#but more than likely I’ll drag my friend into watching it with me. unless he thinks I’m an expert in which case it’s Barry Lyndon | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

yourmomsawh0r3 · 3 months ago

Text

cowboy hat rule

pairing: tyler owens x f! reader

warnings: NSFW, 18+

Tyler had no plans to go out that night. He was perfectly content to spend the evening at home, maybe watch a game or catch up on some sleep. But his friends had other ideas. They dragged him out to a bar in town, claiming he needed a night out, and after some reluctant agreement, he found himself nursing a beer at the bar, feeling slightly out of place.

That was until he saw “her”

She was standing near the end of the bar, laughing at something her sister said, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Tyler couldn’t take his eyes off her. There was something about the way she carried herself confidence mixed with a playful edge that intrigued him.

His friends were still talking about something in the background, but he wasn’t paying attention. All he could focus on was her. The way she moved, the way she smiled it was like she was teasing the entire room just by existing.

Tyler knew he had to talk to her. He wasn’t normally one to make the first move, but something about her made him bold. He excused himself from his group and made his way over to where she stood, leaning casually against the bar.

“Can I buy you a drink?” he asked, his voice low and smooth.

She turned to look at him, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Depends,” she said, her voice equally teasing. “You think you can keep up with me?”

Tyler raised an eyebrow, a slow grin spreading across his face. “I think I’m up for the challenge.”

She tilted her head, studying him for a moment before nodding. “Alright, cowboy. I’m Y/N. And this is my sister, but don’t worry she’s already spoken for.”

Tyler chuckled, tipping his hat slightly. “Tyler. Nice to meet you, Y/N.”

She accepted the drink he ordered for her, taking a sip while maintaining eye contact with him. There was a tension in the air, something simmering just beneath the surface, and Tyler could tell she was enjoying every second of it.

“So, Tyler,” she said, leaning in closer, “how about we play a game?”

“What kind of game?” he asked, intrigued.

“Twenty-one questions,” she replied with a smirk. “I ask you a question, you ask me one. And no lying.”

Tyler grinned. “You’re on.”

They went back and forth, asking each other everything from favorite movies to the wildest thing they’d ever done. Each question was a chance to flirt, to push the boundaries just a little further. Tyler found himself getting more and more drawn to her with every answer she gave, her wit and charm only adding to her allure.

As the night went on, the tension between them grew. Tyler could feel it the way her eyes lingered on him a little too long, the way she bit her lip when he said something that made her blush. He was getting hot under the collar, and it was clear she was feeling the same.

Eventually, she leaned over and, with a sly grin, plucked his cowboy hat off his head and placed it on her own. Tyler froze, his eyes narrowing playfully as he watched her.

“I wouldn’t do that unless you know the cowboy hat rule,” he warned, his voice taking on a husky tone.

Y/N tilted the hat down slightly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Oh, I know the rule, alright,” she teased. “But I’m not one to follow the rules.”

Tyler’s heart pounded in his chest as he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “You know how to ride?”

She leaned in as well, her lips almost brushing against his as she whispered back, “Oh, sugar, I’ll give you the best ride of your life.”

Tyler felt the temperature in the room spike. His skin tingled, his pulse raced, and for a moment, he forgot where they were, lost in the heat between them. She was a challenge, no doubt about it, and Tyler was more than ready to see where this night would take them.

But before anything else could happen, she pulled back slightly, a coy smile playing on her lips as she adjusted his hat on her head. “Guess you’ll just have to wait and see, cowboy.”

Tyler grinned, shaking his head in amusement. He was hooked, and he had a feeling she knew it. Whatever happened next, one thing was for sure he wasn’t letting her out of his sight.

Tyler watched as Y/N adjusted his hat one last time, her mischievous grin sending a rush of heat through him. She held his gaze for a moment longer before turning on her heel and sauntering over to where her sister was sitting.

His eyes followed the sway of her hips, each step drawing him in deeper. The way she moved was hypnotic, effortlessly seductive, and Tyler couldn’t help but be captivated by her confidence.

She leaned down to whisper something in her sister’s ear, her voice too low for him to hear. Whatever she said made her sister’s eyes widen before they both broke into knowing smiles.

Tyler leaned back against the bar, a satisfied grin on his face as he watched her. He was in no rush to leave, content to take in every last detail of her before the night was through. And from the way she glanced back at him over her shoulder, he knew the feeling was mutual.

This wasn’t over not by a long shot.

When the bar closed, Tyler asked, "Can I walk you home, Y/N?"

She looked at him, her eyes reflecting the dim bar lights. "I'd like that, Tyler. But I have a feeling walking might not be the only thing we do."

Tyler felt a spark of anticipation. He offered her his arm, and they strolled out into the cool Texas night, the stars above them twinkling like a private audience to their burgeoning romance.

They barely made it to Y/N's apartment door before Tyler's self-control snapped. He pressed her against the door, his hands cupping her face, his lips finding hers in a passionate, hungry kiss. Y/N moaned, her hands tangling in his hair, pulling him closer. Tyler's hands traced the curve of her body, his touch igniting sparks wherever it landed.

"Tyler," Y/N gasped, breaking the kiss. "Inside. Now."

Tyler grinned, his eyes never leaving hers as he reached behind her and opened the door. They stumbled inside, their lips locked, their hands exploring. Tyler kicked the door closed behind them, his hands finding the zipper of Y/N's dress. He slowly pulled it down, his knuckles grazing her spine, sending shivers down her body.

Y/N's dress fell to the floor, leaving her in a lacy bra and matching panties. Tyler took a step back, his eyes drinking her in. "Damn, darlin', you're beautiful."

Y/N smiled, her hands going to the buttons of Tyler's shirt. "You're not so bad yourself, cowboy."

She pushed his shirt off his shoulders, her fingers tracing the muscles of his chest. Tyler groaned, his hands finding her hips, pulling her flush against him. "You feel that, darlin'? That's what you do to me."

Y/N looked up at him, her eyes filled with desire. "I want to feel more, Tyler. All of you."

Tyler growled, his hands cupping her ass, lifting her up. Y/N wrapped her legs around his waist, her arms around his neck. Tyler carried her to the bedroom, his lips never leaving hers. He laid her down on the bed, his body covering hers.

He trailed kisses down her neck, his hands unhooking her bra, freeing her breasts. He took one nipple into his mouth, his tongue swirling around the hardened peak. Y/N arched her back, her hands tangling in his hair, pressing him closer.

"Tyler, please," she gasped, her hips grinding against his.

Tyler chuckled, his hand slipping under the waistband of her panties, finding her wet and ready. "Please what, darlin'? Tell me what you want."

As Tyler settled between Y/N's thighs, his hands gently spreading her legs, he looked up at her with a mischievous grin. "You ready for me, darlin'?"

Y/N nodded, her heart pounding in anticipation. "More than ready, Tyler."

Tyler chuckled, his breath warm on her sensitive flesh. "Good, 'cause I've been dyin' to taste you all night."

He leaned in, his tongue flicking out to tease her clit. Y/N gasped, her hips lifting off the bed. Tyler hummed in approval, his hands gripping her hips to hold her in place as he began to lick and suck, exploring every inch of her pussy.

"Tyler," Y/N moaned, her fingers tangling in his hair. "That feels so good."

Tyler looked up at her, his eyes heated. "You taste fuckin' amazing, darlin'. Like the sweetest candy I've ever had."

He buried his face between her thighs, his tongue delving deep inside her, lapping up her juices. Y/N cried out, her body writhing as Tyler devoured her, his tongue working magic on her clit.

"You're so wet, baby," Tyler growled, his fingers joining his tongue, fucking her slowly. "I could spend all day down here, eat your pussy until you can't take anymore."

Y/N whimpered, her orgasm building with each thrust of Tyler's fingers, each flick of his tongue. "I'm close, Tyler. So close."

Tyler groaned, his tongue circling her clit. "Come for me, Y/N. Come all over my face."

And with a final lick, Y/N tumbled over the edge, her body convulsing as she came, her cries of pleasure filling the room. Tyler continued to lick and suck, drawing out her orgasm until she was a boneless, quivering mess.

As Tyler resurfaced, his face glistening with Y/N's arousal, he grinned up at her, his dimples on full display. "Damn, darlin', you taste even better than I imagined."

Y/N, her cheeks flushed and her chest heaving, looked down at him with hooded eyes. "And you're pretty good with that tongue of yours, cowboy."

Tyler chuckled, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "I aim to please, ma'am.”

Tyler's hand, still slick from Y/N's arousal, grasped his hardening length, stroking it slowly as he looked down at her. "You see what you do to me, darlin'? You make me so hard, I could fucking explode."

Y/N bit her lip, watching him with hooded eyes. "I want you to fuck me, Tyler. Hard and deep. Make me scream your name."

Tyler growled, positioning himself at her entrance. "You sure about that, sweetheart? Once I start, I ain't stopping until I've filled you up with my cum."

Y/N nodded, her breath hitching as Tyler slowly pushed into her. "Yes, Tyler. Fuck me."

Tyler groaned as he sheathed himself fully inside her. "Fuck, you're so tight, darlin'. Like a fucking glove." He started to move, his hips thrusting in a slow, steady rhythm, his cock stretching her with each stroke.

Y/N's hands clutched at his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin as he filled her completely. "More, Tyler. Faster."

Tyler obliged, his pace increasing, his cock slamming into her with more force. "Like that, darlin'? You like it when I fuck you hard?"

Y/N moaned, her body arching to meet his thrusts. "Yes, Tyler. Just like that."

Tyler reached between them, his fingers finding her clit and rubbing in time with his thrusts. "Come for me, Y/N. Come all over my cock."

Y/N's body tightened, her orgasm building. "Tyler, I'm close. So close."

Tyler's thrusts became erratic, his own release building. "Come on, darlin'. Let me feel you milk my cock."

Y/N's body shattered, her orgasm ripping through her as Tyler slammed into her one last time, his cock pulsing as he filled her with his hot cum.

They lay there, Tyler still inside her, their bodies slick with sweat and satisfaction. Tyler looked down at Y/N, his thumb brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You okay, darlin'?"

Y/N smiled up at him, her fingers tracing the lines of his tattoos. "Better than okay, Tyler. That was...incredible."

Tyler chuckled, his cock twitching inside her. "We're just getting started, sweetheart. There's plenty more where that came from."

As they lay there, their bodies cooling and their breaths evening out, Y/N stirred slightly. She propped herself up on one elbow, looking down at Tyler with a soft smile. His eyes fluttered open, meeting hers with a warm gaze.

"Hey, you," he murmured, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Hey," she replied, her smile growing wider. "I was just thinking... are you hungry?"

Tyler chuckled, his stomach rumbling in response. "Now that you mention it, yeah, I could eat."

Y/N laughed, her eyes sparkling. "I thought so. I don't know about you, but all that... exercise always makes me hungry."

Tyler grinned, pulling her down for a quick kiss. "Me too, darlin'. Me too."

She pushed herself up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

Before she could leave the room, Tyler called out softly, "Hey, where are you going?" Y/N paused, looking back at him with a smile. "I was going to order us some pizza. My fridge is as bare as my bank account right now," she laughed, leaning against the doorframe.

Tyler grinned, patting the bed beside him. "Come here, let's do that together." Y/N walked back to the bed, crawling in beside him and snuggling close. She picked up her phone, her thumb hovering over the pizza app icon. Tyler, however, noticed something first. "Hey, what's this?" he asked, pointing at the lock screen of her phone.

Y/N looked down, her cheeks flushing slightly as she saw the picture. It was her, grinning widely with her arms wrapped around the neck of a beautiful chestnut horse. "Oh, that's just me and my horse, Clover," she said, as if it was no big deal.

Tyler, however, was intrigued. He pushed away loose strands of her hair, his eyes soft as he looked at her. "You have a horse?" he asked, his voice filled with surprise and something else admiration? "Why didn't you tell me that?"

Y/N shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "It never came up, I guess. I've had Clover for years. She's like family to me." She looked back at Tyler, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "But I'll tell you all about her over pizza, if you want."Y/N looked up from her phone, a small frown on her face. Tyler shakes his head. "What do you mean? I was going to pay for it. she says

Tyler shook his head, a playful smile on his lips. "No way, darlin'. I'm paying for dinner."

"But I don't mind paying," Y/N insisted, holding onto her phone.

Tyler reached out, gently prying the phone from her hands. "I know you don't, but I want to. Consider it my way of saying thank you for a great night."

Y/N bit her lip, considering his words. She knew better than to argue with him when he had that determined look in his eyes. "Alright," she finally conceded, "but next time, it's on me."

Tyler grinned, pulling her into his side. "Deal," he said, before leaning down to kiss her. He quickly added his credit card information to the order, pressing 'submit' before Y/N could change her mind. "There," he said, handing the phone back to her, "all taken care of."

Y/N smiled, leaning into his embrace. "You're too sweet, you know that?"

Tyler chuckled, pressing another kiss to her forehead. "Only for you, beautiful."

After devouring their large pizza, which Y/N had insisted they both eat, they collapsed onto the bed, sighs of satisfaction escaping both their lips. "I could eat that every night," Tyler said, smiling up at her.

"Totally agree," Y/N replied, snuggling up close to him.

They talked for a bit more, sharing stories of Y/N's childhood growing up on a farm and about her beloved horse, Clover. Tyler listened intently, his eyes filled with wonder and interest. It was clear he was thoroughly enthralled by the thought of her horse, the way she spoke of her with such love and passion.

As the talk went on, they noticed how late it had become, the room growing dimly lit. "Well, I think it's getting pretty late," Y/N said, her voice a little softer now. “We should probably get to bed."

Tyler nodded in agreement, though he showed no signs of moving away from her. "You're right," he murmured, his arms still wrapped around her. "But I don't really feel like moving right now."

Y/N smiled up at him, her heart filling with warmth. She didn't feel like moving either. So instead, they just sat there, holding each other close, the only sounds their gentle breathing and the creaking of the bed as they shifted against each other.

After a few moments of silence, they both knew it was time to clean up. They went about washing their faces, brushing their teeth, and making their way back into the bedroom. The atmosphere had changed slightly, a hint of intimacy now woven through the air.

Without needing to say a word, they snuggled back into bed, curling up together once more. The room was silent except for the sound of their breathing, the comfortable darkness enveloping them both.

As they drifted off to sleep, Y/N smiled softly, feeling like this was exactly where she belonged in Tyler's arms, surrounded by warmth and comfort.

tyler whispers to her "Now, about that cowboy hat rule..."

Y/N's hands went to his chest, pushing him back slightly. "Oh, I remember. But I have a rule of my own."

Tyler raised an eyebrow. "Oh, yeah? And what's that?"

Y/N smirked, her fingers deftly unbuttoning his shirt. "When I'm on top, you have to keep that hat on."

Tyler laughed, his hands going to her ass, pulling her close. "Deal. But only if you promise to give me the ride of my life, darlin'."

Y/N leaned in, her lips brushing against his ear. "Like I said earlier, honey, I'll give you the best ride of your life."

Tyler groaned, his hands squeezing her ass. "Fuck, Y/N. You keep talking like that, and I won't last."

Y/N pulled back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Then we'd better get started, hadn't we?"

Tyler quickly shed his shirt, his chest bare and taut. Y/N took a moment to appreciate the sight before him, her eyes trailing over the ridges of his abs and the light smattering of hair that led down to his waistband. She reached out, running her fingers over his skin, feeling the heat of him. Tyler's breath hitched at her touch, his eyes never leaving hers.

"You're playing with fire, darlin'," he warned, his voice low and husky.

Y/N smirked, "Maybe I like the burn," she repolied

Tyler groaned, his eyes dropping to take in the sight. "You're trying to kill me, aren't you?"

Y/N laughed, stepping out of her jeans and pushing him back onto the bed. She climbed onto his lap, straddling him, her hands going to the brim of his hat. "No killing allowed," she said, tipping the hat back so she could see his face. "Just some good old-fashioned fun."

Tyler's hands went to her hips, holding her in place as he lifted his own hips, pressing his erection against her through his jeans. "Fun, huh?" he asked, a wicked gleam in his eyes. "I can do fun."

Y/N gasped, her head falling back as she grinded against him, feeling the friction through their clothes. Tyler took the opportunity to lean forward, capturing one of her nipples through the lace of her bra, sucking and biting gently. Y/N moaned, her fingers tangling in his hair, holding him to her.

Tyler's hands moved to her back, unhooking her bra with ease. He pulled back, allowing the material to fall away, leaving her bare to him. His eyes darkened as he took in the sight of her, his hands reaching up to cup her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her nipples.

"Tyler," Y/N gasped, her hips moving of their own accord, seeking friction. "Please."

"You sure you can handle all this, darlin'?" Tyler asked, his voice laced with amusement.

Y/N licked her lips, her eyes meeting his. "I wouldn't have it any other way," she replied

After a series of kisses and gentle caresses, Y/N climbed on top of Tyler, her hands reaching down to grasp his hips. She rubbed her wetness against his cock, and Tyler moaned, his eyes closing in pleasure. "Mmm, yeah," he breathed, his hands moving up to grasp her hips.

Y/N leaned in closer, whispering in his ear. "I could get used to that sound," she said, her voice low and husky. "It's music to my ears."

Tyler chuckled, his eyes snapping open to look at her. "You're trying to make me come," he accused, his hands tightening on her hips.

Y/N smiled, her hips moving in slow, deliberate strokes. "Maybe I am," she replied, her voice teasing. "Maybe I just want to see you happy."

Tyler's eyes locked onto hers, his expression soft and sincere. "You make me happy," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Y/N's heart skipped a beat at his words, her cheeks flushing with warmth. She leaned in, her lips brushing against his ear. "I want to make you come," she whispered, her voice full of desire. "I want to hear you moan my name."

Tyler's eyes widened, his body tensing beneath hers. "Yeah," he breathed, his hands grasping her hips tighter. "Yeah, do that."

And with that, Y/N leaned in, her lips trailing down the side of Tyler's face, her hands moving down to grasp his cock, her hips moving in time with her hand, the sound of her wetness against his cock filling the air.

Y/N leaned forward, her lips brushing against Tyler's ear. "I'm going to give you the best ride of your life," she whispered, her voice husky with desire.

Tyler moaned, his hands tightening on her hips. "I can already tell you're going to be an amazing girlfriend," he growled, his eyes fixed on her face.

Y/N grinned, her body moving against his. "yeah? ," she teased, her hips slowly sliding backwards, her wetness leaving a trail along his cock.

Tyler moaned again, his eyes falling to her breasts as they bounced with each movement. "You feel so good, Y/N," he muttered, his hands moving to cup her breasts, his thumbs rubbing over her nipples.

Y/N gasped, her body arching as his hands touched her. "I'm ready for you," she panted, her hips lifting and lowering, her body teasing his cock.

"Good girl," Tyler moaned, his hands gripping her hips tighter. "You're such a good girl."

And with that, Y/N finally sank down on him, her body enveloping his cock in a hot, wet embrace. "Ah," Tyler groaned, his eyes closing as he felt her tightness wrapped around him.

Y/N moaned, her hands grasping his shoulders, her body moving up and down on his cock in slow, deliberate strokes. "Mmm, this feels so good," she panted, her breasts bouncing with each movement.

Tyler opened his eyes, his gaze fixed on Y/N's tits as she bounced on his cock. "You look so beautiful," he breathed, his hands moving up to grasp her hips. "Ride me like that, Y/N."

Y/N grinned, her body moving faster, her hips thrusting down harder. "I'm riding you," she panted, her voice full of desire.

Tyler moaned, his hands tightening on her hips. "Keep going, Y/N. Keep riding me."

And with that, Y/N continued to ride Tyler's cock, her body moving faster and harder, her eyes fixed on his face. Here is the revised paragraph:

Tyler's cock throbbed with anticipation as he gazed at Y/N's enticing body, her curves glistening with sweat. He knew he couldn't resist her any longer. "Come here, Y/N," he whispered, his voice husky with desire. "I need you now."

Y/N smiled, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. She slid closer to Tyler, her body gliding across the bed as she reached out to touch his chest. "I'm clean, Tyler," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of their heavy breathing. "I'm on birth control. You can come inside me."

Tyler's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze burning with intensity. He knew this was it, the moment he'd been waiting for. With a low growl, he pushed himself deep inside Y/N, feeling her warm, wet walls envelop him. He began to thrust, his movements powerful and urgent, as Y/N's moans filled the air.

As they moved together, their bodies slick with sweat, Y/N reached down to scoop up their combined juices. She brought her hand to her mouth, moaning as she tasted their mingled essence. Then, she slid her finger back into her entrance, coating it with their shared fluids.

Tyler watched, transfixed, as Y/N brought her finger to his mouth. He sucked it in, feeling the warm, sticky liquid coat his tongue. "Fuck, you're perfect," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.

Y/N smiled, her eyes shining with happiness. She knew this was what she'd been waiting for, the moment when they could finally be together, their bodies and hearts entwined. And as they lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, she knew that this was only the beginning of their journey together.

And as they drifted off to sleep, their bodies entwined, they knew this was just the beginning of many more incredible rides to come.

#tyler owen x f! reader #tyler owen x fem reader #tyler owens x y/n #tyler owens x reader #tyler owen’s #tyler owen’s x you #tyler owen x reader #tyler owen #tyler owens #glen powell x reader #glen powell #twisterfanfiction #twisters

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narrycherries · 5 months ago

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call it what you want✨pt.3

As things seem to be heating up, Harry suggests a little more than kissing..

masterlist

word count: 6.1k

warnings/tags: harry x reader, friends to lovers, smut, fluff

The bed was as comfortable as ever while you laid there patiently waiting for Harry to join you. The day had been very relaxing for you, but climbing into his bed was just what you needed. Harry wasn’t far behind you. He was changing into something to sleep in. You bit down on your cheek as you thought about the oversized t-shirt you were wearing, no pants or shorts covering your legs or butt at all. He never minded, and you rarely did it anyways so he never made a big deal out of it. Besides, he was comfortable with it and so were you.

