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everythingharrypotterblog · 11 months ago

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charmed [16]: 'cat, rat, dog, and dove' (remus lupin x reader)

a/n: WELCOME BACK TO CHARMED. WE ARE HERE. we have arrived to this moment. BUCKLE THE FUCKING FUCK UP.

brief summary: the year has culminated into this one fateful night at the shrieking shack. word count: 9k

series summary: if you're here, u know what this series is abt im not gonna waste space and recopy it here THIS CHAPTER IS ALREADY TOO LOADED.

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16.

The sun was out. Its rays peeking through the leaves of trees, their heat was much stronger in this month of spring than it was in autumn, when Y/N and Remus took their first early morning walk to escape from the Castle. It became a habit they maintained all school year, and it was so hard to believe that they had already walked their way to final examinations season. Two terms had rolled by, laying down all the tiles needed to strengthen their relationship even more.

Y/N’s arm was around Remus’ bicep. It was warm enough now for them to abandon their jackets, and they strolled through the Castle grounds in simple button-ups.

Remus peeked down at Y/N, who by reflex caught his eye. He shut an eye tightly in an exaggerated wink. Y/N smiled, resting her head against his arm for a second.

��Can’t wait for our kid to experience all that is Hogwarts.” Remus said.

Y/N’s eyebrows knit together as she beamed up at him.

“Rem…”

Their chests burned from elation as they continued in their stride.

“Thinking a bit ahead though, don’t you think, we’ve got more than 11 years before we get to that point.” Y/N chuckled.

“Oh, you’re right. Before that, it’ll be you n’ me teaching them.”

“I agree with you. Sending them to Muggle primary school seems way too risky for exposure.”

“I do worry about socialization though.”

“Hmm. Me too. We should probably get in touch with other wizard families that have children the same age as ours.”

They came to a small halt as they overlooked the train tracks.

“I can’t wait for our kid to get on the train for the first time.” Y/N sighed.

Remus patted her hand in his. “What did you feel your first time on it?”

“Terrified.” Y/N chortled. “I was anxious even as a child. You?”

“Me too. But I guess, something really deep inside me- I don’t know. I just felt like my life was going to change, I guess.”

Y/N smiled softly at the gentle man before her.

“And we have to take that train really soon again.”

“Yeah.”

“Crazy.”

They continued walking, the castle of Hogwarts standing tall against them, hovering and watching over them as it has done for so long.

As the year continued to draw to a close, the exam season proceeded on. Today were the Charms finals for the 3rd-years, as well as the 5th-years’ OWL’s. Even the Weasley twins had been spotted with their books open, working in a corner of the library.

Y/N downed the last of her tea, as she rifled through a pack of fresh grading sheets. She waved her wand, and yesterday’s 2nd-year evaluations floated upwards, inserted themselves neatly in a folder, and slid themselves into her briefcase.

She clapped her hands together and got up to the door, opening it to a crowd of her 3rd-years.

“Ready?”

She let them trickle in and take their seats at the individually separated desks. Walking through the aisles, she placed an exam sheet on each one facing down.

“Alright, everyone, please get your things straight and then leave your bags up here in the front. Remember, you’re only allowed your quills for the written part.”

“You guys have one hour. Don’t forget to check both sides of the paper. Time starts… now.”

A synchronized whoosh of 30 papers being flipped over echoed across the room, followed by the etching of quills.

Y/N hated the written exams. She had nothing to do but to count the tiles in the classroom and twiddle her thumbs.

She was on her 5th recount of how many tiles spanned from one wall to another when a figure flashed in her peripheral.

Remus had passed by and judging the complete silence, assumed Y/N was sitting an exam. He waved cheerily, happy he had opted for practical examinations. Y/N rolled her eyes when she spotted him. Remus turned back around and passed the classroom door again.

“STOP.” Y/N mouth silently, gesturing to her students.

A few of them looked up and laughed, leading to a few more turning their heads.

“Enough.” Y/N shook her head, waving her wand and the door slammed shut, Remus disappearing from their sights.

“Professor Lupin’s just gloating that all his finals are over.” Y/N hushed the group. “Now get on, I’m not giving you extra time.”

She winked at the end, and the students returned to their scrolls, the atmosphere in the classroom noticeably lighter.

Light filled the room as Y/N clicked the lamp open. She turned to her side to find Remus wide awake as well.

“Can’t sleep?” She muttered.

“Nope.”

Y/N huffed, stacking her pillows and coming up to a seated position.

“It’s the full moon soon. How are you feeling?”

“The usual.” Remus yawned, turning on his side. He examined the grey circles under Y/N’s eyes through his wrinkle-decorated own. “I just feel a bit weird.”

“Hm.” Y/N responded. “Me too.”

“We’re probably just tired from so many back to back exams and all the grading.”

“Yeah. And my heart is kind of hurting. I just can’t really believe this year is ending. This has been the best job I’ve ever had in my whole life.”

Remus slid his hand under the covers to find hers.

“All good things must come to an end, my love.”

Y/N smiled sadly.

“What are the odds Flitwick needs another year off, eh?”

Remus chuckled.

Y/N clicked the lamp off and the two laid back in once again total darkness. Outside their window, roamed the creatures of the night. Centaurs, unicorns trudging across the Forbidden Forest, Dementors floating outside the Castle perimeter, and strolling stealthily in the Hogsmeade village; a ginger cat and its newfound friend, a big shaggy black dog.

Remus strolled along on his daily walk of the Castle grounds. Y/N had opted to stay in bed well into the afternoon that day, feeling more tired than usual.

He found a tree stump near Hagrid’s Hut and installed himself comfortably under it. He pulled a book from the pocket of his robes and opened it to the page he had last marked. About three quarters of an hour passed when he noticed Harry, Hermione and Ron come down and go into Hagrid’s. He returned to his book.

A small while later, he noticed more figures make their way to that direction. One sported a bowler hat, which he recognized as the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, and two wizards followed him. One of them had a shiny axe attached to his belt, which glistened when it caught the sun.

Comprehension dawned upon Remus. He had heard of Hagrid’s Hippogriff case with Malfoy and the Ministry, and Y/N had told him in passing of the Harry and his friends’ interest in the outcome.

They emerged from the hut and crossed paths with the men. Remus closed his book. Those three better not involve themselves any further with the case, he thought. He didn’t want them to be exposed to the execution.

"THE DARK LORD LIES ALONE AND FRIENDLESS, ABANDONED BY HIS FOLLOWERS. HIS SERVANT HAS BEEN CHAINED THESE TWELVE YEARS. TONIGHT, BEFORE

MIDNIGHT... THE SERVANT WILL BREAK FREE AND SET OUT TO REJOIN HIS MASTER. THE DARK LORD WILL RISE AGAIN WITH HIS SERVANTS AID, GREATER AND

MORE TERRIBLE THAN EVER HE WAS. TONIGHT... BEFORE MIDNIGHT... THE SERVANT... WILL SET OU... TO REJOIN... HIS MASTER....

Harry dropped the crystal ball he was supposed to return to Professor Trelawney and ran.

Thus began a very fateful night.

Remus walked through the Castle that evening and felt a weird shift in the air. Exams were over sure, but there was a certain trio that seemed the opposite of celebratory. Making his way down to the Great Hall, he took a seat next to Professor Sprout.

“Evening, Lupin.” She said happily.

“Good evening, Professor.” He responded kindly.

“Y/N coming soon?”

“Hm? Oh, I’m not sure, she’s taking a nap now. She’s been awfully tired this past week.”

“That’s okay, classic end-of-year burnout” she replied, then proceeded to ask him how if he had finished all his grading.

Remus conversed with her a bit distractedly as he watched over the Gryffindor table, spotting Harry, Ron and Hermione. They were visibly pre-occupied and were huddled away from the other students, discussing seriously.

“Have you heard from Hagrid? Poor thing, his Hippogriff’s been sentenced to death today. It’s going to happen tonight, any minute now actually I think.”

Remus turned to face her. “Really? That’s horrible…”

Professor Sprout pursed her lips in agreement before taking another bite of chicken.

Remus looked over at the trio again. They were standing up hastily, walking out of the Hall with quick little steps. He frowned. What were they up to?

He took the time to finish his dinner calmly and bid the fellow staff goodbye. Making his way back into his office, he pulled out his things quietly as the bedroom door was still shut; Y/N was probably still asleep.

He took a seat at his desk and pulled out what looked like an old used piece of parchment.

“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.”

The map opened and unfolded as traces of ink bled upon its pages, forming its intricate content. He scanned it quickly, before turning his attention to Hagrid’s Hut. Hagrid’s dot was there, along with Dumbledore’s and other names he assumed were Ministry officials.

Running along the path to his Hut, he stopped at the two dots moving right under the Whomping Willow. It was Harry and Hermione. Where was Ron? What were they doing by that tree?

A thought popped in his head and his stomach sank. He moved up the map, praying to God that his far-fetched conjecture wouldn’t be true. Landing on Hogsmeade Village, he looked for the Shrieking Shack. The weight in his stomach sank even further. Ron’s dot was there, accompanied by none other than… Sirius Black.

His hands shook. He had to go help him. But as he watched the dots move, a third one came into view.

It was labelled “Peter Pettigrew”.

At that second, the blood had left Remus’ face. His hands grew cold. He shook the paper. He rapped his wand at it. He blinked and blinked again. The dot was still there, labelled with that name as clear as day.

In that very moment, a 13 year-old puzzle just came together with this one final piece. The web wove itself to completion. He understood… Stuffing his wand in his pocket, he jumped out of his chair and sped out the door.

In the Shrieking Shack, blood pressures were high.

Ron lay in the corner, with his weight off his broken leg, clutching his rat Scabbers. Hermione stood in the corner, quiet and pale.

Harry was fuming, frozen with his wand lifted and pointed to a ghastly, ghost-like Sirius Black.

"Going to kill me, Harry?" he whispered.

Harry stopped right above him, his wand still pointing at Black's chest, looking down at him. A livid bruise was rising around Black's left eye and his nose was bleeding.

"You killed my parents," said Harry, his voice shaking slightly, but his wand hand quite steady.

Black stared up at him out of those sunken eyes.

"I don't deny it," he said very quietly. "But if you knew the whole story."

"The whole story?" Harry repeated, a furious pounding in his ears. "You sold them to Voldemort. That's all I need to know."

"You've got to listen to me," Black said, and there was a note of urgency in his voice now. "You'll regret it if you don't.... You don't understand...."

"I understand a lot better than you think," said Harry, and his voice shook more than ever. "You never heard her, did you? My mum... trying to stop Voldemort killing me... and you did that... you did it...."

Crookshanks jumped in between the two and sat itself at Black’s feet, looking back at Harry with deep yellow eyes.

The seconds lengthened. And still Harry stood frozen there, wand poised, Black staring up at him, Crookshanks on his chest. Ron's ragged breathing came from near the bed; Hermione was quite silent.

And then came a new sound -

Muffled footsteps were echoing up through the floor — someone was moving downstairs.

"WE'RE UP HERE!" Hermione screamed suddenly. "WE'RE UP HERE -- SIRIUS BLACK - QUICK!"

Professor Lupin came hurtling into the room, his face bloodless, his wand raised and ready. His eyes flickered over Ron, lying on the floor, over Hermione, cowering next to the door, to Harry, standing there with his wand covering Black, and then to Black himself, crumpled and bleeding at Harry's feet.

"Expelliarmus!" Lupin shouted.

Harry's wand flew once more out of his hand; so did the two Hermione was holding. Lupin caught them all deftly, then moved into the room, staring at Black, who still had Crookshanks lying protectively across his chest.

Y/N woke up to a dark room. She groaned and rubbed her eyes. Her entire face felt scorching hot and her mouth was dry like she hadn’t drank in days. She rolled over in the bed. She had crawled under her blankets in the evening before dinner for a quick nap, but judging by the chill and dark air outside, she must have slept into early night.

She felt a tightness in her pelvic area, like cramps. She placed a hand on her abdomen.

Pulling herself out of bed lazily, she head to the bathroom. Her period was supposed to start a few days ago, so this must’ve been it. However, as she sat down on the toilet, there was nothing.

Suddenly, a realization jolted her mind awake.

She ran back to the bedroom, rummaging through her drawer for a pregnancy test. She went back to the bathroom and waited for the result.

Positive.

She put down the test swiftly, looking away as she felt her heartbeat quicken. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Slowly, she picked up the stick and read the result once more.

Holy shit.

She looked around her and it occurred to her that Remus was nowhere to be found. She checked the clock. It was well past 10pm.

Where the hell was he?

"Where is he, Sirius?"

Remus spoke in a tense voice, cutting through the weighted silence that took over the Shrieking Shack.

Black's face was quite expressionless. For a few seconds, he didn't move at all. Then, very slowly, he raised his empty hand and pointed straight at Ron.

Mystified, Harry glanced around at Ron, who looked bewildered.

"But then..." Lupin muttered, staring at Black so intently it seemed he was trying to read his mind, "... why hasn't he shown himself before now? Unless" -- Lupin's eyes suddenly widened, as though he was seeing something beyond Black, something none of the rest could see, "-- unless he was the one... unless you switched... without telling me?"

Very slowly, his sunken gaze never leaving Lupin's face, Black nodded.

"Professor," Harry interrupted loudly, "what's going on --?"

But Harry wasn’t able to finish his sentence, as what followed knocked the wind from his throat.

Remus lowered his wand. He walked to Sirius’ side, seized his hand confidently and pulled him to his feet. He gazed deeply into his eyes for a second, before the two men pulled each other into a deep embrace.

“I don’t believe it—“ Remus gasped, voice muffled.

“God, it’s been so long,” Sirius muttered back, “my friend.”

"DON'T BELIEVE IT!" Hermione screamed.

Lupin let go of Black and turned to her. She had raised herself off the floor and was pointing at Lupin, wild-eyed. "You -- you --"

"Hermione —"

“— you and him!"

"Hermione, calm down —"

"I didn't tell anyone!" Hermione shrieked. "I've been covering up for you —"

"Hermione, listen to me, please'" Lupin shouted. "I can explain —"

Harry could feel himself shaking, not with fear, but with a fresh wave of fury.

"I trusted you," he shouted at Lupin, his voice wavering, out of control, "and all the time you've been his friend!"

"You're wrong," said Lupin. "I haven't been Sirius's friend, but I am now — Let me explain...."

"NO!" Hermione screamed. "Harry, don't trust him, he's been helping Black get into the castle, he wants you dead too -- he's a werewolf!"

There was a ringing silence. Everyone's eyes were now on Lupin, who looked remarkably calm, though rather pale.

Where the hell was he?

Y/N’s head was spinning as too much was happening at the same time. She glanced around hurriedly for signs of Remus, then remembered she was clutching the positive pregnancy test and looked back at the positive result, then saw the Marauder’s Map was splayed across the desk, still open.

She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. She stuffed the test in her pocket then headed towards his desk. She’d be able to find where Remus was on the map, then would go back to sleep.

It took a while for her eyes to scan the entire Castle for his name, to no avail. Where the hell was he? Surely he was not outside… It then dawned on her that tonight was the full moon.

Shit.

She looked over to the Shrieking Shack and nothing could have prepared her to see what she saw. Not one, but six dots. One was Remus, but he was accompanied by Harry, Ron and Hermione, as well as…

Y/N felt her heart freeze. Sirius Black? And… Peter… Pettigrew?

None of this felt possible. It couldn’t be. Grabbing her wand, she rushed out the office.

With this new information, the full moon had completely been replaced in her mind. Unfortunately, the only one who did seem to still remember was a certain Potions professor, on his way up to their office right now, where the map laid wide open.

"Not at all up to your usual standard, Hermione," Remus said. "Only one out of three, I'm afraid. I have not been helping Sirius get into the castle and I certainly don't want Harry dead.” An odd shiver passed over his face. "But I won't deny that I am a werewolf."

Ron made a valiant effort to get up again but fell back with a whimper of pain. Lupin made toward him, looking concerned, but Ron gasped, "Get away from me, werewolf!"

Lupin stopped dead. Then, with an obvious effort, he turned to Hermione and said, "How long have you known?"

"Ages," Hermione whispered. "Since I did Professor Snape's essay..."

"He'll be delighted," said Lupin coolly. "He assigned that essay hoping someone would realize what my symptoms meant.... Did you check the lunar chart and realize that I was always ill at the full moon? Or did you realize that the boggart changed into the moon when it saw me?"

"Both," Hermione said quietly.

Lupin forced a laugh.

"You're the cleverest witch of your age I've ever met, Hermione."

"I'm not," Hermione whispered. "If I'd been a bit cleverer, I'd have told everyone what you are!"

"But they already know," said Lupin. "At least, the staff do."

“The staff? Does Professor Y/L/N know?” Ron gasped.

Sirius let out a howl of genuine laughter. “Professor Y/L/N!” He cackled.

Remus scratched the back of his head, suddenly slightly bashful. “Professor Y/L/N and I… have been married for over 10 years.”

Harry, Ron and Hermione’s jaws dropped.

Silence fell over the room once again, as Remus stood there not knowing what to say next and Sirius standing by his side with his arms crossed, a slight smirk on his face.

“Well, we knew that!” Hermione exclaimed, finally. “That was more obvious than the werewolf thing! The whole school talks about it—“

She was interrupted as a new set of footsteps echoed from the staircase. The kids froze as Remus and Sirius turned to face the door, wands at the ready.

In burst Y/N, as if right on cue in a play. She was flushed and was panting, it appeared she had ran the whole way there.

“Remus!” She cried out upon seeing him. “YOU HAVE A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO DO—“ She took a step forward until she spotted his company, and slowly took the step back. “What…” She murmured shakily, “is happening here?”

“Professor Y/L/N.” Hermione gasped softly.

Her eyes hovered over Harry, Ron and Hermione, who were in shock to see their Charms Professor, before landing upon Sirius. Something unrecognizable flashed across her gaze. She couldn’t believe what, or whom, she was seeing. She had thought the map made a mistake.

Y/N didn’t hear her. “Siri…?” she whispered, fixated on the man in front of her.

That’s when Harry lost it.

“‘SIRI?’ I TRUSTED YOU TOO! SO THIS WHOLE TIME -BOTH- OF YOU HAVE BEEN HELPING HIM?”

Y/N jumped from the sudden outburst and Remus came by her side to put a soothing hand on her shoulder. “Remus, you better explain and you better explain quick.” She said tensely.

“We have not been helping Sirius," said Lupin. "If you'll give me a chance, I'll explain. Look —"

He separated Harry's, Ron's and Hermione's wands and threw each back to its owner; Harry caught his, stunned.

“There”, said Lupin, sticking his own wand back into his belt. "You're armed, we're not. Now will you listen?"

"If you haven't been helping him," Harry said, with a furious glance at Black, "how did you know he was here?"

"The map," said Lupin. "The Marauder's Map. I was in my office examining it —“

"You know how to work it?" Harry said suspiciously.

"Of course I know how to work it," said Lupin, waving his hand impatiently. "I helped write it. I'm Moony — that was my friends' nickname for me at school."

"You wrote —?"

Y/N caught Harry’s eye and gave him a confirming nod.

"The important thing is, I was watching it carefully this evening, because I had an idea that you, Ron, and Hermione might try and sneak out of the castle to visit Hagrid before his hippogriff was executed. And I was right, wasn't I?”

He had started to pace up and down, looking at them. Little patches of dust rose at his feet.

"You might have been wearing your father's old cloak, Harry--"

"How d'you know about the cloak?"

"The number of times I saw James disappearing under it...," said Lupin, waving an impatient hand again. "The point is, even if you're wearing an Invisibility Cloak, you still show up on the Marauder's Map. I watched you cross the grounds and enter Hagrid's hut. Twenty minutes later, you left Hagrid, and set off back toward the castle. But you were now accompanied by somebody else."

"What?" said Harry. "No, we weren't!"

I couldn't believe my eyes," said Lupin, still pacing, and ignoring Harry's interruption. "I thought the map must be malfunctioning. How could he be with you?"

"No one was with us!" said Harry.

"And then I saw another dot, moving fast toward you, labeled Sirius Black.... I saw him collide with you; I watched as he pulled two of you into the Whomping Willow —"

"One of us!" Ron said angrily.

"No, Ron," said Lupin. "Two of you.”

He had stopped his pacing, his eyes moving over Ron.

"Do you think I could have a look at the rat?" he said evenly.

"What?" said Ron. "What's Scabbers got to do with it?"

"Everything," said Lupin. "Could I see him, please?"

Ron hesitated, then put a hand inside his robes. Scabbers emerged, thrashing desperately; Ron had to seize his long bald tail to stop him escaping. Crookshanks stood up on Black's leg and made a soft hissing noise.

Lupin moved closer to Ron. He seemed to be holding his breath as he gazed intently at Scabbers.

"What?" Ron said again, holding Scabbers close to him, looking scared.

"What's my rat got to do with anything?"

"That's not a rat," croaked Sirius Black suddenly.

"What d'you mean — of course he's a rat —"

"No, he's not," said Lupin quietly. "He's a wizard.”

"An Animagus," said Black, "by the name of Peter Pettigrew."

"You're both mental.”

"Ridiculous!" said Hermione faintly.

"Peter Pettigrew's dead!" said Harry. "He killed him twelve years ago!" He pointed at Black, whose face twitched convulsively.

"I meant to," he growled, his yellow teeth bared, "but little Peter got the better of me... not this time, though!"

And Crookshanks was thrown to the floor as Black lunged at Scabbers; Ron yelled with pain as Black's weight fell on his broken leg.

"Sirius, NO!" Lupin yelled, launching himself forwards and dragging Black away from Ron again, "WAIT! You can't do it just like that -- they need to understand -- we've got to explain --"

"We can explain afterwards!" snarled Black, trying to throw Lupin off.

Y/N joined and stepped in front of Sirius. “Sirius, please!” She put both hands on his shoulders, causing him to flinch. Her voice was shaking. “They deserve to know the full picture.”

Black stopped struggling, though his hollowed eyes were still fixed on Scabbers, who was clamped tightly under Ron's bitten, scratched, ad bleeding hands. “Fine. But make it quick. I want to commit the murder I was imprisoned for.”

"You're nutters, all three of you," said Ron shakily, looking round at Harry and Hermione for support. "I've had enough of this. I'm off."

“Ron.” Y/N said sternly. “Sit down. I’m not joking, you’re going to listen.”

Hermione spoke, in a trembling, would-be calm sort of voice, as though trying to will Professor Lupin to talk sensibly.

"But Professor Lupin... Scabbers can't be Pettigrew... it just can't be true, you know it can't..."

"Why can't it be true?" Lupin said calmly, as though they were in class, and Hermione had simply spotted a problem in an experiment with grindylows.

"Because... because people would know if Peter Pettigrew had been an Animagus. We did Animagi in class with Professor McGonagall. And I looked them up when I did my homework -- the Ministry of Magic keeps tabs on witches and wizards who can become animals; there's a register showing what animal they become, and their markings and things... and I went and looked Professor McGonagall up on the register, and there have been only seven Animagi this century, and Pettigrew's name wasn't on the list."

Lupin and Y/N laughed.

"Light again, Hermione!" he said. "But the Ministry never knew that here used to be three unregistered Animagi running around Hogwarts."

Y/N cleared her throat.

“Sorry, four Animagi. Although we didn’t really know back then about you, my love.”

Y/N rolled her eyes. “Still, wanted to make sure you got the number right.”

Hermione’s eyes grew wider if it was even possible. “Professor Y/L/N, you’re an Animagus too?!”

Y/N nodded and gestured to Remus to proceed.

"All right... but you'll need to help me, Sirius," said Lupin, I only know how it began..."

Lupin broke off. There had been a loud creak behind him. The bedroom door had opened of its own accord. All five of them stared at it. Then Lupin strode toward it and looked out into the landing.

"No one there…"

"This place is haunted!" said Ron.

"It's not," said Lupin, still looking at the door in a puzzled way. "The Shrieking Shack was never haunted.... The screams and howls the villagers used to hear were made by me."

He pushed his graying hair out of his eyes, thought for a moment then said, "That's where all of this starts -- with my becoming a werewolf, None of this could have happened if I hadn't been bitter... and if I hadn't been so foolhardy..."

He looked sober and tired. Ron started to interrupt, but Hermione, said, "Shh!" She was watching Lupin very intently.

