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ashes-in-a-jar · 4 years ago

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The Purrfect Alternative

Premise: Why would there be a cat in the archives? An archive cat fixit.

2.7K words

Rated G

(Tw: A bit of violence but it's against Jurgen Leitner)

This is a fic dedicated to the @jonsimsandcats event! Hope you enjoy it :)

"Sorry, you haven't seen a cat, have you?"

Jon gaped at the larger man who suddenly barged into the office.

"I-I'm sorry, a what?"

"Uh, a cat, tabby I think." The man hurriedly explained.

"No. No I haven't. Is it.. Supposed to be here?" Jon knew book shops sometimes kept cats. Perhaps archives did as well. Maybe Gertrude had a soft spot in her after all.

"N-no actually. I, uh, I was feeding it on the way in but when I got up with my things, well, my hands were full you see, so when I managed to open the door it sort of slipped in with me? I'm so sorry, I have to find it before-"

"Okay okay calm down, stop." Jon held up his hand and let out a sigh. First day of the promotion and he's already stressed. But it's fine. He's fine. He can handle a cat. He's good with cats.

"Where do you work? Upstairs? Are you sure it came down here?"

"Yes, I saw it. And I just started working down here today? I'm Martin. Blackwood." He offered a hand. Jon automatically took it. Big and soft. He let go a bit too quickly and coughed.

"Work here? Are you certain?"

"Yes, I'm supposed to let Jonathan Sims know about becoming an archival assistant. He's the head archivist Elias told me to talk to."

"Well that's one thing to cross off your list." Jon smirked. "I'm Jonathan Sims. Jon, if you please. And Elias did not mention you. Tim and Sasha were supposed to be the only new recruits." Jon frowned to himself. He'll have to have a word with Elias about this. It's fine now that it happened but keeping Jon updated could really help in preventing these kinds of awkward introductions with people he's supposed to work closely with.

"O-oh! Well, here I am now too." Martin chuckled nervously, fidgeting with the hem of his jumper.

Jon hummed "So you are I suppose. Well, let's not waste time on trivial matters, there is a cat that needs to be found." Jon got up from his chair.

"O-oh god, you're right. I'm so sorry for this." The other man apologized, remembering why he was there in the first place. It was clear that he now realized that the fact that the person he's asking to help him clear up his mess is his new boss could be very problematic for him. Jon easily sympathized with that kind of familiar pressure.

"It's alright, let's just, get this sorted." Jon was not willing to admit that a part of him was also just looking forward to seeing the cat. It would help distract him from his own stress, as it were.

Ten minutes later the two of them sitting on the floor in the stacks with a chubby tabby cat sprawled on Jon's lap. Jon was petting it affectionately while amicably getting acquainted with his new assistant. The man turned out to be a library veteran with useful cataloging skills that could help with the mess that was left down here. Having calmed down considerably, Martin had stopped fidgeting and was cooing at the cat who was head butting his large palm. Their presence soothed Jon in a way that surprised him. In the tranquil, quiet atmosphere of the stacks, sounds of cat purrs and Martin's low murmurs, he felt almost optimistic that despite his lack of experience and the large task ahead of them, he would be alright.

-------

Paper meowed loudly behind him as Martin hurried down the tunnel with Jon and Tim at his tail. Martin glanced back as he reached an intersection and noticed they were too far behind, Jon limping on his injured foot. He hesitated, stopping and waiting for them to catch up. Paper came up and rubbed his leg before trotting down the tunnel on the right, tail held high and confident. Martin inhaled deeply to catch his breath, starting to walk again, this time more slowly. They managed to leave most of the fast worms behind and the ones down here were few and sparse enough to easily stomp down individually. Paper was making a game out of it. He kept leaping onto some that crawled ahead of them, squishing them loudly with his paw.

Jon and Tim caught up and the three followed Paper down the dark passage.

"Yeah, get the damn crawlers." Slurred Tim. The CO2 he inhaled was not helping his coherency.

"You know," gasped Jon, "I actually think they're larvae, given Jane's statement and-"

"Jon, I'm going to have to ask you to stop now." Martin said, as calmly as he could, his voice a tad too high and loud.

"... Sorry." Jon said sheepishly.

They followed Paper down the forking paths, hoping the cat knew where in the seven circles of hell they were.

Eventually they stopped seeing any worms as the path sloped up, ending in a sudden door. There was daylight filtering in from beneath it. Paper was eagerly pawing at it.

