret shopper observing the shift so you wouldn’t get kicked out for loitering.”

PJ: *scoffs and rolls his eyes* "Oh, I'm the problem here? You really are naïve, aren't you? You can't just do things like that to a guy. It was painful hence my reaction last night. I came here to ensure you were physically alright because your messages worried me last night."

He may be a jerk, but he had a point. You were naïve. Evidenced by his "being worried about you" being enough to melt any negativity you still had toward him.

Y/N: *lip quivering* "You…you were worried about me??? I'm so sorry; I was worried about nothing. You're so sweet. If you can be patient, I promise I'll be the best girlfriend ever!”

PJ: *his gaze darkens, knowing his plan worked, then switches to comfort mode* “Aww honey, of course, I was worried! I care about you! Now, what do you say we go grab some ramen and watch a movie, huh?" *Brushes a tear off your cheek with his thumb and gives a quick peck on your nose*

            Things are on the mend until you see a tabloid cover 2 days later with him in the outfit from that fateful night he stormed out, surrounded by girls at a club. You confront him, but it's useless as he knows exactly what to say to soften you up and make it seem like he was just a victim of circumstance or was picking up a friend and got swarmed when they used the bathroom. Over time, you believe him less and less, but you stay with him because of your feelings for him and not wanting to seem like the bad guy anymore. After that night at the café, you compromised and agreed to exchange oral frequently. Still, it is to the point where with all of the rumors you hear and headlines you see about him with girls much thinner than you (which he makes sure to point out), you are never letting this dude anywhere near your pussy, even with his tongue. As a matter of fact, it's been about 4 and ½ months since anything but yourself has made you cum.

Having been cooped up in the house or work for months due to his “overprotectiveness” (a.k.a. making sure you aren’t going to catch him in the act or meet anybody actually decent), you jump with joy when he tells you about this colossal idol party, they are throwing this weekend with any group you can think of in the industry. Keep in mind he doesn't actually invite you. He only mentions it and says, “I mean, you can come if you want, I guess…" when you ask if you can accompany him. You both know he does not intend to stay by your side, but you don't even care. You need a night out around different people and scenery, plus it gives you a chance to wear that cute little dress you bought 3 months ago for your anniversary but never got to wear since he had to "work late"; yet came home with hickeys right as you were headed to bed.

            As predicted, no sooner have y'all gotten checked in, and he is already antsy to leave your side. He quickly grabs and downs 2 glasses of champagne for himself, then looks you up and down and remarks.

PJ: "Damn baby, you look so fucking good…."

Y/N: *slightly blushes as it’s been a while since he’s complimented you* “Oh yeah? I’m glad it finally got to see outside of my closet” *giggling ensues with both of you*

PJ: *catches his breath and smirks* “Think tonight is finally the night?”

Y/N: *immediately stiffens* "I mean, I'll let you know, but not sure right now…."

PJ: *sighs* “Ugh, whatever. I’ll catch you later”.

Y/N; *feeling deflated, you catch a chill* “Wait!!”

PJ: *turns around exasperatedly* "What now???? I'm a very busy man, y/n."

Y/N: *thinks 'yeah, busy cheating'* "I'm chilly. Can I borrow your jacket? *thinks 'you seem to like taking your clothes off anyway’*

PJ: *cackles making a few heads turn* "You must be joking. Did your eyesight get worse? No way I’m letting you stretch out and ruin this custom piece. Why don’t you dance? That way, you'll warm up AAANNNDD burn calories" *walks away snickering*

            Tears threatening to fall, you rush to the bathroom to salvage your makeup and gain your composure, all while simultaneously cursing him and believing he has a good point. Poor gaslit y/n!! After a few minutes, you emerge from the bathroom, and his all-too-familiar laugh draws your eyes to the gambling section of the party. You know he can afford it, but that doesn't change the fact that he seems to care more about winning than he ever did about you. Feeling invisible, you sit on one of the luxurious couches on the quieter side of the room. You scroll through the apps on your phone with one hand while the other is wrapped around your elbow, trying to warm up. You hold your head in your hands because you are actually considering taking his advice and dancing since you're about 5 minutes from becoming an icicle.