"I as a very small boy when I received the bite. My parents tried everything, but in those days there was no cure. The potion that Professor Snape has been making for me is a very recent discovery. It makes me safe, you see. As long as I take it in the week, preceding the full moon, I keep my mind when I transform.... I'm able to curl up in my office, a harmless wolf, and wait for the moon to wane again. Before the Wolfsbane Potion was discovered, however, I became a fully fledged monster once a month. It seemed impossible that I would be able to come to Hogwarts. Other parents weren't likely to want their children exposed to me. “

Hermione noticed a hint of sadness as she watched Y/N listen to her husband’s story.

"But then Dumbledore became Headmaster, and he was sympathetic. He said that as long as we took certain precautions, there was no reason I shouldn't come to school...." Lupin sighed, and looked directly at Harry. "I told you, months ago, that the Whomping Willow was planted the year I came to Hogwarts. The truth is that it was planted because I came

to Hogwarts. This house" -- Lupin looked miserably around the room, -- "the tunnel that leads to it -- they were built for my use. Once a month, I was smuggled out of the castle, into this place, to transform. The tree was placed at the tunnel mouth to stop anyone coming across me while I was dangerous."

"My transformations in those days were -- were terrible. It is very painful to turn into a werewolf. I was separated from humans to bite, so I bit and scratched myself instead. The villagers heard the noise and the screaming and thought they were hearing particularly violent spirits. Dumbledore encouraged the rumor.... Even now, when the house has been silent for years, the villagers don't dare approach it...."

"But apart from my transformations, I was happier than I had ever been in my life. For the first time ever, I had friends, three great friends. Sirius Black... Peter Pettigrew... and, of course, your father, Harry -- James Potter."

Y/N sniffed.

"Now, my three friends could hardly fail to notice that I disappeared once a month. I made up all sorts of stories. I told them my mother was ill, and that I had to go home to see her... I was terrified they would desert me the moment they found out what I was. But of course, they, like you, Hermione, worked out the truth...."

"And they didn't desert me at all. Instead, they did something for me that would make my transformations not only bearable, but the best times

of my life. They became Animagi."

"My dad too?" said Harry, astounded.

"Yes, indeed," said Lupin. "It took them the best part of three years to work out how to do it. Your father and Sirius here were the cleverest students in the school, and lucky they were, because the Animagus transformation can go horribly wrong -- one reason the Ministry keeps a close watch on those attempting to do it. Peter needed all the help he could get from James and Sirius. Finally, in our fifth year, they managed it. They could each turn into a different animal at will."

"But how did that help you?" said Hermione, sounding puzzled.

"They couldn't keep me company as humans, so they kept me company as animals," said Lupin. "A werewolf is only a danger to people. They sneaked out of the castle every month under James's Invisibility Cloak. They transformed... Peter, as the smallest, could slip beneath the

Willow's attacking branches and touch the knot that freezes it. They would then slip down the tunnel and join me. Under their influence, I became less dangerous. My body was still wolfish, but my mind seemed to become less so while I was with them."

"Hurry up, Remus," snarled Black, who was still watching Scabbers with a horrible sort of hunger on his face.

Y/N bit her lip as she dared to watch her old friend. She wanted to go touch him, comfort him, after so long… but she remained frozen on the spot as Remus continued.

"I'm getting there, Sirius, I'm getting there... well, highly exciting possibilities were open to us now that we could all transform. Soon we were leaving the Shrieking Shack and roaming the school grounds and the village by night. Sirius and James transformed into such large animals, they were able to keep a werewolf in check. I doubt whether any Hogwarts students ever found out more about the Hogwarts grounds and Hogsmeade than we did.... And that's how we came to write the Marauder's Map, and sign it with our nicknames. Sirius is Padfoot. Peter is Wormtail. James was Prongs."

"What sort of animal --?" Harry began, but Hermione cut him off.

"That was still really dangerous! Running around in the dark with a werewolf! What if you'd given the others the slip, and bitten somebody?"

"A thought that still haunts me," said Lupin heavily. "And there were near misses, many of them. We laughed about them afterwards. We were young, thoughtless -- carried away with our own cleverness."

I sometimes felt guilty about betraying Dumbledore's trust, of course... he had admitted me to Hogwarts when no other headmaster would have done so, and he had no idea I was breaking the rules he had set down for my own and others' safety. He never knew I had led three fellow students into becoming Animagi illegally. But I always managed to forget my guilty feelings every time we sat down to plan our next month's adventure. And I haven't changed..."

Lupin's face had hardened, and there was self-disgust in his voice. "All this year, I have been battling with myself, wondering whether I should tell Dumbledore that Sirius was an Animagus. But I didn't do it. Why? Because I was too cowardly. It would have meant admitting that I'd betrayed his trust while I was at school, admitting that I'd led others along with me... and Dumbledore's trust has meant everything to me. He let me into Hogwarts as a boy, and he gave me a job when I have been shunned all my adult life, unable to find paid work because of what I am. And so I convinced myself that Sirius was getting into the school using dark arts he learned from Voldemort, that being an Animagus had nothing to do with it... so, in a way, Snape's been right about me all along."

“Don’t put it all on yourself,” Y/N said grimly. “The blame’s to share. We both decided to not go to Dumbledore.”

"Snape?" said Black harshly, taking his eyes off Scabbers; for the first time in minutes and looking up at Lupin. "What's Snape got to do with it?"

"He's here, Sirius," said Lupin heavily. "He's teaching here as well." He looked up at Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

"Professor Snape was at school with us. He fought very hard against my appointment to the Defense Against the Dark Arts job. He has been telling Dumbledore A year that I am not to be trusted. He has his reasons... you see, Sirius here played a trick on him which nearly

killed him, a trick which involved me —" Black made a derisive noise. Y/N shushed him.

“Oh, Y/N, don’t go defending him now—“ Sirius chuckled.

“I’m not! I’m just— Rem, continue the story.” She said, crossing her arms defensively.

The two exchanged looks between each other, a bit of playfulness coming from Sirius’ end whereas Y/N still looked conflicted about being in his presence.

"Severus was very interested in where I went every month." Lupin told Harry, Ron, and Hermione. "We were in the same year, you know, and we -- er -- didn't like each other very much. He especially disliked James. Jealous, I think, of James's talent on the Quidditch field... anyway Snape had seen me crossing the grounds with Madam Pomfrey one evening as she led me toward the Whomping Willow to transform. Sirius thought it would be -- er -- amusing, to tell Snape all he had to do was prod the knot on the tree trunk with a long stick, and he'd be able to get in after me. Well, of course, Snape tried it -- if he'd got as far as this house, he'd have met a fully grown werewolf -- but your father, who'd heard what Sirius had done, went after Snape and pulled him back, at great risk to his life... Snape glimpsed me, though, at the end of the tunnel. He was forbidden by Dumbledore to tell anybody, but from that time on he knew what I was...."

"So that's why Snape doesn't like you," said Harry slowly, "because he thought you were in on the joke?"

"That's right," sneered a cold voice from the wall behind Lupin.

Severus Snape was pulling off the Invisibility Cloak, his wand pointing, directly at Lupin.

Hermione screamed. Black leapt to his feet. Harry felt as though he'd received a huge electric shock.

Y/N gasped and clutched her stomach. Black slowly grabbed her shoulders and placed himself in front of her protectively.

"I found this at the base of the Whomping Willow," said Snape, throwing the cloak aside, careful to keep this wand pointing directly at Lupin's chest. "Very useful, Potter, I thank you...."

Snape was slightly breathless, but his face was full of suppressed triumph. "I've just been to your office, Lupin. You forgot to take your potion tonight, so I took a gobletful along. And very lucky I did... lucky for me, I mean. Lying on your desk was a certain map. One glance at it told me all I needed to know. I saw you running along this passageway and out of sight."

"Severus --" Lupin began, but Snape overrode him.

"I've told the headmaster again and again that you're helping your old friend Black into the castle, Lupin, and here's the proof. Not even I dreamed you would have the nerve to use this old place as your hideout — and you too Y/L/N. Here you are helping him out, a real criminal couple you two are…”

"Severus, you're making a mistake," said Lupin urgently. "You haven't heard everything -- I can explain -- Sirius is not here to kill Harry --"

"Three more for Azkaban tonight," said Snape, his eyes now gleaming fanatically. “Though I do feel bad for you, Y/L/N, you never should have gotten involved… in the first place…I shall be interested to see how Dumbledore takes this.... He was quite convinced you were harmless, you know, Lupin... a tame werewolf —"

“Don’t - you - fucking - dare—“ Y/N said through gritted teeth, wanting to lunge forward to strike Snape, but Sirius and Remus caught her arms, holding her back.

“How sweet.” Snape said sardonically.

"You fool," said Lupin softly. "Is a schoolboy grudge worth putting an innocent man back inside Azkaban?"

BANG! Thin, snakelike cords burst from the end of Snape's wand and twisted themselves around Lupin's mouth, wrists, and ankles; he overbalanced and fell to the floor, unable to move. Y/N screamed, throwing herself down to check on him. With a roar of rage, Black started toward Snape, but Snape pointed his wand straight between Black's eyes.

"Give me a reason," he whispered. "Give me a reason to do it, and I swear I will."

Black stopped dead. It would have been impossible to say which face showed more hatred.

Harry stood there, paralyzed, not knowing what to do or whom to believe. He glanced around at Ron and Hermione. Ron looked just as confused as he did, still fighting to keep hold on the struggling Scabbers. Hermione, however, took an uncertain step toward Snape and said, in a very breathless voice, "Professor Snape -- it it wouldn't hurt to hear what they've got to say, w -- would it?"

"Miss Granger, you are already facing suspension from this school," Snape spat. "You, Potter, and Weasley are out-of-bounds, in the company of a convicted murderer and a werewolf. For once in your life, hold your tongue."

Y/N whipped her head around, hearing the way Snape was beginning to speak to Hermione.

"But if -- if there was a mistake --"

"KEEP QUIET, YOU STUPID GIRL!" Snape shouted, looking suddenly quite deranged. "DON'T TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!" A few sparks shot out of the end of his wand, which was still pointed at Black's face. Hermione fell silent.

“ENOUGH!” Y/N jumped up, pulling her wand out and pointing it straight at Snape. “Hermione, get back.”

“Step aside, Y/L/N. You don’t know what you’re doing.” He grunted.

“I said, get back, all three of you.” Y/N snapped, Harry and Hermione hurrying and backing up to where Ron laid.

“Severus, I’m serious, you need to hear them out.” Y/N said. Her voice was steely. She moved out from behind Sirius and inched her way closer to Snape, softly but steadily like a cat.

Snape ignored her. Remus struggled against his binds, his eyes not leaving Y/N. But deep down, he knew he didn’t have to worry. He had seen her fight during the first Wizarding War, and he knew how much more powerful of a witch she had grown into. Snape unfortunately, did not, as he returned his attention to Sirius.

"Vengeance is very sweet," Snape breathed at Black. "How I hoped I would be the one to catch you...."

"The joke's on you again, Severus," Black snarled. "As long as this boy brings his rat up to the castle" -- he jerked his head at Ron -- "I'll come quietly...."

"Up to the castle?" said Snape silkily. "I don't think we need to go that far. All I have to do is call the dementors once we get out of the Willow. They'll be very pleased to see you, Black... pleased enough to give you a little kiss, I daresay... I --"

What little color there was in Blacks face left it.

"You -you've got to hear me out," he croaked. "The rat -- look at the rat --"

But there was a mad glint in Snape's eyes that had never been seen before. He seemed beyond reason.

"Come on, all of you," he said. He clicked his fingers, and the ends of the cords that bound Lupin flew to his hands. "I'll drag the werewolf. Perhaps the dementors will have a kiss for him too —"

“Severus.” Y/N warned, wand still at the ready.

Before he knew what he was doing, Harry had crossed the room in three strides and blocked the door.

“Harry!” Y/N cried.

"Get out of the way, Potter, you're in enough trouble already," snarled Snape. "If I hadn't been here to save your skin --"

"Professor Lupin could have killed me about a hundred times this year," Harry said. "I've been alone with him loads of times, having defense lessons against the dementors. If he was helping Black, why didn't he just finish me off then?"

"Don't ask me to fathom the way a werewolf's mind works," hissed Snape.

"Get out of the way, Potter."

"YOURE PATHETIC!" Harry yelled. "JUST BECAUSE THEY MADE A FOOL OF YOU AT SCHOOL YOU WON'T EVEN LISTEN --"

"SILENCE! I WILL NOT BE SPOKEN TO LIKE THAT!" Snape shrieked, looking madder than ever. "Like father, like son, Potter! I have just saved your neck; you should be thanking me on bended knee! You would have been well served if he'd killed you! You'd have died like your father, too

arrogant to believe you might be mistaken in Black -- now get out of the way, or I will make you. GET OUT OF THE WAY, POTTER!"

“Okay, I said ENOUGH!” Y/N raised her voice.

With a wave of her wand, the floor tiles under Harry’s feet rolled upwards in a wave, and sent Harry tumbling back to the back of the room where Ron and Hermione were.

“Snape, I told you to listen,” She said, advancing on him with her wand. “I told you, I don’t want to have to do this. But you have clearly lost your mind.”

Snape turned to face her. His dark eyes darkened even more. “And I told you, to get out of my way.a What are you possibly saying, Professor Y/L/N, you really think I’m going to duel you?”

Y/N cocked her head to the side. “Why, you scared you gonna lose?” She said in a volume just above a whisper.

Snape jerked his wand and a spell flew at her, she whipped her own wand and deflected it. It bounced to the wall and knocked an old painting down.

With her empty hand, Y/N reached out to the trio and conjured a sort of bubble around Ron, Harry and Hermione. It was a protection spell.

Remus screamed in muffled yells as his mouth was gagged, and Sirius tried to free him but to no avail, there was no untying magical ties without a wand.

Y/N’s chest was heaving as she felt her heartbeat quicken.

A rapidfire of spells followed, bouncing between the two like fireworks. Y/N waved her wand, deflecting those Snape sent at her, conjuring out some of her own in the milliseconds in between.

Snakes shot out of Snape’s wand, flying toward Y/N. She waved her wand and they turned into pink satin ribbons, falling through the air. She flicked her wand one, two, three different motions and jets of orange, red and purple shot toward him. He deflected two of them and managed to physically dodge the third. Snape rose his hands and a ring of fire encircled Y/N.

Remus let out another muffled yell, struggling terribly against his restraints.

“Don’t-“ Y/N muttered through gritted teeth as she began to make effortful circles with both her wand and her non-dominant hand. The others watched in terror. “Piss - me - OFF—“

The molecules of water vapor surrounding her had liquefied and splashed down onto the floor to put out the flames. “The shack’s made out of fucking wood, Snape, you want us all to DIE?”

She raised her wand high above her head, the water getting picked off the floor and she pushed the wave into him. It slammed his body into the wall behind him and with another wave of her wand, the water froze; trapping him there, suspended.

Remus watched from the ground in awe. He had forgotten how powerful Y/N had become and it was magnificent to witness.

Snape’s head had knocked back and it drooped down, hanging from his neck. He had been knocked unconscious.

Sirius found Remus’ wand and untied him.

Y/N took a deep breath and lowered her wand. She waved her hand, and the protective barrier in front of the trio disappeared. Remus jumped to his feet and rushed to her, capturing her in a soulful hug.

“Are you okay? Are you hurt?” He said, taking her face in his two hands, searching and scanning for signs of distress.

“I’m good, I swear.” She said, steadying her breath.

After what seemed like forever, finally Remus let her go. They immediately turned back around to heightened squeaking noises, coming from a very distressed Scabbers, still stuck in Ron’s tight clutch.

“Professor Y/L/N…” Hermione began.

“That was amazing.” Ron breathed.

“How you used the Freezing charm to- to- Oh God, Professor Snape.” Hermione gasped once she saw what state he was in.

“This still doesn’t mean I believe you.” Harry said firmly.

Y/N, Remus and Sirius exchanged a look.

“Then it’s time we gave you proof.” Remus said, advancing.

“Ron, give us the rat.”

#charmed #remus lupin x reader #remus lupin imagine #prisoner of azkaban #professor lupin x reader

185 notes · View notes

bwabys-scenarios · 1 year ago

Text

Fixer Upper

Part 17

Perv!Kurapika x Fem!Reader

part 16

part 18

!!REBLOGS APPRECIATED!!

warning: Kurapika is really mean to reader in this chapter :(

taglist: @fabitheraven @tsukilover11 @ashdownunderscorebeloved @lemonslut @homeinmydreams @superweeniehutjrsblog @bugmomwrites @heartsforseo @lixiawinter @altaircc @itszenava @fiightforlovee @mimi-sanisanidiot @monainanuttshell @wow-im-gay @whorermoviestar @lightshowerrr @mama-m1na @aceywaceyboobybear @nenggie @wicked-binch

If you’d like to be ADDED to the taglist, please comment a red heart ❤️, make sure you’re able to be tagged/mentioned, and have your age in your bio(IF YOU ARE ALREADY ON THE TAGLIST, YOU DON’T NEED TO ASK TO BE ADDED AGAIN!!)

(Name) attempted to snuggle into Kurapika’s chest, only to be met with the absence of warmth where he should have been. Her eyes fluttered open to see his side of the bed empty.

“Pika?”

His satchel was gone, and after a quick around the apartment, she realized he was also gone.

She was worried, after last night he shouldn’t be out alone. (Name) attempted to call him, waiting a moment before a wave of nausea overtook her.

“The number you’ve dialed has been disconnected. Please try again after the beep.”

She stared down at her phone, hand trembling. ‘No… no there has to be some sort of explanation. He wouldn’t…’

(Name) took a deep breath, setting her phone on the counter before taking out the ingredients for breakfast.

“(Name)!”

She jumped, turning to see Leorio, Gon, and Killua walking in. “God I’m starving. Really should have taken you up on th-“

(Name) rushed forward, eyes wide. “Leorio, let me borrow your phone.”

Leorio blinked, handing over his phone without hesitation. “What’s wrong, sunshine? Phone broken?”

She didn’t answer, Killua stepping forward. He watched as she scrolled until Kurapika’s contact showed up, clicking the call button.

Ring…

‘Hello, this is Kurapika Kurta, the Blacklist Hunter. I am unable to get to the phone right now, please leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.’

(Name)’s hand trembled, Leorio having to place both of his hands on her shoulders to keep her from falling.

“(Name)! What’s the matter?”

She handed back his phone, unable to look him in the eye.

“I think… I think Kurapika blocked me.”

———————

(Name) sat at the kitchen table, picking at her food as her friends attempted to comfort her.

“I’m sure it’s some kind of mistake, (Name)! Kurapika cares about you a lot. You’re his favorite!” Gon said, patting her back.

“Yeah, he kind of adores you. I don’t think you should worry.” Leorio said in agreement. (Name) held her tummy, staring at the ground.

“I… I want to believe that, I really do…”

‘But there’s too many things adding up that say otherwise…’

Leorio scooted closer, wrapping an arm around her. “Come on, princess, don’t frown. I swear, it’s probably some kind of accident. You know Kurapika, he can be a bit ditzy sometimes.”

(Name) sighed, bringing a hand up to rub at her temple. “Yeah…”

She gave them a tired smile. “Alright boys, what’s on the agenda for today?”

After a quick debriefing on the current situation, the girl got dressed in a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie. “How’s this?”

“Well.”

(Name) raised an eyebrow at the white haired boy. “Well what?”

“I mean… all I’m saying is that I wouldn’t wear that top with that color of pants…”

(Name) looked down, then sighed. “Aight, I’ll be right back.”

She changed into a knee length skirt and cardigan, throwing on a pair of leg warmers with her Mary Janes. “How about this?”

“It’s… better.”

(Name) snickered. “You know, you could be a little fashion designer, Killua. You’ve got a real good eye for it.”

He blinked. He had been teasing her beforehand, but her comment caught him off guard. “Oh.”

(Name) handed him a box of apple juice. “Here, carry Gon’s too, he always spills his.”

The three found themselves following behind her, even though they were the ones that knew where they were going.

“(Name), do you know where we’re going?”

She paused, glancing back at her friends. “Oh, um…”

She answered by moving to the back and standing behind them. “Lead the way!”

———————

(Name) sipped on her favorite milkshake, Leorio occasionally feeding her pieces of his cake. “Hmm… what are we doing again?”

Killua smiled, his eyes darting to the left. “Hunting them, of course.”

The girl hummed. “Hmm… hunting? You know I forget that as hunters we… hunt. I know it’s in the name and everything, b-“

She glanced between Gon and Leorio, the two looking increasingly nervous. “Gon? Leorio? What wrong?”

“I forget you don’t know how dangerous our targets are. Those two have A Class Bounties.”

“What does that even mean? A class bounties, that means nothing to me.”

“They’re worth a lot of money and have killed hundreds of people.”

“Oh. Well that is quite unfortunate.”

Leorio snickered next to her. “(Name)… what do you know about the Phantom Troupe?”

“… not a lot if I’m being honest, besides them being the ones that…”

She went quiet, twiddling her thumbs.

“The ones that killed Kurapika’s clan.”

The entire table went silent at Killua’s words. (Name) glanced out the window. “So which ones are our targets?”

Killua glanced to a man and woman sitting at one of the tables. The woman had pink hair in a ponytail, and the man had black hair in a ponytail.

“Siblings?” (Name) asked. Killua pinched her cheek.

“Having the same hairstyle doesn’t make people siblings, (Name).”

Leorio pinched her other cheek. “Hey, don’t stare at them, you’ll make it obvious we’re watching them.”

“Guys, I don’t think (Name) can respond with you pulling both of her cheeks.”

They blinked, letting her go. “Ahh…” she rubbed her cheeks, frowning at her friends. “That hurt, you know…”

She poked her tongue out at the two before continuing to sip on her milkshake.

“The moods completely changed.”

(Name) felt a shiver run up her spine, glancing between her friends to see the same frazzled expression on each of their faces.

“There’s so much tension, it’s scary.”

“What, did they spot us?”

“No, they haven’t spotted us yet, so just stay calm.”

(Name) tuned them out, bending down to rummage through her bag. “Hmm… I have a good remedy for this.”

She pulled out a pair of hello kitty sunglasses, shoving them over her eyes. “Now they can’t see where I’m looking!”

The three could only sigh. “I think those will only draw attention to you, sunshine.”

——————

“They’re on the move, so what are we gonna do? And remember, if we fight these guys we’re gonna lose.” Killua said, setting his cup on the table.

“Well, we’re not just going to sit here and let them walk away are we?” Leorio asked, gesturing towards the two. Killua raised an eyebrow at this, the tall man quickly putting his hands down.

“Right, we’ve come this far, we’re not going to come back now.” Gon agreed.

“Okay, you three are going to have to listen and do exactly as I say.”

(Name) listened as he explained his plan, stopping him midway through. “… and where do I come in?”

He clamped his mouth shut, not answering her question.

“Killua?”

“…”

The white haired boy sighed. “Listen, maybe it’s best if… if you didn’t come with us.”

(Name) set her bag back down, pulling her sunglasses off. “Why? I don’t understand.”

“(Name)…”

Gon placed a hand on her shoulder. “You don’t know how to do Zetsu, it’s not s-“

(Name) huffed. “Oh come on. I thought you would all stop underestimating me after the Hunter Exam. Haven’t I proven myself enough?”

“(Name), it’s not like that. You can’t-“

“I can! Just… just explain Zetsu to me.”

The two glanced at each other before beginning a short explanation.

“Oh, you mean this?”

(Name)’s face changed to a more neutral expression, staring into the wall.

Her two younger friends blinked. “She’s… she’s doing it!”

She laughed. “It’s basically like masking, but adding some nen into the mix!”

“Masking?”

“It’s pretending to not be… me.”

Leorio stared at her, eyes narrowing before going wide. “Wait… masking? Do you mean…”

“I’m autistic.”

The whole room went quiet, all three of them going silent. “Autistic?”

She nodded. “Oh, did I not tell you? I forget some people don’t just… know. Usually they can pick me out like sharks with a drop of blood in the water.”

“I mean, I thought you were a bit odd…”

“I don’t know how to respond to that.”

“Oh shit is that offensive? Sorry, sunshine. You’re just… not…”

“Normal?”

