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hidden-poet · 1 day ago

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Poison: part 3

Summary: Coriolanus always hated Sejanus Plinth. He had everything that Coriolanus should of had; money, influence, and you.

Warnings: Coryo being de-lu-lu, unrequited love, Reader insert, dark!Coriolanus snow, unedited, dead dove to not eat

Word count: 9,832

Part 1 here

Part 2 here

Part 3

Part 4 coming

Comments and asks welcomed!

Coriolanus sat on the train to District 12.

Something compelled him to bribe the clerk for a ticket to district 12.

He wondered if Lucy-Gray would still be alive?

Would they kill her for his mistake?

If he wasn’t hopeful that he could get himself out of this mess and back to you, he would have killed himself.

The shame of it all was too much. He couldn’t even look Grandma’am or Tigres in the eye while he explained the circumstance he now found himself in. He felt as if he had failed them.

He knocks his head against the cold, hard glass. Watching as his surroundings sped past him.

The door was heard as it opened, but Coriolanus didn’t stir from his self-pity, sure it was another recruit just passing through.

When he heard Sejanus’s voice it startled him

“I thought I might find you here”, his old enemy spoke with a grin.

“Sejanus, what are you doing here?”

He rises from his seat, watching as Sejanus in a peacekeeper uniform came forward with a duffle bag.

He gazes back at the door with his heart in his throat. If Sejanus had brought you along to district 12, Coriolanus was sure to kill him where he stood.

But the door never reopened. You were safe back in the Capitol.

“Are you kidding me? After I found out where they were sending you I couldn’t get here quick enough”.

Sejanus throws his bag on the floor and takes a seat across the table. Coriolanus joins him with his questions.

“What about y/n? Did you break up”, Coriolanus asked too quickly and with too much hopefulness in his voice.

“No”, Sejanus’ coy smile angered Coriolanus greatly, “No. we are engaged.

Coriolanus swallows his rage to force out a “Congratulations”.

“Thank you. Yeah, you know. I figure I get through basic, and become a medic. They allow third year medics to bring over family, give you a house on base instead of sharing a dorm with twenty other men. We can carve out a better life for us out here”.

“You plan to bring her here? To the districts. Are you insane? They are savages here”.

“They are desperate people. People in need of help. Y/n and I have a real chance of making a difference out here, like you told me I could do”.

Coriolanus’s hands balled into fists. He hadn’t meant to get you tangled up in Sejanus' misled fantasies. He only wanted to get out of the arena.

“If you think I am going to let you bring her here, you are mistaken”.

As soon as Coriolanus got his hands on a piece of paper he was going to write to your father, and tell him of the plan. He properly didn’t even know of the engagement.

Sejanus laughs as if it was a joke. As if Coriolanus wasn’t imagining jumping across the table and pounding his face in.

“I know you want the best for her, Coryo. So do I. You’re a good friend, but y/n can make her own decisions, and she has chosen to follow me to district 12”.

The word ‘friend’ made Coriolanus’s ears hot. He was not a friend. Not to Serjanus. Not to you. Still his composure was his strength. He had to wait until the time was right. He couldn’t have you thinking he was jealous. Jealousy was weak.

If your father had already disowned you due to the news of the engagement, he would have no further cards to play. He would figure out a way to keep you in the Capitol, but it started with staying in the loop of information.

“Be careful, Sejanus. It’s a different world out here. One where you can’t buy your way out of trouble.”

Coriolanus looks to the window, sure if he spent any more time looking at Sejanus his fists would fly before he could stop himself.

“Ah come on, man. Don’t give me grief. I’ve come all this way for you. Why are we talking about my girl, when we should be talking about yours? The girl you risked everything for is just at the end of these train tracks”.

His girl, the one he risked everything for, was back in the Capitol, engaged to his enemy.

Coriolanus was sure he was going to kill Sejanus, but faked agreement.

—-----------

You would write Sejanus letters every week. Pages, and pages on how much you missed him. How you wore the ring with great pride, and never take it off.

You never mentioned the kiss. Never asked about Coriolanus. He wondered if you had told Sejanus or decided to keep it as a secret.

He liked the idea of you having a secret with him. Something that only you two shared.He thought back to the kiss often, wondering what he could have changed that would have stopped you reacting the way you did. But what did it matter? The outcome would have been the same.

His fate was sealed when his father made enemies with Dean Highbottom.

Late at night Coriolanus would break into Sejanus’ locker to read your letters. He would sit under the moonlight, pretending that the letters were written for him. He would pen one back in his mind.

He thought about sending you a real letter, but what would he say? I love you. Don’t marry Sejanus.

It seemed too little now.

He trained hard. Much harder than Sejanus.

He was desperate to be picked for officer training. From there he could make his way back to the Capitol faster than Sejanus could earn the privilege of bringing you here.

When he pushed his body to the limits during training, and remained studying while the other men captured what little joy they could. He thought of returning to the capitol while Sejanus was stuck in this living hell.

It would be hard not to fall in love while your boyfriend was in a different world.

Coriolanus would do everything with you, naturally as your only friend. You would feel terrible having rejected him just moments before he was shipped off. Maybe even regret it.

It would happen slowly and naturally. One day you would just wake up and realised you were in love with coriolanus.

It would break Sejanus' heart certainly. But Coriolanus had suffered in silence for years. It was his turn.

He would figure out money at a later date. An officer makes a decent wage, but not enough to afford you the lifestyle you deserve. That Grandma’am and Tigress deserved.

It was a hurdle he would jump through when the time came. First he had to survive district 12.

He was yet to see any of it. The Compound was locked down tight. You had to earn the privilege of time off. Not that Coriolanus had the desire to see any of it, or even take a break from his study.

But he had wished that Sejanus would be further away at times.

He followed Coriolanus around like a shadow. Swapping chores and assigned placements to be near Coriolanus at all times.

The only benefit of Sejanus’ friendship was Ma’s cooking. She would send packages of sweet treats each week.

It made Sejanus popular among the cohort. Coriolanus would always get first pick being Sejanus’ closest friend.

Having been fed three meals a day and Ma’s sweet treats, Coriolanus gained healthy weight.

He found himself being able to focus better and his energy flourished.

He would return to a changed man, but you hoped you would still be the same woman.

His mind focused on you as he pushed his body to the duties of a Peacekeeper.

Sejanus would talk of you which helped. Mostly things he had already read in the letters you send for Sejanujs, but sometimes he would derail and offer a piece of information Coriolanus never knew.

It made Sejanus slightly bearable. His presence is less insufferable when he is useful.

Still being followed everywhere was starting to grate on Coriolanus.

He walks fast to try and shake Sejanus, but the young boy takes it as a challenge to keep up even with his damaged knee.

He complains about the superior officers while Coriolanus races across the yard to return his patrolling uniform so he could return to his bunk and study for the officer test.

The gray uniform was heavy with padding, and his helmet was like a rock in his hand. It added to his irritation as Sejanus squawked in his ear about things he didn’t care about.

His mind floats to you and what you could be doing. He imagines you shopping for a new dress, and then going for lunch in the Capitals best restaurant, where he would be sitting there patiently waiting for you.

When he heard your voice in his ear, at first he thought he dreamt it, but he would never dream of you calling Sejanus name over his.

He whips in the direction of the sound to see Sejanus already sprinting to the fence.

You stood behind a tall wire fence that separated the Peacekeepers section from the nurses and doctors. You wore the dreadful blue nurses uniform with a white patch across the left side of your breast that stated ‘Junior nurse’.

With no makeup or jewelry and with your hair tied back into a ponytail, you looked pale and undressed.

He stared at you in disbelief but you never spared him a glance.

Sejanus throws himself into the fence in front of you, attempting to hold what he could of you. The fence separated your bodies, so intertwining your finger through the gaps was as close as you could get.

“Hey, what are you doing here?”Coriolanus could hear Sejanus ask in a tone of disbelief that spoke of his surprise.

Coriolanus moves over to the fence line to hear the reason too. Still half shocked that you were really here.

“What about your family? Your dad?”, Sejanus pesters. Both very good questions.

Did they even know you were here? Could Coriolanus work with your father to get you back to the Capitol where you belong?

You shake your head at him

“It doesn’t matter” you say, “All I have is you now, okay?”.

Sejanus laughs giddily at your words, but Coriolanus remains livid. You shouldn’t be here, moreover it wasn’t true, you didn’t only have Sejanus, but you had Coriolanus’ mind, body and soul that you are so quick to dismiss.

“Are you crazy?”, he seeths.

You tear your eyes away from Sejanus to glare at him.

“What a surprise Coriolanus isn’t happy again”, you remark.

“Do you realise what you have done? How dangerous it is to have followed him here?” Coriolanus pushes.

“I’ve made my choice’’, you state. Coriolanus felt you were speaking to more than your decision to follow Sejanus. You were making it clear that you belonged to Sejanus.

Coriolanus could feel the ghost of your lips against his. You hadn’t forgotten and forgiven the kiss.

How could he protect you here if you wanted nothing to do with him? How could he get you to listen to him if you willfully blocked your ears with Sejanus?

“Hey”, Sejanus scoffs, trying to ease the tension, “some things never change”.

Coriolanus felt Sejanus clamp his large hand on his shoulder. If he wasn’t so stuck in his anger, he would have shaken him off.

Instead he stood rigid staring at you. Hoping that this all was just a dream.

“I for one couldn’t be happier. I have the two most important people in my life. A path in life, a chance to make a real difference, freedom. Our lives have just begun. We’re going to do great”.

You smile at him in a delusional gaze.

“We’re going to do great”, you agree.

A whistle blows and an older woman in a nurses uniform begins to yell at you.

“I’ll see you soon”, you promise to your fiance.

“Hoffs given us leave passes for the weekend, can you make it?” Sejanus rushes.

You nod your head ‘yes’, half turning your body away before you receive a punishment for insubordination.

“Meet me at the front gates at 4 o’clock on Saturday”, he instructs.

Coriolanus felt his blood run cold at the thought of willingly bringing you out from the safety of the compound.

“I will” you promise. The stupid smile not leaving your face.

Your complete delusional state left you vulnerable to very real danger that the district posed.

“Take care of yourself” Coriolanus orders as you run back to where you were supposed to be.

Sejanus slaps Coriolanus' shoulder in glee, and this time Coriolanus has the capacity to shove Sejanus away.

He turns, regaining his fast pace to return the uniform with Sejanus following, but no longer talking.

The goal was to get back to the Capitol before Sejanus could bring you here, now you have come on your own accord and completely ruined his plans. Why did you have to be such a difficult woman?

Had you ruined his officer plans? How could he leave you here with only Sejnaus for protection.

The panic almost strangled him. He needed to recalculate his plan

But every outcome he could think of either let you down or grandma’am and tigres.

He left Sejanus still taking off his jacket in the uniform room to go back to his bunk.

Sejanus had swapped a week of Ma’s goodies for the lower bunk so Coriolanus only had a few moments before Sejanus would rejoin him.

His head hit the flimsy pillow and he covered his face with his hands.

He could think of a million things that could go wrong now that you were here.

A district could find his way into the Camp. Into your bunk, with your luck. You could get sick and have to rely on the district's poor resources.

Life in the Compound was no picnic. You would have to work harder than you ever had before. At home you ate and woke when you decided. Here you would have to earn your keep.

The privileges of your life lost because you loved the wrong man. The right man would stop at nothing to ensure your every comfort, not congratulate you for losing everything for him.

He wondered if he could kill Sejanus during training and get away with the accident angle. But you would never look at him the same if he killed Sejanus, accidently or not.

Footsteps approached the bed and Sejanus threw something heavy on the bed.

“Coryo, are you alright?”, he asks.

“You need to tell her to leave Sejanus. For her own good”, he commanded.

He uncovered his face to look Sejanus in the eye as he spoke but his words missed their mark.

Sejanus smiles instead and rolls his eyes.

“You worry too much. You’ve always been like that, even in the academy. Always watching everyone carefully choosing when to weigh in”.

“Well I am weighing in now, Sejanus. Is this really what you want for her? The slums of the District?”, Coriolanus snarls.

His push awakened something in Sejanus who now carried a look in his eyes that Coriolanus had never seen before.

“I know you and Y/n are friends so I’ve put up with a lot, but you are overstepping your boundary now. So long as Y/n and I are together nothing else matters. I don’t care if I am with her here or the hunger games. She’s not your girl, Coriolnanus, you don’t need to worry about her”.

His comment silenced Coriolanus who was forced to turn to his side away from Sejanus.

Coriolanus’s hands balled into fists ready to put Sejanus back in his place. But he was right. Technically you weren’t any of his concern.

If it had been anyone else Coriolanus wouldn’t have battered an eye. But it was you. The object of his obsession since the end of the dark days.

His life line to keep going through it all. His hope and joy, even if you never knew it.

Maybe that’s why you felt compelled to come to district 12. To help Coriolanus survive yet another feat.

To inspire him to work harder, to train longer.

Suddenly, he felt terrible for greeting you the way he did.

You were only trying to help him. You came to him in his hour of need, and he had bitten you for it.

A slither of hope ran through Coriolanus.

Maybe things would work out after all.

—------

Coriolanus counted down the hours until the weekend.

Sejanus too. It was the first time he had ever had anything in common with the district born boy.

He saw glimpses of you during training in the yard.

Never for very long and Coriolanus had to concentrate to find you amongst the other recruits. But a single glance for a split second was enough to renew his spirits.

He even found himself interacting with others. Ending nights in a friendly competition between friends, rather than with the training book in his hand.

There were many Peacekeepers in the compound, but few that he liked. Most of them knew nothing more than to follow orders and use brute force.

The unit he was placed in housed twenty men in a shed that didn’t leave for much room. Of the twenty, Coriolanus found company in only three. Beanstalk, called so for his great height, Smiley, a round face and eager boy and Bug, who often said nothing.

They had tried to give Coriolnaus a nic-name, but he pushed back against it. His name was the last thing he held to his capitol standing. He would die before he relinquished it.

Sejanus on the other hand accepted the name ‘Bulls-eye’, dubbed after an impressive training session, where he hit nearly all of the targets.

The name had taken on an ironic meaning after he failed to do so since. Coriolanus had warned him against showing such promise. They don’t need a medic with perfect aim. It may derail his plans of leaving the gun behind for gauze.

Coriolanus also didn’t need Sejanus taking any attention away from him during training. He needed to be the best in all categories so there was no doubt in the Commanders eyes that Coriolanus was the one to be sent for officer training.

Saturday came slowly, but finally arrived.

Coriolanus took extra time to groom himself. Ensuring that he looked and smelt his best after hours of grueling training.

The other men, who he had come to accept as friends until he could get out, snickered at him, asking him if he was prettying himself for the girls.

Coriolanus smirked to himself as the men jeered.

Sejanus came to his defence and the men left Coriolanus alone.

They stood together prettying themselves for the same girl.

“Do you think she will be there?” Sejanus asks.

Coriolanus felt a jolt run through him. Seeing you was the only thing he was looking forward to. Was your presence now a maybe?

“Who?”Coriolanus asks for clarity. He puts down his wet washer and faces Sejanus at the next sink. Surely, he couldn’t mean you.

‘Who else? Lucy-Gray!” He said without care.

Coriolanus huffs, feeling his heart go back down into his chest.

“I don’t know”, Coriolanus says, “I don't even know if she would still be alive”.

It saddened him to think that his cheating would cause her death.

“Do you think they killed her?” Coriolanus asked.

Sejanus shakes his head ‘no’ still looking in the mirror to apply his after shave, and pleasant smelling cream.

“Why would they risk it? She was a big hit. If they do have the games next year, they will properly invite her to sing at the opening ceremony”.

His words sooth Coriolanus, who picks up his soapy washer and runs it across his skin.

When he finally saw you standing just outside the compound gates with the sun going down behind you, it felt as if a heavy weight was being lifted from his chest.

You wore a nurses uniform, pale blue and faded from previous use. The sleeves came down to your elbow and hugged your skin.The top of the fabric cinched at your waist before falling into a straight line of fabric that ended just before your knees.

“Hey” you called with a wave.

Coriolanus fought to keep his hand down, as Sejanus ran up to you.

Sejanus took you into his arms and gave you a deep kiss, earring a cheer from the men. Coriolanus had to look away from the sight.

You break away to shush them, much to Coriolanus’s pleasure.

“Don’t draw any attention” you command, “I’m not supposed to be here. I gave a girl my gold hair clip to cover for me. It’d be a waste if you blew it for me”.

The men hush, instead shaking Sejanus in encouragement.

“Come on”, Sejanus commands, turning out from you but keeping a hold of your hand, “lets get there before all the seats get taken”

“I have to be back by ten. Thats when the head nurse checks the bunks”.

Sejanus hums in response, but Coriolanus was livid that you had a bedtime at all.

He wanted to say so to you, but found it difficult to get close enough to speak to you.

He was pushed to the back as Smiley, and Beanpole crowded you with questions, and idle conversation.

It left Coriolanus and Bug walking behind the group in silence. He never thought Bug would become his favorite.

The men disappeared as the large barn came into sight. Coriolanus took his spot next to you as soon as it opened.

He could hear the music from a mile away as he walked. The old barn had a yellow stream of flight that flooded the place, occasionally cut off by shadows of people walking past.

He stayed close to you as you entered the barn.

It was hot and loud inside. Peacekeepers and districts crowded the floor. No one seemed to mind the shared coexistence, but Coriolanus could feel the underlying tension. He would be sure not to let you go too far tonight.

A small blonde headed girl sings and dances on a makeshift stage. A call for peace while people were fixated on her.

Senjanus halts on the edge of the dance floor. His eye caught by something at the bar.

“Stay with Coriolanus. I am going to get a drink”, Sejanus orders.

He is weaving his way through the crowd before you could get your “okay” out.

Coriolanus stood straighter next to you. His hand reaches out behind you to keep you close but never lands.

The little girl on stage finished her song and the crowd roars for more.

“Is it getting hot in here?”, the girl calls to the crowd.

You cheer back, cupping your hands to scream back and clap.

“Well, we’re planning on heating it up just a tad more!”, she teases, “The one, the only, Lucy-Gray-Baird!”.

The world stops for a second as he watches Lucy-Gray dance up onto the stage. She was dressed in heavy dark clothing that resembled a costume, and had her face painted in make-up.

You hit Coriolanus’s chest in excitement.

He looks down at you. He had brought you this happiness.

You grinned from ear to ear. Your eyes sparkle with joy that he secured by cheating in the games.

He wondered if he would get a thank you. He wouldn’t push it from you, seeing you happy was enough for him.

Lucy-Gray warms the crowd with her charm before she starts her song. It was the same one from the reaping but placed to a happy tune. He almost didn’t recognize it. But her words were unforgettable.

“You can take my pa, but his name’s a mystery”, she sang,

Her eyes roam around the room before finally falling on you and Coriolanus in the crowd.

Her voice hitches when her eye catches Coriolanus. The words she was singing gets stuck in her throat until you draw her attention by waving.

Lucy-Gray gives you a flash of her smile and her singing voice returns.

He couldn’t believe it. She was alive. His filly in the race made it out unscathed.

You take a step forward into the crowd and Coriolanus goes along with you, hovering his body protectively close.

A shout is heard from the back of the room causing coriolanus to turn to see a dark featured man making his way through the crowd.

Coriolanus pushes you closer by the shoulder into him and out of the mans way as he pushes through.

“Lucy-Gray!”, he calls, “Lucy-Gray, you're sounding mighty thin without me! You all are!”.

“Billy!” the women trailing him scolded.

He feels you shuffle forward towards the scene, and clamps down on your shoulder to keep you at bay.

“I know you miss me!”, Billy yells as he attempts to climb the stage.

He is pulled back by the women, Coriolanus guessed is the Mayor’s daughter.

“You promised me you wouldn’t play with them again”, she demanded.

Her demand is met with a harsh shove back into the crowd. It agitates the atmosphere and people begin to become rowdy.

“Settle down, settle down”, Lucy-Gray says into her microphone.

The crowd does not. When a Peacekeeper gets punched, it incites the crowd to erupt into chaos.

Bodies shove into Coriolanus as some join the fight and others fight to leave.

You tear yourself from his grasp and push your way to help Lucy-Gray as Billy climbs the stage.

His hand wedges it way through the gaps but fails to pull you back.

Instead he forces his path behind you. Shoving people away to get to you.

His uniform made him a target in a roomful of angry and hungry district men.

It didn’t come as a surprise when a fist came flying at his face.

His face stung from the hit but he didn’t retaliate, too focused on yanking you away from Billy.

He had climbed on the stage to cling to Lucy-Gray’s dress and you had grabbed on to his arm to stop him.

When he shoved you harshly away, you latched on again like a fool.

Billy swung his arm back to ensure your compliance. It almost lands before Coriolanus yanked the threatening arm to spin the short framed man towards himself.

“Don’t touch her!” he shouts, pounding his fist into the side of Billy’s face.

From the corner of his eye he saw you recoil in shock. He should have stopped with three good punches but he found his fist flying again and again into the boys boney face.

It brought him back to the area. That same fierce protectiveness coursing through his veins. He didn’t want the threat to be neutralized, he wanted it to be eliminated.

“Coriolanus stop!” you call.

When you wrap yourself around his arm to keep it mobilized, he doesn’t shake you off. The sirens of the Peacekeeper vans could be heard over the commotion of the people.

He looks up to see Lucy-Grey clutching her mic stand, frozen from what she saw. Even after the Hunger Games violence was foreign to her. It wasn’t in her nature, but it was in Coriolanus’s.

He heard your name being shouted by Sejanus who tried to push his way through the dispersing crowd to get to you.

A loud bang knocked down the barn doors and fully equipped peacekeepers marched in, throwing around anyone in their way.

Coriolanus grabbed your wrist with his sore hand and yanked you towards the back exit people were escaping from. He couldn’t hear you over the noise of the barn but he could feel you tugging back against him.

Even when he hit the quiet, cool, outside air, he still didn’t release you. Continuing to force you forward into the darkness.

“Wait. We have to go back”, you demand with a harsh pull of your wrist.

“He’ll be fine”, Coriolanus assured, “He’ll find his own way out. Come on”.

He yanks you a bit too harshly forward and you stumble from the force.

“We have to get you back”, he addresses, loosening his tight grip to a firm hold, “They’ll be sure to conduct the bunk checks early with the amount of peacekeepers there”.

You follow him along the dirt, rocky road back to the Compound. A few people run past but it is mostly dark and silent. Coriolanus stews as you walk quietly beside him.

“What were you thinking?” he spat.

“I was thinking Lucy-Grey needed help”. It seemed his question had snapped you out of your compliant trance as you began to tug your wrist out of his hold again.

“From you? You could have gotten hurt”, he criticized.

“So I shouldn’t have done anything? Let go!”.

He doesn’t, swinging your wrist forward out of the way of your free clawing hand.

“Yes,Y/n. That’s exactly what you should have done”, he scolded.

“Maybe you should listen to your own advice. Saved yourself a busted lip, and sword to your shoulder”, you mocked, slightly out of breath from Coriolanus’s speed.

He hadn’t realised that his lip was bleeding until you mentioned it. Now he could taste the metallic warm liquid trickling into his mouth.

He wipes it away with his spare hand. The cut stings as he puts pressure on it.

Your own cruelty stunned you. A person who prided herself on her kindness and compassion now sneering at her saviour.

“Wait, Coriolanus”, you say, halting your steps. Coriolanus stops with you, releasing your wrist.

“I am sorry. That’s not fair”.

He stares at you in shock. You had always spoken to him quite guarded. Now it felt as if your relationship was growing. You were speaking your mind to him now. Apologising when you are wrong. It was a strong foundation to any relationship.

“You’re forgiven”, he whispers back.

He reaches out to take a hold of your wrist again but you know it back out of his way. He doesn’t attempt again, moving forward along the road.

“Come on, we have to get back”, he commands.

You do follow him, and the air is heavy with something you wanted to say.

“Coriolanus”, you begin after a moment of silence, “what you did back there. What you did back in the arena”.

Coriolanus cuts you off, sure the next words weren’t a thank you.

“Saved your life”, he turned to gaze down at you with eyes that spoke of how cautious you should be, “I did what I had to do to keep you safe”.

You shrinked under him. You nodded your head in agreement but your eyes looked unsure.

He followed you when you began walking ahead of him.

“It must have felt good to see Lucy-Gray tonight”, you say.

“Yes”, he agrees, “I am glad she is not dead”.

“Me too. I thought she was for sure when those snakes got dropped in the arena”.

“So did I” he acknowledges.

The night was quiet now. Only the moon lit the path back to the Compound. You and Coriolanus took a leisurely stroll away from the chaos of the barn. He found himself grateful for the eventful night now that he walked beside you.

He lifts his hand to place it on your shoulder closest to him. You stop walking immediately as it lands.

Coriolanus halts a step forward, turning his body back to you in question.

“You should know I didn’t tell him. I figured a kiss in excitement wasn’t worth upsetting him for”, you lecture.

He felt the lump in his throat forming.

“What is it you are insinuating?”

“You’re Sejanus’s best friend”, you accuse.

