#did i finish this really quickly and write 1.5k words? maybe.

[hp-hcs]

violent stalker mattheo riddle.... each guy and girl readers ever spoken to? damn wdym they showed up beaten up the next day and they dont even know who did it ????

i feel like he'd also get violent with reader and ykw .... im so insane id let him beat me bloody .

"i'm doing this because you're not listening to me, sweetheart. how else am i supposed to show you that trying to leave me is what you shouldn't do?"

hey uh, future requesters: giving me a line of dialogue or smth to build around means i’ll finish your request WAY faster. tysm anon 😭

requests open

prometheus — yandere! insane! stalker! mattheo riddle x gn! reader

wow! there’s a fuck ton of really fucking dark violence, murder, torture, manipulation, abduction, and horrific domestic abuse in this! please be careful if you choose to read this!

1.5k words!

i jokingly took a sociopathy test with a couple of friends earlier today and i scored like really high so uh dunno how to feel about that

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

“Am I…am I in trouble or something, Professor…?”

Professor McGonagall’s lips thinned and she looked at you over the rim of her glasses. She folded her hands together neatly where they rested on her desk before speaking. “Not for now, no. Relax a bit, dear. The law states that you’re innocent until proven guilty.”

“That’s not- that doesn’t really make me less nervous.”

The professor opened her mouth to speak again when a chime alerted her to an incoming floo call.

With a wave of her wand, the flames flared green and a genial-looking man stepped out of the fireplace. He brushed soot off of his robes and grinned brightly as soon as he caught sight of the professor.

“Minerva! Lovely to see you again. I’m afraid Quincy isn’t going to make it. Corbett is sick, poor thing, so he’s staying home with him today,” the man gushed, evidently quite close with the professor.

“Oh, send them both my well wishes, Hez, dear. Anyway, this is the student you asked to see, Y/n L/n,” she motioned towards you.

The man gave you a cheery grin—far too cheerful for this early in the morning—and held out his hand for you to shake. “A pleasure to meet you, Mx. L/n. I’m Auror Hezekiah Ackerly. I’d just like to ask you a few questions if that’s alright?”

You dubiously shook his outstretched hand, a bit put off by his bright grin that never seemed to dim. “Sure.”

“Wonderful!” the Auror pulled the second office guest chair closer and sat down across from you. “Let’s get the easy questions out of the way. Do you have many friends? Or maybe a small, close-knit group of people you regularly hang out with?”

Your eyebrows furrowed. The fuck kind of question was this?

“Uh, I guess a close-knit group?”

Auror Ackerly summoned a notebook and quill, writing quickly. “Who belongs to this group?”

Seriously, this felt more like being at a psychiatrist’s office than being questioned by a government official.

“Er, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger? And sometimes Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood?”

Seriously, what was going on?

“And do you have any…romantic relationships? Any troubles or issues there?”

Your eyes narrow. “What’re you playing at?”

“Cormac McLaggen was found dead in the Forbidden Forest this morning,” Professor McGonagall cut to the chase, interrupting Auror Ackerly. “You were the last known person to have spoken to him, and several of your peers attest that they heard an argument break out between the two of you last night after dinner.”

Your eyebrows shot up and your jaw dropped. “Dead? Wh- how?”

“That’s what we at the Ministry would like to know,” Auror Ackerly interjected smoothly. “You’re not in trouble, Mx. L/n, but I am here to escort you to the Ministry for questioning.”

Your jaw dropped.

They thought you did this?

~~~

You sat at a table, alone in some room deep inside the Ministry building.

You huffed, folding yet another paper crane from the stack of sticky notes Ackerly had oh-so-thoughtfully left for you after your interrogation.

You set the finished bird on the table, the small pile of origami cranes you’ve made while waiting slowly getting larger.

Peeling off another sticky note, you started folding another when a nice-looking man in well-pressed robes entered the barren room and stopped in front of your table. He looked down at you with mild bafflement.

“L/n, I presume?”

“That’d be me,” you mumbled, adding your newest crane to the pile.

The man smiled gently before waving a hand over your paper birds and enchanting them to fly.

You tried to hide your awe as you look up at the cranes that floated and soared around the room.

The man smiled at your reaction. “It’s quite nice to finally meet you, Mx. L/n. You’ve been the topic of many a discussion today.”

“I’d imagine so, yes,” you said dryly. “Not many teenagers accused of murder coming through the department, huh?”

He grinned. “Not really, no.”

The man pulled out the other chair at the table, sitting down across from you and rifling through the thick manila folder he held.

“Are you here to interrogate me some more?” You asked suspiciously. “Ask Ackerly, man. I already told him everything I know.”

He laughed. “No, I’m not here to interrogate you. I’m your lawyer, Mx. L/n.”

You blink. “I don’t have a lawyer. My family can’t afford that.”

“You always have the right to an attorney, Mx. L/n,” he said kindly as he held out his hand to you. “Octavian Foxglove, Esquire.”

“Y/n L/n, but you already knew that,” you greet, shaking his hand.

He smiled again.

He was a very smiley man.

He laid out the manila folder and turned it around on the table so that you would be able to see it.

The first paper on top was a copy of your school records, with a bright red PRIMARY SUSPECT stamped over the top of your picture.

You grimaced.

Your lawyer nodded sympathetically. “There’s a photo underneath that page, by the way. Supposedly the last photo we have of McLaggen still alive and, uh…it’s not looking great for you, in all honesty.”

You moved your school records page aside, finding a standard moving photograph paperclipped to the inside of the file.

It showed, quite clearly, you speaking with Cormac McLaggen in a hallway. Picture-Cormac angrily threw his arms up in the air and silently yelled at picture-you, while your body language in the photo loudly screamed ‘furious & upset’.

He was right. It wasn’t a great look.

“And there’s only one thing I need you to- oh, where is it?” He dug through the inside pockets of his robes, procuring a pen. “Aha! The next page has a simple contract. I just need a signature stating that you either accept me as your public defender, or would like to request someone else from the Ministry to handle your case.”

You nod, flipping the page to the contract he indicated. Mr. Foxglove smiled again and held the pen out to you.

As soon as your fingers made contact with the pen, you vanished.

~~~

You stumbled blindly, almost falling to the floor before a hand caught your elbow and steadied you.

“Easy, careful.”

You whirled around, surprised to see a different man in Mr. Foxglove’s clothes. He held his hands up in a non-threatening manner.

“Woah- slow down, kid. You’re fine.”

“Who the hell are you?”

“I’m- was your lawyer,” he shrugged and smiled. “Augustus Rookwood, at your service.”

It dawned on you. “It was a portkey,” you breathed. “The pen. It was a portkey, wasn’t it?”

“Clever kid,” he sounded impressed. “Now c’mon. The boss wants to see you.”

You followed the man without complaint; half out of curiosity, half out of the knowledge that Augustus Rookwood was an Azkaban escapee charged with at least forty counts of first degree murder.

Pretty simple choice.

It looked like you were in a wealthy aristocrat’s house. Er, mansion, more accurately. The hallway you were walking down was old and stuffy and dusty, and the overall aura of Dark magic that permeated the very air of the house sent shivers down your spine.

Rookwood led you down a flight of rickety stairs to the first floor, and then down a narrow hallway and into a study, where he left you without another word.

The study itself was old. Everything was coated in a thick layer of dust except for the pristine and polished bureau right in the center.

(Obviously, ‘the boss’ was sitting at this desk.)

((Villains tend to be predictable like that.))

However, you were surprised to see that ‘the boss’ was-

“Riddle?”

He looked up at the sound of your voice, a wide grin spreading across his face as he hurriedly got up from his desk.

“Y/n, darling, hello!” He gushed, practically skipping over towards you before pulling you into a very uncomfortable hug. “Sweetheart- oh, I’m so glad you’ve made it here safely! Rookwood really is my only competent assistant; I must be sure to give him a raise.”

You froze up at the unexpected hug, your arms remaining stiffly by your sides. He let go after a moment, but remained just a bit too close for comfort.

“Hopefully the Ministry didn’t give you too hard of a time,” he rubbed the back of his neck with a guilty grin. “I promise Ackerly’s a good man. When he’s, y’know, in control of his own body.”

Your eyes widen and you take a step back. “What?”

“Just a little Imperius, darling, no worries. Did you like your gift?”

You blinked, thrown off by his rapid changes in subjects. “Uh- gift?”

He smiled proudly. “McLaggen? He won’t bother you anymore, see?”

All the color drained from your face.

“You killed Cormac?”

He nods, grinning. “Uh-huh. I heard what McLaggen said to you last night in the hall, and I don’t like when other people look at what’s mine.”

“Yours?” You repeat, your lip curling in disgust. “You’d better not be referring to me.”

Mattheo paused, looking at you in confusion. “What else would I be talking about?”

You scoff in shock, shaking your head. “Yeah, nope, I’m out.”

You turned around without further preamble, marching out of the room and towards the front door that you’d passed earlier. Mattheo laughed and followed you out of the study at a leisurely pace, seemingly unworried.

“Where are you going to go, darling? As far as the general public is concerned, you’re on the run after brutally murdering a classmate. You’re Wanted with a capital W, sweetheart.”

“I’ll figure it out,” you snarled, storming towards the front door.

“Y/n…” He warned, drawing his wand and pointing it at you. “Get back here. Now.”

“Fuck off.” You spat over your shoulder, not sparing him another glance.

That was clearly not the thing to say. As if in slow motion, you heard a dreaded word fall from his lips.

“Crucio!”

You were struck with pain that was so overwhelming, so blinding, so agonizing, that you were sure you were going to die.

You were only half aware that you’d fallen to the floor at some point as wave after wave of unbearable pain crashed over you. You could feel your bones creaking and grinding together, your skin splitting apart only to knit itself back together just to be torn apart again, like you were some fucked up wixen version of fucking Prometheus.

You were only vaguely aware that you were speaking, pleading. Pleading not for the Unforgivable to be lifted, but for him to just end it, end you, entirely.

“K-kill me! Kill m-me…please!” You begged, blood trailing down from the corner of your mouth and smeared across your chin. You must’ve bit your tongue hard for it to bleed like that, and the sting from that wound while you speak is just too overwhelming when combined with the pain from the Cruciatus Curse.

Then all at once, it stops.

You gasp for air, your entire body trembling and numb as you lay sprawled across the floor like a marionette with its strings cut.

Mattheo kneeled down by your side and cupped your face in his hands with a kind of tender gentleness that felt deeply wrong coming from him.

“See, I’m doing this because you’re not listening to me, sweetheart. How else am I supposed to show you that trying to leave me is what you shouldn’t do?” He cooed softly, gently wiping the blood from your chin with the sleeve of his shirt.

You flinched back at his touch. Your body—still wracked with uncontrollable quivers and trembles—tried in vain to crawl away from him.

“Oh no, honey- hey, honey- I promise it’s all over, okay? You were so so good for me. But you see now that you’ve got to stay with me, right?”

Your jaw quivered and your still-stinging tongue felt thick in your mouth, yet you managed to spit vicious hatred towards him.

“G-go to hell.”

A flurry of emotions crossed his face: surprise, anger, guilt, and disappointment; all of which were topped by the underlying aura of pure sadistic glee that exuded from him.

“Oh? Do you need another lesson or two before you learn?” He sighed and shook his head patronizingly. “Very well then, darling. Crucio!”

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

taglist! @gayaristocrat @slytherinboysappreciation @lemonaderiddle @h-------n @yournogoodalone @knave-hearts @schaebickel @lexacantsleep @big-brother-problems @darkcharmx @cyberbl4de @amandajonhsson @megannxn @catz-80 @ghostiesen @fruityfrog505 @coysa @fruitypebblesstuff @mildlyuninformative @glittervame @cayaevans1 @lizeylavender @cloudydaysinmydreams @ironickarkatlover @ahead-fullofdreams @tachyon-girl @jaythes1mp @lovelyfandomqueen @ashisgreedy @mothermah3m @siuspider @ineedtogetalife11 @cherry-berry-ollie @cherriosxfish @a-hopeless-romantics-blog @fallingblackveils @ldrsog @linde0s @ghost-tyr @booksouflette @h0treader @maraudersforlife2005 @ahano @miah-macaroni @whatislifes-stuff @iara-ximena17 @goth-blackcat @dutifullyfuturisticwizard @docackerman @mizu-mc @tiacordelia02 @mingyuethesimp @luvlli @dracoshusband @verychaoticgay @thathogwartsjedi @lisbethpisbeth @remusily @daliah-xxo @rainy-darling @corinneeagles @sle1epy @averys-place @shibble @i-love-sirius-black7 @azu-202029 @artemismckinnon @lostboychimera @yukimaniac @annegrey

[e-dubbc11]

Bloodstains in the Snow

Photos are not mine. They are courtesy of Pinterest/Google.

Pairing: Billy Russo x F! Reader

Warnings: Violence, swear words (I think), little fluff.

Word Count: 1.5K-ish

Summary: After a late night job, Billy wanders through the snow, figuring out how he feels about you.

A/N: I wrote this pretty quick but I actually think it’s pretty good, maybe even one of the best things I’ve written. I love writing fluffy Billy but every once in awhile I really enjoy violent/unhinged/unapologetic Billy. But he’s still soft for the person he loves. I hope you like it and hope you all enjoy your holiday season! ♥️

As always, thank you for reading!  I appreciate it so much and comments, reblogs are welcome and encouraged. Don’t be shy to tell me your favorite part. 💕💕 💕

The late night city sounds were muffled by the heavy flakes of snow as they fluttered quickly to the ground. After the job was finished, he just wandered along the sidewalk looking down at what looked like a carpet of cotton beneath his feet.

His leather and black shearling coat collar pulled up to block the snow from touching the hot skin of his neck and his black beanie covered his ears to protect him from the savage wind that assaulted him from all directions.

He closed his eyes and remembered how much blood was spilled tonight.

He passed bar patrons that had ducked outside quickly for a few drags on their cigarettes before running back inside to get away from the bitter cold.

The scent of ash mixed with the fresh scent of the snow occupied his sense of smell even after he walked past that strip of bars. Stifled music coming from inside the bars was only clear when someone would open the door and muted again once the doors were closed.

Sometimes the desert overseas would get cold at night, but it would never get New York City winter cold. Blood looked brighter against the colorless shroud of snow than on top of the desert sands but spilled blood was spilled blood and it all came from the same source…evil.

Overseas, he spent some nights trying not to die and he flirted with death on more than one occasion. He had wondered if he would die never knowing what it’s like to be truly loved by someone and would he ever have what his best friend Frank had…a loving wife and kids.

“Only the dead have seen the end of war” and Billy Russo wouldn’t go down without fighting. He had done it his entire life…he was a survivor and a fighter. He fought for his life and for his country in wars at home and war overseas but he still didn’t know if he was worthy of love.

If he deserved love, then why did she leave him? Why did she abandon him? He was just a little boy. Did she love him at all? He didn’t know the answer to that and he would never know. Now, he wondered if anyone could love him for who he really is, even with all the things he has done.

Maybe you could be the one to love him.

The picturesque snow drifts were a perfect white under the glow of the city street lamps, his mind then flashed to ribbons of red running through the snow cradling the bodies of the would-be assassins. They had come for the state representative Billy and his team were protecting.

His last thoughts had been of you when he had the large arms of a mob boss wrapped tightly around his neck before Frank put a bullet in between his eyes.

Billy didn’t think twice about killing them all, no regard for any of their lives. He didn’t know if any of them had families or children and he didn’t care. All he knew was he had a job to do and he wanted to go home to you.

The goon had said something in Billy’s ear that caused his muscles to stiffen and his face to flush with rage. “You gotta real pretty girl, Russo. After we’re done with you, we’ll pay her a visit at your penthouse.”

They had threatened you.

It wouldn’t have bothered him if he wasn’t attached to you like he was. Billy was very much in love with you although he didn’t realize he was until your life was endangered.

What if they had taken you away from him? He couldn’t live with himself if that happened. Billy Russo didn’t lose fights and he would fight off the entire world just so he wouldn’t lose you.

The hollow cold stung his lungs as he inhaled the mid-winter air and let out a long exhale when he glanced down at the blood on his hands from the scum who’s throat he had just ripped out. Blood poured out quickly; it could not be contained. That man was now lying in the snow gasping for air he would never get. Billy saw nothing but red until they were all dead.