“Oh god.”

(Name) snickered, smacking his back. “Aww, I’m just teasing. I understand you don’t mean anything by it.”

He sighed in relief. “Autism or no autism, I’d still tap th-“

“Okay that’s enough speaking for now, sweetheart.”

Gon piped up shyly. “I’m also autistic.”

Killua and Leorio gasped. “WHAT?”

(Name) laughed. “I knew there was something about you!”

She ruffled his hair. “One of us! One of us!”

Killua, who didn’t know what autism was, groaned. “Ok, ok, she’s got autism or whatever. We’re going to lose them, come on you’re with me.”

He grabbed (Name)’s wrist before they left.

——————

Killua helped (Name) up onto the top of a building, calling Gon to report on their situation. The girl crouched down, putting her sunglasses back on.

They followed the two quietly, (Name) noticing Killua getting more and more anxious by the second.

They waited stood near the window in an abandoned building, occasionally peeking out to look at the two Phantom Troupe members.

They were standing in the middle of the abandoned part of town, staring out into nothing.

“What do you think, Killua?” Gon asked over the phone, (Name) leaning in so she could hear the conversation,

“They’re either waiting for someone, or they’re trying to draw us out.”

��Do you think they’ve discovered we’re following them?”

“There’s a 50/50 chance, but even if they are on to us, they still don’t know where we are. They’re trying to wait us out, acting as though nothings wrong, hoping that we’ll give away our position.”

“So now what?”

“For now let’s just sit tight, who knows, maybe they are just waiting for somebody.”

RING!

Killua gasped, his hand reaching out to grab (Name)’s wrist. “Gon, I’m going to hang up, so listen carefully. If any of us sees anything suspicious, we don’t even question it, we just get out of here. In fact, the the next time you hear your phone ring don’t answer it, just run!”

(Name) readied her dagger, back pressed against the wall as they stared at the Phantom Troupe members.

The man turned his head slightly, his eye landing on the window they had been looking out of.

Killua grabbed (Name)’s arm and attempted to make a run for it, but a man blocked the entryway.

He pushed her onto the ground and began bouncing off the walls attempting to create enough momentum to be able to attack the man.

He launched himself forward, his leg being caught. Killua held onto the floor and spun out of his grasp.

“Hey Phinks.”

Killua turned his head to see the man from before, arm wrapped around (Name)’s neck. “I certainly didn’t expect see you here. I thought you were helping Chrollo take care of that other thing.”

(Name) choked out a gasp. “Killua, run!”

Killua’s eyes went wide when he squeezed her tighter, causing her to claw at his arm in vain.

“So, kiddo, I have a couple of questions I’d like to ask you.”

(Name) passed out from the lack of oxygen, the man keeping a good hold on her. “Ah, you better answer succinctly, or this little lady will die.”

——————

(Name) woke up to the sound of something slamming against rock. She blinked her eyes awake, yawning. “Mmm… gotta pee…”

She felt someone’s hand cover her mouth. (Name) attempted to struggle, but when her eyes met the ones looking down at her, she stilled.

It was killua, and he looked terrified. Her head was lying in his lap, and her memory was slowly coming back.

“She’s awake. Need to question her too.”

(Name) blinked when she was pulled to her feet, Killua having to be held back from doing anything.

Her brain was still fuzzy from sleep, but they didn’t seem to care.

“What do you know about chain user?”

She blinked at the shorter man, eyebrows furrowing. “Wait… I know you…”

The room went quiet as she gasped, reaching to rummage through her bag. When she did this, the man in front of her grabbed her arm and wrenched it behind her back. “Don’t move, or kill you.”

“H-hey!”

She wiggled against him, the man holding a sharpened claw against her neck. “I said don’t move.”

“Listen to him, (Name)! He’s not playing around!”

She settled down, panting slightly from the pressure of the situation. “Okay, okay. I’m still.”

“Good.”

He tore her backpack from her hands, dumping the contents onto the ground. She stayed where she was, embarrassed to have her butt perched in the air and her face pressed against some rocky surface.

“Knew it, little thief.”

He held up his wallet, pocketing it before pressing down against her lower back. “Thief? I didn’t steal anything!”

“Really? Then why my wallet in your bag?”

“You dropped it, and I picked it up! I was planning on returning it to you in case I saw you again.”

The man scoffed, twisting her arm harder until she cried out in pain. “Tell the truth, girl, before I really break it.”

“I am telling the truth!”

The man glanced to the woman with short brown hair standing nearby. “Paku.”

Pakunoda nodded, walking over before grabbing (Name)’s face. (Name) squeaked as her cheeks were squished between the woman’s fingers.

“Did you steal from Feitan?”

“No!”

She hummed, tilting (Name)’s face with her hand before letting go. “She’s telling the truth. Fei, you should be more careful.”

The man grumbled, letting her go. (Name) glared at him as she rubbed her arm.

“Answer question.”

“Huh?”

She could feel the man’s frustration coming off of him in waves. “Do you know chain user?”

She whispered. “Chains, as in… bdsm? OUCH!”

(Name) was shoved back onto her tummy, arm wrenched behind her back. “Think you’re funny?”

“I mean, somet- AH!”

He twisted her arm, causing her to wiggle around again. “Stay. Still.” he hissed against her ear.

“Do you know chain user?”

“No, I don’t.”

She held her back from saying something snarky, the pain in her arm becoming almost unbearable. “If she’s lying, she’s good at it.” Paku said, leaning against the wall.

Feitan finally let her go, the girl collapsing next to Killua. He didn’t move, only sparing her a worried glance before turning his attention back to Gon.

He had been arm wresting with Nobunaga for a while now, his hand red from being slammed against the makeshift stone table.

“Again.”

(Name) stood, standing next to Killua. She wasn’t as good at hiding her emotion as the young boy was, eyebrows furrowing.

“Hey, he’s had enough. Stop i-“

When she walked forward to try and stop the man, she felt a thread wrap around her neck.

“Don’t move, or your head will be sliced clean off.”

A woman with pink hair stood behind her, hands spread out slightly to hover around her sides. (Name) stayed still, lip trembling. She tuned back into Gon and the long haired man’s conversation.

“I don’t know anything, and even if I did, I’d never tell you!”

“Kid! You too cocky!”

“Gon!”

Gon was pinned to the makeshift table by Feitan. Killua began to step forward, but was stopped by Hisoka placing a card to his neck.

(Name) was kept still by Machi, the girl growling lowly. She seethed quietly as they spoke to each other. Feitan let him go, Machi allowing to her join Gon and Killua.

She pulled them towards her, eyes scanning the room as the two spoke with each other.

“Alright, we’ll let them go since they’re not related to the chain user.”

“Yeah, no point in keeping them around.”

“Wait, we can’t be sure, someone must be pulling the strings behind the scenes. We shouldn’t release them until we figure out who they get their orders from.”

“But even if they are working for someone, it’s not the chain user. Actually, I’m sure that guy works alone anyways.”

(Name) noticed the dark haired man staring at her, quirking an eyebrow in his direction. He looked away when she made eye contact.

“Our objective is to find the chain user, so let’s not concern ourselves with anyone else.” The blonde haired man in purple said.

“Hear that? Good for you. You get to go home to mommy now.” Feitan cooed.

“No, they aren’t going anywhere. Hey kid, why don’t you join us?”

Nobunaga smiled at the boy, who clenched his fists by (Name)’s side. “No way!”

“We could be partners.”

“You gotta be kidding me, I’d rather die than be your partner!”

(Name) pulled him back a little, patting his cheek. “Gon, don’t test him.”

She felt herself being pulled back by strings again. “Speaking of people joining…”

The pink haired girl from before pulled (Name) in by the waist. She squeaked, earning a squeeze from the girl.

“I want to nominate this one.”

The entire room went quiet, Gon and Killua staring wide eyed at their older friend.

“Wow, I never thought I’d see the day where Machi was interested in someone.” Phinks said, kneeling down to get a better look at (Name)’s face. She tolerated the tall man roughly grabbing her cheeks to turn her face in several different directions before he hummed. “She is cute, is this your type?”

Machi huffed. “That’s irrelevant. I have a hunch about this girl.”

“Hunch?”

Machi nodded. “She’s not that strong now, but I have this feeling that she’ll become strong enough to be a great ally to us.”

“Your hunch usually right.” Feitan said, leaning against a wall.

“I’ll be taking her. Do what you want with the kids.”

——————

(Name) walked stiffly through town, Machi keeping a firm hand on the small of her back. The pink haired woman was getting some minor shopping done, and when she stopped by an ice cream shop, she ordered herself a waffle cone and looked to (Name).

“Go ahead. Place your order.”

‘What is this, some kind of date?’

(Name) glanced at the woman before turning to the employee and placing her order. She licked her ice cream as they continued walking.

“You didn’t give me an answer. Do you want to join us?”

“No, I don’t.”

Machi hummed, working on her own serving of ice cream. “You should rethink your answer. Working with us means you would become stronger, be able to do what you want and take what you want.”

“And at what cost?”

Machi paused, glancing to the girl next to her. “Hmm?”

“If getting what I want means I have to kill others, then it isn’t worth it to me. I’d rather live the rest of my life with nothing than kill others for financial gain.”

Machi scoffed. “I bet you’ve never been without basic necessities. You wouldn’t last a day with nothing.”

(Name) pouted, but Machi wasn’t exactly wrong. Even when she had nothing, she still had her friends to rely on. Leorio took her in, feeding and taking care of her even when she was at her lowest.

“… maybe you’re right, but as long as I have my friends, I’ll truly never have nothing.”

Machi was about to continue to persuade her, but all of a sudden a chill ran up her spine, the vision of red eyes coming and going so quickly it nearly made her head spin.

For some reason, keeping a hand on (Name) felt dangerous, as if keeping her captive would only spell her doom.

Machi pulled her hand away, causing the girl to blink. “Huh?”

Machi stepped away slowly. “Go.”

(Name) tilted her head, face scrunching up in confusion.

“Go! Before I change my mind!”

(Name) didn’t need to be told again. She dropped her half finished ice cream cone and sprinted away, the pink haired woman watching her go.

‘That girl… she’s tied to someone dangerous. Maybe she isn’t a good fit for the Troupe after all…’

——————

(Name) was met by Leorio outside her apartment, the man nearly bursting into tears. “(Name), holy shit!”

She groaned when the man pulled her into a bear hug, squeezing her so tight she felt her back crack. “Can’t… breathe!”

He released her, now pressing a kiss to her forward as he cupped her cheeks. “I was so worried, Killua and Gon told me everything.”

“Speaking of… Killua and Gon…”

She took a minute to breathe, the man supporting her so she didn’t fall over. (Name) coughed, Leorio noticing her expression and quickly snatching her bag to rummage through it.

“Here!”

He held up her inhaler, letting her take a puff before pulling it back. She took a second to breath before pulling her inhaler back to take another puff.

“Deep breaths, (Name).”

She nodded, calming down finally. “Take me to the boys.”

He carried her up the stairs to her apartment, texting the boys on the way. Sometimes (Name) forgot how strong her silly, lovable friend was. He was carrying her with one arm, using the other to open up her apartment door.

“(Name)!”

Both of the boys rushed out to greet her, jumping into Leorio’s arms. “Hey!”

He grumbled, allowing them to pull her towards them. Gon was tearing up, Killua shaking the girl. “How did you escape? What the hell happened?”

“Well… escaped isn’t the right way to put it.”

After an explanation and a lot of hugs, (Name) collapsed onto the couch. “Leorio, love, can you order takeout? I’ve got a bad case of noodle legs.”

“On it, sunshine.”

The two boys joined her on the couch, Killua poking at her cheek. She ignored this, soon passing out.

——————

(Name) woke up to the sound of the TV turning on. Killua and Gon sat in front of her couch, still in their pajamas as they munched on bowls of cereal.

She sat up and rubbed her eyes before shuffling to the kitchen. A box of takeout from her favorite restaurant sat on the counter, her name written in Leorio’s handwriting on the front.

‘I love him.’

She glanced out the window, seeing the sun rising in the sky. ‘Morning already? I really passed out.’

She ate her takeout, not caring that her two friends stared at her with raised eyebrows. She plopped down onto the couch and watched them play video games while she ate.

“Ah, Killua, we need to get dressed soon if we’ll be ready in time.”

The white haired boy nodded, stretching. “Yeah, and I still need a shower. Are you taking one first, (Name)?”

She raised an eyebrow. “A shower? I can take one later. I don’t have any plans.”

Killua and Gon glanced at each other then back to her. “… (Name)…”

“What?”

“Didn’t you… didn’t you get a text from Kurapika saying to meet him in the park?”

From her expression, they assumed that was a no.

“…”

(Name) looked down at her box of takeout, slowly closing it and standing up.

“Hey, (Name), I’m sure it’s some kind of mistake! Maybe he assumed we’d tell you, so he didn’t bother asking!” Gon said, following her as she brought her plate to the kitchen. Killua was close behind, giving his older friend a worried look.

“… maybe.”

Her answer was a lot less hopeful than her previous ones had been. The two glanced at each other again.

“Hey, why don’t you get ready and leave with Leorio later? We’ll meet up with Kurapika and test the waters. Then we’ll meet with you and Leorio at his hotel!”

Gon held her hand with both of his, giving her that kind smile that she just couldn’t say no to. “Alright, alright. That’s a good plan, Gon.”

(Name) stared at herself in the bathroom mirror after her shower, looking over her makeup. ‘… a little bit of makeup will be fine. It’s a special occasion after all, I’m seeing my friend again properly.’

Her face heated up when she thought about their night spent together with him in her arms. Did he regret it? Was that why he’d blocked her?

Her heart felt heavy, but she pushed her feelings aside. ‘He’ll need my support, so I can’t think about trivial things like that.’

(Name) looked over her reflection, smiling. She looked nice, better than she had in a while.

She wore a soft blue sundress, paired with a white cardigan that hid the nasty bruise Feitan left on her arm. (Name)’s makeup was light, complimenting her natural features.

“Sunshine you look…”

Leorio stared at the girl as she excited the bathroom, cheeks turning pink. “You look amazing.”

(Name) blushed and waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, thanks. Let’s get going.”

Leorio escorted her by the arm to the hotel, opening the door for her. She laughed, leaning her head against his arm. “Thank you, Leorio. You’re really sweet.”

“Nah, I’m not sweet for everyone. I’m just sweet on you.”

He playfully booped her nose, the girl breaking out into giggles. “Careful, you’ll smudge my makeup!”

“(Name)!?”

The two turned to see Kurapika standing near by, Gin and Killua at his side.

He looked both excited and nervous to see (Name) there, eyes scanning her form.

It was quiet for a moment, the only sound Kurapika was able to hear was his thumping heartbeat.

Before he could process what was happening, (Name) wrapped her arms around him, squeezing him tightly. “I missed you, Pika.”

He didn’t respond, didn’t even hug her back, but didn’t push her away either. When she pulled away, he could only think of one thing.

‘She’s gorgeous.’

“It’s been a while since we were all together!” Gon said, smiling at the pair.

——————

(Name) gave Kurapika a peck on the cheek before she left the group to make some snacks in Leorio’s kitchen. He watched her go, eyes soft as she hummed to herself.

“She missed you a lot, Kurapika.” Gon said, giving Kurapika a shy smile.

“I… missed her too.”

(Name) walked back in, handing out cups of tea to everyone. Kurapika caught himself staring at her, looking away, but not quick enough.

“Pika? Need something?”

He shook his head, feeling his heart soar when she pulled him close again. “You sure? I’m here if you need me. I always will be.”

He allowed his hands to reach up and grasp the fabric of her soft cardigan. “…”

He didn’t say anything, just taking in her warmth as she gently ran her fingers through his hair. “It’s been a tough few days, huh?”

“Yes. Yes it has.”

The group smiled at this, internally cheering their friends on. ‘They’re finally reunited! Now Kurapika can watch over her again!’ Gon thought, beaming at the two.

“I’ll make some snacks, okay? You four just relax.”

She leaned down to press a few kisses to Kurapika’s cheek, the blonde leaning into her touch. “I’ll be quick.”

It was happening again, he was losing his will to leave. His eyes stayed glued to her form until she was out of sight, a familiar ache settling in his heart when he could no longer see her.

(Name) hummed as she chopped up some fruit, preparing a bowl of mixed fruit along with some crackers, cheese, and deli meat. ‘I bet Gon won’t even make a little cracker sandwich, he’ll just shove it all in his mouth.’

She giggled at this thought, but her small moment of joy didn’t last long. (Name) felt a shiver run up her spine, the girl running out of the kitchen.

“The corpses were fake. The ones we thought were dead weren’t! Of course, a conjurer could have pulled that off easily! Damn it, why didn’t I realize this sooner?”

(Name) flinched at his tone, inching forward. “Pika…”

She placed a hand on his shoulder, only for it to be harshly slapped away. (Name) gasped, pulling her hand back and holding it against her chest.

“The situation has changed. Now what? We’re here to help.”

“Right!”

“Yeah…”

Leorio glanced at (Name), taking note of her hurt expression. She tried not to take it personally, but she felt the atmosphere surrounding her Pika change. Instead of the warm, protective aura that made her feel safe, all she felt was a cold, violent rage.

——————

(Name) sat across from Leorio, shrugging her cardigan off.

“Yeesh, that’s a nasty bruise, (Name). If you told me before hand I would have gotten you some ice.”

She sighed, poking her lip out. “It’s not that bad, it barley even hurts.”

Leorio stood up. “How’d it go?”

“I couldn’t get a straight answer. I asked the community for any updates regarding the auction today, but no luck.”

(Name) turned her head slowly, giving Kurapika a sweet smile as he continued speaking. He didn’t return her smile.

“You have it all wrong, Leorio. I’m not counting on the mafia, far from it.”

(Name) stood up, attempting to give Kurapika a comforting touch, but he dodged her.

Unfortunately, as he did, he spotted the hand shaped bruise on her arm.

“…”

He felt his eyes turn scarlet, glad that he had his contacts in. “(Name)…”

He stepped foward, grabbing hold of her arm. “Who did this to you?”

For some reason, (Name) felt… frightened. The intensity of his tone had her unable to speak.

“She was captured by the Phantom Troupe when Gon and Killua were. She was hurt then.” Leorio answered for her, staring at Kurapika’s hand that gripped (Name)’s arm.

He felt his heart thump against his chest, bile rising in his throat. “…”

“(Name), I need you to listen to me carefully.”

He pulled her closer, staring into her eyes. “You need to leave, and never speak to me again. Do you understand? The path I walk is dangerous a-“

“No!”

He faltered, eyes widening.

“No..?”

She huffed, pulling her arm away. “I don’t care if it’s dangerous, Pika, I won’t leave you. You’re important to me, and I want to help you as much as I can!”

His heart sank. Within moments, his world can crashing down around him. ‘No… no I can’t let her…’

His hands began to shake, breath coming out in uneven pants as he imagined her attempting to fight against one of the Troupe members. The only outcome he could think of would be her death.

And he couldn’t let that happen.

‘I didn’t want it to come to this. Anything but this.’

He took one last look at the woman in front of him, steeling himself.

“Do you honestly think you could do anything that would be of use to me?”

(Name) blinked, the tall man behind her not knowing if he had heard his blonde friend correctly.

“Excuse me?”

“Oh don’t play dumb, (Name). Everyone here knows how weak you are, how much of a burden you’ve become to us. Tell me, what exactly do you bring to the table besides being the equivalent of a little house wife?”

She stepped back slightly, looking confused. “Pika… pika why are you saying these things to me?”

“Why?” he laughed bitterly, staring at her with those cold, unforgiving gray eyes. “Because I’m tired of pretending you don’t make me sick to my fucking stomach, (Name).”

Tears began beading at the corners of her eyes. “You don’t mean that!”

“I don’t? You’re even more of a moron than I thought you were. Can’t you put two and two together, (Name)?”

“Kurapika.” Leorio warned, stepping forward. The blonde shot him a look before turning his attention back to (Name).

“I’ve always had a soft spot for pitiable creatures like you, (Name). When I saw you struggling to do the simplest tasks during the Hunter exam, I couldn’t help taking pity on you. And look, you did something right for once! You sure did keep me warm during the fourth phase. Looks like you are useful for something, even if all that is, is being a warm body.”

Leorio was about to charge forward, but (Name) stopped him. “Pika, you don’t-“

“Again with the ‘Pika’. God you’re annoying. It’s been so fucking hard pretending to be okay with that stupid nickname of yours. If I hear it one more time I’m going to puke.”

He stepped forward, grabbing her chin and tilting her face up to look at him. “You know, I thought maybe after getting your license, you’d become stronger, become something other than the pathetic loser you’ve been since the first phase.”

He let her go, walking past her. “Look like I was wrong, though. I feel stupid for thinking you could have been of some kind of use to me.”

One more time, (Name) attempted to stop him. “Pika, please-“

“Don’t you ever call me that again. The next time you do…”

He trailed off, his eyes growing wide at the sight of her face. His tactic had worked, maybe a bit too well, she looked absolutely broken, her makeup running down her face along with her tears.

“But… but I love you. I don’t want to leave you.”

He turned back away, fighting the urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her tears away.

“Maybe one day someone will love you back.”

Kurapika left then, Leorio chasing after him. (Name) was left to her own devices, only able to stare at the floor in shock.

Her Pika, the person that gave her a new reason to live, had just shattered her heart. As she attempted to pick up the pieces, she tripped, scraping her knee. “Ow!”

She glanced up to see Kurapika walking away. He didn’t turn, didn’t acknowledge her yelp of pain in anyway.

“I’ll always be there to catch you.”

‘Liar…’

(Name) sat in the hotel lobby, placing a bandaid over her knee. She thought back to the look on Kurapika’s face.

She’d never seen him look at her like that before, with eyes so cold, so angry that she could barely recognize the man she loved behind them.

Leorio ran back in, eyes scanning the room until he saw her. “(Name)! Are you… no of course you’re not okay.”

He pulled her close, almost more worried that she wasn’t sobbing into his chest than he would have been if she did.

“I can’t believe him! That behavior is unacceptable, I won’t be friends with someone who-“

“Leorio.”

He stopped, looking down to see (Name) giving him a big smile. “I’m alright. I’m sure he’s just taking out his anger on me. People say the worst things when they’re angry, you know?”

Leorio hesitated. “I get that, but-“

She shook her head. “But nothing. You should get back to him. He needs your help, Leorio.”

“…”

He took a deep breath. “Okay. I’ll do it, but only because you asked me to, okay?”

She smiled. “Thank you.”

Leorio glanced back several times as he left, almost as if he was scared that once she was out of his eyesight, she’d disappear.

(Name) watched him go, only relaxing when she couldn’t see him anymore.

‘…’

—————

(Name) walked down the street, a pink umbrella in her hands. She hummed to herself, trying to keep her mind off of the incident that happened only an hour before.

‘He’s just having a bad day. Things like this happen. It’s normal.’

That’s what she kept telling herself, but every time she attempted to rationalize the way he spoke to her, she felt a part of her ache.

(Name) paused when she felt her phone buzz in her pocket. “Leorio?”

“(Name), quick, head towards the hotel! You have to stop Kurapika before he does something stup-“

Leorio didn’t have to finish his sentence, (Name) began sprinting towards the hotel, dropping her umbrella in the process.

‘I need to maintain Zetsu. If he’s trailing the spiders like I’m assuming he is, they’d be able to sense my presence without it!’

As she ran, she felt her head spin. She didn’t want to think of Kurapika getting himself hurt, the thought of him dying nearly bringing her to her knees.

(Name) felt a hand cover her mouth as she was dragged into an alley. She struggled for a moment before she met the eyes of her beloved.

“Mmph!”

He held a finger to his lips, glancing out before pulling his hand away. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“Coming to prevent you from doing something stupid.”

The blonde cursed. ‘Leorio must of called her.’

“Well the only stupid one here is you. Leave before you cause me any more headaches.”

She shook her head, grabbing his sleeve. He attempted to swat her away, but she grabbed his other hand. “I’m not leaving you, not until you’ve calmed down!”

He growled, glancing back out to see the spiders were on the move. Almost instinctually, he pulled her closer to him, pushing her behind his back to shield her from anything. ‘She can use Zetsu, that’s good… I can’t let her out of my sight, she’d be a liability to me and herself.’