Suddenly, you feel fabric hit your leg. Snapping your head up, ready to chew out whoever is inconsiderate enough to not give you space, you are met with the kindest pair of brown eyes holding out a jacket to you. Furrowing your brows, you clear your throat and ask.

Y/N: *slowly standing up* “I… is Lee Minho really offering his coat to m..me?”

LM: *chuckles at your adorably flustered state while rubbing his neck with his other hand* “I mean, that’s my name last I checked, and I am not holding a ghost corpse so, I'd say you're right, y/n."

Y/N: *looking like you HAVE just seen a ghost* “Wait. How do you know who I am?!” *Legs threatening to give out*

LM:  *wraps jacket around your shoulders with room to spare, then holding your hand as he sits back down with you* “I mean, for one, you’re almost as famous as I am. Disregarding dating an idol, the commercial for your photography studio has taken off! Second, you are many idols' favorite fans with your respect and thoughtfulness levels. Thirdly, you are easily the most beautiful girl here. How could I not be drawn to you?!” *Shyly smiles and looks down*

Y/N: *face has been a tomato since the jacket touched your skin* “I... I don’t know how to respond to any of that, but I appreciate all of it so much! *Dimple appears*

LM: *tucks your hair behind your ear, admiring your smile* "All I ask is that you believe everything I said is true. Just one question, and I don’t mean to pry… where is that boyfriend of yours? I don’t mean to offend, just... It’s bad form to leave your girl alone at a party, much less shivering too."

Y/N: *scoffs, rolls eyes, and waves hand in the general direction of gambler's corner*

LM: *purses lips in anger* Ah...I see…Well, I’m kind of bored and was headed to grab a snack and figured it only polite to see if you wanted me to grab you an appetizer platter, too, when I saw you freezing over here.”

Y/N: “Sadly, I'll have to decline. I've been trying to stick to this diet to look like I belong to this industry. Thanks though!”

LM: "Nonsense. You are gorgeous, and your talent makes you a part of this world, not your dress size. If anyone says or implies otherwise, they’re an idiot and I’ll be more than happy to relay that message to them as well… can’t promise it won't be with a fist, but…anyway, I'll be right back, okay?"

Y/N: *nodding and grinning ear to ear while you wait*

LM: *returns with hella snacks* "I wasn't sure what you'd want, so I just got a variety to be safe.”

Y/N: “You're such a sweetheart, even though you just threatened to fight people." *You chuckle*

LM: *raises an eyebrow and turns to face you* “Oh, it’s not a threat. I can’t stand people who think like that or treat people like shit because of their fucked-up mentality. Especially someone as amazing as you. Let me know if you know anyone who needs a knuckle sandwich, okay, pretty?" *Places a gentle hand on your knee*

Y/N: *you feel butterflies for the first time in months* “I’ll keep that in mind. But…what if...oh, never mind...”

LM: *grabs your hand, looking into your eyes* "What is it? You can say anything to me, I got you.”

Y/N: *holding back tears, feeling safer than ever* "Well, I was gonna say I'd make a sandwich order, but not sure my boyfriend would appreciate that since he would be on the receiving end" *you lightly chuckle and look away, realizing how unhappy you are*

LM: *abruptly stands up with clenched fists* “Wait are you saying…. he rea...really gives you shit about how you look?? Is he fucking blind?! That's alright; lucky for him, we have a combo special." * He says as he rolls up his sleeves*

Y/N: *eyes widen as you bolt up and lay a gentle hand on his forearm* "No, really, it's okay; he does have a point. I just am having a bad night. Please, let it go for me." * You knew it was a risk pulling that card, having just met Minho, but you could tell there was more he wasn’t telling you about how he knew you*

LM: *intensely exhales and unfurls fists* “Let’s get something straight. The only reason I am not putting that dude in the hospital is on your behalf. OOOOHHH, the things I want to say to that weasel!! *Sits back down, taking both of your hands in his* “Sorry, I'm calm now. I'm not trying to freak you out, but I must be honest…."