He needed to throw you off the scent. You needed more time.

“And you're my best friend's girl. Someone I hoped I could form a close relationship with, for Sejanus’s sake”.

“Sometimes it feels like you are taking Sejanus’ place”.

Some day he would. Sejanus would be a distant memory as you curled up in bed beside him, but for right now he was an active threat.

“You’re right” he acknowledges, “A kiss in excitement means nothing. I didn’t ask you to come here, Y/n. I don’t want you here”.

The kiss meant everything to him, and now you were trampling it under your foot.

He continues walking on. He wouldn’t leave you behind in the darkness by yourself but his resolve was slipping and he needed the distance to organise himself.

“I am sorry if I have given you the wrong impression but I followed Lucy-Gray here, not you. Whatever you think, I assure you, you have dreamed it”.

You jog to keep up, but he keeps his quick stride.

“You’re right, I am sorry. You’ve been nothing but a good friend to Sejanus and to me. And Lucy-Grey, I know you two got close. It’s just the kiss, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. I was looking for an answer where there wasn’t one, and I am sorry that I offended you. Honestly, Coriolanus”, you tug his arm back to slow his movements, “ I am sorry. I do want to be friends with you”.

Coriolanus tugs his arm away and continues walking back to the compound.

“Hurry up”, he calls.

You don’t speak anymore and Coriolanus swims with his thoughts.

He wasn’t the only one who was unable to let go of the kiss. Maybe you didn’t tell Sejanus because the shame of wanting him too was too much.

Your reaction and accusation, however, hurt. On top of that he had confessed untrue feelings towards Lucy-Grey. You had attempted to push him away and he had allowed you to.

Was it too late to undo the damage? Could he tell you he was lying and that he only ever thought of you.

The sight of the compound told him it was too late. He had made his bed, he would now have to lie in it.

He led you back to the medic side of the compound where the security was less militant.

“Go inside” he commands with a shove of your elbow.

You nod and walk past him. You don’t once turn to look back but he watches you until you fall out of sight.

—--------

He doesn’t see you for the next three days. Not even in crossing. Sejanus does however.

The lovers had found a quiet isolated place where they could meet. Coriolanus was yet to figure out where it was.

He thought about following Sejanus but instead chose to focus on his studies.

When a first aid course with the nurses was announced, Coriolanus couldn’t believe his luck.

The nurses needed volunteers to practice on. A whole afternoon of sitting in your presence. The whole cohort jumped at the chance.

Coriolanus knew that the Capitol had ulterior motives. They wanted Peacekeepers and nurses to get together and raise capitol loving children in the districts.

It was a good way to control morale and ensure obedience. The officer in charge gave the men a long list of chores that needed to be completed before such a privilege was granted.

Coriolanus did them happily. Sejanus too was eager to see you and worked alongside Coriolanus.

He wouldn’t allow Sejanus to come. Coriolanus was not doing the chores to see any other nurse but you.

Upon the day, Coriolanus excused himself from breakfast so he could go back to the bunks.

Discipline and obedience was a trait that was valued amongst basic training.

The superior officers demonstrated this with morning bunk checks.

There was a certain way that bunks had to be made. It was nothing more than a test of complacency, but it came with strong sanctions if not followed.

Coriolanus untucks Sejanus’s bottom bunk, and retucks it incorrectly. Leaving the edge of the fabric poking out. After that he picks random and unlucky beds and ensures they also won’t pass the inspection.

Pleased with his work Coriolanus returns to the mess hall in perfect time to be called for the morning bed inspection.

He fights to keep the smirk off his face while he lines up alongside Sejanus in front of their bunks.

“Snow, pass” the officer says, documenting the outcome on his clipboard, “Plinth, you’re with me”.

“What?” Sejanus questions. He looks back at his bed, noticing the untucked fabric and mentally scolds himself.

“Is that a volunteer for tomorrow too?”, the officer threatens.

“No, sir”, the boy spits in a strained voice.

The officer moves on to other bunks and the men are left standing there in silence like they are expected too.

Coriolanus could feel Sejanus’s disappointment radiating off him. The reaction was surprising. He would see you during your secret meetings. Why did it matter so much to him to lose out on this opportunity?

The officer finishes the morning inspection and wishes all the men going to assist the nurses a good time, and all the men assisting him today, good luck.

Coriolanus turns to Sejanus, who’s shoulders were sagged and face sour.

“Tough break”, Coriolanus offered.

“I swear that bunk was correct. I checked it three times”, Sejanus whines.

“Obviously not”. Coriolanus straightens as men begin to disperse to their destinations. He didn’t want someone else to pick you after all the effort he went to in order to get Sejanus out of the way.

“Can you tell y/n that I am sorry, and that I’ll see her soon”, Sejanus asks.

Coriolanus nods, although he had no intention of following through.

“Good luck, Sejanus” he remarks as he makes his way past his enemy and out the door.

—-

As he enters the usually empty hall that was now filled with tables and chairs and medical equipment.

He spotted you almost instantly standing in front of your small table. He could tell you were looking for Sejanus from the way your eyes darted across the room and your hands clasp together in front of you, almost in a begging fashion.

The men were stopped at the door, while the head nurse explained that the nurses would be practicing bandaging, and the men would sit quietly and allow them to do so. She made it clear that this was not a dance, or social event. The girls would learn and the men should try and pick up as much as they could as the information could one day save their life. With a final warning that too much fun would get them kicked out, she released the men to find a partner.

He went straight to you, but you still looked past him for Sejanus.

“Where’s Sejanus?” you ask as coriolanus takes a seat in front of you.

“He’s not coming. He didn’t pass the bunk inspection”, he explains.

You sigh in response and begin to unwrap the bandage from its wrapper to begin.

Coriolanus leans closer to you, mockingly whispering his words.

“Surely I am not that bad?”, he teases.

“No, Coriolanus, no. You’re fine. It’s just”, you begin but stop, dropping your hands to your lap.

“It’s just what?”, he asks sincerely. It hurt him a tad that you consider him just ‘fine’ and sought any further explanation as to why.

You look back at him and begin to wrap his fake wound as the teacher walks around the room.

“He’s been so distant lately. I wouldn’t be surprised if he deliberately didn’t pass the bunk inspection”.

His heart sank at your words. He didn’t want to hurt you.

“He’d be crazy to do that”, Coriolanus defended but your face didn’t change from it’s sullen expression.

“A lot of Peacekeepers didn’t pass the inspection, not just Sejanus. They were hard this morning”.

You offer a kind smile which eases him slightly.

“You’re right. I keep forgetting this isn’t the Capitol. Sejanus isn’t free to see me when he likes”.

He watches as you pick up a pair of scissors to cut off the extra material.

He wondered if not being able to see you when he liked drove Sejanus as mad as it did Coriolanus.

If it did, he showed no outward signs of it. But then again neither did Coriolanus.

“How are you adjusting here?”, Coriolanus asked.

You were mainly focused on getting the bandage wrapped correctly so you spoke slow and in fragmented sentences.

“Yeah, it’s. Um. It’s different”, the pin you drive into the bandage to keep it in place nipped Coriolanus, but he made no complaint.

“It’s nice. You know, independence. I’ve learnt how to wash my own clothes, and clean, and bandage perfectly good wrists”.

You pin another but this time it goes perfectly into the bandage.

“You shouldn’t have to”

“Everybody should have to. The Capitol keeps us dependant on the districts so we fear their uprising”.

“Y/n”, he growls looking around the room to make sure no one else heard you. That talk could get you killed.

You realise it too. Your eyes shift around but no one appears to have noticed.

You clear your throat before talking as if to clear anymore silly words coming out of your mouth.

“How are you adjusting? You must miss your family back home”, you comment.

“I do”, Coriolanus admits, “I worry about them all the time”.

“You’ll get back” you promise to him, “Sejanus tells me you are working your way quickly up the ranks. If there’s one thing Coriolanus Snow can do, it’s rise to the top”.

He smiles at you. Maybe being sent to district 12 was part of a greater plan to bring you closer to him.

District 12 offered a forced proximity. You just needed to get to know Coriolanus

“You know they never told us what you did”, you begin to pry. It makes Coriolanus’ heart jump to his throat.

“I cheated”, he admits after a moment of silence, “To save Lucy-Gray from the snakes”.

He awaits your reaction.

You nod in understanding, placing the last pin into the bandage.

“I am glad you did. It would have been a shame to lose her too”.

“Sejanus tells me that you plan to stay here. Is that truly what you want?”

Your face read shocked that he would ask such a personal question but you answered him anyway.

“I want to be with him. I don’t care where that has to be”

The teacher reached the couple which gave Coriolanus a nice break to gather his thoughts.

After constructive feedback was given, the teacher leaves and you begin to unwrap his dressing.

“I am sorry, I don’t mean to overstep”, he says. He could tell you were angry at him from the roughness of your hands and silence of your tongue. “It’s just we’re friends and I only want your happiness. If that’s with him here, fine, but I want to make sure it’s your decision, not his”.

“You are the only one who seems to want to make decisions for me, Coriolanus”, you bite.

“I only want to help you”, he defends.

“I don’t need your help,Coriolanus. I don’t need your friendship, and I don’t need your grubby little hands over me all the time”

Coriolanus hadn’t realised that he had reached out to take ahold of your wrist until you yanked it from under him.

You get up from the table completely which draws the rooms attention.

“Y/n sit down” he demands.

You do sit down, drawing the attention of the head nurse who comes over to inspect the scene.

“Is there something the matter?” she asks in a cold hard tone.

“No Ma’am”, you answer, “Sorry, just a cramp”.

The older woman runs her eyes over Coriolanus' wrapped wrist and begins to critique your work.

With instructions to do it again, the woman leaves the table, and the tense atmosphere returns.

You pick up the gauze again and undo it from Coriolanus’ wrist.

Coriolanus remains silent and allows you to break the stalemate with a deep sigh.

“Sorry, I just haven’t been sleeping very well. I don’t mean to take it out on you”.

“It’s okay”, he assures, “I understand”.

Your words still were unnecessary, but he could forgive you with the excuse.

“Is there something I could do to help you?” he asks.

Maybe he could find a way to get a firmer pillow for you. He knows the flimsy pillow he received drove him mad.

You shake your head ‘no’ with a sad expression that he wanted to wipe off your face.

“I keep having nightmares”, you explain and Coriolanus was grateful for it, “I am in the Hunger Games, being forced to fight for my life”.

Coriolanus grows cold at the memory of Sejanus’s rescue. He never should have allowed you in the van. Now you were carrying trauma that he could have protected you from if he had just been less of a boy and more of a man.

“Like that night in the arena?” he confirms. He wanted to assure you that you were in no danger. That he would and did protect you.

But you spoke before he could.

“Like as a tribute”.

The bandage was off and you began re-dressing his wrist as instructed.

“I can’t imagine what Lucy-Gray is going through right now”, you state.

Coriolanus turns his wrist up so he could take a hold of yours as he spoke.

“You’re safe”. He promises.

You remove yourself from his grasp.

“Until the Capitol decides I am not”, you declare.

It’s quiet again as you redo his bandage.He decides he better turn the conversation onto something more joyful.

“Lucy-Gray has invited me to go to a hidden lake tomorrow with her and the Covey. Perhaps you would like to join?”, he asks.

He, himself, was not intending on joining but maybe seeing that Lucy-Gray was okay would stop your nightmares.

“You’ve seen her?” you question, looking up from pinning the bandage in place.

He nods back in confirmation, “Yesterday” he remarks.

He doesn't mention Sejanus used that time to speak to Billy Tope and the Brother of the girl in the jail cell. The less you knew the better.

“Was she okay after the barn?”.

“Fine. So are you in?” he pushes.

Tomorrow was your day off, he knew it. If he rushed through his chores in the morning, he could spend nearly the whole day with you.

You nod back causing Coriolanus to smile. “Of course, what if someone needs my expertise wrapping skills”, you joke.

—----------

It was not a surprise when you showed up with Sejanus. Even so, Coriolanus felt disappointed. He had gotten up at 4:30 to start his chores in order to finish in time to take you.

You clung to his arm as you followed the Covey into the forest. Coriolanus held Lucy-Gray’s hand.

More so, she held his hand and he just didn’t let go. They didn’t talk. Coriolanus was too preoccupied to decipher your and Sejanus’s conversation and Lucy-Gray was happy humming a song.

Half way the blonde child complained she couldn’t walk any further, and hero Sejanus offered to give her a piggyback ride.

You fall back, giving Sejanus room to bounce and run with the child.

“Here, do you want a drink?” Coriolanus offers, letting go of Lucy-Gray's hand and reaching into his small bag to retrieve his water bottle.

You take it with a thanks and he watches as you place your lips around it to take a drink.

To his dismay, Lucy-Gray takes it next and swaps out your saliva for her own.

“That song you were singing, is it new?” you ask.

“No, been sang long before me” Lucy- Grey responded.

Coriolaus had not been listening, leaving him deeply regretting his choice now that he had nothing to weigh in.

Luckily, lucy-gray began singing it again with clear and slow words.

‘Oft I heard of Lucy-Gray, and when i crossed the wild i chanced to see at break of day the solitary child”.

The song did not thrill Coriolanus but you were enthralled with the performance. She sang of a girl with the same name, a child who got lost in the wild, who turned into some sort of ghost.

“Does she survive? Lucy-gray in the song?” he fakes interest.

Lucy-Gray grins back, “No one knows. It’s a mystery, sweetheart. Just like me”.

The view of the water breaks all further conversation. The lake was murky and still. A long wooden jetty reached from the shore into its depth.

The lush grass stopped upon the muddy shore, and weaved itself alongside the small cabin built upon it.

The Covey are quick to jump in. Disregarding their clothes to show the home made swim wear underneath.

You pose no hesitation in joining them, stripping down to your underwear.

If you were Coriolanus’s girl he wouldn’t allow it. Not with other prying eyes.

But as he was the prying eye, he stood in silence and watched.

Sejanus jumped in after you, pulling you close as you playfully squirm out of his grip.

Lucy-Gray blocks his eyesight as she shimmers off her dress and invites him to join with her smile alone.

He takes the invitation, ridding himself of his peacekeeper uniform and running off the jetty.

You pay him no mind as he joins you in the water. Your focus is on Sejanus.

Lucy-Gray pays mind, swimming over to Coriolanus and holding herself up on his shoulders. He hoped it made you jealous when you glanced at him to see it. But your head turned back to Sejanus too quickly.

You join the covey in water games while he and Lucy-gray float off on the side with each other.

Lucy-Gray seemed to what to say something but she never did.

One by one the water was evacuated. As soon as he saw you swimming to the shore, he followed.

You put on your nurse dress still soaked and it clings to your body, leaving dark patches of material where it dampened.

Lucy-Gray offers Coriolanus a towel to dry himself which he accepts. He wondered if it was just spare or if she had packed one especially for him.

As he dresses, you and Sejanus find a shady spot under a tree and you lay against him, talking.

He thinks about going over, but it is too awkward even for him. Instead Lucy-Gray calls him over to sit on a blanket with her.

Like a dog, he obeys and takes a seat next to Lucy-Gray who had thrown back on her purple dress.

“I am real sorry about y/n and Sejanus”, she remarks.

Coriolanus remains stone-faced and looks out to the lake.

“What’s there to be sorry for?”. The war was far from over.

“You said it was complicated, don’t seem too complicated now”

Her comment irritated Coriolanus. It was more complicated than it had ever been.

“Y//n doesn’t know what she wants”, he declares.

“I heard about the engagement”, she said awkwardly. She curls herself into a ball, hugging her knees tight to her chest.

Coriolanus shifts his gaze upon her in an intense stare.

“I don’t see a ring”, he states softly.

It was true. You didn’t wear the large diamond that you boasted about in your letters to Sejanus. He supposed they made you give it up when you volunteered for the districts.

“She followed him here”, Lucy-Gray reasons, “Sejanus says you followed me here”.

Coriolanus reflects on her statement. He supposed it was true. There was no other reason why he bribed the clerk into sending him to district 12.

“I guess I did,” he admits, looking back to the ocean, “I had to see if you were alive”.

“Well I am”, she declares. The new topic instills new confidence and she unrolls herself into a more relaxed position,”didn’t think I’d make it”.

Out the corner of his eye, he could see Lucy-Gray anxiously playing with her hands.

“Didn’t think I had what it took to survive”, her voice began to shake, earning Coriolanus attention back. “That little girl, Dill. I thought it would be one of the others. maybe Coral…”

“Hey” Coriolanus consoles, “You are not a killer, Lucy-gray”.

Her watering eyes that focused on the water, snapped to his in stern look.

“Yes, I am” she proclaims, “both of us are now” she adds softly.

Her assertion stunned him. How did she know about Bobbin in the arena?

It clicks and Coriolanus inhales a large breath.

“Dean Highbotton told you what I did to that boy in the arena?” he quizzed.

She nodded back, wiping away her tears.

“I didn’t have a choice”, he says softly. It was you or him and he had made his choice long ago.

“She wouldn’t understand. We’re the same, Coriolanus. We do what we have to so we can survive”.

Coriolanus is saved from having to answer when the smallest member of the group begins to shout excitedly, pulling out a flapping fish from the water.

He gets hold of it and turns as if he was going to show someone before all his sounds stop and he falls back into silence.

“Good work, Cc!” Lucy-Gray calls.

The small boy doesn’t respond as he hits the fish against a rock to stop it moving.

“See if you can catch some more. We’ll have lunch”.

A thumbs up is given to Lucy-Gray’s words before the boy turns back to fishing with the others.

“He misses Billy toupe”, Lucy-Gray addresses.

The disappointed look on her face spoke of her true feelings too.

“Do you?” Coriolanus pushes.

“No”, she says bitterly, “Not since the reaping. I can’t trust him anymore”.

“Trust is everything” Coriolanus agrees.

“It is to me” she declares, “More important even then love. Without trust, you might as well be dead to me. But you can trust me. I promise you that.If you can trust anyone in this world”, her eyes flick quickly to you before they go back to coriolanus, “You can trust me”.

Coriolanus wasn’t sure what to say. He did trust Lucy-gray, and he hoped that she trusted him. She did at least during the Hunger games.

“You can trust me too”, he answers softly.

Coriolanus turns hearing footsteps to see Sejanus and you walking hand in hand over to the blanket.

“Hey, you guys mind if we join you?” Sejanus calls.

“No” Lucy-gray yells back but her voice hinted that she did.

Nevertheless, you two sit down. Sejanus in front of Lucy-gray and you next to Coriolanus.

“Don’t have anything like this in the Capitol”, Sejanus comments.

“The Capitol also doesn't have bed bugs and rats the size of small children” Coriolanus bites.

“Come on” Sejanus laughs, “it’s not that bad”.

“You know what I miss?” you speak up, “Hot baths”.

Coriolanus hated the thought of you missing anything. Let alone because of a district born fool who doesn’t deserve you.

“I miss my ma,” Sejanus croaks.

It earns sympathy from you in the shape of reaching out to hold his hand. Coriolanus wanted to mention his dead mother who he will never see again, but it was a pitiful move.

Lucy-gray is also unfazed by his declaration, having experienced true pain and loss.

“You must miss your parents” Coriolanus asks you.

Maybe he could find a way to guilt you back to the Capitol and enjoying hot baths.

But you shrug your shoulders as if you didnt care.

“They made me choose. Sejanus or them. How can you miss people who disown you”.

The situation was worse than he had anticipated. You were disowned with no one to reach out to for help. Still you were a loved daughter, surely they would welcome you back. It was Sejanus they hated, not you. With Coriolanus by your side, they were sure to accept you back into the fold.

“Would you really go back through? I mean if you could” lucy-Gray asked.

Coriolanus felt as if she was solely asking him so he answered first.

“I have to. It’s where I belong. Where we all belong”, he states firmly.

“The Capitol’s not for me”, Lucy-Gray asserts as if Coriolanus was including her.

He hated the way she turned her nose up at the idea. As if she was better.

“At least it’s civilized. Has order” he provokes.

“Oh the Hunger Games are order?”Lucy-Gray returned.

“Making children fight to the death is civilized?” you take Lucy-gray’s side and he quickly backtracks haven forgotten you were there.

“No. No, of course not”, he defends himself to you.

“What if this was your life, Coriolanus? Out here. Waking whenever, catching your own food. Would you still feel the need for the Capitol even then?”, Lucy-Gray continues to aggravate the conversation.

‘‘Sounds like the life to me” Sejanus submits.

“And you?” Coriolanus corners you now.

“I would go back to the Capitol” you admit, “I would go wherever Sejanus is”.

Another fish is caught. The sound of the Covey clapping breaks the tense conversation.

“They are going to need wood for the fire” Sejanus notes, “I’ll put you to the test, come with me to the forest to collect firewood?”.

You grin at him, copying him as you stand.

“Lead the way”, you tease.

Coriolanus was glad you were going. Lucy-gray had ruined the peaceful atmosphere.

“Be careful of snakes!”Coriolanus calls after you.

He thinks maybe he should follow but he was still uptight from the previous conversation.

He leaves Lucy-Gray on her blanket, going back over to where his stuff laid and shoving on his shoes.

The group sat in a circle around the fire. Lucy-Gray kept her distance on the other side with most of the Covey members. While Coriolanus sat by you while you talked with Sejanus.

He had never had fish before and was surprised at how much he liked it. The only thing left on his fish was the bones. Everyone else still had a small amount of meat left. It was embarrassing and Coriolans tried to hide his fish with the leaf it was plated on.

Sejanus barely touched his. His eating was interrupted by constantly checking his watch.

“Hey, Tam” Sejanus shouted once it had hit the right time, “Would you mind showing me the way back?’

‘We’re leaving?” you ask, almost disappointed.

“You head back with Coriolanus. I am not going back to the Compound”, he answers, swinging his bag over his shoulder.

“Where are you going then?” you question.

“I told you I had something in town this afternoon”.

“You didn’t tell me what”.

Sejanus stands as Tam finishes packing his stuff to take Sejanus back.

“I didn’t think I had to. My father doesn’t run my life and neither do you”, Sejanus declares.

You stand up to his height, causing Coriolanus to strain to hear you.

‘I don’t want to run it. I want to be in it” you demand.

Sejanus turns soft, cupping the side of your face and speaking softly to you.

“If I thought I could tell you, I would. You just need to trust me”, he responds.

“I do trust you. Whatever it is, I don’t care. Just let me face it with you”, you beg.

Coriolanus implores Sejanus to say no. Coriolanus didn’t want you anywhere near Sejanus’s mess. A sentiment that was seemed to be shared by Sejanus when he pulls you in for a kiss to avoid answering.

“I can’t be late”, he says before turning to slap Tam’s shoulder in thanks and following the boy back to the district.

“What was that about?” Coriolanus digs as you sit back down.

“You should know, he’s your best friend”.

You pick up a stick and dig it into the ground to ease your frustrations.

“You see him more than I do. Suppose there's no room for serious talk in secret lovers rendezvous” he says bitterly.

His words surprised you and you snapped your head towards him.

“Rendezvous? What do you mean? This is the first time I have seen him in weeks” you state.

It fills Coriolanus with pure joy. When he was picturing you locking lips and sharing promises with Sejanus, you were really far from him.

“What could he be doing?” he pestered.

Could this be his way in? A thread of distrust had started, all he needed to do was pull the string.

You turn back to the fire and hold yourself like Lucy-gray did, tight and in a ball.

He reaches out to place a hand on your knee in comfort.

“I am always here for you”, he promises, “If ever you want to talk”.

“Thanks” you return flat.

You are quiet on the walk back but fall in line with Coriolanus beside you. As soon as he is in familiar territory, he diverts you away from the group without a goodbye to the rest.

He ensures you get back to your side of the compound safe, and you go towards the gate robotically.

You stop and turn however, just as your body crosses the threshold.

“Whatever he is doing, Coriolanus, protect him” you command.

Coriolanus would sooner throw him to the dogs.

But you didn’t need a response, trusting him to do it anyway and returning to the compound.

When Coriolanus returns to his side he is greeted by senior peacekeepers closing in on him.

“Private Snow? Come with us” one of them said with a harsh shove forward.

With no choice he follows as they escort him to the commander's office.

Coriolanus had done all his chores, there was nothing he could get in trouble for. Yet, his nerves still rose the closer they got.

Was it bad news? Did Grandma’am die of shame?

The doors shut behind him solidifying his fear that it was a private conversation.

His Commander sits behind a desk, finishing the sentence on his paperwork before looking up.

Coriolanus goes to stand before him, giving the Commander a salut in recognition.

“Snow”, the older man address, “I have received the results from your aptitude tests”.

Was that all? Coriolanus groaned. Hardly something he had to be called upon for.

“Looked over your training records too. Your performance is exemplary”, he praises.

“Well half the other recruits can’t read, sir”, Coriolanus states.

The Commander scoffs, placing down the results and folding his hands on his desk.

“You’re General Crassus Snow’s boy. What did you do to end up here?” the commander questions.

Coriolanus was hoping no one would connect Coriolanus to the great house of snow. But now the cat was out of the bag, he had to own it.

“I made an enemy, sir. In the Capitol”, he answers.