He sighed before scooping her up into his arms, almost sighing in contentment at the feeling of her weight against him. It felt nice to hold her again, but he couldn’t indulge in that feeling for long. “Don’t speak, don’t even whisper after this. I won’t hesitate to drop you.”

It was a bluff, and he was hoping she wouldn’t notice.

She couldn’t help but nuzzle into his chest, sighing softly. (Name) could remember a time when he’d hold her whenever she wanted, always kind and gentle.

But the harsh grip her had on her was far from gentle, almost causing her pain. She tried to ignore it, but would whimper every time he squeezed her thighs as he peered out to watch the Phantom Troupe.

They chased after the group, (Name) spotting Gon running next to them. She was going to wave, but Kurapika suddenly dove into the alleyway when the Phantom Troupe turned to look at them.

He pressed himself against her, shielding her body from sight. His hand was over her mouth, eyes glued to the entryway of the alley.

She watched as chains manifested on his hands, quickly grabbing his hands and pushing them down. They were cold, much colder than the last time she held them.

Gon leaped out of his hiding spot, (Name) barely holding herself back from following behind him. Out of nowhere, Killua appeared next to them. He took one look at (Name) before walking out to join Gon’s side.

Kurapika kept a good grip on her, pulling her so close she struggled to breath. She felt his warm breath against her neck, his lips brushing against her shoulder as he attempted to calm himself.

——————

A short, balding woman met up with the two. Kurapika set (Name) down on her feet, gritting his teeth.

“Now that they’re on high alert, we have to keep our distance, otherwise they’re bound to notice us. Make sure you conceal your presence.”

“Damn it!” Kurapika growled.

“We just have to be patient!”

“I’m aware of that!”

“I don’t think you are! Your reckless pursuit exposed them to needless danger. Do you even know why they allowed themselves to be captured? If you get captured here, then no one will be able to stop the troupe.”

He glanced at (Name), eyes narrowing. “If I didn’t have to protect you, then maybe I could have gone after them.”

She frowned, once again reaching out for him. “Don’t touch me. You make me sick.”

Melody seemed confused by this statement. ‘But… his heart…’

“P-… Kurapika, I’m not trying to be a burden, I just want t-“

He cut her off with a scoff. “You’re not trying hard enough, it seems.”

Melody glanced between the two. The girls heart thumped against her chest, a confused and heartbroken song. It combined into a duet with Kurapika’s, that played a song of anger, determination, and overwhelming love.

(Name) stayed quiet as the two spoke, letting the rain soak into her clothes. She stared at the ground, eyes blurry with tears. She was almost grateful for the rain, it hid her tears well.

Though, Melody could tell just from her heartbeat alone that she felt great sadness. She couldn’t help but reach a hand out to comfort the girl. Kurapika noticed this, his fingernails digging into his palm.

Leorio finally caught up with them, parking beside them and getting out.

“We have to come up with a plan to get them back.” Kurapika said. (Name) began to speak up, but the blonde stopped her. “You need to go. You’ll only slow us down.”

She frowned at him. “I want to save Killua and Gon! I’m coming with you!”

He grabbed her wrist, squeezing it. “No… no (Name), you cant. I won’t let you.”

The girl pulled, Kurapika only increasing the pressure on her wrist when she did. She gasped, Melody covering her ears at the sharp CRACK!

Kurapika’s eyes went wide, immediately loosening his grip on her wrist. The girl wrenched her wrist away from the rage filled blonde, wincing at the pain blooming beneath her skin.

“I can, and I will. Why won’t you let me help you? You had no isssue with Gon and Killua-“

“That’s because they aren’t fucking weak like you!”

She flinched, using her arm to shield herself out of fear of him hurting her. Leorio was quick to rush forward and create a barrier between the two, shielding (Name) from Kurapika’s anger.

The blonde felt his stomach sink. ‘They… they think I’m going to hurt her.’

“Oh my god… your wrist, (Name)… it’s fractured.”

Melody covered her ears, whimpering at the mournful sound Kurapika’s heart was making. (Name) eyes prickled with tears. “H-hurts!”

“I know, I know sunshine. Just breathe. Shit, we need to get her to a hospital.”

“We don’t have time for that right now.” Kurapika steeled himself, casting his feelings aside.

“What the fuck do you mean? I-“

“He’s right. We have to save Gon and Killua first.”

(Name) held her arm to her chest, crying out in pain at the slightest of movements. Kurapika visibly flinched at this, having to use all of his willpower to remain calm and collected.

“If you can’t keep quiet, then we’ll leave you behind.” Kurapika said, smoothing out his disguise.

“You heartless bastard. How could you say that to her after everything she’s done for you?” Leorio said, eyes brimming with angry tears.

“Leorio, it’s okay. Just concentrate on the plan, I’ll be fine.”

They got into the car, speeding towards the hotel. Kurapika tried his best not to steal glances at the girl sitting next to him.

His instinct was telling him to do anything he could to help her, to ease her pain, but he couldn’t do that. Kurapika didn’t want to waste his nen when he knew he’d be needing it later.

It was hard to ignore her sniffling, even when she tried her best to hide it. “Can you shut up already?!” Kurapika snapped. His nerves were shot, the sound of his dearest friend in pain only worsening is state.

Her lip trembled as she attempted to keep quiet. Kurapika stared out the window so he wouldn’t see her hurt expression.

———————

(Name) sat in the backseat of their car as Kurapika and Leorio left for the hotel. Melody fidgeted with her coat, glancing back at the sullen girl while she thought of what to say.

“… dreadful weather, huh?”

The girl gave a small nod, wincing at the pain in her wrist. Melody’s heart ached for the poor girl. She was obviously in love with Kurapika, but the blonde had been unnecessarily cruel the entire night, and by the way the other two reacted, Melody assumed it was unusual for him to act in such a way.

And when it was quiet, all Melody could hear from the angry man was a melody of unbridled rage, with a undertone of a fierce and protective love. Kurapika definitely cared for this girl, so his actions confused the older woman greatly.

“My name is Melody. What is yours?”

The girl looked up, swiping at her tears with her uninjured hand. “I’m (Name).”

Melody smiled. “That’s a pretty name, perfectly fitting for a gorgeous woman such as yourself.”

This drew a giggle from the girl. “Ah, that’s better. Even your laugh is pretty. I know it’s hard, but try to dry up those tears, okay?”

(Name) nodded, sniffling a bit before wiping the rest of her tears away.

They would be back by 7:01, meaning they had around five minutes until Kurapika and Leorio would return with the leader of the Phantom Troupe in tow.

She busied herself with grabbing some painkillers from Leorio’s briefcase, glad she packed a juice pouch in her bag.

By the time she finished taking her medicine, the door on the other side of her opened, a man being shoved in the other side.

He was tall, with black hair and a handsome face. He glanced her way, seemingly taking every feature of hers in before looking back to his captor.

Kurapika was deadly silent, slamming the car door as Leorio sped off. (Name) glanced between the man next to her, to Kurapika, and to Leorio.

“… did it go well?” she asked, leaning forward a bit to look at Kurapika.

He didn’t answer her, didn’t even look at her. (Name) slumped back into her seat, a pout on her lips. The man watched her intently, eyes moving from her face, to her body, then to the bruised wrist she kept close to her chest.

“It’s okay. A number of the enemies were injured. They won’t move until reinforcements arrive.”

Kurapika’s eyebrow twitched when he noticed the man staring at (Name).

“What are you looking at?”

Chrollo turned to face forward. “Nothing. I didn’t expect the chain user to be a woman.”

“Did I say I was? You shouldn’t let appearances fool you.”

He pulled his wig off, sighing. “Anyway, you should mind what you say. Since it may be the last thing out of your mouth.”

“You won’t kill me. You left your precious friends behind.” He said softly, sending a charged look (Name)’s way. The girl shrunk under his gaze, Kurapika’s blood pressure rising.

“I’m not so composed that I will ignore your taunts!”

“Kurapika! That’s enough.” Leorio said, more for (Name)’s sake than anything. She looked rather uncomfortable, forced to sit next to the leader of the Phantom Troupe, who kept leering at her.

“The girl’s fortune didn’t mention this. Therefore, this event isn’t significant enough to matter.”

“YOU BASTARD!”

“Kurapika!”

(Name) leaned over Chrollo, putting a hand on the blondes arm to try and calm him.

“If you kill him, I’ll kick your ass!” Leorio yelled from the drivers seat.

Kurapika seethed, slowly leaning back into his seat, seemingly placated by (Name)’s touch.

Chrollo took note of this. “Do you need further explanation? I consider this situation the same as an afternoon coffee break. A peaceful outing.”

(Name) gasped when chrollo slammed into her. Kurapika had decked him right in the face, the girl crying out at his weight pressing into her hurt wrist.

“Calm down, Kurapika! We’re on equal footing, now. Nothing has changed.”

“Equal footing? You are sorely mistaken. First of all, you’ve made the wrong assumption. I have no value as a hostage.”

Chrollo leaned off of (Name), giving her a small smile that she couldn’t judge the sincerity of.

“If you insist on babbling-“

“He’s not lying. Everything he says is true.” Melody said, interrupting the blonde.

“There you go. This is reality. You people are the ones on the ropes.”

(Name) couldn’t hear or process anything, the throbbing pain of her wrist making her ears ring. She could see them speaking, see Chrollo say something that made Kurapika’s eyes go red with rage. (Name) felt Chrollo crash into her, this time with more force.

The side of her face made contact with the window, blood spurting out of her nose as she heard Leorio scream for Kurapika to stop.

And that’s when she blacked out.

——————

“Kurapika, what the fuck is wrong with you? Did you think of anyone else but yourself when you fucking launched Chrollo into (Name)? For Christ’s sake she’s bleeding! She could have a concussion!”

“I know! I know…”

Leorio placed (Name) on her back, using his suit jacket as a pillow. Kurapika was knelt at her side, wiping the blood from her nose and trying to calm his racing heart. ‘(Name)… I’m so sorry.’

As Leorio left to grab his brief case, Kurapika knelt down to press a kiss to her lips. For a moment, all he felt was pure bliss, unable to stop himself from indulging in her warmth.

He pulled back, ashamed of himself. Kurapika couldn’t understand why he kissed her, why he wanted to do it again and again. His cheeks turned red, the pretty shade of scarlet that only (Name) ever got to see returning to his eyes as he gazed down at her.

“It’s not gentlemanly to kiss a woman when she’s unconscious.” Chrollo said, leaning back in his seat.

“Shut up, I don’t want to be lectured by a murderer.”

Kurapika glared at him before returning his gaze to the woman below him. He licked his lips, wincing at the metallic taste of blood on his tongue.

‘You deserve so much more than this, (Name). A happy life, where the man you love would never even think of hurting you, accidentally or not.’

He brushed the hair out of her face, moving to cup her cheek. ‘I’ll have to hurt you, over and over again. It’s for the best, I promise. Just forget about me, and find someone who will treat you like the angel you are.’

Leorio arrived, using his sparse medical tools in his briefcase to check over the girl. “God, sunshine, all beat up…”

He sent a glare in Kurapika’s direction, the blonde shrinking under his gaze. “… will she be okay?”

Leorio sighed. “I think so, but her wrist may be completely broken now. Before, it seemed like a fracture, but…”

Kurapika glanced down at her wrist, his eyes going wide at the sight. It was bent at an unnatural angle, his stomach heaving at the sight of her bone jutting against her skin.

“Oh god…”

Leorio did the best he could, wiping the sweat from her forehead. “After this, she’ll need to go to a hospital. You may have just fractured her wrist, but Chrollo landing on her did a lot of damage.”

“Fuck. FUCK!”

He hit the wall of the airship, Leorio sighing in exasperation at his friends temper.

If Kurapika had kept his rage under control, none of this would have happened. He was dangerous, the woman laying in front of him visual proof.

“Leorio… please listen to what I have to say.”

The man raised an eyebrow, looking up at him. “Go on.”

——————

(Name) blinked her eyes awake, groaning at the harsh light against her eyes.

“(Name)!”

“Oof!”

(Name) grunted when something collided with her, gasping out in pain when she was squeezed tightly. “Ow!”

“Gon!”

SMACK!

She groaned, opening her eyes again to see Killua, Gon, and Leorio surrounding her bed. Despite her pain, (Name) felt tears of joy well up in her eyes. “Gon! Killua!”

She attempted to pull them closer to her, put her left arm felt… heavy.

“Easy! You broke your arm, (Name).” Leorio said. “Gon, you can hug her, but you have to remember to be gentle.”

“Yes, Leorio!”

The two hugged her, Leorio joining in soon after. They all laughed, (Name) pressing kisses into their cheeks and foreheads. “I’m so glad you’re all safe. Where’s Kurapika?”

Leorio stiffened, his eyes looking everywhere but her. “He’s… recovering at a hotel near here.”

“Recovering? Oh god, he wasn’t hurt, was he?”

“No, he’s okay, his nen just took a lot out of him.”

(Name) straightened up, attempting to leave her hospital bed. “Okay, let’s go to him then.”

“Woah, slow down sunshine!”

He pushed her back down, eyes wide. (Name) struggled against him, a frown on her face. “I want to see him!”

Leorio glanced at the other two, thinking back to Kurapika’s words.

“Leorio… please listen to what I have to say.”

The man raised an eyebrow, looking up at him. “Go on.”

Kurapika sighed, staring down at the girl. “You may think I’m cruel, but I’m acting this way for her benefit. You’ve seen what happened today, what my anger can do, how dangerous being connected to me can be.”

Leorio nodded. He’d thought about the same thing. (Name) wasn’t like them. She didn’t have overwhelming strength like him, or unique powers like Gon or Killua. Leorio didn’t want her to be in a situation like this again.

“I… I’m going to cut contact with her after this. It’s the only way I can see her continuing to live her life safely.”

Leorio held onto (Name)’s uninjured hand, frowning. “It’s going to hurt her. She really loves you, and not just in a friendly way. She’s in-”

“Please, don’t say anything else.”

He glanced up to see Kurapika holding onto his shirt, tears beading in his eyes. “I… I think she’s a dear friend, and to keep her safe, I can’t be near her.”

‘No matter how much I want to be…’

Leorio sighed, rubbing his forehead. “I understand. I don’t like your methods, but…”

He cupped (Name)’s cheek, staring down at her with soft eyes. “I don’t want her to suffer like this ever again.”

Kurapika tried to ignore the unpleasant feeling blossoming in his chest at the sight of Leorio’s eyes. Those weren’t the eyes of a worried friend, they were the eyes of a worried man in love.

“… I’m still angry at you, Kurapika. You hurt her, and there will never be an excuse for that.”

The blonde lowered his head. “…”

“… but if I didn’t help you, she would cry. You’re the most precious person to her, after all.”

He almost sounded bitter, thumb rubbing against her cheek lovingly. Kurapika stood up.

“It’s time. Pakunoda should be here shortly.”

(Name) looked at Leorio expectantly, holding onto his sleeve with her free hand. “Please, Leorio.”

Leorio’s lip trembled. “Sunshine…”

“He doesn’t want to see you, (Name).” Killua spoke up, surprising (Name) and Gon.

“Huh? Why not?” Gon asked, glancing between the three.

Killua’s eyes narrowed when (Name) placed a hand over her cast at Kurapika name.

“He… he’s just not feeling well, (Name). He’s been asleep since-“

“Please.”

(Name) looked up at Leorio, tears streaming down her face. “P-please take me to my Pika! Please!”

And god, with her begging him like that, pawing at his shirt with her uninjured hand, Leorio couldn’t say no to her.

—————

(Name) sat down next to Kurapika’s bed, humming softly as her fingers ran through his hair. Even in his sleep, her touch seemed to calm him.

“How long has he been out for?”

“Around twelve hours.”

(Name) nodded, a single tear falling to land on his cheek. “Pika… I hate seeing you like this. I wish I could see you smile at me again.”

Leorio felt his heart break in two for the girl, Gon by her side. “It’s going to be okay, (Name)! I’m sure he’ll wake up soon!”

Killua blinked, pulling back Gon to whisper to him. “Gon, use Gyo.”

The boy did as he was told, gasping. “(Name) is…”

She was using nen, a faint aura surrounding her and Kurapika. They could feel Kurapika’s aura grow stronger slowly, a far cry from the weak one they’d sensed just moments before.

“Her nen ability… is she an enhancer?” Gon asked. It was obvious that she was healing him, the nen surrounding the blonde having a gentle and sweet feeling to it.

“Maybe… it seems she’s unaware that she’s using nen right now…” Killua felt his frown deepen.

‘I don’t understand why she’s still helping him, why she still loves him after everything he’s put her through…’

Leorio had trusted Killua enough to tell him some details, but Killua being the smart boy he was, pieced together the rest.

“Kurapika… he’s being harsh towards her to push her away, it seems.”

Killua scoffed. “While I think being near him is dangerous, hurting her is unforgivable.”

“I agree… but…”

Killua’s body stiffened when he finally put the final piece in place.

‘Kurapika is the one that broke her arm.’

(Name) stayed by Kurapika’s side for nearly two days, only leaving to use the bathroom. She slept with him in bed, Leorio sighing as he covered her and the blonde up after checking on them in the middle of the night.

—————

When Kurapika awoke, (Name) couldn’t help but cry out in joy. “Kurapika, you’re-“

“What the fuck are you doing here!?”

(Name) flinched at his harsh tone, eyes gone wide. “I wanted to make sure you were okay, I-“

“Leorio, I told you I didn’t want to see her! Why the fuck is she here!?”

“Kurapika, calm down, it’s-“

(Name) wrapped her arms around him. “Kurapika, please! I don’t understand, why do you keep saying these things? Y… you’ve never treated me like this before! What did I do to make you hate me so much?”

She cried into his shirt, blubbering out apologies. Kurapika didn’t have to pretend to act sick this time, he felt like he was going to throw up. ‘She’s… she’s apologizing to me…’

“Don’t touch me.”

He pushed her away, having to hide his eyes with his hair. “You disgust me. Being near you makes me sick to my stomach. Can’t you just leave me be? You’re like some kind of stalker.”

(Name) shook her head, holding onto his hand. “You don’t mean that, Kurapika. We’re friends, and I know-“

“(Name).”

She blinked, his cold, brown eyes staring into hers.

“My mission will always come before you. Always. If, for some reason, your death could benefit me in some way, I’d let you die without hesitation.”

(Name) stared at him for a second, in shock.

“Kurapika, you’ve said too much!”

Leorio slapped him, pulling (Name) away. The blonde took the hit, not even lifting a hand to cradle his now red cheek.

He stared at his hands, tears dropping onto his clenched fists. ‘Hopefully… hopefully that was enough.’

(Name) was completely quiet, allowing Leorio to lead her outside. “What a fucking dick. (Name), are you…”

His breath hitched in his throat at her expression. It was painfully familiar, the same look she had when sitting on the edge of the platform during the third phase.

“He…”

She stared at the ground, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“He really meant that.”

Leorio pulled her into his arms, holding onto her tightly. He wanted her to sob, to be angry, she deserved that, but the only indication of (Name) still being alive was the tears that stained his suit and her beating heart.

“… I want to go home.”

——————

BACK IN THE PRESENT TIME

Kurapika glanced down at (Name) smiling softly as she leaned against his shoulder in her sleep. The smile slipped from his features when he remembered the image of her face falling when he yelled at her.

‘(Name)…’

He pulled his suit jacket over her form, looking out the window as the train continued on its journey to York New.

‘The last time we were in York New, I broke your heart.’ he thought, hand caressing her cheek. His gaze moved from the window and back to her, eyes softening when she nuzzled against him.

“Pika…”

His breath hitched. (Name) hasn’t used that name for him once since he’d returned to her life. He knew that was his own fault, but it didn’t change the fact that he missed it.

“Right here, angel.”

He pulled her a little closer, allowing himself to enjoy her comforting presence. She was still asleep, mumbling random things as she cuddled into him. ‘Is she… dreaming of me?’

His cheeks turned a light pink.

Kurapika was almost grateful for the long train ride. He’d get to spend that much more time with her, that much more time holding her, being in her presence.

And that’s all he could wish for.

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watchoutforthefanfics · 4 months ago

Text

achievement unlocked 🔓 (part nineteen) || Streamer AU! Reddie (IT)

Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

AVAILABLE ON AO3

Inspiration: this prompt + BIRDS OF A FEATHER by Billie Eilish

Summary: Richie liked to play video games, and by some stroke of luck, it became his job. Being primarily known as Trashmouth on stream, he found his own little group of streamer friends and they became intertwined: The Losers Club. It never did feel quite complete, though. Well, until, he got his very own backseat gamer in chat.

TWs: cursing, talk of sex, mention of Eddie's mom, toxic parenting, emotional manipulation, crying, and shameless flirting.

[[A/N: This one starts as a sad one, I apologize in advance. Also, for future reference, what kinda pet names are we feeling Eddie should call Richie? Like Im kinda feeling the 'sweetheart'/'honey' train, but I could definitely see like a 'babe' too. So let me know on that!!! There is both wafflehouse hype and hate in this chapter, you shall never know my true feelings. And there is also a lot to get through so like... sorry about that lmao. ALSO,,, I GOT MY FIRST TATTOO TODAY !!!!! Yay. Anyway. Enjoy :))]]

Richie woke up to a hand on his arm -shaking him. He blearily tried to blink away the blur of sleep in his eyes.

"Richie, hey," a voice whispered out, soft and maybe scratchy, "-wake up."

He hummed, scratching at the collar of his shirt and stretching his arms out.

"R-Rich," Eddie, he realized Eddie -my Eddie, spoke, and his voice was shaking.

Richie near immediately shot up, grabbing his glasses on pure instinct.

"Eds?" He slid them on the bridge of his nose, and snapped his eyes around the room (Eddie was distinctly not beside him in the bed), and then, they caught on him.

Eddie was beside the bed, standing with his arms wrapped around himself protectively. Defensive, protecting himself, Richie could see that much. Gnawing at his lip, his hair was ruffled (like he had run his hands through it a little too much), and his eyes were shiny like... like-

Richie pulled himself up, scooted to sit at the end of their bed, and slid onto his feet -in one fluid motion. So quick that it made him dizzy for a second, it didn't last for long though (Eddie instincts kicking into gear).

"Hey, woah," he slid his arms down Eddie's arms -moving his head slightly to catch his eyes, "-hey, what's going on?"

Eddie's breath hitched in his chest, eyes only shining brighter, "I'm sorry, I didn't want to wake you up, but I just-"

"Eds, no," Richie cut him off instantly, hands moving to hold Eddie's face -so he couldn't look away, "-don't do that. No. Wake me up every time. Do you know how much I would fucking hate you going through something alone?"

Eddie stared at him for a second, something smoothing along his features.

"I'm sorry," he finally spoke, shaky and quiet -tears slipping from his eyes (Richie felt his heart twist in his chest).

"Eddie baby, stop," Richie leveled, thumbs rubbing away at his eyes -diligently, "-Don't apologize for shit. There's no reason to, okay?"

Eddie let out a breath, slower, "Okay."

"Now," Richie kept his hands on Eddie's shoulders -ducking his head to catch his eyes, "-what's going on?"

Eddie pressed his lips into a thin line, and Richie's eyes flicked along his face in entirety. Trying to read anything. All he could get was... hurt, and it felt like a knife stabbed into his chest that he didn't know why-

"I don't know how-" Eddie started, and his breath was picking up, "-It doesn't make any sense, she shouldn't have fucking-"

"Eds, breathe," Richie tried to gain his attention, but Eddie kept going.

"-seen it. There was nothing but my fucking face, but she did. And Richie, she found me. She fucking found me-"

"Eds," Richie tried again, stepping to the side to try and gain his eye (his breaths were puffing through his lungs too quickly and his brain was burning with soothe, soothe, soothe).

"-I can't. I never wanted this to happen, Rich. I never fucking wanted to see her again-"

"Eddie," he finally pulled Eddie to face him -snapping his attention, "-breathe, baby."

Eddie blinked once, and swallowed -inhaling through his nose, sharply.

"Okay, now out," Richie hummed -gently, keeping Eddie's eyes on him, "-breathe out from your mouth."

The breath slunk out of Eddie's lips, catching just a little. Eddie frowned like he'd failed in some way.