The rage burned like white hot fire in his veins as he sliced them all from groin to sternum, spilling their insides, disrupting the blanket of white underneath them and then it was over.

A devilish grin extended across Billy’s mouth, his doll-like eyes shined against the stark white snow as he watched their lives fade away forever into the cold; he enjoyed killing even though he knew he shouldn’t.

As he continued to walk against the powerful wind, his lips curled up into a slight smile. You were safe and warm back at his penthouse…probably sound asleep.

Billy didn’t want to think about it but he wondered what it would be like if he never got to sleep next to you again, or you reaching for his shirt collar in your sleep so you could nuzzle into the crook of his neck to keep your nose from getting cold.

When he had nightmares, you didn’t get scared. You were only scared for him and hoped you were doing enough to comfort him. It was more than anyone else had done for him and he welcomed it.

But what if he never got to hear you laugh or see your beautiful smile again? He was never going to give those up; he was never going to give YOU up. Billy started to walk faster into the large snowflakes falling quickly from the sky toward Anvil to get his car.

The walk to clear his head was done and he was ready to go home.

Finally, he was inside the car and out of the smothering cold, he looked at his hands as they grasped the steering wheel. Wind burned and blood stained, it was difficult to not look at them as he carefully drove home.

The snow-covered streets were nearly empty as the clock on the dashboard flashed 2 AM; he drove slowly, being extra careful not to slip and slide all over the road. Billy didn’t survive a night of mob bosses and thugs just to be taken out in a car accident.

When Billy arrived home, he inhaled sharply, unlocked the door and stepped inside. As he closed the door behind him, he exhaled forcefully and removed his boots.

The chill in his bones lingered until the hot water from the shower pelted against his skin, and the scent of your shampoo still hung inside the confines of the shower doors. It was silly but he loved to wash your hair and his mouth went tight with anger when he realized he didn’t get to do that for you tonight.

His tension eased however when he remembered that because you were safe, he would be able to do it the next time. It took a little effort but Billy removed the blood from his hands and from underneath his fingernails; they returned to their normal color and his long skilled fingers, along with the rest of his body, were no longer cold.

He could not wait to hold you.

The soft orange glow of the salt lamp illuminated your face just enough for Billy to see you were fast asleep. You stirred slightly when he pulled the blanket back and let a low whimper escape your lips as he carefully inched closer; he did not want to disturb your sleep.

You were wearing one of his old Marines t-shirts when he reached for you, his hands slipped under the blanket to touch your bare thigh, and your warm skin was soft from the lotion you applied earlier.

The tip of your nose touched the base of Billy’s neck and you wrapped your fingers around the collar of his shirt. The bristles of his beard brushed your shoulder as he pressed his lips against you.

He had never been more relieved to be home.

“I don’t deserve you, sweet girl. The things I’ve done…” He said in barely more than a whisper.

But he did. Billy did deserve to be loved, he was worthy of the love he craved and desired. He had to fight and kill to survive, to live; that didn’t make him a bad person. And now he had another reason to do what he does best…for love.

He did love you, he was sure of it now. “I love you.” Said Billy, softly against your ear.

And you loved him.

As long as there are men like that out there, Billy will always have a war to fight. He will make it his mission to destroy any evil that could take away the love he’s wanted his entire life.

As the snow continued to fall outside your window, the dreamlike picture below outshined the carnage shed outside on the streets tonight.

The tomb-like silence was music to his ears as he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep while the blanket of white piled up high, cloaking the red stains left behind. “They won’t be missed.” He said to himself.

“Only the dead have seen the end of war.” -Plato

Tag List: @wheresthesunshinesblog @rafaelakelley @idaoftheburningmind @snowkestrel @fakehappy27 @music-indie-tv @fictional-hooman @kayhi808 @munsonownsmyass @gijos @celestialams @k-marzolf @nutmeg17 @rosaleenablack @vaguekayla @qu1etwolf @danzer8705 @fireeyes-on-teller-dixon-grimes

Others that might enjoy: @itwasthereaminuteago @fluffyprettykitty @jvanilly @imagine-a-fictional-boyfriend

If you’d like to be added (or removed from) my tag list(s) for the ever so handsome Billy Russo, just let me know and thank you again for reading! 💕💕💕 If I tagged you but you didn’t want to be, just let me know and I’ll never do it again.

[jjsmaybank20]

Bitchy is my Type

Leighton Murray x Fem!Reader

Summary: Reader is a motorcycle riding, tattoos, badass type. What happens when there is a new volunteer at the Women's Center who is just her type, but instead of getting along, they become enemies? But what if those hateful feelings turn out to be something more? Or Enemies to friends to lovers.

Warnings: Language

Word Count: 1.5k

Pt. 1  Pt. 2

navigation  the sex lives of college girls masterlist

---

“Hey, Y/N! Just so you know, we have a new volunteer coming in tomorrow. Her name is… Leighton Murray? She’s a freshman. She got drunk and threw a bottle at a statue, and then ran away from campus police. Seems like just your type.” Alicia, your co-head of volunteering, says to you as you walk towards your motorcycle. 

“She seems fun. I’ll be in tomorrow to help get her settled, but I might be a tiny bit late. My shift at Sips cuts in a little.” You call over your shoulder. She shoots you a thumbs up and you mount your bike. This Leighton sounds familiar. Oh shit! This is your coworker Kimberly’s roommate! You drive off, looking forward to putting a name to a face.

{The next day} 

You approach Lila and Kimberly just in time to hear Lila ask, “So is there something going on between you and the hot French tutor?” You add, “Yeah, the one who is your roommate's brother? I mean, I’m a lesbian, but even I think he’s hot.”

Kimberly splutters back. “No. Why? Did he ask about me or something when he ordered his coffee yesterday?” Lila smirks before replying, “Yeah. He-- He asked me if you were seeing anyone.”

You laugh when you see Kimberly completely falling for it. “Stop. Really?!” Lila cackles. “Nah, he didn't. He couldn't care less. But maybe he will, 'cause he's walking in right now.”

Kimberly shoots her a glare, unknowing that Nico is right behind her. “Oh, ha ha! That's so funny. Yeah, I'm sure he's walking in right now.” She turns around and sees him, quickly covering for herself. “Hey!”

Nico grins before asking, “How's it going?” Kimberly turns bright red. “Uh, I'm just working. Nothing much. Definitely not talking about anything specific.”

Lila stares at him for a second before saying, “You have a face to write songs about. Thank you.” You shove her shoulder before looking back at Nico and saying, “Sorry about her. She kind of says whatever comes into her mind.” You hold out your hand for a handshake. “I’m Y/N Y/L/N. Kimberly’s coworker. And you must be the french tutor.”

Nico laughs before grabbing your hand. “Yeah, that's me. I’m Nico Murray. I’ve seen you around campus. You have that dope ass motorcycle that always somehow has a girl on it.” Now it's your turn to laugh. “Yep. What can I say, ladies dig the vibe.” Nico pulls out his phone. “You seem cool. Could I get your number? Theta is always looking for more people to hang out with.”

You nod and pull out your phone. “Yeah man. As long as you're down for some intense game watching and very long nights partying.” He grins and nods. “Always.”

Kimberly grabs his attention after he finishes putting your number in his phone. “So, what brings you in? Did you want a drink? Or a café au lait?” Nico smiles before saying, “Hey, good pronunciation. But no, I just stopped in to see you. I was thinking, for our next tutoring session, we could watch "Golden Girls" in French, the way I learned with my au pair. Maybe tonight?”

Kimberly nods enthusiastically. “Yeah. Yes. Yeah. I think that sounds both educational and entertaining. You're such a good tutor.” Nico gives her a weird look before shaking it off. “Great. I'll see you tonight.” Kimberly sighs, “Okay.” 

You and Lila share a look before you teasingly say, “You're staring.” Lila adds, “At his butt.” 

“Lila! Y/N! God!” Kimberly exclaims before stomping off. You snort and start wiping down a table. You pause for a second before you say, “Hey, Lila? Do you know where Canaan is? I haven’t seen him all day.” 

Lila glances over at you, and then says in a teasing voice, “Oh my god! You two spent a whole day apart? I never thought I would see the best friends separated from each other.” You roll your eyes at her, and she finally says, “He’s probably just chilling at the KJ house. You know how he is sometimes.” 

You nod in agreement, before looking at the time. “Shit! I have to go. Do you think you can finish up these tables for me?” Lila nods, and you quickly take off your apron and run to your bike.

---

When you pull up to the Women's Center, you see that Alicia had parked her car right where you normally park your bike. You storm inside and start talking, not noticing the new person that you are interrupting. 

“Alicia! How many times do I have to say this! That is my damn parking space. You have one literally two spots down.” You heard a ding from the safe space bell. “Sorry, Ginger. I heard it.”

When you finally look around, you see a new person. “ Well you must be Leighton. I’m Y/N. She, her, hers. I hope everyone has introduced themselves to you.”    

The others quickly scramble to introduce themselves. 

“I'm Ginger. She, her, hers.” 

“Lindsay. She, her, hers.”

“Alicia. She, her, hers.” 

“Tova. They, them, theirs.”

Leighton makes a non-committal noise and states, “Oh, right. Sure. Well, I'm she. Obviously.” You restrain yourself from rolling your eyes. She’s one of those people. Sensing the tension, Alicia pipes up. “Cool. I oversee all the volunteers.”

“So do I. I do scheduling and sign off on hours, while Alicia recruits and organizes events so that volunteers can volunteer.” Leighton sighs and says, “Oh, great. Should we talk about scheduling? Um, I was thinking that I would work mornings from 9:30 to 10:15-ish, and then, you know, round that up to an hour, for timesheet purposes.”

You can’t help but roll your eyes this time. “Yeah, that's not how this works. I'll tell you when we need help, and that's when you'll be here. Like tomorrow from 5:00 to 10:00, you'll be helping with our feminist poetry group.”

Leighton sighs and puts on a fake sympathetic voice. “As tempting as that sounds, I'm kind of busy on Fridays.” You snap back. “Shit, I didn't realize that. Maybe we should just shut down the whole place till you're free.”

Leighton lets out an astonished laugh. “Okay, I am from New York, so I can tell that you're being sarcastic.” Ginger waves to get your attention. “Hey, this is, uh, getting a little tense. I'm gonna hit the Safe Space Bell.” You nod, and she dings the bell.

Leighton looks around, confused. “What? Why does she keep hitting that stupid bell?” This time, Alicia answers her question. “It's a bell that we hit when we think it'd be good to have a safe space.” 

Leighton scoffs. “Uh, isn't this already a safe space? Okay. I'm just saying that maybe we've gotten a little bit too sensitive as a society if even a safe space isn't-- Oh, my God!” Ginger hit the bell again. 

Alicia waves Ginger off. “It's all good, Ginger. What we do here, whether it seems stupid to you or not, really does help people. So we're not looking for your feedback at the moment, okay?”

You add, “Oh, and don't say your pronouns are obvious. That makes you suck. Suggesting that you don't have to use your pronouns when other people do makes you sound like a really dumb, cis bitch.” Ginger hits the bell one more time. “I heard it, Ginger! Welcome to the Women's Center, Leighton. See you at poetry night.”

You watch Leighton storm out before walking into the Women's Center office with Alicia in tow. “Jesus Christ! Could she get any more entitled? I mean, she’s hot as fuck, but my god. You know, I met her brother today during my shift at Sips. He’s a really nice guy. The looks definitely run in the family. If she wasn’t so straight, I would totally go for her.”

“Damn, Y/N. You definitely have a type. You like bitchy girls. But I do agree with you on this one, she is hot.” Alicia exclaims. You sigh and sit down at the desk in the office. You need to figure out how to handle Leighton without blowing up on her. This was going to be harder than you thought.

---

Later that evening, you were helping Alicia get set up for poetry night. Once people started to file in, you put out the sign up list to figure out the order in which people would be going. You hear boots clicking on the floor, and then see a shadow come over you. 

Without looking up you say, “Hey, Leighton.” She lets out a surprised noise and asks, “How did you know it was me?” You roll your eyes and finally look up. “Because you are the only person who comes to this Center wearing Louboutin boots.”

She scoffs and says, “Surprised you know what they are. Didn’t take you for a shoe person.” You laugh at that and state, “I’m not, but I have dated many girls who are. Funny thing is, you are exactly my type. Beautiful, bitchy, stylish. One little problem. I don’t date assholes.”

“Another little problem. I’m straight.” She states in a slightly shaky voice, which she internally curses herself for. 

You smirk at her, not missing the tremor in her voice. “That hasn’t stopped me before.”

---

Join my taglist!

[triptuckers]

jealousy - jim kirk

Request: yes! "Hi, could you write something with Jim Kirk(snw). There aren't many fics about him. Maybe something with jealousy, angst but a happpy ending. I'm think something related to a date night. But only if you want to. Lots of love🩷🩷🩷" Pairing:  snw!jim kirk x reader Summary:  jim gets jealous on your weekly date night Warnings:  jealousy, swearing Word count:  1.5K A/N: thanks so much for this request!! glad to see other people love jim in snw as well :) enjoy reading!

because life on enterprise can be busy, you and jim had decided to have a weekly date night. dinner or just drinks, even if it wouldn't be that long, you tried to spend at least one night together every week.

it was nice to spend time together and to catch up on each other's work. sure, you'd often stayed at each other's quarters, but it was mostly during busy weeks that one of you wouldn't arrive until long after the other had gone to bed.

so, date night it is.

today, jim is a little later than usual, you're already sitting at the bar sipping a drink. you didn't worry, it had been a busy week for him so you figured he's working a little longer.

you did have company while you wait for jim, sam had accompanied you, wanting to get a drink himself. you and sam often work together, and right now you're helping him with his research. so you decided to continue theorising about his research and having a drink while you wait for jim to arrive.

when jim enters the bar, he looks around to try and find you. his eyes find your favorite spot at the bar, and he's happy to see you sitting there.

but his happiness soon disappears as he notices his brother sam sitting next to you. it appears you’re having a drink with him. on the night you’re supposed to spend time with him.

you're talking enthusiastically while there's a bright smile on your face. you don't seem to notice jim has entered the bar at all.

jim knows you and sam have often worked together because you're both science officers. still, he isn't overly fond of seeing you at a bar having a drink with his brother.

you look really happy, chatting with sam. jim decides you must've asked sam to come along because he was late. well, if that's how you want to spend date night, he wouldn't get in the way. as quickly as he entered the bar, jim leaves again.

while you're chatting away with sam, you start to get worried about jim. he still hasn't shown up, even though he promised you he'd be there. you send him a message, asking if he's done with work already. when jim doesn't reply, you assume he's still working.

jim never responds to your message, so after a while you say goodbye to sam and head to your quarters.

you're so caught up in your thoughts about jim, you run into spock and nearly fall to the ground.

spock steadies you and looks at you with a slightly worried look in his eyes.

'lieutenant y/l/n, is everything alright?'

'sorry spock, I didn't see you.'

'I noticed. is something troubling you?'

'it's fine, don't worry about me.'

'can I be of any assistance?'

'actually, yes. how much longer do you think jim is gonna be working for today? he hasn't replied to me yet so I figured he was busy.'

one of spock's eyebrows raises slightly.

'lieutenant kirk finished his work about two hours ago. he left to go to his quarters.' he informs you.

'huh... he didn't tell me.' you say softly. 'thanks, spock. and sorry again for running into you like I did.'

'there is no need to apologise. good night.'

'yeah, goodnight.' you say, somewhat absently.

you frown a little, going over spock's words in your head. why would jim not reply to your message and not meet you at the bar when he finished his work hours ago? now you're definitely worried about him.

as you're making your way to jim's quarters, you start to think of reason why he wouldn't show up. was he sick? or tired? but if he was, he would tell you. right? he'd send you a message he couldn't make it.

when you get to his quarters, you knock on the door and wait for him to open. it takes a few seconds but when jim opens the door, it's clear he's upset.

'done spending time with my brother, I see?' he says, not letting you in like he normally does.

you frown, choosing to reply tot that later. first, you need to know if jim is okay.

'are you alright? spock said you finished your work about two hours ago. I knew this week was busy for you, but you're not getting sick are you?'