The response impressed the Commander who smirked back.

“I’ve made a career out of ruining my enemies’ plans. I’m going to reassign you to officer training in District 2. You’ll earn a real wage, maybe even have another shot at the capitol one day”.

Coriolanus should be overjoyed but now that you were here it wasn’t enough time. The official assignment wasn’t for another few months. He was counting on the period between then to win you over.

The commander reaches for his official stamp and places it on the paper. This conversation had been a test for Coriolanus. One he hadn’t meant to ace.

“The train leaves in ten days. Keep a clean record, you’ll never see anyone from district 12 again”.

The certificate is held out but Coriolanus’s hands froze to take it.

“Is there something wrong? This is an honor, private, not an option”, he criticized.

“Yes, sir. Thank you”, Coriolanus agreed, “it’s just, there’s a nurse I have grown quite close to”.

The Commander grins back. Coriolanus wondered what he said that was so correct.

‘A nurse, ey”, he brings back his outstretched hand to write on the paper with his pen, “my wife was a nurse too”.

“You’ll have to make her your wife to stay together in district 2 but the Panem welcomes such news”. He holds out the paper again.

This time Coriolanus takes it, noticing the plus one on the ticket.

“Thank you, sir” he genuinely says.

The world had fallen into place. All he had to do was find a way to get rid of Sejanus then you would be forced to marry him.

You wouldn’t stay here by yourself. Your family has disowned you. Coriolanus would offer you a lifeline as his wife that you couldn’t refuse.

Coriolanus had ten days to figure out how to kill Sejanus and get away with it. He slept soundly that night with the thought of it.

—------------------------------

Taglist?

#coriolanus snow #the ballad of songbirds and snakes #dark!coriolanus snow #coriolanus x reader #commander snow #tom blyth #snow lands on top #dead dove do not eat

48 notes · View notes

riizegasm · 3 days ago

Text

Helios || M.JH

❀ pairing: sunshine!jaehyun x librarian!reader, implied fem!reader (ft. coworker!sungho)

❀ genre: college!au, sun and moon dynamics, fluff, minor angst

❀ word count: ~4.7k

❀ warnings: explicit language, reader gets a little insecure, kissing, implied sexual content

❀ summary: Like Helios, the god of the sun, Myung Jaehyun is never shy on whom he sheds his light. In his brightness, though, you may find him illuminating something about you that you never knew.

❀ a/n: I feel like you can tell MyungJae is my bias from reading this fic alone. I absolutely adore him in this and I hope you do too! As always, likes, reblogs, and replies are encouraged. Happy reading!

Myung Jaehyun has always been as bright as the midsummer sun. He has a smile that shines like a beacon of light through the darkness, constantly illuminating everyone’s day. His presence alone is enough to breathe life into everything around him, from dull classes to obnoxious parties. Everything is a bit brighter when Jaehyun is around.

Which is why you’re confused that he’s talking to you.

It’s not like you’re not a bright person, but you definitely don’t bring a sunshiny energy wherever you go. Your friends compared you more to the moon, a soft silvery halo of light that illuminates the darkness, but can still cloud everything in a bit of mystery. You’ve always been praised for your serenity and muted demeanor, even though you sometimes wish you could be more than just peaceful. You yearned to bring a lively energy to the lives of those around you, but for some reason, your calm nature always won out.

You’re almost in awe at how Jaehyun speaks with a smile, words coming out a mile a minute at a volume that is definitely too loud for the library. You’re so used to everything being so quiet and unmoving here, which is why you chose it as your student work placement for college. But the energy Jaehyun brings to the space is more than you’ve ever encountered before. It borders on overwhelming, but for some reason is also oddly comforting.

The comfort can only last so long before the confusion sets in, though. Seriously, why is Myung Jaehyun talking to you?

“I’m sorry,” you interrupt softly. “But can I help you with something, or…?”

If Jaehyun is offended by your obvious confusion, he doesn’t show it. His bright smile never once falters.

“Yeah, sorry, I know the build up was kind of long, but can I have your number?”

Confusion only settles deeper into your face. “Wait, what?”

“I mean, it’s no pressure or anything. But, like I was saying, every time I come in here I always see you working and I think you’re really cute. So I wanted to see if I could get your number and maybe take you out sometime? I mean, only if you’re down for that.”

For once in your life, you’re struggling to remain calm.

It’s not like Jaehyun is a celebrity or campus royalty or anything, but he’s just different. He’s clearly well liked and has a lot of friends, always surrounded by a group of people. That group more often than not includes swooning girls and guys alike, all making heart eyes at him in hopes that he’ll notice, or even better…reciprocate.

But you’ve never been one of those swooning individuals. Jaehyun is clearly attractive, with his head of curly brown hair and pouty lips. His dimpled smile is enough to have anyone head over heels; you’re not immune to that. You have just chosen to admire him from afar, sneaking small glances when he’s in the library or craning your neck to catch a glimpse of him when you pass each other on campus. You pride yourself in being so subtle that Jaehyun has never seemed to pay you any mind, until now.

“Am I being too forward?” Jaehyun asks, beginning to trip over his words. “Oh my god, is this workplace harassment. Y/N, I am so sorry. You are just trying to do your job and here I come being such a, such a man. Who even flirts with someone on the—.”

“You know my name?”

You can’t even process how you’ve cut the man off, mind too busy pondering how the hell Jaehyun knows who you are. But that confusion gets mirrored right back to you as Jaehyun cocks his head cutely.

“You’re wearing a name tag.”

All of your blood rushes to your face at the realization that he’s right. You are required to wear your name tag everyday for your job, proudly displayed on your chest. If it’s true that Jaehyun has seen you here, he has seen you in your name tag countless times.

“R-right. Sorry,” you stammer.

Jaehyun just chuckles, face spitting into that contagious smile he always wears. “It’s fine! You’re just so cute. So, your number?”

“Weren’t you just worried about this being harassment?”

“Oh, fuck! Is it?” Jaehyun looks genuinely terrified at the thought.

“No,” you chuckle. “It’s not. Give me your phone.”

You question your source of newfound confidence as Jaehyun hands over the device, watching intently as you type your number in. It’s only when you save the contact that Jaehyun smiles, seemingly thunderous in the quiet of the library. You’ve never been so thankful to work on the talking floor.

“Great,” Jaehyun smiles. “I’ll text you.”

Your “okay” sounds outlandishly soft in comparison to Jaehyun’s outspoken confidence. He’s practically beaming as he moves away, not breaking eye contact until he physically has to turn away. Once again, you find your cheeks overly hot to the touch despite the coolness of the library. The goosebumps on your arms definitely have everything to do with the temperature, and nothing to do with the image of a bright smile plastered in your memory.

. . .

It’s just your luck that you would receive your first ever text from Myung Jaehyun during an exam. Your phone had been turned on silent, nestled in your bag for the entire two hours. It’s only when you’ve exited the lecture hall and are well on your way to getting your second coffee of the day do you remember to check your phone. You almost drop it on the pavement when you see the series of messages.

Asking someone out on their shift is apparently not workplace harassment because I don’t also work there.

I would know, I asked Google.

Oh, this is Jaehyun btw :)

You have to bite your bottom lip in order to contain the smile that is blooming on your face. You swear your heart picks up speed, so much so you doubt you’ll need that second cup of coffee after all. Despite the chill of the winter air, your core suddenly feels warm, as if the thought of Jaehyun served as your own internal heater.

You don’t respond until you make your way back to your apartment, a giddy pep in your step the entire way. It’s an odd feeling, to be so excited about a person. Your introverted nature often has you cowering away from taking bold chances on relationships. You’ve always felt that love is best when it comes like waves meeting a soft sand shore – with a gentle crash, but always expected.

But you can’t deny the fact that the unexpectedness of Jaehyun’s eager confession is exactly what makes it so enticing. So, you dive headfirst into uncharted waters.

Falling into a routine with texting Jaehyun is surprisingly easy. The man always has something to say, whether it be simple questions about how your day was or silly musings about the world around him. It’s not uncommon for him to send you pictures of his professors, followed by a picture of his pouting face, clearly bored in his long lectures. Although you’ve never been one to send pictures back, Jaehyun doesn’t protest or push, just accepting your responses as they come and responding to them with enthusiasm.

You don’t realize just how much you’ve enjoyed Jaehyun’s bright virtual presence until you get caught in the act.

“What’s got you so smiley?” Your coworker, Sungho, asks as he scans some newly returned books.

The smile that you had let so carelessly grace your face instantly falls, your usual mask of indifference making an appearance. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Sungho scoffs, a teasing smirk rising on his face. “Right…you definitely haven’t been smiling at your phone for the last hour instead of I don’t know, doing your job??”

Your reply dies on your tongue when you spot a familiar figure entering the library, just barely visible over Sungho’s shoulder. He’s with his usual group of friends, laughing at a volume that is definitely inappropriate for your setting. He seems to compose himself after a moment, scanning the space with his gaze.

When he finally spots you, his grin grows impossibly wider, eyes bright as they reflect the artificial fluorescence of the library. He mumbles something inaudible to his friends before heading in your direction, causing a slight zap of panic to travel up your spine.

“Y/N?” Sungho calls, waving a hand in front of your face. “Are you even listening to m–?”

“Hey,” Jaehyun interrupts softly, still smiling brightly. “Long time no see.”

Out of your periphery, you can see Sungho looking back and forth between you two. It takes a second before his expression of confusion melts into one of recognition. He nods slightly before backing away to return to scanning books, leaving you and Jaehyun behind.

“I thought you weren’t going to harass me at work anymore,” you tease, trying and failing to fight the grin creeping onto your face.

Jaehyun chuckles, a distinct sound that pierces through the relative quiet of the space. “And I thought that I told you I’d be back, since, you know, Google told me I could.”

There’s a moment of silence as you duck your head, once again attempting to calm the smile on your face and the flush no doubt coloring your cheeks. When you finally compose yourself enough to look up, you find that Jaehyun’s gaze has never left you, eyes shining with something you can’t quite put your finger on. Even his silence contains an energy that you’ve never felt before. It’s something more than a simple brightness, more akin to a magnetic pull that you can’t quite escape.

“Go out with me.”

It comes out as almost a command, not the typical request that you’ve yearned for. While you always imagined that this would be the next step after the few weeks of text exchanges, it still comes as somewhat of a surprise. Part of you wondered if Jaehyun was serious, or if this was some sort of concocted experiment to see if he could bring even the biggest introvert out of their shell.

You finally pinpoint what it is in his gaze that’s so different – openness. It’s the kind of genuine clarity that comes from being authentically yourself, from letting others see and experience the real you without a care in the world. You wonder if he could be the key that would open your tightly locked door, your perfectly curated facade of nothingness.

You decide to put the key in the lock and twist.

“Sure.”

The smile that you receive is blinding, much more intense than any expression you had ever seen on the man’s face. A fear of getting burned from his light twists knots in your stomach.

. . .

He picks you up at eight, just like he promised. He’s the perfect gentleman all night, offering his jacket when it gets cold, footing the bill at the tiny cocktail bar that you once mentioned you liked to frequent. He’s entertaining and engaging, spending the entire night telling you stories that have your stomach hurting from laughter. He walks you back to your apartment, leaving you with a soft kiss on your forehead and a promise that he’ll call.

So why do you feel like this?

Why does it feel like the ceiling is pressing down on you and that the gravity of the world is crushing your bones into a fine powder? Why won’t your heart slow down even as you lay stationary in your bed? Why is the gentle hum of your college town buzzing around you like a pesky fly, waiting for you to turn into something rotten so that it can feast on your flesh? Even the warmth of your favorite blanket feels like an oppressive heat.

You can’t help but replay the events of the night, scanning and scrutinizing every memory to identify where it went wrong. But every time you try, you come up empty handed.

It’s no easy feat to identify the wrongdoings of someone like Myung Jaehyun, of someone so objectively perfect and universally loved. He may laugh too loud or be too forthcoming with his feelings, but it’s impossible to see these aspects as anything other than endearing. He’s so open, so unapologetically himself, that you can’t help but adore the person he is.

So why does it feel wrong? Why does it feel like you’ve become an insect, lured into a brightly illuminated trap designed to kill you?

Even worse, when Jaehyun texts you, asking for another date the following weekend, why do you accept? Why do you feel the pleasant thrum of butterflies in your stomach the minute his name pops up on your phone screen?

Maybe it will be different this time. Maybe you’ll realize that Jaehyun is perfect and that you’ll be perfect together. It could have all been a fluke the first time, the product of a dip in adrenaline or a deep tiredness that always accompanies the winter months.

Jaehyun takes you ice skating this time, laughing as you both navigate the slippery chill of the rink. He holds your hand the entire time, clearly giddy to have this sustained contact. It doesn’t matter that you make him fall repeatedly, dragging him down any time you lose your balance. If anything, it makes him happier as you both fall into a giggly heap. You don’t even have the chance to worry about the judgemental stares you get as you trip and fall. You’re too busy being sucked into Jaehyun’s orbit to care.

This time, a forehead kiss serves as the prelude to the real thing. Jaehyun kisses in the same way he speaks, bold and eager. His hands cradle the dip in your waist reverently as he claims your mouth, no reservations as he holds you close. It’s captivating, the way he kisses you. You can’t help but get lost in the feeling of his plush pout against yours, in the heat of his tongue as it meets yours, in the warm press of his fingers into your skin.

Later, when your lips are still stinging and swollen from the kiss, you realize that a familiar ache has settled in your chest.

Once again, you find yourself replaying the events of the night to identify when you felt a shift. Once again, you can’t. You admittedly felt nothing but bliss the entire night, even if it was twinged with a minor unfamiliarity. It’s almost as if you were someone else when you were with Jaehyun. A different you inhabited your body when you were with him, someone that was sunshiny and bright, so far from the muted serenity that you closely identified with.

But when you look in the mirror, you still look like the same you. Your face is still the same, despite your slightly swollen mouth. Your hair still sits in the way you styled it before your date. Nothing drastic has changed about your body, or the way your clothes hug the planes of it.

You’re still you. When you’re with Jaehyun, however, you feel like anything but.

. . .

As you get to the point where Jaehyun feels comfortable openly embracing you on campus, you begin to identify a bit of the ache. Jaehyun can never take more than a few steps around the college green without someone calling his name or rushing to greet him. Every interaction is the same; Jaehyun greets them brightly, stopping to even hug or chat with a few. He’ll introduce you in that enthusiastic voice of his, making sure to squeeze your hand extra tight.

Every time, you’ll get the same look from the passerby.

It’s often a politeness mixed with a hint of confusion, some in obvious disbelief. Some disregard you completely, choosing instead to bat their eyelashes at Jaehyun as they shower him with compliments or requests to hang out. Jaehyun is polite and humble in his refusal, tugging you along as you part. The dirty looks that you receive in return are permanently branded into the back of your eyelids.

Their looks of silent judgement haunt you everywhere you go, following you into your lecture halls and in between the bookshelves at work. Imagined chatter swarms around your mind. Although, it’s not hard to imagine what they probably say about you, if they even decide to speak about you at all.

What’s someone like that doing with someone like him?

“So, are you going to tell me what’s wrong or are you going to keep scanning that book for the eleventh time?” Sungho’s voice is calm but clearly pointed.

As your coworker for over a year, Sungho has become way too good at reading you. He picks up on all of the little things, the tiniest sighs you let out when you think no one is within earshot, the subtle slump of your shoulders when life gets too demanding, repetitive actions as your brain drifts off. You can’t even think to lie to the man, since he sometimes seems to know what you’re feeling better than you do.

“Do you think Jaehyun and I are weird together?”

Sungho sighs, resting his hand on his cocked hip like an overly concerned mother. “I should have known it was about the boy,” he mutters. “No, I don’t think you and Jaehyun are weird together. Where is this coming from?”

You’re silent for a moment, trying to piece together your answer to the question. There’s a film reel that flashes through your mind, a compilation of all of your best times with Jaehyun. From laughs at the cocktail bar to bruising your knees at the ice skating rink, everything is overwhelmingly positive. The memories make your stomach sink.

“No one says hi to me when I walk across campus.”

Sungho’s look of concern transforms into one of confusion, head tilting to the side as if seeing you from another angle will make your words make sense. Clearly, it doesn’t work.

“I mean, everyone says hi to Jaehyun, but no one even spares me a glance,” you explain. “They look all confused when Jaehyun introduces me, almost like they don’t understand why he would be with someone like me.”

“Someone like you? You mean a beautiful soul who balances out Jaehyun’s energy perfectly?”

The sudden compliment catches you off-guard, but Sungho instantly shuts down your attempt to interrupt.

“No, no, no, let me finish. Y/N, you are amazing. Anyone who spends five minutes with you can see that. And who cares if most people on campus don’t know that? They don’t know you, and that’s okay. You don’t have to know everyone on campus, because that’s not you. And you know who sees you for you?”

“Who?”

“Jaehyun,” Sungho says with a soft finality. “Do you like spending time with him?”

You swallow thickly, a sudden wave of emotion tightening your throat. “Of course I do. He’s…he’s great.”

“Then that’s all that matters.”

“But what if he doesn’t think that I’m great?”

Sungho chuckles. “Have you seen the way he looks at you? Of course he thinks you’re great.”

The confidence behind his statement throws you for a loop, not because you don’t believe it, but because you truly haven’t thought about it.

“Sungho, how does he look at me?”

Sungho is silent for a second, clearly mulling over his words. When he finds the right ones, his face brightens into a smile.

“Like you’re the reason the sun rises every morning.”

. . .

You didn’t imagine that you’d be standing in front of Jaehyun’s door that very next evening, palms sweating and heart beating out of your chest. His dorm is in an old building, the thin walls allowing every sound to be heard. It seems like Jaehyun’s playing some soft music, but there are no voices to indicate anyone else being around. With a shaking fist, you knock on the door.

The smile that greets you is faint but saccharine sweet, dripping with a genuine welcoming aura that only Jaehyun could manage. When he registers your presence, a hint of shock crosses his face, but the smile never once falters.

“Y/N!” He exclaims warmly. “I didn’t know you were dropping by.”

You suddenly feel self conscious despite the man’s friendly tone. “Y-yeah, I just, uh…I wanted to talk.”

Jaehyun’s smile grows impossibly wider, its brightness burning a hole in your thoracic cavity. You imagine that your heart is attempting to leap right through it, to lay itself in a fleshy heap at Jaehyun’s feet. Knowing the man, he would simply scoop up the organ, tucking it somewhere safe before mopping up the blood.

“Sure, come on in.”

The ease with which Jaehyun invites you in creates a new thread of anxiety that begins to fray in your brain. How does it all come so naturally to him? How is being so authentically himself not draining in the slightest? How can he face no fears in letting you in, letting you see him fully?

The answers lie within his dorm. The room is quite cramped, which is typical for a single dorm, but it’s filled to the brim with everything that makes Jaehyun himself. The curtains on the wall are a deep blue, dark enough to dampen some of the sunlight that his eastern facing window lets in. Every shelf is stacked high with trinkets and photos, each one contributing their own array of color to the space. It’s neat, but carefree. It’s standard, but personal. You envy Jaehyun’s knack for decorating.

“Come sit,” Jaehyun motions, patting a spot next to him on the bed. “Can I get you anything?”

At your lack of response, Jaehyun looks perplexed, smile finally dropping from his face. His cheeks naturally puff out into a pout, plush lips turning downward.

“Y/N, is something wrong?”

It takes everything in you to not submit to his expression and the concerned lilt in his voice and go back on everything you set out to say. Instead, you steel your nerves as you sit, ready to say everything that has been heavy on your heart.

“Everyone says hi to you.”

Okay, so maybe not the best start.

“I mean that everyone says hi to you and it can be kind of weird for me,” you continue. “Everyone just looks at me like we don’t go together, like I don’t deserve you or something. I mean, don’t you think you should be with someone a little more outgoing, a little more popular?”

There’s a moment of silence, intensified by your baited breath. Jaehyun just regards you curiously, rounded nose twitching like a perplexed bunny. After a second, the man bursts into full bellied laughter.

“Y/N, are you serious?”

A stinging heat rises to your cheeks, an embarrassment you have never known before surfacing the longer Jaehyun chuckles. The man seems to sense his mistake after a moment, his peaks of laughter settling into a warm smile instead.

“Hey, look at me.”

It takes everything in your power to comply to Jaehyun’s request, cheeks only heating further when you return his gaze. His eyes seem to sparkle under the artificial fluorescence of the dorm room lighting, highlighting the endless depths of his irises. You begin to understand why people write anthologies on their lovers’ gazes.

“Fuck them.” At your obvious confusion, Jaehyun chuckles, but continues. “Seriously, fuck them. Y/N, I like you. I couldn’t care less about who knows you or who you know or what randoms on campus think.”

“B-but you’re so loud and boisterous and personal and I’m just…not.”

Jaehyun’s eyes crinkle at the corners as he chuckles again, full cheeks beginning to take on a pinkish hue. “And that’s what I like about you. You’re more reserved; you’re smart; you make me laugh like no other. When I first spoke to you in the library, I meant every word I said. I didn’t like you because I thought you were like me. I like you because you’re you.”

The words rush over you like a bucket of ice water. Maybe it’s the calm, soothing tone of Jaehyun’s voice, or the way his eyes shine with an unforeseen sincerity that makes you realize that he means it. Your mind had always fixated on the fact that Jaehyun liked you despite your differences, never once considering the fact that he liked you because of them.

“You mean it?” You hate the way your voice comes out thin and small, as if needing to be built up by Jaehyun’s reassurance.

The man in question just smiles, leaning forward to caress your cheek. It’s instinctual, the way you nuzzle further into his touch. If anything, he seems even more pleased by your subconscious action, thumb stroking the height of your cheekbone.

“Of course I mean it. I’ve meant everything that I’ve ever said to you.”

“Even that you like me?”

Jaehyun barely contains a snort. “Especially that I like you.”

The room is still for a moment, the only movement coming from the rhythmic stroke of Jaehyun’s fingers over your cheekbone. It’s easy to get lost in the tiny space, in the even tinier moment. You and Jaehyun are the only beings to exist here, the only witnesses to your closeness being the various figurines strewn across the dorm room.

“You know,” Jaehyun starts after the moment. “I was going to ask you something for our next date, but I think I should just ask you now.”

Now it’s your turn to fall into confusion, brows knitting at the man’s confession. “Ask me what?”

“Y/N, will you be my girlfriend?”

In the abstract, you should have seen it coming. He just spent the last few minutes assuring you that he likes you, and after a few dates, this would be the logical next step. And yet, surprise hits you like a tidal wave, completely throwing you off kilter.

“Girlfriend?”

Jaehyun chuckles, cheeks dimpling with the force of his smile. “Yes, girlfriend. I want you to be mine.”

Your tiny “me too” is barely out before Jaehyun is surging forward. His kiss hits you like a zap of electricity, sending signals flying up your spine. It’s much different from the first time he kissed you a few weeks ago, after you had both been tired and frozen to your core from the ice skating rink.

Back then, he kissed you like he was trying to warm you up. Now, he’s kissing you like he wants to melt you.

His hands stroke up the length of your thigh and hip, reminding you just how not ideal this position is. Sitting side by side while your necks crane towards each other is far from comfortable. But the warmth of Jaehyun’s palm against the fabric of your pants combined with the feverish way his lips claim yours makes any complaint you’d have die on your tongue.

You learn that Jaehyun is the exact opposite type of lover than you expected. Instead of energetic and demanding, he’s calm and reassuring. His touch is reverent as it explores the planes of your body, taking you apart as if you have all the time in the world. His body meets yours in a rhythmic crash of waves against shores, pace increasing as you both crest to your highest peak, just for the waves to come crashing down again.

It’s only when it’s over, and the two of you lay side by side in the cramped twin XL bed that you realize Jaehyun is far from the sun. He doesn’t burn you, nor does he drain your energy like evaporating water from a pavement.

Instead, he provides an all consuming comfort, the kind of warmth that comes from a campfire in the crisp chill of winter. He wraps around you and protects you from the harshness of the elements. He’s a space of relaxation, ease, a pulsing love that grows stronger with each blow of the wind. He’s a different kind of serenity.

A campfire only burns bright under the dark cover of night, the calm glow of the moon shining down on it all. For once, you allow yourself to get as close as you’d like, knowing that Jaehyun’s fire will never burn you.

.FIN.

#myung jaehyun #myung jaehyun imagines #boynextdoor #boynextdoor imagines #boynextdoor fluff #boynextdoor smut #jaehyun #written in the stars #bnd #bnd imagines

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isabeauwolf · 1 day ago

Text

Pregnant reader x Trafalgar Law

Chapter 1 - Coffee and Confessions

You worked at the small coffee shop down the block from the hospital on one the The Grandlines infamous Winter Islands, it snowed most of the year, except for the rare two month for spring and summer, then goes back to cold, winter once again.

You always loved the snow, watching the flakes fall from outside your window as you curled up on your couch with a cup of hot chocolate, your favorite blanket, good book and the puppy you just adopted naming him Onigiri.

Oh, sure it got sure busy and you had to work most holidays, but it was worth it.

Why?