"That's okay, Eddie baby, don't worry about it," Richie soothed, "-Let's do it again. In," he inhaled, "-out," he exhaled, "-in," he inhaled, "-out," he exhaled.

They stayed like that for a while, until Eddie's breaths evened out and the tension in his shoulders dropped. Richie watched, until he relaxed -as much as he could, anyway. He let his hands smooth down Eddie's arms and then back up -reassuring. He wasn't going to let go until Eddie told him to.

"Okay," Richie spoke, softly, "-now, talk to me."

Eddie took a deep breath in and just stared at Richie -big brown eyes swirling with things that made him want to scoop him into his arms forever. Protect him. Forever-

"My Mom."

Richie blinked once, a little confused. And then he remembered. The post. Fuck-

"She found the post?" Richie asked -cautiously (guilt sinking into his stomach).

Eddie nodded -lips into a tight frown. A real one, Richie wanted to see him smile.

"Fuck," Richie frowned, "-I'm sorry. I didn't think about that-"

"Richie, no," Eddie interrupted this time, voice rattling out of his throat (scared and shaky but also stubborn and certain), "-I want this. I want you. I just, I didn't fucking think of her seeing it. And it's... She won't stop messaging me-"

"What?" Richie furrowed his eyebrows.

"I told you, she found me, I don't-"

Richie extended his hand forward, "Can I see?"

Eddie pressed his lips together, thinking for a second. Richie patiently waited. (He'd probably wait forever for Eddie if he had to. For anything he wanted. He'd wait.)

With a shaky breath, Eddie unlocked it and placed it into Richie's waiting hand.

He held it there for a second, almost offering him an out (Eddie remained entirely certain), before pulling it to his eyes.

soniakaspbrak

Eddie, you don't know how hard it was to find you. My only son, do you understand?

You're my only child and you've left me. You ran away. You've left me helpless, Eddie.

I'm sick. The doctors say it's serious. Serious enough to be concerned. I can't take care of myself.

You're just going to let your own mother die alone? That's not my Eddie.

That's not my baby boy.

Think of your father, he'd want you here with me. Don't disappoint him.

Richie frowned. What the fuck-

soniakaspbrak

You can still come back. You can apologize and come back, I'm your mother, I'll forgive you.

You should be grateful that I still love you with what you've done to me. But I'm your mother, I'll always love you. Do you understand that, Eddie?

I love you much more than that boy ever could. You should know that. That boy will leave you alone, Eddie-bear. He won't care about you forever, not like I will.

Richie felt like he was burning alive, something biting up his throat. The messages kept piling up, one after another. What the fuck-

His eyes shot to Eddie (who was looking right back at him), fidgeting with his fingernails -picking at his cuticles. Richie immediately caught it, but he had to do something first.

"Eds," Richie leveled, "-Can I block her?"

Eddie gnawed at his lips.

"You don't need to hear this shit," Richie spoke, sturdily, "-but if you don't want me to, tell me, and I won't."

Eddie just stared at him, blinking. Looking at him like he was a little lost and Richie was the only thing he recognized. His bottom lip quivered, but Richie didn't move, not yet.

He took a deep, shaky breath in, "Yeah, do it."

Richie didn't hesitate, turning to the phone and blocking the account. With a quick motion, he turned off Eddie's phone -leaving it in his hand for a second.

"Can I hold onto this for now?" Richie asked, gently.

Eddie eyed it for a moment, before nodding, "Please."

Richie pocketed it, without a moment to waste. Stepping forward and gently extending his arms out, a question unspoken hanging in the air.

Eddie's eyes flicked between Richie's face and his chest (over and over). His lip quivered, and Richie watched his eyes start to get teary (something flared in Richie's stomach -god, he hated that Eddie had to deal with this). And then, he rushed forward into Richie -shoving his face into his chest and wrapping his arms tight around his body, hands gripping the fabric of his shirt.

Richie near immediately wrapped him up in his arms -like a shell, protective.

"I just-" Eddie breathed into his chest -teary and shaky (Richie dropped his head to kiss his forehead), "-I actually fucking... feel guilty. Even though she hurt me, I still... I know I shouldn't-"

Richie cut him off, moving a hand up to rub up and down his back (gently scrape of his fingertips), "There's no shouldn't, Eddie baby. It just means you care. You care so fucking much and that's good. So fucking good."

Eddie didn't say a word.

"You have the biggest heart I've ever seen Eds," Richie hummed, before adding, "-Well, maybe except for Ben, but he's like a fucking... angel that fell to earth-"

Eddie laughed a little bit, and Richie felt it thrum though his chest. Good.

"-Other than that, you're the biggest heart I've ever seen. You chew people out because you care, and that's an odd fucking thing, yeah, but still good. Great, even."

Eddie sniffled, and burrowed himself further into him -Richie tightened his hold, ever-so-slightly at the movement (because it felt like he needed it, and Richie would give him anything he could).

"I don't think-" Eddie's words were soft, spoken into the fabric of his shirt, "-Even if I did what she asked, she'd still... I could never be enough, Rich, never. No matter how hard I try-"

He moved instinctively, pulling his hands back to gently pull Eddie's face to his.

"Don't say that, Eds," he leveled, and his big brown eyes blinked up at him, "-you are enough. You'll always be enough for the people that matter, okay?"

Eddie was just staring at him, in a way that Richie was slowly grasping. Like he was fucking stranded in the ocean, and Richie was the lighthouse that guided him back. Or really just like... like he needed him. Not wanted him, because he was going through something, no, he needed him.

The thought rattled through Richie's head (Eddie needs you), and something in him steeled. Imma take care of you, Eds. I promise.

Richie brushed one of his hands through the side of his hair -combing it down with a smooth motion (Eddie leaned into it and Richie wanted to cry a little), "Like Bev, and Ben, and Mike, and Bill, and even fucking Stan. They care so much about you, so fucking much, and that's not even counting me-"

Eddie sniffled once, but his lips were smoothing into a smile -Richie wanted to keep it there.

"-I love you and care about you more than you will ever know."

Eddie's eyes were teary again, but Richie thought it might be for a better reason now.

"So, maybe," Richie continued, eyes solid on Eddie's (with one hand wiping away tears and the other threading through his hair), "-you're not enough for her. But you are enough for the Losers. And you're more than fucking enough for me. I'm stoked every day that you're in my life, Eddie Kaspbrak, with your big doe-eyes, and your huge fucking heart, and your sexy ass legs-"

Eddie laughed then and brought up a hand to shove at him -not hard at all, but Richie still took it as a good sign.

"In all seriousness," Richie took a breath, and Eddie followed his every move, "-you're safe and away from her, but sometimes shit like this still comes back, and that's okay. Ya wanna know why?"

Eddie responded, slowly, "Why?"

"Because I'm going to be right fucking here to remind you that you are safe," Richie hummed, moving to press a kiss onto his forehead, "-and cared for-" his nose, "-and loved-" his lips (the simplest little peck, just to show he was here), "-and whatever other shit you need from me."

There was a pause, as Eddie looked up at him with a hazy, affectionate sort of gaze. And then, he gently raised his own hands, brush his fingertips along the sides of Richie's face. A little like he was marveling at a sculpture or something, just in awe. (In awe? Of me? Fuck-).

"Thanks," Eddie finally said after a moment.

"Don't even," Richie smiled, and Eddie followed with his own, "-You know I don't take that shit."

"Doesn't mean I can't say it," Eddie pointed out, dropping his hands and wiping at his eyes (not unlike how a toddler would when they're tired). Richie caught it near immediately.

"You wanna go back to sleep now?" He questioned, softly.

Eddie eyed him for a second, thoughtfully.

"Actually," he started, maybe a little flustered, "-I have a weird... fucking request, I guess."

"Kinky," Richie slipped out with a shit-eating grin.

Eddie frowned, puffing out his cheeks and swatting at his chest, "Not like that, asshole. Just fucking..."

He fell silent, and dropped his gaze.

Richie gently put a finger under his chin -tilting his face back up to look at him again, and Eddie did so. Blinking at him a few times.

"Eds, c'mon," Richie soothed, "-I'm not gonna fucking judge you, not really. I wanna do it, just tell me what I'm doing."

Eddie's lips pressed into a thin line, and he pulled Richie's hand down (like it was bothering him), "I can't think when you did shit like that."

Richie furrowed his eyebrows, "Shit like what?"

"I don't know, just fucking-" Eddie huffed out, and Richie watched the red flame up his cheeks, "-that. Grabbing my chin between two fingers like that. It's just, I don't know, it's... like sly and smooth and fucking... confident, and that's..."

"Hot?" Richie asked, smirking.

"Stop it," Eddie pursed his lips together, eyes dropping to his lips for a split second, "-You're doing this shit on purpose, you asshole."

"Maybe a little," Richie confessed, before continuing, "-but seriously, Eds, what do you want me to do? No more funny business, I swear."

Eddie raised an questioning eyebrow.

Richie added, "Cross my heart and-"

"Don't," Eddie cut him off, sharply.

"Noted," Richie paused, before Eddie wiped at his eyes again, "-Eddie baby, come on, tell me what I need to do. You need to sleep. You're tired, I can tell."

Eddie huffed out a breath, "Are you going to make fun of me?"

"Not if you don't want me to," Richie answered -honestly.

There was a pause.

"Can you-" Eddie started, nervously, before sighing and starting again, "-Can you lay on top of me? Like with your head on my chest?"

Richie paused, rolling it over in his head -before carefully proceeding, "Why?"

"It's like... pressure or some shit," Eddie rambled a little -flustered, "-I think it might help me... calm down."

"Like a weighted blanket?" Richie asked -cocking his head to the side.

"Yeah, yes, exactly-" Eddie concurred, speaking a little anxiously (hand motions peeking their head out) "-I never... had one of those, but I've heard that it... that it helps. Is that... okay?"

Richie answered near instantly, soothing, "Of course, Eds. I said I'd do anything for you, I'm a man of my word, Spaghetti-"

"But if you don't want to-" Eddie tried.

"Eddie baby," Richie held onto his shoulders, "-I want to, okay?"

Eddie's eyes flickered along his face, maybe trying to see if he was lying (which he was not). Seriously, Richie was a clingy motherfucker and to sleep on top of Eddie? Sounds like fucking paradise-

"Okay," he finally said.

"Alright," Richie smiled, pushing him back slightly, "-you lay down while I put my shit up. Well, our shit up, because it's my glasses and your phone-"

"I know, Rich," Eddie laughed, pulling himself up onto the bed and laying there -more to the middle than anywhere else (Richie guessed he didn't have to worry much about space).

Pulling his glasses off, Richie placed the phone on the, now blurry, nightstand. After making sure it was not on the fucking edge, he slowly moved onto the bed.

He could virtually feel where Eddie was, but otherwise, he was a blur. A beautiful blur, Richie would say, but very much a blur.

"Are you sure I'm not gonna crush you?" Richie asked -somewhat genuinely.

"That's the whole point, dumbass," Eddie sighed, grabbing Richie's arms and tugging him forward with a huff, "-I have to do fucking everything-"

Richie let himself be guided, it was kinda easy with Eddie. He knew exactly what he wanted, and just fucking... took direction. So, he never really had to worry about 'what Eddie wants' because he always just... said that shit. Or, well, guided Richie to do it -such as now.

And he did so.

He pulled Richie up by the shoulders until his head landed right by Eddie's heartbeat -the thrum of it buzzing through his mind (it was so fucking calming). Richie could feel Eddie's jaw brush against his forehead, as he diligently moved Richie's arm -moving his hand to wrap over his shoulder. Finally, Eddie intertwined their legs. Like it was all perfectly pieced together, like he'd thought about this. And frankly, Richie wouldn't be surprised if he had-

"Are you comfortable?" Eddie asked, attentively (he loves me).

Richie (who was currently entranced by the smell of strawberries, the beat of Eddie's heart beneath his ear, and his body heat thrumming against his own) answered, "The most I think I have ever fucking been, Eds."

"Yeah?" Eddie laughed (it rumbled through Richie's head), but it broke into a yawn, "-Me too. I feel... I feel a lot calmer."

"Good," Richie hummed, moving his head to place a kiss on his chest (right onto his heart), before nuzzling back down.

Eddie giggled that time, the trademark 'tired Eddie' giggle. Richie was fucking pumped he got to hear it in person now, he was kinda in love with it honestly. All soft and sweet, and made Richie feel like he could fly to the moon.

"Goodnight, Eddie baby," Richie smiled, and he could feel Eddie's breaths slow -calm and routine.

"Night, Rich," he hummed, sleep-slurred and barely awake (it made Richie's heart sing), "-I love you."

Richie grinned, leaning up to leave a gentle kiss on his jaw, "I love you too, Eds. So much."

"So much," Eddie repeated, far away and distant -very much on his way to dream-central.

He waited until he heard his tiny snores before he dared to close his eyes. Just in case. But, when he finally did, Richie Tozier was out like a light.

The next morning, Richie, naturally, wanted to go all out. So, after a few minutes of playfully not moving when Eddie wanted him to (which ended up in a lot of bribery kisses, as planned), he finally pulled himself out of bed.

Before he could get very far, Eddie wrapped himself around Richie's middle. It made Richie stumble back a second, and he grinned.

"Ya need your Richie fill, Eds?" he laughed, but still moved his hands to wrap around him.

"You smell good," Eddie muttered, a little muffled into Richie's shirt.

Richie furrowed his eyebrows, "Do I?"

"Mhm," Eddie hummed, and it made Richie feel warm all over (love, love, love).

"I don't have any cologne or shit though," Richie explained, "-I just woke up, I'm probably fucking sweaty if anything-"

Eddie pulled back, looking at Richie -cheeks puffed up and a frown smoothed across his lips, "You're so fucking disgusting."

"Am I?" Richie teased, "-You seemed to fucking like the way my sweat smells, and I'm-"

"Shut up, asshole," Eddie shoved into him -hard, and Richie actually stumbled a bit (he was laughing his ass off at the current moment), "-I hate you."

"Wow, cool the dirty talk, Eds," Richie pretended to fan himself, suggestively raising his eyebrows, "-we may not make it out of this bedroom-"

"Shut up," Eddie repeated -shoving him again, but his lips were quirking up (so fucking beautiful).

"Hey," Richie shrugged it off, "-you're the one holding me hostage. I only get worse with time, you should definitely know that by now."

Eddie rolled his eyes, huffing out a breath. Doing a signature Kaspbrak move, he pulled Richie down by the collar and kissed him (the passionate, yearning, Eddie kind). For what reason? Richie couldn't tell you, but he wanted to know, personally, so he could do it again-

And then, he pulled back. Big brown eyes staring up at him -affectionate, soft, and syrupy, it made him want to scream. In a good way though, just so many emotions that all you can do is react. If that makes any sense.

Richie grinned, eyes lingering around Eddie's face, "Now we really aren't going to make it out of here."

"You're fucking infuriating," Eddie huffed out a breath, "-Let's just fucking go. What are we even doing?"

"I'm gonna feed you, my dear Eds," Richie hummed, kissing Eddie's cheek and guiding him into the kitchen (by intertwining their hands).

Eddie paused, asking somewhat genuinely, "You're going to cook?"

He pulled him onto the tile and turned to him, connecting their eyes -grinning, "You betcha."

"Can I-" Eddie started, before pausing -big brown eyes blinking up at him (they seriously could make him do literally fucking anything), "-Can I help you?"

Richie smiled, "'Course, Eds. I'd personally love to spend every waking minute with you. So, yes, we can cook together, obviously."

Eddie laughed (something twinkling in his eyes), before adding, maybe nervously, "I don't know how to do shit, so."

"No problem, Eddie baby," Richie soothed, immediately, "-I'm a great fucking teacher."

Eddie rolled his eyes.

"Okay, now," Richie clapped his hands, and spun on the tile for a second, "-What is your dream breakfast, Eddie my love?"

"That one's new," Eddie remarked, curiously (his head tilted, as he stared at Richie from the entrance to the kitchen).

"Yeah," Richie explained, "-I'm workshopping some shit. How do we feel about it, Spaghetti?"

"I like it," Eddie answered smiling, before pointing out, "-You also called me just baby last night too."

"Did I?" Richie furrowed his eyebrows, trying to remember (well, there was honestly a lot to remember, good and bad).

"Mhm," Eddie confirmed, "-when you were calming me down."

Richie paused, something a little like worry stirred into his stomach, "Right, yeah, I remember that. Speaking of, you're doing okay, yeah?"

Eddie stepped toward him then with the cheesiest little smile that Richie's ever seen (he added it to his Eddie files, naturally). And then he smoothed his hands along Richie's shoulders, saying -simply, "Yeah, I'm... better than okay. Very fucking happy, if you're worried about it. Which you shouldn't be."

"Yeah?" Richie hummed, using one hand to smooth Eddie's hair down.

Eddie stepped onto his tippy-toes (Richie thought it was the cutest thing in the world), and kissed him once, "Yeah."

"Good," Richie responded, maybe a little too seriously but it was important. Richie wanted Eddie to be happy, because he deserved it. Happy and relaxed.

"I do like baby, by the way," Eddie brought the conversation back, "-but not more than any of the other ones. With my actual name. I like those the most."

Richie asked, "Do you think I can get an official ranking? So I know how to use them... strategically."

"Strategically?" Eddie raised an eyebrow, "-What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

"You've got your eyes, your big ass fucking... enchanting doe-eyes that I would end the fucking world for-" Richie pointed out, "-I've got to use what I've got."

Eddie paused, "You don't think you have any shit like that?"

"Um," Richie paused, suddenly uncertain, "-no...?"

Eddie frowned, "You do. You 100% do. You do shit that makes me want to physically attack anyone who has ever hurt you."

"Well," Richie smiled a little, "-it doesn't take much for you to want to physically attack someone-"

"Shut up, you get my point," Eddie interrupted, "-but I'm so fucking serious. You do."

"Really?"

Eddie rolled his eyes, before starting to explain, "You have this thing. Whenever I get sincere or say some sappy shit-"

Richie interrupted, "Crying?"

"I told you to shut up, dickweed," Eddie repeated with no bite (but definitely a little frustration), "-I'm trying to talk."

Richie raised his hands in surrender, Eddie was not amused.

"When I say sappy shit, and you aren't crying-" he clarified, and Richie laughed a little bit, "-you do this thing where you smile and tilt your head like a fucking... puppy. But it's not a regular smile... It's fucking goofy. Like you're tipsy on... me. My presence."

"Lovesick?" Richie supplied.

"Well, um..." Eddie paused for a second, seeming to run it through his head, "-yeah."

"You're into that?" Richie followed up.

Eddie responded -neatly, "Obviously."

"Well," Richie hummed, grinning, "-I'll keep that in my back pocket then."

"You're such a dick," Eddie shoved at him, and Richie stumbled on the tile -laughing, "-What the fuck were we talking about?"

"Breakfast," Richie answered, before repeating, "-'What is your dream breakfast, Eddie my love?'"

"Right," Eddie hummed, seeming to process for a minute -face turning a splotchy red, "-I really like that one."

"Eds, Spaghetti, Eddie baby, Eddie my love," Richie listed before dancing toward him on the tile (not unlike he was ice skating -one long stride after another), "-mon amour, light of my life, mi corazón-"

Eddie giggled, as Richie moved to him -stopping right in front of him. With a breath, he kissed his cheeks, his nose, his forehead, his eyes (after they closed -almost like he was absorbing the affection), and then his lips. Short and sweet, but still like he was offering his heart up on a platter. Soft enough that Eddie sighed into his mouth, and it made something in Richie sing -Eddie's fingertips slowly threading up into his curls.

Bzzt, bzzt.

Richie parted then, and Eddie frowned -cutely. He leaned back in and kissed him one more time (a peck really), picking up his phone.

reddy.bevvy ✔️

I'm coming over for breakfast

and to help unpack

and to see Eddie

⚠️ just a warning ⚠️

Because I love you guys, but if I see your dick again Tozier, I will be pressing charges.

Richie snorted.

trashmouth.tozier ✔️

don't worry bevvy

u shall not be scandalized, we are both decent

last night though 😏

"Who is it?" Eddie asked, hand absentmindedly scratching Richie's scalp (he kinda wanted to purr like a cat at the attention).

"Bev," he answered diligently, "-She's coming over for breakfast."

"Shit, right now?" Eddie shrieked, cheeks bubbling up a harsh red, "-I need to get dressed, and fix my hair-"

They both were, in fact, sleep-mussed. And well... sex-mussed too. So, they did have like messy hair and skewed collars -telling of the night before. Richie, personally, loved the way Eddie looked at the current moment -he was pretty biased though.

reddy.bevvy ✔️

TMI, babe

but also good for Eddie

trashmouth.tozier ✔️

why not me ?

reddy.bevvy ✔️

Please.

I know you're a service top.

"Eddie baby, relax," Richie laughed (at both the text and Eddie scrambling), hands coming to smooth down Eddie's arms, "-It's not a first date. Plus, she kinda already knows what to expect."

Eddie furrowed his eyebrows, and Richie raised his a few times -suggestively.

Eddie turned bright red, sputtering, "She doesn't know that-"

"We got home yesterday," Richie started listing, "-You're a germaphobe, so the trip back is out of the question. We've been in a long-distance relationship for months and that makes the tension fucking crazy-"

"Shut up," he hissed, before grabbing his hand and dragging him away, "-Let's go get dressed, dickhead."

"Round two?" Richie piped up, not fighting him at all.

Eddie spun back to meet him, cherry red -shoving at his chest, "I said shut up, asshole-"

It should be said that Eddie kissed him pretty hard in there though, maybe because he wouldn't want to do it as much with Bev around. Which was a little disappointing for Richie, but he'd get his fill later.

After re-entering the living space, Richie took the lead guiding him into kitchen again.

"Now, seriously, Eds," he leveled, holding his eye, "-what is your dream breakfast?"

Eddie paused a second, thinking maybe.

"There used to be this place nearby in New York," Eddie started, fidgeting with his hands (cute, cute, cute), "-It had chocolate chip pancakes, but I never let myself go in-"

"As a form of personal torture?"

Eddie rolled his eyes, ignoring him and continuing, "-but I always wanted to go in. Ma never let me have sweet stuff when I was little, so I really wanted to try it."

All Richie needed to hear was the first part, honestly, but upon hearing the second, he was nearly dying to make them. How fast could you physically make pancakes? Could Richie do it in minutes? Seconds? Well, they had to cook-

"Chocolate chip pancakes it is!" Richie clapped once, before scrambling around to the cabinets -peeking through one after the other.

"Do you have this shit organized?" Eddie asked, eyeing him from where he stood previously, "-At all?"

"No," Richie answered -diligently turning to face him, "-that's why you're perfect for me, dear Spaghetti."

Eddie frowned (but was definitely hiding a smile), Richie felt fucking giddy.

"Plus," Richie hummed, "-you'd probably do it anyway."

Eddie shrugged, before asking -carefully stepping toward the other side of the kitchen, "What are we looking for?"

"Eggs, flour, milk, baking powder, and-" Richie started listing casually, before grinning and grabbing a little bag, "-chocolate chips!"

Before Eddie could say anything, there was a noise.

Knock, knock.

Eddie blanched -face going pale. Richie frowned, dropping the bag onto the counter and moving to his side.

Gently, he pulled Eddie's face up to his, "It's just Bev, don't worry. And I'll be right here the whole time, okay?"

Eddie let out a shaky breath, seeming to relax.

"And I'll get it," Richie hummed, brushing a hand through his hair, "-so you can prepare yourself a little. That alright?"

"Yeah," Eddie started, taking a deep breath in and out, "-that's g-"

"Stop making out and answer me, Tozier! Let me in! You've kept Eddie to yourself for too long."

Richie laughed, and so did Eddie -tension lessening in his shoulders. Richie kissed his cheek once.

"Duty calls, Eddie baby," he grinned, "-Because she will definitely bust down the door."

Eddie laughed and shoved him toward the door -turning back to the cabinets.

Richie followed him for a second, just staring. Eddie Kaspbrak. In my apartment. In our apartment. Mine, my Eds, my Spaghetti-

He blinked and turned back toward the door.

"I'm coming, I'm coming," he called out, quickly unlocking and opening it, "-don't get your panties in a-"

Bev pushing past him so hard that he almost fell backwards, Richie righted himself.

She spun to him, "Where is he?"