'I'm perfectly fine.'

'your tone suggests otherwise. can we talk? sam's worried bout you too.'

at the sound of sam's name, jim snaps.

'oh sure, sam's worried about me. you're coming to check up on me after you're done with him?'

'done with him? what are you talking about?'

'you know what I'm talking about.'

you cross your arms over your chest. 'I don't.'

'you think you can spend that much time with sam and I wouldn't find out? you're always working together and now you're spending our date night with him?' says jim, taking a breath. 'what, are you fucking him too?'

you feel your cheeks heat up and push jim into his quarters, closing the door behind you so not the entire hallway can hear your conversation.

'I am not fucking sam.' you say, punctuating every word. you can feel yourself getting angry and try to control it. 'yes, I spend time with him because we work together. we're both science officers, so yes, I see him a lot, but he's just my colleague. the only reason I spent time with him tonight is because you didn't show up. and you didn't let me know what was going on so I was worried and went to find you.'

'you sure as hell spend a lot of time with him even though he's just your colleague.' says jim, air quoting the words "just your colleague".

'we're all members of the same crew, jim! we all work together and we all care about each other!'

'and some care a little more about others.'

'yes. I care a little more about you.'

'and sam, apparently.'

'as a friend! he's a nice guy, but you're the one I love. I would never cheat on you, and certainly not with your own brother. I love our date nights, jim, and I love you. you used to know that.'

and with that, you leave his quarters and head to your own.

you make it just in time before the tears fall.

how could jim think you'd ever cheat on him? and with sam? he's the one that introduced you to jim for god's sake.

you convince yourself it's just because jim's had a busy week. he'd never actually believe you'd cheat on him. he'll realise what he said and he'll come to your quarters to apologise and you could still fall asleep next to him, like always.

but he doesn't show.

and he doesn't send you a message.

so you go to bed alone.

the next morning, you don't see jim during breakfast even though your shifts start at the same time.

you head to your lab and continue to continue with your research. it helps take your mind off of jim, and soon you're so caught up in your work that time flies by. around lunch time, sam enters your lab with two mugs of coffee.

you smile gratefully at him. just as you get up from your seat to go to the mess hall to have lunch with sam, someone else enters your lab. a flash of yellow catches your eye and you turn to see jim.

you briefly look at sam, who understands the hint and leaves your lab.

jim walks up to you, clearly avoiding eye contact. you wait for him to speak.

'hi.' he says after a while.

'hi.' you say.

'I owe you an apology.'

'yes, you do.'

jim looks at you. 'I'm sorry. I overreacted when I saw you with sam. you're right, he's just a friend. I just... didn't like seeing him with you having a drink on what was supposed to be our date night.'

'our date night, when you stood me up without a word of explanation.'

'yes, that night.'

jim walks closer to you. you look at him and can see the hurt and regret in his eyes.

'would you accept an apology in the form of a drink? tonight? just us. call it a late date night.'

'your words really hurt, jim.'

'I know, sweetheart, I know and I'm really sorry. is there any other way I can make it up to you?'

'the drink is a start.' you say, smiling. 'you can also admit you were jealous.'

jim scoffs slightly, but there's no real annoyance on his face. 'jealous? I wouldn't call it jealous.'

you laugh and jim smiles. he can see in your eyes you've already forgiven him. he knows you love him too much to stay mad at him for long.

'honey, you were so jealous.' you say.

'was not.' mumbles jim.

'you definitely were. and I'm gonna use this against you for the rest of you life. now c'mon, I'm hungry.' you say, grabbing jim's hand and heading for the mess hall to have lunch with him.

A/N:If you want to request something, make sure to read my house rulesHere’s the list of characters I write for. Everything that I have written can be found on my masterlist. Please don’t repost my work, as I spend much time and effort on it!! Thank you for reading! Much love, Marit

[lovejosephquinn]

Hi!!! I’m really glad you started writing again bc I love love love your stories!! I was wondering if you could do a joe quinn x reader where the reader is a nurse and they’ve only been together for a couple of months and she knows how tired and overwhelmed Joe is from doing press, cons, business,… so she doesnt like bothering him with the fact that work is killing her and that she’s so tired and exhausted but one day one of her patients dies unexpectedly and she just breaks down in front of him after keeping it in for months xxx from a stressed out nurse who just wants to be held sometimes when stuff like that happens xxx thank you :))

Oh, hi angel, thank you so much for reading my stories so far.

You're my first request and you don't know how much I mentally kicked my feet in the air when I saw this. Your wish is granted, I hope your week is good and less stressful honey x

Warnings: sadness from reader, mentions of death, but fluff and our soft boy Joe saving the day in the end

Word Count: 1.5k

Worth it. Joseph Quinn x Reader Short Story Request

Being a frontline healthcare professional is a difficult job, but when your boyfriend happens to be a breakout upcoming celebrity in the making it's hard to vent your bad days and negative thoughts when he's either not around to listen or has had a bad time himself. You and Joe had only been dating a couple of months, but you had quickly started to learn that when he did see you after a few days or weeks of his work, he was either exhausted or his brain was in overdrive elsewhere.

He had since returned from Paris after finishing an event at the Dior fashion week and then quickly being whisked away to complete his campaign with the company for their new product 'Gris Dior'. In the space of one weekend, he'd put his heart and soul into getting everything right and impressing the high-end fashion chain directors and the fans that would of practically of ran in front of a moving vehicle to be next to him - so it was only understandable when he'd text you saying he'd landed that he would be on one hand over exhausted from the days before but on the other hand, panicking because he still needed to make time for you. You didn't care about what you did with the time you spent together, you merely would've sat there in silence, as long as you had him next to you.

After a couple of days between him landing and fitting in the people he needed to before he was to be then going back to America to do yet more press tours for his new movie, you had been busy with two severely long shifts at a hospital in Central London. You never liked to hound Joe with your work issues due to the fact he had enough himself. But that one particular Wednesday evening, had brought more than enough anxiety and pain as it would anybody, your first patient and someone you had grown particularly fond of had suddenly passed away. How you had gotten through that shift was a blur or some form of miracle. It'd happened within 2 hours, and you'd still had 10 hours to go, maybe it was the fact you had been kept busy with your other patients to even dwell.

As you entered your apartment after the shift was over, with no warning whatsoever, the tears began to fall. You shut the door and held yourself at the other side of it. As if by magic your phone began to buzz, as you fetched it out of your pocket and looked down, the blurry sting of tears held amongst your eyelids. You made out the name 'Joey <3' Clearing your throat immediately to mask any sign of sadness, you answered.

"H-Hello." You cleared your throat once more.

"Hi love, I missed you, how're you?"

"I'm okay...I" before you could even finish, you were interrupted.

"You wouldn't believe it, I'm being rushed to a shoot, I've been back in the country a mere 48 hours and I'm already back in demand. I know I wanted this but it's harder work than I thought."

You sniffled down the other end, nodding along to his words. He didn't need to know anything; you were just there to listen to him and make sure he was ok. You knew you'd get over it, being in the profession you're in, you're going to see plenty of deaths and unruly events. However, your breath was hitching, and you couldn't muster a single word.

"Y/N, are you ok?"

"Yeah I'm fine, just listening to you. Go do your thing, sweetie but most importantly stay you, miss you." Your smile was faltering but you put your best happy voice on and pretended everything was okay.

A couple of months had passed since that inevitable day. The short time spent with Joe, your poker face had clearly served you well as he didn't notice a thing wrong. You still hadn't gotten over it, in fact the anxiety had grown. You loved your job; you loved the people you worked with. You adored the majority of patients in your care - but that didn't make some of the shit you had to deal with any easier. The first weekend you'd had off in a while saw you and Joe spending it together. He'd returned from America, and you already knew his brain was exceeding his limits, from the expected buzz and clearly the jet lag and exhaustion of his profession. Laid out between his legs and in his arms on the sofa, you could tell something was on Joe's mind. Leaning up you simultaneously gazed into each other's eyes.

"I love you Y/N, sorry I've been away so much lately, I feel bad for not being able to be with you."

You managed a deep sigh. "Just makes our time more special together, right? I knew this was what life would be like and don't get me wrong I miss you so much when you're gone, but I know this is it, I'm your escape from work and you're mine. I love you, Joe."

Your heart began to race increasingly, and you could feel your worry rising. You felt like a hypocrite in the end sentence of your previous statement. As the previous memories of the death you had held in all this time and the stress of long hours at work had really started to get to you. Your mum was an easy target to vent to, but Joe was somewhat your comfort blanket and although you didn't want to bother him, in that moment of him staring back at you, he could see the hurt wallowing in your eyes. The wall had broken, and he could read you like a book; then that was it you broke. The tears were violent as you stopped looking at him and held your hands to your face and sobbed.

"Baby, oh my god what's wrong. I knew something was wrong, talk to me, holy shit." He turned you over, so you were laying your stomach on him in one swift motion and that was it. Putting your head down and leaning your cheek on his chest, you unleashed a small explanation of months' worth of repented stress.

"My first patient died a while back, I'm still devastated. I only spoke to them the night before and they were okay, 2 hours into my shift the night after, they were gone Joe. Just gone. Work is so hard, the demand and stress that is needed from me all of the time and I feel like I have to be in several places at once or I'm a failure and the short breaks I get to collect my thoughts aren't enough and when you're not here I hate it. I don't want to bother you because I know you've got enough on your plate and..."

Joe shushed you fast, that was all he had needed to hear in that moment, you could hear the slight crack in his heart matching yours. He cradled you for a few seconds. He had no idea that he had been wrapped up in his own stress that you were facing your own demons.

"Woah hold on, bothering me? I'm your boyfriend. Regardless of my stress, don't ever think you're bothering me. I'm always here to listen to you, day or night, wherever I am Y/N. I don't ever want you hurting, please do not ever hide your feelings like that from me again. You listen to my shit all the time and you think you'd be bothering me if you were to have a bad time? Baby, I'm more offended that you'd think that." Joe lifted your face to meet his eyes once more. The brown in them so sparkly and so full of hurt knowing you were the one hiding it from him just not to bother him. He lifted you up more towards him and motioned at your lips as he planted a soft kiss on your lips. "Do not hesitate to tell me a thing, love. I want nothing but for you to be happy. I'm here for you, always Y/N. I love you so god damn much."

"I love you."

"No more hiding from me, promise?" He held out his pinkie finger.

You let out a slight comforting giggle as he wiped your tears away with his other hand and let out his most gorgeous smile. You linked your pinkie around his.

"I promise."

For the rest of the evening, he held you. He held you so tight and you knew you felt safe and secure for that moment. The weight off of your shoulders was not completely gone but disappearing from offloading your troubles to Joe. It was perfect. He was perfect. From then on you silently vowed to let him know whatever troubled you, especially if it was going to end in feeling the entirety of love that radiated off of your perfect man when he held you. If you had to go through it all again which you more than likely would have. The end game was this. It was worth it.

[alder-saan]

The Path of Poisons .9

Bugloss

Larissa x gn! Oc

the Path of Poisons masterlist . [01] . [02] . [03] . [04] . [05] . [06] . [07] . [08] . [09] next chapter ->

Sorry! It was supposed to be released yesterday but I forgot haha!

TW: Larissa's low self esteem, hospital, stupid lesbians

words count: 1.5k

Again, sorry for any misgendering, this is the only fic I write in French at first, yada yada yada...

from: avareidahydrurga@gmail.com

to: l.weems@nevermore-academy.com

Hello Larissa,

Thank you for your email, it was great to hear from you, I hope you're well. I haven't forgotten you, and even if it hadn't been for all this, I wouldn't have forgotten you.

I forgive you.

For everything you've done and everything you've said. I forgave you a long time ago. We've grown up, I've changed a lot, you've probably changed a lot too.

I wish you lots of strength, lots of courage and lots of happiness.

All the best,

Avareida

Larissa's heart leapt in her chest as she read the three words "I forgive you." It was more than she could ever have imagined. And she burst into tears in front of her desk. I forgive you. It was as if something released in her whole body. I forgive you. All the pressure she had built up, all the hatred she thought she was the object of, gone. I forgive you. Those were three words she had waited so long to hear, three words she only heard in her wildest dreams. I forgive you, three words she thought she'd have to die to hear.

She froze. Tears streamed down her face and soaked the papers spread out on her desk. She dropped her pen in surprise. She thought she'd read in the email something along the lines of "thank you for your email but I'd rather not talk to you". It was unexpected. She didn't even understand how it was possible.

I forgive you.

I

forgive

you.

Those three words echoed so loudly in her head, it was almost painful. She felt as if a small fire had been lit in her chest, a tiny flame, just a match, and the ice that had clung to her heart was gradually melting. She rubbed her misty eyes and took a deep breath.

"Pull yourself together, Larissa. It's nothing, it's just… it's just Ava forgiving you."

"She has? That's wonderful!"

Larissa gasped and looked up. Rei was closing the door and coming towards her.

"Forgive me, I didn't mean to frighten you. I knocked but you didn't hear me, so I came in."

"Did… Has something happened?"

"The nurse has been informed that Wednesday is better. She asked me to tell you that we'll be able to see her soon. This afternoon, probably."

She nodded and finished wiping away her tears.

"Okay, that makes me feel better."

"Do you want us to do something before we go and see her? Go for a coffee or something."

Larissa frowned slightly, not really understanding.

"But you said that…"

"Yes, I said that romantically it wouldn't be possible at the moment, but I didn't say anything about friendly. You clearly need to take your mind off things, and I think getting out would do you good. If you want there to be no ambiguity, Thalia can come with us."

Larissa shook her head.She didn't want there to be too many people. What's more, while Rei was quiet, she knew Thalia to be very talkative. A little too talkative for her taste. Of course, she liked the Gorgon very much, but spending time in her company tended to exhaust her more than anything else, and she needed to rest today.

"No, it's fine, we can meet for a drink in the early afternoon. How about Weathervane?"

"That's fine."

Rei nodded. At least Larissa wasn't angry with him. That was something. Now she just had to wait for the right moment to tell her. Maybe at the Weathervane the next day? Or after the hospital visit, hoping she'd be a bit calmer.

Rei had absolutely no doubt that Mercredi would pull through. The young girl had resisted the poison for a long time without an antidote, so with the antidote, she should recover very quickly. So obviously, Larissa was going to be relieved, and hearing that Rei had been Avareïda all along would take a load off everyone's shoulders.

Perhaps a little more for Rei than anyone else, it's true.

__

Larissa was waiting at the Weathervane. She was 5 minutes early, as usual. Rei arrived right on time, as usual. They sat down opposite the principal, and handed her a small brooch in the shape of a little blue flower with four petals.

"Is that… is that for me?" she asked, taking the little brooch.

"Yes, I thought you weren't going to come to the hospital and leave with flowers…"

Larissa hung the brooch on her white jacket. But she didn't know the name of the little blue flower.

"I ordered for you."

"Oh, and what did you get?"

"It's a surprise."

Larissa smiled. She loved surprising her partners. She liked to see their faces light up when they finally found out what she was going to give them. Rei wasn't her partner, of course, but… She also liked to surprise her friends.

"Speaking of surprises," Rei began, "after we went to see Wednesday, I have something to tell you."

Larissa frowned. Rei looked a little stressed. She was worried about her friend.

"Is everything all right, Rei?"

"Yes, yes, everything's fine haha. Sorry, this whole thing's got me a bit worried."

They gave her a smile that was meant to be reassuring, but Larissa could see it was fake. However, she didn't insist. Rei had every right to keep certain secrets, and she told herself that she would ask again at another time. Their drinks arrived. The waiter placed two hot chocolates on the table, with lots of whipped cream on top. Rei arched an eyebrow, amused to see that the surprise drink was a simple hot chocolate.

"Hot chocolate?"

Larissa nodded, her lips already on the edge of the cup.

"They make the best in the area."

"So you're a fan of hot chocolate?"

"Absolutely. Why, don't I look like one?"

Rei laughed softly before taking a sip of her hot chocolate, her eyes planted in Larissa's. They put the cup down and seemed to think.

"Well, no. You don't really look like a fan of hot chocolate. No offence, of course…"

The headmistress smiled and leaned forward slightly.

"And what do I look like, then?"