“M’gone leave the lamp on for a bit, that okay? I wanna read for a while after you go to sleep.”

You smiled as he looked your way. “That’s fine. Just need you to come on.. I’m cold.”

His playful eye roll made your smile grow bigger. He flicked off the overhead light and joined you on the bed.

“Someone’s being a little needy, hm?” He said through a low chuckle as he slid his arm underneath your head, and the other naturally draped over your waist.

“If you cut the air off every now and then I wouldn't be so cold.” Your voice was soft as you nuzzled your face against his arm, the feeling of his warm skin lighting yours on fire was nice and comforting. It felt like forever since the last time you felt that sensation, even though it was only this morning..

“Hmm.. maybe I keep it on to keep you cold.. make you have to cuddle me.” His words were laced with a grin, and you felt a wave of heat covering your cheeks.

“Sounds like you're the needy one, then.”

He gave your waist a pinch that you could feel through the fabric of your shirt. You winced, then nudged his foot with yours. You always tended to forget how close you really got to him, your faces were just a few inches apart.

“M’glad you got to spend a few days with me.. even though you got hurt.” He said through a sigh, his fingers softly dragging back and forth against your shirt, wishing he could feel your skin. He didn’t want to cross any lines with you, though, so he didn’t even think about lifting your shirt.

“I guess I have to go home tomorrow.” You shifted your gaze to his face, and you were not shocked to see his stare was fixed on you.

He lifted one corner of his mouth. “You don’t have to go.. unless you really want to.”

Your heart started to flutter as you thought about spending even more time with him, but you had to quickly remind yourself that this wasn’t a fairytale you were in. He watched as your eyes drifted from his and you rolled in your bottom lip. You usually did that while you were thinking, so he figured you were doing that. After a minute or two of just watching you curiously, he said something.

“Something wrong?”

Immediately, your eyes dart back to his. “No, just.. I, um, probably need to go home.. my roommate texted me earlier.. asking when I’d be back.”

He slightly raised a brow. “Care more about your roommate than me?”

“Don’t be silly.” You cracked a smile, he was only joking after all.

“You can go whenever, peach, but I’ll miss you.” Harry’s voice had dropped to practically a whisper, which made your heart beat a little faster than normal.

You went silent as you lifted your hand between your chest and Harry’s and started to mess with the chain around his neck. He didn’t want to disturb you, so he just opted to observe you. Of course, your eyes were fixated on his necklace, and he could tell you were lost in thought. Your fingers were carefully twisting the chain and running it against your skin. Harry wanted to ask you what was making your tongue poke through your lips before you bit down on your cheek, but he didn’t want to bother you. Despite seeming so distracted, you were content and quiet and, above all, comfortable.

Just as he had dropped his eyes down to stare at your plump lips, you moved your touch onto his chin. He shot his eyes back to yours as you gave him a glance and a gentle smile.

“You have a piece of fuzz on you.” You muttered out while picking the familiar colored, tiny ball of fuzz off of the underside of his chin. It came from the throw blanket that he kept on the couch.

He didn’t say anything, just kept eyeing you. A sudden ache in your leg made you grunt and bend your knee, pushing it into Harry’s leg. He squeezed your waist and hummed as a way of asking if you were alright, but you didn’t respond. Instead, you started to rub the pad of your index finger against the hair growing in on his chin. He let out a soft laugh as he watched your brows furrow.

“Don’t like it?”

You smiled. “I do.. it just feels funny.”

“As long as it doesn’t look funny.” Harry smirked.

“You couldn’t look funny if you tried.” You quietly said, the words as light as a feather.

Harry’s tongue darted out to coat his lips quickly. “Is that so?”

You scoffed. “You know you’re-“

When you paused, he moved his hand up just slightly to squeeze you in a new spot. “Hm?”

You gently shook your head, not wanting to say what you almost let slip. He let it slide, though. The last thing he wanted was to upset you by asking over and over what you were going to say. He had some ideas in his head anyway that made sense, so there was no point in asking. For a moment, he thought maybe you were uncomfortable and becoming tense from the situation, so he decided to distract you.

“I hate that you gotta go tomorrow.. I don’t like being alone.”

“M’sure my brother would like to see you.. he likes to tell my mom that I take up all your free time.”

Harry chuckled a little at that. “M’sure he’s jealous.”

“He’s just mad because I stole his best friend.”

“M’sure he never saw that coming.” He smiled, but let it drop as he noticed your eyes changing. You were just smiling, but now you appeared to be on the verge of tears. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

You shook your head a few times, trying to just ignore everything that was weighing on you, but it was too hard. Harry started to move his hand up and down a small section of your side, as an attempt to comfort you.

“Don’t get upset. I don’t want you to cry, sweetheart.”

The word he said just made everything feel much harder, made it feel so much more real.. You fought your anxious thoughts and decided to just tell him what was going on in your mind right now. There were some things that just needed to come out.

“I wish I were a boy.. it would be so much easier to.. to be your friend.”

He was confused at first, but thought about what you said and what it meant. He sighed and squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. You weren't looking at him anyway, so he wasn’t afraid to be a little emotional with his reactions. Before he could say anything back, you spoke again.

“All the.. the cuddling and stuff.. I just.. it makes everything complicated.. we have to censor ourselves in front of.. everyone but.. we shouldn’t be doing it anyway.”

He chose to try and cheer you up, try to guide you away from those tears. “I’m glad you’re not a boy.. it would be a bit weird for me to be cuddling you.”

You huffed. “That’s the thing, you wouldn’t.. be doing that.”

“I.. I like doing that.. with you.” Harry’s brows dropped as your eyes met his once again. “I told you the other day that all of this is okay with me. Everything we do is perfectly okay.”

“I know.. I like it, too.. and.. I don’t.. I don’t know.” You were beyond flustered, and he could easily tell how nervous you were.

Your eyes were avoiding his as your face reddened and your hand started to tremble against his shoulder. You hadn’t even realized you were touching him there, but holding onto him was something you always opted to do - whether it was squeezing the fabric of his shirt, wrapping your fingers in between his, or grabbing onto parts of his body. You needed him close in order to feel safe, and right now you just wanted that comfort that only he provides. You just wanted him.

He licked his lips gently. “Hey, how about we just.. take a moment to relax,okay? I don’t want you to get worked up.”

You let out a soft breath. “Okay, that’s okay.”

It became quiet for a while. Your eyes were closed but Harry knew you weren’t asleep. Your hand was on the side of his neck, your index finger softly moving from side to side. The feeling of his warm skin against yours was a cure for your anxiety. It made you feel like the world had stopped spinning and it was just the two of you in existence. You were calm.

Harry, on the other hand, was watching you closely, making sure you didn't make any weird faces or appear to be uncomfortable in any way. He didn’t want you to worry about the kissing episode from the other night, and he surely didn’t want you to think that the special things you do with him are not acceptable. There was nothing more he loved in the world than being with you - and that included cuddling on the couch, sleeping close in bed, every little thing he did with you..

His eyelids were hardly opened when you started to furrow your brows and frown your lips. He watched you carefully, observing every little move you made. Your hand slowly moved to his jaw, your fingers splaying on his neck as your thumb pressed into his relaxed dimple. He took a deep breath through his nose and slowly pushed it out, waiting for you to open your eyes. When you did, he didn’t expect you to seem so sad. He thought for sure that this quiet time had allowed you to relax.

“Harry.” You spoke his name in a soft whine, your lips tugging downward as a wave of sadness crept through you.

“What is it, darling?” He asked quietly, not wanting to be too loud while being this close.

You didn’t say anything at first, just shifted your gaze to his dimple. You poked your thumb into the intention, making him smile. You couldn’t resist a small lift of the corner of your mouth as your thumb dipped into the dimple.

“Y’know that tickles me.” He muttered out as you started rubbing delicate circles into his cheek, your skin barely touching his.

“Mhm.” You looked at his eyes, admiring his relaxed features.

His brows were laying perfectly on his forehead, his smile was gentle but present, and his eyes were locked on yours. If you shifted your gaze, he followed you. He was always so intrigued by whatever you did, big or small. You gave his cheek a pinch, your fingers brushing his skin as you moved your hand. He chuckled lightly as you did it a second time.

“You’re being cute, hm.” His words came out in a mumble, making your stomach churn and your heart flutter. Sometimes his words had a crazy effect on you, it was complicated for you to process.

You shifted your head, turning your face in to the pillow. Harry tightened his hold on your waist, almost forgetting that he was touching you there. You grunted, ignoring his silent request for you to look back at him. Despite trying to hide, he could still see how your cheeks started to regain that bright red flush you had earlier.

“Being a bit shy now.” He whispered as his fingers carefully gathered a bit of your oversized shirt. He wanted to pull it up and touch your bare skin like he did the other day, but he refrained. “You were sittin’ on my lap on the couch.. now you’re actin’ like you don’t know me, hm?”

“Harry.” You whimpered his name, protesting his teasing.

You could feel the vibrations of the low chuckle coming from his throat. You squeezed your eyes shut and forced your face forward - right against his collarbone.

“Don’t want you to hide from me, darling.” His hand slid around to the small of your back. “No need to hide such a pretty face.”

You grunted back, which made his smile grow. He knew that he did things that made you feel a different way at times, and right now you were feeling insanely different. Your heart was beating faster than usual, and your toes were curling as you tried to ignore the thoughts in your head. Your stomach was bubbling and butterflies were threatening to come up your throat. He knew how special the feelings were, because he always got them, too.

“Why are you hiding from me, hm?”

He was surprised when you muttered a response to him. “Cus.”

“Look at me, peach.”

At first, you were going to just ignore him, but something inside of you sparked and you caught yourself moving your head back so you could see him. As your eyes met his, he gave you a warm smile and pressed his hand against your back. You could feel how warm his palm was through your shirt, and you wished he’d touch your bare skin..

Harry didn’t say anything else as he just laid there and watched you closely. You were struggling to keep your stare locked with his, but you didn’t want to look away. Fighting off the nervousness was a struggle, but you had a desire to be brave. You didn’t want to cave into the anxiety and shyness he made you feel at times.. you wanted to show him how confident and content you were with him. And right now, you were leaning more towards content.

You glanced for a split second at his lips as his tongue came out to coat them. You swallowed a lump that had been shaping in your throat, but moved your eyes right back to his. He of course noticed your moment of distraction and took advantage of it.

“Hey.” His voice was the softest it had been all night.

“Hmm?”

His hand gently moved a few centimeters down your back, closer to the dip in your spine than before. Your fingers were lightly scratching against the skin on the side of his neck, you were too nervous to touch his face again. He leaned a little closer to you, leaving a very small gap.

“Do you.. want me to.. to kiss you?” Harry asked you in a light whisper, his half hooded eyes staring deep into yours, like he was searching for something.

Your stomach dropped, and absentmindedly you let your hand move upward so that your thumb was rubbing over his ear lobe. “Do you want.. to kiss me?”

He lifted the corner of his mouth. “Yeah, I do want to.. but.. it’s your call.”

You thought about it intensively for a few long moments. Would it be worth it? Or was this something that could lead to a catastrophic ending to your friendship? It was difficult to not consider that, but you opted to ignore it. It was so perfect the first time, so why would this time be different? Right now in this moment, you wanted nothing more than to kiss him.

“I want you to, yeah.. I.. I do.” You whispered softly.

“Yeah?” He lifted his brows slightly, making sure that you want to do this.

“Please.” You muttered back, almost in a sad tone.

His heart melted as he saw your eyes widen. “Don’t have to say that.. I will.”

Harry moved his face closer to yours, your lips barely apart at this point. He watched your eyelids close and your lips form a pout, waiting for him to make the first move.

“Pretty please.” You quietly said while your hand found its way to his neck again.

After what felt like forever, Harry brushed his lips against yours, he was smiling. “Of course, darling, of course.”

Just like the first time, it felt magical and surreal. Harry’s lips were gently moving with yours, allowing you to somewhat take the lead. He didn’t want to feel like he was forcing you or pressuring you, and you appreciated that. It felt easier than the first time, though, since he was laying next to you and not on top of you. Your mind was able to focus on the kissing and not on his hips pressing down into yours. His hand moved to your hip, but he didn’t do anything besides hold onto your body. You didn’t care, it felt perfect to have him this close to you.

He let out a grunt as your hand moved up to cradle his jaw. Your thumb was rubbing against his skin as you parted your lips for his tongue to enter your mouth. He hesitated at first, but eventually slid his tongue between your lips. Before you realized, you were swapping control and shoving tongues around like it was normal and not just your second time. Everything felt so natural, so honest and real. It still terrified you, but right now, you were ignoring everything in your mind. Nothing else mattered.

Harry was a little unsure when you decided to shove your knee between his legs, but only because of how you reacted to him last time putting his body on yours. He figured this was a little different though, so maybe there was nothing to worry about after all. After a couple of minutes of kissing like you’d never see each other again, you broke the kiss and moved your lips to his cheek. He smiled as you gave him a few pecks.

“Everything okay?” He asked in a low voice as he savored the feeling of your lips against his skin.

“Can.. can you..” You were nervous and he noticed very easily. You gulped, trying to find some courage to say what you want but it was hard.

Harry moved his hand to your waist and he gave you a squeeze. “Whatever you want me to do, peach.”

That special pet name made your toes curl and your stomach churn in the best way. No matter what, you knew that he was going to take care of you. He wouldn’t make you do something you didn’t want to do, and at this point, he wasn’t going to tell you no. If you knew anything, it was that he’d do whatever you ask of him. Knowing that you were more of a priority to him than any of his other friends always made you feel special, and right now.. he was definitely giving you the best treatment.

“Can you, um, touch me? Like.. under my.. my shirt and stuff?”

He gave you a soft chuckle, then pressed a kiss to the corner of your mouth. “Sure, darling.”

“Like it when.. when you do that.” Your cheeks were on fire, but he thought it was cute.

“Yeah?”

You nod back, your eyes opening to see him as he slightly leaned back. “Like it a lot.”

“I like touching you.. always so soft, like a little peach, hm?” When his eye dropped to a wink, your heart nearly exploded.

Without hesitation, you pushed your mouth onto his, your grip on his jaw was tighter than before. He was surprised that you took the lead, but he was glad you weren’t being so shy.

Like you asked, he quickly slipped his hand under your shirt and began practically massaging your side, from your hip to just below your boobs. He didn’t want to go too far, because you hadn’t asked him to.

You were easily lost in your thoughts again. There was this magical world you constantly fell into that was only full of you and him. Nothing else existed, nothing else mattered. You felt waves of happiness and pleasure and excitement continuously rush through your body. A spark of curiosity hit you, and your hand slid to the nape of his neck. He grunted as your fingers twisted into his hair. You gave him a gentle tug, in which he replied with a tight squeeze of your waist.

Everything was so intimate and intense. You were pulled so far in to the feelings that you couldn’t comprehend what was real and what wasn’t. You wondered if his mouth moving with yours was even real..

Suddenly, your hand fell from his neck and he felt your arm moving between your bodies. He wasn’t quite sure what you were doing, but when you pulled your knee from in between his legs, you got his attention. He pulled back from the kiss, making you grunt.

“What’s the matter?” He asked as he tried to peek underneath the covers but you mumbled a quiet “no” that made him stop.

When his eyes met yours, he saw that you were a little flustered and possibly upset. He kept his hand on your waist, his eyes locked with yours. “Hey, are you okay?”

“Harry.” You whined back, but he still was unsure about what was happening.

“What’s wrong, peach?”

You shook your head and finally brought your hand back up, but not to his neck or face. Instead, you curled it against your chest and turned your face into his arm, not wanting to look at him anymore.

“Lovey, what’s wrong? Did.. did I do something?”

There was nothing more important than communication right now, and you knew that telling him quickly would save you both the hassle. You took a deep breath and squeezed your eyes shut.

“I’m.. getting tingles.. and.. stuff.”

He was shocked that you told him so quickly, but he wasn’t complaining about that at all. He took a deep breath and moved his face closer to yours. Even though you were hiding from him, he still peppered a few kisses over your jaw in attempt to relax you.

“Tingles, hm? Are they.. good tingles?”

“Yeah.” You muttered back.

He stayed quiet for a minute, thinking about what he was going to say to you. He had a few ideas, but he was nervous about it. What if what he suggested wasn’t what you wanted, and it ruined the moment? Or what if it was what you wanted and he was able to satisfy you? He opted to take the risk, because at the end of the day, nothing was going to change for the worse. You would still be his best friend and he would still be yours..

“Does it.. feel like you need to take care of it?”

You let out a shaky breath, bolting your eyes even tighter. “I dunno. It’s.. like throbbing.. I.. It’s a lot.”

“Hm, sounds like it needs to be dealt with.” His words were soft as he carefully trailed his hand down to your hip. The feeling of your cotton underwear against his skin was causing a ripple to go through his stomach. “Do you.. want.. it to be dealt with?”

Your heart was racing a million miles an hour at this point, and you were easily picking up on his subtle words and suggestions. You knew that if you could escape his hold and go to the bathroom, you’d take care of the issue yourself. But slipping out of his arms and running from the bed wasn’t going to be very graceful. A thought began to circle your mind. It’s only Harry, it’s not like he's a stranger. It’s just Harry, you trust him. It’s Harry…

“Kinda, yeah.”

When your head shifted back, you let your eyes find his. He saw how red your cheeks were and there was a hint of a smile on your lips. He swallowed the small lump forming in his throat, ready to risk it all.

“Do you want me.. to do it?”

His straightforward question made your stomach drop, but you couldn’t really focus on anything besides the throbbing between your legs and the pooling in your panties. You needed to get rid of that desire, you had to either do it yourself or let him do it.

“Please, if.. if you want to.”

“Oh, I definitely want to.” He chuckled, making sure you knew he was just as comfortable with the idea as you were. “I’d love to.”

“Then please.. please do.”

Harry placed a kiss on your lips before gently pushing down on your hip. “Lay back.”

You gently fell onto the bed, your head still resting on his arm as he moved to get situated next to you. His hand was resting on your stomach, your shirt had rolled up from when he was beneath it, so your skin was exposed. You quickly adjusted the blanket over your chest, not wanting to see what was happening down there. It was a matter of embarrassment for you, nothing else. You didn’t want him to see your stomach or your thighs and get turned off, even though he definitely wouldn’t.

Harry didn’t say anything about your decision. He knew that letting you lead would be better. If you wanted him to see, then you would have shown him.

“Are you comfortable?’ He asked quietly as you laid the hand closest to him on your stomach.

“Mhm.”

He took that as a sign to begin. His hand moved down until his fingers bumped the waistband of your underwear. You took a deep breath and let it come through your nose as he toyed with the fabric.

“Do you wanna take your panties off or leave them on?” His voice was as gentle as ever. He was going to do his best to take care of you, and you knew that.

You thought quickly, but shot down any ideas in your mind. You were too scared to get embarrassed. “Leave them on, please.”

Harry furrowed his brows slightly and pressed a kiss to your temple. “Darling, you don’t have to say please, okay? You’re in charge.. it’s whatever you want.”

“Okay.. I.. I know.”

“Just have to remind you, sweet girl.”

You smiled at his words and nodded, wishing you could peck his lips but you didn’t want to move. You were too comfortable like this, it felt perfect.

Despite wanting to jump right into it, he had to assure himself that you were okay with this. He rubbed his hand in a circle over your stomach, making you smile as it tickled your skin, yet it felt very intimate.

“Are you positive that you want to do this?” He asked, looking down at you intensely.

“Yes.”

“Absolutely sure?”

You laughed a little and rolled your eyes. “Yes, Harry.”

“One thousand percent?”

You adjusted your head on his arm, getting as close to him as you could. “A million.”

Harry knew that he needed to tease you for a little bit before actually touching you. It wasn’t to torture you, but to make sure that your orgasm would be the best one you’d ever had. So, he moved his hand down as your legs naturally parted for him. You were on the verge of exploding as he pressed his palm down. You let out a soft whine that made him smile and press a little harder.

“Harry.” You whispered his name quietly, turning your head so your eyes could see his. He was, of course, already looking down at you.

“Be patient.” He mumbled back.

Your head shifted back and your eyes fell shut. You wanted to soak in every second of this. He moved his hand back up, but stopped as his fingers touched your covered nub. A grunt left your mouth and he knew that you were sensitive right now. He applied some pressure and moved his fingers from side to side. You were groaning like crazy, your feet digging into the mattress as you silently begged for more. Harry let up the pressure and gave you a soft pat, which caused you to gasp.

“Hmm, when’s the last time you touched yourself? You’re a bit sensitive, yeah?”

You were taken off guard by his words at first, but decided to just ignore any potential embarrassment and just talk to him. His voice was such a comfort for you, especially right now when it made you feel a thousand times better.

“I dunno.. a couple days.. it's usually not this.. intense.”

He smirked to himself. “I’ll make it feel good, promise.”

With that, he slid his fingers under the fabric of your underwear and finally touched you skin to skin. A moan fell from your lips as he circled two of his fingers over your clit, just to get you a little excited, before slipping through your folds. He guided his fingers back up, being sure to feel every inch of you.

“You’re so warm.. so wet for me, hm?” He said in a deep voice as he lowered his lips to your temple, pressing a kiss there just seconds after.

“Harry.” You muttered out, digging your own nails into your stomach as you realized his hand was inside of your panties and he was about to satisfy you.

“Have to make sure m’careful.” He said while pulling his hand out. You whined immediately, not sure what he was doing. He chuckled before spitting onto his fingertips. “Patience, peach.”

“Please, want to feel good.” You whined back, the words went straight to his crotch.

“I’ll make you feel so good.” He promised as his hand returned to its previous spot and he was swirling his spit around your clit.

While you were soaked, he had to make sure he had plenty to move around you. He didn’t want any undesired friction to happen. The second the heavy moan left your throat, he knew this could not be the last time he did this to you.

“Alright, tell me if its too much, okay?” He said, starting before you even had a chance to respond.

He pressed down with his index and middle finger, rubbing them in circles over your clit. You were already experiencing slight spasms in your thighs, you couldn’t control yourself.