"In the kitchen," Richie answered, and before he could say anything else, she was off like a rocket.

He locked the door and scampered over to the kitchen. I promised Eds I'd be there, so I'm gonna fucking be there.

"Oh my god! Eddie!" Bev almost squealed, scooping him into a hug -Richie watched red dust along his cheeks (love, love, love), "-It is so nice to see you, what the fuck."

Eddie laughed, hugging her back -maybe a little flustered, "It's so nice to see you too, Bev."

"Ugh," she shot back, but not too far -Richie saw a flicker along his face that seemed almost overwhelmed (he took note of it), "-How are you? Is Richie treating you well? If not, you tell me, I'll kill him, I swear-"

"Jesus, Marsh," Richie laughed, gently moving her back slightly, "-let the guy breathe."

"Shit, sorry," she echoed out, taking a step back and letting out a breath, "-I'm just so happy to see you. Seriously."

"Me too," Eddie smiled, a soft genuine kind, "-and I'm very happy Bev. He's... good. He takes good care of me, I promise."

Richie nearly fucking preened. Happy, happy, happy-

Bev's face morphed into a grin, "I'm glad. You two deserve it."

Richie pulled Eddie into his side, and kissed his temple once. Like he couldn't help it. Which he couldn't so-

"What are we making?" Bev eyed the few ingredients pulled onto the counter (Eddie had somehow gotten all the dry ingredients out in that short amount of time -somehow, he wasn't surprised), and finally faced Richie.

He pulled away from Eddie, after squeezing his arm once (I love you), answering, "Chocolate chip pancakes. Or my dear Spaghetti's dream breakfast."

"Wow," Bev laughed, "-you really are treating him well, huh?"

"Yes ma'am," he chimed, pulling out the eggs and milk from the fridge -eyeing the expiration date for a second (because of the trip).

"I checked all that shit already," Bev interrupted (she had housesat while Richie was gone), clearly catching his gaze, "-Oh! Actually-"

Richie watched her.

"This," she dug into her pocket, and pulled out a shiny key -motioning to Eddie, "-is for you, Mr. Kaspbrak."

Eddie blinked, staring at it for a few seconds. Before very gently pulling it into his hands, careful and considerate -like it was precious. Richie eyed him, something odd about his reaction.

"Ya alright, Eds?" Richie bumped their shoulders, was that too much? Did he not want one yet?

"What, yeah," Eddie cleared his throat, eyes shooting up to match Richie's and then shooting to Bev's, "-It's just... I'm really here. With you guys. With you, Richie. I'm not in New York anymore and I'm... I'm staying. That’s… I’m not fucking gonna be miserable anymore.”

Richie grinned, but before he could say anything, Bev did.

"I'm so happy for you, Eddie," Bev chimed, smiling -wrapping him into a half hug (Eddie leaned his head into her shoulder). It made Richie want puke his heart out, he loved them so fucking much.

When they separated though-

"Close your eyes and cover your ears, Ms. Marsh," he chimed, big and bright.

Eddie's eyebrows furrowed, as she scrunched up her nose, "I'll just go to the living room for a couple of minutes."

"What are you-"

Once Bev was out of the room, Richie crashed into him -pressing their lips together so quickly there was an audible click. Tipping Eddie backward until he was met with the counter, which he yelped a little at (it made Richie laugh). Eddie relaxed nearly instantly after that, hands coming up to wrap around his shoulders as Richie's landed neatly on his waist. Eddie hummed into his lips -sweetly, and it made Richie's heart flip in his chest -he wanted to hear that sound for the rest of his life. And then, Eddie was pulling back, eyeing him a little like it was all a mystery but also with a look Richie could identify as fucking dizzying affection.

"What was that about?" Eddie breathed out, and the puffs smoothed along Richie's skin.

"Our apartment," Richie hummed, kissing along his jaw, "-You're finally fucking here and it's ours. You're mine. My fucking boyfriend, in our apartment-"

Eddie giggled.

"-and you're fucking happy, and I'm taking good care of you-"

"Okay, okay," Eddie pulled his face back, smiling, "-I think that's enough. For now."

"Okay," Richie stressed, "-but later?"

"All bets are off for later," Eddie chimed back, grinning. Richie wanted to sweep him off his feet and carry him away, and he almost did it-

"You guys aren't fucking, are you?"

Richie burst into laughter, and Eddie turned a new shade of red (that Richie filed away in the Eddie files, per usual).

"Tragically no, Bevvy," he hummed, and Eddie shoved into him -hard (he honestly almost fell on his ass), "-we are decent. Despite my best efforts-"

"Shut up," Eddie hissed out, punching his shoulder -Richie only laughed harder, folding in on himself, "-You're such an asshole. I fucking hate you."

Richie made a kissy face, trying to land one on Eddie -Eddie pushed back on him, laughing, "You love me, Eds, don't lie-"

Eddie was pushing at his shoulders (not far enough to be out of his bubble, Richie noted), and laughing loud, "Get away from me, asshole-"

Richie huffed, jutting out his bottom lip (most definitely pouting), putting his hand on his head like he was a fainting damsel, "My beloved has left me stranded, without love, alone-"

Eddie was laughing harder -eyes scrunched closed, and Richie couldn't stop himself from laughing with him. And after a breath, Eddie grabbed his face and leveled it with his own -grinning so bright that Richie thought maybe he could fly.

"I love you, dickweed," Eddie laughed out, holding Richie's face so tenderly that he kinda wanted to cry.

Richie grinned, tilting his head to the side, "I love you too, Eds."

Eddie rolled his eyes, affectionately, and pulled him forward (close enough to kiss, Richie would say), "You're such a-"

"You guys are actually so sweet," Bev hummed, and they jumped in place -Eddie's hands tight on him (like he needed protecting, Richie wanted to cry his eyes out), "-it's a little disgusting."

"Awe, I'm sorry, Bev," Richie frowned, playfully, "-We can't accept a third, Eddie's territorial. Like a little chihuahua-"

"Shut up," Eddie shoved at him.

"I can tell," Bev smirked, motioning to Richie's neck (Richie's eyes dropped like he could see that shit himself), and popping a chocolate chip into her mouth, "-Tragically, I am too. So, it wouldn't work."

"Hey," Richie laughed, stepping away from Eddie but firmly wrapping an arm around his shoulders and dragging him over, "-those are our ingredients, Marsh."

"Because you were cooking, right?" she shot back but still put the bag down, "-On Eddie's face?"

"This is so embarrassing," Eddie flushed, trying to tuck himself into Richie's side even more.

"Don't be embarrassed, Eddie," Bev interrupted, soothingly, "-We're all adults here, and it's Richie. I've seen way worse."

Eddie furrowed his eyebrows, "Worse?"

Bev leveled, seriously, "You don't wanna know."

Richie rolled his eyes, "She just saw me naked, Eds."

"She saw you naked?" Eddie pursed his lips.

"Indoor concert," Bev hummed, fidgeting with her nails, "-a naked indoor concert."

"I lived alone," Richie huffed out, defensive, "-I can be comfortable-"

"What song?" Eddie asked.

"I Will Survive," Bev answered, grinning a little, "-hairbrush, and off-key vocals and all."

Eddie snorted, and Richie flushed.

"Hey," he poked into Eddie's side, "-you're supposed to be on my side. Your boyfriend, remember?"

"It's funny," Eddie smiled, before leaning to pinch his cheek -nose scrunching up after a minute, "-plus, it sounds cute. Except for the naked part. Does that mean you've been naked like fucking... everywhere? That's disgusting-"

"That's not what you said last night-"

Eddie turned cherry red and frowned -the cute little one with puffed-up cheeks. Richie's fucking favorite. And then, he started swatting and shoving at Richie, and he burst into fucking laughter -dodging what he could.

"You're such a fucking dick-"

"You know you can't argue, Eds, because you were all about-"

"Boys," Bev spoke up, mid-laughter, but trying to cut it back, "-can we refocus? You guys can do your... thing, later. I'm fucking starving."

Eddie shot up, cheeks still so red (fuck, Richie loved him), and pursed his lips. Richie followed, wiping at his eyes, and shooting over to kiss his cheek once.

"Yeah, yeah, sorry, Bev," Richie exhaled, shaking his hands a few times, "-Jesus, he's a funny motherfucker."

Bev grinned, flicking a chocolate chip right at his face -it bounced onto the counter and Richie picked it up and popped it in his mouth (he could almost hear Eddie’s nose scrunch), "You're stupid in love, Tozier."

"Fuck yeah, I am," he grinned, pulling out a bowl and moving like it was the most practiced thing in the world.

"You too, Kaspbrak," Bev pointed out, and Richie went to look at him -his big brown eyes already trained on him (Richie felt his heart flutter in his chest), "-You're not getting out of this scot-free."

Eddie rolled his eyes, cheeks still dusted with a red but moving to Richie's side -dragging Richie's free hand over his shoulder-. (He probably should've said that he needed that to cook, but you know what, he could deal.) And with a breath, Eddie leaned against him -cuddled into his side, and Richie got a whiff of strawberries.

"Yeah," he finally said after a moment, "-I know."

Richie grinned so brightly it hurt, but kept moving -Eddie trying to follow the movements. When he realized that, he started slowing and explaining himself -pulling up the measuring cups and letting Eddie fill them, answering all his questions, and letting him mix. It was all the-

"Disgusting, seriously," Bev pointed out, after a moment -both of their eyes shot to her, "-but I love it. You guys are freakishly perfect for each other."

Richie opened his mouth.

"Please," Bev swatted her hand, dismissively, "-don't let me interrupt, I've already got a picture for the groupchat, continue."

"Wait-"

reddy.bevvy ✔️

image

benny.boy.official✔️

they look so happy together ☺️

big.bill ✔️

Is that a hickey?

reddy.bevvy ✔️

yes

stan.the.man ✔️

Disgusting.

I'm happy for them.

Patty says to tell them come visit soon.

mike.me.up ✔️

I can't believe it

trashmouth is in a cute, healthy relationship

stan.the.man ✔️

Don't know if you should call it healthy, Mike.

Patty told me to apologize.

reddy.bevvy ✔️

we should really just add her, huh ?

big.bill ✔️

Why is Eddie so red?

stan.the.man ✔️

Richie 100% made a 'last night' dick joke.

reddy.bevvy ✔️

spot on, Stanley

mike.me.up ✔️

at least it's founded

like he actually does know that

big.bill ✔️

Ew, Mike.

I'm trying to eat my wafflehouse All-Star Special.

stan.the.man ✔️

I'm sorry, you're at wafflehouse right now?

big.bill ✔️

It's only 11 dollars, Stanley.

It's a great fucking deal.

reddy.bevvy ✔️

wow, Bill your life is sadder than Richie's rn

how does that make you feel?

big.bill ✔️

Fuck you guys.

Talk to me when you have, eggs, toast, hashbrowns, a waffle, and bacon for only 11 dollars, assholes.

mike.me.up ✔️

what the fuck is happening ?

benny.boy.official ✔️

where are Richie and Eddie?

reddy.bevvy ✔️

image

[It was a photo of the two cooking pancakes. The batter poured onto the griddle, and Richie lightly held onto the spatula, guiding Eddie to check the bottom. Eddie was entirely focused on the task at hand (so much so his tongue was stuck out), and Richie was completely wrapped around him -eyes set on his face. Just like maybe Bev had snapped the picture at just the right moment. Richie was grinning like an idiot. Well, even more of an idiot than usual. His eyes were fucking... twinkly. Happy. Happier than he'd been in a long time.]

mike.me.up ✔️

wow, rich is a goner huh

benny.boy.official ✔️

he looks at him like he's the sun

that's so sweet !

big.bill ✔️

Shit, he's like seriously in love.

reddy.bevvy ✔️

ohhhhh yeah

this is his favorite breakfast

and they've barely gone two minutes without touching

stan.the.man ✔️

I hate that I think they're cute.

mike.me.up ✔️

anyone who has eyes would, Stan

don't beat yourself up about it

big.bill ✔️

Damn, trashmouth Tozier in love.

That's fucking insane.

stan.the.man ✔️

What's insane is you eating at wafflehouse, willingly, by yourself, Bill.

reddy.bevvy ✔️

guys

big.bill ✔️

who said I was alone?

mike.me.up. ✔️

👀👀👀

stan.the.man ✔️

Please tell me you did not bring a date to wafflehouse, Bill.

big.bill ✔️

...

stan.the.man ✔️

Even Richie is MAKING his boyfriend breakfast, Bill.

Richie Tozier is showing you up.

mike.me.up ✔️

it is kinda pathetic, Bill

I have to be honest

big.bill ✔️

Audra is enjoying her All-Star Special, thanks.

reddy.bevvy ✔️

Audra?

the one with the moneybags dad ?

you took her to wafflehouse ???

big.bill ✔️

She's never been 🤷‍♂️

stan.the.man ✔️

I'm done with this conversation.

Bev, tell Richie to call me. Patty wants to talk to the two of them.

mike.me.up ✔️

no me too

there's only so much cute couple shit and Bill shenanigans I can take

I'm only a man

big.bill ✔️

🖕

reddy.bevvy ✔️

guyssss

don't leave me

what the fuck am I supposed to do ?

stan.the.man ✔️

Stare at them and wish it was you.

Like everybody else.

reddy.bevvy ✔️

you're literally married ???

stan.the.man ✔️

Not me.

Obviously.

benny.boy.official ✔️

I can still talk, Bev !

I don't have anything for an hour or so

reddy.bevvy ✔️

thx ben

you're my hero !!!

benny.boy.official ✔️

it's no big deal

It'll be nice talking to you :)

stan.the.man ✔️

Okay, now I'm really done with this conversation.

And then, hours later.

e.kaspbrak

Fuck all of you.

e.kaspbrak saved 2 photos from chat

#reddie #watchoutwriting #reddie fanfiction #reddie fic #richie tozier #eddie kaspbrak #it chapter 2 #it chapter one #reddie fluff #the losers club #streamer au #achievement unlocked 🔓

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relic-seeker · 6 months ago

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chapter 15!!! only took me 100 days

gawsh, life certainly caught up. i've finished college & am preparing myself to go to uni. i'm a big old adult these days with real work to do... it's crazy

the next chapter should be out sooner since it'll be somewhat of the mini climax of this story? because although the fic is primarily about their relationship, a large theme of it is how both lemm & quirrel develop in both their absence / presence. there's a HUGE chapter i have planned which will come out during the summer (since i have no academia stuff for then lmao), which will likely be the magnum opus

but be excited for chapter 16. it's important & will be coming up soon :-)!!

if you're still sticking around, you're a legend & ily. this ship will never die as long as im here

#hollow knight #lemm x quirrel #lemmquirrel #my fic #this chapter is very important to me just in the sense of development. these arent the same bugs at the beginning of the fic #tried to do some parallelism to chapter 7 but i think i didn't succeed that well? it was hard to commit to but alas :"D #cheers guys

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justaaveragereader · 2 years ago

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So I have gathered and went through almost every ask/dm and snatched up all the questions you guys have about T8ET series!👏 Let’s get into it!

1. Jongho and Mingi helped y/n, if y/n is the reason why they are thoughts, why help out?

That’s the thing…they weren’t helping the reader they were helping theirselves actually. They have been on a constant cycle where they have to see the reader every time the reader dies and they are tired of seeing them, hence to why Jongho gave the reader the apple, he wanted them to succeed so he could quit seeing them. As for Mingi..Mingi did no helping, Mingi was helping the others he didn’t help the reader at all technically. I keep telling all of you that none of them have yns best interest😵‍💫. They are all red flags lol

2. What was the ninth creations thought?

I’ve actually said their thought numerous times. It’s one of those things you gotta read in between the lines about. Now if you don’t feel like playing Sherlock Holmes than next chapter will be revealed on what their thought is cause everyone of the creations got one. Joong made sure the 9th creation was not left out lol.

3. Was “The Creator” God?

The creator is who ever you want them to be! If you think it’s God than it’s God, it’s really up to you who you paint them out to be!

4. Were Yunho and Y/n lovers?

Yes. Every thought/sin they were assigned, were to them assigned for a reason.

5. Hongjoongs eye color?

The reason he made his eye solid white is bc he knew The Creator was shady, basically Joong did the damage before The Creator could, Joong wanted to be left with what pride he had left, so he did it himself he felt the Creator had did enough damage, so he beat the Creator to the punch.

6. Why do that to Y/n when Joong would have to constantly see them when they die?

Joong isn’t sad that he has to constantly see y/n, Joong is sad about the creator doing him wrong, Joong gets off on seeing y/n every time they go to hell, it’s his constant reminder that he had got the upper hand for a small second even tho he was dealt the short straw.

7. Wooyoung can shape shift?

Not necessarily shape shift, he can manipulate his appearance, just like how he can manipulate his area/surroundings. Jongho can shape shift, we saw Jongho twice in his chapter before we saw his physical body form. He was the bear, and he was that shining light trying to lead them on the correct path.

8. All their areas are located in the same space?

Yup so every time they were “walking the labyrinth” They were in the house like area. Which is how all the thoughts were all able to open their doors and see one another when Hwa was standing in the hallway. They all live under the same roof lol.

9. The rejected song Wooyoung and Jongho sing was from Zoey 101?

YES! YES! I was so excited when I saw some of you caught on to that!💙

10. When will the final chapter be posted?

So for the final chapter I’m thinking I’m only going to make one more chapter and that will be the final if not that I will try to stretch it out to two more chapters. I’m really thinking it’s going to be one more…but we will see. I will post the next the next chapter on 02/16! I know some of y’all make be like “but that’s so far awayyyy” but if it’s the final chapter I gotta make it extra extra good for all of you…plus I’m currently in college so🤧bare with me bare with meeeee.

If y’all got any more questions or things I may have not answered, or even things you are still curious about, Let me know! My DMs are always open💙, my asks are always open, I love talking to y’all💙. Im friendly, I don’t bite lol. I hope this was able to clear up any confusion and answer some of y’all questions!💙

#ateez #ateez atiny #ateez x reader #ateez fanfic #t8et #the eight evil thoughts #justaaveragereader ask

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niall-ate-mynamee · 1 year ago

Note

Please do one Zianourry superhero AU where Niall is the damsel in distress and the other boys are superheroes! Thank you!

note: thank you so so much for the prompt, anon, and im so sorry it’s taken me a while to get to it! i’ve been having writers block for the last few days, but i’ve finally got around to this one!

it’ll be like 2, possibly 3, chapters, depending if i can get it finished in the next chapter, but i really hope you like it! i hope it’s not too bad, and it’s an enjoyable read hahaha! let me know what you think! :)

PART ONE

Everyone knew of “The Lads”. The group of four lads who were always there whenever somebody was in trouble. They were the superheroes of the somewhat small town. Nobody knew their real identities; their names, their faces, their ages, but they all loved them. People had spent the last couple years trying to work out who they were, but they simply couldn’t. They kept their real lives separate.

Niall Horan, a young 16 year old boy, was possibly their biggest fan. Having grown up reading comics and watching superhero shows, he felt he knew them on a level nobody else did. He read through every story in newspapers and online about The Lads, and he dreamed of one day meeting them and becoming one of them. He knew, deep down, that would always remain a dream, but that wouldn’t deter him.

The 16 year old had no idea how wrong he was about to be…

•••

Niall wasn’t what you would call “popular” around the town. He was constantly being beaten, screamed at, had things thrown on him, shoved aside. There was this one time where he was pushed so violently into the road, that a car had to quickly swerve out the way to avoid hitting him, and guess who got screamed at by the driver? Niall. He, who was the innocent, always got the blame for the bullies actions. Even by his own parents.

He was neglected by his family. He was lucky if he got a dinner that wasn’t scraps. He was lucky if he was able to have a somewhat warm shower. He was lucky if the water he was given wasn’t from the washing up bowl. He was simply lucky. That’s what he told himself, anyway. He was always lucky. He could be living on the streets, but he still had a roof over his head. Like, yeah, it’s not the greatest of lives, but he couldn’t complain…at least, not anymore.

That was until that fateful day. It was a chilly evening in autumn, and he had been sent to the shops by his father for more milk. He didn’t have a coat, so he wore his favourite cardigan in the hopes it would keep him warm enough to not suffer the 10 minute walk to the shop and back. But, it wasn’t just the cold he was nervous about. The street he had to walk down to get to his destination was home to his biggest bullies. Roderick and Frederick. Twin brothers 3 months his senior.

They ruled the roost around this part of town. Nobody messed with them. Nobody looked at them. They had 2 other boys in their group, Danny and Charles. They were the four biggest pains in Niall’s ass. Literally and figuratively. They weren’t afraid to leave marks on their victims, because Roderick and Frederick’s father was a police officer, and their mother a lawyer, so they were always safe.

Their father had always defended them, even going as far as to shout and scream at Niall even when he was beaten and bloody on the concrete. He just couldn’t catch a break. He knew Roderick, Frederick, Danny and Charles were anxious when it came to The Lads. They had nearly been caught by the heroes once, when they were pushing Niall around, but had managed to escape by running away before they were seen, and Niall could’ve smirked at the memory.

That was the only time Niall had seen The Lads close. They didn’t stop, they didn’t look at Niall, they didn’t even give him a passing glance, but he still was close enough he could’ve touched them. That was when his “crush” had grown. To live in a town with superheroes patrolling the streets was just incredible, and he was about to realise just how incredible it really was.

As he began his way down that particular street, he could already hear the laughter from the bullies. He hugged his cardigan tighter, and kept his head down, eyes on the ground, praying they’ll let him be this time.

No such luck.

“Oi! Bitch! What’re you doing here?!” Yelled the voice of Roderick, but Niall kept silent. He didn’t want any trouble. However, it seemed that trouble wanted him, because next thing he knew, he was shoved from behind and the concrete was getting impossibly closer to his face before he felt the air knocked out of him.

He was lying, face down, on the cold ground. He didn’t move, he knew the consequences if he did. “You answer when you’re asked a question, you dick!” Frederick growled, kicking Niall’s side, before flipping him over so he was on his back, “What’s wrong with you, huh? We’ve told you to stay away from our street, so why are you here?!”

“I-I had to g-get some milk…” Niall stuttered out, anxiously looking around for an escape. “P-please, I don’t want any trouble,” He practically whispered, tears gathering in his eyes.

The bullies just laughed and continued kicking him. This went on for what felt like hours before Niall was startled by the dizziness he began feeling after a vicious kick to the head. He cried out in pain, curling up into himself tighter than ever before. He wept silently, hoping they would finish and leave him alone very quickly.

It seemed his prayers worked, for barely a minute later, the blows stopped and the cruel sneers silenced. Niall didn’t dare move, though, he didn’t know if it was a trick, so he stayed completely still. Until he heard them.

“And what miserable excuses have you boys got for hurting a young boy like that?” It couldn’t be, Niall thought, I’m not that lucky.

“S-sirs, I-I am sor-“ He heard Roderick stutter helplessly, and if Niall wasn’t in pain and shock, he would’ve laughed.

“We don’t want your excuses, boy, we want the truth. What gives you boys the right to abuse this lad? To beat him so cruelly and so viciously that he can barely move?”

This time, Danny spoke, “E-everyone does it, s-sirs…we’re n-not the only o-ones,” He tried to explain, and when Niall lifted his head slightly, he was shocked to find his heroes, THE heroes, standing right in front of him. And, they didn’t look happy.

“You are cruel, and nasty. We will be talking to your parents about this. How dare you think this is acceptable! Get outta here, now, before we do something we’ll regret,”

Niall heard the hurried footsteps and breathed out a sigh of relief. They were gone, for now, so he could breathe again. “Are you alright, love?” Came a soft voice from above him, and he froze again, remembering who rescued him. When he looked up, he saw them. Properly. Clearly. Like angels from the sky.

“H-hi,” He squeaked, and blushed. He cursed himself, but couldn’t help but feel warm inside when The Lads chuckled fondly.

“Hi!” They chirped back, and Niall could see the way their eyes crinkled with grins behind their masks. “Can you stand, sweetheart? Where do you hurt?” One of them asked, and now two of them were crouched in front of him.

With help from two of The Lads, Niall was eventually on his feet, albeit very unsteadily. The Lads stayed close to him, the two who helped him off the ground were holding his arms gently, keeping him upright. He could feel his face flush.