"You look like someone who likes expensive tea and wine," Rei quipped as she drank a little more.

She let out a small laugh.

"That's a bit true too, oh wait…"

Larissa stood up and leaned over the table, her arm outstretched to reach Rei's face. They had a smear of whipped cream above their lip, and she wiped it away gently. The botanist's face turned slightly red, and they looked into Larissa's blue eyes. Their lips opened slightly as the principal's thumb lingered there. They held their breath. If Larissa kissed them now, he wouldn't be able to resist. And in Larissa's eyes, they could see all the hesitation. She wanted to kiss them too.

Their lips met. Larissa tasted hot chocolate. Who had kissed first, Rei wasn't sure. They put their hand on the main girl's cheek and gently pushed her away.

"Forgive me, Rei, I…"

"Don't apologise, that's for me to do. I shouldn't have, I said that…" they sighed and then let out a small laugh, "I guess you're hard to resist. Let's forget about it for now, shall we?"

With a bit of luck, that very evening they would kiss again. For that to happen, he had to find the courage to tell her who he was. And that wasn't easy.

"It's time to go and see Wednesday, I think."

Rei blinked, drawn out of her thoughts.

"Yes, you're right."

Larissa had already got up and was paying for their two hot chocolates. Rei was about to protest, but by the time they got to the counter, she had already swiped her card.

"Hey, I can pay, you know?"

"I'm the one who chose, I'm the one who pays. That's the rule."

Rei laughed softly and held the door for Larissa to come out.

"Oh yeah? Since when is that the rule?"

"Since today. I just created it."

__

Larissa swallowed as she entered the hospital. She had left just three months earlier, and had promised herself she would never return. She watched Rei talking to a doctor, and tried to hold her breath. She'd hated that clean smell ever since. Those white floors, those white walls, those white doors, those white coats. She hated it. But she had to go. She had to face her fear. She had to go and see Wednesday. Because it was her fault, and entirely her fault that a pupil had been poisoned under her roof. It was her duty to protect them, but she had failed. She had failed.

"Riss? Everything OK? Wednesday has been moved to room 666. At her own request."

Larissa gasped and then nodded. She didn't even notice the nickname.

"Yes, everything's fine."

"Shall we?"

She nodded and reached for his hand. She needed something to ground her, to anchor her to reality, to make sure she wasn't in one of her nightmares. Rei guided her to a lift. They got in and the doors closed behind them. The six floors seemed like an eternity to Larissa, whose gaze went from the floor to the doors to Rei to the small screen that showed "third floor". Three more, she thought. Rei's hand was warm in hers, and that reassured her. Everything around her was blue and white, too cold for her. Rei gave her a small smile.

The doors opened onto the sixth floor.

Mercredi was sitting on her bed, her eyes open and her face impassive. Thalia was already there. Larissa quickly removed her hand from Rei's, but there was no mistaking the arched eyebrow on Wednesday's face: she'd seen everything.

"Laurel is back," she said simply.

"Excuse me?" Larissa choked, and widened her eyes.

"Laurel is back. She's the one who poisoned me. And she has an ally again."

"Who?"

"Avareïda Hydrurga."

_______________________________________

:)

[karliahs]

state of the wips

total posted p5 wordcount: 33,940 total written p5 wordcount: 62,193

series continuations:

[seen and not heard 2] - 2.5k words - ren POV - pretty close to done but also so self-indulgent i physically blush when i think about it

promises (seen and not heard 3) - 3.5k - This One Has Other Characters In I Promise - more scenes written than not?

[bargaining chips 2(/2)] - 3.5k - 2/2 in this universe - maybe 2/3 done just in terms of getting words on the page

[bargaining chips 3] - 1.3k - why does this fic idea from less than week ago already have a 2nd sequel. this one's an akechi lives continuation bc the exact flavour of sad this AU provides is apparently really addictive to me and me only - less than 1/2 written

one-offs:

rupture - 2.5k - aka ren's complicated but not evil parents exploration. aftermath of ren arrest no. 1 as him and his parents fai to communicate - maybe 2/3 written, mild-medium likelihood of actually getting finished

[More Parents Stuff I Guess] - 1.5k - ren visits for the summer break post-game and the gang are Concerned. lots of discussion about autonomy and how removing a 17 year old from his functionally acceptable but non-loving parents is Complicated Actually - maybe 1/3 written

[royal h/c that kind of isn't h/c because akechi wouldn't play ball] - 2.5k - the period of royal before the PTs wake up is so fucking sad for ren and i wanted to write something exploring that that is also the closest this particular version of akechi can get to comforting someone - mostly written but idk how i feel about it, may just be a Practicing Voices thing that never gets posted, esp bc it covers some of the same territory as bargaining chips

not very likely to actually get finished so maybe not technically a WIP but they exist:

[post-shido palace thoughts] - 1.5k - the sakura-ren-morgana family clean up leblanc right after shido's palace - just kinda getting my thoughts out after replaying this part of the game, mostly couldn't just figure out who's POV it was so tried to a more broad not right-up in someone's head POV and it just doesn't feel right

solitary - 2k - briefly attempted to write post-3rd arrest solitary confinement recovery hurt/comfort, did some research into that, quickly concluded i do not feel qualified or okay writing about it lmao. did manage to reuse a scene from this for seen and not heard 3 though

uninvited guest - 1.5k - discussed previously, thoughts on ren's place in the sakura house, other things just grabbed me more and also a lot of this got explored in seen and not heard

[No Nuance parental neglect stuff] - 4k - discussed previously, one of the 1st things i wrote and i feel like i've explored these ideas better elsewhere

[enstayworld]

CEO JAY

Genre: fluff, slight angst?

Warning: none

Words: 1.5K

Not proof read

You walked into work, and you could feel the atmosphere could snap if there was one word or one step wrong. You looked around and saw your best friend at her desk, nervously writing.

"B/f/n, what's going on?" you asked while whispering in case it was wrong to speak out loud.

"The boss, he's in a bad mood." "He yelled at someone this morning," she replied, and it made you cock an eyebrow and smirk. Little did she know you were the reason behind his bad mood. He came home late yesterday, and you’ve been ignoring him ever since.

"He really should control his anger and not take it out on people," you said, rolling your eyes. "That's right, but he doesn’t," she said, and it made you laugh in response

You walked to your desk and sat down. You looked up and saw Jay looking right at you. Your desk was right near Jay's office, so he could see you working. He had a fierce look on his face and you could see he was clenching his jaw as well. You raised an eyebrow at him and then turned away from him to do your work.

You could sense his gaze on you most of the day. You finally completed what you had to do and decided to go grab something to eat.

"Hey, b/s/n are you finished yet? Wanna grab some lunch?" You asked her, and she smiled up at you. "Yep, I’m just about finished; give me a few," she said, typing quickly on her keyboard. About a minute passed, and she laid back and stretched. "And I am finished," she said, puffing out some air. "Don’t forget to save," you said, and she quickly did that, and you guys walked to the cafeteria in your workplace.

"You know I wonder why Jay has been in a bad mood today," she said, and you realised she was using his real name and not calling him boss; it made you cock an eyebrow with a bit of jealousy going through you.

"I don’t know, it’s best not to try to invade his private life," you said to her and she nodded her head. You both grabbed lunch and just chatted away. You heard someone shout and everyone’s head turned that way, then you saw a girl running away in tears. You looked up ahead and saw it was Jay. You were getting frustrated at how he was getting angry at everyone.

You guys finally made it back to your desk and you saw Jay was in his office, so you decided to pay him a visit. You walked in and closed the door and locked it so no one would walk in.

"Jay, I would like to know why you're taking your frustration out on your employees?" You asked Jay as you were walking up to his desk. He turned around in his chair and looked up at you! “You should know why,” he said, clenching his jaw, which was attractive.

"Well, is that my fault?" you asked, leaning on his desk now. He got up and walked around to where you were and turned you around to pin you against the desk. His cologne was so intoxicating that you're getting lost in the scent.

"You know you shouldn't ignore me, it doesn't lead to things" he said and it made you look right at him. "Well, maybe you shouldn't say things you can't do," you said, getting irritated at him.

"Look, I’m sorry I missed our date yesterday. Work had me pulled back until late” he said and it made you roll your eyes. “Jay, you're the CEO, you could have maybe just let someone else take over”, you said, and you did have a point. He could have done that, but no! He wanted to take responsibility and it made you sad because you hardly spend time together.

“Babe..” he said softly, but you just looked down, you were just frustrated because you only see him at work or maybe when you guys go to sleep it’s the only time you have together since Jay likes to work late.

“Maybe we should just break up,” you said and looked right at him. His face turned stone cold, you couldn’t read his face at all. You looked down and saw he was gripping the table a bit too hard because his knuckles were turning white.

“If you’re not going to say anything, I’ll just leave,” you said, as you tried to move his arm, he whipped his arm away from you and pulled you close to him with his other arm.

“Who said I would let you go that easily?” he questioned, looking straight into your eyes. “If you think you can get away from me that easily, think again”, he added and kissed you on the lips which made you soften up.

“You hardly have time for us, so it’s no use for us to be together,” you said, trying to get out of his grip, but it was no help since he held you tight. He backed you up and pinned you against the desk again, but the look on his face made you nervous.

“J-Jay” you shuttered out as you got nervous. He cocked his head a little and smirked at you. “Nervous are we?” He questioned and chuckled at you.

“If you want us to break up, you wouldn’t mind me dating your best friend, right?” He asked and that made your blood boil. You looked at him with a face that said words you didn’t need to say, you gripped him by his collar and pulled him closer. “Don’t you even think about that” you spat out in disgust, the thought of them together ticked you off.

“Well, don’t think about us breaking up” he said, and closed the gap between you guys by kissing you. It was hot and feverish making sure who you both belonged to. It lasted for a few minutes as it was interrupted by a knock at the door.

You looked at Jay nervously because no one knew you guys were dating and both of your lips were a bit bruised. “Get under my desk”, Jay whispered, and you did as you said as he fixed himself up. You crawled underneath. Luckily, the desk wall went right down to the floor so no one could see you under there.

“Come in,” Jay said as he unlocked the door, you got nervous and your heartbeat was beating too fast. “These are the documents you need for the new project. I just finished them off” you heard your best friend say to Jay. “Thank you. You may leave now” Jay said and walked around to his desk. He saw his legs partly.

“Ah actually there’s something I want to ask you actually” you heard her say flirtatious and it made you think of what she was going to say. “Go ahead” you heard Jay say as he sat down in his chair you could now see his face and it was stone cold.

“Would you like to go on a date with me?” She said to him and you rolled your eyes. You saw Jay look down at you and you looked at him with a look of please reject her and he quickly looked back at her. “I’m sorry but I’ll have to decline as I’m already seeing someone” he said and it made her choke on air. “Wait what,” she said and he sighed. “You don’t need to know my private life, please leave,” he said.

“Oh come on there's no way I’ve never seen you with anyone before” she said and you were getting pissed off by the minute. You looked at Jay and he saw your expression and got up and leaned on the desk because you heard it creak. “Leave before I fire you” he said coldly to her and it made her shut up, but she didn’t leave and walked around to Jay. You saw her shoes. You wanted to get out from underneath but you knew it wouldn’t end well.

“Jay, just this once, please go out with me,” she said, and you knew she was probably touching him. You heard someone grab the phone and you were curious. “Yes hi! please let b/f/n know she is fired” he said into the phone and you were shocked.

“Leave” he said, and you heard a choked sob and feet running out with the door slamming shut. Jay sat in his chair and sighed as you looked at him wide-eyed. He leaned down and grabbed your hand, helped you up, pulled you into his lap and just put his head into the crook of your neck and sighed.

You ran your fingers through his hair and just hugged him. “I love you” you heard him say and it made you smile, “I love you too”, you said and kissed his cheek.

[durifmdarchived]

secret sibling audition self para.

date: sometime in july 2020. character(s) involved: kangaroo and peanut butter make a guest appearance. finn and angel are mentioned. there’s also a mention of @fmdting & decipher.  about: duri auditions to be on secret siblings. truly, probably one of the perfect shows for him considering how friendly he is. he also is crossing his fingers for someone younger than himself, because he wants to care for them and dote on them, thank you. trigger warnings: n/a. word count: 1,524.

it was yet another thing that bc entertainment management wanted duri to audition for; possibly to milk more good pr out of the male. but, he did actually look forward to possibly being on secret siblings. it’s something that’s very much his thing; as he’s a very friendly person, who really just quite enjoys being surrounded by as many people as he possibly could be. though, he does like his bit of alone time to read and write, but he was still a very big fan of being around friends. he looked forward to possibly gaining a new idol friend through the show, and maybe that’s why he really wanted to do it. even though bc entertainment had their clear intentions, but duri thought that maybe they really thought it would be something good for him as well. he really needed to stop giving bc entertainment the benefit of the doubt. but, it was something that would simply continue on; because he always thought of good in everyone... even the greedy bc entertainment. 

he had gone into the backyard of the home that’s shared with kai, kangaroo and peanut butter had followed him to where he was going to do the self cam for the audition. finn and angel were off in the shade, not wanting to step foot into the rather sunny heat. but, that was more than okay with him, they’d just peak up every now and then to make sure duri was still there. he had gotten his camera ready, before he would sit down upon the grass, close to a tree, but still in the sun. he wanted to feel the warmth and it really just felt like the perfect spot to currently do the self camera audition - plus, it wasn’t going to rain, and he wanted as much sun before the sky would decide to downpour once again. upon sitting down, peanut butter had decided that they best place to put himself was in duri’s lap, with kangaroo just running around in the sun; he’d get tired easily though, simply because it’s always been a bit hard for him to hold himself up on just three legs. nonetheless, duri was ready to start. he’d press record on it, and he’d begin. 

“hello! i’m knight’s duri!” he greets the camera, before bowing with his greeting.  “shall we get started on the audition?” he asked, before giggling. his other hand would place upon peanut butter every now and then, however, it would move to read off the questions upon his phone. 

“what are your concerns these days?” he reads off the first question. it takes a few seconds to decide how he’s going to answer the question. does he lie about his concerns? does he be honest about what he wants to say? he’s not entirely sure what would be best. maybe, he should just lie, say everything is okay. that always seemed to be the best plan of action, didn’t it? 

looking upon the camera again, he begins to speak. “i don’t think i have concerns these days?” he starts, giggling a bit more after saying that line. “i’m living really happily and healthily! i don’t really have many complaints,” he said, shoulders shrugging softly. “i guess... if i had to pick a concern, maybe some more time to rest! but, i think that’s just something small. i’m really happy!” he said, his smile growing a bit. it wasn’t a total lie, he is really happy. but, he could really just use some more sleep. he was truly being overworked, but he didn’t want to complain. he would just continue to move on and be glad that at his age, so many products wanted him to be in cfs, and people still really wanted to hear the music that he puts out. so, there really can’t be many concerns for him to take part in. 

“next question!” he says, before looking down at his phone again to read off the question. “which same-sex idols do you look up to or want to get to know better?” he reads off, before looking back to the camera.

“oh, that one is easy!” he starts. “i really look up to all the members of decipher! but, i think everyone already knows that,” he said, laughing softly. “i just really like decipher sunbaenims and their music! they’re just really cool and they’re such free guys! i hope knight and myself have left as much of an impact on the industry as they have!” he said. “for who i want to get to know better... i think ting from unity is someone i’d like to get to know better! i’ve met him a few times because i’m close with jaewon and soo, but i haven’t gotten to know ting as well!” he said, giggling softly. “plus, i’ve read a lot online that some people think we look alike.” he said, giggling a bit more; though, his smile did grow quite a bit more.  “i think that’s all i can think of!” he said, finishing off the question. 

he looked down at his phone once more, “for the third question...” he starts, but gets interrupted by kangaroo, who came over to lick all over duri’s cheek, which seemingly made him laugh like a toddler. “hello kangaroo!” he greets the dog and pets him softly, especially scratching behind his ears. kangaroo would run off again, having his adventure; whilst the youngest one stayed within his lap for a nap. “sorry about that! third question!” he says to the camera, before finally reading it off. “do idol schedules make it hard for you to meet up with friends and talk? if yes, do you feel that is hard on you? if no, how do you manage to make time?” he says, before thinking upon it for a few moments. 