The famous, cold, stoic and handsome Surgeon himself, Doctor Trafalgar D Law become one of your regulars. You heard his nicknames whispered underneath people breaths, "The Surgeon of Death" and "Doctor Heart Stealer," to name a few.

Twenty-six, handsome, doctor and single?

How in the world was this man still on the market you never know, but he was easy to talk to.

Well, somehow you two had become closer after the embarrassing questionnaire you two had while off the clock at work eight months ago.

You were fine until you excused yourself to go throw up in the nearest bathroom. Thank god, you packed a travel size toothpaste, toothbrush and mouthwash in your purse since you had spend the night with Jess last night after work.

Jess is your co-worker and best friend, she knew of your secret crush on the Doctor. And like the idiot that you were decided to scroll through tinder, hook up for a one night stand and.... your face paled, no.

No, oh no.

Fuck, oh my fucking god. No.

What? How? You were on the pill! You used condoms! Fuck.

You looked at yourself in the mirror in horror, inwardly screaming, Oh god, I'm pregnant! You wanted to bang your head against one of the bathroom stalls. "Okay, calm the hell down, Y/n." You whispered to yourself, hands gripping the edges of the sink hard. "Everything will be fine."

A knock on the door made you jolt, knots hitting your belly. "Who is it?" You asks, voice wavering.

"Y/n, it's me." Jess' voice calls from the other side of the door. "You've been in there for a minute." Worry in her tone as she whispered. "Can, I come in? I've got Max covering the counter."

"Yeah." You sniffed, wiping your mouth with the face of your hand. Unlocked the bathroom door, let Jess in and closed it, re-locking it.

"You look like shit." Jess joked gentle, hoping to get you to laugh.

"Thanks, ha ha," you muttered, leaning against the wall, sliding down, knees against your chest, crossed your arms over your chest, burred your head in your arms and cried. "Dammit, Jess, I fucked up."

"Hey, hey, shush," Jess kneeled beside you, rubbing your back. "What happened? Was your hookup harassing you?" She asked, immediately growing defensive. "I thought he didn't do repeat hookups?"

You mentally scoffed, if only. "No, that's not it." You sighed, meeting her emerald green eyes. "I think... I'm pregnant." You muttered, biting your lower lip.

Jess' eyes grew wide. "What?! But I thought you were on the pill and he wrapped it! Are you sure!"

You immediately covered her mouth with your hands, glaring. "I am and he did." You hissed, "Please, keep your voice down. I don't want the whole staff and our customers to know."

Jess nodded her head and you lowered you hands and ran your hands through your hair.

All of this started because you were too shy to ask Dr Sexy out, like a coward, you hoped to get a good lay out of your system and instead, ended up pregnant. If your mother and older sister ever found out, you knew they wouldn't judge you since both of them got knocked up while they were both sixteen. At least you were twenty-four, like that was any better.

Single, unmarried and now pregnant.

Those three words rang in your head over and over.

Hitting harder.

"Damn," Jess nudged you lightly, siting down beside you. "I thought you wanted to let off some steam for Mr Grumpy Pants, but instead you got lost too deep in that wild night, huh?"

"Your telling me." You closed your eyes. Dammit, how were you going to face Law again? Would he find you gross? Look at you like you were a harpy? You hoped not. You really hoped he wouldn't think any less of you.

"Hey, I know that look." Jess pointed you in the forehead, "Stop being a negative Nancy and get out of your head." She pointed over her shoulder, "Besides, Dr Sexy is waiting for his order. You know he only wants you to take his order." She gives you a smirk. "I think he's crushin' on you hard."

"No, he doesn't." You fired back, frowning. "If he did. I'd gladly be having his baby instead." You blinked, grew flustered and covered your mouth. "Forget I said that."

Jess hummed, smirking. "Yup, your type are bad boys with dark hair, dark eyes and tats." The raven haired woman, offered you her hand, which you took as she helped you up. "What was baby daddy's name again?" She raised a brow, "Ace?"

"Yeah," You frowned, instinctively placing your hand over your abdomen. You immediately thought of the biker with black hair, charcoal eyes, bright smile and adorable freckles on his face. Sure, Ace was hot and easy to talk to, but you both agreed that that night was a one time thing. Besides he was long gone and on the road with his brothers Luffy and Sabo in their biker gang, ASL. It would be best to not tell him, even if, you kept his number in your phone. "He was a gentleman and a nice guy but..." You trailed off, frowning deeper.

"He's no Trafalgar D Law, right?" Jess pulled you into a side hug and nodded. "I get it."

Another knock outside of the bathroom door sounded. "Is everything okay in there? Y/n- ya?" His monotone drawl called, a hint of concern in his tone.

Speak of the drop dead sexy doctor and he shall appear.

Oh no. You didn't want to go back out there. Law was observant, he would know something was wrong, you knew it.

"Y-yeah.. I'll be right out Law." You panicked and stuttered like a dumbass. You met your friends gaze with wide eyes as your breath hitched, nerves clawing at your belly again and you held yourself tighter, whisper underneath your breathe. "I'm not ready, Jess."

"Alright, call me, if you need anything." Law replied, "I'm off work for the rest of the day and will be hanging out for a bit." With that he walked away, returning towards the counter, waiting.

Stubborn man.

"Come on," Jess stood and helped you up. "I'll run to the pharmacy real quick and grab you a test while you and give Dr insomniac his coffee."

You nodded and reached for your purse, grabbing your wallet when Jess' hand lightly touched yours.

"No, I'll pay for it. It's the least I can do." She winked, "I know you'd do the same for me."

You nodded again, wiping your face with the back of your free hand and rewashed your hands. "Thanks, Jess." You met her reflection in the mirror, offering her a sheepish smile. "I'll owe you a coffee on our next girls trip."

Jess' smile widens. "You know it." She unlocked the bathroom and went out, announces. "She's coming Law!"

You bit your lip, holding back a snicker at your friends innuendo to try and make the Doctor's face fluster. After repacking everything into your purse, you took a deep breath and walked out.

You saw the back of Jess' head as she went out the door after throwing on her thick black and blue ski jacket with her white gloves and matching scarf you bought her last year for Christmas.

You felt Law's eyes on you as you made your way back to the employee's locker room, You inwardly shivered and felt embarrassed as your cheeks heated up, clutching your purse tighter to your chest. Your mouth had become dry as you shoved your purse back into your locker, pulled out your water bottle to gulp down a few heavy sips, then put it back into your overnight bag your brought with you from last night.

Quickly applying hand cream on your hands and shoving it into your pocket with you phone and retied your apron, you went back out onto the floor with your best business and cheer smile.

There he was.

Your crush, Trafalgar Law. Sporting a black turtle neck sweater, his spotted print faded washed denim jeans, white and spotted printed hat (which cutely reminded you of a snow leopard, or Onigiri) he always wears when he's off duty and his black boots. He had rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, rolling them up to his elbows, showing off his tats and had his arms crossed over his chest. Leaning against the wall, his long legs crossed at the ankles, looking bored at he glanced down at his smart watch.

Dr Heart Stealer was hard to read most of the time, but it was clear that he was worried with the nervous tapping he was doing with his inked index finger against his forearm. The stoic and cold surgeon could come off as intimating at first, but it was clear that he had a dark past since he never really talked about himself, mostly his work and his annoying coworkers: Penguin, Shachi and Bepo.

You had seen them from time to time as Penguin and Shachi loved to tease Law and were two trouble makers, but his childhood friends. Bepo was a literal polar bear in the form of a man, shaggy blond hair, blue eyes, a sensitive soul and very loyal towards his friends. He was also Jess's not so secret crush. Bepo was a giant, even taller than Law, which was impressive. What he was doing in the medical field you will never know.

You stepped behind the counter, putting on new gloves, grabbed the stores tablet, flickering your nervous gaze on the man of the hour as Law meet your stare, shoved his hands into his pockets and leaned off the wall, casually walking towards you.

You could honestly get lost in Law's stunning silver eyes. His dark sense of humor was funny. You are always reminded how much he towers of you as he approached and stopped at the counter.

"Are you feeling unwell, Y/n-ya?" His professional mask of stoicism was present, but you could have sworn.. he was frowning?

"I could be better, but I'm okay, thank you, Law." You replied, snapping out of your daze and refocusing your attention back on the tablet in your hands. "Would you like your usual for tonight?"

Law's slight frown deepens.

Shit, he didn't like that.

"I may be off the clock, but I still am a Doctor… if you ever need me Y/n-ya." He whispers, leaning against the counter, his usual stern tone was gentle and genuine.

Oh lord, please have mercy. Your hands tightened around the tablet, pressing it against your chest, growing flustered as you take a calm and steady breath. "I appreciate it, Law…" How the hell can you tell him no? You can't. "My shift is almost over…" You stare deep into his pooling sterling, stormy orbs. "I do have a few personal questions.. if you are willing to listen?" Dammit, I caved!

You mentally wanted to face palm yourself and scream in horror, but you kept your mouth shut.

Law's mood brightened a tad, it was small, but noticeable. The twinkle in his eye and the way his lips twitched into that familiar and bewitching smirk that had you swoon and mentally fan yourself. "I'll be waiting with my usual order then, thank you, Y/n-ya."

How can his lazy drawl sound so smooth at the same time? It wasn't fair!

"Thank you for your order, Law." You replied, lowering your gaze to try in the order you knew by heart and told him the order and total. "Medium black roast with a triple shot of espresso and a cream. That will be six-fifty, please."

He put his debit card into the card reader and typed in the pin.

You gave him his receipt.

Your hands brushes lightly as your heart thudded harder in your chest.

Law stiffened, then took his copy of the receipt and sat down at the back of the coffee shop, his usual spot. It was private, but he had full view of the shop.

You made his drink as Jess came back.

Oh boy.

You closed your eyes and counted to three as you walked out from behind the counter and slowly made your way towards Jess to grand the small paper brown bag, whispering your thanks and turned in Law's direction.

Law's gaze trailed curiously towards the bag. It was private and rude to stare, but he couldn't help it. Were you sick? What did you need so badly that you couldn't go get it yourself?

The more Law thought about your health, the more inwardly concerned he'd accidentally gotten himself worked up. But decided not to say anything for now.

You set his drink down as your glanced at the clock. It was 6pm, the end of your shifts. "Here's your coffee, Law." You smile at him, hand tightening around the brown bag. "I'll be back, excuse me." You quickly turned on your heels and rushes back into the bathroom.

Law wanted to follow you and ask what was wrong, but remained seated and reached for his coffee in hope the drink could help settle his nerves. Reminded himself that it wasn't his business, it didn't concern him. He couldn't help it, this unsettling feeling that something was wrong.

Jess came back out of the break room, drawing Law's attention as he noticed the worried look on her face.

He was tempted to ask.

A few minutes later you came out of the bathroom, tears in your eyes. It made his heart ache. He wished he could comfort you.

He observed as you help the brown paper bag in your hand and whispered to your friend who frowned and gave you a hug.

Law's grip on his drink tightened, his hat covering his eyes.

He heard someone approaching and recognized your black and white tennis shoes, forcing his gaze to meet yours. Your eyes were still red and puffy from crying and you looked nervous as you nibbled on your bottom lips, grip tightening and wrinkling the paper back. "What's wrong, Y/n-ya?" He asked slowly, he couldn't keep quiet any longer, he had to know.

"May I sit down with you Law?" You ask softly.

His nodded, "Of course, here." He gesturing across from him at the empty seat, standing, walking around, pushing out your seat and waited to push you in. "Is here okay or would you like to talk more in private?"

You were hesitant. "Can you come with me into the break room?"

"Very well." He pushed the chair back in, grabbed his drink, backpack and followed after you. "Is it okay for me to go back there?" He didn't want to get you into trouble.

"Max said it was okay since it was an emergency." You replied without meeting glancing over your shoulder, you reached the break room and were about to reach for the door knob when Law's hand was faster, opening it and holding it open for you. "Thank you, Law." You gave him a sheepish smile and entered first.

He once again helped you into your chair when you blurted out. "Can you become my doctor?"

He wasn't expecting that. "I can see if I have any opens available." He answered, raising a brow. "What for Y/n-ya?" His silver gaze scanned you from head to toe, apart from crying, he noticed that you had gained a bit of weight which didn't both him. "Why me?"

"I trust you Law." You admitted.

It made his heart skip a beat and a hint of a blush rise across his cheeks. "I appreciate it, thank you." He muttered, he raised a hand out of instinct, covering his eyes with his spotted hat. Clearing his throat as he leaned back in his chair, crossed his legs, grabbed his coffee and took a sip.

You took a deep breath and figured you'd go ahead and get it out of the way. Rip it off like a band aid.... a really big, one. "I'm pregnant."

Law nearly choked on his coffee, drops of the hot liquid left his mouth. He swallowed quickly, coughing as he covered his mouth with the back of his hand. "Excuse me?" He sputtered, scanning your face for a hint of a joke or a lie.

He found none.

You felt so bad. Speed walking towards the coffee machine, grabbing a handful of naps and handed them to him. "I... probably could have said that better, huh?" You blushed deeply.

"Th-thank you." He coughed, using them to wipe his mouth, chin and hands. "I didn't know you were seeing anyone."

"I'm still single yes." You admitted, glancing away as you sat back down. "It was a casual hookup a couple of weeks ago." You tilted you head. "No about a month ago." You opened the brown paper back and pulled out the pregnancy test and laying it on the table, resting your hands in your lap.

Law stared down at the test. "Did you not use protection or are not on birth control?" Sure enough, their were two blue lined on the test, showing that it was positive.

He shouldn't be upset. You are an adult and he wasn't your boyfriend. This still wasn't an easy pill to swallow either, yet he couldn't abandon you. It took a lot of courage to tell him, to trust and open up to him.

"We did." You muttered, hands clapped tightly. "And I am."

Law took off his hat, running his inked hand through his scruffy black locks. "Both aren't one hundred percent."

You nodded. "Perhaps it's that strong D clan genes." You joked, but it seems to have unnerved Law. You wondered why?

That made Law pause, his eyes widen. "Your hooked is a member of the D Clan?"

"Yes," You nodded again. "Portgas D Ace." You picked up the test, held it in your hand, stood to your feed and walked over to the trashcan, threw them away and leaned against the counter. "I think, if I remember right you know his little brother don't you?"

Law had heard of StrawHat talking about his older brother.

From what Law remembers Ace was Luffy's half brother from his Mother Rouge remarrying Monkey D Dragon when Ace was three. Her first husband Gol D Roger has died from an illness before Ace was born, Luffy was born not long after and they had adopted Sabo.

He does recall Luffy shoving his phone in Law's face when StrawHat was back in town last month, showing off pictures of his adventures with his brothers. He never saw Ace in person. It made Law secretly jealous that Ace had caught your eye.

He supposed Ace is considered attractive with him being taller than Luffy and had more muscle, same stupid happy go lucky trade mark smile or that mischievous smirk he shared with his brothers.

Ace was known to be more polite.

And yet, Law still felt the burning coals of jealous and envy towards the bastard.

Law felt his hand tighten around his hat before he shoved it away in the back of his mind. "Do you plan on keeping the baby?" He asked softly, meeting your eyes.

You placed you hand on your abdomen. "Yes, I don't have the heart to get rid of the baby."

"What about adoption?" Why was he prying? It wasn't any of his business.

"I'm not sure yet." You turned untying your apron and putting it in your lockers. Slipping on your heavy winter coat and untying your hair, ruffling it a bit and sighed. "Thanks for not judging me by the way."

Law's jaw clenched tight, then relaxed. "Your welcome." He stood, threw his backpack over his shoulder, downing the rest of his coffee, threw it away and talked towards the sink to wash his hands. He'd sneak a peak at you as you finished gathering what looked like a small black and purple duffel bag and your purse. "Where'd you go last night?"

"Slept the weekend at Jess' and came straight to work." You faced him smiling.

God, if you knew what that smile did to him.

Law dried his hands and pulled out his cell phone. "Here's my number, if you ever need anything or have any questions. I'll see, if I can squeeze you in first thing in the morning."

"Are you sure?" You blinked. "I don't want to take anyone's spot in case the hospital needs you."

Law smirks that sexy smirk of his again. "I'm sure they can manage." He opened the door for you again as you walked through and he followed, watching as you put on a white beanie with pink hearts on with a matching scarf and gloves.

He wasn't going to say it out loud but apart from his beloved leopard print clothes, anything with hearts on it was a close favorite of his. It reminded him of his adoptive father Rosinante Donquixote. He supposed it gave him nostalgia and comfort, made himself smile whenever he saw the design.

It suited you.

You took out your own phone, adding him to your contacts, saved it and handed it back to him. "Thanks again, Law."

"No problem, Y/n-ya." He replied, tilting his head. "Aren't you going to give me yours?" He held his phone in his hand, fingers hovering over the screen.

You blinked, growing flustered. Oh, right. "Oh, here." You repeated your phone number that you made yourself rewrite and repeat over and over until it stuck.

You lead the way, wishing Jess and Max goodnight as you exited the coffee shop.

The street lamps were bright and shining against the dark sky. The world was covered in a layer of white, big fat flakes fell slowly as you smiled. Closing your eyes, breathing in the chilling winter night air, holding it in your lings and exhaled, reopening them to watch your breath puff into a cloud of fog and vanish.

Law felt him own mouth tug into a ghost of a smile.

Feeling his stare you turned towards him, meeting his beautiful and steamy silver gaze as he zipped up his black winter coat with pride orange spots trailing at the bottom, his beloved spotted hat back in place on top of his head.

"I'll see you in the morning then?" You muttered, half turning to head in the towards your apartment.

"Yes, I suppose I will won't I?" Law tipped his hat towards you and walked away in the opposite direction, the sound of crunching snow was loud and echoed in the quiet streets. "Be careful."

"You too Law." You watched him go. Your gloved hand tightened on the strap of your duffel bag. Did you do the right thing? Asking Law, your crush to be your primary care doctor? You only wanted to ask him a could of question, but the intrusive thoughts won. You could always change to a woman doctor, if you wanted to. Guess Jess is going to tease me for blabbing to Law.

Shivering you rubbed your arms and made your way home. You knew Onigiri, the sweet and adorable little guy was waiting for you. Guess that means he's going to be a big brother isn't he?

I can already see him being overprotective of the baby and sleeping beside the crib, or somehow crawling into it. You giggle to yourself.

Law paused at the top of the hill, turning and watching your retreating figure grow further and further away. He had half a mind to chase after you and walk you home, but he thought better of it. He's sure you'll be fine he tells himself.

He followed your silhouette and watched you walk around the corner, making a mental note to look up possible houses close by in that direct in case of emergencies, and not for creepy reasons.

Readjusting his bag he whispered quietly to himself out loud, "Good night Y/n."

------ End of Chapter 1 ------

Okay, I know it didn't end exactly like the poll and preview, but I kept writing and writing until I decided to break it down. XD

I hope I didn't disappoint my fellow Law fans!

Were you surprised who the baby daddy was? Yes? No?

Give me your thoughts please! I tried to keep our snow leopard close to canon.

Tag list: @m0sigma7 @angelblueflame @pandora-writes-one-piece @short-honey-badger @supreme-burrito @fanaticsnail @turtletaubwrites @cherry-queens-blog @fairymama624

#law x reader #law x you #law x y/n #Law x pregnant reader #Isabeau Writes #Isabeau fanfic #Soft Law #Fluff #Slow burn #friends to lovers #Chapter 1 #trafalgar law one piece #Trafalgar Law x you #trafalgar law x y/n #trafalgar law x reader #It's here!

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ozwriterchick · 3 days ago

Text

Back to Us - Chapter 10 (Final)

Summary: Y/n wakes after an accident to her Avengers team-mates. But something isn't quite right and only Steve and Tony can see it.

Characters/Relationships: Steve Rogers x Reader; Tony Stark; Natasha Romanoff; Other Avengers Characters

Content warnings: Mentions of an accident (no details yet); If I missed any, let me know

A/N: If you want to be tagged, let me know.

Not beta'd so any mistakes are my own. I don't write smut, but there are allusions to smut in my stories.

Back to Us Masterlist

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

Word count: 2055 (approx.)

64.media.tumblr.com

GIF by dazedandkaitfused

Later that afternoon, Wanda & Nat help you get ready for your date with Steve. They do your hair and makeup and help you pick a dress that will knock Steve’s socks off.

The red dress you found in your closet just called to you when you flicked through everything and Nat and Wanda exchanged glances when you sighed and said “This is the one.”

At exactly 6pm, there’s a knock on the door and all of a sudden you have a stomach full of butterflies. You open the door to Steve standing there in a navy suit with a tie that is very close to matching the blue of his eyes.

“Well, Captain Rogers, you look very handsome. I love the suit. Maybe we should have met downstairs, cause I might not want to go anywhere right now.” You say, blushing and thanking your lucky stars that Nat & Wanda are no longer with you. They would have teased you mercilessly for a long time over that one.

Steve laughs “I agree sweetheart, you look simply ravishing and I really would love nothing better than to see that dress on the floor, but we have reservations, so we have to get going.”

You laugh and kiss him before turning and walking in front of him down the stairs, swinging your hips as you go.

After about a half hour drive, you pull up outside a vaguely familiar restaurant.

“Steve, we’ve been here before, haven’t we?” you asked as he holds the car door open for you and offers you his hand to help you out.

“That we have gorgeous. In fact, it’s one of our favourite places for a nice dinner out.”

You walk in and the hostess greets you like old friends. You try to remember her but can’t quite place her in your head yet. She leads you to a seat in the back that is fairly secluded and lit up with lots of candles. There’s a bunch of red roses on the table and you look at Steve.

“Are these for me?” He nods. “They’re gorgeous. How did I get so lucky?”

“I think I’m the lucky one, honey. Sit, sit. First course will be out shortly.”

Dinner is incredible, you wish you remembered this place but hope that the memories will come back to you like all the others.

The conversation flows nicely and you feel like Steve is trying to make you remember some of the smaller stuff by bringing up stories from your relationship.

When dinner is done, Steve suggests going for a walk before you head home. You agree quickly because it’s beautiful clear weather, and you really don’t want the night to end.

You head towards a local park nearby, hand in hand and Steve goes very quiet.

“Penny for your thoughts, Cap?”

Steve stops and turns to face you, he grabs your hands and lifts one and presses a kiss on the back of your hand.

“I got very lucky the day you agreed to be mine. Over the past couple of months I thought I’d lost you totally, and my heart couldn’t have been happier than when you remembered us.”

He leads you around the corner for you to see the small jetty in the park, over a lake that is twinkling in the starlight, all lit up with fairy lights and more roses.

“Steve, when did you do this?”

“Y/n, I love you with all my heart, with everything I am and everything I have.”

He gets down on one knee and pulls a box out of his pocket. Opening the box you see a gorgeous diamond ring.

“I got lucky once, but I would be the luckiest guy in the world to be able to do this twice with the same woman.

Y/n, will you be my wife, will you be mine for the rest of our lives?”

You realise you are crying, as is Steve, but your answer is obvious “Yes Steve, of course. I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather do this with twice.” You both laugh, through your tears.

He stands up and puts the ring on your finger and you kiss. Just then you hear a commotion and look up to see Nat & Wanda heading across the park crying with happiness and demanding to see the ring - even though they already knew what it looked like.

You realise they would have helped Steve out with this, and keeping an eye on it while you had dinner.

All of a sudden a memory hits you and you gasp.

“Y/n, sweetheart is everything ok?” Steve asks, hoping you aren’t changing your mind.

“Oh Steve, this is exactly how you planned our first engagement isn’t it. I just remembered.”

“Only the best for you my gorgeous girl. It was perfect the first time, and if you never remembered it, I wanted you to have it as the memory of our engagement.”

You start crying again at his sweetness and thoughtfulness to give you this amazing memory the exact same as the first time. You throw your arms around his neck and smash your lips to his, to which he immediately kisses you back, putting his hand on the back of your head.

A few minutes later, you hear a clearing of a throat and remember that Nat & Wanda are here with you, so you apologise and suggest you all head back to the compound.

Tony is waiting as you enter the common room the next morning. “Hey you lovebirds, how are things, any progress on the rest of the memories?”

“Not much more than last night I’m afraid.” You say sadly. “But we’ve been enjoying ‘getting to know each other’ again.”

Tony laughs “Is that what the kids are calling it these days?”

“Shut up old man.” You laugh at his statement as if he is double your age.

“So, what’s on the agenda for today?” Tony asked.

“Y/n wanted me to tell her about Noah, she remembered me mentioning him and my reaction when she didn’t remember him yesterday. We wanted to see what your thoughts were on that one - we don’t want to jeopardise any progress Y/n’s already made.” Steve explained to Tony.

Tony calls Bruce in to get his input on this one.

“Well, given she has most of her memories back except this one, maybe it’s not too big a leap?” Bruce suggests.

“Right, well, I need to go do something,” Steve says. “I’ll be back soon and we’ll talk then, ok Y/n?”

“Oh, ok, are you sure you need to leave now? Like, right now?”

“Yes, Sweetheart, but I’ll be back as soon as quickly as I can.”