“T-tanks,” He whispered, his Irish accent leaping out in his pain, “‘m Niall,” He said, smiling shyly at his heroes.

“Hiya, Niall, I’m Lou, this is Li, this is Zee, and that is H, or Haz, whichever you prefer,” The one holding onto his left arm said, pointing at each lad as he introduced them. Li was on his right, and Zee and Haz were standing in front, “We’re sorry it took us this long to get to you, we were caught up and didn’t get the signal until a few minutes ago,” Lou explained.

“I-it’s okay…it was nothing…I’m used to it,” Niall said, resignedly, sighing as he looked down. It was silent for a moment before Haz spoke.

“Would you mind if we took you back to our place? We can patch you up and make sure you’re okay,”

Niall’s heart could beat out of his chest right now. Feeling stupid, he nodded shakily, as Lou told him to hold on tight and before he knew it, he was in the air, gripping tightly to his saviour. Was his dream actually coming true?

note: sorry if it’s awful, im about to start work and haven’t proof read it! hope you like it, anon, and i’ll work on part two as soon as i can! <3

#niall horan #one direction #harry styles #zayn malik #liam payne #niall centric #louis tomlinson #niallerrr #zianourry #nouis #narry #niam #ziall #superheroes au #damsel!niall

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tavtarnish · 2 years ago

Note

So I was looking at soap's wiki page and it says that he visited his cousin in the SAS many times and also tried to join under aged a few times, right? Well it doesn't say why, tho. And any normal person would assume that he wanted to join so bad because of his cousin. But im not normal so I got to thinking.well even if he did join just because of that cousin, that doesn't explain why whe tried to join early. Multiple times. So obviously there is atleast another factor in this situation. And we've all established his thing for hating himself, just a bit, and he's definitely not a straight man. And well homosexual and military down exactly sound like a the most delicious martini. And I'm not exactly caught up on Scotland's ally status, nor have I found much info about his family. So what if this was his way of self punishment for being a gay man?

But, El, what if he didn't realize his sexuality until aftet he joined? Or his family was supportive? An excellent question. If it wasn't that maybe it was because he had no direction in life. Perhaps he felt lost. Academics maybe weren't his strong suit, or he burnt out at somepoint, so college (university?) Wasn't an option. Maybe his parents said either higher education or a job, right?(yes I'm heavily projecting onto this poor man, I'm sorry but you also can't stop me) In today's day and age it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a job without a college degree. And jobs like that can always be unstable or underpaid or overworked, understaffed, unnecessarily dangerous, and a multitude of other things. But the military? Well you know what you're signing up for, you really only have to do as your told and no more, and you can do alot of good. Plus he already has a cousin in there.

Or maybe its as simple as his family has/had money issued and the military gives good pay?

Also apparently I left a comment on the latest chapter of I.S.B.T.P.K.F.T.S and I don't remember lol. Also I promise the next part of my favorite moments is coming out. I've been very busy lately. Sorry for the long ask

I've had SO many thoughts about Soap joining the military ESPECIALLY the fact he tried to join at 16 but was refused. You are allowed to join the military at 16 with parental consent, so I've come to the conclusion that his parents wouldn't like the fact that he wanted to be in the military - this tracks considering many Scots who see them self separate from Brits aren't typically the biggest fans of joining UK collective things like the military (this is coming from my Irish bg so it could be different).

As to why he wanted to join, I think there are multiple reasons, but if his queerness is a reason I would think its less to do with punishing himself (though sometimes it may feel like a punishment being around Ghost when Soap wants him so badly) and more to do with him possibly avoiding telling his family. Scotland as a whole recently is quite up there in ally status but that 1) doesn't reflect how the 2000's/2010's were 2) doesn't mean everyone is an ally ofc. Anyway, the MacTavishes aren't homophobic in any regard but that doesn't mean Soap knows that or isn't scared (either bc he's never seen his family react to queer people irl or, if he has, he'll think he'll be an exception).

Other causes likely are due to his school career: he was a footballer, but I don't think he ever tried to go pro, and in ISBTPKFTS the backstory I've given him wouldn't allow him to (W.C status and home life). And you make a great point with burnout - if we're sticking to real rules of the army, he wouldn't be able to be medicated or have lesson plan adjustments for his ADHD if he's diagnosed (i think I read that somewhere) so he's either not diagnosed or he never had accommodations so burnout is very likely. Uni, of course, would seem like a horrible thing for him, even if he was like many ppl who go to uni for the experience or bc of the job market.

But the idea that his parents expecting him to get a job or go to uni is very real (dw I'm also projecting here) and the monotonous work/life balance sounded like hell. Knowing his cousin's life in the army definitely planted the seed, and I think (in the fic at least) he'd visit his cousin to get some free time away from home but it ends up convincing him of what he wanted to do with his life. Like you said, you know what you sign up for with the army. He probably didn't expect the RSD to follow him especially if he isn't diagnosed, or if he's not very clued up on that part of his ADHD,hence why he can't rationalise his own feelings when they start to overwhelm him

Also dont be sorry and there's no rush I love that you even want to make those posts in the first place!! Thank you

#tav answers things #isbtpkfts stuff #sorry for any misakes / rambling sentences

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momochizoey · 2 years ago

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I posted 878 times in 2022

That's 678 more posts than 2021!

63 posts created (7%)

815 posts reblogged (93%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@visdiefje

@appsa

@dreamofnightsandfireflies

@likeadragonfruit

@madelyn-mads74

I tagged 350 of my posts in 2022

#goncharov - 55 posts

#zoey wrestles with writing - 16 posts

#ask game - 14 posts

#azula - 10 posts

#thanks for the ask! - 10 posts

#zoey rambles in the tags - 10 posts

#atla - 9 posts

#likeadragonfruit - 8 posts

#victoria chase - 6 posts

#life is strange - 5 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#anytime im on the bus or train with headphones in i try to embody the feelings i got from seeing max look out the window listening to music

My Top Posts in 2022:

An excerpt of the multi chapter Chasefield fic I'm currently working on:

“OMG, V, don’t be obvious, but look at the hippie. She totally spaced out and broke that dumb camera of hers.”

Victoria rolled her eyes at Taylor. As if she was ever obvious about spying unless she wanted to be. What is she, an amateur? Still, she leaned back in her seat, changing the angle she was sitting at as if she was getting more comfortable listening to Mr Jefferson. She kept her gaze on him attentively for a few seconds longer (not like that was much of a chore) before she flicked her eyes to the side.

Taylor was right: Max’s camera looked busted, loose parts gathered here and there on the table, and she was visibly stressing out trying to put it back together.

Victoria almost laughed and whispered a snide remark towards Max, when suddenly the words caught in her throat.

A cloud had parted outside as Max was bent over her camera, her knuckles pressed against the side of her head. The hair falling in front of her face was lit up with a golden glow in the rays of the sun, and the soft shadow and light playfully danced across her frowning face.

Before she could think about what she was doing, she reached down to her bag. She took out her camera, aimed it at the vision before her, and with no extra thought, no perfecting the settings, no changing the depth of field, she shot.

The click of her camera snapped her out of it. Hurriedly, she tried to hide her camera again, hoping nobody saw-

“Victoria. I know this is a photography class, and I understand the urge to capture an image can feel overwhelming. But please, pay attention. I don’t get paid to talk at you, I’m here to teach you, and I can’t do that if you aren’t listening when I speak.”

She flinched at Mr Jefferson's reprimand, blushing as she noticed the rest of the class was staring at her.

She scrambled for a convincing cover story. "I'm so sorry Mr Jefferson, I just bumped into my camera bag, and I thought I saw a scratch on the lense and wanted to see if it showed up on a picture. I was paying attention though, you were talking about chiaroscuro? That's like, the interplay between light and dark, right? Like Diane Arbus?"

He sighed. "That's correct Victoria. But please, next time, wait until after class?"

She nodded, and, ignoring her friends' inquisitive looks, she sank into her seat with her arms crossed in front of her.

What the hell was that? Why did Max-fucking-Selfield cause her to completely lose her mind? She was in the middle of class! And not just any other boring class, but Mark Jefferson's class!

And then that picture! It was like she completely forgot everything her parents had taught her about the exact art of photography! It was entirely unprofessional, the environment was completely uncontrolled, the lighting wasn't coming from a precisely calculated angle, her model (whose identity she refused to think about for the moment) wasn't posed to her exact directions to evoke the specific emotions she had determined in advance. Frankly, she was almost convinced she must've damaged her camera by forcing it to take such a terrible photo.

She shot the cause of this… lapse of judgement, a look of disdain, only to startle at the intense stare the normally timid hipster had aimed her way.

Something behind those blue, usually doe-like eyes, had turned its attention to Victoria, and she could almost see the cogs turning in her skull.

For a second, she wondered if this is how prey felt.

Then Max blinked, and the feeling disappeared.

I've been working on this fic for weeks now, and I'm currently about 7k words in? But while I want to have more chapters ready before I actually start publishing it, I got too impatient and had to share this first scene with you all here! Consider it a teaser! Anyway, I hope you like it! Life Is Strange, and especially Maximum Victory/Chasefield has (once again) taken over my heart, and I'm so excited for the moment I can share the full and completed story with you. Which is definitely coming, I'm in a pretty good writing groove and I know where I'm going, so look forward to it!

20 notes - Posted October 24, 2022

Azula Week 2022 Day 4 - Discovery

Decades had passed since the end of the war. Time may have healed most wounds, some better than others. But discovering impossible ghosts on your doorstep can reopen old wounds.

'He shuffled his feet for a moment and cleared his throat. “Is- is this the residence of Grandmaster Katara?”

“That’s me, yes. What can I do for you?”

“My name is Baatar. I believe you knew my father, Sokka?”'

For Azulaweek, thank you so much for hosting @azulaweek

26 notes - Posted August 4, 2022

I know the clock symbolism has been talked to death already, but what I haven't seen anyone mention is Katya's watch!

In the boat scene, Katya's escape plan hinges entirely on the perfect timing: Sofia's stumble, Andrey's distraction, the cigarette, all of it. And she makes it! Her timing is perfect to the millisecond, which she could because of her very expensive Swiss watch, the one she asked Goncharov for for their anniversary.

Just one problem: her watch was actually ahead by 12 seconds.

She was extremely lucky that the timing actually called for a slight delay, but there was no way she could've known that, or even that her watch watch was delayed. The only reason we know, is that if you pay attention you notice the clock tower rings 12 seconds after her watch said it should have. And yes, you could argue that that was a delay on the clocktower's part, or perhaps even a mistake of the film crew, but if there's one thing we know about Martin Scorsese it's that nothing in this movie has been unintentional.

And my heart just aches for Katya because it's the foreshadowing of it all. She did everything right, acting correctly with the information she had, and it was pure luck, fate almost, that it worked out this time. But in the final scenes (when she's noticeably wearing a different watch, the Italian one given to her by Sofia, that does run perfectly on time), her betrayal of both Goncharov and Sofia is also the only correct course of action she could have taken given the information she had, only this time it doesn't work out. It's the perfection that leads to her downfall: by attempting to control her fate she actually ensured that fate couldn't give her the help she needed. By trying to shackle time, she actually bound herself to it, mercilessly dragged into the gearbox until she's ground down by the clockwork of time.

And that's not even mentioning the red-stained strap of the new watch! It's suggested to symbolise her determination, willpower and leadership at first (making excellent use of colour theory), but it actually has its meaning flipped on its head, because Scorsese actually uses the much rarer negative connotations of red, symbolising danger, violence and anger, again foreshadowing her path.

39 notes - Posted November 21, 2022

A Scene from Getting Family Approval

I've been struggling with chapter 3 of Getting Family Approval (the combined Ursa/Iroh chapter) for months now, but I really wanted to write Something for the Ozai chapter which is set after that one and the Hakoda one, so I wrote this. Not sure yet if this will be part of the actual chapter when I get to it, or if it's just a different POV of what's happening there, but I hope you enjoy!

Ozai took a deep breath as he was led into the prison’s garden by his guards, enjoying the smell of the fresh air and the feeling of the sun on his skin. He might not have his inner flame anymore, but sometimes, in the heat of the sun, he could pretend.

Of course, unlike his old cell, this one had a window, so he wasn’t completely cut off from the sunlight, but it couldn’t compare to the direct feeling of the rays of Agni during his rare visit to the garden.

Watching my words when I speak to my daughter is a small price to pay to enjoy this, he thought.

Speaking of Azula, he wondered what the occasion was. Usually she came by once every six months, but it had barely been four months since her last visit.

There’d always be a low table set up in the garden, where they’d share tea and even some fried mochi with togarashi seasoning. He’d never admit it, but he appreciated the fact that she remembered his favourite snack, and that she actually made sure to get him some even if it was only twice a year.

He’d asked her once, why she did all this. The nicer cell, the visits, the books (carefully selected and approved, but still). He knew he would not have done the same in her position.

“You’re a terrible person, dad,” she’d answered, looking him in the eye with a quiet intensity. “You used me and Zuko, you were a tyrant and you happily continued waging a war on the world we never should have fought in the first place, and I will never forgive you for it.” She’d sighed, then. “But you are still my father, and that means something to me, even if it doesn’t to you.”

They hadn’t spoken more during that visit after that, finishing their tea in silence. He still wasn’t sure what to make of it.

Now, as he reached the table, he noted with surprise that his daughter wasn’t alone this time.

Seated next to her was a Water Tribesman. If he remembered correctly, it was the same boy who'd insulted him after his defeat, the one who’d masterminded the invasion during the eclipse.

Ozai couldn’t think of a single reason the boy could have to visit him. Probably not a social visit then. He sat down at the table, back straight, and greeted his daughter with a nod. “Good afternoon, Azula. This is a surprise. Zuko hasn’t changed the calendar, has he?”

Azula snorted, and the Water Tribesman coughed to hide a laugh, looking at Azula in disbelief as if he couldn’t believe Ozai was capable of making a joke.

“No dad, we’re here with a reason, actually.” Interesting, the use of ‘we’ meant the two had planned this together. As he took a sip of his tea he puzzled over what the two of them could have been doing that involved him of all people.

“Let me start with introductions. Sokka, this is my father, Ozai. Dad, this is Sokka, my fiancé.”

Ozai choked on his tea.

What?

41 notes - Posted March 27, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

My post-canon Yuezula oneshot is finally done!

Summary:

“Have you been angry about it? Felt genuine anger?”

Yue looked away, eyes staring out over the field of vibrant pink spirit flowers. “No, I- That wouldn’t help anything. I can’t change what happened. And I wouldn’t, I had to do it for my people and the world. It’s not like I could let Tui die. I had a duty and it’s good that I could help.”

“That doesn’t mean you can’t be angry about it.”

42 notes - Posted March 29, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review

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aeolusinthesky · 7 months ago

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Hey!! idk if youre still looking but if you are, here are some of my faves. some of them might already be recommended, im not sure, but i figure it wont hurt to do so again just in case. my absolute top three faves are being linked last!

some of my faves!!:

The storm shall not wake thee by dr_girlfriend (22 chapters, complete)

Following the events of CA:TWS, the Winter Soldier finds Hawkeye. Clint is still haunted by his own experiences with having his control stripped away, but together they find a way to heal.

Road trip by dr_girflriend (oneshot, complete)

In which clint barton is the only ranking avenger on site. And also, road trip

Lucky in love by dr_girflriend (21 chapters, complete)

Alt. universe no powers, war vet bucky, shield vet clint, and lots of lucky

My heart will be your home by dr_girflriend (16 chapters, complete)

Four years after the Battle of New York, Clint has created a stable life for himself and his young daughter, free of the dangers of SHIELD work. soulmate/mark au

Light the spark by dr_girlfriend (6 chapters, complete)

Fake dating au!!!!

Freezy pop by hawksonfire (oneshot, complete)

In which Clint finds out that Bucky's arm is not, in fact, like a freezy pop.

I want to break free by ladyladylady (oneshot, complete)

Bucky and Clint are in space jail and their new cellmate, Drax, is keeping things interesting. And by interesting, they mean he's got an escape plan.

The list by there_must_be_a_lock (oneshot, complete)

(Or: the one where Bucky's shrink makes him start a list.)

Tumblr prompts (winterhawk) by hawksonfire

What it says, and all of them good!

Got a heart in me, i swear by thepartyresponsible (oneshot, complete)

Baseball au, but trust me on this one oh my GOD

Once lost (now found) by teelsie (7 chapters, complete)

There’s a beat and then Phil says, “Clint, you don’t have anything to prove.” And that stings.

THE THREE FICS I THINK ABOUT ALMOST EVERY DAY:

Something magic, something tragic by squadrickchestopher (11 chapters, complete)

After making a fatal mistake on a mission, Clint Barton vanishes into the depths of the Midwest. What he wants is to be left alone for a bit, to take a couple weeks of peace and quiet and get his mind straight. Instead, he finds himself caught up in a nationwide game of cat-and-mouse with a brooding, metal-armed vampire. Natasha’s right. He’s got the worst fucking luck in the world.

Liminal spaces by thepartyrespnsible (oneshot, complete)

[“Clint,” Steve says, and it’s that same no-bullshit, do-or-die, I really, really mean it voice he used to trot out in the last few innings of close games in high school. “Bucky’s not gonna fly. He’s not going to drive himself. He can’t— I need you to drive him here.”

“Oh, fuck you,” Clint says, and hangs up.]

Small town, exes, and a road trip. What more do you want?

The harlequin & poison ivy(?) by shatteredhourglass

An absolutely devastating and beautifully written series that i consumed in one sitting and cannot give anything away about bc once i start i will not stop. Trust me on this one i BEG-

I'm looking for Winterhawk fic recommendations.

Ones where Clint finds/meets the WS (as either Hawkeye or an AU Clint, not picky)

Or ones where it is Winterhawk with a Hurt Bucky or Bucky in Distress kind of vibe.

AU or otherwise, even if it is a full on Clint/Bucky AU.

Heck, throw your favorite authors at me for Clint/Bucky and I'll dig through their cataloug lol.

Thank you anyone who helps, I'm in a down headspace right now and could use this.

Edit: So many recs already ya'll are so amazing. Thank you so much.

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kitsune-ichika · 1 year ago

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Chapter 7: Dark Blue Mustang

[November 16, 2006] 8:42 am

The day has finally arrived. Today everything should go accordingly. One wrong move and the victims might get hurt. Mai and Sergey had prepared their plan; backup check, taser check, search warrant check.

“The big day has finally arrived,” Mai said.

“So it seems. Do we have everything ready?”

“Well of course, so nothing to worry about. If anything goes wrong we’ll have back up ready and prepared.”

“Right, right. I was just double checking, hehe” Sergey replied.

The two were at Mai’s company building preparing to leave.

“Fredrick! Hi! How are you doing?” exclaimed Sergey as they headed for the exit.

“Doing good, how about you?”

“Doing well myself”

“Good to hear! Good luck on the mission” Frederick said with an encouraging smile and a wave. Sergey gave a smile in return.

“Fredrick?” called out Mai.

“Yes Ms. Mai?”

“Is backup prepared?”

“I believe so, the lead said that they would be ready within five minutes”

“Excellent, we’ll be heading out then” Mai said with a quick salute. The two headed for the car as they discussed the plan one more final time.

“Are you excited?” Sergey asked Mai with a small grin on his face.

“Well I suppose, the thrill of being the hunting dog is much more interesting than just being the tracker dog.” a small smile appeared on Mai’s face. She quickly started up the car and they were off.

“Twenty minutes till we arrive, so be ready,” Mai explained.

As their car pulled into the driveway of the suspects, a few more cars were visible with people inside. Mai put on the ear piece and handed one to Sergey. Mai tapped the earpiece testing i

“How can you hear me, officer 634?”

“I can hear you clearly Ma’am” answered the voice.

“Excellent, test your earpiece as well Sergey,”

“Detective Mai, how can you hear me?” Sergey whispered, tapping his earpiece.

“SERGEY! Come on, be serious right now!” Mai exclaimed.

”But could you hear me through the earpiece?” Sergey said with his usual smile.

“Yes, yes but seriously don’t act like a fool,” Mai answered with a dramatic tone. Sergey only continued to smile. The two got out of the car,”We’re heading over to the house right now, be prepared for anything.” Mai explained as she tapped off the earpiece. Sergey rang the doorbell so the pair just stood there for a minute till the man with ginger hair opened the door.

“Good morning Mr. Hein” Mai began.

“Who the hell are you two?” he demanded

“I’m detective Mai and this is detective Sergey, we have the permission to search your house, here's the search warrant so please cooperate and everything will be fine,”

The man Hein’s eyes grew wide in horror. “M-ma’am what must be the purpose for the need to search my house?!” he said with a stutter.

“Listen we don’t need to explain anything now please let us through, we have a job to do.” Sergey snapped, his usual smile now replaced by a stern and displeased glare. It kinda shocked Mai how serious Sergey could look. Hein stared at Sergey, “A-ah s-sorry p-please come inside d-do whatever you need to do,” he stuttered. Mai looked at Sergey, shooting him an approving glance before nodding to enter. As soon as they two walked inside something already felt obviously wrong.

“Where's that friend of yours, Giang is his name?” asked Sergey.

“G-giang? H-he’s not here currently”

“Where is he then?” Mai added.

“He's running errands..”

“When will he return?” Mai pressed on, as she crossed her arms.

“I-i really don’t know! All he said was that he needed to do something I-im not aware what or when he’ll return I-”

“We’ll wait,” Sergey cut in,”Watch him for now I’ll go check around.”

“Sure, go on ahead,” she replied.

While Sergey checked around the house Mai stood guard as well as questioning Hein more. Suddenly a click at the door, Hein’s face lit up. Mai caught that motion on his face immediately and said, ”Dare try anything and I will break your legs, your motives are clear to me.”

“Hein! Why do we have visitors?! We weren’t expecting anyone now were we?” called out the new voice.

“Giong, pleasure to finally meet you.” Mai greeted.

“Who must you be?” Giong asked

“The name is Mai, or as you might know me, Detective Mai. Former agent of the IWC.”

“Detective? What brings you here, to my humble home?”

“I have every right to believe that you are a suspect of the accusations of kidnapping Sukira Nia, Ria Junia, Gabrielle Willows and Luna Willows,” Giong showed obvious shock and discomfort.

“Madam Mai I’m sorry but you must be mistaken, I would never kidnap a poor innocent child.”

“That’s what you all say, once you're accused you decide to play the ‘innocent’ card. Listen, I'm not stupid no need to play dumb." Her words triggered an obvious fury in Giong. Hein nodded to Giong. Mai had already gotten into a battle stance, back stance, her eyes quick and calculating and she watched their movements, Giong came after her, quick moving, quick enough that it caught Mai off guard. Hein lunged into the battle, both coming from each direction, Mai moved quickly out of the way as Hein and Giong rushed towards her. The two barely stopped themselves from bonking foreheads. Suddenly Giong came after Mai again, this time focusing on her movements a little more closely this time. He looked at Mai sending chills down her spine as she stared into his eyes, hollowed from any type of affection or pity. Mai lunged to strike, missing his leg by an inch. ‘What just happened?! Did I just miss my target?! Mai thought angrily. This time when Giong launched himself at Mai, she wasn’t able to react quick enough, receiving a hard punch to the stomach that knocked the air out of Mai’s lungs. She gasped in shock. A sudden pain struck her leg. While receiving the punch Hein must’ve thrown a knife at her leg. Blood was trickling down her calf. She stumbled to stand, her eyes meeting those of Giong. A scream came from the kitchen. Giong switched his gaze from Mai to look at where the sound came from. Mai took this as her chance, she removed the knife from her calf wincing, she ignored the pain and lunged herself with all the strength she had in the direction of Giong, stabbing him in the thigh. A gasp of pain escaped him,”A leg for a leg,” Mai said with a smirk as she held a taser at him. She pulled the trigger and he groaned in pain, collapsing on his side.

“Officer 643, bring in the backup,” Mai muttered into the earpiece. She looked in the direction from where there was a scream earlier, she stumbled her way into the open kitchen. Sergey’s face was bleeding and Hein was lying on the ground unconscious.

“Are you okay Sergey?” Mai asked with a little worry hidden in her voice, she was staring at Sergey’s bleeding face, a long scratch coming from his forehead to a little lower than where his eye was.

“All good, nothing to worry about, but are you okay? You're limping.” he glanced at Mai’s blood soaked calf.