Y/N: *leans head to the side* "What's on your mind? If I can be candid with you, it goes both ways, okay, Rocky?" *Stifling a laugh, but your eyes are shining with joy*

LM: *raises an eyebrow" "Rocky? That's a new one, haha; you're cute. Oh, right, my point! *facepalms* “SOOO, the ways I knew you earlier are all completely true; but there’s something else. Did you go to our concert about a year ago?”

Y/N: “I..uh..yeah, actually…how'd you know?"

LM: *twiddles thumbs* “See, the thing is, I've been trying to find you since then, but like not in a stalker way. Ugh, I'm messing this all up. Okay, let me rewind. We were performing 'Taste,' and I saw this radiant Stay holding up a sign that said, ‘I’m looking to adopt a kitt-ten if you need a MinHOE.' It caught my eye right at the beginning, and I couldn't help but laugh as my part began. It was adorable and funny, plus the owner was stunning, so I'll admit I was flustered."

Y/N: *soul leaves body* “Wait…I caused that chuckle?? You not only saw my sign but liked it???”

LM: “I loved it; super creative, honestly! So, I was in the back changing for the ‘Case 143' performance, and I couldn't stop blabbering about it to the rest of the guys. I knew I stood no chance against your charms when I saw the perma-grin on your face and damn near perfect choreography to the song. I tried to get your attention before you left, but you didn't see me. Ever since I've been hoping to get a chance to meet that magnificent girl again. And here we are!”

Y/N: *staring into space, processing what he said* "I... You…wanted to find me?? From a goofy sign?? I'll admit that you were more of a bias than Jimin. But...what now? I can’t just leave with your fairytale ass; I am not single, y/n, that I was a year ago when I made that sign. Thanks for the jacket, snacks, and honesty Min, but I gotta get going."

LM: *stands up before you and extends his hand to you, helping you stand* "I understand and respect where you're coming from. If you ever change your mind or want to order that combo, let me know, okay? It made my year just meeting you and getting that off my chest.” *Turns to help you find the way out while hiding the mixed emotion tears accumulating on his waterline*

Y/N: *checks phone and sees a message from Jimin saying he’s going to an afterparty and not to wait up* *chuckles incredulously while looking at the ceiling, stopping dead in your tracks*

LM: "Is everything okay, y/n?"

Y/N: *shows him the message* “I hate to ask this, but could you give me a lift back to my apartment? I know nobody else here, and no Ubers will be near here. I completely get; if not, I can try to see if his driver will pick up I ju…."

LM: “No no problem at all! I was going to offer, actually. Do you actually want to leave right now, or were you because of him?”

Y/N: “You know what? I think I want to dance. Because I want nothing else, I promise, but if you're ready to go, let me know!"

LM: *holds out his hand* "I have all the time in the world for you, darling. If you don't think my company is unethical, Ms. Not Single." *smirking*

Y/N: *gives the sassiest look ever* "Ha…ha, sir. Plus, the heat made me talk out of my head because I don’t think I’ve had a boyfriend in months.” *Raises a flirty eyebrow* (idk just go with it, y'all XD)

LM: *picks you up and spins you with glee* "THANK FUCK! I would've respected your decision to stay with him, but I am glad you didn't… why did your change suddenly? Not that I'm complaining AT ALL, just wondering what is going on in that pretty head of yours”.

Y/N: *wraps arms around his neck as ‘Slow Motion’ by AMARIA BB plays* “Well, I may have met someone tonight who helped pressure wash the brainwashing and gaslighting away and helped me see my worth in just a few sentences. I know it sounds crazy, but I feel genuinely good about them. I just hope I can get the courage to ask them out soon...” *looks down, nervous as hell*

LM: *can't help but give the biggest grin ever grinned* "I'd say your odds are excellent. They seem very gentlemanly and would gladly let you wear their clothes that are adorably baggy on you anytime. Also, would never have left you alone on your phone while dancing is an option or make you feel like you have to starve yourself to be worthy of love. Generally, feel like they’d do anything and everything for you. Not only because you more than deserve it but to show you that not every guy at this level is a douche.