Steve leaves and you look at Tony & Bruce who shrug. They both know where he’s going and what he’s doing but they don’t want to spoil anything.

“Well, if he’s going somewhere, I’m going to go for a run to clear my head and hopefully he’ll be back before, or just after I am.” You head up to your room to change and head out into the compound gardens, following the running path that Tony had installed so you could all exercise outside in the fresh air.

The breeze in your face grounds you and makes you happy, but not as happy as knowing that Steve never cheated on his fiancé with you, that you are his fiancé, and all is now right with the world and that soon, you would find out about Noah.

Steve returns to the compound a little while later with Noah.

“Tony, where’s Y/n?” he asks.

“She went for a run Steve, hopefully won’t be too long. Hey mini Cap, you wanna come with me and get something to eat?” he asks Noah.

Noah looks excitedly to Steve. Apart from you, Steve and his honorary aunts and uncles, food is one of his favourite things.

“Thanks Tony,” Steve answers. “Hey Buddy, how about you go with Uncle Tony and we will see you soon.”

Noah nods and Tony takes his hand and leads him to the kitchen. Steve sits in the lounge with Bruce, waiting for Y/n to come back from her run.

Tony re-enters the lounge and looks around “Isn’t she back yet? I don’t think I can fit any more food into this kid.” Noah is now sitting at the coffee table, drawing and colouring.

“What time did she go for her run,” Steve asks them. “It’s a couple of hours since I left to get Noah, she should be back by now.”

Steve starts freaking out, hoping she hasn’t left again, or worse. He tries to hide his worry from Noah, because he doesn’t need to see that right now.

Tony asks Friday to call everyone together.

FRIDAY: All Avengers, please meet in the lounge immediately

The Avengers assemble in the lounge and Tony tells them Y/n went for a run about 2.5 hours ago and hasn’t returned.

“Noah is here, waiting to see Y/n for the first time in months, so we need to find her. Let’s all spread out and look. Stay on Comms and let me know if you see anything.” Tony explains.

The Avengers spread out and searched the compound grounds for you. After about half an hour, they all came back to the lounge, no sign of you at all.

Steve is getting anxious so he starts Noah’s night-time routine to distract himself.

“Steve, is her phone here?” Bruce asks him.

“I can’t see it, but hang on let me ring it.” Steve dials your number and listens to it ring.. and ring.. and ring. “It’s ringing, she’s not answering, but it’s ringing.”

Tony sighs. “Ok, maybe we can track it - I don’t know why we didn’t think of it before. Sorry Steve.”

“Just find her Tony, I can’t lose her, Noah can’t lose her.”

All of a sudden, a commotion downstairs interrupts their conversation. They look at each other and Tony runs downstairs. Nat comes up and tells Steve to go, she’ll keep an eye on Noah for now.

Steve runs downstairs to see you on one of the beds in the lab.

“What the hell happened?” Steve demanded.

“Language Steve.” Bucky laughed, trying to cut the tension with a little humour.

“Now is not the time Buck. What happened to her?”

Bucky explains “I found her, she’d fallen and was unconscious when I got to her, I hope this doesn’t put her memory recovery back, can you tell if she hit her head yet?”

“It doesn’t look like it,” Bruce answers. “It could just be the shock of the fall. But we’ll have to wait for her to wake up.”

“I can’t do this again. What if she doesn’t wake up this time.” Steve worries.

The Avengers all try to comfort Steve, not knowing what else to do.

Time jump - 2 Days have passed and you are still unconscious.

Even Tony is worried at this point. “We might have to transfer her to the hospital if she doesn’t wake up today.”

“Geez are you two ladies all right, no hospital, ok?” you try to joke.

“Y/n, you’re awake, how are you feeling?” Tony asks you, hopeful that your memory hadn’t gone backwards.

“A little groggy and a splitting headache, but ok otherwise I think. What happened? I remember Steve left to get Noah and I went for a run.”

Steve’s eyes went wide as he looked at you and took in what you said. “Wait, you knew I went to get Noah?”

You laugh at his shock “Well, where else would you have gone, he wasn’t here and he needs his Mum & Dad. Where is he? I need to see him.”

“Oh my gosh sweetheart, I’ll go get him.”

Steve runs upstairs and returns with Noah who gets super excited to see his Mummy. You hold your hands out to him and he practically jumps out of Steve’s arms into yours, giggling the whole time.

“Mummy, I miss you. Don’ go ‘way ‘gen, ‘k?” Noah asks flashing you his big blue-green puppy-dog eyes, exactly like his Dad’s.

“I won’t bubba, I’m here to stay forever.” You reply to him.

“My family is back together” Steve says incredulously.

THE END. Maybe…

Tag List: @wolfbeanpotion @vioplay19 @jason-todd-fangirl-14 @crazyunsexycool @zaraomarrogers @bitchy-bi-trash @mrsnikstan @harrysnovia @salemslostwitch

#ozwriterchick #steve rogers #angst #marvel #Reader #steve rogers x reader #Fluff #Tony Stark #Natasha Romanoff #James Bucky Barnes #back to us

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callsign-dexter · 2 days ago

Text

A Father's Nightmare

Request: Hi!!!!

OMG I am obsessed with Twisters!!!!!!

I was wondering if I could please request a Tyler Owens x daughter reader where Tyler and his daughter are at a rodeo and a tornado happens but they get separated so Tyler isn’t able to find the reader until after the storm.

maybe the reader is like 5 or so?

totally your choice and it is no pressure and feel free to change anything

thank you

Pairings: Tyler Owens x Daughter!Reader

Warnings: angst, fluff, tornadoes, cursing

Masterlist

When Tyler found out he was having a child he was ecstatic and when you arrived, he was even more ecstatic. The team loved you and were surprised that Tyler actually had a child but took you in with open arms. Your mother was never in the picture since it was a one-night stand with your father and when she told him she was having you, he stayed with her and when you were born, she took off. Tyler was devastated but he had you and that was perfectly alright with him. If you ask him, he would say that you two were better off without her and that you're the most important thing to him and nothing was going to change that even if he dated other women besides your mom, then again you were too young to know who your mother was anyways.

When the team went chasing you usually stayed in the van with Dexter and Dani. Most of the time you were with your dad in his truck with Boone while not chasing. You loved the chasing of the storms always had and always will. You had been through so many states probably more than any kid your age and you loved it. Each time you got a souvenir from the state either from your dad, the team, or everyone. Your room back at your home was full and it just kept growing especially thanks to your dad that knew how to make more storage.

Currently you are heading to Oklahoma. You had a passenger with you, a reporter from London, Ben is his name and you liked him especially his accent. You loved listening to him talk. “Dad?” You asked from your booster seat.

“Yes, Sweetie?” He asked looking in the rear-view mirror.

“I'm hungry.” You said and he chuckled.

“Uncle Boone has some snacks for you.” He said and you lit up and Boone smiled as he pulled out Goldfish and turned around to give them to you.

“There you go my favorite Owens.” He said

“I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that.” Tyler said and Boone chuckled and turned to him as you watched them as they bickered.

“I mean, Tyler. C'mon on man. You're handsome but you can't beat that cuteness back there.” Boone said and Tyler knew he couldn't argue with that.

“You're right. Nobody can compete with that.” He said looking at you through the rear-view mirror as you watched him and munched on your Goldfish and offered some to Ben who gladly and politely took what you were offering to him.

—

By the time you had arrived at a gas station in Oklahoma you were fast asleep. Tyler didn't want to move you or wake you but you needed to be transferred to the RV. So, after he met the crowd and got them hyped up, he went over to you and carefully and skillfully got you out of the truck and transferred to the RV and now it was time to go chasing. You only woke up when you started moving and noticed you were in the car with Dexter. “Dex?” You asked and he briefly turned to look at you.

“Hey, Sweetheart.” He said and turned back to the road.

“Daddy?” You asked

“He's in the truck in front of us.” He said and satisfied with that answer you went back to doing your own thing. Your own thing was looking around at the scenery and the tornado up ahead and you got really excited. Your eyes widened in excitement and you loved every second of it. When the chase was over everyone was parking and celebrating and your dad held you and paid attention to you.

Throughout the days you were there you hardly rode with your dad for safety reasons. Whenever you weren't chasing you were in your dad’s arms just being with him. You got stares but he ignored them and had his attention on you and only on you. One tornado tore through a town and instead of chasing like your dad had planned you were heading to town to help people out. As he was helping the town out, he stuck you with Dexter who was handing out food and dealing with merchandise by the RV. You had a clear view of your dad and some lady. You watched him intently and could tell they were arguing and that made you upset but didn't say anything. After you were done there, everyone was heading back to the motel. Once everyone was settled in and became dark out Tyler got word of a rodeo and decided to take you there along with the girl he was talking to “Come here, Sweetie.” He said picking up.

“Where are we going?” You asked as he walked towards his truck.

“We're going to a rodeo.” He said as he opened the truck.

“A rodeo?” You asked confused but excited.

“Yup, a rodeo.” He said starting to buckle you in.

“Are there going to be horses there?” You asked excitedly and he chuckled. Ever since you were little horses have always excited you.

“Yup there are going to be horses there.” He confirmed.

“Yay!” You said as he finished buckling you. He smiled and kissed your forehead and then got in the front seat.

“We need to make a stop first.” He said and you nodded at him as he took off driving. It wasn't that far until he was pulling into a spot and then quickly got you out. “Hold my hand.” He said and you nodded latching onto it. You didn't say anything as you walked up stairs to a door and he knocked. “Hi.” He said and the woman looked at him.

“Hi.” She said and then she noticed you.

“This is my daughter, Y/N.” He said “Y/N this is Kate.” He added and you looked at her and became insanely shy and zoned out on the conversation at hand. Next thing you knew you were being picked up and carried. You kept staring at Kate as you walked to the truck and he buckled you in. It wasn't a very far drive to the rodeo and you were silent. “Sorry she gets shy.” He said.

“You don't need to apologize. I get it.” Kate said as he parked the truck. He got out and then got you out.

“Hold my hand, remember.” He said and you nodded.

“Ok, Daddy.” You said quietly and grabbed his hand. The three of you walked into the grounds. “Daddy, I'm hungry.” You said as he looked down at you.

“Alright, we'll get you something. Anything you want?” He asked

“Surprise me.” You said giggling.

“Anything for my girl.” He said and Kate looked at the two of you smiling. Tyler got something for you and a drink and then you were heading to find seats. You found them and sat mainly on his lap but had moved over to his side. The rodeo started and you were in awe as you ate. Kate and Tyler talked and you tuned them and every now and then excitedly got your dad's attention.

“Daddy! Daddy! Look!” You said and he looked at a beautiful horse.

“I see, Sweetie. He's beautiful.” He said and you nodded as he watched your eyes light up. When the bull riding came up and a friend of your dad's signaled to him, he saw you and waved at you and you excitedly waved back. You snuggled into your dad still intently watching and food having been eaten. The barrel racing started and you were so excited it was your favorite. That was going on for a while and then the wind started to pick up, you knew what that meant and looked at your dad who looked at you and then Kate.

“Are you tracking anything out here?” She asked and when he didn't reply she knew her answer. Suddenly everyone's phones started to go off and the overhead speakers were going off. As the thunder and lightning lit up the sky you saw the tornado and got really scared.

“Daddy.” You whined and he could hear how scared you were in your voice.

“It's going to be ok. Stay close to us.” He said and you nodded and then chaos erupted and everyone was rushing to take cover. You were carried down the steps and set on the ground. You grabbed your dad's hand but your little legs couldn't keep up.

“Daddy!” You yelled out but didn't hear him over the chaos. You stood frozen and started to cry.

“Hey, you ok?” A couple asked and you recognized them as the ones that sat behind you on the bleachers.

“I lost my daddy.” You said as the woman picked you up.

“He was sitting in front of us, right?” Her husband asked and you nodded.

“Yea.” You said

“Ok, ok. We're going to keep calm and take shelter and we'll find him afterwards.” She said and you nodded and buried your head into her shoulder. The three of you took shelter and now it was time to ride the tornado out. You were shaking and freaking out. The woman and man comforted you but you really wanted your dad.

—

Tyler and Kate moved together. “Stay with me.” He said “Y/N?” He asked not feeling the weight of your hand in his and that made him look down and he froze. You weren't with him.

“Tyler!” Kate said as she felt him stop.

“Y/N! Y/N is not here!” He panicked and that made her go rigid.

“Oh shit!” She shouted over the commotion and she didn't know what to do. As he started to shout your name and look around.

“We need to find her!” He said and started to backtrack but she stopped him.

“I want to find her too but right now safety is the key right now. Let's get to safety. Maybe someone took her to safety.” She said as she was urging him to move.

“If she ends up being hurt or worse. I will never forgive you.” He said and started to move and it hurt Kate to hear that but she understood it. They got most of everyone to safety inside a pool including a mother and child and that just made Tyler 10x more anxious he needed and wanted to find you. For the first time since the first tornado, he witnessed he was terrified.

The tornado seemed to last forever but it was only a few minutes and it was over. He uncovered Kate and then stood up and the search for you began. He was quick to get out of the pool and started to look for you. He was calling out your name but got nothing back and that scared him. He was close to tears in fact he knew some slipped out. “Y/N!” He yelled out starting to lift debris and hoping you weren't under there but knew he had to check.

“Tyler!” Dani yelled and he turned to look at her.

“Y/N is missing. Please help me.” He pleaded and she nodded.

“Ok ok. Let's keep calm. I'll get the others to help. We'll find her.” She said and he nodded. She took off from him and he resumed his search. He started towards the fairgrounds.

“Y/N!” He yelled out looking under debris and people that were hurt. He asked people if they had seen you and showed a picture of you and they shook their heads. He sent a pain throughout his chest; he was close to giving up but knew he had to find you if he didn’t, he would never forgive himself or Kate since she made him leave you. As he was yelling out your name and looking through the wreckage, he was becoming pissed at Kate for making him leave you. Who knew where you were, you could be hurt and scared or wish dead, he wasn’t going to think about the second one though he would be lost without you. “Y/N!” He yelled in a desperate tone. He could faintly hear the others calling out your name too. He was about to look in another place when a voice, your voice caught his attention.

“Daddy!” You yelled out and he straightened up and looked around trying to find the source, if there was one.

“Y/N!” He yelled your name again and waited to hear you call back again hoping his ears weren’t playing tricks on him.

“Daddy!” You yelled out and again and he was rushing to the sound tripping over stuff along the way. “Daddy!” Your voice carried to him. He was close.

“Y/N if you can hear my voice, come to me Baby Girl!” He yelled out and sure enough you did and you were accompanied by two people, a husband and wife he assumed.

“Daddy!” You yelled and he kneeled down as you ran into his arms throwing your arms around his neck and he hugged you tightly. Tyler started to cry and he was never going to deny that. Almost losing you was the scariest part of his life.

“Oh, thank goodness. You're alive. I was so worried.” He said burying his head into your neck. You started to cry as well. “I should've just picked you up when we started evacuating.” He said as the couple came up to him. He looked up at them with tears in his eyes “Thank you. Thank you so much. How can I repay you?” He asked and they shook their heads.

“No need. We were able to get your little girl back to you. Seeing you happy is all you need to repay us with.” The man said and Tyler nodded as he stood up with you in his arms and you clung to him and buried your head into his neck.

“She's a really sweet girl.” The woman said and he smiled and nodded while sniffling.

“She really is.” He let out a watery laugh. “I would be lost without her.” He said.

“Well now you're both safe and reunited. We can rest easy knowing so.” The man said and all three of them smiled. Tyler shook their hands and you, him, and the couple took off. He started walking back towards the group.

“Y/N!” You heard Boone's voice and looked over his way but went back to hiding in your father's neck.

“Thank goodness you found her.” Dexter said as everyone came to the two of you.

“Yea a couple had her and made sure she was safe.” Tyler said, rubbing his hand up and down your back. “I think after this we will take some time off. I need some time with my girl.” He said and everyone nodded.

“That sounds like a good plan.” Lily said of course they would feel sad about it but they understood it since Tyler was close to losing you.

“Let's go head in for the night.” He said and everyone agreed. Tyler took you to the truck that somehow managed to survive, and buckled you. Everyone else rode together; they knew he needed time with you. When the two of you arrived back to the motel, he was quickly shutting the engine off and scooping you up. Without a word he carried you to the room and opened the door and shut it and turned around getting ready to grab your pajamas.

“Daddy.” You said and he was quick to turn and face you.

“Yes, Baby Girl?” He asked, kneeling in front of you.

“I love you.” You said and he smiled as tears sprang to his eyes.

“I love you too, Baby.” He said hugging you and you hugged him back. After a minute he pulled away and the both of you got ready for bed. He laid down and you snuggled underneath him. Tonight was a scary night and he almost lost you but you were safe and unharmed with him now and that's all that matters. Once he knew you were sound asleep, he let himself fall asleep. As he was drifting off, he whispered “I'll always protect you as long as you let me.” and then laid a kiss to your forehead which caused you to snuggle into him more. Tyler finally fell asleep with you safe in his arms. He would deal with everything tomorrow but right now he just wanted to be with you and only.

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lonely-ey3s · 3 days ago

Text

With All My Love: Chapter 11 | crawl home to her

Chapter 11 : Crawl Home to Her

Word count: 12.6k

Chapter Summary: Joel starts making plans for your future together, getting everything arranged to ask you a very important question. You start going to therapy with Diane and things start to feel like they are going well but when you’re forced to relive Z’s death in a session, it pushes you off the edge. You start to make strides and feel better but soon after, something happens that knocks you completely off your axis, it pushes things out with Joel’s plans to be a little longer than he’d like.

Chapter warnings: SMUT (18+ MDNI), unprotected p in v (wrap it up ya'll), anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks of traumatic memories, mentions of PTSD anxiety, FLUFF, joel being an absolute lover, soft!joel, panic attacks, mentions of death, funeral, depression, use of Spanish and Dari but with translations, lying to partner (justified you’ll see), use of y/n.

A/N: this chapter was inspired by hozier’s ‘work song’ which i feel screams joel and this reader. that’s all i’ll say hehe – enjoy ❣️

Dividers by: @saradika-graphics

Main Masterlist

October 1st

Joel took the day off but didn’t tell you he had it off from work, he got up like normal and kept everything as routine as normal. However he wasn’t going into the office today, he was going to visit his mom for breakfast.

He left the house at 7:15 am, giving you a quick kiss as you were getting ready to go on a run then left the house and headed to his mom’s place.

He got there close to 8 am, she knew he was coming, he called her a few days ago asking if he could come over for breakfast and to talk about something important.

Elena knew. She knew the day she met you. She knew sooner rather than later, he was going to ask for her ring to propose to you. The way Joel held you in his arms, the way he looked at you like no one else was in the room, the way you spoke about him and Sarah, she knew. Joel wasn’t very secretive about his intentions either to his mom, casually asking here and there if she still had the family heirloom or saying something about how he’d like to settle down. Especially around his mom, he held you like you hung the moon and stars, he truly worshipped the ground you graced him with, and the happiness and warmth he had now exhibited, it was all she ever wanted for him.

It was hard watching him with Rachelle, she never seemed devoted to him or even in love with him, just the idea of him. She also hated how she treated him after finding out she was pregnant, like it was only Joel’s fault, holding him solely responsible for something they both took part in.

Joel changed after she told him she was pregnant, he closed himself off, emotionally especially. After trying so hard to love someone who didn’t love you back but then feel tied to that person for the next 18 years, it was one of the worst kinds of pains you could watch your child go through.

If Elena was being honest, when Rachelle left, it was somewhat of a relief. She knew that it would be hard on her son, but she never doubted Joel as a dad to Sarah. She knew he’d do what he needed to raise and love Sarah, that was clear. But what she was scared about was Joel being trapped in a loveless relationship when he had so much to offer and he deserved it back. To know and see how he felt with you, to her, it was all a mother could dream for her child.

She had breakfast cooking when he gently knocked on the front door before walking in, he was dressed in a nice button down and jeans, hair combed nicely as he had to put on the charade that he was dressing to go to work for you.

“Buenos dias mama…” he smiled and came up to her at the stove and kissed her cheek.

“Hola mi amor…” she smiled and nodded for him to sit, “Tengo café listo para ti en la cafetera.” (I have coffee ready for you in the pot.)

Joel smiled and thanked her, grabbing a mug from her cupboard and pouring himself a mug.

“How is your morning so far? How’s Y/N?” she looked back at Joel briefly as she started to plate up the breakfast she had made them, which was pincho de tortilla, one of his favorites.

Joel smiled and leaned against her counter, taking a sip of the coffee, humming, “It was good, she’s well, started talking to a therapist, which she said has been helping with the anxiety and nightmares.” he smiled and looked down at his coffee.

She tsked and nodded towards the table, “Sentémonos y hablemos… comamos.” (Let us sit down and talk… eat.) She grabbed the two plates of food and walked over to the small table she had around her island in the corner of her kitchen.

Joel followed and pulled her chair out for her, she sat and smiled, thanking him. He kissed her cheek gently and touched her shoulder, “Cualquier cosa para ti mamá” (Anything for you mama)

When Joel sat down she looked at him and smiled, studying him, “It’s so nice to see that warmth back in you, mi armor.” she touched his hand softly, “I missed seeing your alma…” (Soul, spirit, heart)

Joel looked up at his mom and warmly smiled, “Mama… I wanted to talk to you about…”

Before he could get the rest of his sentence out she pulled a small blue ring box out of her apron and set it in front of him, “¿Supongo que estás aquí por esto? Le pedirás que se case contigo, ¿sí?” (I assume you are here about this? You will ask her to marry you, yes?)

Joel chuckled looking at the box and teared up, nodding, “Yes mama, but I also came for your blessing.” he looked back up at her.

She tsked and shook his hand, tears falling down her cheeks as she smiled, “Mientras seas feliz, siempre tendrás mi bendición. Ella te hace brillar mi amor, te hace calentar!” (As long as you are happy, you will always have my blessing. She makes you shine my love, makes you warm!)

Joel picked up the box and opened it to reveal his grandmother’s ring which was passed onto his mother that was now either his or Tommy’s, whichever got to it first. It was a marquise-cut diamond in the center with two others to the side and then smaller diamonds around it. It was perfect. He took it out and held it in his fingers, tears streaming down his face, imagining him asking you, thinking about your reaction.

“She’s going to love it, mi vida.” she said softly, looking at the ring with him.

He nodded and cleared his throat, putting it back into the box and closing it, wiping his eyes, chuckling as he blushed.

“So… when will this be happening?” she took a bite of her food and looked at him, probing.

He chuckled and smiled, “I was going to ask her during the holidays but I can’t wait, something just feels right… waiting would…. hazme volverme loco…” (make me go crazy) He scoffed and chuckled lightly before smiling warmly, “...I have a few ideas but need to get this resized first then I’ll know when exactly…” he smiled down at the box, “But soon, as soon as I can.” he looked at her and brightly smiled.

Elena chuckled, “Come cariño, hace frío.” (Eat my darling, it’s getting cold) She shook her head as she smiled and then took his hand and gently squeezed it.

Joel left his mom’s a few hours later; he helped her with a few things around the house.

He drove back and went to watch Sarah practice soccer on the field after school, something he never had time for since most days he worked well past dinner time. He wasn’t the only person watching, but for Sarah, it was the first time in a long time she saw him on the sidelines during practice.

Sarah came up to him when it was over, backpack and duffle bag over her shoulders, “Hey Dad, everything ok?” she said out of breath.

He nodded and smiled, reaching to take both and carry them for her, “Yeah, I just wanted to talk to you about something before you got home.”

Sarah stopped walking, “Whatever you were told I did, I didn’t do unless you have video evidence, which in that case I need to have my lawyer present.” she joked.

Joel chuckled and nodded at her, “Come on… you weirdo. You aren’t in trouble.”

She smiled and caught up with him, “Well then what is it?” she prodded.

Joel smiled, “Let’s get into the truck first.”

He opened his truck door for her and she got in, he tossed her bags in the bed of the truck and then went into the driver's side, shutting the door.

Sarah adjusted in her seat to face him, tucking her foot under her thigh, hands in her lap, “Ok, what’s going on… you’re being oddly hush-hush…” Then she gasped, “Oh my god, am I going to be a big sister?!” she nearly shouted.

Joel chuckled and shook his head, “No, well not yet, no. But I wanted to talk to you about a step I’d like to take with Y/N before that happens…”

She looked at him with disgust, “Dad, I thought you guys were already doing that stuff… why do you need to consult with me about that?”

Joel turned red and shook his hands in front of him, “Oh god, no. I uhm… sorry wrong way to have phrased that, god. No, propose, I want to ask her to marry me.” she blurted out, flustered.

Sarah turned her head and smiled, “Wait what? You’re going to ask her to marry you?”

Joel swallowed, “Well, that’s what I want to talk to you about. How does that make you feel? Is that something you’re ok with?” he looked down at his hands, nervous.

Sarah chuckled like she thought he was messing with her, “You’re kidding right?”

He looked at her with those puppy eyes he has and she realized he was serious, “Oh, Dad… I’d be so proud and happy if you two got married. I think she would be overjoyed if you were to ask! You make each other so happy and take care of each other… I… anyone with two eyes can see you’re perfect for each other.” she smiled softly.