“i think idol schedules do tend to make it a bit harder to meet up with friends. sometimes, when my friends aren’t working, i’m working, and vice versa. however, my school friends, such as jinsol and hanui, have always come to everything that i’ve done to support me whenever they can! i try really hard to also do that for everyone else, especially my idol friends. but, i do my best with to manage to make time to spend time with my friends, especially because i really like getting to be with my friends and hang out with them! if there’s free time in my schedule, i spend it with friends, if they’re free too!” he said, the ending of his answer sounding very happy and chipper. it was something that’s incredibly difficult to manage, but he always tries his best to give his time to everyone that wanted his time. 

“ah, are we already on our final question?” he said, “i was having so much fun,” he spoke. his words sounded a lot more cute than he meant for it to sound, but that was very much just duri, to say the least. “okay, the final question is... if you could create your ideal menu for a meal with a friend, what would it include?” he says. he giggled softly, especially since it was really a question meant for him. cooking is something that he really just loves to do, especially for others. 

“i think for the first course, we’d start out with some bimbap or tteokbokki! i’ve always enjoyed both bimbap and tteokbokki, but they’d be our starter, because they don’t really fill be up. for the main course, i’d do korean barbecue with a lot of sides, just to make sure my friend would eat a lot! i really like making a lot of food as well, so i’d probably go overboard with the sides...” he says, giggling once more. “for dessert, i’d do my aunt’s hotteok recipes! there’s a lot of different ones that she makes for her and my uncle’s café... chocolate hotteok, apple cinnamon hotteok, pear cinnamon hotteok... ah, so many really good ones!” he says, giggling once again. “i think that would be my perfect menu to cook someone!” he nodded. 

“thank you so much for watching my audition and considering me! i really hope you chose me!” he says, before bowing towards the camera, and coming back up. “goodbye!” he spoke again, waving to the camera. 

he’d turn the camera off, before he’d move to record the voice recording for his possible future secret sibling. he’d press record button, before talking into it. 

“hello secret sibling! i’m really excited to get the chance to meet you and i really hope you’re excited as well!” he said, giggling once more. “i hope through secret sibling, we’ll get to become like real siblings! i’m looking forward to getting to take care of you during our time together and having lots of fun! i promise we’ll have lots of fun and do fun things! please look forward to getting to know me! see you soon!” 

with that, he’d turn the recording off, and make his way to send everything off to management, so they’d be able to submit his audition to secret sibling.

[mono-dot-jpeg]

the antarctic idiots [pt.1] - c! technoblade

summary; in which two anarchist piglins adopt an ender boy.

genre; child! ranboo, piglin hybrid! reader, slight canon divergence from dream smp, fluff, found family au is my shit, reader is now ranboo’s parent i don’t make the rules, techno is a grumpy father but it’s okay you love him, realistic minecraft? (idk how to describe it-)

pairing; c! technoblade x reader, platonic! ranboo x reader

word count; 1.5k

a/n; fuck it, it is here now. here’s the techno x reader you fucking simps. i can’t even be mad bc i too am a simp for the anarchist pig that is technoblade. 

i hope this is somewhat up to par with everyone’s expectations since i hyped this up so much. this is one of the few writings that i actually like so- i couldn’t resist waiting so long to post it AAAAAAAAAAAAAA

next >

now you never really expected to find yourself on a side of history that was deemed "the villain's side", especially when the villain wasn't even that bad.

okay, that's a bit of a lie. this piglin man blew up an entire country to end government. plus he has evaded his taxes. i mean the list goes on but that's not the entire point here.

the point is, you found yourself actually being friends (even going as far as housemates) with the so-called evil anarchist.

now we might be moving too fast here, so let's move it back a little bit.

"so you want me to join pogtopia?" you looked up, shutting the book in your hand as you leaned back on your chair. "and what would i get in return exactly?"

"...our friendship won't die?" the voice of wilbur soot rings in your quiet home, unsure and nervous at your stern aura and words.

"why can't you just help us?!" tommy flared up, nearly throwing a fit if not for his older brother holding him back.

"just because i am your friend, does not mean i am interested in fighting for your conflicts." you place the book on the small side table, adjusting your gloves while you explain yourself to the two boys, "i'm not saying i'm a pacifist, but i'm not here to fight. i live far away for a reason. i told you this before."

"can i call in that favor then?" wilbur asked. "you still owe me one." you huffed at his words. you saw this coming.

"you're lucky i'm a nice person most of the time." you sighed, standing up and nearly towering over the two boys if not for wilbur being a bit taller than you. "i will get my stuff packed, and then we can get to your pogtopia. but while i do that, please explain the whole situation." since you lived so far away from society, you didn't know too much about what was happening unless wilbur told you about it and wilbur never really talked to you too often.

"well, you know how we had l'manburg.." and then he starts to explain how that completely backfired on them because they lost the election and now they lost their country. "and now we want to fight back for l'manburg." wilbur finishes explaining as you put your old netherite sword in its sheath that hung on your waist. "we just need your help. are you willing to train us?"

"it's not like i have much of a choice since you're cashing in that favor." you pointed out. "i better not be staying for too long."

"i can't make any promises about that." you sighed. "you ready?"

"unfortunately." it was time to leave your home and face violence once again.

"if it makes you feel any better, you're not the only person we've asked to help us." tommy says in an attempt to get you out of your bitter mood.

"that made me feel worse, tommy. i think you guys would've been fine without me if you have another person helping you other than tubbo." you slung your bag over your shoulder. "but if you really insist on getting the help of me, then who am i to judge?"

"since it seems like you're ready now, let's go to pogtopia!" tommy said, ignoring most of your words of complaints as he starts to drag you by the arm towards the dream smp. "it's quite the walk from here. why do you live so far from everyone? don't you get lonely? why didn't you join l'manburg with me and will?"

"slow down with the questions, tommy. first of all, i've told you and wilbur why i live far away, you did not listen though." you pressed a finger on his forehead, earning a huff of annoyance from the blonde. you moved your hand back to your side. "i simply do not like people. also why get pulled into conflict that you never were apart of to begin with? but that's pretty hypocritical of me to say now."

"i get that you're not fond of people, but aren't you lonely out here?" you three walked into the portal that would take you right into the nether. the sounds of bubbling lava and squealing pigmen was always an oddly comforting sound to hear.

"i'm perfectly content in my house. even if it's very far from others. i'm happy." you answered though your words sounded so... monotonous. tommy gave you a look, he definitely didn't believe you. "i know i don't sound happy but i am." before you knew it, you made it to the other nether portal which would actually take you to the manburg and pogtopia. oh how you didn't miss this place at all.

you never liked how manburg was ran even before shlatt was elected. you never really like government in general. it always seemed to be ruining everything. freedom never felt like freedom, at least that's what you thought especially when there was a goverment.

"welcome to pogtopia!" you were so deep in your own thoughts that you hadn't realized that you had made it to pogtopia.

"so where is your other helper? the first choice that wasn't me?" you asked.

"i think he might be here. he's been staying up for a long time. ever since he got in here." wilbur said. "technoblade? you here?" wilbur leads you to a potato farm and you soon feel a sense of familiarity as you enter the room.

"yeah." a low huff is heard, causing you and wilbur to turn your heads toward the source of the sound. "i'm here." what immediately catches your attention is the crown messily placed on his head as he farms. as a piglin, you've always been fond of gold, that adoration never left you once you went to the overworld. you never really wore a crown but you wore a gold pendant instead that was pinned to your cape.

"you have a really pretty crown." it takes you a minute to realize that those words came out of your mouth. "fuck, i didn't mean to say that out loud." you explained quickly to the male that was farming. "piglin things." you muttered.

"a very unexpected compliment. understandable." techno said. "wilbur, who is this again? have i met them?"

"well, you'd think you know each other since you're both piglins, but i guess the world is bigger than i thought. well, technoblade, meet y/n, y/n, meet technoblade."

"i call him the blade." tommy said smugly. "the blade! how's the potato planting doing?"

"it's doing fine. i didn't expect any company to come though."

"well, this is the person that we wanted to recruit for pogtopia."

"nice to meet you, even if the circumstances aren't the best. wilbur is lucky i owe him a favor." you said. "i sort of expected meeting you since tommy and wilbur mentioned you once they came to get me. i just never expected to see another piglin here in the overworld."

"never expected to see another piglin here either." techno hummed slightly.

maybe staying in pogtopia won't be too bad. at least you made a friend?

that was sort of a lie. you and techno never really talked after the encounter. it never worried you, you’re not one for conversation right now anyways. you had a mission to do and you’re gonna do it. you didn’t have time to make friends, at least that’s what you thought. friends seemed to be temporary in the smp, considering the wars that were and have happened.

you weren’t going to make another friend, knowing that you just might get pulled into their fights.

“why did you stop fighting once you left l’manburg?” wilbur’s voice rings in the small fighting pit that was made for training.

“i simply didn’t find the need to fight. it doesn’t mean i’m any weaker though. i will still fight for what i want to fight for.” and that’s gonna be really ending this whole government. you think to yourself, letting the nighttime ambience fill the air.

“you still have your lives...right?” you show him your wrist which had 3 hearts tattooed on it. 

“i’ve been living away from everyone, of course i won’t die that easily.” you let out an empty laugh. “bold of you to assume i would even die.”

“i know it’s ridiculous to even think that you would lose a life after you left l’manburg but what if dream were to chase you down and kill you?”

“i understand your worry, but need not to worry, i can handle myself. if i couldn’t you guys would never even assign me as cavalry captain those years ago.” you said, unbuttoning your gold pendant to place it on the stone cold floor along with your other accessories you had. “it’s not like dream can do too much to me. we made a deal after all.”

“a deal?” wilbur raised an eyebrow as he took off his jacket, tossing it on the ground.

“don’t be too concerned. i’m not like eret. i wouldn’t betray you.”

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[captains-simp]

Hi can you write a carol fic where carol and fem!reader are exes but reader is also a villain so she constantly pisses off carol just to get her attention 🥳 happy ending too plz

Girlfriends to enemies to yearning enemies to lovers??? Where has this idea been all my life?

1.5k words

[ masterlist ]

Buy me a coffee ☕

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"She's at it again." Natasha sighed as she watched the TV screen carefully. Carol groaned loudly and hid her face in her hands, not wanting to look up at the screen to see the havoc you had caused.

"Fuck sake, y/n." Tony mumbled but felt a regrettable sense of pride deep down at seeing your latest handy work. Played to perfection. As always.

Stark had been your mentor once. Everything you knew you learnt from him and while he never would have taught you if he knew what you would do with his teachings, he couldn't deny that your skills were unmatched.

You never hurt anyone. Well. You never killed anyone. There was always someone who might have gotten a little battered in an explosion, but it was never your goal to murder. You just wanted a certain blonde's attention.

"Maybe you could-" Steve started but Carol cut him off as she grabbed her jacket from the back of the couch and called out over her shoulder.

"Yeah, yeah, I know the drill." She mumbled begrudgingly and left the common room area with a faint glow starting to appear around her.

¤

You swung your legs excitedly as you watched the scene still unfolding beneath you.

The building was still ablazed. Appartments. Shitty shitty appartments. Every one of them had mold growing in the corners, damp in the ceilings, barely functioning heating and questionable water.

The people who lived there couldn't afford to upgrade or even repair their homes and the landlord wouldn't do anything. So you decided to burn it down.

Carefully planned, of course. Most of the preparation had been around securing future homes for those who lived in that shithole. It was a complicated process, especially giving the anonymity of it. But it would be successful. And the landlord? He would be stuck with a bill he should have been paying for a long time, you made sure he couldn't get the ex tenants to pay either.

It was a good day.

You weren't a vigilante as such. Not any more. You had given it a go but you didn't have the tracking or assassination skills of Natasha so you never got any big targets. It wasn't enough. Not when all you wanted was to prove you had the strength to look after yourself and then some. That was what it was all about.

You had worked tirelessly to prove it ever since Carol broke up with you. She had always been fiercely protective. But when insecurities and paranoia started building too high she couldn't shake the distressing thoughts that something could happen to you one day. Something that was caused because you were so close to her. Something she couldn't prevent.

She still loved you. That much you knew. That was what kept you going. You knew Carol wasn't overjoyed at the things you did, there were times you weren't either. But you had to get her back. She was the love of your life and you'd be damned if you gave up what you had the way she had.

It didn't take long for her to arrive. There wasn't anyone else around because while you didn't want to broadcast your location to everyone, it needed to be enough for the Avengers to find you.

"Hey baby!" You grinned up at Carol as she landed infront of you, stoic expression wavering at the enduring name. "How've you been?" You continued in a sing song voice.

"Stop that." She said, not as firmly as she hoped she would sound.

"Rough week?" You asked as you sat down on the ledge and patted the spot next to you. Carol looked around at her surroundings and you rolled your eyes.

"Fine, we'll go somewhere more private." You raised your voice at the last word, hoping whatever camera they had found you on had audio and picked up on what you said. Carol grimaced at the volume but followed you anyway.

"So how is work?" You continued and you strolled down the path next to the blonde.

"I'm not here for a catchup, y/n. But for your information you're making it a pain in my ass." She huffed and you smiled, remembering all the times she ranted about work to you. Now she probably ranted about you to work. Or did she never want to talk about you? Your smile dropped with your stomach at the thought but you quickly recovered.

"So what are you here to do, Captain?" You teased as you got to the bottom of the path and walked a few feet into an old tunnel and stopped to face Carol.

"You need to stop this, y/n." She said firmly. You considered her for a moment.

"Do you think I can look after myself?" You asked seriously.

"Y/n-" Carol sighed.

"Do you?" You continued, wanting to know more than anything. She looked up and considered you too.

It had been a year since she broke up with you, a year that you had changed a lot in. Not just mentally. Your once soft hands were now calloused and slightly red. Your soft smile now held something more to it, something that you had to keep back and locked away. There were scratches and cuts scattered across your body. But really what changed most was that you were alone. There was no one to watch your back anymore.

Despite your efforts to show Carol how strong you were, you were more vulnerable then than you ever had been in your life. Maybe that was why she finally had enough.

"I do. I think you always could." You nodded because yes, that's exactly what you wanted her to understand.

The blonde looked down at her own hands, her eyes flickering to yours every so often. You knew what she wanted. You reached out slowly and gently entwined your rough hands that seemed to still feel so perfect against her own.

"You've really been a pain in my ass, you know that?" She asked and you couldn't help but laugh because that's an understatement.

"So have you!" You exclaimed through a laugh. "You think blowing up buildings is easy?" Carol laughs this time, ready with a come back as always.

"Well for me it's-" You punched her arm before she could finish making her laugh more. God you missed that laugh.

"Cocky as always." You mused and stroked your thumb over the back of her hand. She hummed in agreement, clearly more focused on your movements.

"I'm meant to take you in." She admitted and you weren't quite sure what to do. Yes, you want Carol back. But your goal was always to make her see how capable you were. You had been blinded by the goal and done things she never would have approved on. Carol knew you were strong, but now you might have become someone she can't love. You never thought that far ahead.

"Just...visit me?" You asked hopelessly. She looked up at you and you were taken aback by seeing tears welling in her eyes. You untwined your hands in an instant and reached up to cup her face but felt tears of your own upon seeing her conflicted face.

It was only then that you stopped to realise everything she must had been through in that year apart. The things you put her through.

"I'm sorry." You admitted as tears streamed down your face. "I never meant to- I don't know I thought, well I wasn't thinking." You rambled in shame and Carol brought her hands up to your face too and brought you forward to rest your foreheads together.

"I missed you." She spoke out quietly. "I never stopped missing you, or loving you." She pulled away slightly to look you in the eye and you saw the truth shining back at you.

Then, she brought you closer again, closer so her lips were right next to your own. She stopped to hesitant, wondering if following her heart was the right choice. But when you closed the gap to kiss her she knew it was right. That you could figure things out like you always did.

You kissed her with everything that had built up inside of you for that year apart. The plans, the yearning, the love. All of it. You had waited such a long time to be with her again, unsure if it could even happen, and yet her lips felt as perfect against yours as ever. Like a distance had never grown between you.

Carol pushed you against the tunnel wall as she kissed you back with everything she had. You were everything to her. You always had been and it had never wavered.