Y/N: *butterflies return with a vengeance as the song’10:35’ comes on, and your back meets his firm chest as his strong hands find your voluptuous curves* "Well, in that case, I think I hit the jackpot, hehe, sorry I couldn't help it. It's true plus ironic given my ex’s, god, that feels good to say out loud, obsession with gambling. *Turns and hides face in his chest as y'all sway, and he kisses the top of your head*

LM: *smiles while tilting your chin up with his finger* “He may have been a gambler, but he can’t be that good if he didn’t bet on me finding you and you eventually realizing you deserve better."

Y/N: *stifles a laugh* “You did NOT just make a gambling pun… I loved it! He never appreciated my jokes…."

LM: "Well, you no longer have to worry about that. I'm here for all the jokes, whether good or bad. You can tell me anything, and I'll be open-minded, okay?” *Song ends, so he guides you to the couch again by his hand on the small of your back*

Y/N: *palms get clammy getting flashbacks to the disagreement that started it all*

LM: *notices immediately and cups your face with his hands* "Hey, hey, you, okay? What's going on, hun? Talk to me, please."

Y/N: *takes a deep breath and recounts story* "I didn't wanna drop that on you, right away, but I guess it’s better for you to know earlier so I don’t disappoint you too…tonight’s been really fun, but I understand if you bring me back home, and that's it."

LM: *pulls you into the warmest hug ever and strokes the back of your head down your back* “Oh sweetheart, if that’s enough to scare someone off, that’s their issue. I completely understand where you're coming from, and honestly, I'm proud of you for standing your ground. Also, I’m glad that selfish prick wasn’t your first glimpse into the world of sex cuz…yeesh…."

Y/N: "Honestly, same." *cackles* "I will say, while I can't promise a timeline, I feel like it won't take as long for me to be comfortable with the idea this time. *Instantly blushes*

LM: *kisses your forehead* "How do you look so sweet, yet that look in your eye is giving succubus? Anyways... I will wait however long you need to make sure you are truly ready, okay? Just let me know when you want things and what you want, alright princess?”

Y/N: *is too shook to be coy* “Wha..what did you just say??”

LM: *plays dumb* “Which part? The sweet yet succubus part confused you?”

Y/N: *both get up to leave* “Now you know damn well that wasn’t the part… to that point, however, … I dunno guess I'm just the perfect balance of everything." *Flips hair*

LM: *smiles at the newfound confidence and quietly catches up to her* “I guess that must be it.” *Puts coat on her*

Y/N: *is speechless and just grins, taking in the scent from his coat*

LM: “As for the ‘princess’ comment, I figured it only fair since you called me sir...*snakes hand around your waist*

Y/N: “I didn’t mean like th...oh, who am I kidding? I may have thrown it out there to gauge your reaction for future reference, science, or whatever…but I figured it flew over your head, or you didn't like it since you said nothing until now, haha! Is..is it bad that I did that?"

LM: *gently but firmly pulls her closer as they approach the car* “Hmm…" *opens the door and lets her get settled in the car as he starts it up* “I don’t mind that you called me that if that’s what you’re asking.”

Y/N: "Oh, thank god I was so nervous!"

LM: “I mean, it wasn’t bad in the dislike way. It may have been dangerous because it only made the desire to kiss you tenfold, so only that kind of bad did you summon.” *Smirks but keeps fiddling with the car’s settings and setting up music*

Y/N: *bites lip* “I mean… all I’ll say is you aren’t alone in that feeling...”

LM: *undoes seatbelt and leans over with superspeed and breathily says* “Thank goodness” *gently grips the underside of your chin with one hand, pulling you towards him as your hands roam into his hair, kissing with more love than you've ever felt*

                                                    THE END

[annaphoenix1994]

Ch.112 - The Call

Previous Chapter - Masterlist 1; Masterlist 2 - Next Chapter

Kiera receives a call from the last person she'd expect...