“Oh, Harry.” You were quiet, but the gasping for air assured him you were enjoying it.

He watched you closely as he kept up a good pace of his fingers. He wanted to make sure you were okay the entire time, so he never once looked away from you. He thought that it couldn’t possibly get any hotter watching you come undone from his touch, but he was wrong.

“Please, faster.” You said through a huff while your hand moved onto his elbow. Something about you wrapping your small hand around his arm made him close to busting himself. You sunk your nails into his skin and let out a heavy moan as he did what you requested. He stayed like that for a few minutes, just rubbing you as hard and fast as he could without hurting you. And you, well, you were enjoying every second of it.

“Do you wanna try to take a finger, doll?” He asked as he started to slow down a little, he didn’t want to overdo it.

“Mhm.. just one.” You said with a nod, knowing that sometimes when you did it yourself it helped and felt really nice.

“Just one, okay.” He whispered out as his fingers slowed on your clit and he carefully moved down your slit.

You were whimpering at the loss of touch, but he knew he’d return to that soon. He wiggled his finger around to get it wet before gently pushing the tip inside. His eyes were glued to your face so he could catch your reactions. The possibility of hurting you was on his mind.

He grunted as he felt how warm and tight you were, but the pleasure quickly ended. It had been a while since you had anything other than your own finger in there, and his was much bigger, wider, and longer than yours..

“S’too much right now.” You shook your head, turning to look up at him.

“Okay, I don’t wanna hurt you.” He pulled his finger out and returned to your clit, where he quickly started to rub again.

“Are.. are you.. upset?” You asked with a worried voice, your brows dropped and your lips were frowning.

“No, sweetheart. I don’t want to hurt you. I’m glad you told me. Besides, you’re in charge.” He was consistently talking sweet to you, making sure that you were okay.

“Okay.. please, keep going.”

Harry hadn’t noticed he had stalled his movements, but he instantly started back up. You were taking quick breaths, your eyes were rolling back in your head as he sped up, then slowed down - just to speed up again. It was driving you mad in the best way.

“Tell me how it feels, darling.” He said in a deep voice, his eyes watching your face as it contorts and reacts to him.

“Feels.. feels so good, Ha-Harry.” You struggled to get a clear sentence out. Your legs were moving around, your toes twisting and curling as you felt your orgasm get closer and closer.

“Listen, darling, you’re so wet.” His smirk made you bite down on your cheek and squeeze your eyes shut - the sloshing sound he was causing down there was very evident.

“It’s.. fuckin’ hot.” You suddenly slung the covers off of your body, making Harry laugh a little.

He was glad he could see how your legs jolted around and how your belly rolled as your body experienced waves of pleasure. Your back arched off the bed and you were groaning like crazy.

“Harry!” You moaned out his name as loud as you could while your hand slid down his forearm, almost to his wrist. You held on tight.

“Gonna cum for me, baby?” His words were only fuel to your fire.

“Yes, yes, Harry, m’gonna.. cum. Please.” You turned your head upward so that it was pressing into his shoulder. You needed to be close to him.

He watched in awe while you came undone. Your nails scratched his skin and soft whimpers were falling from your lips. You kept mumbling his name over and over again, begging him to get you to the edge.

“Cum for me, cum all over my fingers, baby.”

That did it. Within a second, your jaw dropped and you were gasping for air. Your clit was throbbing as your nerves exploded all over. Harry kept rubbing oyu through it, which was driving you insane. Usually, you stopped after a few seconds, so this was something new to you.

“Harry!” You squealed as you clawed the skin of his hand, trying to pull him away, which made him chuckle.

“You’re so beautiful, darling. Did so good for me, yeah?” He finally gave you the break you wanted. His hand rested over your vagina, and he laughed as your legs closed with his arm stuck there.

“I.. I can’t believe.. we just did that.” You were trying to catch your breath.

Harry smiled but then remembered how you reacted about the first kiss you shared. Maybe this was different? Maybe it wasn’t, though. You pushed your hair away from your face and relaxed your legs, letting him pull his hand out of your underwear. He laid on your stomach and licked his lips as he stared at you. You were definitely taking the much needed time to come back to earth.

“Yeah.. I know.. um, but remember it’s fine.. if you don’t want to do that again.” He said nervously, trying to hide it but it wasn’t really working in his favor.

You scoffed at him, then let out a laugh. Your eyes opened and you looked directly at him. He was afraid of your reaction, but what you said gave him relief.

“Are you crazy?” Your brows raised on your forehead as you gave him a grin. “M’never touching myself again.. nothing can be as good as you.”

He smirked, feeling proud of himself and glad that you were okay with everything. “Well, whenever you need it again, darling.. just let me know.”

[a/n: I really enjoy writing this pair so I hope you enjoy, more spicy stuff coming with them ;) hope you’re all doing well and surviving the summer heat if you’re in it!]

taglist: (notified for all posts)

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r0semaryt3a · 6 months ago

Note

Hi, could I please request a collective scenario of the Phantom Troupe going on a first date with their s/o?

And if possible them going to choose a pet (arguably the more chaotic the better, but whoever animal works fine) with their s/o?

Thank you 🥰

Oh absolutely! I’ll admit to it now, these may be a little ooc but still, I love this idea sm. ofc I’m only gonna do Chrollo, Shalnark, Machi, Paku, Feitan and Phinks w the dates (though may return to this at a later date for the others) - p.s this won’t contain spoilers so for that one friend who knows me on here and reads my stuff feel free to read this.

(I’m including Hisoka and Illumi in this because that pet suggestion is perfect!)

Without further ado:

Chrollo

Where you go will just depend on how you know him. You know him from the Troupe? It’s anyone’s guess! Maybe he’ll take you out for the full shabam, maybe you’ll just sit cuddled up: reading. A candle flickering softly beside you as you rest against his chest, his voice echoing through you with every passing page. Your eyes grow groggy and you hear him chuckle, “tired sweetheart?” Your answer doesn’t matter much. You’ll remain where you are. Carefully perched on his lap as you drift off, his fingers playing absentmindedly with your hair. Suddenly, his attention wasn’t really on his book anymore.

Or, maybe you’ll just walk! You know who he is; probably where he came from he sees no reason to put up an act with you. A simple chat will do.

If you know him from one of his many escapades, know the him all dolled up and fake then you’ll probably wind up at a fancy restaurant. He’ll treat you to the works, the full 9*. You’ll be able to indulge in whatever you desire (and hopefully by the end of the night: him. Though his expectations are quite low on that.)

Can’t imagine him being very touchy on a first date, not unless he was properly invested. Like if you knew each other a while and the event wasn’t spontaneous I can imagine him being very cuddly. You’ve agreed to go on a date with him, this will not be the last and he’s certainly going to get what he can out of it.

So, if you’re a target that he’s had his eye on for a while, he’ll put up a gentlemanly front: butter you up. Try his luck as his arm comes to rest against the crook of your back, fingers running small circles agaisnt your hips. You’re practically glued to his side as he looks down at you with that oh so charming smile. Or how he insists on another bottle of wine for you both to share whilst you’re sat at the table, just to watch the way you trip over yourself. Each slurred word sending shivers down his spine. He’ll offer you a hotel in your inebriated state: walking you to your room, keeping you steady. A part of him (an alarmingly large part he notes) wishes to be bold and leave you a souvenir of your night together, the rest of him knows how to play this game. Knows better than that. He’ll leave it be for tonight, no use in moving too fast after all. You’re an investment. One he intends to make worth his while.

Aaaaand if you’re some lucky shmuck: he’ll see how the night goes. Truth be told, he’s using you. You were his pass for whatever caper he happened to be on the night you two met and since then you’ve been simply smitten. He can’t say it’s been a bother, you’re cute by all means considered and don’t impose on his work: so he humoured you. And now, you’re sat face to face as he spins another tale of his grandiose, noble lineage. You were so enthralled in his lies. The night would drag on and before you knew it, a swift peck on the cheek; promise for another and he’d be gone.

In terms of choosing a pet with an S/O Chrollo strikes me as the kind of guy who’d go for a cat. It’s not top docile but not some unruly beast. Plus, there’s the added bonus of letting it wander: it won’t demand attention at every second of the day. Just slink in and slink out every now and then. It’d probably be a stray, he has a tendency to like them more.

If we’re going on terms of expense? Lizards, you’d wind up with a whole bunch of expensive and equally exotic reptiles. A chameleon maybe? Just like him, it can blend into any crowd. A kindred spirit.

Feitan

A date? With him? Really? But why? That’s just a waste of time.

Unlike Chrollo, Feitan doesn’t do outside gigs often and especially doesn’t do anything that would involve getting touchy feely. So, likelihood is you’re a fellow trope member or at least someone who knows him well.

Still. Getting a date with him will be hard.

Obscenely so.

You’ll most likely stay at whatever base the Troupe had made, maybe play a game? Talk?

If he’s feeling up to it he’ll probably steal a fancy Chardonnay and light candles, it’s nothing too special but it’s a nice touch.

If he’s the one to suggest the date however. Oh boy, you best prepare good.

Feitan is an odd soul, he doesn’t really understand that you might not want to start the date with him brutally mangling a chauffeur. But, the rest of the night will certainly make up for that. You won’t be leaving his side: at all, like not once. Don’t even try it. His hand is glued to yours as he drags you through streets. He made an effort tonight, in a suit.

It’s anyone’s guess as to where you’ll wind up, most likely a store you’d expressed interest in, a movie you’d been talking about recently or a restaurant that you liked the food from. Either way it’s free for the both of you.

You may wind up completely alone on a candle lit dinner, flirtatious banter rolling of his tongue in drunken clumps if he loosens up enough (which is a big if)

He’ll bite you at least once throughout the date. Not even because he thought it would be romantic, he just wanted to.

Pet wise? Something small, that he can vary around. Probably a snake or a rodent. He’d say things like “Need violent. Help out.” Then you’ll catch him with his little rat nestled into his hood.

It’s not a pet for the both of you, it’s a pet for him. Which, you don’t really mind afterall it quells his little attachment outbursts

Phinks

Basic. I mean real basic.

He’s nervous as on a first date.

Will talk about himself a lot but he’s not trying to be rude (maybe)

You’ll most likely head out to a restaurant or a movie.

Unlike Feitan, Phinks may actually pay for his meal and the event’s expenses. Give the facade of a normal date and not a robbery.

If you know him from the troupe he probably won’t prioritise keeping up appearances unless you’ve expressed you want a normal night. If you don’t: it’ll be like every teen movie fantasy.

He had protested agaisnt your movie of choice, called it “bland” and talked of there “being so many better options.” But, you swear, with his eyes glued intently on the screen before you; his arm slung over your shoulder, you caught the occasional flicker of a smile.

Pet wise? Dog. This is just a fact, you’re getting a dog. Maybe a Labrador or a Cane Corso? He’s a sucker for loyalty and more than willing to put in the effort of caring for it.

Machi

“A date? But why? We spend enough time together here, don’t we?”

It’s not that she doesn’t want to go on one, she’s just aware that her presence as an on site doctor is important. (And values the money)

She’s perfectly capable of being romantic; this date will show that. When you inevitably get her to cave.

It’ll probably be a cafe, ice cream venue: something small. Unlike the others, she doesn’t try to blow you away with bold or tacky displays. The image will perfectly replicate a domestic scene.

The two of you, sat beside one another on a flimsy outdoor table. You’d ordered milkshakes, similarly to Phinks if you wanted normalcy she’d be more than happy to pay, occasional bouts of small talk drifted between the two of you. Eventually her hand found your own and the small talk fell to teasing, a gentle thumb caressing the back of your hand. “How’s your drink?” The question seemed off in the onslaught of flirtatious remarks, her monotonous front swiftly returning. She hummed at your response. “Want to try some of mine?”

If you refuse, she’ll simply shrug and return to the mismatch mix of small talk and romance.

If you say you do want to however, that’s a different story. She pushes the glass towards you; you lean in -tentatively- to grab it. Nothing much else happens: the flavours meet your tongue and your guard begins to lower. Suddenly, a warmth floods through you, as in a swift motion, Machi planks a kiss on your cheek. It’s nothing big, nothing bold. But, it lasts, a lingering knot in your chest. She’s had the effect she wanted and knows that. It was cute watching you regain composure: keep your guard up, she’ll be testing your reflexes again soon.

Pet wise I’m thinking a scavenger, like a fox or something. She’s not going to get a conventional pet, maybe on your way back home you catch a glimpse of orange? She’s enamoured with the thing in seconds.

Either that or a bird, she’d probably train it to help with her nensticthes. (not that she needs it)

Shalnark

He’s the one to ask you.

The date’s perfect, down to every detail. All tailored to your tastes.

He’s very cuddly during the whole ordeal so best be prepared.

The date itself would consist of a flurry of different activities, all scheduled to fit neatly into whatever time you had. If something were to come up that you seemed particularly fond of, he’d drop the rest. Instead, turning his attention to ensuring you kept on enjoying whatever it was you were both doing.

Shalnark strikes me as the kind of guy to want to go shopping for a date and likely wouldn’t be of shy of this fact. Bringing a small purse (mostly filled with trinkets and not actually money) to elude to his wants.

You’re ending the night with at least 1 set of matching items and him practically glued to you: one arm wrapped around your waste and another occasionally fiddling with loose aspects of your attire, bombarding you with questions: “did you enjoy yourself?” “Ooh, next time we should get XXX.” “Why’d you choose to wear this? Not that I’m complaining, you look stunning, just curious~”

Overall? It’s quite the fruitful experience.

Pet wise: Shalnark doesn’t really care, he’s always wanted to see how well he could look after a fish or rodent of some kind but has also always adored the idea of owning some big, fluffy creature. He’ll most likely wind up looking up pros and cons and running off of that.

Pakunoda

Restaurant date all the way.

Like Shalnark, she’s the one to suggest the idea to you.

She goes all out. And I mean all out. When you first see her, she’s stunning. Hair pristine, brilliant outfit, heels adding to her already towering height.

She’s not shy with compliments, her hand resting in the crook of your arm. Every word is picked with poise, with no doubt on sincerity.

The night is normal all things considered, she’s more than willing to pay and almost bends over backwards to ensure nothing ‘thievish’ happens.

The dinner would be lovely, you can’t help but note the meticulous care placed into every action. The seating giving you just the seclusion she needs to smother you with flirtatious quips. She’s good with her tongue as well, knows every which way, every which syllable to elicit the exact reactions she wants. The night would be one to remember; depending on the status of your relationship, might stay with you a few days longer.

“You like the food, love?” You mumble your response through a mouthful, nodding your head to accentuate your point. This earns a hearty laugh from the woman, “Mhm, I’m glad to hear it.” Her eyes don’t leave your figure for one second. She’d been like that all night, drinking in every aspect of your form, “Have I told you how good you look tonight?” She had, a lot, but the sentiment stood strong nonetheless.

Pet wise? Also a cat. Paku’s just a cat lady I don’t make the rules, probably a long hair. Like a Turkish Angora or Cymric.

Hisoka

Oh boy. Really? I mean, really?

It’s your funeral and I’m not even certain I can say that figuratively.

The date is anyone’s guess. Could be a restaurant or it could be something obscene like rock climbing, rollerblading, go karting. Whatever it is, it won’t be boring.

He’ll pick an activity that forces proximity, you’re going to be close for the whole night. A means of bonding if you will.

Hisoka thrives on attention and watching skill in action, so his ideal date would encompass both of those qualities. On one hand, you’re both pressed up against one another, full reign to do what you’d like (within account of public decency of course) and on the other, you’re showing exceptional stamina and strength in keeping up with him.

No shortage of flirting here folks, every other word will carry some lewd innuendo you’re sure not to miss.

By the end you’ll definitely have some marks on you, whether from him or the date itself is 50/50. If it is from the date’s activities however, he’d always be open to remedy that.

“I have to say, I’m quite impressed you know.” The words were hardly audible from your positioning, you were far more focused on keeping yourself upright anyhow. “If I’d have known you were this capable I would’ve suggested another activity.” There’s an underlying threat to his words, yet somehow the compliment (if you could call it that) leaves a pink hue upon your cheeks.

Pets. Hmmm, pets. Hisoka would need something that wouldn’t settle down, wouldn’t rely on routine so most domestic animals are off the table for him. Things that need specific conditions would also be a no. Overall Hisoka needs something that can keep up with his sporadic lifestyle, otherwise he’ll leave it behind. Which really leaves very little options on the table.

But, there’s a chance something might sweep him off his feet and I’d be willing to bet that’d be a spider or reptile of some kind, something that he knows could and would kill him. The thought of snakes and their incapability to love would probably excite him.

Illumi

Boring.

Very, very, very boring.

He does everything he’s meant to and I mean that he tick every little box. There’s no excitement here unless he has a job or someone does something.

And oh boy, you better believe you’re not walking out of there without at least something to show of it.

He is rather gentle with you, if it weren’t for his overall aloof demeanour you may be prone to calling it endearing. Overall, Illumi would be a rather: interesting case. Unless you somehow sparked something in him you’d probably be best holding off on the dates for a while. But hey! You tried right?

Pet wise, why would he need another? He has Mike. It’s a little too much responsibility with how much he moves around, though if he had to chose it’d probably be a rabbit. Why? He couldn’t say, has just always been drawn to them.

This is like my first time writing any of these characters other than Chrollo so I hope I did them justice-

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sorceresssundries · 3 months ago

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Every Shade of Sunlight

This is a BG3 anniversary gift for my friend @mercymaker <3

Pairing: Astarion/Maleane (m/f) - SFW

Word Count: 2k

Summary: It is the last night before the group go to face the elder brain, and Maleane takes Astarion to watch the sunset for possibly the final time.

"Darling, as much as I appreciate a little rough and tumble down a dirty alley, you’ve been dragging me through the city for quite a while now. Is there a specific dirty alley you had in mind? Or, did you just get sick of camp? Not that I blame you, my sweet. Gale has been particularly irritating this evening.”

“Perhaps he's just trying to squeeze out as many words as possible in our last few hours together?” Maleane replied, her eyes scanning the shadows diligently.

Astarion sighed. “Sometimes, I’m glad he hasn’t decided to blow himself up. Other times, I regret not persuading him to do it sooner. He is frightfully repetitive.”

Maleane rolled her eyes, and could feel her lover’s greedy gaze on her as she strolled through the hidden alley which ran through the bowels of Grey Harbour. She was trying very hard not to be distracted; she had a careful, precise, time-sensitive plan. If Astarion didn’t stop brushing his hand over hers or making suggestive comments, she would definitely end up fucking him in a dirty alley. That wasn’t what she had planned... at least not right now.

“Aha!” She turned to him with a grin and pointed to a dank, well-hidden ladder that looked so rotted one step might turn it to mulch.

He looked highly unimpressed. “Unless that ladder leads to a cultist to kill and a heavy treasure chest to break into, I think I’ll stay down here.” he sneered.

“It leads somewhere much better than that. Trust me.”

He raised an eyebrow, sceptical. “Better than murder and treasure? This sounds like a trap.”

She grabbed the ladder with confidence despite its decrepit appearance. “You’ll just have to see for yourself.”

With a wary glance, Astarion followed her up the ladder, his usual swagger slightly tempered with caution.

At the top, Maleane clambered onto a ledge and over a small railing to a tucked-away rooftop. The last light of the day bathed the space in a warm, golden glow, and the scent of blooming flowers filled the air. The rooftop was modest, nowhere near as spacious as Alfira and Lakrissa’s haven atop the Elfsong. This one was dingy, with weathered stone tiles underfoot and the faint remnants of old paint on the wall of the larger building that towered next to them. However, Maleane had done her best to breathe a little life into it.

A variety of plants, from hardy ferns to flowering vines, were strategically placed around the space, creating pockets of greenery and bursts of colour. Comfortable cushions, covered in bright but slightly faded fabrics, were scattered about, arranged on a couple of old wooden crates repurposed as makeshift seating. In one corner, a small wrought-iron table, a bit rusty but still sturdy, held a collection of candles in different shapes and sizes and a bottle of expensive wine

“This… this is unexpected.” Astarion turned to her, surprised.

“Don’t get too moony-eyed,” she teased. “I stole it all.”

“Well, then I'm even more impressed.”

“Come on. Sit.” Maleane gestured towards the makeshift bench while she poured out a glass of wine for them.

Together they sat, and spoke, and sipped their wine. Maleane resting her head on her lover’s shoulder as they watched the sun set on their final day with parasites in their heads. Tomorrow, one way or another, Astarion would no longer be able to bask in the light he had become accustomed to. It pained her.

The view from the rooftop was nothing short of spectacular. The Chionthar stretched out below, glowing with shades of gold and crimson. The sounds of the bustling city were muted, a low background hum—ambient sounds for the two lovers on a rooftop in the city they were trying to save.

“As delightful as your company is, it feels like you’ve brought me here for a reason, my love. Or are you just feeling sentimental?”

“Show a little patience, you’ll see.”

“Darling, I was a slave for almost two hundred years. Patience is the only thing I've ever had.”

She nudged him with her elbow, and nodded her head back towards the sunset. “Watch.”

He sighed dramatically, then quieted, watching as the sun he loved almost as much as her began to sink below the horizon. The shimmer of yellow, soft and tired after a long day, was slowly being dragged away. Astarion stared at it with barely concealed longing, all his usual bluster and facade dropped. He observed the sunset the way one would watch their lover walk out the door for the final time.

Maleane, however, only watched him as light muted and the shadow of dusk fell over his face, turning his eyes from shining scarlet to a deeper maroon—so much deeper they could almost be mistaken for brown. His skin looked less pale, his fangs hidden beneath the straight line of his lips. He looked the way she imagined he did when he was alive.

She often wondered what he was like in those days, when he was young and human and fragile. Did he ever steal bottles of wine and sneak away to hidden rooftops in the city he lived and loved in? What did he look like, smell like, sound like? Maybe his words used to sound different slipping off a tongue that wasn’t silken and practiced. Perhaps his vowels were rounder, his accent softer, uncut by the sharp points of his teeth.