When your lips became bruised and breathing became an issue you both pulled away and stood in each other's embrace for you didn't even know how long.

"What now?" You couldn't help but ask.

"We'll figure something out." Carol said as she laced your fingers together again.

"We?" You asked, wanting to pinch yourself to see if it was all real.

"Yes, you and me. Together." You sighed and pulled her closer towards you where you could burry your face in her neck.

"Thank you for giving me a chance." You whispered.

"Thank you for never giving up." Carol whispered back.

[aminiatureworld]

Injury

Characters: Albedo, Childe, Diluc, gn!reader

Word Count: 3,657

Warnings: Blood, injury, slight violence, minor villain death 

 Premise: Sometimes the pain of others can hurt even more than one’s own. In which the reader is injured. 

Author’s Note: Week 3 of keeping up my writing schedule let’s go! This week is a bit angsty, my forte (I think?) As usual part one – with Albedo, Childe, and Diluc – will be posted tonight and part two – Kaeya, Xiao and Zhongli – tomorrow.

At first this was going to be both your injury and your recovery but then the first character hit over 1.5k words so I guess this is going to be a pseudo-series. I really don’t know the definition of concise lol.

In the first part of my last fic I realize I gendered a word. I’m super sorry about that, and I promise to fix it and tag properly next time. Childe gets to go into the stone forest cause I say he can. I’m not sure if waypoints are diegetic or nondiegetic. I decided to make them so. Also the first hospital in China was opened in the early 1800s, and I know hospitals aren’t very “fantasy” but Teyvat has good medical science in my book.

Albedo

Throughout his life the one thing that Albedo never truly understood was peoples’ obsession with modesty, even when it was false.

There was a lot that Albedo was proud of in regards to himself; his intellect for one, his curiosity, his abilities as an alchemist, the fact that he feared little in the world. Above all perhaps was the pride he held in carrying himself without falling into hysteria, his grip on his emotions was impeccable and whenever he was unfortunate enough to see others gripped with a heavy emotion he was always left with a sour feeling in his mouth – a disgust for someone who had so little sense they couldn’t even control themselves.

This was a pride that left him quickly enough upon seeing you injured.

It wasn’t meant to be a dangerous expedition. It’d merely been a check of the vast network of caves and tunnels that could be found in Dragonspine. A route affair, mundane even in how simple it supposedly was. There was nothing to be afraid of. Albedo had told you that back at home and you’d smiled in agreement. Yes, there was nothing to be worried of, a few hilichurls at most and a temperature that could be easily kept in check with the right preparation. You’d be there and back in less than a day, no problem.

Everything, however, had gone horribly wrong. The cave that you two intended to explore turned out to be a vast network, full of tight tunnels and half submerged under freezing water. You two had managed that well enough, although once Albedo had almost slipped and fallen into the underground river, the whole outlook of the expedition was looking drearier and drearier.

Eventually you’d reached what had seemed to be the heart of the cave, floor after floor of ice with a hole in the middle, all lit up by crystal and scarlet quartz. It was an impressive sight to be sure and you’d stood a little ways away from the edge, observing the way the light refracted off the ice coated walls, waiting for Albedo to be finished with his sampling, enjoying the awesome sight in front of you.

Albedo had just finished when you’d let out a yelp. Whirling around he saw what had captured your attention – a wild snowboar who’d managed to wander in. The two of you watched the very confused creature in awe, only staring as it stomped the ground and charged right into the wall.

That was a mistake.

All of the sudden the cavern started shaking violently. Cursing the boar for its terrible – or maybe impeccable – aim the two of you sprinted towards the exit. You’d managed to gain the lead, not bogged down by Albedo’s extensive equipment, and had turned around near the beginning of the tunnel in order to help him. Just as you were heading back one of the many icicles that lined the roof of the cave came undone, landing with a sickening thud right where your collarbone met your spine.

You’d dropped like a rock, and Albedo felt his stomach to turn water and his mind turn to static, as suddenly all logic seemed to leave him, instead replaced by dread so overpowering he seemed to lose track of his surroundings, chained to the ground by something greater than himself.

You groaned and time seemed to unfreeze itself, instead accelerating at a breakneck pace. Leaping into action Albedo immediately dropped all of his equipment, the sound of glass vials shattering muffled by the cases that held them and the panic that was gripping him. Hauling you over his back he ran through the tunnels, wincing every time you made a sound and biting his tongue every time he shimmied through a particularly tight spot and it seemed it might not let the two of you pass as you were.

He could feel the blood seeping through his gloves. Your blood. Only a few minutes ago he wasn’t even sure that icicles could make one bleed. Now he wished he’d never found out, wished that he’d never asked to explore the caves of Dragonspine, wished that you’d never agreed to it. How could he have been so foolish, so blind to the dangers that waited in vast caverns of ice and snow, where the slightest wrong movement could spell your death.

Albedo could’ve cried when he sighted the camp. Indeed he might’ve, realizing that there were frozen tears on his cheeks only after you’d been taking to the medical tent. He hadn’t noticed, hadn’t noticed anything really in those terrifying moments between when you’d gotten hurt and when he’d made it to the camp. It all seemed not to exist in his mind, washed away by the emotions that had wracked his mind and body. Even now he couldn’t stop shaking, couldn’t stop the tide of emotions that was crashing into him like a wave, utterly helpless as he was thrown this way and that.

The pride that he’d clung to was in tatters, and Albedo looked upon it now in disgust. He’d been so innocent, so foolish, perhaps mercifully so. But all that was gone, and his certainty had gone with it. There was nothing left of him almost; nothing except fear and anger and worry, and Albedo wondered when he might ever feel sure of everything again.

It was cloudy when you were released, arm in a sling, brace around your shoulders. Albedo wasn’t sure how much time had passed, it had seemed like an eternity. The urge to run up to you and wrap you in the tightest hug imaginable was intense, but the sight of the brace held him back. Instead he brought you hand up to his face, kissing your palm before holding it against his cheek. You smiled at that, but there was fatigue in your eyes and you said nothing. Albedo couldn’t blame you. He moved to let go and turn towards the path, somehow feeling unworthy of holding your hand after being the cause of your predicament, but you quickly grasped his hand once more. He smiled a slightly shocked smile, but made no move to let go.

As you two walked back to Mondstadt Albedo felt himself once more flooded by negative thoughts. Lowering his gaze so he was looking at the ground he paused for a moment.

“I’m sorry.”

Albedo found his voice cracking, tears welling his eyes even as he chastised himself for how stupid he must’ve looked. You were safe, you were going to be alright, the head of the clinic had said so himself. Why then did he still feel like he might crumble any minute? Shaking his head he moved to cover his face with his hand.

“Hey.” There was still fatigue in your voice, but there was also an urgency in it. You squeezed the hand you were holding, moving so you were facing him. “Hey, is it okay if you look at me?”

Albedo moved his head up slowly. He was truly crying by now, having given up all efforts to do so otherwise. You smiled softly as his eyes met yours.

“I’m alright, okay? And you shouldn’t blame yourself for this. I doubt that even the drunkest man in Monstadt could’ve guessed a wild boar would wander in a cavern and start a cave in. You can’t control fate you know.”

“I know.” Albedo forced the words out, although more and more it seemed impossible, his throat was too constricted to be anything more than barely coherent. “Still. I should’ve known. And I should’ve kept it together. I, why am I crying? Why wasn’t I in control? Why, why am I still not in control?”

“Because you’re human Albedo.” You replied, shaking your head slightly. “You’re the most wonderful human alive, but you’re still human. You mustn’t beat yourself up for what you are. I’d rather you cry anyways. There’s nothing noble in hiding your emotions, they must come out one way or another. So please, please cry all you want, long and hard. And tomorrow you can start your penance, alright?”

“Penance?” Albedo mumbled, still crying. You nodded, smile still nothing but fondness and understanding.

“Well someone’s going to have to help me for the next two months. And I know you’re too much a gentleman to make me stumble along myself.”

“Of course.” Albedo’s answer came fast and sure. He paused then, realizing that, by distracting him with the weeks to come, you’d managed to give him a pocket of time to calm himself, to feel himself once more firmly planted on the ground. Love mixed with anger and sadness in his mind, and for a moment he could only marvel at you.

Albedo leaned down to kiss you on the forehead. He’d do whatever he could to help you, this he promised himself. And this too he promised himself; you’d never ever be hurt on his watch again.

Childe

If there was anything that Childe hated it was a lack of control. The feeling of everything slipping through his fingers was something he’d felt often as a child, and that feeling had haunted him. When he’d signed up as a member of the Fatui he’d promised himself that he’d never feel that way again. He’d protect those he loved and he’d keep his life from falling apart. It was a promise he was determined to keep, no matter what.

You two had decided to go hiking. Or rather it was less of a hike and more of a rock climb. Childe had long bragged that the Huaguang Stone Forest was the most beautiful place to watch the sunset, and you’d finally gotten a free weekend. Waypointing your way there initially, your partner had taken an almost childlike joy from choosing which mountain was the highest.

“Childe have you decided yet? The sun is almost at the horizon.” You called out at the Harbinger. Childe was, much to your dismay, the stronger climber, and had taken to scouting ahead of time to see if the spot you were climbing to was any good. Now he glanced down at you, mischief written all over his face, his smirk flashier than usual. He put his hand on his chin and looked outward once more.

“Hmm… I don’t know…”

“Childe!” You exclaimed, your arms slightly killing you. You really wish that you’d convinced Childe to bring a roped and belay. Unfortunately that request had been met with a whine and an accusation of “that’s cheating!” You’d laughed it off at the time, but now you were starting to regret your partner’s recklessness. As much as you were enjoying your time – being alone with Childe always felt intensely special and you cherished every moment of it – you were also impatient to actually watch the sunset, and in your hurry you wondered if it might not be faster to climb back down and watch from the bridge.

“I do believe that we’ve found the tallest one!”

“Thank the Seven.” You groaned, hurrying to get to the top. Childe chuckled, watching you scale up the mountain.

“Oh come now, I had to make sure it was perfect! Besides you looked so comfortable perched there, it almost hurt to disrupt you.”

“When I get up there I’m killing you.” You shot back, reaching towards the ledge. Still laughing Childe stuck out his hand and you moved to grab it, pushing off with your feet as much as possible, determined to make it up the mountain in the next move.

The laughter died from Childe’s lips the moment your hand missed. Instead it was replaced by fear, cold and sharp as a knife, plunging straight through his heart. Time seemed to slow down, but you were falling so fast, falling, falling, falling. Catapulting himself off the top of the mountain Childe reached out for you. In his mind he was screaming. Glide. Oh please, for the love of the Seven glide. Please, don’t fall, it’s so high up. I couldn’t bear it. Please.

Still the words were stuck in his mouth, and his throat only constricted more when you hit the bridge with a sickening thud. Releasing his own wings at the last moment he landed on the bridge too, only a few meters away from where you were now crumpled up. Running over he scooped you up. You’d managed to right yourself at the last moment in the air so that you were landing feet first, but though you’d managed to protect your head your legs dragged limply, and one was bent at an awkward angle. Looking at your mangled form, listening to you as you screamed and whimpered in pain, Child felt overwhelmed by his vast helplessness. There was nothing he could do. Burying his head in your neck he sobbed.

“I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”

The journey to Liyue was excruciating, both for you and for Childe. Although there was no external bleeding the initial adrenaline of falling had no worn off and you felt every jolt and movement as Childe slung you on his back, wrapping his arms around your thighs and carrying you to the nearest waypoint and then to the Liyue doctor. Even when Childe was standing still you thought you might die from the sheer pain. So intense it was that sometimes you gave up, blacking out only to wake up feeling like you were drowning, the burning air around you almost too hot and too heavy to breathe.

Childe willed himself to numbness throughout the journey, only allowing him to collapse once you’d reached the hospital, practically ramming into the nearest chair in the waiting room, the situation washing over him.

How could he have let this happen? Hadn’t he made a promise? A promise that he’d protect those he’d love, that he’d never lose control of a situation again, that he’d never let those he cared about suffer? Where was that promise now? His whole world seemed to collapse in on itself now. He hadn’t been able to protect you. Despite his training, his reflexes, his vision, his everything. You’d still fallen. And as powerful as Childe liked to think he was, he still couldn’t turn back time and stop your suffering.

Finally the doctor opened the door and Childe was let in to see you. After informing him that you were on painkillers the doctor left you two alone. Faced with you laying on the hospital bed Childe sank into the nearest chair. Lacing his fingers through yours he drew circles on your hand over and over. For a moment you two said nothing, then Childe let his head rest on your hands. “I’m sorry.” He whispered, voice raw.

“I know.” You replied, mind a bit hazy from the painkillers, the magic infused herbs luring you to sleep. Still you pushed forward, needing to say something before Childe let himself be carried away. “I know, but it’s not your fault. And it’s not irreversible. The doctor says in 8 weeks I’ll be fine. Until then, we’ll just have to improvise.”

“But what about your adventuring? Your commissions? How can you do those if you can’t –”

“I’ll figure it out. Adventuring isn’t just monster slaying you know. And there’s no catastrophe in being in a wheelchair or on crutches.” You shook your head. Childe was still crying, and you could feel his tears running down your linked hands.

“Ajax.” Childe’s head shot up, surprised. He loved when you called him by his true name, it always seemed like a song falling from your lips. And now that song was filled with understanding, if not a bit of sadness. “I want you to not blame yourself.” You continued. “I know it’ll be hard, I know that these feelings won’t go away. And I’m not blaming you for them. I’m not happy about this either, of course I’m not, I just went through a world of pain. But I won’t be able to stand watching you beat yourself up for 8 weeks, I won’t be able to stand that look in your eyes every time you look at me. So please, please stop. If not for yourself then for me.”

Childe stared at your for a while. You waited, not wanting to rush his thought process. Eventually though he shook his head, a small smile finally breaking his expression.

“You’re too good for me you know. Alright. I promise to try. It’s the least I could do.”

“Thank you.” You smiled. Childe smiled back. He didn’t know how you managed to do it, how you managed to take his fears and look them in the face. All he knew at that moment was that he loved you. And for now, that was enough.

 Diluc

Diluc stared in horror as the Fatui Bracer aimed a Geo projectile right at you, his horror multiplying into rage and terror as the concentrated energy flew through the air and landed right at the base of your ribcage. You crumpled at the impact, wheezing heavily, apparently stunned from the power and speed of the attack.

How could this have happened? Diluc knew that the Fatui were gathering in Mondstadt, something that the winery owner turned Darknight Hero couldn’t stand. But never did he think to see Fatui skirmishers right outside the walls of Monstadt, strolling along the beach of Cider Lake as if it were Snezhnaya. Never did he think he’d have to see another loved one felled by a member of the Fatui, and never did he think that he could bear the emotions coursing through him now.

He made quick work of the Bracer, hacking and swinging without rhyme or reason, barely able to comprehend what was going on. Everything felt oddly separated from him, as if he were watching through someone else’s eyes, watching as he burned through the Bracer’s shields as easily as if it were made of wax, leaving the man groaning and screaming in pain before silencing him altogether.

The feeling of separation only grew more powerful as he ran over to you. You seemed to be conscious, but your breathing was shallow and ragged, and the place where the Fatui’s attack had hit seemed mangled, one of your ribs having seemingly been broken. You were screaming, though it was hoarse and low and tired. Still if you were screaming you were alive, and at least Diluc could hold onto that.

Carrying you in his arms Diluc winced as you let out another shriek of pain. You two weren’t far from the gates of Monstadt, but every step seemed to be a thousand steps and what was surely only a few hundred meters instead felt like tens of thousands of miles.

You were going to be alright. At least the doctor had said you were going to be alright. Surely Diluc could be grateful for that? But he didn’t feel grateful, instead he felt anger and hatred welling up inside of him. He’d told himself it was no good to be an angry or hateful person, that doing so would only push you away, would only destroy the fragile bonds he’d managed to build between you and a selection of others. But still the anger and the hatred lingered, refusing to be quelled or stuffed away.

He wanted revenge. Revenge on the Fatui, on the Tsaritsa, on the uncaring world that let him be so tormented, and that so tormented the ones he loved. How could this have happened to you? You who were made of goodness, more goodness than he’d found in the world beforehand. How was this a fitting reward?