This is a very short chapter and I'm sorry! I may come back and add to it later, but I've been compiling many ideas to keep adding to this story so that I don't have to wait until the new game comes out in November and I'm sure you guys wouldn't want to wait until November for an update!

*

"I really don't want to leave," Kiera sighed once they stepped into the airport terminal towards the waiting area. "I had such a great time. I'm definitely glad you didn't give me any hints about the surprise!" 

"I'm glad, love. You looked stunning wearing that dress." 

"I can say the same about you, babe. You pulled off looking good in that suit. Too bad we can't stay in that era forever." 

"I'm sure it was worse than what it is now." 

Once they took their seats to wait on their next flight, Kiera crossed her legs while Simon's left hand rested on her knee, again bouncing his foot impatiently while he kept a stark eye on the entrance and exit points of the terminal. "Uh oh," Kiera giggled, breaking Simon out of his protective glance and pulling her phone from her purse. "Baler is calling me." 

"Brace yourself for a heap of trouble," Simon grumbled. "Your mum has been calling us twice a day since we've left telling us about the twins, but when that lad calls, he's either up to something or is testing the water..." 

"He might just be calling because he misses us!" She rolled her eyes after Simon shot her a glare that said the teen was lying. 

"He's a teenager. The last thing on his mind is calling his parents who are on their honeymoon just to ask how they are. He's probably sleeping in our bed, eating all of my favorite snack cakes for when I want to cheat on my diet, drinking all of your Dr. Pepper, and feeding Kimber what he doesn't eat." 

Kiera couldn't help but laugh, "I thought you were quitting eating those cakes altogether?" 

"I am... Once they're all gone. I only eat one once a week." 

"Yeah," She scoffed. "One pack! Which has two cakes in the pack!"

"I can't help there's two in the pack!" 

"I know, Simon. It's okay to have a favorite cheat food for someone as strict on yourself like you are." 

"Have to stay in shape for my job." 

"Yeah, and when you eventually deploy again," She frowned at the thought, looking down at her lap to answer her ringing phone. "Hello?" 

"Momma, when are you coming home?" 

"Depends on what you're about to tell me," Kiera replied, arching her brow and putting him on speaker. "Is everything okay?" 

"Well," Baler huffed. "Everything is fine here at home, but my ego isn't okay." 

"Bloody hell." Simon scoffed, rolling his eyes. 

"What happened?" 

"So, Nana couldn't pick me up from school today because she was still stuck at the doctor's office, so she asked Johnny to come and pick me up..." 

"Okay? What's the problem with that?" 

"Well... He couldn't find the keys to his car at first and - you know how they've been staying at the house with me on the weekends?-"

"They have their own house to stay in!" Simon barked, startled, ignoring the breathy laugh Baler let out at his father's sudden rise of blood pressure. 

"Take me off speaker, mom... Dad's going to get mad." 

"Okay," Kiera giggled, not doing as he requested because she too was eager to see how Simon was going to react with whatever it was that Baler was about to inform them on. "Alright, you're off speaker." 

"Good. Anyway, Teeter was going to take your truck like you told her she could, but the truck needed diesel and DEF and she didn't have time to run to the store, so-"

"Don't fucking tell me they took my car." Simon muttered quietly. 

"-She gave Johnny the keys to dad's car." 

"Oh... Is that all that happened?" 

"No, being picked up in a Hellcat definitely didn't hurt my ego," Baler laughed. "It's what Johnny did when he picked me up that did." 

"What did he do?" 

"I didn't know it was him at first until I saw my name on that big ass - sorry - big ole card that's supposed to go on the dashboard and at first I got excited because I thought it was dad coming to pick me up and you were going to surprise me by coming home early, but anyway Johnny started blasting that stupid bagpipe song or whatever it was at max volume yelling "SCOTLAND FOREVER! SCOTLAND KNOWS WHAT TIME IT IS!" out the window like he's some drunk idiot and wouldn't even turn it down after I got in the car. I saw his phone too, so I know he was taking a video to probably send it to dad later to piss him off. And he was shouting something like "GIVE EM STEEL LADS!" and I'm emotionally vulnerable until you come home."