Maybe he was an entirely different person, or perhaps he was exactly the same. Maleane would never know, and Astarion would never remember.

She grieved for the person he was before, loved him for who he was in this moment, and steeled herself to protect the person he would become. No one stayed the same; everyone was as changing as the seasons, and contained as many colours and streaks as the sunburst sky. Her heart ached as he mourned the death of the day, the final one he would possibly ever see. Then, his expression shifted. He looked confused.

Maleane smiled and tore her gaze from him to follow where his eyes were fixed.

Right there, in the day’s final moments, when only the very top of the sun was visible - it turned green. Just for a few magical, unexplainable moments, a vibrant, clear flash of the brightest emerald. And then, it was gone.

“Did you see that?” His disbelief reminded her of a child watching snow fall for the first time.

Maleane hummed in contentment and put her hand over his. “Sometimes, when the sky is clear and the weather is right, just in the final moments before the sun disappears - it turns green.”

“Why?”

She shrugs, “I don’t know, I'm sure there’s some long, boring explanation that Gale could tell us about. It’s supposed to be a sign of luck, a good omen.”

“How did you know it would happen?”

“I didn’t. I hoped.” She sighed as his cool thumb brushed over her knuckles. “I used to watch out for it when I was a child. Most people don’t even see it. They sit under the sun every day and never know all its colours. Lives are lived and days are long and no one stops to see the sun turn green.” His eyes are fixed upon her now, the sun long forgotten. “I wanted to show you every shade of sunlight. Gods knows how long it will be before you see it again.”

“If I ever do.” His voice was weaker than she had ever heard it.

“You will.” Hers was made of iron.

They sat there for a while, the two of them, as the orange and purples and reds of the sunset stained sky melted away into inky blue. The light followed the sun below the line of the horizon, where it sat and patiently waited for tomorrow. Who knows what it would cast itself over the next time it appeared.

Dawn could clutch at the burnt-out corpse of Baldur’s Gate in the morning like a grief-wrecked parent, and wake the birds to sing songs of sorrow. Or… it could raise its arms in celebration, light up the homes of the saved and slip through the stained glass of still-standing temples and cast colour across stone floors. Shimmering through the tears of grateful worshippers which would stain the feet of the Gods, making their worship look like diamonds.

The Gods didn’t deserve their tears. It would not be the Gods that saved them, Maleane thought bitterly. It would be up to her small group of misfits and outcasts. The chosen and the cast-aside. The faithless and the faithful. The tortured vampire and the lost girl from the woods.

No-one would thank Astarion. The gratitude of the morning sun would not reach him. He would slink, shadowed and unrewarded, once again back into the darkness. He would not be alone though, Maleane would make sure of that.

“Have you ever been up here before?” Maleane asked, It was strange to imagine Astarion as a young man. Just one of the people she had seen settled and happy in the routine of their day in the city. It was a heartbreak to think about how she was so grateful to have found him, and yet the only reason he was in her life was because he had been killed, dragged back from death, and mistreated so poorly.

“Who knows darling.” He sighed. “I don’t remember much, only blurred faces and whispered names. I distanced myself too much to remember particular details. I don’t even know who I was, let alone where I've been.”

He took a long sip of his wine and became lost in clouded thoughts.

“I’ve been a victim, and I've been a monster, and, ridiculously, some kind of hero. I don’t know who I really am, or which one I'll be when all this is over and I have to deal with normality” He pulled a face as though he'd just bitten something sour.

“All of them.” She said, simply. “You’re a person.” She touched his face, cool and perfect. Brushes her fingers down and along the chest that has no rise and fall to it. “Full of burnt orange, and flashes of scarlet, and a yellow so blinding it could be pure white. And also, in rare little moments right before darkness - flashes of green.”

“You’re very sweet.” He lifted her hand to kiss it “Nothing at all like the angry little forest sprite I first pressed my blade to.” He teased, and flashed his pointy teeth in a genuine smile.

“What can I say, turns out the threat of ceremorphosis, being thrown into a group of strangers, lifting curses, slaying dragons and becoming the partner of a vampire will change a girl.”

He gifted her with some of his sparkling laughter, a sound so sweet and imperfect a monster would never be able to make it. “Partner,” he said, clinking her wine glass with his own. “I like that.”

Their last peaceful moment was abruptly shattered by another shuddering quake from the elder brain, barely contained and thrumming with anxious, threatened energy, awaiting their arrival.

“This was wonderful while it lasted, darling,” he sighed, rising and extending his hand to her. “But I guess nothing lasts forever.”

She gazed at him, pale and ethereal, bathed in fresh moonlight.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Maleane replied, as her fingers entwined with his. “Let’s wait and see.”

He kissed her then, beneath the warm blanket of dusk, with the fervour of a man gasping for air, for life, for her. She knew that no matter what came next, even if it meant centuries in the shadows, she would stay by his side.

She would be his light, his mirror, and the home he could always return to.

“Please don’t kiss me like it’s our last night,” she murmured softly, a trace of anxiety creeping in for the uncertain hours ahead.

He smiled against her lips. “My love, I’m kissing you like it’s our first.”

#bg3 #astarion bg3 #astarion #astarion ancunin #baldurs gate 3 #bg3 fanfiction

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notnorwood · 9 months ago

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“Wow this is quite the new house! Did you or your wife get new high paying jobs or something?” My friends wife said to me as we walked thru my new massive mansion.

“Well it’s funny you say that Colleen because Anna is actually out by the pool right now working” I told her and my friend Craig.

“Oh is she working from home? I thought she was nurse? Does she now do something online?”

I smiled and said “yea you could say that”.

We walked outside to our large pool to see my wife oiling up her voluptuous body and setting up a camera to take pictures. Craig and Colleen’s mouths dropped as they couldn’t believe what they were seeing.

“Oh hi guys! And hey daddy hehe” she said as she pecked me on the cheek with her new plump blowjob lips.

“Anna? Is…is that you?” Colleen said, and was then frustrated to see Craig’s jaw was still dropped and he was rock hard gazing at my new and improved smokeshow wife.

“Absolutely it is Colleen! I’d give you a hug but I’ve covered in oil for my photo shoot hehe” she said as she nonchalantly took her bikini top off to oil up her new massive F cup tits. “I bet you hardly recognize me after my procedures”

“Procedures?!? You look like a blow up sex doll!!” Colleen yelled.

Anna looked at me and started blushing, “well you know how I started doing the aesthetic side of med care? The Botox and lip filler and all that to make some extra money? Well I was seeing these girls come in who were making so much money capitalizing on the work they had done and their bodies and I thought…I could do that! So I did Botox on myself and the lip filler, and then some of the girls contacted me with a great surgeon to get a BBL and boob job! I mean babe you can’t tell me I don’t look sexy as fuck!”

I smiled, smacked Anna’s new bubble butt, and said “and she is using her new perfect body to bring in quite a lot of money, of which we used to buy this mansion, new cars, a vacation home in Florida, and more” as I turned to kiss her.

Colleen couldn’t believe what she was hearing “and what do you do? Just sit back and count her money?”

“Oh no no no he does so much more than that” Anna said as she grabbed my cock over my pants “he manages my money and content, takes care of our investments, and treats me whenever and wherever I want”.

She wiped out my cock and squatted down. “So unless you want to stay and watch us fuck, which I’ll let you see this one for free, I would head out because it gets pretty intense”

Anna started slobbing on my cock and Colleen stormed out. She damn near had to drag Craig out of there.

Anna was now my little sex doll, for me to use however I damn well please.

#amanda nicole

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lex9923 · 8 months ago

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Tw// SA

This will be my one and only official statement on this situation, because frankly I’m done with all of this mental hopscotch happening.

I am a sexual assault victim. I was the same age as Caiti is now when it happened, and I was cornered with his hands down my pants touching my vagina and up my shirt touching my boobs, while I tried to get away and make it stop. I still to this day don’t know who my attacker was, but it will follow me for the rest of my life. It’s been five years since then, and my story has not changed once. Not ever. I hadn’t told people for a couple years cause I thought since I didn’t know who my attacker was, I wouldn’t be believed. As well as the fact that I came forward about a sexual harassment I faced at a job and was met with “well, boys will be boys”. Through it all, I am here, and I survived.

Watching the reaction to this situation from both of the main parties involved, those who weren’t there, those who were, and the fans had sent me spiraling. I’ve spent the past two weeks reliving that trauma from five years ago cause I thought I misinterpreted my assault as something else. I had not, and never have. It’s been incredibly invalidating watching the alleged “victim” change the story multiple times, make fake texts, omit important information, all while not even listening to the person she accused of a criminally offensive act.

Caiti is absolutely allowed to feel uncomfortable and regret what happened after the fact, but it is not, and will not ever be assault-unless George actually did touch her boobs, and then that will be a different discussion, but with her credibility disappearing, I’ll only believe it if he admits it himself. I’m trying to extend grace to her being young, sexually inexperienced, and caught up in online culture, but it’s hard the longer this gets dragged out. There are things you do when approaching a situation like this:

1. You absolutely need to provide evidence and proof of your claims. You can’t prove something that never happened, but you can prove something that did. It’s why it’s innocent until proven guilty. Expecting people to blindly believe you is delusional at worst and ignorant at best.

2. You must absolutely have your story 100% correct and factual to how you perceived what happened, before bringing forth any accusations. Using purposefully charged language and then changing the story to match the one you accused is not it. Nor is changing your story yet again when people are catching on to the inconsistencies.

3. Allow the accused person to defend themself. You can’t expect people to listen to all of your claims-most of them blindly doing so-and then get upset when people wait for both sides to say their piece, especially when you present no evidence at your initial statement. Again, you have to prove guilt. If you can’t prove it, the accused are allowed to defend themself.

4. You are in no way obligated to accept apologies, but acknowledging one was made-multiple times in fact- is the bare minimum. Trying to change your story one last time to make it seem even worse than what you both agreed upon, and then hiding behind “I’m not going to address this anymore” is manipulative at worst and cowardly at best.

I hope Caiti gets therapy, cause it’s clear she’s been severely affected by something, though I’m not sure she even knows what it is. I also hope she learns from this, and next time utilizes the “direct message” function every single app has. This could have been a dm, and the way it spiraled has been a shitshow and her intentions are coming off less and less pure the more this gets dragged out. I’m so sorry she was uncomfortable, and regretful, but until she shows any proof whatsoever of any assault happening, it will never be. I hope she heals, and I hope she gets better friends cause they have all failed her.

For George, I’m sorry this got blown so out of proportion and no one even privately talked to him about any uncomfortability being felt. I’m sorry his friends are performative. I’m hopeful that he was made aware of things he wasn’t before, and will do better next time. He is not irredeemable, and I believe growth is possible (the difference in his two responses proves as such). I hope this isn’t the last we see of him or his content, and I hope he can heal from this as well.

To my fellow SA survivors, I’m so incredibly sorry that our trauma has been thrown around like this. Our hurt and pain do not deserve to be mocked in this way, and I wish it would’ve never even happened. You’re stronger than what happened, regardless of how shitty this situation has been for us. And as a 24 year old, I like to consider myself a big sister of sorts, so I love all of you. We got through it then, we’ll do it again.

Speaking woman to woman, I’m sorry this has been so messed up. This will make it harder for us to come forward in the future and that is indescribably frustrating. However, that does not take away from the pain and hurt we went through, and I hope if you do have the strength to come forward, you are believed.

I’m done with this whole situation. It should not have come to this point, and if you stayed this far, I greatly appreciate you reading this. One last time. Caiti, I’m sorry you were so uncomfortable. Get therapy, better friends, and take a break from the internet. George, I hope you learn from this situation, and I’m sorry you were made out to be a criminally offensive person before giving your side or anyone ever speaking to you.

I hope you both heal.

I hope sexual assault victims having to relive trauma, and are affected by this continue to heal.

I love you all.

Lex

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ventingfanfics · 2 years ago

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Crush (Shuri x Reader)

You had just finished cleaning your room when your doorbell rang. Your friend Shuri stood at your door.

“Hey,” You both said.

Her eyes held yours sincerely. “Sorry for just popping up.” She knew you weren’t a fan of surprise visits. What she didn’t know, however, was you didn’t mind if it was her. She smiled at you appreciatively when you welcomed her inside. “So what were you up to before I came?” She looked at you curiously as she sat down on the loveseat.

“Just cleaning. Was about to shower, you know how it is.”

“Oh, you were doing a deep clean.” The pair of you chuckled. “You go do what you need to do. I’ll be here.”

“Make yourself at home, okay?”

Around twenty minutes later, you returned to Shuri, who was watching Rush Hour. You smiled in amusement. “Ha, a throwback.”

“My brother liked this movie,” Shuri shared.

“Oh, yeah? He has good taste.” In more ways than one, you thought.

Shuri smirked.

“What?” You dragged out. You pretended not to know that she was most likely thinking about your crush on Nakia.

“What did I tell you, Y/N? Never gonna happen.”

“Didn’t you play matchmaker for Riri?”

“Yeah…”

“So why can’t you do that with me and Nakia?”

Shuri rolled her eyes. “What makes you think she’d be interested?”

“Wow, what is that supposed to mean, Shuri?”

Shuri closed her eyes momentarily, shaking her head. “No, I didn’t mean it like that. I wasn’t trying to offend you.”

“Well, I’m offended.”

“I’m just saying that Nakia is focused on her and Toussaint. I’m not even sure she wants to move on.”

“Unless she specifically told you she’s not interested in me, you can’t assume.”

Shuri caught your icy tone. “If it’s that important, you can reach out to her yourself.”

“Maybe I will.”

“Great.”

To say the room was stuffed with tension would be an understatement. You didn’t understand Shuri’s problem. She’d known of your interest in Nakia and had the means to connect you both, yet there had been no action taken on her part.

“What, do you think I’m overstepping ‘cause she was your brother’s love?”

Your heart started to race. For some reason, you hoped this wasn’t an issue for Shuri.

Surprisingly, Shuri gave a light chuckle. “Nah.”

You raised an eyebrow, expecting her to continue, only to receive silence. She turned to look at you. Her stare was the strongest it’d ever been, which said a lot. Shuri typically made vivid eye contact anyway. “I just rememberedI have a meeting to prepare for. Good night, Y/N.”

Since when does Shuri forget she has meetings?

You frowned. “Oh, okay. Good night. Get home safe.”

Figuring she didn’t want to stay because of the little argument you just had, you let it go.

She thanked you and let herself out.

The next day during your lunch break, you went out to eat with Riri. She worked at the same company as you but in the tech division. You were discussing how your schedules were so hectic that at times lunch wasn’t a priority. You both vowed to change that as it was unhealthy and unfair.

“Like Nicki Minaj said, he can tell I ain’t missing no meals. That’s the energy I need to be on,” Riri declared.

“I know that’s right!”

Your conversation caught the attention of a woman who looked amused. You froze when you realized it was Nakia. She gave you a lovely smile. Did Shuri finally tell her about you?

She eventually looked away, paying attention on the line she occupied to either place her order or pick it up.

Your eyes widened as you looked at Riri. “Did you see that?”

“I did.”

“I have to talk to her. It’s my chance. Right?”

Riri twisted her lips to the side and slowly shrugged. “I mean, I guess.”

“It’s a sign,” You insisted in a more serious tone than you’d intended.

“Okay,” she said, leaning back some.

You smiled at her, not wanting her to take your behavior wrong. “Wish me luck.”

Riri watched you amble to the line in hopes of landing Nakia’s attention once more. You were nervous but the smile Nakia had sent you was encouraging.

“Hello,” You greeted, causing Nakia to lock eyes with you.

She smiled again. “Hi.”

“You’re Nakia, right?”

“Yes…and who are you?”

“I’m Shuri’s friend.”

Her demeanor relaxed. “Oh! Okay, that’s nice.” She quickly checked you out. “How are you?”

“Good, good, do you like the movies?”

There was a pause that almost made you want to sink into the floor.

“As in going to the cinema? I do…one second, that’s my food.” She held up a finger and walked up to the counter to collect her order. You nodded and moved out the way so the next person could get on line. Nakia checked her bag to ensure her complete order was there. Satisfied, she walked over to you. “Okay, you were saying?”

“Would you like to go to the movies and have dinner this week?”

Nakia stared at you causing you to blush.

“I’m sorry,” You said and walked away, accepting the situation.

“Hey, wait.” You turned around to meet her eyes. “Which friend are you?”

“You mean, my name?” You asked, needing clarity.

She nodded once and you told her.

Nakia wore a half-smile. “I’m sorry, I can’t. But thank you.” She squeezed your shoulder. “You have a good one.”

You avoided eye contact with Riri when you returned to your booth.

“You okay?” She said.

You flipped your hand. “I’m a big girl. I can take rejection.”

Riri just looked at you with a sympathetic smile.

“Shuri was right,” You realized, poking at your food. “She knew.”

“Knew what?”

“She knew Nakia would say no. I think she was actually trying to protect me. Not that I need protection, but to spare my feelings.” You shook your head with a dry laugh. “She was trying to tell me.”

“Trying to tell you what?” Riri tilted her head some.

Your shrug looked careless though the opposite was true. You definitely cared. “I guess that Nakia wasn’t interested.”

Riri hummed and there were a few beats before she spoke again. “Y/N, this wasn’t really my place to say something, but you just look so sad right now…”

“I do?”

“Like a little puppy…yeah, so I’mma say it. The reason Shuri didn’t want to set you up with Nakia is because she wants you. And she might’ve told Nakia.”

You furrowed your eyebrows. “…Did Shuri tell you this?”

“Yes, why do you think I introduced you?”

“Because we were both at your house?”

Riri laughed. “Man, you can be clueless sometimes. Not only that, Y/N. I was trying to hook y’all up! She hooked me up with my boo and I wanted to return the favor. Shuri acts like she’s in a relationship with that lab of hers. Plus, after everything she’s been through and still goes through, I wanted her to be happy.”

“And you picked me?”

“Yeah, Y/N. Not only are you beautiful, you would treat her right, and bring joy to her life. I know it ‘cause you bring it to mines.” She smiled. “I knew y’all would be good for each other. But then you started going on about Nakia.”

As you listened to Riri, you found yourself in awe. You recalled when you and Shuri first met. You’d found her attractive from the start. She was the kind of beauty that left people mesmerized. But her looks were the least of it. The woman was badass. It was kind of intimidating.

“This is crazy…did Shuri tell you this?”

“Yes, she’d seen you checking Nakia out and heard you calling her hot. It made her back off.”

“She gave up that easy?”

“She’s sensitive like that.”

“Wow. Truthfully, I thought she only saw me as a friend. I didn’t think she was into me in that way.”

“She was and still is.”

“Was she hurt by my interest in Nakia?”

“I wouldn’t say hurt, but a little annoyed. I think you should talk to her for yourself. I mean, do you like Shuri?”

“I mean, yeah. She’s extraordinary yet down to earth and funny. And she’s obviously not bad on the eyes.”

“And rich. Very rich.”

You playfully rolled your eyes. “Since we’re being honest…I was insecure about her status. I just didn’t think I would fit in with her world. You see the shit they put Meghan Markle through?”

Riri laughed for a good several seconds. “Y/N.”

“I know, I know, it’s not completely the same, just the royal aspect. I’ll talk to her, though.”

“Good.” Riri smiled again.

“Y/N Y/LN is here,” The Griot alerted Shuri.

She quirked an eyebrow and upon hearing the doors part, and turned around to watch you enter her premises.

“Hey, figured I’d pop on you next,” You said with a smile.

Shuri matched your expression. “It’s only fair, right?”

You tried not to stare too hard. She was looking scrumptious—no cannibalism. And she wanted you. Or so Riri said.

“Did you have dinner yet?” You asked, ending the comfortable silence.

“No. I’m not really hungry yet. Why?” She folded her arms, studying you. “You must be hungry.”

“I am.” She didn’t know you were referring to her, though.

She laughed. “You can leave with me. My chef usually starts cooking around this time.” You watched her hungrily as she had The Griot clear the lab before you two left.

“So how are you?” She asked as you walked the home area of the palace.

“Besides hungry? Good. And enlightened. Very enlightened.” Your eyes trailed her tall frame. She motioned for you to hurry up and continue. “I just learned some interesting information. I need to hear it from the horse’s mouth first.”

Shuri looked confused. “Are you talking about me?” Her confusion grew as you laughed. She playfully bumped into you. “Weirdo.”

You let her walk ahead of you and smacked her ass.

She gasped.

“That’s what you get,” You replied.

“Oh, yeah?” She lifted you over her shoulder.

You squealed at first and was about to command her to put you down until you thought better of it. “Is this my payback? Thanks for the lift.”

She dropped you on the couch in one of the rooms that contained floor to ceiling windows. You glared at her. “Hey!”

She chuckled at you and walked out the room. After a bit, you adjusted yourself and got up, taking in the gorgeous view.

“What enlightened you?”

Shuri suppressed her amusement as you jumped up at the sound of her voice.

“You know I hate when you do that,” You complained. Although you enjoyed how she’d looked in the long-sleeved jumpsuit, she looked just as good in her sweats and T-shirt. And she smelled so fresh and clean as she sat next to you.

You suddenly were feeling a little shy. Kind of like when you first talked to each other. Finding someone else attractive made it easier to engage with her. However, with the bust of the Nakia crush and the discovery of Shuri’s crush on you, she was the only person you found desirable now.

“Maybe you should pay better attention to your surroundings,” she suggested.

You shoved her arm without force, amusing her. “Do you want me to answer your question or not?”

“Sheesh…go on.”

“I saw Nakia today.”

You saw Shuri’s expression jump into a forced blank one. “Oh.”

“Mhm. I asked her out.”

“And?”

“It was a no-go.”

Shuri nodded knowingly.

“You were right,” You said, laughing some. “She didn’t want me.”

Shuri looked at you.

“I should have listened,” You continued.

“It’s her loss.”

You arched a brow. “Is it now? How so?”

She smirked. “You’re just fishing for compliments.”

“Compliments from you.”

You caught her off guard there.

She played with her hands, her legs opening and closing back and forth, the movement, making your legs press next to each other. She cracked a smile. “Y/N, if she can’t see that you’re special, then that’s on her.”