“You don’t think it’d be too quick? Like I’m moving too fast?” he leaned forward, messing with his cuticle.

She shook her head and smiled softly, “Proposing at the airport would have been too fast, but now? No… when you find the one, you… just… know. And Dad, you know she’s the right one.”

Joel nodded and smiled warmly, still messing with his cuticle, “Do you think she’s ready for that step?”

Sarah chuckled, “Dad, she’d marry you tomorrow if you asked.”

Joel looked up at Sarah and smiled, blushing lightly at that thought.

“Point is, she loves you and you love her.” she looked down at her hands and cleared her throat, “When are you gonna do it?” she looked up and grinned, wanting to know details.

Joel chuckled, “I need to know how long it’ll take to get the ring resized and then it’ll be after that.” he smiled.

Sarah perked up, “You’ve already got a ring? What the heck! You didn’t take me with you!” she nudged him, offended.

Joel laughed lightly and leaned forward, getting into his pocket and pulling out the ring box, handing it to Sarah, “It’s an heirloom baby girl, I got it from Abuelita today.” he blushed a little, everything was coming together.

Sarah opened the box and gasped, “Holy shit.”

Joel chuckled, “Language.”

Sarah giggled, “Sorry but that’s my thought! This is… dad it’s beautiful. She’s going to love it.” she looked up at her dad and had tears in her eyes, “You’re getting married…”

Joel smiled and then pulled her in for a hug, “Oh don’t cry, sweet pea.” he chuckled as he rubbed her back.

Sarah pulled away and wiped her tears, taking a deep breath, “I’m a horrible secret keeper, I don’t know how I’m not going to say anything…” She chuckled and looked back down at the ring, “Do Tommy and Maria know?” she looked up, hopeful.

He shook his head, “Abuelita was only the first because she had the ring, you know before Tommy if that’s what you’re worried about.” he laughed softly knowing Sarah and Tommy were always competitive in knowing things first as they were both equally close to Joel.

Sarah chuckled, “Suck on that Reginald.” she muttered to herself.

“Let’s get you home so she doesn’t suspect anything and then I’ll go to Tommy’s and tell them and be ‘home’ around my normal time…” he winked.

Sarah nodded and buckled up, giving him back the ring box, “Sounds good. I’ll lock myself in my room with a ‘project’ until you get home…” she giggled, excitedly.

Joel took Sarah home and dropped her off down the street so you wouldn’t hear his truck then went to Tommy’s.

Joel pulled into Tommy’s and before he could even get out of the truck Tommy was out on the porch, “What’s wrong? You weren’t at work today…”

Joel just chuckled and smiled, “Is Maria home?” he hiked up the steps and gently grabbed his brother by the shoulder to pull him inside with him.

“Yeah, she’s just makin’ somethin’ to eat, why? Where’s Y?N?” Tommy pressed.

It was rare for Joel to take a full day off work. But for him to take a full day off and then show up at Tommy’s with a smile and pep to his step, Tommy didn’t know what the hell to think.

Maria had some light country music playing in the kitchen as she cooked something on the stove, “Hey Joel…” she then snapped her head towards him, “What’s wrong?” instant concern flooding her face.

Joel chuckled, “Will you two just calm down? Nothing is wrong.”

Maria set the spatula down that she was using to break up some hamburger meat in a skillet, “If nothing is wrong, then why are you here, and why did Tommy say that you weren’t at work today?”

Joel sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, “Ay dios mío…” he reached into his pocket, pulled out the ring box, and set it on the counter for Maria and Tommy to both see, “This is why…”

Both of them froze and then looked at each other, before looking at Joel and then looking back at the ring box.

“Is that what I think it is?” Maria grinned, tearing up a little.

“You bastard…” Tommy chuckled and grabbed the box, opening it.

“Sorry, I beat you to it, but yes. It’s what you think.” Joel shyly sat down at the table.

Maria squealed and jumped, running over and hugging Joel, almost knocking him off the damn chair.

He laughed and held her, hugging her tightly back.

“When? Where? I need to know everything!” Maria sat down in front of him, a greasy spatula in her hand.

Joel chuckled looking at her, “Soon. I need to resize the ring first, but it’ll be within the month. I have a few ideas that I’m tossing in my head, I just… I want everything to be perfect.” He smiled softly.

Tommy smiled and looked at the ring closer, “How did Mama take the news?” he looked at Joel.

Joel softly chuckled, “She put the ring in front of me before I could even ask for it…” he blushed, “She told me as long as I was happy, that’s all she wanted.”

Tommy brought the ring box over and let Maria see it, “Joel, it’s beautiful… she’s going to go crazy.”

Maria teared up, looking down at it, “Ugh, I’m so happy for you two…” she started crying.

Joel smiled, “I may need your help with some distractions at some point, would that be ok?” he looked at Maria.

“Are you kidding? My lips are sealed! Whatever you need, I’ll do!” she laughed through the tears, frantically wiping them, “My best friend is getting married!”

Joel chuckled and knelt in front of her and pulled her in for a hug, “Thank you for all you’ve done for her, and for making her damn stubborn ass write me those letters, without you, this wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you.” he held onto her tightly.

Tommy gently took the spatula from her grasp and took care of what she left at the stove as she hugged Joel.

She nodded, “Does this mean you're going to name your kids after me?” she teased and pulled away.

Joel chuckled, “I’m sure you’ll be in the running.”

Maria chuckled and then held his face in her hands and smiled, “Oh, Joel, I’m so happy for you. You deserve this.” she pulled him in for another hug.

Joel held onto her a little longer that time, feeling for the first time in a very long time that he truly had everything he needed. He was a blessed man.

Maria slowly pulled away, “You want to stay for dinner?” she smiled, “It’s nothin’ fancy, just taco salad…”

Joel stood and gently took the ring box from the table, closing it up, and smiling, “I actually need to make it home. If I’m not home soon she’ll suspect something might be up.” he looked up and sniffed softly, wiping his eyes.

Tommy smiled and put the spatula down then came over and hugged his brother tightly, “Congrats, I’m so happy for you both.” he patted Joel’s back and smiled as he pulled away.

Joel smiled and told them he would keep them posted then left theirs.

He ran by the store and grabbed some flowers for you before heading home trying to ask like the best thing just happened today, he got the ring to propose to you.

He opened the front door to the sweet smell of what he could deduce was something that had been cooking all day, “Hey baby, I’m home.” he said loud enough to be heard through the house.

You peeked your head from the kitchen, “In here!” and then disappeared to do what you were doing.

He smiled and put the ring box in his work bag before taking off his boots and coming up from behind you, “Mi vida…” he wrapped his arm around your waist from behind and kissed your cheek, making you smile and giggle.

“Hello, my love…” you touched his hand around your waist and kept working at stirring some gravy on the stove, “Dinner will be ready in about 5 minutes…”

He smiled and kissed your shoulder softly, humming, “Take your time, we are in no rush.” he rocked you a little from side to side.

You smiled and turned your head and did a dramatic sigh, “My my, are those for me?” you said in a small British accent, clutching your imaginary pearls, looking at the flowers he had in his hand.

He smiled and nodded, chuckling at your humor, “They are, I missed you too much today to come home empty-handed…” he leaned in and gently kissed your cheek.

You blushed and set the whisk down to turn in his grasp to gently pull him close by his button-up and kiss him gently.

He put his hand on your cheek gently and continued to kiss you, softly and slowly.

Sarah came down the stairs and gasped seeing the flowers, thinking it had happened, and covered her mouth excitedly, bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet.

Joel pulled away from your lips and turned to see her reaction, you chuckled and looked at her, “You good sweets, what’s earned that reaction?”

Joel’s eyes widened and he looked at her telepathically telling her ‘It didn’t happen, it’s just flowers.’, barely shook his head to signal to her.

She looked at you and then smiled, lying through her teeth, “Uhhm oh! My gosh I just saw that you cooked roast! I’m so excited!” she opened the lid that had the roast inside it and took a whiff, “Mmm! Delicious!” she smiled brightly.

You looked at her confused, she never got this excited about the roast and you’ve cooked it before for them, “Ok? Never got that reaction outta you for a roast but I’ll let it slide…” You chuckled then took the gravy off the stove and started walking towards the front door.

Joel swatted at Sarah, whispering, “You almost ruined it!” he smiled, knowing she didn’t mean to, she’s just excited.

Joel put the flowers in the sink and then went to follow you. He turned around the corner when he saw you reached down to grab his work bag and he jumped at you going to open the bag, but you pulled away, smiling, clueless.

“Woah! Whatcha doin’ darlin’?” internally panicking, you could not get into that bag.

You giggled, looking up at him, “I’m just getting your lunch bag out, silly!” You went to open it again.

‘Fuck fuck FUCK!’ was all he could think so he blurted out, “I left it at work.”

Sarah peeked around and knew exactly why her dad was being weird about the bag, she started thinking, ‘Shit she has the bag. She can’t have the bag. Crap!’

You looked up at him and chuckled, then looked between the two of them, both smiling a little too widely, looking guilty, you narrowed your eyes and pursed your lips, “Ya’ll are jumpy and acting weird, what’s going on?”

Joel shook his head and chuckled, “Nothing is going on… we aren’t being weird. Right, Sarah?”

Sarah nodded and came over and chuckled forcefully, “Right, this is our normal not weird at all selves.” he nudged your arm gently with her fist, trying to act casually, but it backfired as you read right through it.

You watched as her fist nudged you and then clocked Joel with your gaze, testing him, “Cool, ok. So then what’s in the bag?” you tilted your head.

He had every damn red alarm and code red going off in his head, heart racing, palms sweaty, he was panicking but on the outside, he kept it together, looked cool as a cucumber, “Nothin’ just contracts and work stuff sweetheart.” he smiled.

You looked at Sarah and she swallowed, she was horrible at lying and even worse at keeping secrets. However, she was easy to crack as well and you knew that, you grinned, “If there’s nothing in the bag, then why are you so nervous sweets?”

“Nervous? I’m not nervous… you’re nervous…” she chuckled, putting her hands up defensively.

“Sarah Elena Miller, what is going on?” you chuckled.

She knew she couldn’t tell you the truth, but she needed to get you off this damn bag so she took one for the team and for the first time lied straight through her teeth. She took a breath and sighed heavily for dramatics, “Fine…” she looked at Joel who looked like he was going to crack for a split second before she rambled, “I kissed a boy… and we got caught behind the bleachers by the stupid assistant principal. Dad picked me up from school early today because I got called into the principal’s office due to breaking ‘school conduct’...” she rolled her eyes and used air quotes, “...and there’s a write-up in dad’s bag…” she looked at the bag and pointed, “One that he promised he wouldn’t show you because I didn’t want you to know… because you’re gonna get all… mom-ish about it…”

You dropped the bag and opened your arms, smiling, “You kissed a boy!?” you giggled, “Come here!” you hugged her tightly. Joel quickly swept in and grabbed the bag, getting the ring out and putting it in his back pocket quickly.

Sarah looked at Joel while hugging you and glared, mouthing ‘You owe me’.

Joel nodded and mouthed back, ‘Thank you’.

You pulled back, “Tell me everything!” you dragged her to the kitchen, now wrapped up in this lie.

Joel took this opportunity to run upstairs and put the ring in his lock box under the bed which had his gun and some spare cash before quickly making it back down in hopes you didn’t see him disappear upstairs.

Sarah made up some scenario about her and some boy in chemistry, kept it brief but indulged you with small details.

It was a small price for Sarah to pay to keep the big picture alive for her Dad which is all she wanted.

2 weeks later

You had been going to therapy once a week and meeting with Diane at her office downtown ever since that dinner with Joel and his coworkers. For the most part, it had been helping with the nightmares and coping with moments of anxiety.

However, since your last session a couple of days ago, you guys touched on Z’s death and went over the events that led up to it. She had you recount certain key details that she attempted to guide you in knowing and understanding there was nothing you could have done to avoid what happened. It helped you understand that you weren’t responsible for his death but the flashbacks and recounts of what happened made it hard to sleep or relax the last few days.

You shot up out of a dead sleep and gasped, panting hard as you had been taken back to being in that chokehold that you swear is the reason Z is dead. You were shaking, unable to associate where you were in some way, staring into the distance as past trauma flooded your mind. It was like you were right back there. You weren’t in bed, you were back in the middle of that street.

Joel turned in his sleep and went to reach for you, and felt you weren’t there. He opened his eyes and saw you sitting up, your chest heaving and eyes wide open, “Baby?” he gently went to touch you, but the second his hand touched your back, you jolted out of fear and moved away from him, off the bed, “No! no…” you said loudly, you grabbed a pillow from the floor to put distance between you two, your hands shaking, eyes filled with fear, you weren’t there, you were reliving something.

He sat up, instantly realizing what you were experiencing, Diane warned him this might happen, and held his hands out defensively, “Hey, it’s me…” he spoke softly and calmly. He got up off the bed and held his hands up for you to see, “Baby, it’s me...” he cooed, “You’re safe. You are with me at our home.” he started to walk towards you.

You backed up into a corner and held the pillow out, “D-don’t… don’t move…”

He nodded, “Ok… I’m going to stay right here…” he continued to speak softly. “Can you take a deep breath with me?” he took a deep breath through his nose, watching for you to do it with him, you weren’t there, your eyes were somewhere else.

You shook your head, “Stop.. stop!” and began panting quickly through your nose, you put your hand on your chest instinctually.

“Where… where is it…” Your eyes moved around the room, analyzing the surroundings, mentally calculating every component, “Where is it…” you questioned, jaw clenched, looking for something specific.

“Where’s what sweetheart?” Joel asked, softly, trying to follow your eyes.

“Where is it?” you fell to the floor and started frantically looking for something on the floor. “Where is it…” you repeated, patting the floor to find something.

Joel went to move from that spot he was at to come by you and help, but you immediately shot up and stood, “Ja nakon!” (Don’t move in Dari), you shouted twice, pointing at him to get back to where he was.

He nodded, he rarely heard you speak Dari, this was bad, so he went back, “Ok. I won’t… I won’t move.” he watched as you dragged your bag out from under the bed, tearing through it, not finding what you needed.

“I can help… what are you looking for, I can help you…” he pleaded, looking at you panicking at what you couldn’t find, wanting nothing more than to help you through this.

You stood and started digging through the dresser, frantically looking through clothes, tears now streaming down your cheeks, “M-my necklace…” you began to sob, and began hyperventilating, knees giving out on you, sliding down the dresser, “Fuck… fuck…” you grabbed your shirt over your chest and closed your eyes, trying to breathe.

“Necklace?” he perked up, “Baby, it’s in the bathroom… you take it off at night.” he watched you fall to your knees and went to move but then remembered what Diane had told him. She said to do exactly as you said when you had these episodes as you could turn violent, unable to know the difference between memories and reality, but this, this was you being weighed down by what you had no control over, you couldn’t move, you didn’t know where you were and he could help.

“Fuck it.” he rolled over the bed and went into the bathroom, grabbing the necklace he gave you, which was in a jewelry dish you found thrifting with all your earrings and rings you would wear, he came out then slowly walked over to you, “Here… look… I found it…” he was careful not to touch you but came to your side and opened his hand, showing you the necklace in his palm.

You opened your eyes, and your breathing started to slow down, you instantly were surrounded by his scent from his cologne, “Joel…” you breathed out quietly, then immediately leaned your head onto his chest, “My Joel…” your breathing started to calm down and you started to cry softly, “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…” you curled into him.

He immediately wrapped you in his arms, “Shhh… you’re safe.” he kissed your head, “I got you.”

You gripped onto his arm, repeating how sorry you were.

He just kept kissing your head and holding you, no need to acknowledge the apologies, as you had nothing to be sorry for in his eyes.

He hummed softly the song you and he danced to in the bathroom your first night here which you had deemed your’s and his song. It instantly put you to sleep in his arms, against his chest.

He slowly picked you up and put the both of you into bed, holding you close against his chest so you could hear his heartbeat, he kept you that way all through the night.

—

At 4:45 am your alarm went off to go on your run. You leaned over and turned it off and sighed, blinking your eyes open as you lay on your back, exhausted from last night's events.

“You can always skip it…” Joel turned on his side and kissed your shoulder, then took your hand in his and kissed it as well.

You smiled softly, “Routine is important to maintain…” you looked over at him, “That’s important now after what happened last night…” you sadly said, taking your other hand and combing your fingers through his hair softly, looking at his features.

He smirked, looking at your lips, “Can we add something else to your routine then?” he kissed your shoulder again, then moved to settle himself in between your legs, moving his lips to kiss up to your neck.

You chuckled, biting your lip, “Baby… you try this every time I go on a run, and what happens?”

He grinned and slowly ran his hand up your thigh to take your hand in his then took your other hand with his other hand, putting them above your head, holding your wrists, effectively trapping you under him. He leans down and whispers in your ear as he starts to grind his hardened cock against your core, “I observe and I adapt.” he nibbles on your earlobe earning a soft moan from you.

“You need your hands when it comes to getting out from under me, I took care of that.” he growled into your neck as he started kissing your pulse point and jawline.

Your hips involuntarily bucked against his and you moaned softly as he began sucking on that soft spot under your ear, teasing it with the tip of his tongue.

He hummed and held your hands in one of his, slowly moving the other between your bodies as he heard you heavily pant, cursing under your breath, “Fuck Joel…”

“I know baby…” he kissed down your neck to your chest and collarbones before moving his hips back to take himself out of his boxers and line up with your entrance that was already weeping for him. “Do me a favor and open your legs a little wider for me, mi vida…”

You opened your legs, letting your knees almost touch the mattress, fully open for him, he groaned, “God you look so good like this…” he notched himself at your entrance “But you feel even better…” he then looked up at you before slowly sinking himself into you, causing your breath to hitch and his to quicken as the sudden warmth pulled him in, earning a deep groan from him.

Your head went up and back against your pillow, pussy fluttering as he continued to bury himself inside you, whispering as you weren’t sure if Sarah had gotten up for soccer practice yet, “Fuck, keep going…” you begged.

Joel moved his hand to bring your left thigh up to open you up further for him, earning a small whimper from you, eyebrows pinched, chest heaving, taking a deep breath, “God I…” you let out a breath to avoid moaning.

Joel knew what you were doing and took that as a challenge, “Not moaning for me baby?” he lightly panted as he moved to your leg was now against his chest, and your calf and foot were now over his shoulder as he used himself to push against you; opening you wide as you could.

He kissed your inner thigh and knee, “We’ll see about that…” and then began thrusting deeply and slowly in and out of you, from base to tip, over and over, slowly building in speed with each repetition.

He kept your hands above your head, feeling you slowly crumble beneath him from how your hands started to fight against him, and your head slowly began rolling to moan into your arm near your head.

He groaned softly, “Eyes on me, mi amor, I can feel your close…” he felt you grip his cock, and begin to roll your hips with him, eager for release.

Your breath quickened and became heavy, “I want to touch you…” your eyes traveled up to your hands and then back to his eyes, “Please…” you pleaded.

He nodded, bringing his hand down to cup your cheek and leaned in, capturing your lips in his and slowly kissing you, your hands grabbing onto his bicep and shoulder, moaning against his lips as you came shortly after, your legs shaking against him.

He pulled away from your lips and put his forehead against yours, stroking your cheek softly as he whispered, “Eres el amor de mi vida” (You are the love of my life)

You moved your hand from his shoulder to his cheek then into his hair, pulling him close to you, looking into his eyes lovingly, whispering, “Eres mi todo…” (You are my everything)

You leaned your head up to capture his lips in yours and kiss him deeply, both of you panting as he sped up his thrusts, rocking the bed as he rocked into your hips, you moaned against his lips, close again to release, this time feeling like a wave was about to crash, pulling his hair to keep him close, addicted to his lips on yours, probing your tongue into his mouth, deepening the kiss.

Joel’s hand flew to hold onto the headboard above you as he continued to grind into you, feeling that familiar pull in his naval, warmth starting to spread down his spine, he mumbled against your lips, “Fuck…” before his hips snapped into you, grunting and spilling himself inside of you, earning a tight flutter around him as you came as well, gripping onto his shoulder, moaning his name against his lips as his hips slowed down, his breath shaky against your lips.

You hummed and combed through his hair, slowing your kisses down, lips leaving him to kiss down his jaw and neck, gently kissing those places, “That’s one way to get my pre-workout…”

Joel slowly pulled out, hissing as he fell onto his back, chest heaving, a light layer of sweat coating his skin, eyes dizzy and drunk from the high he just had.

You looked over at him and kissed his shoulder as you leaned over, “Get some more sleep before work, my love…” you chuckled softly before getting up to clean up and get dressed.

By the time you came back into the bedroom dressed in a hoodie and leggings, he was passed out, asleep. You chuckled quietly and combed his hair back gently, kissing his forehead before leaving to go on your run.

You came home an hour later, sore and muscles feeling exhausted, it was exactly what you needed.

You saw no one had been up yet so you decided to start making breakfast.

After last night you wanted to do something for Joel so you wrote him a letter, something you two hadn’t done for each other in a while since you’d been home, and put some lipstick on to put kiss marks all over it after you had finished writing it.

You saw Maria had done it once with a letter of Tommy’s and never got the chance to do it yourself.

You also found a keychain that said ‘Drive safe cowboy’ and your initial and a cowboy hat charm on it the other day at a gas station, you couldn’t help but get it for him.

You put it in the envelope along with the letter, then went over to Joel’s bag by the front door and, put it in the main pocket so he could see it when he got to work.

You had pancakes, eggs, and toast ready when you saw the clock and no one was up, you jogged upstairs and knocked on Sarah’s door before opening it, “Sweets time to get up, it’s 6:30…” she groaned and smiled, nodding before she sat up and stretched.

You went down the hall and knocked on the bedroom door, peeking in, “Hey sleepy head, it’s time to get up, breakfast is going to get cold.”

Joel shot up and looked back at you, “Come ‘ere…” he sleepily said.

You chuckled, “Nope, not fallin’ for that cowboy. You want me, I’ll be in the kitchen.” you closed the door lightly and went back downstairs.

Both were downstairs fully dressed within the next 20 minutes. You had your laptop out on the table and were messaging Reggie back and forth lately in the mornings, checking in on him.

You made Sarah a plate and gave it to her when she came down, “Mornin’ sweets… your soccer gear is folded and in your duffle bag, I washed last night for you. Also, you left your chemistry book out, I put it in your book bag.” you smiled at her.

She took the plate and smiled, “Thank you…”

You nodded and handed Joel his plate, “Mornin’ sweetheart… your lunch is in your bag, and the calendar says you have a meeting with Ross and Associates at 7:30… do you want a to-go coffee as well since you won’t be able to stop for one?”

He put his plate down and shook his head, cupping your cheek with his hand, “Kiss me first then I’ll give you my answer mi cielo…” (my heaven/sky)

Sarah rolled her eyes and groaned, turning around with her plate, and eating some eggs, “First let me avert my innocent eyes…”

You chuckled and then leaned up and kissed him gently once then slowly and deeply another before pulling away, keeping your eyes closed, leaning into his hand.

He smiled and gently rubbed your cheek with his thumb, “To go coffee would be nice, thank you…” he leaned back in and kissed you again, this time deeply and sliding his tongue against your lips, you blushed and kissed him back a few times before Sarah cleared her throat.

“Ya’ll done sucking face?” she said with her back still to you.

You giggled and pulled away, gently touching his cheek, “Eh, for now…” you winked up at him then handed him his plate again.

He smiled and bit his lip, pecking your lips once more before going to sit at the table.

There was an alert from your computer, it was from Reggie, “Baby can you tell me what Reggie said?”

You went to the cupboard and grabbed a travel thermos, filling it with coffee for Joel.

Joel pulled your laptop over and clicked on the message, reading it, “He said he’s going on assignment for a few days, something super easy, he said he’s going to Delta 22?” he looked up at you.

You nodded, “Oh they must just need extra hands, but they have horrible service there.” you shrugged, nothing to worry about. “Will you tell him ‘thank you for letting me know’ and to call me when he gets back?” you smiled over at Joel, making yourself a plate of breakfast.

Joel smiled at you and nodded, typing out a message and then sending it to him.

You came over and sat by him, closing your laptop seeing Reggie had gone offline, “Here’s your coffee…” You put the thermos by his plate.

He leaned over and kissed your cheek, “Thank you for all you do, cada diํa te quiero mas” (Each day I love you more)

You blushed and began eating your breakfast.

Before you knew it they were both out of the door, leaving you to your own devices which consisted of applying for jobs and cleaning small things around the house.

Joel got to work and knew he was going to propose next weekend. He had a few more things to line up, but for the most part, everyone knew and was all super excited now, knowing an exact date and how he was going to do it. The meeting he had with ‘Ross and Associates’ was actually an engagement photographer he hired to capture the moment as Maria emphasized how much you would love having it captured. He was meeting with them to outline the timeline of events and then what he wanted out of the session.

He met with them, and everything went well, they would be at the place where he was doing everything, acting like someone randomly taking photos, but the moment he got on one knee, they’d be there to capture it all.