Kiera couldn't help but laugh at the imagined scenario, looking over at Simon to see his face beet red. Even though she knew he was livid, she knew he'd be laughing about it later. Especially if they were to somehow see the video from Johnny himself. 

(Author's Note: Here is the video in question to give you a full picture ;) Please giggle and enjoy it like I did because it's 100% accurate! I also couldn't find it on YouTube, so I'll have to copy the link to the video here so you can open it on TikTok or your Safari browser: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8Fejgkk/

"I'm sorry, baby," Kiera giggled. "Did he at least get you home safe and sound?" 

"Yes. He didn't even scratch dad's car and I'm surprised." 

"He better be glad he didn't, lad." Simon scoffed. 

"Mom! I thought you took me off speaker!" 

"Um, I did! Simon can just hear really well!" 

"Yeah, right. When are you coming home?" 

"We're at the airport now." Simon grumbled. 

"That doesn't tell me anything." 

"Love, he's getting his attitude from you. You should do something about that." He murmured with a playful glare. 

"Maybe it's a good thing," She retorted. "We're at the airport in Manchester. We were supposed to fly home yesterday because our cruise got cancelled, so we stayed the night in a hotel and are taking the first flight back to the States. We're going to land in Nashville and stay a night before getting on another flight that takes us to Cody." 

"Okay." 

"Are you at the house or with your Nana?" 

"I'm at Nana's. It's not a far walk," He snickered.

"How're your brother and sister?" 

"They're good. Never caused any problems since you two left. I think Evie said dada at one point, but she's been quiet ever since."

"She did??" Simon questioned, his heart thudding with excitement.

"That's what Nana was sayin'. I'm just laying on the couch while she's making dinner-"

"Why don't you go and help her?" Simon scoffed. 

"Alright. Oh, hold on. Someone's knocking on the door. I'll get it, Nana!" They heard Baler exclaim from the other side of the phone. "Um... Hello?" 

"Hello," The sound of a woman replied back. "Do you know where I can find your mother?"

Kiera's brows furrowed at the conversation she and Simon were both hearing from the other side of the phone. 

"May I ask who you are?"

"Tell her that Kate from Butte came by to see her. I was in town and wanted to catch up." 

"Um... Okay, I'll tell her," Baler spoke before directing his attention to Kiera on the other side of the phone after the mysterious middle-aged woman dismissed herself from the porch and back towards her car, Baler keeping a confused eye on her from the window after he had shut and locked the door. "Momma, some lady from butt came to see you." 

"From where?" 

"Butt - you know, that town in Montana?" 

"You mean Butte?" She breathed a laugh. "I don't know anyone from Butte, honey." 

"Well, she sure knows you," Baler scoffed. "Said her name was Kate." 

Kiera's breathing halted briefly, immediately looking at Simon who shared the same expression as her. Why didn't she call me? "Okay." 

"She's still sitting in her car. Want me to take the phone to her?" 

"No, that's fine. I'll call her. Our flight is boarding now. I'll call you when I can, okay?" 

"Okay, momma. Be careful. I love you. Tell dad I said I loved him too." 

"Love you too." Simon answered, hearing him as clear as day since he was on speaker. 

He looked at Kiera with a concerned gaze, watching her end her call with Baler before finding Kate's phone number. "Put it on speaker." 

"I can't if it's classified, Simon," She sighed before reaching into her purse to pull out a pair of AirPods from their case. "Here, put one in your ear and I'll put the other in mine. Just don't say anything." 

"Okay, love."

They both heard the phone ring roughly four times before she answered, "Kiera, I see word travels fast when I come to visit." She chuckled. 

"Was it just a visit, though?" 