“Awww, Shuri.”

“Let me check on the food.” She started to get up, but you stopped her, touching the soft skin of her toned arm. She didn’t protest.

“Can I ask you something?” You asked close to her ear.

You noticed her cheeks flame through her melanated skin. She nodded and glanced at you.

“Did you tell Nakia to reject me?”

You were unfazed as Shuri acted like your question was absurd. “What?” She laughed.

“No, Y/N, I did not.”

“Okay. Did you tell her you like me?”

Silence swallowed the room. You and Shuri held a staring contest.

“Did she tell you?” She finally spoke.

You shook your head no. “Riri did.”

Shuri sighed. She didn’t care to be found out like this, though she supposed she understood Riri’s rationale.

“It’s not her fault. She said it wasn’t her place, but felt like I needed to know. And I agree.”

Shuri looked ahead of her.

“Shuri, you can be honest with me.”

“What exactly did Riri tell you?”

You filled her in as she listened attentively. “Yes, it’s true. I thought we had potential, but then you showed interest in Nakia. So I didn’t think you wanted anything beyond a friendship with me.”

“Wait ’til you hear my side. I was actually intimidated.”

“Why?!”

“Shuri, you can’t act like you don’t know you intimidate people. Not with you being royalty and a genius and gorgeous…”

The smile on her face made you melt.

“You didn’t act intimidated at all,” She said.

“I need my Oscar.” You both laughed. “I really was. I did think Nakia was a looker ‘cause she clearly is, but it was also a distraction or a cover, you could say.”

“Are you sure it was a cover? It seemed legit to me.”

“Again, I need an Oscar. Or an Emmy.”

“You need Shuri,” she mumbled.

“What was that?” You tried not to smile.

She smirked and got up, but instead of stopping her, you chased her. You started tickling her and she grabbed your hands in one hand, holding them over your head. “Shuri,” you protested.

“Yes, say my name.”

That produced a jolt in your nether regions. It was like honey running through your bits. Adding to the sensation was the look in her eyes. She almost looked turned on.

“I think you want me to be rough with you.”

Shuri grinned when your eyes closed. Your orbs displayed again when she led you against the wall.

“Show off,” You jokingly scoffed.

“Watch what you say…I already like the look of you tied up.”

“So you’re a freak-freak?”

Shuri just chuckled, but it sounded sultry. This woman was going to be the death of your body. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” She glared at you lustfully. Shuri eyed you like she wanted to do very inappropriate and explicit things with you.

“Miss Udaku, the food is ready,” the chef announced.

You had to catch your breath as the Queen slowly released your hands.

“Thank you, Diallo. Come on, Y/N, let’s eat.”

Like nothing happened, she went into the kitchen and fixed a plate. You had to gather yourself for a moment. When you finally stepped into the kitchen, a smiling Shuri handed you a plate full of just the right amounts. Then she turned to make her own.

You headed to the table only for Shuri to stop you. Instead, she wanted to eat at the coffee table. The floor was already comfortable due to the majestic furry rug. Cushions for your bottoms were provided anyway. When this arrangement proved to be more intimate, you understood her decision.

For a while, you didn’t speak. The food was that good. It was doing a decent job of distracting you from your hormones.

“I don’t even need to ask if you like the food,” Shuri said laughingly, earning narrowed eyes from you.

“I do like it. It’s not like you cooked it.”

You found yourself running as Shuri seemed ready to pounce.

“Child! You are a child!” She called.

You ended up in her spacious, clean, captivating room. Take it in you could not becauseshe launched you into her arms and tossed you on the bed.

“You think…you can…insult me…in my house?” She restrained your arms with one hand again, tickling you with the other.

Maybe it was the tension between you, your attraction to her (that was mutual), or the eagerness for her to stop tickling you (despite you enjoying her hands on you), but you bit her neck.

Shuri froze and you smiled to yourself. It worked for she ended her ministrations.

“Did you just bite me?” She asked the obvious.

“And?”

She hid her face in your stomach but you’d caught her smile. She nuzzled your stomach before planting a lingering kiss on the middle of it. It felt natural. You refused to stop her and prayed she wouldn’t.

She did, though.

You frowned and she mockingly cooed at you. She laid a kiss on your neck. “You see? This is how you treat skin.” She smiled at your laughter.

“Show me again?”

Heat. That’s what you two were providing.

Shuri leaned down, crushing your lips together. You immediately wrapped your hands along her back and sides. She gently licked your lip and you parted your mouth for her. A moan escaped you as she sucked your tongue. The kiss was eager, messy, and pussy-dripping.

“I really like you, Shuri,” You said, caressing her nape.

She looked straight into your eyes. A hope glimmered in them. “Are you sure? ‘Cause I’m nothing like Nakia.”

You smiled, bringing her into another kiss. “I know. I don’t want you to be. I just want you.”

She reached into your neck now, nuzzling. “I’ve wished for this.”

You tugged on her curls and she gave you a kiss that had you drenching your undergarments. From this day forward, you were hers.

#shuri udaku x reader #shuri x reader #shuri fanfiction #shuri x black!reader #shuri x woc!reader #shuri x y/n #shuri x fanfic #shuri imagine #queen shuri #princess shuri #marvel imagine #marvel fanfic club #black panther fanfiction

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obsidiancreates · 1 year ago

Text

The Second Chance Of The Third Age (Part 3)

One more surprise does come, before the night is even ended. The food is eaten, the

table littered with dishes, and the washing up positively monstrous in scale.

But Bilbo merely sits back and lights his pipe. “Well, I expect a show like last time.” He gestures at Thorin. “You missed it before, but I hope you’ll join in this one.”

“What?” Thorin barely has the word out before his grinning nephews grab him by the elbows and drag him out of his seat, Kili beginning to sing.

“Blunt the knives, bend the forks-”

Dishes are thrown, flung, and whipped about the smial as Bilbo sits and listens with a bright smile, making smoke rings as targets in Gandalf the shock-ridden wizard’s stead! Thorin laughs when he realizes what’s happening, sparing no time in joining as he easily falls into the well-oiled theatrics with his nephews and friends.

Last time had been a somber start, and this new life has even more somber times to come. But here, and now, it’s renewal.

“THAT’S WHAT BILBO BAGGINS HATES!”

Bilbo himself joins in the last shout, eyes sparkling. Thorin shakes his head at the song, but he’s smiling as well- he wishes he could’ve seen Bilbo’s reaction to the song in the first life. He can imagine the sputtering, the offensive, the shock when nothing breaks and all ends up clean and washed…

“You’re staring, Uncle,” Kili says, voice quiet but expression smug.

“As I’m allowed,” Thorin says. Bilbo looks his way, and rolls his eyes, gesturing for Thorin to walk over.

“I lived to be so old I can’t even remember the age,” Bilbo says when Thorin is close. “Old enough to get a lot of clarity on some things. Like how a Mithril shirt is a little more than a gift of friendship. And I know they picked up on it, I saw the coins, so let’s just make it official.”

“And how do you suggest we do?”

“For a start-” and Bilbo yanks Thorin into his lap and kisses him deeply. Thorin’s eyes are wide with shock at first, until he melts into it and leans up to kiss back.

It doesn’t last too long, Bilbo letting go and Thorin sitting back up, flushed. Bilbo rubs his arms. “Right, right, haven’t done much other than gardening with these arms yet.”

Thorin looks up, and huffs out a small laugh. “You’ve broken our wizard.”

Gandalf sits, choking silently on his smoke rings as Bifur frantically slaps his back.

“We should get that axe out with the trolls this time,” Bofur says, watching Bifur just go to town on the poor wizard’s already suffering back.

“We’re not going back there, are we?” Dori turns a little green just remembering the spinning on the spit.

“And leave behind swords from Gondolin?” Bilbo snips. “Sting won’t be rotting in a troll hoard if I can help it.”

“Troll hoard?!” Gandalf slaps Bifur’s hands away. “Gondolin?! How many magical artifacts of the bygone ages will we be collecting along this journey, Bilbo Baggins?”

“At least… let’s see. Ring, swords, does the Black Arrow count?”

“It’s only well-made, not magical.”

“Right. So Ring, swords, Arkenstone… it is magical, isn’t it?”

“There have been many debates since it’s discovery.”

“Well, I’m counting it. I think just those five items, then.”

Gandalf huffs. “Just those five-”

“Unless we take a bit of extra time in Thranduil’s dungeons.” Thorin looks at Bilbowith what can only be described as Stoic, Stone-Faced Pleading.

“What part of One Ring of Sauron did you not understand? I won’t wear it unless I absolutely have to this time around, and that includes how long I’ll take in getting you all out.”

“Sorry, are we plannin’ to ge’ caught again?” Oin checks with his brother, who’s busy staring offended and disbelieving at Thorin. Oin elbows his brother. “Tell me my trumpe’ is clogged.”

“Of course we’re getting caught.” Kili smiles dreamily. “There’s someone I have to meet.”

“And, Legolas needs to have a push out of the Woodland realm,” Bilbo adds. “And frankly, so does Thranduil. Not to mention meeting Bard.”

“We should write this down.” Ori pulls the large notebook at his side out, as well as a bottle of ink and a quill. “Trolls for the swords… Rivendell for Elrond and Gandalf’s quest… Goblin Caves for The Ring-”

“I’ll have to do that alone, unfortunately.” Bilbo’s expression sours, his mouth pinching at the very thought. “There’s no telling if we’ll need Gollum before the end, and I can’t imagine he’d riddle with me with an army of dwarves beside me.”

“Even one?” Thorin is still sitting, mostly, in Bilbo’s lap.

“Even one.”

“Bilbo alone… should we kill Azog on the cliff?”

“We’ll certainly try,” Bilbo scoffs. “... Though that may change the outcome of The Battle drastically. They might try a different strategy…”

“We’ll try,” Thorin agrees. “And when I send word to Dain, I’ll know we face two armies of Orcs rather than Elves and Men. He’ll respond far differently to such a force.”

Ori nods. “So maybe for Azog… Beorn?”

“I’ll head that up, thank you,” Bilbo says. “And the signal will be decided before we sleep in his house, understand? Even if we take all night deciding on it.”

“Beorn… Mirkwood capture… oh, that means the spiders again! We’ll have to be caught by them!”

“In your dreams!” Nori pulls out a dagger and swipes up at an imagined and well-remembered foe. “I’ll have spider guts for breakfast first!”

“How about this time around I do what I told the children at parties? Sing an insulting song at the spiders to distract them.”

“Sing a song?”

“Trust me, it’ll get them very angry with me.”

“That’s no good, you’ll be caught too.”

“Ha!”

Ori ignores his brother and their burglar arguing and keeps writing. “Smuggled by Bard, arrested in Laketown, oh, avoid Kili getting shot with tha’ arrow… what else?”

“Dragon chase,” Balin says, tapping the book.

“Well, no, we’re going to kill it this time.”

“Bilbo, even if we can, we need the men of Laketown in Dale to join The Battle.”

“But-”

“Wha’ about a warning?” Ori looks up. “Maybe we can ge’ them all to Dale before he burns Laketown?”

“Burns Laketown,” Gandalf mutters tiredly, slumped in his chair. “Arrested by Thranduil, burning Laketown- this is madness.”

“But it’s how it happened.” Bilbo sniffs, twitching his nose as he thinks. “We can’t just send him to them, not knowing what we do.”

“But we can’ change The Battle either, laddie,” Balin warns. “Not with what you plan to do with that Ring.”

“Aye, we need the Orc forces thinned,” Dwalin agrees. “War always has sacrifices, Bilbo.”

“I’m well aware!” Bilbo snaps it with such ferocious intensity that Dwalin’s hand twitches for a weapon, just for a second.

“... Maybe we get someone to lead them all to Dale but that Master and his people,” Fili suggests. He looks around to those who’d lived a long, long time after the Battle. “Remember them? We can get the good people out, leave those ones to make Smaug think the town is populated.”

“And Bard stays behind to kill Smaug how?” Dori peers at the page as Ori keeps noting down ideas.

“Tell him it’s all a precaution?” Fili offers. “Or maybe we could ask Gandalf’s eagles for help.”

“The Eagles would never fly the same skies as a living dragon,” Gandalf says, listening to every word with increasing weariness. He knows how useless, and indeed how foolish, it would be to try and divert them from this path, if what Bilbo says about The Ring is true.

“Fine,” Kili says, “Then Fili and Bofur and I can stay behind again. How long did it take for the dragon to be woken before?”

“Not long enough,” Bilbo mumbles.

“Well, let’s figure out how long,” Kili says, looking at his brother, “And then you and I can lead everyone out right when it wakes up, and maybe convince Bard to use the Windlance this time to kill it.”

Fili grins at his brother and claps their fists together in a warrior’s handshake. “And with the dragon already woken, he’ll be driven by his family’s safety!”

“We won’ have a lo’ of time to ge’ away,” Bofur says, frowning as he remembers the speed at which the dragon descended on them. “A whole town…”

“Which is why we say we feel his waking hours before he comes out.” Fili looks at Thorin. “Men don’t know much about us, so we can just lie. Say we sense it somehow.”

“Use the ignorance of men against them.” Thorin nods. “It may work.”

Ori jots that all down, and then to finish simply writes ‘Battle- all live.’

“Right, well.” Bilbo gently nudges Thorin to get up. “We’ve got our plan, we’ve got our priorities, and we’ve got a long road ahead. I think it’s time to turn in.”

The Company all agree with great enthusiasm, and are soon all set up to sleep- Thorin and Bilbo seem to silently agree on sharing the master bedroom without so much as a hesitant look in the way of it.

Gandalf sits in the foyer, smoking among the sound of snoring dwarves, a fine headache steadily growing behind his eyes.

The One Ring found, in the hands of his own Bilbo Baggins, leeching into his soul. A dragon purposefully awoken, so that Sauron’s forces are thinned and the vile being himself may never again besiege Middle-Earth with his full wrath. A future once passed, now to be altered by the actions of merchants, miners, tinkerers, toymakers… and burglars.

… Has he not thought to himself, in the wee hours, that it’s the small things that keep the darkness at bay?

He leans back and pulls the brim of his hat low over his eyes. The fate of all of Middle-Earth in the hands of a hobbit…

It’s a thought he can make peace with.

#the hobbit #fanfic #my attempts at fanfic #bagginshield

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soulofapatrick · 2 years ago

Text

Changes - Joel Miller x reader

Summary: Y/N joins Joel and Tess to deliver Ellie but you go into shock at an event somewhere between Boston and Lincoln

Words: 2.3k

Warnings: character death; naked together but nothing sexual; mostly fluff

Y/N’s POV

Watching the way Joel tends to Tess' wounds makes me nauseous. A sick feeling deep in my stomach that you would get with a partner cheating, but that's just it. Joel isn't my partner and as much as I hate to I have always seen Tess as motherly figure in my life.

They picked me up when they found out I was a smuggler because to them I was way too young for it be safe. I'm 26 but that's young in their eyes apparently as I barely remember the world before the outbreak. I was five and had my older brother looking out for me.

Now we're sat in an abandoned house with carry cargo in the form of a sassy 14 year old girl called Ellie. She's currently passed out on one of the mattresses and honestly it's not a bad idea, especially the way Tess is giving Joel those stupid fucking heart eyes.

The mattresses are old but not bad, still very comfortable and in this house still clean somehow. Newly weds or family starters much have like just moved in just before the outbreak started because the place is immaculate. It's as if this house has been frozen in time and holds so many memories of the past with boxes of unpacked possessions. I'll never get over wearing other peoples clothes, wearing clothes of those less fortunate than you. I mean they definitely could be seen as more fortunate that they're not living in this crazy world.

I don't realise I'm crying until there's shuffling and I'm surrounded by the safe and familiar scent of burnt coffee, musk and wood. Joel. He's gently manhandles me until my head is using his arm as pillow and his other is wrapped around my waist. We're laying on our left sides and I think my heart soars at that. He feels safe enough with me to sleep with his deafer ear up.

Tess is on watch. Oh. He feels safe to do it with her guarding him.

Joel huffs behind me, pulling me closer until my back hits his chest and he's pulling the blanket over us. He doesn't speak, he doesn't have to when his chapped lips ghost over the back of my neck and his cold nose bumps my hairline. He's telling me he's here and that I'm safe. I'm safe with him but I want more; I want to feel love and compassion with him.

"Sleep," His voice is low, trying not to wake Ellie, "I'm right here."

-----------

It must have worked because I'm being woken by firm hands shaking me. Bleary eyed I stumble to my feet and pack up my shit so we can carry on with getting Ellie to the fireflies and all that crap. Somethings off with Tess, both Ellie and I can sense it as we make our way towards Lincoln to find Joel and Tess' friends. They can apparently help us.

"Shit, Tess?" The words leave my mouth a few miles later when I notice the fatal marks on her neck when she turns back to look at Joel and Ellie who are bickering. She whips around, eyes dark and anger written all over her face as she hisses an almost inaudible 'shut the fuck up'. I just raise my hands in defeat because I'm not getting involved unless she goes to bite any of us later. I love Tess but she's stubborn and I know the risks of not telling Joel but I can't tell him now. He looks as happy as he's ever been since they found me, bickering with Ellie.

It starts happening around four hours later: she begins twitching and it starts with her hands which she hurriedly shoves in her pockets. I keep next to her so Ellie and Joel are back and away from her, not wanting them to be harmed when she does finally jump which will happen. There is no cure so it's inevitable but she has at least an hour or so more. Or so I thought.

"Are we almost there yeeeettttttt," Ellie's begun dragging her feet as we begin to see the signs for Lincoln and Joel just points at the sign with a sigh. I barely hear them because Tess has begun that warning twitch and there's a gurgling sound leaving her lips.

"TESS NO!" I ram my side into Ellie so she tumbles into Joel who in turn stumbles, trying to balance them both as Tess moves. She's fast and the force of her weight on mine causes me to fall, hitting the rough concrete with painful force. I throw an arm up, holding it across her neck as she tries to bite me anywhere she can.

"Please," The word is strangled as she seems to try and fight the virus, her eyes full of pain and tears. It makes me want to cry. There's a lump in my throat as I plunge my knife upwards, straight into her heart and my vision blurs as I twist it, watching the light fade from those sorrowful but barely human eyes above me.

I have to squeeze my eyes shut as Tess' body is yanked off me, not wanting to move as her blood pools over my hand that is gripping the knife so tightly I'm losing the feelings in it. As much as Tess made me jealous, I loved her like a daughter loves their mother. She was the mother I never got to have and I…

"Y/N," Strong and safe hands are prying the knife from my now shaking ones, "It's okay." Joel's voice is rough as he pulls me into a hug. My hands seek something, anything to hold and I'm clenching his jacket in my hands as the dam breaks. Ellie scrambles over, but Joel stops her getting too close as I sob into shoulder, the sobs becoming gasps as I feel the panic and reality of what just happened hits me.

"I can't-" I'm gasping for air as panic takes over, "I can't breathe-"

Ellie's got fear written all over her face as Joel moves so he can grab my face in his calloused hands. His hazel eyes search mine before he's surging forwards. Rough lips moving against mine and all I can smell is Joel. My eyes flutter shut, moving into the kiss before he pulls away.

"You kissed me…" I whisper, scared to speak any louder.

"Yeah uhhh," He clears his throat, " I once read that holding your breath can stop a panic attack so when I well… kissed you, you held your breath." He clears his throat again, standing up.

Without another word from him, Ellie is scrambling over and they're pulling me to my feet and guiding me forwards. I try to turn to look back at Tess but Joel puts his broad frame in the way and Ellie grabs my hand. The thought of her makes my bottom lip wobble but I don't cry again. I can't cry again.

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

The walk to Joel’s friends’ house blurs by as all I can focus on is putting one shaky leg in front of the other while Ellie and Joel have a steady grip on each arm, guiding me in the direction. I barely process the buzz of an electric gate opening and closing or the new voices joining Joel’s. We go inside and I’m sat on a chair as people flit around me, the only constant being Ellie’s gentle fingers running through my messy hair as she stands next to me. I relax into it, letting my eyes fall shut and resting my head against her body, trying to focus and ground myself.

I’ll get myself killed if I stay like this. I’m in shock, I’m aware enough to know that but every muscle in my body is acting like it’s seized up and my mind… all I can see and feel is Tess’ life draining from her body and the uncomfortable weight of her on top of me as the knife slid further and further… I lurch forwards, dry heaving and Ellie’s still got a hold on me. She’s pulling me back up and rubbing a hand in soothing circles on my back as Joel’s voice blurs into the background like radio static.

There’s more movement then Ellie’s guiding me to my feet, through the house and to a bathroom where a bath is running. It could be a bath running or sound of my own heart rushing through my ears, I’m not sure anymore. I’m struggling to work with Ellie as she helps peel the blood soaked clothes off me, wanting to do it myself because she doesn’t need to see this or me naked but I can barely walk let alone get undressed.

The bath stings when I step in but it’s a beautiful kind of burn. I sink into the water, ignoring the painful burning on my back from scraping it on the pavement earlier. I let my eyes slide shut again, resting my forehead on my knees that are pulled up to my chest and just focusing on the pain. I need to snap out of this. It’s dangerous. I’ve thought that before.

“Darlin?” That familiarly gruff voice breaks through the fog and I turn my head to face the bathroom door, cracking one eye open to see Joel standing there instead of Ellie. He looks somewhat awkward as he moves to place a towel and some clean clothes on the toilet seat lid, ready for me after but I don’t move, “You okay?”

He’s suddenly next to me, kneeling beside the tub and leaning over me to grab the body wash and wash cloth I didn’t notice were left out. The body wash smells of vanilla and times before the world fell apart, bringing back memories I didn’t realise I had. Memories of my younger brother and Malachai playing in the garden; of sharing a childish kiss with Jesse and the way my older brother would let me climb into his bed with him when I was scared. It makes my eyes burn but then again that might be from Joel gently cleaning the scrapes and open cuts on my back, I’m not really sure of much. Joel’s talking but he could be speaking Spanish for all I can make out but the sound of his voice is soothing so I just go back to resting my head on my knees and closing my eyes.