He opened his bag to get into his lunch and came across the envelope with your handwriting on it.

It was addressed to “Mi vaquero”. He smiled and eagerly opened it, seeing the keychain and letter, he immediately put the keychain on his key ring and then opened the letter, leaning back into his chair as he read:

Joel, I wanted to get back into the habit of how we started, writing you letters. I miss it. I sometimes crave opening the mailbox and seeing a letter from you, it brought me so much joy and happiness seeing you wrote me. I can’t believe sometimes that’s how we started, by a simple letter. Crazy right? I wanted to thank you for how patient and kind you’ve been with me since coming home. I know it’s not easy with my nightmares and trauma, I can see the fear and anxiety in your eyes - and I just wanted to thank you for how you take care of me and love me. I also wanted to tell you that since being home I’ve had an amazing time with you. I wake up every day and eres la razón por la que sonrío todos los días. (You are the reason I smile every day) I see my whole life with you and Sarah, I love you both so much and enjoy our life together. Sarah called me mom at her tryouts, and I don’t know if it was on accident or purpose but I can’t begin to tell you how happy that made me feel. You two are my family, my everything. Let’s get back into the letter writing, please? With all my love, Y/N’

Joel smiled at the part you said about Sarah calling you mom. He knew she wanted you to be a mom figure to her, but it warmed his heart to know she may already be calling you ‘mom’.

He loved the kiss marks around the letter, a nice little new touch to the letters. He would definitely be leaving your letters more often around the house and now had an idea to add to the proposal.

2 days later

Sarah got home from school around 4 pm and found the house completely dark, with windows closed, and lights off, it was weird, something was off.

She called out for you, no answer.

She walked upstairs and saw the bedroom door was closed, she knocked on it softly, “Y/N… you in there?” she opened the door, and you were curled up in bed, tissue box by the bed, it was completely dark.

You didn’t answer.

Sarah stepped in, “Hey… you ok?”

She came around and gently touched your shoulder, you sniffed, your eyes were red and bloodshot, from crying, “Y/N… what’s wrong?” she asked concerned.

“Reggie…” you swallowed, looking at the wall across from you, “He’s dead.” you put the covers over your head and softly started to cry again.

Sarah sadly sighed, “I'm so sorry..." she rubbed your back softly with her thumb, "Do you want me to come lay with you or do you need to be alone?”

“You can stay, but if you need to go, I understand.” you said softly.

Sarah nodded, “I just need to go put my book bag away, I’ll be back ok?”

You nodded, staying under the covers as tears poured from your eyes.

Sarah left the room and went downstairs, immediately calling Joel.

He picked up, smiling, “Hey sweet pea.”

“Dad, can you come home?” Sarah asked biting her nail.

Joel’s tone immediately changed, “Sarah, what’s wrong?”

“Reggie… she said he’s dead. Dad, it’s bad. She’s in bed, I came home to the whole house dark, she’s… please, I don’t know what to do... I...” Sarah tearing up.

“Does Maria know?” he grabbed his keys and started jogging to his truck.

“I don’t know, I doubt it. Can you call Tommy? I’m going to go lay with her til you get home.” she started walking up the stairs.

“Ok yeah, I'll call him. I’ll be home soon. I love you. Thank you for calling me.”

“I love you too, see you soon.” she hung up and ran up the stairs, coming into the room and closing the door behind her, getting into the sheets, and laying on her side to face you, she gently took your hand.

You cried softly and held onto her hand, “They called this morning…” you sniffed, “I was his contact on his papers…” you closed your eyes and swallowed, trying to calm your breathing down.

Sarah moved closer, whispering, “I’m so sorry…” She put her other hand on your arm and gently rubbed it, trying to offer comfort.

You chuckled sadly, “I have a whole fucking funeral to plan, I don’t even know where to start!” you choked up, “He… he has no family he said, but there’s gotta be someone out there, right? He couldn’t have been all alone…”

Sarah nodded, “I’ll help you, we can search for his family on the internet. I’ll help tonight.” she smiled sadly, “Dad can help you plan the funeral… we... we will help.” she squeezed your hand, “We are here for you.”

You nodded, and let out a shaky breath, “You went down and called Dad, didn’t you?” you chuckled.

Sarah looked at your hands shyly, “Is that ok?”

You nodded and smiled, tears continuing to stream down your cheeks, “I didn’t have the energy to, I should have called him earlier but I just…”

Sarah nodded, “You couldn’t… I get it. It’s ok.” she looked at you, “Your friend just died, it’s ok not to be ok, right?”

You nodded and touched her cheek, “Right.”

She leaned in to put her head closer to yours, “Can I ask you something?”

You nodded and took your hand off her cheek, putting your hand on hers that was holding your other, “Of course…”

She shyly looked at your hands, “Was it ok that I called you mom at tryouts?”

You chuckled and smiled through tears, “Oh thank god, I thought you didn’t mean it, like it was by accident.”

She looked at you and giggled, “Of course I meant it!” she nudged you.

You smiled through tears and looked at her, “Are you wondering if you can keep calling me mom?”

Sarah looked at you and shyly looked back at your hands again, “Would that be ok?”

You nodded, “You can call me whatever you’re comfortable with sweets.” you brushed her hair back, “If you want to call me mom all the time or some of the time or here and there, I’m perfectly happy with whatever you’re ok with.” you smiled softly.

Sarah nodded and then moved her head to press against yours, keeping your hand in hers, tearing up, “Ok Mom.”

You chuckled and tears kept falling, “You chose a very convenient time to make me cry as I’m already a blubbering mess!”

She laughed softly and started to have tears fall as well, “I’ll join you!”

You touched her cheek and smiled, “Thanks for being here, I appreciate it.”

She nodded, “Can I ask what happened? To Reggie?” she sadly looked at you.

“They said his plane was hit in transport. He never made it to location.” you sighed, “It happens... I mean anything can happen over there, but I just didn’t expect it to happen, you know?”

Sarah nodded, “Was he the only one killed in action?”

You shook your head, “Pilot and 2 other medics…”

Sarah sighed and nodded, “I’m glad you’re home… I don’t know what we would have done if you had ever gotten hurt or died.” she looked at your hands, “It would have crushed Dad…”

You saw her start to disconnect so you squeezed her hand, “I’m home now, and that isn’t going to happen, yeah?”

She snapped out of it and nodded, “Right.”

You took a breath and closed your eyes, “I don’t know how I’m going to tell Terrence... or Maria… it... it's going to crush them” and you shook your head, pinching the bridge of your nose before sobbing quietly.

You could hear the front door open and close followed by Joel’s heavy steps up the stairs as he jogged up, he knocked on the door softly, “Sweetheart?”

“Come in Dad…” Sarah softly called as she moved to console you by hugging you.

Joel came into the room kneeling by the bed Sarah was on, letting you and Sarah have your space and time together. He reached over and put his hand on yours that was on Sarah’s back, offering what support he could.

You continued to sob into Sarah’s shoulder, giving yourself a headache.

Joel came around the bed and laid behind you, wrapping you in his arms as you hugged Sarah did from the front, kissing the back of your head and temple, whispering how sorry he was.

You eventually fell asleep after crying what felt like hours, curled up against them, exhausted emotionally and mentally from the news.

Joel and Sarah slipped out and headed downstairs together, Sarah looked at him, “What do we do?”

Joel looked up at her, leaning against the counter, “She just needs support.” he looked down, “I’ll call Diane in the morning and see if she can get her in for an emergency session.”

“I mean what are you going to do about… you know?” she wiggled her ring finger.

Joel didn’t even think about that right now. He didn’t even think how this put a wrench in his plans, he was just so focused on you. He sighed and nodded, “I guess it’s just not the right time.” he bit the inside of his cheek, thinking.

Sarah nodded and sighed, “Can the plan be pushed out? Maybe another week, after the funeral?”

Joel nodded, “I’ll talk to everyone tomorrow and explain what’s going on. I’m sure it can.” he smiled softly.

Sarah nodded then went to the fridge, “I’ll start some dinner, you wanna call Tommy? Check on Maria?”

Joel nodded, “Order some take out, sweat pea. Don't worry about cookin'... not on a day like this.” he put his wallet on the counter and walked away to call Tommy.

The next morning you woke up with a massive headache. Your phone alarm went off and you rolled over, snoozing it.

Ugh. 5 am never felt so gross.

Joel turned to face you and wrapped you in his arms, you had been out the rest of the night, this was the first time you’d been awake in almost 15 hours, he kissed your temple gently, “Stay…”

You swallowed, your voice hoarse, “It’s not for a run… it’s for the airport…” you said emotionless, still exhausted.

Joel perked his head up, brushing your hair back, “What do you mean sweetheart?”

You kept your gaze fixed on the ceiling, focusing on one specific bump amongst the popcorn texture above you. One that you stared out for hours yesterday, “He… his body is… I have to be there to transport him.”

“What time do we have to be there?” he kissed your cheek gently.

“We? You don’t have to come… it’ll be a lot of protocols and standing and just… it’ll be a lot.” you sat up and sighed, sitting at the edge of the bed, rolling your shoulders, feeling stiff from how long you had been in bed.

“I don’t care, mi vida, there’s no way you’re doin’ this alone…” he sat up and gently kissed your shoulder from behind you, “When do I need to be ready?”

You took a breath and looked back at him, leaning your head against his, melting against him, grateful for him and his constant support, “We need to leave the house in a half hour.”

He nodded and leaned up, kissing your forehead, “I’ll go brew us some coffee.” then got off the bed and opened the bedroom door, walking to go downstairs.

You stood up and went over to the closet, pulling out your ceremonial uniform and laying it on the bed.

Joel came up and got dressed quickly, putting on some jeans and a nice button-down, putting on some nice boots, trying to look put together and respectful. He headed back downstairs saying he’d get some to-go coffee ready while you finished getting ready.

You brushed your hair out, washed your face, and brushed your teeth then did your hair into the traditional bun before getting into the uniform, taking your time, making sure everything was respected, and done right.

You looked at yourself in the mirror, never wanting to see yourself in this uniform, this was never meant to be worn, no one was supposed to die. This was a heavy uniform to wear, one that felt too tight and too formal, not physically but mentally. You hated everything about it.

You narrowed your eyes and clenched your jaw and then stood up straight, rolling your shoulders back, putting your hands to your side, before grabbing your hat and gloves and walking downstairs.

Joel was sitting at the table when he saw you, never seeing you in the uniform. You thought aside from the circumstances, you looked beautiful.

“Hey… you ready baby?” he stood up.

You nodded and headed towards the front door, feeling numb, wanting to just get this over with.

You put your hand on the doorknob and stopped, feeling that sharp pin of anxiety starting in the back of your skull, you closed your eyes and let out a shaky breath, stretching out your neck and rolling it in a circle to get that gnawing feeling to go away.

Joel came up and set the thermos he had in his hands and gently turned you towards him, to softly pull you to hug him.

You wrapped your arms around him and took in a breath then slowly let it out, “This wasn’t supposed to happen…”

He kissed your head gently and nodded, “I know… I’m so sorry.” he gently rubbed your back, holding onto you as long as you needed.

After a few moments, you pulled back, took his hand, and took one of the thermos, “I’m ready…”

He nodded and walked with you to the truck.

The ride to the airport was about 30 minutes. He held onto your hand the whole drive and would occasionally glance at you and softly smile, telling you how much he loved you and how he’d help you later arrange what needed to be done.

You would nod but barely talk, you felt so disconnected, not truly there, it didn't feel real. This couldn't be happening. You listened to soft hum as he'd hum along to the music or watch out the window as he drove, you and your thoughts trying to escape this shit outcome.

You were told yesterday where to meet the aircraft and told Joel past a certain point he’d have to stay back. He understood and stayed with you until you would get to that point which would be a certain point on the tarmac for family's and loved ones.

Once you hit the tarmac, there was a large military transport craft parked. You walked up to a small crowd of people, loved ones who also were greeting their loved ones, and looked at Joel, “Wait for me here, I’ve got to do a few things after we transport him with some officers.” you looked down to put your gloves on.

Joel nodded and looked at you as you started putting your hat and gloves on, “Can I kiss you, or is that against protocol?” he asked softly, genuinely, wanting to be respectful of any decorum.

You looked up at him, smiling gently, and touched his cheek, “You can kiss me, you need not ever ask.”

He leaned in and kissed you softly a couple of times, pulling back a little, “I’ll be here when you’re done. Tell Reg welcome home for me.” he touched your chin and softly rubbed his thumb across your lip.

You nodded, backed away, and brushed your uniform before walking through the group of family members over to a group of higher-ranking officers in charge of this event.

Joel hung back and an older woman came up to him, “I’m sorry I couldn’t help but overhear… who are you here for if I can ask?”

Joel looked down and nodded, “Oh… my girlfriend is here to transport a friend of hers she served with, Specialist Reginald Mackey.” he sadly smiled.

She gasped softly, “Oh… thank god.” tears streamed down her face.

Joel tilted his head, confused.

“I’m his mother… he… we…” she started to sob, “We didn’t have a good relationship towards the end. They wouldn’t let me over there when I asked. Something about someone else being on the paperwork.”

Joel looked towards you and then her, “Oh… ma’am, I’m so sorry. I… my… mine served with him. They were good friends, she was on the paperwork, I believe.” he touched her hand, “I can see if she can bring you over?”

She shook her head, “No, no need. I just didn’t want him to come home alone, but she’s bringing him home. She's there for him...” she wiped her tears, “May I stand with you?”

Joel nodded and smiled, “Of course.”

She held out her hand, “Mary… Mary Mackey.” she smiled softly.

“Joel... Joel Miller…” he took her hand gently and shook it.

—

You walked up and saluted the commanding officers before they put you at ease.

You were instructed to stand and wait for his casket to come out as there were three others aboard, he was the last one. There were 25 other service men and women lined up with you. You all stood respectfully, saluting as each casket came out and was loaded into a an individual hearse.

After about 20 minutes, Reggie was announced and you and 6 other officers stepped forward, in two lines of 3, and walked into the aircraft to gather him.

You touched the top of the casket gently and whispered, “Welcome home brother…” you clenched your jaw to hold back tears and swallowed before standing straight like the rest of the group and then as one turning to the right before positioning to get ready to lift the casket.

You all as one lifted the casket draped with the flag and walked in a steady march back out of the aircraft, eyes forward, while everyone remained silent, saluting or with a hand over their heart.

Joel put his hand over his heart and let Mrs. Mackey hold onto his arm as she cried softly watching the ceremony, hand clutching her heart as her son came out of the plane.

Once he was loaded into the hearse you all turned your feet inward to face each other and slowly brought your arms up to a salute and stayed that way until another officer closed the hearse door and it drove away.

Once he was outside of your vision, you were all put at ease, everyone walked away but you felt your knees buckle, so you squatted down and touched the ground, trying to ground yourself, give yourself a moment, “He’s home… the hard part is over.” you whispered to yourself.

Joel saw you and for a moment worried you were ok, but then you stood up after a few moments, eyes distant yet focused, and shook out your hands and rolled your shoulders, something you commonly did to shake out any anxiety. He knew you just needed you were dealing with a lot on your right now, he wouldn't be surprised if you were inching towards a panic attack and needed support when leaving. He'd be there though, he was ready.

You walked over and signed some paperwork and then walked over to Reggie's commanding officer and told him that you chose to bury him in the military cemetery which he had offered you yesterday. He nodded and advised he would be transported there in 2 days, that he would call you with details for the funeral or any services you may want to do as there would be a 21-gun salute there.

You nodded and shook his hand then were handed a folded flag, with his dog tags, something the family of the fallen soldier would get when they were greeted by the casket of their loved one, however since you were carrying him, this was given to you now.

You looked down at it and closed your eyes, gripping it in your hands, cursing under your breath as tears threatened to spill.

You saluted the commanding officer with tears in your eyes then he walked away.

You sighed softly, and looked at the tags, running your fingers across them. You then put his dog tags over your head and looked down at them around your neck, you’d give these to Terrence when you saw him, they belonged to him.

You turned around and tucked the flag under your arm and began walking back to the group of people. You met eyes with Joel and he nodded at you, mouthing ‘Reggie’s mom…’ then nodded his head towards her, the closer you got.

Your eyes went wide and you rushed over, “Mrs. Mackey?”

She smiled, “You must be Sargent Y/N…” she had tears streaming down her face, “It’s so good to meet you.” she held out her hand for you to take.

You took her hand, “Ma’am I’m so sorry for your loss… I…” you brought the folded flag out from your arm and held it out, “This belongs to you…” you looked at her.

She nodded and gently took it, “T-thank you for bringing him home…” she said through tears.

You shook your head, “I had no idea you’d be here… you… I’m so sorry.” you looked at Joel, “How did you know he passed? They told me I was the only one on the paperwork.”

“Reggie had someone call me from his camp. Gave them my number and told them if he didn’t make it back to call me, said a mom should know when her kid…” she choked up, “A mom should know when her child dies.”

You teared up and nodded, then pulled her into a hug, rubbing her back.

She held onto you for dear life, sobbing into your chest. You looked up at Joel and sighed softly.

He leaned down and kissed your head.

You pulled back after she let you go, “The commander I spoke with said you were making arrangements, is that true?” she wiped her eyes with a tissue.

You nodded and put your hands in front of you respectfully, “He’s being buried in a military cemetery, they are giving him a proper burial in 2 days. I don’t want to step on your toes, so if you’d like you can plan it or you can help me, I’m fine with whatever you are ma’am.” you touched her arm softly.

She nodded, “If it’s ok with you, I’d like to help…”

You nodded, “I uhm… would you like to come over to our home? I’ve got things I need to do today for it, call some people, you could start on some of the basics, flowers, stuff like that?”

Joel came up, “Do you live here ma’am? If not, you’re welcome to our guest room.” he put his hand on the small of your back.

She nodded, “I came in from out of town. I have a hotel though.”

You shook your head, “No, you’re stayin’ with us, cancel your reservation. Reggie would never forgive me if I let you stay in a hotel alone.” you rubbed her arm.

She chuckled and nodded, “Ok if you insist.”

Joel cleared his throat, “We insist.” he smiled, rubbing your back softly, and you leaned into him.

2 days later

You had called Terrence and his mom called some other friends and family about Reggie’s passing. By the time the funeral came around, about 30 people had shown up to honor and remember him.

That morning of the service, your alarm went off at around 6 am, you rolled over and snoozed it, covering your head with a pillow and sighing.

Joel woke and chuckled at your reaction, “Not feelin’ it today?” he said with a voice low with sleep.

He turned on his side and gently ran his fingers up our bareback when you didn't answer back.

You peeked out from the pillow at him, “This sounds horrible but I can’t wait for this day to be over.”

Joel leaned his head and got under the pillow, kissing your nose, “I get it, death can be exhausting.”

You smiled softly and nodded, “Yeah, it's exhausting, I’m just ready to have things go back to normal.”

Joel kept rubbing your back, “Me too, sweetheart.”

You touched his cheek and leaned in, kissing him softly a few times, “Can we do something this weekend? I don’t know, go see a movie, go out to dinner, or just get out of the house?”

He smiled softly, nodding, “We will, already have some plans.” he winked and kissed your lips gently before sitting up and getting out of bed.

“Wait what do you mean, you already have plans?” you put the pillow off of you and sat up, smiling.

He chuckled, “Exactly what you think it means, I made arrangements and we just have to do them.” he stood up and started walking to the bathroom.

You got out of bed and followed him, “What are the ‘arrangements’..." you mimicked his southern drawl and used air quotes, "...can I know what they are?” you stood in the doorway, watching him wash his face, smiling.

He shook his head and laughed lightly, “Nope, it’s all a surprise.” he looked at you and winked.

You crossed your arms, and pouted, “You’re no fun.”

He chuckled and turned around as he dried his face, smiling at you, “How about a small hint?”

You perked up and nodded eagerly, “Deal, spill it.” you bounced up and down on the balls of your feet.

“It has to do with the messages I sent you when you were in Delta 42… when I answered your letter back.” he came over and took your chin in his grip and pulled your lips to his, making you dizzy with a slowly deep kiss.

You blushed and kissed him back, wrapping your arms loosely around his neck until he pulled back, “Good hint, I’m still clueless because that was a lot you sent me…” you pecked his lips.

He chuckled and tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, mesmerized by your beauty, “Quiero ser la razón de tu felicidad.” (I want to be the reason for your happiness.)

You looked up at him confused, touching his hand on your cheek, “You already are…” you smiled, trying to find his eyes.

He smiled and found your eyes, “I know…” he gently pulled you close to his lips, saying just above a whisper, “I just… Eres mi todo…” (You are my everything)

You melted in his gaze and smiled against his lips before threading your fingers through his hair and pulling his lips to kiss yours.

He kissed you deeply, slowly, like he was taking his time.

You pushed yourself against him, pressing your chest against his, kissing him more heavily, panting, pulling him by his shirt closer to you.

He moved his hand down to your waist to pull you closer, pressing you up against the bathroom wall, then moved his hands so he was picking you up by pulling your legs up around his waist, pressing you against the wall.

You let out a moan and moved your lips down to kiss his neck, fingers combing through his hair and down his bicep.

He grinned and swallowed, “Fuck…” he groaned feeling you kiss his pulse point.

You smirked against his skin then you both jumped hearing a knock on the bedroom door.

“Terrence is here!”

You groaned and sighed, “T you’re a fucking cockblock…”

Joel chuckled and put his head against you for a moment, catching his breath, “I’m gonna have to have a word with him…” he set you down slowly and smiled down at you, eyes full of lust and love.

You smiled shyly, “Finish this later?”

He nodded and kissed you gently, “Always, mi vida…”

You kissed him back and then shouted back at Sarah, “Tell him I’ll be done in 10 minutes, please!”

“Copy that.” she said through the door and you could hear her run down the stairs.

You got ready in your uniform once again and Joel got ready in a black button-down and dress coat with some dark wash jeans.

You all got to the cemetery about an hour later. You, Terrence, and Maria all in uniform performed in ceremonies such as the 21-gun salute, and Terrence passed the flag to his mom that was taken from his casket and folded in a triangle during a special flag presentation ceremony before they lowered him down to put him to rest.

Mary asked for you all to speak, and share stories of Reggie. Maria went first, shared memories of Reggie and her playing stupid pranks on you and Terrence, how at first we swore he hated us because when we met him we laughed at his name, for which Maria had to explain the joke between her and you, earning some laughs and smiles from friends and family.

Terrence chose to go next, he shared stories of Reggie’s bravery, how he always had his head on straight while Terrance would always be the anxious one between the two of them. He shared how guilty he felt when he got to go home and felt wrong to leave him there. He cried as the last time they spoke Reggie mentioned coming to meet Terrence, come crash on his couch… plans that would never come to fruition. He called Reggie his brother from another mother, and that he’d never get over how little time they had together.

He stepped down and it felt like everyone turned to look at you.

You swallowed and took a deep breath. Joel was holding your hand and kissed it softly, which gave you what you needed to stand and walk to the podium putting your hat under your arm while you walked up to stand by the microphone.

You had written some notes and had them on a crumpled paper inside your hand. You uncrumpled it and read through it, remembering what you wanted to say.

You cleared your throat and exhaled, “Sorry, I’m not a good public speaker, so you’ll have to forgive me if I drop backward up here from pure anxiety.” you chuckled nervously and joked.

The crowd chuckled and then you looked down at the casket, now lowered into the ground, you teared up and then looked at Mrs. Mackey, “Reggie to me was the kind of person that was willing to jump through hoops of fire for you. He was kind, brave, strong, and like a little brother to me.”

She smiled and wiped away tears.

“I uh… I got into some trouble when we were deployed, got into a fight.” you looked down shyly then back up into the crowd, shrugging, “The other guy deserved it, but still... A fight is a fight. You still get a lecture in the army.”

Maria nodded, remembering, chuckling to herself. The rest of the crowd chuckled and waited for the rest of the story.

“Reggie wasn’t even there when it happened. But he vouched for me. Told our commanding officer I wouldn’t just fight someone for the hell of it.” you looked at Joel, he smirked, and you smiled, “You had to really piss me off to get what I gave that day.” you chuckled and looked at the crowd, “And that guy…” you shook your head and let out a small laugh, “He tap danced on the wrong nerve that day.” they laughed softly.

You looked down at his casket after calming your laugh down, “I still got yelled at, but I could’ve gotten a lot worse if it wasn’t for him and his loyalty.” you sighed and tsked your tongue.

“He was always there for us.” you chuckled and looked at Mrs. Mackey, Maria, and Terrence, “He was for sure the annoying little brother most of the time, pulling pranks on us, hiding our shit, pinning us against each other half the time…” you chuckled and so did everyone else.

“But he was our little brother…” you said softly, choking up, tearing up, “...and I wish with every fiber in me that I could have changed this outcome for him.” you clenched your jaw and balled up your fists, looking down at the casket, breathing becoming heavy, tears falling.