“I'm okay too. Any sign of the missing kids?”

“Don’t worry I’ve found them, all of them seem okay, just a couple of cuts and bruises and trauma to recover from”

“I see, how bad is your eye injury by the way?”

“It’s not too bad I think my eye will recover, when Hein attacked me with a knife I was able to jump back far enough for him to not cause much damage to my eye.” Sergey explained. Suddenly voices called for Mai and Sergey.

“We’re here!” Mai called out reassuringly. “We better go, the officers and nurses will take care of the children.”

“Here lean against my shoulder I will help you walk back.”

“No, no it's fine really.” Mai exclaimed.

“I insist,” Sergey smiled. Mai’s cheeks heated up a bit.

“Fine, if you so badly insist,” Mai muttered, turning her face in the opposite direction from Sergey.

After an hour has passed, both Mai and Sergey have been bandaged up. The two sat on a bench looking out at the gorgeous sights of vietnam.

“In a week or two it will be time to head to your home country, when you leave, do you miss your home?” asked Mai

“Well of course, especially since I have someone always waiting for me back at home,”

“Oh really? Who might that be?”

“My younger brother, Nikita.” he explained with a sad smile appearing on his face.

“You must miss him quite a bit,”

“Yea, he is all that is left of my family after all,”

“Oh..I'm sorry..”

“No worries really, my brother is all I need now.”

“How old is he?”

“He’s going to be 14 in just a few weeks”

“Oh, happy early birthday to him,”

“Kids, grow up so fast don’t they?”

“Indeed.” Mai agreed.

The two watched the horizon as the sun slowly hid away.

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bratshaws · 2 years ago

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goodness gracious 34. brb x oc

(im sorry i love him your honor)

THIS FIC IS 18+ ONLY! MINORS PLS DNI!

a/n: is there enough smut in this fic?????????????????????????? absolutely not and i a m s or ry. im a whore

check out the fic's playlist made by the sweet @wiipes !!

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: fluff then smut, car s3x, Rooster wanted to fuck Bea in the Bronco ever since they got together more news at 10.

chapters:

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20/21/22/23/24/25/26/27/28/29/30/31/32/33

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist!!)

taglist: @mirandastuckinthe80s @roosterschanelslut @wiipes @lcahwriter @shrimping-for-all @gretagerwigsmuse @frenchtoastix

@lizzie-rdj @fanboyluvr @atarmychick007 @comebacktoearthpls

@peachiicherries @mak-32 @lizziespidiepridie @roosterswifey @ollyoxenfrees @piceous21 @sqrlgrl22 @hofficoffi @lexhalstead3

“Aunt Penny,” Shells calls, wrapping her arms around her aunt’s waist from behind, “My favorite aunt, the woman that raised me as her own daughter, the most beautiful woman in this whole wide world.” Penny keeps looking down at the glasses she’s refilling, “I have a proposition for you.”

“Of course you do.” the older woman chuckles, handing the tray to Beatrice who took it to a table in the corner of the bar, “What is it?”

“I was thinking that tomorrow, after we win, you could give us all free drinks?” the blonde suggests, giving her aunt a sweet smile which only made the other woman blink in her direction, “Please? Come on, we’ll do so good!”

“After? Not if?”

“Um…aunt Penny.” Shells steps back, gesturing to her then to Beatrice who just got back after giving the patrons their drinks,” Look at us? How would we not win?”

Penny leaned her weight on the bar top, her other hand propped on her hip as she stared the two down. Beatrice looked a bit confused at what was happening, but stood by with the tray being held in both hands with a little smile on her face but her niece just smiled wider, still gesturing to the two of them vigorously like they were both prized mares at an auction. Penny sighs, smiling, but tilts her head to the side as she’s thinking, “Well…I think I can do it just once.”

“Yes!” her niece shouts, but no patron pays attention since they are all used to Shells boisterous and loud personality, “Thanks aunt Penny, I love you.” she says, pressing a kiss to her aunt’s cheek before taking the tray off Bea’s hands, switching places with her so the brunette stood behind the bar.

Beatrice looked up to where she saw Rooster and the other officers close to the pool table, her boyfriend giving her a smile and a wink before bringing the bottle to his lips, keeping eye contact until the brunette moved her gaze away. Penny laughed softly, shaking her head in amusement, “Honestly, I’m so glad you two finally came to your senses and got together.” Beatrice looks towards her with a small smile,so Penny continues, “Because I think me and Shells would go insane the more you two pined for each other without acting on it.”

Bea blushes harder, dropping her gaze to her hands as she dries a glass, “Yeah…Shells said the same thing.” she chuckles, “...I just got nervous about talking to him.”

“I know,Bea. But aren’t you glad you two finally did?” Penny’s smile widened at Beatrice's quiet nod, her cheeks turning a brighter shade of red. Much like her niece, Penny figured out the two of them were pining for each other ages ago, it was obvious and Rooster was anything but subtle.

She lost count of how many times she caught him looking in Beatrice’s direction when the brunette wasn’t looking, only to meet the bar owner’s eyes and then move his own gaze away. Or whenever he played the piano, he’d clear his throat loudly and make a bit of a scene of stretching and popping his knuckles, tossing one quick glance over the bar to see if Bea was looking and Penny would literally see him deflate if Beatrice was busy somewhere else.

“You always missed when he looked at you.” Penny says, making the brunette slowly stop the movements to look back at her, “And he looked at you a lot, every time you were busy or doing something else. He was smitten from the beginning.”

One moment Penny remembers very clearly was during the time Beatrice thought Rooster and Phoenix were together, so she avoided him even more after that, clearly upset even after being told that they were just friends. Penny noticed how Rooster looked up every time she moved, hoping to catch a glimpse of her in any way before she walked away from his view. Penny could see how the pilot desired nothing more than a smidge of her attention, even straightening up on his seat if her body partially turned in his direction.

It was so endearing and so sweet…and so painfully slow that Penny and Shells decided to act up on it because Beatrice would never take a step forward about that, too nervous and shy to approach him.

Penny joined her niece’s shenanigans because like Shells, she knew Bea deserved to have a happy relationship with a guy that genuinely liked her. Knowing that Rooster was a lot bolder with his flirting before he met Beatrice, especially because he didn’t want to scare her away, only proved her gut feeling was right about him.

She had seen many relationships occur while in the bar, but none of them made her heart swell with pride than these two. Just the way they acted to each other, which her niece said was ‘literally disgustingly sweet’, showed they were meant to be together from the very start, they just needed a little push.

“He never told me he looked at me that often.” Beatrice whispered, her cheeks warming up with a smile present on her face “I…I thought it was one sided.”

“It was never one sided, Bea.” Penny smiles, gently bumping her shoulder to the young woman’s, “You guys were just too nervous to act on it.”

Never one sided.

The goblin voice in her head growled, trying to make it seem that it was one sided and Rooster just was with her out of pity, but it sounded meek over time, until nothing more could be heard.

She looked back up again, watching him lean on the pool table with the pool cue on his opposite hand as he chatted with Payback, his head tipping back in a laugh that only made her heart flutter with feelings, like it was still their first weeks together.

It was a great feeling, one she hasn’t felt in so long and she was so happy it never passed, it was still a constant no matter what.

Penny cleared her throat when Beatrice kept looking at Rooster, the young woman blinking back at her in surprise, “Sorry!” she said quietly when Penny nodded in the direction of other patrons that needed their drinks.

Working before the game tomorrow definitely helped get her mind at ease, something about working at a Navy bar filled with patrons that would always need your help for something or the other really distracted her brain. And Rooster too of course.

Every time he’d come to the counter he’d just stay there watching her with half lidded eyes as she went to grab more beers. She didn’t know how, but he’d also sneak a kiss inside of her wrist before going back to their table. Beatrice could only smile and try to act like nothing happened, even if her cheeks were redder than the Budweiser label.

And he knew what he was doing, of course he did. He did say his favorite hobby was making her blush. She does hear a sudden string of Italian coming from the entrance, which was odd, she hasn’t heard any Italian ever coming into the bar.

She turns her head in hopes to check who it could be, gasping loudly as she recognizes the first in the group of five men that wandered in. “Umberto?” her cousin looks up when he hears his name, pulling the Lakers cap off his head to tuck under his arm. He was wearing a simple black t-shirt and jeans, his brown hair combed back but still maintaining the unbelievable thickness everyone in her family seemed to have in their heads.

Umberto’s lips parted in a smile “Cugina!” he laughs, talking something to the officers behind him before he gets closer, already speaking in Italian to her “Ma cosa ci fai qui? Così lontano da casa tua?”

“I work here, Umberto. What are you doing here?” she replies in English, not being able to contain her surprise, her cousin ushering his friends inside the bar as he takes a seat on the stool with his arms folded “I thought you’d go home after aunt Martha’s wedding?”

“Oh, uh…” it takes him a second to translate the words in his head, but when he does he laughs “No, no!I went home after the wedding! Here to do a training program! Just arrived back in the US!” he gestures to the group of men behind him, already seated in a booth,” All of us.”

Umberto’s thick accent and deep voice surely stood out from the usual English speaking atmosphere “Ooohhh, oh okay! And so you guys decided to come here.”

“Yes! Some Navy officers told us this place is nice!” he smiles, “I didn’t know my cugina worked here, do I get free drinks then?”

Beatrice laughs, “Oh I don’t think so.” she says, ‘But I can suggest something to drink.”

“Yes I’d like–” he turns his head to the pool table, where he sees a known face, “Eh! BRADSHAW!” he laughs, pushing himself off the stool and marching through the crowd towards a surprised Bradley, who immediately laughed and engulfed the other man in a hug, the two aviators clapping each on the back like old friends.

Which made Beatrice smile fondly, watching her Italian cousin greet her boyfriend with such gusto genuinely made her stomach flutter with even more butterflies. She saw Bradley gesture to Umberto to the other officers, who in turn got up to greet him as well, Umberto looking back to his own friends and beckoning them closer.

“I thought I heard an Italian cacophony.” Shells said as she neared the bar top, looking back at the large group “Your family keeps showing up here, we might need to fine you or something.”

Beatrice laughs, playfully shoving her friend’s shoulder who just joins with her own loud cackle. Meanwhile, Umberto introduces all the other officers to Bradley and the others, digging his hands inside his pockets as he watched them play pool with interest while still talking to Bradley, “Yes,we are here for the training program.” he says with a smile, “We arrived just a few hours ago.”

“I mean, pretty cool, man.” Bradley smiles, “Looks like we’ll see each other then, I’m coming back from my leave on Monday.” it tastes bitter when he says it, the memory he won’t have Bea every day for a while made his insides clench unpleasantly. Maybe he shouldn’t have stayed with her for so long, because now he’d feel very lonely inside his apartment for a while - yes he’d still see her but it wasn’t the same thing!- without her warmth and her scent and everything that reminded him of her.

Umberto hums, like Beatrice and most of her family does, he notices that it must be something common within all of them, “Nice! Good to know!It will be interesting!” the Italian officer looked at the pool table with interest but it wasn’t Bradley who asked him if he wanted to play.

Instead, it was Nat, “Are you going to play or are you just looking?” she asks, leaning on the pool cue while keeping her eyes on the brown haired man. Umberto blinks in surprise, his lips parting in a brilliant smile that makes the dimples on his cheeks more visible.

“Oh, I am a bit um…arrugginito? Rusty.” he translates quickly, “But I suppose I can play a bit.”

Nat smirks, “Sounds good, how about you and me then? Just to start off easy.”

“Oh I have a feeling it won’t be that easy.” Umberto laughs, grabbing one of the extra pool cues on the wall. Bradley watched this interaction with his eyebrows furrowed, going back and forth between the two with his lips pursed…he could be wrong but he was sure that Nat was definitely flirting with Umberto.

Oh she gave him the look she was definitely flirting with him. Umberto was a cool guy, from what he knew about him,he just seemed a bit oblivious to Nat’s obvious advances. He chose to step back then, telling the others he was going to let them have fun for the night…which basically meant ‘I miss my girlfriend but she’s at work right now so I’ll go to the bar counter until she’s ready to leave.’

So he did, smiling when he met Beatrice’s gaze over the counter, “I think you noticed your cousin is here.” he says, gesturing to where Umberto and the other Italian officers were, Bea’s cousin smiling at the noise of the pool balls clicking together and him scoring a point.

“I did.” she smiles, refilling the napkin holder on the side “I don’t know how long he’ll be here though, he did say something about training so maybe…a few weeks?”

“That’d be a good assumption.” he replies, dropping his eyes down her waist and legs slowly, fully aware that Bea can see him doing that, clearing her throat softly, “What?”

“You are ogling me.”

“You are beautiful.” he says as if it was obvious, giving her a nonchalant shrug and a little smirk.

She chuckles quietly, her cheeks warming up to a lovely red color as she shakes her head, still getting shivers all over her body from his voice alone. A lot of things changed once she met Bradley, she discovered a lot of kinks she never thought she’d have.

The voice kink was something she had for a while, his voice - and his accent - were so nice to hear, she’d probably go insane just hearing him talk. Or sing. Or hearing how deep and raspy it’d get in the mornings. She was delving into dangerous territory, a territory she couldn’t really get too into since she’s still working and that’d be highly inappropriate and very distracting.

But could she be blamed?

She sneakily looked his way, where she could see the expanse of golden skin and firm muscles under the bar lights.

She couldn’t be blamed.

“Bea,” he says then, squinting his eyes playfully, “Are you ogling me?” shit, she was caught when she was trying to be subtle. She didn’t even have to answer, her cheeks answered his question like always. If he wasn’t so handsome and if she didn’t love him so much, that cheeky smirk on his face would make her so mad. She just rolled her eyes, moving away from him and trying to forget what happened.

By the time she left the bar she was still thinking about it, chewing on her lower lip inside the bronco and keeping her hands on top of her lap. From time to time she would give him a few looks, following the line of his bicep as it disappeared under the short sleeve of his Hawaiian shirt.

She tapped her fingers on her denim clad thighs, trying to keep her eyes away without much success. Part of her suggested that they could do something, after all it’d probably help her nerves because of the game tomorrow, right? The other part, the horniest part of her brain, was glad they were parked in such a dark area close to the beach to enjoy the scenery after having dinner together, since there was no one out there it gave them a bit of privacy in case they wanted to do…certain things.

Immediately her eyes widened at the sudden thought, inhaling sharply, then crossing her arms over her bust as she tried to yank the image out of her head, sinking deeper into the passenger seat until she was almost sliding out of it. Bradley looked at her by the corner of his eye, seeing her face partially buried by the thick jacket she wore to work, chewing her lower lip with her eyebrows curved downwards, “Babe?” he calls, only to see Beatrice sink even more, her knees touching the front panel “Babe, are you okay?”

“Yeah.”

“...you sure? You are almost out of the seat.” she must’ve noticed that now, because she blinked and looked around herself, then sheepishly wriggled herself upwards. Maybe these thoughts are just because his leave was nearing its end and she was just…trying to get all the ideas out before he goes back to his apartment.

Interestingly that only made the thought appear even more tempting than before. She made a little sound of despair, cupping her hands on her warm cheeks as she felt conflicted about what to do. On one hand…it was horribly enticing, on the other there was no way he’d say yes. This car was his baby, he’d never agree to it.

But what if he did? She just made another sound, covering her face then and further worrying Bradley with how she was acting, “Baby, do you feel sick? What’s wrong?”

“I…” she chews her lower lip even more, the already red flesh getting more irritated, “There’s nothing wrong I’m okay, just a bit tired.” The pilot furrows his eyebrows and Beatrice takes notice that the roar of the ocean surely would cover any noise, maybe if they were quiet– no. No. No. Not a good idea.

He hums, “Alright.” he says sweetly, dropping his large hand on her thigh to caress the denim covered flesh back and forth. It didn’t help her situation whatsoever, but she wasn’t going to move his hand away when it was so nice and making her body react so nicely to it too. Why did he have to have such huge hands, with thick fingers that she felt more times than she could count and she loved it so much.

She wasn’t sure if he noticed how her thighs clenched together, if he did he didn’t mention it. Her breathing uneven as she cautiously looks at him when he stops his hand right on the crease between her pelvis and thigh, fingers dangerously close to the apex, his pinky finger touching the zipper of her jeans.

God she hoped she wouldn’t regret this. And that he’d forgive her for even thinking about it. She cups his face in her hands and kisses him deeply, his eyebrows going up in surprise with a startled hum vibrating into her open mouth, but he gets back to it quickly. His lips curved into a smile against her mouth, swallowing her soft moans when his tongue dipped inside, the hand on her thigh now moved up to touch her skin under the jacket.

Beatrice whimpers,her bag falling on the car’s floor mats with a dull ‘thud’, slowly standing up on her knees to climb over his lap and straddle him. Surprisingly, at least for her, it wasn’t a tight fit as she thought it’d be, her legs weren’t hitting anything that wasn’t the side of Bradley’s thighs and the driver’s seat.

She moaned into his mouth, still not believing she was doing this, and was ready to pull back and ask him if this was okay, but the way his hands frantically started unzipping her jacket and yanking it out of her body gave her a straight answer right away. He dragged his lips down her jawline, his mustache tickling against her feverish skin as he tossed the jacket to the passenger seat.

Maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea after all. “God, I fucking love,” he says between kisses, “When you do shit like this.” she mewls in response, her hands cupping the back of his head to keep him biting her neck. He ground their hips together, the seam of her pants pressing right against her clit with the sudden movement, making her entire body shudder in response.

Their mouths meet again in a heated lip lock, “Backseat?” she questions out of breath against his lips.

“Fuck, yes, backseat.” she kisses his lips one last time before she climbs out of his lap, not seeing how his eyes followed the globes of her ass until she sat down, kicking off her converse and then tugging down her pants down her legs, tossing them on top of her shoes. He quickly yanked the glove compartment open, rummaging through it for a bit until he found one condom hidden behind a pile of stuff he honestly wasn’t focused enough to check right now.

He was already pulling out his Hawaiian shirt before going to the backseat, dropping it on top of Bea’s clothes - which now had not only her pants but her undershirt too. He couldn’t help the pained groan when he saw her wearing just her undergarments, even if they weren’t matching there was something so sexy about it.

Maybe it was just Beatrice.

“Fuck you are so, beautiful.” he breathes out, meeting her lips in a kiss, pulling back to remove his white tee shirt before melding their lips together again. She whimpered, the fabric of the backseat warming her skin, her back arching so their chest would touch. But Rooster had other plans, he pressed open mouthed kisses from her jawline to the valley of her breasts, then past below her stomach - an area she still flinched whenever given love - until he reached her panties.

Their space was limited and since Bradley was so tall and broad, he had to figure out ways they could work this out. Because god damn it, it was one of his many fantasies and the fact that Bea initiated it was driving him completely insane. His defined chest heaved with pants as he looked down right at the apex of her thighs, where just by brushing his fingers over the fabric of her striped boyshorts he could feel how wet she was.

Since there wasn’t a lot of room to move, there wasn’t much they could do as much as he wanted. Plus he was already bursting at the seams, literally, just looking at her body flushed and her eyes looking at him through a heavy lidded gaze. He quickly got rid of his pants and underwear, Beatrice following right behind, “C��mere.” he says,grabbing her hand after he rolls the condom on, following her movements as she returns to sit on his lap, his cock pressed between her outer lips and his navel.

She breathes in and out softly, draping her arms around his neck, “Is this okay?”

“It’s more than okay, gorgeous.” he replies, sliding a hand between the two to align himself, slowly pushing inside and watching her eyelids flutter shut. No matter how often they do it, everytime he hilts inside of her it’s like the first time. “Holy…shit…” he whispers, grabbing the plush curve of her hips with both hands before he moves, at a vagarous pace at first.

Beatrice whimpers, her bare chest touching his as her own hips move in a wave like motion that breaks out a moan out of him, the hands on her hips now go separate ways, one going up to hold her shoulder and the other grabbing the soft flesh of her ass cheek. Beatrice whimpers, continuing with the wave motions of her hips, her hair falling over the two like a curtain of chocolate brown.

Bradley groans again, dropping his nape on the backseat as he watches her move on top of him, she was still a bit nervous but it’s gotten a lot better since the very first time they did it. She now moved a lot freely, which he was very happy to see because not only was it great for him it also meant she was losing a bit of the shyness and nerves she had around him.

“God, baby…” he coos, the hand on her shoulder dragging back to her chest, “You look so fucking good on top of me, so fucking good. Taking me so well,” she whimpers in response already, “Taking my cock so well, Bea.”

“Brad…”

“Yeah, you do.” he says, “You are so fucking sexy all the fucking time.” Bradley drags his eyes to the flushed skin of her chest, her breasts moving with the movement of their pacing, “With amazing breasts and an even better ass.” he finishes the sentence by slapping the said ass, the sound echoing inside the car alongside her yelped moan, “Were you thinking about us fucking here?” she nods mutely, furrowing her eyebrows at a deep thrust “Was that why you were so red earlier?” another nod, this time with her forehead touching his.

He could feel her wetness sliding down his thighs and onto the seat, but he honestly couldn’t care less right now. This was way too hot for him to care. “Brad…please…” he was moving his hips deeper, and while it was good she needed a lot more.

“What do you need, Bea?”

“...you….t-to move….more…”

“But I am moving.”

She lifts her head to meet his infuriating little smirk, her own hips moving faster in hopes he’d get the hint, “Brad…” she digs her nails on his shoulders, “Please…” Beatrice lets out a breath of relief when his arms wrap around her waist then, possibly he was just losing it as she was, needing release.

Both of them could feel the car rocking and hoped really hard that no one wanted to have a sudden middle of the night stroll in this darkened part of the road, because it’d be obvious something was going on. The windows fogged up, their moaning mingling together into one while Bradley’s hips moved upwards in a quick repetitive movement, breaking whatever line of thought Beatrice was about to have, “Oh God, Brad!!”

“Yeah, baby,” he coos, giving another slap to the opposite buttcheek as his hips pistoned up, “Are you going to cum? Hm?” she moans out a broken ‘yes’, keeping up with his thrusting with her voice cracking , “God, you feel so good, so fucking good!” He could hear how wet she was, alongside both of them moaning as quietly as they could with their hips slapping together vigorously.

Beatrice moans louder and louder, she was so close. She wasn’t even thinking when she slid a hand between their bodies to touch herself and fasten her climax. What she did not expect was how that would affect Bradley, whose eyes immediately widened when he saw her moving her fingers quickly and his thrusts fastened to an almost inhuman speed, “Holy fuuuuuckkk!!!” he wasn’t quiet when he came this time, his moan was loud enough she was sure it shook the windows.

She wasn’t too far behind, her whole body tensing up as she screamed against his neck, curling her toes as her orgasm hit with full force. Her whimpers continued for a while as her body shook with aftershocks, shuddering with his arms still wrapped around her waist. It takes a few minutes for either of them to say something, Bea breaking the hot and heavy silence, her face pressed on his sweaty chest, “Brad?” she calls, seeing he’s still breathing heavily, his head leaning back on the seat leaving his throat exposed, “Brad? Are you okay?”

She moves a bit to check on him and he immediately holds her hips, ‘No,no,no,no, stop.” he says quickly, his voice still shaky “Don’t-don’t move.” Beatrice blinks, but stays put, pressing her ear to his chest and hearing his rapidly beating heart, his own breathing still shaking as he was coming down of his high, “Jesus fucking Christ. That was…really good…”

“...really?”

He chuckles, “Really? She says, God, Bea.” he finally looks down at her, his face beautifully flushed and shining with sweat, his hair a complete mess and eyelids low, “It was so fucking good I don’t think I’ll be able to move for a little while.” he was still sensitive with such a powerful climax taking all the air out of his lungs.

Beatrice couldn’t help the little smile on her face, her cheeks turning red but for a completely different reason. When he finally says she can move, she pushes herself up and kisses his lips,”I love you.”

Bradley’s eyes soften, one of his hands caressing her cheek, “I love you too, gorgeous. Now,” he drops the hand down to her hip, “We should go back, because I’m not nearly half as done with you.”

Beatrice widens her eyes, “But, Brad–”

“Consider this a pre-game workout gorgeous.” he smirks, kissing her lips soundly then slapping her butt to hear her sharp yelp of surprise echo around the interior of his car.

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