He moves onto wiping the soft cloth down my arms then he taps my knee lightly. There’s concern in his hazel eyes, silently asking if it’s okay. I nod, uncurling myself and laying back, my aching muscles screaming at me because the heat is blissful. Joel’s loving hands cleaning me is even more blissful though, feeling the unspoken words through his every action. Sighing at the way his fingers expertly massage the sweet scent of strawberry shampoo and conditioner into my hair before he delicately rinses it out so not a single drop gets into my eyes. It almost makes me cry because I haven’t felt this much love since… well, since I had to kill my older brother.

“Come on doll,” Joel guides me to my feet and out of the bath, the wash cloth’s softness being overshadowed by the towel that is currently being used to dry me. It’s like a blanket on the wettest and most miserable day you could imagine. The feather light kisses following every area dried adds to the bliss and love that has begun enveloping me. I’m malleable in Joel’s calloused hands as he dresses me then pulls me into a hug.

Something in me snaps and suddenly I realise the gravity of what’s happened. I killed Tess and Joel just bathed me, not a single thing sexual about his actions. I killed Tess and we’re in Joel’s friends house. I killed Tess and Joel is now drying my hair with the hairdryer by the sink like it’s nothing.

It doesn’t take long for my hair to be dry and Joel’s wrapping his arms around my waist, resting his head on my shoulder and meeting my gaze in the mirror. I just stare at us, my hands resting over his as I finally look at myself. My strawberry blonde hair has darkened to a coppery colour since the last time I got to really see myself and my green eyes are sunken into bags; my freckles are overcast by the scars. I remember why I try not to look at my reflection, so I never have to see the scars that mar my face because they’re so prominent and remind me of what happened. The main one stretches from just below my right eye to the left corner of my lip. The others aren’t as noticeable due to the size and length of this one but they’re scattered all over my body and I-

“Beautiful,” Joel breathes before placing a chaste kiss to my jawline. He shifts and the mood changes to a more somber one as he asks softly, “Are you ready to meet Bill and Frank?”

I nod, turning to look up at him. He’s not that much taller than me, about 6 inches but it’s enough to feel small in his presence. It means I have to tilt my head further back to press a risky kiss to his lips before nudging him to lead the way. He freezes for a second, gaze softening before he’s clearing his throat and captures my hand in his to guide me through the house both feeling the sense of change between us.

#Joel Miller #Joel #joel miller x reader #joel miller fluff #joel miller x y/n #joel miller x you #joel miller x female reader #the last of us #bill and frank #Ellie Williams #joel miller fanfiction #joel miller imagine #joel miller angst #the last of us 2

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meekmedea · 6 months ago

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time-travelling clemmie: friendship edition - Felix & Iphigenia

Please don't ask me how I dreamt up this trio, it just popped into mind one day and it never left 😂

In my mind, these 3 have known each other prior to school, their parents are good friends with one another (particularly their mothers) - well, save Iphigenia's father (I really should give this man a name), but we don't really talk about him

Umm...a little bit angsty in this one, so read at your peril

That summer after the reaping, Clemmie has no desire to leave the house. Wallow in her helplessness is her number one priority

Her friends manage to convince her to come out to hang (with the help of a little background scheming 🙂).

You ever try telling kids not to do something, then they do it anyway? Yeah. This is how they end up watching the first hunger games on TV

The first one is brutal - goes by much quicker than the 10th. Bloodier too. Nobody had thought to drag things out, just told the tributes - last one standing gets to go home

This is how their parents find them: Felix looks sick to his stomach; Iphigenia is pale and shaking; and Clemmie has tears running down her cheeks. Needless to say, they’ve been traumatized by the violence

Someone is getting their head bashed in on live tv and while the parents are desperately trying to do damage control

ASIDE with Casca:

Gaul is a lost cause to convince to end the games, that he knows

And the President and Gaul are close allies, so he needs to find other powerful people to help pressure the games to an end

He’s trying to look for other allies to support his venture to shut the games down. Really. But the war hasn’t ended for very long, anti-district sentiments are still up there

Probably crosses path with Felix’s and Clemmie’s parents eventually - and huh, he finds some potential allies (idk but somehow I don’t see Iphigenia’s parents being that great, particularly her father)

Part of seeking out Clemmie’s parents is due to Clemmie scolding him during the reaping, he’s still not 100% certain that he hadn’t dreamt it up. But on the chance it wasn’t a hallucination, he thinks that her parents are likely similar minded to her.

Unbeknownst to Casca, their willingness to hear him out stems partly from their kids’ adverse reaction to seeing the games. Also, that tribute’s head getting bashed looked a little too much like Clemmie for her father's liking

The parents aren’t 100% on board, but more of, get more results/convince me on this and I’ll support you

Back to Felix & Iphigenia & Clemensia!

Their parents weren’t impressed that they decided to watch the hunger games without permission

They would punish them, but the kids have enough on their plate. They really do. For like the following week or so, Clemensia has daily nightmares about her head getting bashed in (or even being turned into a snake); Iphigenia couldn’t stomach anything that was ‘red’. Felix’s was more of a one off reaction, but he threw up at a family dinner with the president when served spaghetti bolognese.

Unless there’s adult supervision, staying inside to watch TV is strictly vetoed for the rest of the summer

see MASTERLIST for a collection of HCs and rambles

#clemensia dovecote #felix ravinstill #iphigenia moss #casca highbottom #time travelling clemmie #crack au #reincarnating to your kid self is not ideal

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hayatoseyepatch · 3 months ago

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*bursting into your asks as fast as I can* HELLO HI!!!!

Congratulations on your milestone 💫🫶 it's so so deserved!! Here's to many more milestones to come hehe

Could I perhaps ask for a match up for Windbreaker, Jujutsu Kaisen or Tokyo Revengers? (Whatever strikes your fancy I'm indecisive as heck)

My personality: I go by she/her pronouns and I'm so shy it almost hurts but once I know someone I'm the loudest yapper and never shut up. Generally I'd say I'm an introvert tho and prefer staying inside over going out (unless it's out into the forest - that's my fave place to be ever). I love to crochet and to bake next to chilling with my dog hehe

Tropes: I really enjoy the friends to lovers or love at first sight tropes. Cheesy, I know but I'm a hopeless romantic and endlessly devoted to my love

My type: I look for a partner that's loyal. That's probably my most important factor next to reliability. When it comes for looks I like my men either big and beefy or smol and sweet (especially if they're soggy and need some love. I got lots to give) and I like my women mean 🫣 that being said, I don't care for gender. Men, women and everything in between is perfectly fine as long as the connection is there

My faves: Wbk: Sakura, Choji & Kiryu , TR: Benkei, Yuzuha & Shinichiro , Jjk: Toji, Mahito & Shoko

Icks: I dont like cheaters or people who need to party every single day of their life bc im more chill and just not about that life. As for characters per se I'd say a nono is Endo (wbk) and Kisaki (tr)

I think that's it? Yeah I think so 🥹🥹 i'm terribly sorry if i forgot anything and please don't feel pressured to match me with anyone!!

Luma!! Ahh thank you so much for your kind words I’ll SOB AT YOU! I’m so happy we became moots you’re literally the most talented, sweetest, funniest person ever! (Okay enough of the sap onto the match up.) Like I said in my post we’re moots so you get two!!

First up is Kiryu Mitsuki from Wind Breaker!

⤜♡→ It doesn’t get better for a friends to lovers than Kiryu.

⤜♡→ The both of you much rather preferred the quiet to the loud bustling Bofurin gatherings. Often sticking to the back of the room, him scrolling mindlessly through his phone, one arm wrapped around you as you both shared a headphone to watch tiktoks together.

⤜♡→ He had initially approached you for the first time in the classroom where you both met. Seeing someone so beautiful sat all by herself was such a shame in his mind. He offered you that gentle smile as he asked if the spot next to you was taken. Kiryu couldn’t help but let his eyes wander over you constantly seeking you out in a crowd whenever you both were at Furin.

⤜♡→ You both had initially bonded over quiet teasing of Tsugeura in your quiet corner of the classroom, often exchanging text messages teasing the poor orange haired extrovert.

⤜♡→ Your friendship only developed from there it was a rare occasion for you both to not be seen without the other. So much so that the others we're fully under the impression you both were together long before you started dating.

Sakura's cheeks were always a constant shade of pink whenever in you and Kiryu's presence. Kiryu was very comfortable with physical touch his body always seeking out your won whenever you both were together. Whether it was his cheek resting atop your head, or his hand playing with your fingers, he loved feeling you against him.

Suo chuckles,, his signature mischievous grin dawning his features, loving nothing more than to tease his friends and hopefully push you both to confess. "Oh would you look at that." He grins leaning across the booth you were sat in, fingers intertwined delicately under his chin as he looked at you both. "It seems you both have set off Sakura's love detector yet again. "Come on Sakura, it's rude to intrude on a date, we'll be going now. See you both later.~" He sing songs, dragging a flustered Sakura away from you both, grin on his face.

Kiryu snorts into his mug, eyes turning to yours now that it was just the two of you left at the table. "So, angel, when are we gonna tell him he can stop trying to play his little game of matchmaker now that we've been dating for three months?" He snorts, leaning over to bump his nose with yours in a pseudo-kiss. His eyes light up at the grin you send back in his direction. Swearing he fell more in love with you as you returned his grin, leaning forward to give him a proper kiss, pulling away to smirk. "Let him figure it out on his own, let's see how long he keeps it going before he realizes."

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

Next up Is Kakucho from Tokyo Revengers!

⤜♡→ Kakucho has been through the ringer. He has a kind heart and so much love to give and I think you are the perfect candidate for all of his love and affection!

⤜♡→ Kakucho is a hopeless romantic, prizing building his friendships before relationships. He can only truly picture himself being with someone he has built a deep connection with before entering a relationship.

⤜♡→ The orphanage where he was raised was outside of city limits, and after years of being in gangs, I think Kakucho appreciates the serenity of nature. So with your favorite place being the forest, he often will set up a nice picnic for you both to enjoy the scenery and each other’s company.

⤜♡→ Kakucho is also quiet and a bit shy at first, the both of you gravitating toward each other with being more reserved at first. But melting into a beautiful relationship filled with love and laughter once you both opened up.

⤜♡→ If you ever are having a bad day and need some cheering up, Kakucho is your guy! He worships the ground you walk on and could spend hours divulging in all the things he loves about you. He will stop at nothing until you see yourself the way that he sees you.

Kakucho hums gently, his nose buried in the crook of your neck, gently swaying you both as he watches you bake, relishing in your warmth. He blinks, pulled from his trance as you offer him a finger dipped in the batter from the brownies you were prepping, Taking your finger into his mouth, he hums in delight from the sweet chocolaty confection. He smiles softly when you look up at him with those eyes he falls more in love with each day. “So Cho how does it taste?” His hands settle on your waist, turning you in his embrace, head dipping down low to press his lips against your own.

His hand cups the back of your neck as he deepens the kiss, his tongue finding its way into your mouth. The warm wet muscles dances with your own for a while, before he separates, string of saliva still connecting your lips for a moment before it snaps. “I dunno, honey, you tell me how it tastes.” He grins, kissing you once more as he chuckles thinking you looked nothing short of adorable with your pink cheeks and kiss-swollen lips. “It was delicious baby, I can't wait to pack them up in our basket for our date later.” He smiles wrapping his arms around you once more. Kakucho had spent most of his young life without a place to call his own after he lost his parents. But right here and now as he held you in his arms, he knew he had found his home. And that was anywhere where he could be with you. (a/n: I hope this was okay I haven't written for TR in YEARS, but this was just screaming at me and I needed to write it.)

#windbreaker #tokyo revengers #sams 500 matchup event #sam writes

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streamafterlaughter · 1 year ago

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Fundamental Differing

Chapter XVIII: I Gave My Life Away

pre warning: tags contain some non specific spoilers

warnings: 18+ MDNI mentions of a suicide attempt, alcoholism, narcotics addiction, depression. Adult content not meant for people under the age of 18. (spoiler for next tag!) Grinding/heavy petting, an inkling of smut. Angst, hurt feelings, heavy subject matter. reminder that this is fiction and i do not condone the actions of my characters! afab!gn!reader, they/them pronouns, rockstar!eddie, use of y/n lol i did not use y/n once!, pet names

a/n: i am… so sorry. that’s all i’ll say for now.

Disclaimer: I do not give permission to have my work reposted on other sites. Reblogs are more than welcome, but please inform me if you find my work elsewhere unless otherwise stated.

—

January 1991

Eddie’s POV

“Eddie? Eddie!” The voice is familiar, but too far away. He can’t see anything beyond a spinning figure, but he feels the harsh slapping on his face before someone drags him by his armpits into the bathtub. “Cmon, man, please.”

Then there’s water, and it’s cold, and Eddie’s trying to move but he can’t, he can only cough and choke as the shower spray gets into his nose and mouth.

“Oh fuck, thank fucking God.” Then there are footsteps, and Eddie’s hauled out of the bathroom on a stretcher, the frantic voice following closely behind.

Present Day

Eddie’s POV

“Ed, they’re looking for you. Two minutes.”

Eddie nods, waving the security off and turning back to her. “You’re still in Ohio, then?”

“Yeah, seems it. Nothing really goin’ on here, though.”

“Isn’t that kind of a good thing?”

She shrugs, her lips pursed. “Guess so, if it means you’re here.”

Eddie chuckles shyly. “Well, I should get moving, or Steve will have my head.

She nods eagerly, wrapping herself tightly around Eddie’s torso, causing him to shift uncomfortably. He hasn’t seen her since before, and he realizes now he’s not that person anymore. It causes his heart to skip with anxious energy.

“See ya.” She sends him a wink, and he waves as she turns on her heel to venture back into the crowd.

The security guard is still there, humming the chorus to Under The Bridge as it plays out of the house speakers, leaning against the wall as he waits for Eddie to finish with the pretty, dainty girl he’s with, and Eddie returns to him like a scolded child. “Alright, let’s go.”

“That your girl?” He asks, making small talk with the rockstar he has likely no interest in.

Eddie shakes his head. “God, no. A friend, maybe. Not even that much, not anymore.”

“Guy like you doesn’t need to dwell on that, man. Sure you got plenty of ladies lined up for a chance with you.”

He snorts, amused by this guy’s casualty. “You’d be surprised.”

The guard escorts Eddie all the way to the stage, where Steve is seething and huffing about, arms crossed tightly over his chest. “Sorry, sorry. Ran into someone.”

Steve’s expression softens slightly at the mention. “Was it-“

“Yeah. But it’s fine, really. Civil, even.”

“Right. In that case, I’m still mad at you,”

“Sure, of course. Can we hold off on my discipline until after the show?”

Steve runs a hand through his hair, breathing deeply as if to prevent himself from taking a swing at Eddie. “Fine. Go.”

Eddie bows his head to thank him, and takes his place next to his bandmates, who’d been left waiting restlessly for their frontman, again. “Hey-“

“Shut up.” Jeff silences him. “Don’t wanna hear it.” And it’s fair. They shouldn’t have to listen to his excuses. He’s supposed to be working on himself, and all he’s managed to do is piss off the people that matter to him most. The house lights dim, and Eddie watches as the crowd grow feral, shoving toward the stage, shaking the metal barricades standing between them and the stage. His heart thumps in his ears, in time with the crowd’s eager chants of “COFFIN, COFFIN,” a command he’s inclined to obey. It drags him forward, led by his band onto the stage to present themselves to a mass of people that want to tear them apart.

The stage lights up with the first chord, and Eddie hears the audience beyond his monitor. He looks back to Gareth, who’s awestruck at the noise, then to Jeff who holds his hand over his chest, genuinely thanking these people for coming. Eddie wants to feel it, too. The warmth these people seem to offer his friends, but he’s somewhere else. He can’t get used to it, like he’s wearing shoes half a size too small. It makes him shift uncomfortably inside his skin, constantly feeling the eyes of thousands on him, relying on him, there for him. It’s then that he realizes he’s sober on stage, for the first time in five years.

He’d stuck to his word, now twenty four hours without consuming a drop of alcohol. He feels his chest tighten, like a hand made of knives has broken open his ribcage to squeeze his heart until it pops. His lungs will fill with his own blood and he’ll choke, he watches as it flashes before him, a panic stricken fantasy but Eddie wouldn’t say unrealistic.

His friends are looking at him. The crowd is calming with their increased confusion; a late start and now a strange, empty pause. He has to fill it. He can’t find you, and he’s taking too long, and it’s starting to confuse his band, so he shouts into the blackness “HELLO, COLUMBUS!” and the room combusts with the release of tension. “I am so sorry we’re late. Thank you for waiting. Let’s burn this fucking place down.” Gareth hits his sticks together, both a warning and a courtesy that there’s no stopping now, and Eddie rides the momentum. He nails every incoming note without thought, and he can feel the vibrations through the building, both of the music and the crowd. He gets the same rush he used to, when he was wide eyed and bushy tailed, younger and in love with the life of a rockstar. For a second, he feels it again, in the same place he’d felt the least alive at this time two years ago.

Your POV

“What the hell!” You stomp up to Steve, screaming over the noise of the stage into his face. “Tell me what the fuck is going on.”

Steve only smirks. “How does it feel, huh? To not have a fucking clue what’s going on? He’ll tell you. I can’t-“

“Blah!” You throw your hands into the air, “I get it, you can’t tell me. Just… who’s the girl?”

Steve’s smile only grows. “Are you jealous?”

You groan, more from exhaustion than embarrassment. “Of course I’m fucking jealous, Steve! Don’t play dumb! Please, don’t make me feel stupid.”

His face falls, and he grabs you by the shoulders, jolting you into focus. “You have nothing to worry about. That I do know.”

It’s not enough, but it’s all you’re gonna get. You can’t help but respect it, the commitment to keeping Eddie’s business to himself. Truth be told, Steve is probably dying to tell you. “It’s that big, huh?” He nods sadly, and you mirror him in understanding. “But he’s going to tell you. He’s gonna tell you everything, and it’s gonna be a lot to digest. So I’ll be here when he tells you.”

“Steve, you’re scaring me.”

He nods. “That’s my intention. You might not get the answers you want, but you’ll get answers.”

You watch the tail end of their set with your brain going in circles. What could Steve possibly mean, the answers you don't want? What answers do you want? Who’s the girl, for starters. But mostly, what happened, in the two years without contact? What made you so angry? You can’t imagine an answer heavy enough to break you, not off the top of your head. Whatever it is, you want it. Even if it’s just to understand Eddie a little more. Even if it means he can’t be with you. Even if it means you have to let him go.

“Thank you!” Eddie shouts after the final note of a song you couldn’t name. “Thanks for comin’ out, Columbus!” The crowd shrieks, ratting your brain inside your head. “And give it up again for DEATH DANCE APPROXIMATELY!” The crowd politely continues cheering, and a small girl next to you sends you a bright smile. “So, so grateful to have them on this whole tour with us, you have no idea.” Eddie laughs bashfully, out of character for him to do while on stage. It’s a small thing, something you shouldn’t have noticed, but of course you did. He’s nervous. You squint, as if it will help you read him better, and it doesn’t. “This is our last song, I wanna hear you all. Loud as you can, alright?” The crowd whoops, and Corroded Coffin start in on Sweetheart, and you almost choke on your tears immediately.

Eddie has always said the closing song is the most important. It’s the one freshest in their mind, the one that will stick with them the most. It has to be perfect. He’d never used Sweetheart as the closer, and it’s obvious Gareth and Jeff weren’t ready for it, probably assuming Eddie skipped it reading the setlist. Eddie’s voice shakes slightly as he sings, but it’s perfect. His eyes stay closed the whole time, and you desperately wish he’d open them, find you in the wings, and sing the words to you again. Like he had, any time you’d asked him to just because you could. You sing along, lose yourself in the lyrics for the first time in years, actually hearing the words meant for you.

And then it’s over, and they’re thanking the crowd and bowing, and walking off stage, and even though you know you’re gonna see it all again night after night, even though you have seen it tens of times already, you miss it. The feeling of a shrieking crowd feeling all of their feelings while you feel yours. The feelings you hope you can give to your own audience. You feel like a teenager seeing their favorite band for the first time, and you’d forgotten how good that felt.

Robin seems to appear from thin air next to you. “Hey!” She semi-shouts over the bustling crowd. “Are you crying?” It’s a question you should absolutely be used to by now. You hadn’t noticed this time, though. “Oh!” You sniff, wiping a tear from your cheek. “Yeah, guess I was. Not sad, though.” Not necessarily true, but for now a nonissue.

“We’re all goin’ out tonight.”

You shake your head. “I’ll catch up.” She frowns at you. “It’s okay! I’ll tell you everything I can after.”

The possibility of a gossip session soothes her curiosity, and she squeezes your arm before continuing to wiggle through the crowd. You follow her backstage, into the massive dressing area backstage, where Eddie sits with his bandmates in a circle of metal fold out chairs, each of them holding a beer. Besides Eddie, who fiddles with the label of his water bottle.

“Right!” Jeff pats Eddie’s knee as he speaks, “We’re goin’ out. celebrating our biggest show to date.”

It’s then that Eddie lifts his eyes and catches you staring. You don’t bother averting yours to the floor, already having been caught red handed. “Do you guys mind if I sit this one out? I uh, have a prior engagement.” The girl, you’re sure. The girl you have nothing to worry about, the girl Eddie knows in the nowhere state of Ohio. You chew on the inside of your lip until you draw blood, anxious and suddenly unsure of everything Steve had tried to warn you about.

“Yeah, man, of course. Come out if you change your mind, though.” With that, Gareth and Jeff exit the room, and your friends follow suit soon after, leaving you and Eddie alone.

Eddie’s POV

Now, I have to do it right now. “Hey,”

You face him, eyes wide with questions he so desperately wants to answer for you. Your hands are clasped tightly together, your knuckles white and arms flexed, jaw clenched. “You wanna get some coffee?”