You cleared your throat and rolled your shoulders, straightening up, moving around the pulpit, and standing over his casket, “I’ll see you again little brother, but not yet.” you smiled and let a few tears fall. “Keep Z company… and raise a little hell up in heaven for me.” you knelt and took something out of your pocket, a picture of the four of you and Z that you had taken on your disposable camera, setting it on the casket and gently patting it before standing and saluting him for a few seconds then putting your hand down and taking a breath in, closing your eyes for a moment to let it out, “Roohash shaad…” (Rest in peace in Dari)

You nodded and smiled down at the casket and then returned to your seat, taking Joel’s hand and nodding, letting him know you were ok.

A few other people shared their thoughts and stories then the pastor said a prayer before they dismissed everyone to leave.

Mary came over and hugged you, “Thank you for all you did, for making this happen for my sweet boy.”

You nodded and hugged her, “Please keep in touch. I think Reggie would have wanted that, you know?”

She nodded, “I will. I will visit often too.” she looked at Joel and winked, “You take care of her, yeah?”

Joel chuckled and kissed your temple, putting his hand on your back, “I will ma’am…”

She smiled and then left to say goodbye to Maria and Terrence.

Joel kissed your temple again and pulled you in for a hug, “What do you say we order some takeout and have a movie night, hmm?”

You nodded against his chest, “You had me at ordering take out…” you chuckled pulling away as he took your hand.

He kissed it and then started to walk with you to the truck, smiling to himself, humming softly a song that played on the radio on the way there.

You looked at him and chuckled, you had no idea why he was in a good mood, but assumed it was just because this was all over and you both could get back to your routines.

You had no idea it was due to the ring he took out from under the bed every night when he got home from work to ‘change’, telling himself he couldn’t just go down to the kitchen and propose, he had a plan, and this weekend, it would happen.

Previous chapter - Next chapter

a/n: ya'll the next couple chapters ... ahhhh! what are your ideas for how he's going to propose!?

taglist: @sarahhxx03, @blahkateisdone, @sunnytuliptime, @pedroscurls, @docharleythegeekqueen @pedritosgirl2000

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chillentertainer · 23 hours ago

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an interlude (to my john wick au)

thomas is seventeen—a quiet lad, thoughtful. bright, too. and uncommonly beautiful. angelic, his mother’s friend once drunkenly called him. he has his mother’s roman nose and his father’s pensive blue eyes. pretty like a girl, his classmate henry anglteton, sneers at him.

angleton, who holds a particular hatred for thomas and is built like goliath, frightens thomas. he would never admit it, no, but angleton could easily pummel thomas into a paste. in fact, thomas had witnessed him beat another poor boy until his face was a mass of blood and bruises. then angleton turned around, spotted thomas hiding behind the trees, and smiled.

thomas knew in that moment he was next. and he knew that this was god’s punishment for his fear and inaction. he had stood by and watched as this horror had been committed, and now he had been condemned to experiencing the same.

still, he prayed for god’s guidance. he asked Him for the wisdom and courage to face angleton, for a way thomas could stop his reign of terror. he asked forgiveness for what he had done to gregory, for penance. he asked Him for mercy. he begged for it.

and god could be merciful, yes, but sometimes he could be cruel. it was all for our own good in the end, though His actions might be inscrutable.

it is a rainy night when thomas returns from another failed confession with father samuel. another night of stammering and half-complete sentences finally petering out into an oppressive silence.

“what it is it, my child,” father samuel had said, impatience underlying his gentle tone.

thomas could not say.

thunder roars above him. a hundred years ago, they would’ve said, god is angry. now thomas knows better. (but does he?) the trail through the countryside is quiet. there is no one there except for a figure leaning against a tree. thomas nears him, his steps quickening. a nonsensical string of words pour from his lips, the world’s most pathetic prayer. please god, please god, please god. not today. let it not be today that i am punished. i am not ready, i am afraid—

“hey pretty boy,” angleton calls out and waves a hand. “was waitin’ for you to come by.” lightning flashes and his brass knuckles are illuminated.

god’s will be done.

—

the beating is bad enough that thomas is hospitalized for a week and a half. his left eye is sealed shut. his ribs are bruised. the doctors, his parents, and police all ask, who and why? thomas does not answer.

god did this, he wants to say, which sounds ridiculous but is true. god placed angleton in my path, as both punishment and lesson.

they would take him to a mental facility if he said all this. he keeps his lips clamped shut.

his uncle, an SAS officer who has just returned home from service in Afghanistan, enters and sits at his bedside. thomas ignored uncle marcus. they sit in silence. thomas is always sitting in silence lately. finally uncle marcus nods at the crucifix necklace hanging around thomas’s neck. “how much did that help you?” he says. “because it looks to me like your god did jack shit.” he leans forward. “tommy, god can’t save you. he won’t help you. but with some training and a gun? the same bastards who did this to you will be begging for mercy at your feet.”

thomas turns his head to meet his uncle’s gaze. “i don’t want that,” he whispers. “i just want to make sure they don’t do that to anyone else ever again.”

“and you can,” uncle marcus responds. “there are bullies and evil everywhere in the world. someone needs to go and clean it up. that could be you.”

he squeezes thomas’s shoulder before he stands. “think about it. get better soon, tommy, i’m tired of your mum crying over the phone to me about your condition.”

—

the next month, thomas graduates, and instead of entering a seminary like he had always planned, he joins the army. he picks up a gun for the first time in his life, aims, and pulls the trigger. this is how he finds out he is a crack shot. this is also how he falls further from god’s grace.

—

he hasn’t been considered pretty in many decades now. but grown men flinch when he steps near them. this is called a trade-off. you make many trade-offs in life. you trade in your kindness for evil, your god for a gun, your collar and cassock for camos and dress uniforms. by the time you’ve realized you’ve made a mistake, it’s too late. there is no return.

#this is probably the last installment you’re gonna see on tumblr sorry #bc I’m finally gonna stop fucking around and write the rest on ao3!#so keep an eye out for that <3 #assassin conclave au #lawrenitez #thomas lawrence #conclave #conclave au

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more-sonorous · 2 days ago

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sneak peek at my next big piece!! (javey)

i've decided on my next big undertaking, once i'll paint you shades of blue and red is done!

this idea, once again, came from the lovely @jackmkelly . we've been yapping about it nonstop and we're creating a pretty lovely storyline that's full of themes of love, loss, grief, acceptance-- there are cute kids, cute daveys, and lots and lots of family.

of course, because it's me, there's gonna be romance-- but there's also going to be a lot of discussion of healing and dealing with grief. i hope you guys are excited because I AM!!!!

.....

The carriage seemed to rock beneath them as the dirt road stretched onward beneath the wheels, jostling softly to the rhythm of the trotting horses up ahead. David swayed back and forth, bumping every time the wheels rumbled over a rock or divot in the path. He’d never ridden in a carriage like this before– the seats were cushioned and covered with silky smooth fabric, and the walls were painted with lovely flowering details of gold and pale pink. Curtains hung over the windows and lamps flickered above the heads of the two lone passengers– David Jacobs and one Medda Larkin, facing each other.

How he’d ended up riding in the carriage of one of the most successful women in New York City was honestly beyond his own understanding, but there she was, as real as the cool glass of the elaborately paneled windows to his left and right. Miss Medda was a beautiful woman with dark skin and elegantly styled black hair, curled into careful loops and pinned against her head in the fashionable style of the day. She was wearing a lovely S-shaped gown made of rich, coral-colored fabric that might’ve been worth more than David’s family’s entire apartment. Even her shoes seemed expensive. David could see the tips of her elaborately crafted flats from beneath her petticoats, and he wondered how someone could ever come upon such wealth.

“David, darling, I can’t thank you enough for taking this job.” She began, offering him the warmest of smiles and extending a careful hand to him.

He took it with slight hesitance, nervous heart running like a racehorse within his chest. David’s mind was still lingering on anxious minutiae– was he underdressed? What if he didn’t impress her? What if his father’s shabby old coat and faded waistcoat and trousers were unpleasant to the eye? Was his tie crooked, or his shoes too obviously spit-shined? Perhaps his curls were a mess or he’d accidentally let the star of David hidden beneath his clothing show through. He was an anxious wreck as she squeezed his hand softly and leaned in.

“Now, I know this is going to be somewhat of a challenge, but I know your sister and I adore your family, and I know you’re a resilient bunch.” He could see some sort of trepidation trying to creep through her anxious expression, but Medda Larkin was an excellent actress, and any trace of nervousness was gone before he could catalogue it. “You’re overqualified, after all. A degree in education, years of piano lessons, excellent track record in school– I don’t think the children could ask for a better tutor, truly.”

“Thank you, Miss Medda.” He answered truthfully, though he was sure his anxiety was obvious.

David was currently riding out to the beautiful New York countryside to serve as a live-in tutor to the three Kelly children. It wasn’t the sort of job he’d dreamed of– when he attended Columbia university, he hoped to work his way up the ladder and eventually earn enough degrees to become a professor of literature. Then he’d pull his family from poverty and drop them into a comfortable middle class life– but he soon realized that his dreams were a bit too unrealistic. He’d need a bit more money because there weren’t enough scholarships in the world to pull him through a second degree.

Sometime during his desperate job search, his elder sister Sarah must’ve mentioned his plight to her boss– she worked as a costume designer for Miss Medda, always sewing clothes and sketching elaborate dresses for the shows playing at the theatre– and when Medda found out that David was young, unmarried and university educated? She reached out immediately.

David was going to move in with the Kelly’s and act as not only a tutor but a nanny as well. The job paid well and he received free room and board, meals included, so he shouldered the rather embarrassing burden of childcare and took the job as a male nanny. Working here for two years would earn him enough money to finish school with his scholarships. Then he’d be set for life.

Didn’t make it any less strange or nerve-wracking. If he did a bad job, that would make Sarah look bad, too.

“Now,” Medda pursed her lips and carefully took David’s other hand. “I’ve got to be honest with you, honey. My son’s wife died two years ago. It… it hasn’t been easy for this little family, and they’ve been through about… well– it’s been twenty or so nannies since she passed.”

He felt his own eyes widening as his heart dropped to his stomach. So much for the two year plan. “Twenty? Are– are the children rather challenging?”

“The children? Oh, no.” She chuckled warmly, shaking her head. “Those babies are angels, David, I assure you. Three of the sweetest little souls you’ll ever meet. It’s– to put it delicately, it’s Jack. My son. He’s… selective? But before you panic, I’ve got a good feeling about you! You’re young! You’ve got lots of energy, lots of intelligence, siblings of your own– and you’re the first nanny that hasn’t been hired through an agency. My own personal choice.”

David felt it wasn’t appropriate to mention that such a statement wasn’t refreshing at all. In fact, it only made the load upon his shoulders feel even heavier. Now he was going to make Medda herself look bad if he made a mistake. “I… I’ll try not to let you down.”

“I have a feeling you won’t.” She smiled, with an incredibly optimistic tone, and carefully squeezed David’s hands in her own before dropping them. “Here’s the trick– you win those kids over, you win their daddy over, too. I’ll give you some insider information. Francis is the youngest, and she’s two. Precious little thing, but she’s a real clinger. Luna’s five. She’s incredibly bright, adores singing and dancing, dressing up– it’ll be easy for you to connect with her, too. Micheal’s the oldest, and he’s eleven and a half. He’s a such a lovely kid, but he’s real prickly when you get to know him. You’ve got a little brother that age, though, don’t you? Leshem?”

“He’s just turned thirteen.” David confirmed, growing more nervous by the second.

“You’ll be good with Micheal, then. He loves riding horseback, despises arithmetic… but he’s very interested in history, so you might use that to your advantage.” She shot David a playful wink and drew back the curtains on her side of the carriage, thoughtfully looking out the window.

At some point, the grayscale cityscape had blossomed into a forest, bathed in the landscape of early spring. Blades of green grass pushed their way through the underbrush and green, budding leaves were beginning to appear. Even with branches mostly bare from winter, the road they were traveling was lovely. David could only imagine how it looked in full bloom, or drenched in the warm colors of autumn. Maybe even coated in a thick blanket of snow. It would be nice to live out of the city for once, too. Once in a life he could scarcely remember, David had lived in a little Polish village with his family. They’d left when he was only four, though, so all he could remember was their tiny Baxter Street department, deep in the slums of New York City. Such a getaway was usually a luxury only the rich could afford, and though he’d be working, he knew he’d still enjoy himself.

He peered out the window as well, trying to conceal his own nerves. David was a horrible blabbermouth when he got like this, and he couldn’t stop himself from trying to spark up an awkward conversation. “So… is the house a family property?”

“Not my family.” Medda laughed a warm, full type of laugh that seemed to fill the air around them with mirth. “No, certainly not mine. It’s been passed down through Jack’s wife’s family for generations. Used to be a vacation home, but Katherine’s father… graciously gave it to them as a sort of wedding present.”

A house as a wedding present. Wealthy people fascinated David. “That’s very kind of him.”

She huffed the sort of huff that a person did when they found something funny in a sarcastic manner, usually because of some hidden context. David cringed and decided not to push the matter any further, pulling away from the window and shrinking back into his seat. Medda carefully examined her flawless nails as David’s rigid posture jostled about in the bumpy carriage.

Oh, he was very nervous with the added context. A father who was picky with his nannies and three different children to impress– plus the levels of learning were incredibly different. He’d need to teach the two year old basic speech and developmental skills, the four year old basic things like the alphabet and numbers, and the eleven year old would be well into his schooling and need at least four core subjects. It would be a balancing act between naptimes and meals and other activities to bring the children joy– maybe he’d teach them piano or take them on walks. The sort of things he would’ve liked as a child, or maybe the sort of things Les would’ve liked.

David tapped his fingers over his knee as he resisted the urge to bite his nails, staring fixedly out the window. Every once in a while, a massive country manor rolled past. He couldn’t believe that he was going from his family’s tiny apartment to one of these almost-palaces. It was like something out of a dream.

When the carriage took a sudden right turn, Medda cleared her throat. “David, I think you’re really what the family needs. My son, too. He’s got to be pulled out of his head. No one should live like he’s been living since Katherine passed.”

“I… I’ll do my best, Miss Larkin.” His knee bounced almost uncontrollably, and his stomach was caught in nervous knots.

“I know you will. If anyone can do this, it’s one of you Jacobs siblings. Born to the breed.” She winked again, playful and charismatic, and even earned a small smile from the anxious man. He wished he could work for Miss Medda again under more pleasant circumstances– like the few times he’d assisted her stage managers for productions at her theatre during his University days.

Now he was facing the most daunting task of his life, and he could scarcely breathe from being so nervous.

They rolled into a massive gravel drive, the carriage rattling around them as the loveliest gardens David had ever seen appeared. Fountains and hedges laid out in pretty symmetry stared back at him, begging him to stick around and see them in bloom. He could just imagine the front lawn bursting with flowers, green and lovely and smelling sweetly of springtime. Strolls down this lane would be positively unmatched, and his fingers itched for a good book.

The house itself was even grander than the gardens, almost imposing in its ancient beauty. David guessed, based on the perfect symmetry and minimal detailing, that this manor had been built sometime in the beginning of the last century. He knew tall, reaching Neoclassical pillars when he saw them, and this lovely house with its creeping ivy was an enlightenment thinker’s dream. It stood starkly against the pale blue sky, wisps of pulled-cotton clouds curling outwards behind it. David had never seen such grandeur up close.

Soon (possibly too soon) their carriage rumbled to a halt and Medda sent him an encouraging smile. David did his absolute best to conceal his nerves and returned the gesture, climbing out of the safety of the carriage once an attendant opened the door.

Before him, the entire household staff stood in lines leading to the door. Men on one side, women on the other. Now David really and truly wanted to throw up, but he focused on the warmth of Miss Medda’s hand as he helped her out of the carriage. He really was far too shabby for this, and shoved his hands into his pockets as he followed her towards the front door. Tall and made of wood, they seemed to walk in slow motion towards it, and David had never been so nervous in his entire life. Before Medda could even reach the door, it was thrown open to reveal a little burst of tiny human energy– a small girl with a round face and flushed cheeks running through to fling her arms around Medda.

“Gammy!” She cried, squeezing her eyes shut happily as Medda lifted her into an embrace.

“Oh, if it isn’t my Luna-bug!” Medda cooed with all the adoration of an enamored grandparent, “You’re so much taller than the last time I saw you!”

Luna laughed loud, like Les used to laugh when he was that tiny, and David got a good look at her face as she cupped Medda’s cheeks in those tiny little hands. She was positively, heart-wrenchingly adorable, with the biggest brown eyes he’d ever seen, and short brown hair cut just beneath her chin. Well-kept bangs swept across her forehead and a green ribbon tied half of her hair out of her face, skin tan and cheeks chubby with well-fed youth. She was a tiny thing but she was positively doll-like. “I miss you!”

“I missed you too, baby girl.” Medda pressed a kiss to Luna’s cheek and earned another precious giggle, just as someone else rushed out the front door.

A boy, definitely the eleven-year-old Micheal, followed by two others. Micheal winced and carefully extracted Luna from the older woman’s arms. With all the practiced ease of an adult parent, this eleven-year-old boy settled his little sister on his hip. David was instantly reminded of himself and Les. “I’m sorry, Gram. She wouldn’t sit still.”

“‘S no problem at all. She’s just excited to meet Mr. David, here.” Medda carefully beckoned him forward, a gentle hand resting on his back.

He awkwardly stumbled forward and got a good look at the tiny family in front of him, four sets of eyes staring him down, and–

Oh, he thought, breath stuttering in his chest, they’re just perfect.

The whole family. From little Luna and her big, brown eyes to the man that was obviously her father, and happened to be the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous man David Jacobs had ever laid eyes upon. God, was he gorgeous. Black hair, dark as silk, seemed to fall in two perfect, wavy curtains over his forehead. His hair swept back and formed little curls at the back of his head, framing his face perfectly. Sharp, furious brown eyes stared David down, set just beneath perfectly shaped brows and thick, black lashes. His jaw was wide and sharp and his bone structure was breathtakingly gorgeous, from his wide nose to his cheekbones to the slope of his brow. A dusting of stubble covered his chin, like a shadow over the bottom of his face. He looked angry, yes, but he looked like a furiously beautiful God plucked straight from Grecian mythology, with his honey-brown eyes and perfectly full lips. His skin was deeply tanned, the color of coffee with just a splash or two of cream. Pretty.

Of course, a man this beautiful was bound to have precious children. Little Luna was held by Micheal, who very well could’ve just been an eleven-year-old version of his father. He had the same black hair, styled a bit differently with the part above his right eye instead of the middle, and the same deeply tanned skin. David saw the same nose and lips and eyebrows, down to the shape of his eyes and ears. Though his eyes were a darker coffee-colored brown, little Micheal was his father’s young twin.

And then Francis, only-two but smiling at David like she knew him already. She had the same round face as her sister with impossibly chubby cheeks and incredibly curly orange hair pulled up in pigtails, one of the most strikingly ginger children David had ever seen. Her eyelashes were long and blonde and her cheeks and tiny nose were pink, and she clung to the fabric of her father’s shirt with grabby hands. She had big, brown eyes too, just like the rest of her family. He knew he was going to have trouble denying these kids anything.

They were a lovely family. All dressed well, all well fed. It would’ve been a perfect picture had Micheal and Jack not been sending him twin glares.

“It’s lovely to meet you all–” He began, but was cut off immediately by Luna leaping out of her brother’s arms and racing towards him. She latched around his leg and smiled up at him, her cheeks dimpling. Ohmygod she has dimples? He was really in for it now, he was never going to be able to do any discipline. “Well, hello there, Luna–”

“You’re gonna be our new nanny!” She stated matter-of-factly, and then held her hands up in the universal child’s wordless question of ‘pick me up’? David couldn’t help but oblige and carefully lifted her, settling her against his hip. It was remarkable how easy the motions were returning to him, giving him flashbacks of his own twelve-year-old self holding Les at this age.

“Yes, I am. I hope that’s alright with you?” He asked, very seriously, and raised his eyebrows.

She giggled and raised her hands to cover her mouth, eyes getting big. “Your eyes are my favorite color!”

He glanced at the green ribbon in her hair and smiled. “I take it that’s a yes?”

Luna was very suddenly removed by his arms from her father, who was a good three or four inches shorter than David. He looked just about as furious as David had ever seen anyone look as he settled Luna on his other hip. “No climbing the tutor, Lune, you barely know this man.” He ignored her pout and started speaking as he beckoned his son over. “I’m Jack Kelly.”

“David Jacobs.”

He held out his hand for a shake and then realized Jack was holding two children. Awkwardly, he tucked it back into his pockets and tried to ignore the huff of a laugh Jack directed his way. “I know. These are my kids. You’ve met Luna. This is Francis, and this is my son, Micheal. I can assure you that they ain’t gonna need a tutor, but since my Ma insisted–”

“Jack, play nice.” Medda raised her eyebrows at him and crossed her arms. “Surely I don’t need to list off David’s credentials again…”

He muttered something that sounded an awful lot like ‘credentials don’t mean shit’ before abruptly turning his back and heading inside. David tried not to be surprised by the thickness of his Upper Manhattan accent, because it certainly didn’t match the clothes he was wearing. He had on nice trousers and suspenders and a pale-blue button up, waistcoat hanging unbuttoned beneath the girls he carried. His collar was unbuttoned and his clothes were obviously expensive, but he wore them far too casually for David to understand.

Mr. Kelly started speaking as if he just expected David to listen and follow, and maybe he did expect that, so David quickly jogged to catch up. Medda rolled her eyes and trailed along more slowly, but David listened raptly to every word this man said. “This is my house. I’m pretty sure you’ll have everything you need to teach my kids, but if you don’t, don’t ask me about it. Find Charles and ask him. You can teach your lessons in the library. Your bedroom is in the West Hall– that's where the kids sleep, too— and there’s a washroom at the end of the hall for you to use. Breakfast is at nine, dinner at one and supper at six. That’s pretty much it.”

Jack paused in the middle of the entryway, a room so grand that David’s head was practically spinning. A gorgeous rug on the floor, a paneled ceiling painted with a gorgeous mural, a chandelier and a beautiful staircase made of polished wood– the shorter man gave him a long, disdainful once-over and raised his eyebrows judgmentally, eyes narrowed as he looked back up. He covered Luna’s ears. “You know this ain’t some job you can half-ass in favor of going out and fucking around with your college friends, correct?”

David glanced at the eleven-year-old, who didn’t even flinch at his father’s improper language. Luna was scrabbling to get his hands off, thankfully unaware. Didn’t Jack know that his two-year-old could easily pick up such foul language? She was probably already talking. Thankfully Francis just continued to stare at David like she was trying to figure him out. He bit his tongue and resisted the urge to correct that he didn’t actually have any friends from University and nodded instead. “Yessir.”

“And it ain’t just teaching. You have to be able to care for the kids as well.”

“Yes, Miss Larkin told me as much.” He added on, drawing into the depths of his patience. He’d only just entered the house and this unfairly beautiful man had already decided on his incompetence, without even giving him a chance.

Jack huffed darkly, shifting the girls in his arms. Francis dropped her head onto his shoulder and Luna reached for David, but Jack angled himself away. “Yeah. I’ll believe it when I see it. How old are you?”

“Twenty-one.”

“Jesus. You’re just a kid.” Jack laughed, shaking his head in disapproval. He drew in a deep breath and pressed his lips together, giving David another long look before those honey-brown eyes narrowed and he tilted his chin almost defiantly. “Well, you start tomorrow. I ain’t holding my breath, though. Ma– you stayin’ for dinner?”

“Sure. I’ll also give Mr. David here a proper tour of the house.” Medda leveled Jack with an almost challenging glare as she linked their arms. “And, you know, actually introduce him to your majordomo and head housemaid.”

He fixed her with a sarcastic grin that was unfairly pretty. David realized where Luna got her dimples, too. Jack’s teeth were imperfect, only further pushing David to wonder how he’d come across ownership of this obvious wealth. “Better you than me.”

With that, he started up the stairs. Micheal, who’d remained entirely silent the whole time, gave David a long once-over (reminding David very much of his father) and then continued up the stairs as well. Mr. Kelly’s strength wasn’t exactly lost on David– he was carrying two toddlers up a staircase and he didn’t even seem to be struggling. Strong and attractive as he was, he was awfully prickly.

He’d just lost his wife. Two years? The wound was still fresh. David decided then and there to give this man some grace. He’d prove him wrong and he’d do it gently and carefully, too.

“Bye, Mr. David!” Luna called, frantically waving at him from over her father’s shoulder. Francis turned around and mimicked her sister with a bright little smile. “Bye-bye!”

He waved half-heartedly. At least the girls seemed to like him a little bit.

A glance back at Medda showed him that she was looking at him in an ‘I-told-you-so’ type of manner, and that did nothing to quell his growing nerves.. It seemed that after a bit of math, Jack had a habit of firing a nanny almost every month. Maybe one or two had lasted a bit longer and brought the average up, but the fact remained– David needed to act fast if he wanted to stick around, and he did. The pay was excellent, the children were cute, and something about the mysterious and gorgeous Mr. Kelly had David intrigued.

With sudden determination, he turned to Miss Medda and drew his hands from his pockets. “I’d like to meet the staff.”

She grinned. “Attaboy.”

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