"I wish I could say it was," She sighed. "I had forgotten you were still on your honeymoon when I pulled up to your house and realized that you weren't home with your truck and car sitting in the driveway. Is there any way you could meet me in Jackson Hole after you get back?" 

"Why Jackson Hole? Why not meet me at the ranch?"

"With what I'm about to tell you doesn't need to be said on your ranch." 

[skadee17]

V- The prey and the hunter

After the events of this afternoon, I had decided to go rest and try to sleep a bit. I had been sleeping very poorly since we arrived here. In fact, I've always had trouble sleeping, whether at home with my parents or at college. I constantly battled insomnia. The upside was that now, having insomnia wasn't too bad when sleeping outdoors. I could be alert to things around us while keeping an eye on my family. But now, I felt a little safer here. I was slowly letting my guard down, I knew it, and I didn't like it. But for the moment, all I wished for was to sleep.

For heaven's sake, I wanted to sleep. We were surrounded by walls, barriers, we had a militia, so why couldn't I get some sleep? I guess the numerous nights hearing the roamers walking around us during our journey here had left their mark.

It made me stronger in a way, but I was exhausted from having to be on guard all the time, no matter the weather, place, or people...

I managed to fall asleep a bit after taking some sort of sleeping aid I found at the infirmary. I found them when I restocked and decided to keep them; I really needed them.

I woke up after hours of sleep, which had been somewhat restorative, but I still lacked so much that I settled for just having slept well for once. Night had fallen on the ranch. Alicia must still be in her meeting with the ranch youth, but no idea where my mother and Nick could be.

Finally, I got up, put on loose jeans and a jacket, and started roaming around the ranch in search of my family. I took the opportunity to look at the sky. When I was little, my father bought me a telescope to watch the stars and planets. He knew I loved it and could spend hours gazing at them no matter the time or weather. Rain or shine, hot or snow, I sat in front of my telescope gazing at the stars. As I grew up, I never lost the habit of looking at them. When my father died, this habit became my only solace. Looking at them, I saw memories with my father, tears in my eyes, I reminded him that I loved him and hoped that if he could hear me, he would be proud of me and know how much I miss him. Since I arrived here, I often wandered around the ranch, settling on a hill, back against a tree, with the stars as my company. That's what I did when I couldn't sleep. Sometimes I fell asleep there, confident, and woke up before others to return to the cottage. Before leaving, I thanked the stars for protecting me and allowing me to rest.

As I walked, I finally saw my mother; she was talking to Jeremiah. I continued on my way; their conversation didn't interest me at all, but I nodded and smiled at them when they saw me. A few minutes later, I stopped near a fence, watching what people were doing at this hour. It was pitch black, yet the ranch seemed as awake as it did during the day. Lost in my thoughts, I was interrupted by a car heading towards me and stopping:

"Do you fancy a ride?" Troy asked. 

"A ride?" I replied. 

"Or perhaps you prefer staying here doing nothing?" he observed.

I knew I probably shouldn't get into that car, especially with him. But strangely, tonight, I felt like getting out of the ranch and taking a breather. It had been more than a week since we arrived, and I hadn't set foot outside this place since then. I felt oppressed, so a little ride couldn't hurt, at least I hoped so. Finally emerging from my thoughts, Troy was still looking at me, waiting for a response. I eventually moved and walked around the vehicle to sit beside him. I rested my head against the window and saw his usual smirk, but I said nothing.

We drove a few meters, then arrived at the ranch gate. I noticed several vehicles waiting. I turned to Troy and asked:

"Where are we going? There are a lot of vehicles for a ride," I asked. 

"Oh yeah, I might have forgotten to tell you we're going hunting. A wild boar keeps damaging our fences, so we have to find and deal with it," he explained. 

"Are you kidding me, Troy? Hunting is a ride for you?" 

"Listen, it's okay. I thought you'd enjoy getting out of the ranch instead of spending your days at the infirmary," he said calmly. "You're annoying," I finished.