It was decided that you could stay at the Winery during the 6 grueling weeks that was to be your convalescence. Diluc said nothing on the way there. He was afraid what would happened if he opened his mouth. Already he knew his face was betraying the feelings welling within him. He didn’t need to make it worse, not now.

Arriving at the Winery Diluc carried you to his room, the nicest room there was. Up to this point you’d said nothing, and Diluc wondered if you weren’t too groggy to do so. However when you spoke up there was an urgency in your voice, one he simply couldn’t ignore.

“You’re angry. You’re trying to hide it but I know it.”

“I’m not the one in pain right now.” Came a curt reply. Diluc was looking at you with what others might’ve mistaken as a glare. Perhaps it was even that, but there was something beneath it, and you knew it ultimately wasn’t directed at you.

“I am. And I’m upset too. But I’ve accepted it. You need to accept that you’re angry too. Burying it won’t help, it’ll only make it worse you know. You have to acknowledge your emotions. You don’t have to hide them. At least not in front of me.”

The expression on Diluc’s face finally broke. The anger there was raw and palapable, but there was also something else, something he’d also buried.

“I was… terrified.” Diluc finally let out. “I was so terrified it frightened me. I… I thought I was going to lose you.”

“And you shouldn’t have to hide that either.” You prodded softly. “But I’ll be alright, I promise. So please, just be open with me and then we’ll go from there.”

Diluc nodded, finding himself unable to speak. Walking over to where you were laying down he peppered kisses all over your face, light and ethereal as butterflies.

He’d do right by you. That’s what he promised himself, after all the hiding and the pain. He’d do right by you. But he’d also not forgive the Fatui for what they’d done, and tonight when Monstadt was asleep the Darknight would be watching. And for any Snezhnayan roaming the streets and lurking in the shadows, there’d be no forgiveness.

[mashep23]

Traffic Jam Session

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Female!Reader

Word Count: +1.5K

Warnings: Nat being ridiculously confident and flirtatious? I think that deserves a warning. This is just pure self-indulgent fluff.

Summary: Stuck in a traffic jam, another commuter requests that you turn your music up

Inspired by this meet-cute prompt:

We are caught in an extreme traffic jam and have been sitting next to each other, parked, for the last five minutes. Your radio is playing my absolute favorite song so I ask you to turn it up. We spend the rest of the slow traffic aggressively singing along to the music at each other.

Prompt list found here

A/N: I tweaked the prompt just a little, hope it's still enjoyable. This was so much fun to write!

Thank you to @river-soul for her incredible beta skills and endless patience 😭❤️ and @whisperlullaby for workshopping with me 💗

Disclaimer: gif not mine

It's a decently warm day, sunny and clear, and the azure blue sky is dotted sparsely with clouds. A breeze blows through the car windows, playing with the feathers on your dreamcatcher hanging from the rearview mirror while you're stuck in traffic. You had been creeping along for the better part of 20 minutes, but you've been at a standstill now for almost five.

Typically one to drive home in silence to decompress, today the stillness and lack of road noise makes you want to turn on some music instead. Since nothing playing on the local stations feels right, you sync your car Bluetooth with your phone and scroll through your music streaming apps. A playlist you made simply entitled "Happy" seems to fit your mood and the gorgeous weather so you press Shuffle All and settle back in your seat.

The soothing, light-hearted Put Your Records On filters through the speakers and you can't help the smile that curves your lips as you close your eyes. Propping your arm on the window, head on your hand, you bask in the sun's warmth. You periodically crack open an eye to check on the car in front of you but there's no change. Everyone on the road has parked and resigned themselves to the long wait.

Your playlist contains a wide variety of genres, cherry-picked songs that unfailingly lift your mood. They're radio hits, usually well-known songs, and easy to sing along with. You happily bop your way through your playlist, getting a little more energetic, singing along to each song.

Walking on Sunshine just finishes and the next song is cueing when you hear a sweet voice ask lowly, "Do you mind turning it up a little?" You grin and twist the volume knob so I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) plays louder before looking to the eavesdropper that's enjoying your tunes.

Holy shit. How did you not notice the car next to you? There is no way they were there the whole time. They're all beautiful. Two men, two women - blondie is driving, two brunettes are in the back seat, and a redhead is in the passenger seat. She was the one that spoke and she grins gratefully, leaning closer, head tilted out the window. You turn it up a little more as she starts singing along.

You grin widely and start singing with her. Her companions in the car laugh and join in good naturedly, cheering as the two of you belt the call-and-answer part of the song.

When the song ends, you're both breathlessly laughing, smiles wide. You turn your stereo volume down even as the next song starts to play and stretch out for a high five. She gives your hand a satisfying slap as she laughs joyfully.

"That was so fun! Thank you so much, I love that song."

"I do too! You're a great partner! And the back-ups were awesome!" You playfully finger-gun point at the driver and backseat passengers. They cheerfully laugh and thank you. You don't remember the last time you smiled this hard.

"I'm glad you didn't mind - I could barely hear it. I had Steve try to get closer but that didn't really help much, so I just decided to ask you." She gives you a sheepish but pleased smile and you return it.

"Oh no I don't mind! I haven't had this much fun in ages!" You can't seem to stop smiling but maybe it's okay because she's smiling at you, too.

"I'm Nat," she says suddenly, and you don't hesitate to tell her your name. She repeats it quietly, still smiling softly at you.

There's a stretch of silence, you're both just looking at each other and one of her friends clear their throat, causing you both to blink. You think maybe you should be embarrassed but she doesn't appear fazed in the slightest.

"In the spirit of introductions, hello beautiful. I'm Sam." The male brunette sitting behind Nat says smoothly after his light cough. "This is Wanda, up there is Steve." He gestures to the woman beside him and to the driver, respectively.

Your gaze never leaves Nat. You can't tear your eyes from her even as Sam speaks, catching the quick tightness around the edges of her mouth before it relaxes again as you smile and respond to her rather than Sam.

"It's nice to meet you," you say sincerely to Nat. Her answering pleased expression as she returns the sentiment warms you. A pleasant tightness fills your chest as her lips quirk at something Sam mutters under his breath. The woman next to him, Wanda, laughs quietly.

"So, you know, we're gonna be here for a while. Let's see what else you got to listen to." Nat grins expectantly at you with a raised brow and you mirror her expression as you turn the knob.

You're pretty sure you've found your soulmate when her eyes spark in delight and she belts along effortlessly to Sweet Caroline, arms spreading dramatically as she almost nails the driver, Steve, in his face with the back of her hand. Sam and Wanda cackle as he shoves her arm away in mock affront and she sticks her tongue out at him.

You can't help but laugh at their antics, watching her perform, directing her friends' involvement ("bah, bah, bahh") before she turns to you ("so good, so good, so good!"). This is quickly becoming one of the best times you've ever had.

The song continues, both of you sharing the lead, absolutely ridiculous and uncaring of the scene you're making. If anyone in the surrounding cars felt disgruntled at the impromptu concert, you'd never know it. The girl in the car next to you has your undivided attention.

You're not sure how long it's been, how many songs you've played and sang along to, but after a while, traffic slowly creeps to life. Steve taps Nat on the arm during a lull between songs and you lower the volume as she turns to him. He gestures at the line of cars ahead, the ones directly in front still unmoving but in the distance you see brake lights releasing, vehicles rolling forward.

She turns back to you, chewing the inside of her lip as she looks at you thoughtfully. She seems to make a decision and reaches her hand out to you.

"Here, let me see your phone real quick." She makes a single gimme motion, fingers flicking closed then open as you hand the device over. Your lips spread into a wide smile at the triumphant look that crosses her face.

She beams at you before dropping her gaze to the phone, fingers moving quickly across the screen. You hear an unfamiliar notification tone and she pulls a phone from her lap, holding it up to show you.

"I text myself from your phone. Now we have each other's numbers. I wanna be able to call you later." She's unabashedly smug as she hands your phone back and you wonder if your face shows just how pleased you are.

You look down at the message thread she left open for you, the unsaved number displayed at the top.

"Traffic Jam Hottie 😍"

The single line of text and emoji sent from your phone to the number makes you bite your lip and shyly cover your smile with your fingertips. You look at her with raised eyebrows and she correctly interprets your unasked question and shrugs.

"That's your contact name. I'll probably never change it, not even after we get married."

It's sly and nonchalant, how she slips that in there, smooth as you please. Your jaw drops and her friends all seem to choke on air but her gaze, locked on you, is unwavering. The flirtatious expression on her face is simultaneously sincere and mischievous as she watches for your reaction.

Butterflies erupt in your stomach, your chest feels tight and pleasantly warm. Your smile stretches so wide your cheeks hurt as she winks and you're so giddy, you don't care how eager you look in this moment.

You quickly save her contact information and smirk, wiggling your phone at her.

"I'd hope not. I think having matching contact info is pretty cute and kinda romantic. A fun story for the wedding toasts." You grin cheekily.

Her expression shifts, full of mischief, a quirk of her eyebrow that makes your breath hitch and sets your heart racing as her friends whoop with glee at your banter. Her lips spread in a sly smile and you can't help but return it. You're positive you've never smiled this much in your life.

Too soon, the gridlock lets up and you both start moving with traffic. The cars in front of you begin to roll, the lane speeds varying enough to cause you to separate. She's still grinning at you as they get further ahead. You can faintly hear their teasing and you catch a glimpse of her profile, smiling and laughing, before she's no longer visible.

They take an exit as you continue on and you barely have a moment to mourn that they're out of view before your phone vibrates in your lap. Picking it up, you grin madly at the screen, the contact "Traffic Jam Hottie 😍" scrolling across the top.

Accepting the call, you hear it connect through you car speakers, her friends still audible in the background. Your heart stutters when she purrs her greeting.

"Hey hottie."

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

Tagging some of my amazing discord family: @buckyownsmylife @sweetkingdomstarlight-blog

[ghost-like-pale]

no need to hide from me

info: philza finds out about your scars. not that he's mad, he's just surprised. 》 they/them 》 irl + platonic 》 1.5k words

warnings: explicit selfharm, blood, hurt/comfort, implied father/child-like bond

a/n: my first piece, i don't know how i feel about it.

this blog it meant as a way of coping with trauma/mental issues, please don't report it. if you don't want to see what i write, please just block me.

��—♤——

"kgh-"

you felt the pain run through your body as the blood slowly dripped past your forearm onto your thigh. a sharp inhale went through your airpipe into your aching lungs.

"ack-!"

the small razorblade slid over your troubled skin for the fifth time these past 2 minutes, hoping no one would hear your small choked sobs from the echoing bathroom.

after letting the pain simmer down you get welcomed coldly by numbness. it never fails to meet you after a cut.

this meet-up has been nice, enjoyable, even. but the guilt of not being able to be as hyperactive as tommy and tubbo, the embarrassment of not understanding what wilbur was talking about and the shame of accidentally saying something stupid and phil laughing at it gave you a reason to punish yourself.

—

you didn't eat much during dinner, even though it was your favorite meal - kristen even cooked for everyone. that's exactly when phil knew something was wrong.

you excused yourself from the table and walked upstairs to the room you resided in. after the others moved on from the dinner table to the living room phil decided to go after you, telling kristen to heat up a plate of food and join the rest of their friends. kristen understood, and walked to the kitchen to grab a plate. phil quietly yet swiftly made his way upstairs.

—

you heard the stairs being climbed from the other side of the walls, widening your eyes and making you panic. the blade you were holding was stained with a mix of old and fresh blood. the tiny drops of dark-red liquid splashed on your leg once again. in a panic you threw the razor to the corner of the room and wiped the blood of your body hastily. you pulled your sleeves over your hands and hid them from sight, hoping the new cuts wouldn't bleed through the fabric.

"(y/n)?"

phil knocked on the door to your room. you wipe your face entirely, trying to physically get rid of your anxious expression and answered phil's call.

"come in!"

you sounded grossly happy, making you cringe internally. you trapped your hands between your legs while feeling the mattress sinking next to you.

"you okay? you didn't eat much earlier."

phil wasn't stupid; he knew you weren't. he wanted to see if you would confess to him on your own terms.

"oh, yeah. i'm okay, just didn't feel too hungry, heh."

the small laugh you exuded only worsened phil's concerns.

"(y/n), i'm not sure i believe you. you can trust me."

your panic grew by the second, not wanting to worry phil, yet desperately wanting to tell him. you didn't have the words for it and your brain is not going to bother finding them - it was too busy trying not to cry.

"phil, i promise i'm alright. i just wasn't hungry and i'm worn out from the things we did."

phil exhaled through his nose. what the hell was he going to ask you now?

you bit your lip harshly, trying to focus on the pang of hurt coursing through your mouth rather than your head.

"listen, (y/n). i know you better than this. you can tell me what's wrong-"

before he could properly finish his sentence you stood up. you screwed your eyes shut and yelled at him.

"I SAID I'M FINE, PHIL!"

phil was taken aback by the sudden and intense hostility you showed.

"i'm...i-i.."

you slowly came to a realisation as to what happened. your lips sputtered unintelligible words and your eyes spilled out tears. phil quickly came to his senses and stood up as well. his arms wrapped around your upper arms and shoulders, his head resting on top of yours.

"it's okay, (y/n). i'm not mad, i promise."

you didn't respond. you only sobbed louder and pushed your face into his chest, finding safety in his secure embrace. you stood like this for a bit, calming down over time until the sobs from earlier were nothing more than hiccups.

"are you okay to talk about it now?"

phil eventually spoke up. you nod slowly, pulling away from the hug and letting yourself fall onto the bed you sat on a while ago, phil following your lead.

"what's wrong, kid?"

you let out a shaky breath and let go of the sleeve you were holding onto tightly during the conversation. you grabbed the end of your sleeve and tried to pull it up, but to no avail.

you couldn't. you couldn't show him yourself.

you whined softly, trying to think of a solution. phil rested his hand on your thigh as a way of non-verbal support, giving you an idea. you dropped your arm onto phil's hand, him instantly understanding what you meant and grabbing your arm gingerly. he placed it on his lap and carefully peeled off the sleeve.

"oh, (y/n)."

it was a sight to behold; a bloodied arm with messy cuts, a few still dribbling slightly, most of your skin covered in the half-dried crimson fluid.

refusing to look at phil, you stared at the wall on the other side of the room. you could feel his eyes staring daggers at it, your face heating up in shame and vulnerability.

"i'm so sorry, (y/n)."

you felt your sleeve being pulled over your arm again and you were pulled into another embrace. this time the hug felt sympathetic, like it was apologizing to you for everything you've ever been through, saying sorry for the fact you had to do this as a way to live with yourself.

if you had anything left, you could've cried for hours. but your tears ran out a while ago, so you stayed quiet, with the exception of a few whimpers and sighs.

"thank you for telling me."

phil broke the silence again, a small smile appearing on your tear-stained face.

"but- we should really clean up that arm. you don't want that to get infected."

he said with a hint of a chuckle. it was kind of nice hearing him be a little humorous in such a depressing scene.

"yeah, maybe we should."

you responded with the same tone. he grabbed your hand and lead you to the nearest bathroom. he fetched the softest towel he could find and dampened it with lukewarm water. he then turned his attention to you; he dabbed the still open cuts first and cleaning up the freshest blood. then he moved onto the dried blood around it, wiping it carefully, minding the sensitive wounds.

"stay here, i'll get the first-aid kit from the other bathroom."

phil said, before disappearing into the hall outside. you stood on the cold tiles for a few moments, pondering how you even managed to muster the strength to tell anyone. you were glad you did, though.

"i'm back!"

the familiar voice rang through the reverberating room and into your ears, making you turn your head in the door's direction. the smile grew slightly when phil's face entered your vision.

"arm, please."

you did as he asked and handed your arm to him. he took a cream-coloured bandage out of the small bag and gently yet firmly wraps your injured arm.

"thank you, phil."

your smile was persisting while looking at the bandaged arm. phil packed up the first-aid kit and grinned himself.

"you're welcome, kid. now, let's get some clean clothes and a plate of warm food."

—

"PHILZA!"

tommy yelled from the couch he sat on. the rest of the group quickly turned around to greet their friends.