Your nod is vigorous, and he holds his elbow out for you. You quickly latch onto him, and Eddie feels just how anxious you must be. He can’t imagine where your head’s at, with your nightmares and your constant, irritating habit of caring about him so much. He’s exhausting you, and all he wants now is to let you rest.

Eddie asks a remaining staff member to escort the two of you out the back way, and into the warmth of the summer night. “Is there even somewhere that sells coffee around here? Let alone somewhere that’s open?” You joke, and he chuckles.

“I guess I didn’t think that far ahead. Ah!” He points down the road, to the glowing 7-Eleven sign. “Onward!” You laugh, and it floods through Eddie, like it’s drenching his head in ice water, refreshing him. He’s since dropped his arm, but yours stays locked around him, like if you let go he’d run away. As if he’d ever think to do such a thing.

He breaks the thick silence finally, after several minutes of walking through it. “You uh, said you wanted to talk?”

You look up at him. “I did?”

“Yeah, uh, this morning? We didn’t really get the chance.”

“Oh. Oh, yeah I guess so. I just,” You shake your head, frustrated, “I have questions.”

“Okay,” Eddie shrugs, trying to seem nonchalant. He wants to give you the answers. Finally, he wants to be completely open with you.

“Okay?”

“Yeah, shoot. I’ll answer your questions.”

“Any of them?”

“All of ‘em, sweetheart.” He can’t help it, he loves watching you shy away at the nickname, cute and soft, under all that armor.

Your POV

“Okay…” You have to be careful. One wrong move, and he’s shutting you out again. “Where’d you go tonight?” A subtle way to ask it, you think. Not accusatory, just curious, bordering on nosey.

“I ran into an old friend. From group.” You snap your neck, catching the words he says so casually.

“Group?”

Eddie nods, “NA-slash-AA.”

This is nowhere near where you thought this conversation would go. Every question you’d had crumbles at his answer. “What?”

“I’m more of a casual attendee, lately.” You feel your head fill up with more questions, and you’re drowning. “When did you-“ You’re expecting him to cut you off, but he waits. “When did you start going to meetings?”

Eddie looks to the sky as if to find the answer in the blackness above. “Early into 1991. There was still snow on the ground.”

“What um,” You’re walking the tightrope here, and you heed Steve’s warning. “What made you decide to go?”

Eddie looks at you again, his expression sad. “Had a really, really bad night.”

“What happened?” You ask, too quickly. It’s not fair, and you don’t have any right to know the answer, but Eddie snorts a laugh, like this news isn’t breaking your heart to learn. “Steve saved my life. I’m surprised he hasn’t divulged this story to you, even with the fact that I begged him not to tell anyone. Took me years to even tell the guys. I had gotten so bad, I didn’t care what happened to me. I was drinking myself to sleep every night, wallowing in self pity, barely able to function. I was worse than any time before. Worse than I was when you’d called me that night.”

“What night?”

“You were drunk, you probably don’t remember. Sometime in September of the year before, I’d been up all night trying, and you called me at home.” The memory comes back in a tidal wave. You’d just finished recording your EP, your first cohesive body of work, and with it had been signed to Sub Pop. Things had been looking up for you after cutting things off with him in July, but somewhere far away, Eddie had been drowning.

Before you can say anything, he continues, “Anyway, we were on a kind of hiatus as a band, had been for about a year at this point. I had nothing to get me out of bed before three in the afternoon, nothing to distract me from my pity party. I went out every night, drank until I couldn’t see, and did lines in the bathroom with people I didn’t care to know. I probably slept with six or seven different people a week, sometimes more. I couldn’t stop, because then I’d have to feel my feelings, and I was so afraid of them. One time,” He has the gall to chuckle, “after I got kicked out of a bar in New York for trying to fight the bouncer, I was so wasted and beaten that I fell asleep in my front yard with my pants around my ankles. Really glad I don’t have neighbors.”

It all pours out so easily now, like he’s telling you about his trip to the grocery store. “I uh, only got worse after that.” He stops, and you look up at him, waiting with wide, stinging eyes. “You sure you want me to keep going?” You nod. You don’t want to know, but you have to. As much as you suspect it’s gonna hurt, it means something that he’s finally willing to tell you.

He pushes forward. “On New Year's Eve of ‘91, I mixed whiskey and Steve’s Xanax. Way too much of it. Harrington found me passed out in the bathroom of my hotel room at around 1AM and called an ambulance. I'd written a note and everything.”

He pauses again to let you digest it all, and the silence sends a piercing ring through your ears. The words coming out of his mouth feel so far away, disconnected from the mouth they’re coming from. You’d never known Eddie to give up. Nothing had stopped him before; from finishing high school, from getting out of Hawkins, from being a rockstar. Regardless of how angry, or frustrated, or beaten he'd gotten, Eddie had always bounced back.

He finally pulls you from your thoughts. “That was the worst of it, but it had been a long time coming. When we were,” He gestured lamely to the air, “seeing each other, I was usually either on a run or coming down. I didn’t hide it well, I was almost sure you’d known, or at least suspected something. I was so angry and twitchy all the time. As much as I wanted to, I knew I couldn’t bring you into it, though. I never wanted you to know, and in a lot of ways I still don’t. Actually, please tell me you don’t wanna know. I’ll shut right the fuck up.”

“Nice try, but you underestimate how nosey I am.” He laughs, and you smile despite it all. “When did you start, I guess doing coke?” He doesn’t think about it for long. “Ironically, New Year’s Eve 1990 was the first time. I was a pro at it by May. I'd been drinking heavily for years by then, guess I wanted to jazz it up to ring in the new decade.” He stops walking and pivots to look at you, suddenly eager, and in no way aware of how jarring what he’d just said was. “Do you remember when I would get nosebleeds all the time, or when I’d sneeze and there’d be a giant snot bubble?” You nod, your face contorting with disgust at the memories. You remember a specific time, when you’d been making out with him in his hotel room in Boston, and his nose had just started dripping blood onto your bare chest. He’d gotten so pissed off at himself he’s left without putting his shirt or shoes back on. “Yeah, that had nothing to do with the humidity. Deep down, I think you knew that.”

He’s right, but you can still feel the crack in your heart spiderweb and spread as you hear these suspicions about Eddie confirmed.

“When was the last time?”

“The first or second night of the tour, I think.”

“Are you still drinking?” Dustin’s question makes more sense to you now. You wonder how he’d found out.

Eddie hesitates, as if fighting himself on whether to answer truthfully. “I didn’t today. It’s the first full day I’ve gone in a while. Touring is always difficult, and I’m sure you understand why this time is uh, particularly stressful.”

“Because of me.” Obviously.

“Because I know how badly I’ve hurt you, and because I know I haven’t made it up to you yet. I haven't earned your trust or even your time by any means, and I hate that you’re seeing me like this when you should be enjoying your first full US tour.” He chokes the last words out. You’ve stopped walking again, waiting at a deserted intersection, not yet ready to cross. “I’ve been fucking up recently, which is why I haven’t said anything. It’s not because I don’t want you. I want you so, so much. I just can’t do it yet.”

“Eddie,” You reach for him, and he lets you. You hold his face in your hands, feeling his flushed cheeks warm your palms as you look at him under the streetlights. “You don’t earn things like help and support, Eddie, not from people that-“ You pause. Not now, it’s not fair. “People that care about you. Thank you for telling me, I can’t imagine what you must be feeling; surrounded by triggers at all times, having to see me so much. I never would have agreed to the tour if I’d known—,“

He cuts you off, shaking his head, wafting the scent of his shampoo at you. “Don’t do that, please. This is not your fault, this is my own undoing. You are exempt from blame here.”

“I wish I’d known you were struggling. I wish I could have helped.”

Eddie traps your hands with his own on his face. “I know. I do, too.”

A sob shoves its way through your lips, and you can’t rebuild the dam fast enough. You’re crying, ugly sobbing with snot and mascara painting your face into a sad clown. It may be a cry of relief, having finally understood where your love had gone, so to speak, and seeing a glimpse of him right now. A version of Eddie happy, warm. He smiles at you, a big, beautiful smile, but his eyes are so sad. “I wish I had known to ask. Would have saved us both so much trouble.” Eddie drops his hands to your waist and pulls you closer to him, your coffee quest long forgotten. “I am so sorry.”

“Thank you.” You do not fight it, because there’s so much for him to be sorry for, regardless of if you want the apology. You trust that he means it. “I won’t push you for anything else. But I need you to ask for help, when you need it. I'm not gonna turn you away.” You wrap your arms around his torso, as physical proof of your words. You feel his arms as they surround your head, and he pulls you further into his chest. His breathing deep and even, heart beating soundly, you let yourself inhale him, indulge in his closeness even for a second. You eventually start to pull away, but he catches you, and you crane your head up to look at him, your nose inches away from his. Eddie’s eyes flick to your lips. It’s a fraction of a second, but you notice because you always do. You mimic him, flicking your eyes over his soft, pink lips and back to his deep, sweet brown eyes.

He moves first, but you’re quick to follow, and Eddie catches your lips with his, and you fight the urge to once again burst into tears. The kiss is one you haven’t felt in so long, like sleeping in your own bed after months being crammed inside a van or a two star motel. It’s a deep, yearning type of kiss you hadn’t known you were missing. Eddie moves a hand to cradle your head, like he’s holding the most valuable thing in the world. He’s gentle, almost timid, like the wrong move will ruin everything, break you both into pieces you won’t be able to fit back together. His lips are so soft, with no aggression or anxiety behind them, no nervous, frantic energy like he needs to consume you before you disappear. He takes his time, and you swim in the calm of it all. You rest your hand on his jaw, your finger lightly brushing his ear, the other stuck with your palm against his chest, squished between your bodies.

The last time Eddie kissed you like this was the day before he almost died. Before he cut that stupid sheet rope and tried to be a hero, he’d held you like you were the only thing on earth worth dying for. This time, though, there’s no rush, no impending doom to cut it short. You wonder if you’re pushing it, if this is too much for him, because it’s almost too much for you.

You pull away for a second. “Is this allowed?”

He quirks an eyebrow. “I think I know what you’re asking, but what do you mean?”

“Like, while you’re recovering. Shouldn’t you be more focused on that?”

Eddie shrugs. “Probably. And I will be. But I’m sober right now, at least, and all I can think about is you. And now you know everything, and you still kiss me like I’ve always been worthy of it. Even when I’m still not.”

“Do I really know everything now?” You lace your fingers through his and resume your walk.

He looks at you. “Do you have more questions?”

You have so many, but you’re so tired, so emotionally drained. “What do you think about, when you think about me?”

Eddie snorts a laugh at your question and you hide your face in your free hand. “Nothing good. You’re under my skin, doll. Always have been. Hey, look at that,” you look to where he’s pointing, the bright lights of the 7-Eleven store. “I’m kinda over coffee. You wanna watch a movie? For old time’s sake?” You nod wordlessly as your heart skips about, and he opens the door for you so you can grab some snacks instead.

Another hotel room, with boring white walls and bright white bed sheets. Eddie’s suitcases already sit in the corner, placed there by the hotel staff, complimentary mints on the pillows. Eddie flicks the bedside lamps on before fiddling with the remote, and you immediately realize, you’re once again without your own clothes. “Could I borrow-“ Eddie throws a shirt that lands perfectly draped over your face and you’re overwhelmed with his scent. “Thanks.” You deadpan, removing the fabric. He’s tossed a pair of his shorts onto the bed in front of you as well, and you’re silently grateful, because you wouldn’t have asked for them. He quickly flings his shirt off his head, and you watch as he swaps his jeans for a pair of worn flannel pajama pants.

Eddie then clicks the TV on, searching the channels aimlessly for something to watch before quickly giving up, muting it on a late night talk show. “How are you doing?” He’s already sprawled on the bed, resting his head in his hand to look at you, still in your clothes.

“I’m just digesting, I guess.” You face away from him to pull your sweat soaked shirt over your head and toss it on the floor, feeling his eyes on your bare back. You never wear a bra onstage, but you’re regretting it now. You yank Eddie’s shirt over your head to hide your butt as you yank your tights down, suddenly very aware of the color of your panties: red, and far too lacy for these circumstances. You yank Eddie’s boxers up your legs, and feel decent enough to face him again.

“We have to stop meeting like this.” He blurts as you slide into the space next to him, on top of the covers still.

“What do you mean?”

“After dark, sharing a bed, sharing my clothes,” He gestures to you, dressed head to toe in Eddie Couture. “Someone might see us. People are gonna start getting suspicious.”

“You think they’re not already?” You shift to lay on your side, now looking at him straight on. “We aren’t exactly being discrete as of late.”

He gives you a half shrug. “Does it bother you?”

“Does what bother me?”

“The fans, making assumptions.”

You think about your choice of words. “I thought it would. I think it bothered me more that they weren’t right.”

Eddie cracks a goofy smile, and you swat at him uselessly. “You want to be having a steamy secret affair with the douchebag frontman of Corroded Coffin?” He teases, poking at you.

“Oh, shut up.” There’s no malice in your voice. “You know what I mean. They have it all figured out. We’re together, in love, not ready to share it with the world or whatever. Much less complicated than whatever it is we’re actually doing.”

Eddie considers this for a moment. “Guess that’s true. I don’t think I could explain any of what we’re doing to Steve, let alone the public.”

You sigh. Poor, ignorant Steve. There’s only so much you’d be able to tell him for sure. “He’d have a heart attack.”

“I’ve already spooked him enough for a whole lifetime, I can’t drop this bomb on him too.”

“Let’s not worry about that. We don’t even know what we’re doing.”

“I just know I wanna keep doing it.” The way he says it sends you reeling instantly, drawing you into him, closing the distance between his lips and yours. You melt into him, wrapping your leg around his waist as he grips the flesh of your hip. Your hand slides effortlessly into his hair, tangling around your fingers, pulling a moan from Eddie’s throat as you tug him further into you. You can feel his gentry twitch in his pants, only a few thin layers of fabric separating him from your core. You roll your hips against him, sighing as his tip bumps against your clit, desperate for friction.

Eddie moves, latching his lips onto your throat causing your brain to fog. Your chest heaves as he nips at your skin, marking you, making your head swim with pleasure. You feel his fingers toying with the hem of his t-shirt, his calloused fingers sliding under the fabric to caress your skin, sending chills up and down your whole body. You shiver, and he pulls away. “Wanna stop?”

“Shouldn’t we?”

“That’s not what I asked.”

So you kiss him again, hungrier now. You help him yank his shirt over your head, abandoning it on the floor next to yours. Eddie shifts again, pressing your bare chest against his before breaking the kiss suddenly. “May I, uh,” He stutters like he’s a nervous teenager again, as if he’s seeing his first pair of boobs ever.

“Please.” You sigh, and it propels Eddie on, shifting down the bed until he’s eye level with your chest.

“God, I missed you.” He rasps, and you don’t have time to ask if he’s talking to you or your tits before he runs his tongue over your nipple, pulling a whine from your throat. You feel his other hand slide down your torso, freezing when it reaches the waistband of his boxers. “Sweetheart?”

“Yeah?”

“Would you let me take care of you?”

—

chapter XIX

haha hehe hahahahah ha ha. ha

tag list: @children-of-the-grave @five-bi-five @wiildflower-xxx @beebeerockknot @champagne-glamour @xxgothwhorexx @therensistance @chonkzombie @brxkenartt @sidthedollface2 @bibieddiesgf @gaysludge @eddiesguitarskills @littlepotatobeansworld @poisonedluv @kellsck @m-chmcl-rmnc

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silverwings22 · 7 months ago

Text

Caught in the Crosshairs: Chapter 71: Hush Little Baby- Ashley Ryan

Series warnings: Smut, mind control, canon typical violence, childhood trauma, language, chronic illness Chapter warnings: major injury, medical procedures, canon divergence, tears because this is three years of watching and writing this fic and it's over. Final chapter.

Previous chapter:

“Take care of the troopers.” Miria gave her new friend dryax a pat on the nose and pointed it in the direction she spotted Imperial soldiers moving. It roared and took off, buying her time to get back to her squad and taking out a few more enemies they could save plasma on. She found them crouching against a fallen log, Hunter administering a medpack to Wrecker while Crosshair looked through a set of binocs.

“Did you really think wrestling that creature was a good idea?” Crosshair muttered, trying to see through the shake in his hand.

“At the time, yes.” Wrecker grumbled.

Miria hopped over the log and landed next to her husband, all of the clones reaching for their weapons until they realized it was her.. “He’s sorry about that, by the way.”

“You talked to it?” Crosshair looked at her, letting her bring his trembling hand back down and hold it between hers.

“Yes. Remember when I told you I was a little unbalanced in the Force? I think I’ve fixed it.” She looked up at the base in the distance.

“It’s five klicks away, and we’ll still need to find a way in.” Hunter sighed, helping Wrecker to his feet.

Miria glanced back at Wrecker, her jaw tightening under her helmet. He was hurt, she could see his bloody injury through the rent in his armor. The dryax’s strength was no joke. “Wrecker…”

“I’m fine, Miri. Don’t look at me like that.” He waved her concerned voice off, and started trudging after Hunter. Miria and Crosshair exchanged looks, but followed quietly.

“They captured Rampart.” She said softly.

“Good. They can keep him.” Crosshair muttered. “They know we’re here, and that we’re coming for Omega. He can’t tell them anything they don’t already know.”

“He was… extraordinary unpleasant.” She agreed.

“Your kindness is wasted on that bastard.” He sighed. “... you know how dangerous this facility is.”

“I was trapped here too, love.” She nodded. She could feel his thoughts racing, and she had to settle her own and hope he didn’t decide he needed to do something stupid. He was guilt-ridden, had been since she’d gotten him back, and she’d have to keep an eye on him when they ended up in danger. Because they definitely would.

The five klicks between them and the base they both were dreading going back into went faster than any approach she could remember, and they all stopped to check the area. Wrecker was flagging behind, and Miria winced slightly as Crosshair looked him over. “He’s going to need another medpack.”

“That was our last one.” Hunter sighed.

“I’m fine.” Wrecker argued.

“No you’re not. Change of plans.” Crosshair straightened up. “You two fall back and comm Rex for assistance. I’ll go in on my own.”

“Not happening.” Hunter snapped immediately. “We don’t operate like that.”

“Open your eyes. Clone Force 99 died with Tech. We’re not that squad anymore. Wrecker’s in no condition to do this. I know this base, I know what we’re up against. If we all go in, not all of us are coming out!” Crosshair’s voice was sharp, right fist clenched into a fist at his side. “It has to be-”

“Stop.” Miria, just a pace behind Crosshair, took her helmet off. “Look at me, Crosshair.”

The sniper turned around, prepared to argue with her beskar but not her lavender eyes. “Miria…”

“If you call Plan 99, then I will take it. I will go in, and you will stay here and comm for help if Hunter and Wrecker have to drag you to a safe perimeter. Unless you can look me in the eyes and tell me you’re okay with me sacrificing myself, don’t you dare ask me to be okay with you doing it.” Her breath was a little too fast, eyes glassy at the thought of Plan 99. Just saying the words made her feel sick. “I didn’t survive a war, Order 66, and this hell just to end up a widow.”

“Omega needs them. Mayrin needs you… and I deserve this, Miria.” He tried not to look at her face, but she just stepped closer so he had nowhere to look but at her.

“If you do, so do I. I’m the leader, every failure was mine. And I didn’t catch Tech on Eriadu. Now answer the question, darling. Am I calling Plan 99 in your place?”

He pulled his helmet off, and his eyes were misty despite the stoic hold of his jaw. “You know I can’t do that.”

“Then don’t ever ask me to watch you do it again.” She put her hand on his chest plate. “If we go down, we go down together. We don’t leave our own behind.”

Hunter nodded, almost wanting to clap at how well Miria could handle Crosshair. She always had been able to see right through him, and anticipate what he needed to hear.

Before Crosshair could say anything else, or even try to apologize, the base hangar door they were facing exploded outward. He and Miria shoved their helmets back on, and Miria started laughing darkly. “It’s the Zillo from that shuttle crash! It’s escaped!”

Crosshair stared at the giant creature that he was almost entirely sure had been killed on Coruscant during the war. “... Echo’s handiwork, or Omegas?”

“Omega.” Wrecker, Hunter, and Miria all said at once.

The giant reddish, angry creature was decimating units of Imperials, and Hunter nudged Miria. “She gave us an entrance.”

“Yes she did.” Miria nodded. “That’s our girl.”

The group moved in for the hangar, moving slowly with their blasters out. Miria froze, an icy feeling moving up her back. “Guys. Something’s off… like Teth.”

“Get low.” Hunter muttered. “If we haven’t been spotted, we might need you hidden. We’ll keep moving in.”

Miria nodded, carefully moving behind cover and approaching along the wall of the hanger instead of the center as the clones did. She felt her skin prickling, but settled into the curve of a broken shuttle chassis the Zillo had destroyed. Once they were inside, they’d signal her and she’d come in after.

To her horror, a pair of legs walked past her hiding space. She had to stifle a noise as she recognized them.

On her stomach, bleeding into the sand. The inside of her helmet smelled like blood as he walked away, her screaming daughter in his arms. Her little pink stuffie was on the ground, Mayrin’s chubby hands reaching back for her.

Mayrin. Mayrin. Omega. He’s got my girls.

She swallowed hard and talked herself through a mental kata. No, she couldn’t fall apart, but she had to pay attention. She had to complete the mission and find the girls. She knew the risks. So did the guys, and they’d agreed to do this together.

In silent horror, she watched more of the assassins stepping out. Their armor were all subtly different, making recognizing the one who’d stolen her daughter and Omega easy. And they were brutally effective. One with an electrostaff had Wrecker pinned, Hunter knocked out with an explosive and trapped under debris. Her stomach clenched, fingers moving towards her lightsaber. There were too many, could she even hope to-

Stay put, Miria. Crosshair’s voice through their bond ordered. They’re not going to kill us. Not right away, anyway. You can’t get captured too. You’re our only chance.