I laid my head back on the window, and Troy started the car and positioned himself between the other two vehicles. I sensed he was tense, his hands were tight on the wheel, and his body seemed tense. I didn't care, but right now, he was the first to take me outside and let me breathe a bit, and he seemed genuinely upset by my response.

"Thanks," I simply told him.

I saw him looking at me with a rather surprised look, but I didn't react. We continued driving until we reached the hunting spot.

Suddenly, the vehicle in front of us stopped. Troy did the same, got out of the vehicle, and signaled for me to join him.

"I don't like hunting. I'd rather stay in the car and wait for you guys," I said, stopping by his side. 

"No way, you're coming with us. I'm not leaving you alone here," he interrupted. 

"Troy..." I sighed. 

"End of discussion. Here, take this weapon and follow us," he finished.

I took the weapon he handed me and started walking. The tracking dogs were crazy, sniffing, running all over the place. I thought I was going for a walk, and here I was, on a hunt... A few minutes later, the group split up. I took a different path, strolling, hoping they would quickly finish playing with their dogs and the wild boar.

As I walked, I felt a strange sensation. It was dark, foggy, and I heard the dogs barking in the distance. I was alone in the middle of nowhere, hoping I hadn't gotten lost because it would literally be a mess. Suddenly, I heard a crack behind me. Someone was following me. A zombie? An animal? A hunter? I decided to hide in a bush, took my weapon, and waited to see who was following me. And there, I saw Troy, the jerk. Did he plan to kill me? He should know by now that you don't get rid of me that easily. I stood up slowly, then jumped on him, pinning him down, my loaded gun under his chin. Our breath echoed each other's, both of us breathless. Our gazes locked, I looked furious, but he seemed impassive.

"The ground is soft; you could bury me easily. Others would ask questions, but they'd have no evidence," he mocked. 

"I wonder how long it would take for you to turn?" I accused. 

"87 minutes, 87 minutes," he repeated, considering my weight and age."

I looked into his eyes; he didn't seem scared at all. He was the hunter, and I was the prey. I was determined to be the hunter.

"At least if you decide to kill me, you should time it...

" "You're not a scientist!" I spat

"A timer, Bella." 

"What's your problem?" I snapped. 

"Do it,"

Heart pounding, I tightened my grip on the trigger, intentionally firing next to Troy's ear, the bullet's breath grazing his skin. A clear warning without compromise. Troy held his breath, a rush of adrenaline mixed with a hint of excitement. He firmly grasped my arm, forcing me to lower the weapon.

"Do you really think I'm here to harm you?" he said firmly, trying to keep calm despite the palpable tension. 

"You're reckless, Troy. You took a risk following me," i retorted, pulling my arm to break free from his hold.

Our eyes met in a silent battle of wills. Anger and distrust burned between us, fueling a fire of emotions.

"I don't need protection, especially not from you," i spat, shaking his hand off. 

"I'm not here to protect you, Bella. I'm just... you should never let your guard down," admitted Troy, his tone becoming softer, almost hesitant. 

"Are you kidding me?" 

"I'm a hunter, Bella. I observe, I learn, that's all."

Our voices hung in the night air, silence creeping in between us as our breaths synced with the moonlight's glow.

I hadn't killed him, and he thought I would. Maybe I should have, but I wasn't God. I stepped away and began walking towards the cars. He might be a hunter, but I was by no means prey.

This hunt wasn't just for prey, but perhaps for a deeper understanding, a truth to uncover between two minds as wild as the nature surrounding them.

The journey back was marked by an uncomfortable silence, our strained relationship reflecting in every step we took towards refuge. The flickering lights of the ranch greeted our return, but the heavy atmosphere between us seemed to overshadow the mood. I avoided Troy's gaze; my mind was still boiling from the events of the hunt. Troy, on his side, seemed lost in his thoughts too, his expression revealing a mix of annoyance and deep contemplation.

We quickly parted ways upon arrival, each going in the opposite direction. The muffled whispers of other ranch members filled the air, but for the two of us, there was only the heavy silence that surrounded us.