"hi, mate. what are we watching?"

wilbur waved over to you and signaled to come sit next to him. you happily obliged and sat down with a plate in hand. the couch was just big enough to seat 3 people, you, tommy and wilbur occupying said seats. kristen sat on the chair on the left, while tubbo sat on a pillow on the floor with his hand in a bag of crisps.

"no idea, we were just going to choose something."

wilbur answered for him, earning him a smack on the knee from the blonde. phil laughed while lowering himself into a chair on the right side of the couch.

"he asked me, you prick."

"well, you were just too slow."

the two boys bickered back and forth a bit until tubbo spoke up.

"why don't we let (y/n) decide?"

both wilbur and tommy seemed satisfied with that resolution, nodding their heads and verbally agreeing.

"uhm, how about ___."

kristen immediately agreed, so did phil and tubbo. tommy was still a bit bitter about not being the one to choose, but didn't object, the same for wilbur.

"alright, it has been decided!"

—

the movie was quite long, but enjoyable. your dinner was finished and the plate stood on the coffee table, next to an empty glass and a half-eaten bag of crisps.

your head rested on wilbur's shoulder, a fluffy blanket draped over you along with one of his arms. your eyelids were heavy, the light emitting from the tv becoming more distant every second.

a final consious breath escaped your lungs and you finally fell asleep.

the comfort this household has brought you is something you couldn't find anywhere else - you were truly home.

——♤——

thank you for reading, please be nice

masterlist

[teletraan-meets-jarvis]

hello ma'am id like to request a captain rex x f! or gn! reader,, maybe he's promised to take reader out on a date after he returns from a mission and when he does he asks you out and stuff bksbegksgjsn hope that provides inspiration

Ooooh I love this idea and it really did spark something in my brain so thanks for that!! :D. So happy to be writing again. See below for some happiness and fluff!

Date Night With The Captain

AO3 Link

Pairing: Rex x gn!Reader

Summary: You and Rex have been pining over each other for a while now, thankfully your good friends in the Elite Guard intervene to help speed things up.

Warnings: General Audience. Don't think there is any. One bit of swearing.

Word Count: 1.5k

It was another warm, smoggy day on Coruscant. The hatch door to the landing bay of the Republic Military HQ was open, allowing whatever small breeze the planet had to offer through. The top of your Republic issued jumpsuit was tied around your waist, letting the trousers hang loosely around your lower half, in attempt to keep yourself cool. You had the radio on as you worked beneath a red A-Wing, your mind on autopilot as you rewired, cut and welded through the repairs. Casually rolling back and forth on your dolly, humming along to the newest song the radio had to offer.

Given your work as a mechanic for the Republic since the start of the war, you’d gotten to know a lot of the clones from various battalions. You always had fun working on the ships for the Wolfpack as they were natural pilots who took a real appreciation in your work. In return, you made sure to always touch up the artwork of the two buckets and General Plo’s face for them on each ship, as you knew how much it meant to the men. Other battalions, while lovely, really did love to make your job difficult. Aka, the 501st. The clones weren’t too bad when it came to flying, it was more the involvement of General Skywalker which usually meant most of your ships didn’t even make it back, and the few that did were in a questionable state. Captain Rex always had the job of checking the ships back in to you due to Skywalker’s fear of facing your wrath for another ship mishap.

Captain Rex... you felt your mind drift to think of the clone you’d been getting close with over the past few years. He was easy company. A strong, friendly presence that was always welcome in your repair bay. He’d usually stick around for longer then he should, relaying their latest mission as he nursed a cup of caff while you worked away. You’d developed quite a crush on the Captain as time went on, how could you not? His buzz cut blonde hair, his caring nature, and that handsome face which despite being a clone, had something unique about it that made you smile every time he looked at you.

Yep, you were crushing bad on the Captain. But it wasn’t entirely one-sided. Just before he departed for his last mission, you think he was attempting to ask you out on a date before his comm went off and pulled him away and back to the war. You’d been running that interaction through your brain ever since he left, trying to guess how he would’ve liked to finish his sentence.

You let out a sigh at the thought. A person could dream right. You were suddenly pulled out of your thoughts when someone yanked your dolly from out under the ship, taking you with it. You were presented with a helmet-less, Commander Fox who’s curly hair was hanging just above his eyebrows. He didn’t say anything as he shoved a cup of caff in your direction.

You got yourself up from laying on your back and gratefully accepted the caffeine “Cheers, Fox”

“You need to take a break every so often” he stated while sipping at his own beverage.

“Rich coming from you” you winked at him, “Let me guess, Stone forced you to take a break by sending you to bring me a drink and make me take a break”

“Pretty much”

“Classic” you enjoyed the comfortable silence which fell between you both. Despite his overly stressed exterior, Fox was one of your closest friends. He and the other Elite Guard Commanders always made sure to check in and look after you and you did the same for them.

After a few minutes, he spoke again “Oh, Thorn needs your advice on something. He asked you to meet him in the mess hall”

“Dating drama again?” You questioned with a chuckle.

“Most likely” Fox replied with a roll of his eyes.

You bid Fox a farewell and set off to find Thorn. The military base very much stuck to a black and grey colour scheme so it was near impossible to distinguish one hallway from another if you didn’t know you way around by memory. Your jumpsuit made some swooshing noises as your legs skimmed past one another while you walked. Tools and bolts rattled in your pocket as you went. A contrast to the quiet you found in the hallways this evening.

Eventually you spotted Thorn standing outside the mess hall where he waved you inside and disappeared into the room.

You eventually caught up and walked in and the sight you were met with took your breath away. The lights in the hall were dimmed and there was a single table set up. A few candles lit up the centre and there were two portions of standard mess food waiting on either side in their signature metal trays. Standing next to the table was an awkward looking Captain Rex, his armour still dirty from battle. He had his helmet off, letting you see the flush of pink on his cheeks as he rubbed a hand down the back of his neck.

Thorn was practically bouncing with excitement as he pushed you forward into the room. “Well you kids have fun, don’t do anything I wouldn’t dooo!” He shouted as he ran out the door, closing it behind him.

You and Rex stood there for a moment, taking each other in. He looked quite vulnerable in that moment, waiting to see your reaction.

“Hey Captain, glad to see you’re back safe and sound” you said with a smile as you walked towards him. “What’s all this?”

“Well, I uh, I’ve been meaning to take you out for a while now, but things kept getting in the way. I know it’s not Coruscant’s finest dining experience-“

“It’s perfect” you cut him off, smile beaming on your face as you realised everything you’d been dreaming about these past months was true. “How’d you manage to pull this one off?”

“It was Thorn’s idea to be fair, he managed to get Fox on board to give us access to the mess hall after hours.” You chuckled at his words, of course they were meddling. Not that you minded of course, you knew exactly what you signed up for when it came to being friends with the Coruscant Elite Guard.

“You hungry?” Rex asked, much more relaxed now he had your approval on his surprise.

“Absolutely starving” you replied as you took your seat opposite the handsome Captain.

The pair of you chatted away as you ate the standard food that the base pumped out on the regular. Rex filled you in on his latest battles and 501st drama. He mentioned that it was only him from his battalion who had returned, and he was only back for a couple of days with the General to give a briefing to the Council before heading back out again. Which explained why Fives, Kix and Jesse hadn’t come storming into the repair bay to say hello to you.

You relayed what you and the guard had been up to, the pranks that Stone and Thorn had been playing on poor Fox, any fun stories about Palpatine that Fox had bitched about to you all.

Everything came so naturally with Rex; you spoke for what neither of your realised was hours. The candles burning slowly down until they were nearly running out of wax. You didn’t realise how much you’d missed his presence until right now.

Seeing an opportunity, you took his hand in yours on the table. Running your thumb over the hardened skin on his knuckles. “This has been probably the best evening I’ve had in a long time” you admitted, blushing.

“You and me both. But it’s not quite over yet” you cocked your head at the trooper in front of you as he hit something on his comm link and suddenly some slow jazz song started playing through the room’s speakers. Rex stood up and offered you a hand to join him. You nearly swooned at the entire thing. You’d never experienced romance like this. How did you get so lucky that he’d chosen you for all of this?

You took his outstretched hand as he led you to a slightly more open portion of the hall. You wrapped your arms around his neck, he was about to put his on your hips but paused and quickly asked for permission with a quiet “May I?” before he did so. It surely was not possible for a living being to be this adorable, handsome, perfect. Right?

The pair of you began to sway casually to the song that was playing. “So how did I do?” He asked with a small smirk on his lips.

“Honestly Captain, you couldn’t have done anything better. This is perfect” you smiled up at him. Your eyes met his fiery amber ones, filled with such warmth and content. You couldn’t wait any longer, you leaned up and placed your lips on his in a soft, first kiss. Both your movements were slow against one another, enjoying the languid pace set by the dancing and music, letting it guide your kiss.

You pulled away and met his eyes again. Yep you were falling for this man. Badly. But from the looks of it, he wasn’t too far behind you.

The pair of you danced the night away, the war forgotten for that one evening.

Back to Masterlist

[fangirlings-things]

Goodbye [1/2]

➤ PART. 2

Fandom: Criminal Minds

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x reader

Word count: 1.5K

Warnings: heavy angst, mentions of death

Summary: after being taken by an unsub, you are given a goodbye call and you use it to call the chief of your unit and lover, Aaron Hotchner

A/N: just a lot of angst with this man because I love him!!! let me know your thoughts and if you want me to write the second part this is supposed to have lots of love 💖

GIF IS NOT MINE || TAG LIST: @imaginesofyourfandom ; @locke-writes ; @regalbanshee

Hotch could not believe his own ears when the phone rang in the room in Oklahoma City the police had given the BAU team to use during the current investigation. Everyone had been expecting that call for 48 hours now. They knew that call would be made, because that was the signature. The signature of the killer they had been hunting.

Hotch exchanged a brief look with all the team as he walked forward towards the table were the phone was. All the others had something in their expressions that he knew probably resembled his own. Fear. He actually had to take a deep breath before pressing the button to pick up the call.

As the phone was programmed to sound on speaker, the whole team was able to hear a shallow breathing on the line. No one dared to say anything, too tense to do such a thing. But then they didn’t have to, because the person with the shallow breathing then spoke. “H-Hotch?”

It broken him. Right then and there. He did not want to believe it, he refused to. For 48 hours he had given all he had to try to solve that case in time, but hadn’t been able to. As the M.O said, the killer gave his victims one last call before finishing them. And that was happening. That was your last call and it did not surprise anyone, that you were looking for him. For you, it had always been him.

“Hotch?” your voice sounded again, weak, and that finally set him into action.

“(Y/N)?” your name seemed heavy on his tongue, like it had never before. He leaned down and pressed his hands into the surface of the table as id to hold himself up. “(Y/N), I’m here. Where are you?”

“You know I don’t know that. And if you’re asking me, I suppose you and the team don’t either” you tried to give out a little laugh, but it quickly turned into a cough. From their side of the line, Garcia pressed one of her hands to her mouth, tears already steaming down her face.

“(Y/N), anything. Anything at all that…” the leader of the unit said, the words leaving his mouth in a terrified rush.

“Aaron” the intensity of your tone and the fact that you used his first name made him go quiet on the very same instant. Around the room, no one else dared to speak. They knew you wanted Hotch, and him only. “Stop. It’s over, babe”

“No, it’s not. We can…” he began again, trying hard to keep his voice steady.

“Aaron” you spoke again, much more softly this time and it seemed as if Hotch had been slapped. He pressed his palms so hard against the table that his knuckles turned white. “This is my goodbye call. You know what this means”

“You have to remember something. Anything. Did you see…” your silence was unbearable and his voice died in his throat, tears blurring his vision and falling on the table. “I shouldn’t have sent you alone”

“You know I would have gone anyway. I lost, it’s part of the job. But you and the team will still be able to catch him” he realized you thought the others weren’t hearing your words and silently decided to leave it that way. He knew you never liked to be so exposed and fragile in front of everyone. And still, he could not ask them to leave the room. Honestly, he thought he wouldn’t be able to go through that alone. “You have to catch him, Aaron”

“I will. I promise you, I will” from the corner of his eye, he saw David pull a chair and sit down to then support his face on his hands, the sadness clear in his features. “(Y/N)…”

“I know” you said, and it made him go silent again. “I know” you repeated and the team was able to hear the change in your voice when you started to cry. “I’m really going to miss you, Aaron. God, I already do” in that moment Derek took his hands to his head and started to walk around the room, in agony. “I’m going to miss having to make you leave the office and go home. Spending the weekends with you and Jack. Falling asleep by your side on the jet” you sobbed loudly then, giving into emotion. Emily cleared her throat to stop herself from sobbing too. Hotch had to pull away from the table to take a deep breath and control his own now unregular breathing. “But above all, I’m sorry”

“What?” he asked, too confused and overwhelmed by the whole situation.

“I’m sorry for making you go through this again. I know how much your suffered because of Hailey. I never wanted you to have to…” you sobbed again. The hot tears streaming down his face seemed like a waterfall, never ending. Never stopping. “I’m so sorry”

“This is not your fault” he forced his voice to go out. He came back closer to the table and sat down on a chair merely because he felt like falling down at any moment. “You know this is not your fault”

“Still, I wanted you to know” you went silent for long moments and just when he was about to call out, your voice came back. “Can’t believe I’m not going to see everyone again. This team…” you laughed a bit and all of them could picture your smile. “I’m going to miss them all so much”

“(Y/N), anything…” Hotch grabbed into hope, wishing, craving something, anything, that would change the outcome of what was to happen.

“Tell David to don’t get married again” you interrupted, sniffing as you tried to stop crying. Talk about your co-workers made your tone sound sweeter and you felt a certain warmth in your chest. “Between the job and the idea of another divorce, he will loose it” you laughed and David laughed too silently, nodding in agreement. “Emily belongs in the BAU. She’s an amazing profiler, and an amazing friend” Prentiss closed her eyes at the compliments, feeling too deeply. “Don’t let J.J work too much. Make her go home by seven and please, if she’s overwhelmed, make her take a few days to herself” J.J by hearing you talk about her, turned around and stormed out of the room, unable to hear more. “Penelope, oh, I adore her. Thank her for all the advices, the playlists she made to cheer me up and listen on the jet. Thank her for everything” Garcia reprimanded a sob and left just like J.J had done. “Derek…” Morgan instantly stopped walking and fixed his blurry eyes on the phone, like he could see you somehow. “he is my best friend. My best friend in the entire world. Tell him I remember every laugh, moment, drink, every pizza night we had together. I wish we had more of those” Morgan really cried now, punching the closest wall with all the force he had. If you heard the sound, you did not mention it. “Spencer is the brother I never had” Reid, who sat on a chair close to Rossi, squeezed his lips on a thin line. “I love that he always have… had a new historical fact to tell me about. Seeing him trying to eat in hashis always made me laugh so hard. Tell him to visit his mother more. I know he misses her” another pause. Another sob. “I love them all. Tell them that I do. Hotch?”

“Yes?” he took the tears away from his face with the back of his right hand, feeling his chest aching. It was like he could literally feel his heart breaking.

“I love you. It took me a long time to say so, maybe too long. I wish we had more time” you sobbed again, harder, and that sound was horrifying, like it came straight out of a nightmare. “I found the ring, Aaron. On your drawer. I was only looking for a shirt and there it was… the ring” Hotch closed his eyes hardly, telling himself he wanted to wake up. He had to wake up and see that it was not real. It couldn’t be. “I would’ve said yes, Aaron. It would have definitely been a yes” and then the line went silent.

“(Y/N)?” Hotch called, but there was no answer. His breath hissed. “(Y/N), keep talking to me, babe” nothing still. “(Y/N), please, talk to me”

“Aaron” David got up from his chair and walked around the table to put a hand on his shoulder.

“Please…” he was the one who then started sobbing.

━━━━━━━━━━ × ━━━━━━━━━━

“Aaron, we need to talk” David entered the room of the station where Hotch had been alone in for hours now. As he got no response, he insisted. “Aaron?”

“Leave me alone” he said only, eyes still fixed on the phone from which he had heard your last words. Last words.

“Aaron” David said again, more seriously this time.

“What?” Hotch raised his voice, eyes dry and hurting. The tears seemed to have ended long before.

David fixed his eyes on his. “Garcia found something”