Crosshair was on the ground, and her stomach dropped when the one she recognized, the one who took Mayrin, pinned his wrist with a foot and held out a hand to another assassin with yellow electroblades. The sword, an dishonored version of a lightsaber, was placed into the same hand that had put a knife between Miria’s ribs. “You should be more careful with your shooting hand.” He said, deadpan, and lifted the blade.

Crosshair!

Miria shoved her hand into her helmet and shoved her hand over her mouth to stifle a shriek as Crosshair screamed. Her right wrist burned in agony, a ring of red and inflamed skin popping up almost instantly as some of the injury was shared through the Force Bond. She sucked air through her nose as the three clones, now all unconscious, were thrown onto hover gurneys and the assassins walked out.

She took a slow breath, putting herself back together. Crosshair was right. She was the only shot now, so she very carefully crept into the base. There were holes in the walls, ripped open by the Zillo beast’s furious escape, so she took a leap and slithered into the air vents. She had to move carefully, peeking through each exit vent in search of the girls. She could get them onto a shuttle, Omega was a good pilot who could get them to Pabu, and go back for the men. She’d never leave them behind. They didn’t leave their own behind. That was the one rule, the one that mattered more than life itself-

The humming of a wet lab, not dissimilar to the one she’d found Mayrin in, caught her attention. A moment after, she heard a familiar wail. A cry any mother knew, their own baby’s inconsolable sobbing. She scuttled to a vent, peering down in search of her daughter.

A white-coated lab technician was holding down a struggling infant, trying to get a blood draw from her little foot while the baby screamed. The woman was too rough, talking sharply to the tiny victim. “Stop all this squirming, X99-01.”

Hearing her baby referred to as a number sent Miria’s blood boiling, and she held out her hand. The technician coughed, setting the syringe down and trying to clear her throat. As soon as the needle was out of her hand and she’d stepped back from Mayrin, Miria snatched her by the neck with the force into the wall as hard as she could. The woman crumpled, unconscious, and Miria drew her saber to cut the vent cover off. She dropped into the room, putting her saber back on her hip and taking her helmet off to scoop up her daughter. “Shh, shh. You’re alright, May. Mama’s here.” She breathed, letting the baby see her face. “Shh.”

Mayrin’s sniffling stopped and she reached for Miria’s cheeks, the Jedi bringing her up to her shoulder to cradle her. Once she stopped crying, Miria reached for her helmet. “Let’s get out of here, starshine. I can find Omega, and we’ll-”

Mayrin yanked a handful of Miria’s hair before she could put it on and made an indignant noise. Miria frowned, turning her head to a closed door between this lab and an adjacent one. She glanced at her baby and frowned. Through the Force, she felt the tiny insistence that she open that door. “Are you sure, May? We’re already in quite a bit of trouble here…”

Mayrin yanked her hair again, and she sighed. “Alright, starshine. But we need to hurry. I’ve got to find your father and uncles.” She tucked the baby into the sling she’d been wearing on her back since she’d lost her on Pabu and picked up her helmet with one hand, lightsaber out in the other, and cut a hole in the locked door.

It was creepy in here, dimly lit, and she held up her saber to see. Inside was a single bacta tank, with more screens and readouts than she’d ever seen. Miria took a few steps closer and pushed her saber closer, to get a look at the man inside’s face.

Sharp, angular features marred with a few deep scars were quiet inside. He was missing an arm at the mid-forearm, and one leg below the knee. His narrow chest was also studded with deep scarring, and it was clear he had been in the tank a while just to be as stable as the readouts showed. Miria leaned in a little closer, looking back up to examine his face. His hair was a little reddish, as far as she could tell inside the bacta, but he looked eerily familiar. He was built so much like Crosshair, taller and slimmer than most clones. Just like…

“Tech.” She whispered with a sudden realization.

Tech was alive. Minus two limbs, but alive. Hemlock had lied.

Miria glanced over her shoulder at Mayrin. “Good work, starshine. Let’s see what else they have in here.” She went tearing the lab apart, ripping everything out of every drawer and cabinet, until she found two sealed prosthetics sitting in sterile casings stacked in the back next to a black uniform eerily similar to the one the assassins wore. She quickly checked the diagnostics, finding multiple notes about CT-9902. “So that’s what you were planning. Turn Tech into one of those hollow killers and let them train my daughter.” She turned around and started typing at the bacta tank until it started draining. Her too-long missing friend settled on the bottom and she leaned over as the door opened. “Tech? Ner vod, can you hear me?”

He grimaced as he came back awake, mumbling to himself. “... Plan 99. There’s no time… sever the connection hinge…” She could almost hear Echo muttering the same way when they found him in Skako Minor.

“Tech.” She reached into the tank, catching his face gently. “Open your eyes.”

The clone shivered, skin wet with bacta and cooling rapidly, and opened his eyes slowly. “G-general?”

She smiled, eyes a little watery, and took his good hand. “Oh, I’m so mad at you. Let’s get you out of here.”

He nodded, letting her help him upright and get the prosthetics on. “Did you… commission these for me?”

“If you want to be technical, I stole them.” She adjusted them for him carefully. “How’s that? Can you move?”

He nodded. “General… why do you have an infant?”

“This is your niece. My daughter, will Crosshair, who we did find. We’re in an Imperial base, and we’re getting out. I can’t give you a full brief, because Crosshair, Hunter, and Wrecker have been captured. Put his uniform on, and here’s some boots.”

He nodded, squinting. “Do you know where my goggles are?”

“Broken, in the Archium on Pabu. We’ll get them fixed, I promise.” She helped him to his feet once he was dressed. “Now, we’re going to need to climb through the vents. Think you can make it?”

He nodded again, rubbing his face and frowning as he traced the depth of the scars. “...How long have I been here?”

Miria looked at her daughter, doing mental math. “Ten months?”

“.... shit.”

“Yes. Now here, let me boost you. Go left and I’ll direct you from behind.”

She gave him a leg up and he followed instructions, Miria following behind with Mayrin on her back and carefully guiding him to the broken entry she’d used in the hangar. As they came back out, she spotted a white-armored trooper and a familiar head of auburn hair. She flipped her blaster up. “Doctor Karr.”

Emerie turned around, hands up. “Master Halcyon-”

“Easy, Miri.” The trooper said, lifting a hand.

Miria paused. “Echo?”

“Yeah. Had to change clothes on the descent.”

She sighed, holstering the blaster and walking over. Omega was standing with four other children, one of which was a toddler, and started to grin until she saw who was walking behind the Jedi. “T-tech?!”

“Hello, Omega.” He oof-ed when she tackled into him. “It is good to see you as well…”

“I thought you were dead.” She whispered, overcome.

“Based on the injuries I believe I have, I think I might have briefly been.” He patted her hair gently with his new metal hand, then glanced at Echo. “We seem to lose an extraordinary amount of limbs on this squad.”

“You have no idea.” Miria placed Mayrin in Tech’s arms. “You need to go. I have to go back for the others. We’ll meet you.”

Echo handed Emerie a set of coordinates. “This is where you need to take them. We’ll catch up.”

Omega looked between Miria and Emerie, then stepped back with her and Echo. Emerie frowned. “Omega?”

“I have to do this.”

Emerie nodded and handed her a datapad. “This will give you access to the whole facility.”

The other kids threw their arms around Omega tightly, as if they’d planned it, and she hugged them and sent them on their way. Miria patted Tech’s arm. “I’ll see you soon, vod. Look after my little one.”

“Of course, General.” He followed Emerie into the shuttle they’d indicated, and she ran off with Omega and Echo.

Omega bolstered her resolve with a grin. “Let’s complete the mission.” Miria was so proud of her, of who she’d become and who she would grow into.

They made their way straight for the detention block Omega had busted them out of, clones crowded at the bars of their cells with wide eyes when they saw them.

“What’s going on?” One asked.

“We’re busting out.” Omega plopped the datapad into a dock and unlocked every cell door. Miria turned around, watching weak kneed but determined looking soldiers step out and come around. Along with Rampart, who she was less than thrilled to see but still willing to honor her deal to get him out safely. Nala Se as well, and she quickly went to check on Omega. Miria had to appreciate the Kaminoan woman, who’d both saved Omega by warning her and made sure Miria found Mayrin.

Echo turned around, passing out guns left and right. “I know you’ve all been through hell, but we’re going to need help. Will anyone fight with us?”

One bearded clone took a deep breath. “I will. I’ve got one more fight left in me.”

“Me too.” Another responded.

Echo grinned and looked at Miria, who held up her lightsaber. “I want my riduur back, and I want Hemlock’s head on a platter. The only way the girls will ever be safe is if he’s dead.”

“Sounds good to me.” He looked at the datapad. “The pneumatic tube system runs through here. It’s the method Omega took through the walls. Omega, can you get us eyes in there?”

Omega nodded, Miria nodding to her and handing her a comm. “Don’t engage until we give the signal, okay? You’re as reckless as I am.”

“I take after my sister.” Omega smiled, slipping into the wall.

Miria tapped her foot, rubbing the hilt of her lightsaber and taking slow breaths to maintain her clear head. She had to stay calm, keep her balance, and fight. She had to face the fear of the clone assassins.

This time she was not going to be caught off guard.

“Miri, Echo, I’ve found Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshair. There’s guards, but I think I can get them loose if you give me a decent distraction.”

Miria smiled darkly. “You’ve got it, dear.” She looked at Echo, and the gathered clones who would join them. “Ready, gentlemen?” She cooed, pulling out her lightsaber and twirling it. She saw some of the clones light up and throw salutes at her.

“Yes, General.”

She led the way to the training room, where Hemlock had tormented Crosshair and countless clones before him. Where he would have tormented Tech, if Miria hadn’t found him. She’d had enough of this place and that man, and cut the door off its hinges. “Give them hell, boys.”

The room was dark and had moving obstacles, which were immediately put to use against her and her band of rescued clones. The assassins hunted them in the chaos, while Omega worked hurriedly above to get Wrecker free first.

When Miria heard the crackle of an electroblade, she turned and put her own saber through his chest. “You’re not the one I’m looking for.” She muttered, dropping him and taking off up the side of the platform with the Force. Echo had the other clones, and Echo always pulled through. He’d never let her down. He never would.

When she made it up to the level where her team was restrained, Hemlock had already put his hands on Omega, cuffing her wrist to his. “I’ve got you.”

“You forgot I’ve got them.” Omega smirked, and Wrecker ripped one hand loose and cannon-balled his way out of the torture seat. Miria grinned, immensely proud, and moved to cut Hunter out when a blaster shot narrowly missed her head. She spun, facing the assassin who’d taken her baby as Hemlock ripped the control patch off his arm and ordered him to cover his own escape.

“He left you for dead.” Miria said dangerously.

“I left you for dead on that beach.” He responded, still deadpan and uninflected.

“And I should have killed you on Teth. I won’t make the same mistake twice..” She lunged, deflecting shots as he took them. Wrecker got Hunter and Crosshair free, the sniper barely on his feet and Hunter picking up the electrostaff that another assassin had dropped in the shuffle.

“You should have stayed down.

“You should have kept your hand off my husband.” She went low, sliding to her knees and coming up behind him. She thrust her blade backwards as Hunter aimed for the chest, and the two of them skewered him in two directions. Just behind them, Wrecker put the other one’s head through a wall before he had to sit down and clutch his chest.

“He went that way, with Omega.” Miria pointed.

“I’ll go, make for the shuttle.” Hunter wheezed, picking up a pistol.

“Like hell you will.” Crosshair muttered.

Miria nodded. “Together. Echo, get Wrecker and the others to the shuttle.”

“Yes, General.”

The three parents walked out onto the rain, the clones missing their helmets and Miria swapping her saber for a blaster.

Hemlock was cornered and he knew it, holding a blaster to Omega’s head. “No closer! Stop right there!” It was the first time she’d ever heard panic in his voice. He was usually so disgustingly calm and wickedly composed. He was scared.

Good.

“We all know you won’t hurt her.” Miria called out. “You need her, Hemlock. Like you needed me, and my daughter. And failed to keep us, so just hand Omega over.”

“The Emperor would kill me for failure.”

“Killing you is the least I can do.” Miria assured him.

Hunter sank down to one knee and Crosshair lined up a shot with his left hand, the sniper spotting something shiny in Omega’s sleeve. “Miri, keep his eyes on you. Cross, aim for the cuffs.”

“It’s too close. I can’t risk Omega.” Crosshair breathed.

“She knows what to do. And I know you can do it.” Hunter had absolute faith in his brother, and so did Miria. Crosshair just had to believe in himself.

Miria held her saber up again, keeping Hemlock’s focus firmly on her. “You’re afraid of him. And Vader, have you met him yet? Do you want to know the real, terrible truth? I’m worse than either of them, if I need to be. I raised Darth Vader.”

Hemlock shuddered, and that was the opening Omega needed to yank a metal instrument from her sleeve and stab him in the leg. He doubled over and she threw her arms up, giving Crosshair his shot. He pulled the trigger, and hit the cuffs. They came open, and Omega hit the deck. Miria and Hunter opened fire, slamming shot after shot into Hemlocks chest and throat, until he toppled over the edge of the bridge and vanished into the rain.

The blaster fire petered out, and Miria crouched next to Crosshair as Omega came running as fast as she could. When she got close enough to see clearly, she froze. Rain and tears streamed down her face as she looked at them, eyes fixing on Crosshair’s missing hand.

Before Crosshair could blink, she had thrown her arms around his neck and was sobbing into the hug. His eyes widened, then softened and closed as he leaned in, and Omega looped another arm around Hunter to pull him into her embrace too. Miria was dragged in by a little brown hand smacking into her helmet wetly, and put her head against Crosshair’s shoulder.

It didn’t matter that it was pouring, or that lightning was flaring all around them and lighting up the miserable base. What mattered was Omega was safe, in their arms, and their family was together again.

Crosshair lifted his head slowly and looked at Miria, who had her hand on his vambrace that lead to the missing hand. “Mayrin? Did you find her too?”

Miria nodded, taking off her helmet so he could see her smile. The rain even felt kind of nice, cleansing after the fog of the fight. “I put her on a transport with the other children they were holding… and Tech.”

Hunter and Crosshair did a double take. “Tech?”

Her grin brightened. “What was that you were saying about the squad being dead, my darling? Because I think I’ve disproven that.”

“He’s alive?” Crosshair whispered.

“He should beat us to Pabu. I went ahead and sent him home.” Miria put her head down on the water-slick expanse of her husband’s shoulder. “After all, we don’t leave our own behind.”

It felt utterly bizarre to step back onto Pabu after the stark horror of Tantiss. Miria led the way out, turning back to watch Crosshair turn his face up towards the sun, like he’d never really appreciated it before now. Maybe he hadn’t, still swallowed up in his own guilt. Now he was softer-eyed, a small smile playing across his lips. She stepped to the side and let Hunter and Echo help Wrecker down the ramp, holding out a hand to her husband. “How do you feel, darling?” She smiled when his left hand slipped into hers.

“Better than I have in a long time.” He admitted. “It’s good to be home… to have a home.”

She nodded, bringing him down to stand beside her. They looked around, spotting the three clone cadets Hunter had rescued offering ice cones to the children Omega had set free of Tantiss. Tech was standing nearby, squinting as Phee handed him his broken goggles from the Archium. Crosshair swallowed hard, looking at his twin until Miria gently squeezed his fingers. “Go on, love.” She whispered.

Crosshair slowly pulled his hand away from hers and started towards the genius. His strides started slow and measured, but the longer he walked the more speed he built up until he was all out running. Tech turned just in time to catch him, arms wrapping tight around his twin and pressing his forehead against Crosshair’s. “You’re alive.” Crosshair whispered.

“I am.” Tech smiled. “And the General found you. I knew she would.”

“You’re still an asshole for that Plan 99 banthashit.” Crosshair’s voice cracked.

“I could say the same thing to you.” Miria caught up, smiling at Phee when the pirate raised an eyebrow. “He tried to tell me he was going to infiltrate Tantiss by himself.”

“Where is your hand?!” Tech blinked, finally getting a visual on Crosshair’s right wrist.

“You’re missing one too.” Crosshair huffed. “So is Echo.”

“I am also missing a leg, but I fell off a rail car from a great height. What did you do?”

“The bastard who kidnapped our daughter and stabbed me in the ribs.” Miria patted Crosshair’s back.

“It is fortunate you found me, then. I can make a prosthetic.” Tech nodded. “And upgrade my own.”

“That can wait. Where’s my kid?” Crosshair frowned.

“I gave her to Lady Annalise. I did not realize she was on Pabu, General.”

Miria turned around, spotting her parents standing near the edge of the Archium looking for her in the crowd of newly freed clones. Mayrin was on her grandmother’s hip, and Miria reached into her pocket and pulled out Rosie. “We should probably take this back to her.”

Tech glanced at the doll, then at Crosshair. “You made another doll?”

“I knew you knew.” Crosshair chuckled faintly. “Yeah, I did.”

Tech’s smile a genuine, if a little squinty still. “All this time I believed you were severe and unyielding, but you seem to have changed despite my conviction you could not.”

Miria smiled. “There is no force more destructive to a strong man than a daughter.”

Tech nodded. Crosshair left his arm slung over his twins shoulder. “C’mon, I’ll introduce you to her properly.”

They walked off to see her parents, and Miria looked over at Phee. “He seem like himself?”

Phee nodded. “Clueless as ever… but I did finally kiss him. I think he gets the picture now.” She headed over to stand with Tech again, reluctant to let him out of her sight now.

Miria smiled. “Oh good…” She looked around again, eyes wide. Civilians were giving aid to the clone refugees, Pabu’s people capable of the same endless kindness Miria admired so much in Omega. Crosshair had Mayrin in his arms, ignoring his missing hand in favor of introducing his daughter to Tech. The genius was smiling, brightening when Phee wrapped her fingers into his again. Wrecker was sitting down to rest, Shep and Lyana checking on him while AZI inspected his chest. Hunter and Omega were up under the large tree, the darling girl with her head on his arm as they talked. Echo and Emerie were talking, and she could feel the acceptance building between them.

The war would go on outside Pabu. The Empire would rage a little longer, and eventually she knew she’d be called back into the fight. It was almost inevitable, when the Empire was led by a Sith and so few Jedi remained to stand against him. But for now… there was a little peace.

She turned and walked over to Crosshair and her parents, giving Mayrin her stuffie once Annalise had freed her from a tight hug. “I thought you were going back to Naboo, Mother.”

“We decided to stay.” Jet shook his head. “We knew you’d come back here, once you found the girls.”

“No doubt we’d find them?” Crosshair raised an eyebrow.

“Never.” Annalise patted his arm.

Miria smiled and gently tugged Crosshair’s chest plate until he came down to her level, kissing him firmly. “Ni kartayli gar darasuum, my darling.”

“Darasuum, cyare.”

Ten years later

“Where do you think you’re going?”

The little girl froze mid-footstep, halfway down the steps from Upper Pabu to Lower, with a bindle full of snacks and a stolen blaster in her hands. She turned slowly, silver ponytail bouncing, until her lavender eyes were reflected in the flashlight held in her direction. “... how’d you hear me?”

“You’re not as quiet as you think, May.” Crosshair raised an eyebrow, facing his daughter with his flashlight in his prosthetic hand and the other one on his hip. Ten years on Pabu had changed him some, though he was still the smartass he’d always been. He’d grown a scruffy beard and let his hair grow back, and was far more comfortable in civilian clothes than he thought he’d be when he retired. “Besides, your mom just knows stuff.”

“I do.”

Mayrin squeaked and turned around, finding her mother two steps below her with her arms crossed. Miria’s hair had grown longer and the beginnings of gray were starting to creep into her temples, but Crosshair still thought she looked just as perfect as she had the day she’d met him on a Coruscanti hangar bay and asked him his name instead of CT number.

“Auntie Mega snuck out! She’s going to the Rebellion!” Mayrin frowned. “I want to go too.”

“You’re a kid, Mayrin.” Crosshair shook his head. “Now give me back my blaster.”

“How come she gets to go?” Mayrin huffed as he eased the weapon out of her grasp. “She’s a good pilot but I’m a better shot than she is!”

“Because she’s twenty-three, and you are ten.” Miria put her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. “It’s her decision as an adult. You, however, are still our responsibility until you’re grown. When you are, you can make your choice about where you go. And if you choose to fight, we’ll support you.”

Crosshair chuckled. “Hell, we’ll go with you.”

Mayrin frowned, looking up at both of them as Miria guided her back up the stairs. “You will?”

Crosshair nodded. “I think I’ve got one more fight in me. What about you, cyare?”

Miria nodded with a laugh. “It wouldn’t be our first fight.”

“You’re a preschool teacher, Mom. What kind of fighting have you done?” Mayrin squinted at her.

“Your mom was a Jedi, and a general.” Crosshair shook his head and looked up as a ship launched from the lower caves. Hunter must have gotten to say his goodbyes before Omega snuck off… they’d known she was going to go eventually. She talked too much like Echo, about doing more and saving more lives. They’d raised her well, and she’d make them all proud on the battlefield.

“I was the leader of the best black ops squad in the Clone Wars, with your father and uncles. We never failed a mission… your father was the best sniper in the Republic.” Miria chuckled, glancing up with the same proud expression he had. Omega was, as she’d always hoped, not just as good as them. She was better.

“Dad’s only got one hand!”

“You wanna hear how I lost it, kid?” Crosshair smirked.

“You’ve told me fifteen different versions. Last week I was helping Ba’vodu Tech with an engine block and you said ‘watch out, that’s how I lost my hand.’” Mayrin wrinkled her nose.

“Well, let me tell you the truth. The whole story.” Miria steered her daughter back towards the house. “Before your grandmother notices we’re outside and comes at me with a shoe.”

“Fine. But I wanna know the whole story, from the beginning!” Mayrin said firmly.

“We’re gonna be up all night. I’ll start a pot of caf.” Crosshair chuckled again. “And tea for you, cyare.”

Miria smiled. “Alright then. If you want to go back to the very beginning, it started when I was six years old. I was on Illum-”

#explict #original character #clone force 99 #the bad batch #crosshair #star wars #fanfic #caught in the crosshairs

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