"Uh, I think we found a secret way out of the institute." Martin could hardly believe their luck.

"Excellent, now I can ditch work and no one will know I even left." Tim mumbled.

"Tim, if you wanted to succeed in that endeavor, you should have not said that next to your boss." Jon commented dryly.

The worm threat no longer being imminent, Martin allowed himself a nervous chuckle.

They pushed at the door and with a bit of group effort, eventually managed to pry it open into fresh air. They came out into a narrow alleyway which turned out to be not far from the institute. As they walked (limped) down the street to find access to a working phone they heard someone cry out.

"Jon? Tim? Martin!" They spotted Sasha hurrying towards them, carrying heavy bags of cat food.

"Sasha! You're okay!" Martin exclaimed. "We were worried you'd get back and be caught in it like Tim had."

"Where have you been?" Jon inquired, straining to stand upright on his own. Martin came closer, gently supporting him by the hip on the opposite side of Tim.

"We ran out of food for Paper, I figured I'd pop by the store for a moment to get some." Sasha said. "I came back when the building was being evacuated."

"Oh good, at least the alarm worked." Tim said tiredly.

"What in god's name happened to you three?" She inquired worriedly.

"Prentiss, we'll fill you in later. We need to make sure the ECDC is informed regarding the CO2 in the fire suppression system that needs to be activated."

"And get you to a hospital." Martin chastised, squeezing Jon's side.

"Yes yes." Jon waved dismissively but all the while leaning further into Martin's side. He really wasn't discreet, Martin thought smugly.

Sasha was about to say something else when a loud meow interrupted her. Paper was nosing into the bag, fully aware of its contents and who they were meant for.

Jon dislodged from Martin and Tim and hobbled towards the cat.

The cat turned and moved back into Jon's welcoming arms, as the archivist picked him up and stroked him fondly.

"We are lucky on all accounts that Paper is such a smart cat." He murmured into the soft fur, injury forgotten for the moment.

Tim chuckled, "cats always ruin evil people's plans, it's a well known fact. Anyway, Sasha, please call an ambulance for us?" He said, and promptly sat on the floor.

Martin sighed with relief. For now, they are all safe and together. And that's all that matters.

-------

It was all almost too much to take in. Luckily Paper was held tight in his arms as he listened to Jurgen Leitner ramble on about powers and fears and monsters and Jonah Magnus. He had been chased by a distorted form of his boss, who was apparently replaced by a monster Jon and the crew tried and failed to destroy, thus separating in the ensuing pursuit. In light of these events Jon now needed something soft to ground him in the face of so much new information.

The discovery of Elias' death was a shock, especially given the fact that apparently it happened when he was trapped in artifact storage during the Prentiss siege a half a year back.

He (that is, his doppelganger) told them back then that he was trying to reach the suppression system switch when he tripped down the stairs over one of Paper's many scattered toys, alerting Jane in the process and was driven back into the storage area. His account seemed to check out given he was rescued from there by the ECDC after Jane was dealt with. And given the few toys strewn about the stairs leading to artifact storage. Why Paper kept scattering his toys all over the building was beyond Jon but that wasn't the main issue at hand. After trapping the creature in the walls of the tunnels, Jurgen Leitner proceeded to reveal himself. Once Jon dragged him back to his office, and picked the protesting Paper up to calm himself down, he unveiled the truth of Elias', or Jonah's, whole operation.

Turns out Jonah Magnus decided life was too short to enjoy once and did exactly what eventually happened to him. Talk about karma. Leitner explained that Gertrude's plan was to stop Jonah from... Something he was planning. Perhaps a ritual to end the world in a way the others would fail to do. That bit of information was on a tape of Gertrude which Leitner played for Jon. By the time they reached the part where Leitner said, “they needed to kill Jonah's main body then burn down the archives.” Martin, Tim and Sasha had arrived back at the office as well.

"Jon? Jon! Are you okay?" Martin rushed forward, hugging Jon tightly, ignoring Paper's loud yowling at being squished in between them. Jon sighed, "Martin, thank god. I-I'm fine." He hugged him back, relieved his boyfriend was safe, as well as his other assistants of course. "It chased after me but he stopped it."

Tim raised his axe, "Jon are you sure he's not... Another one?"

"Yes I'm sure. That" Jon took a deep breath, "is Jurgen Leitner."

After the team's loud exclamations of disbelief he and Leitner updated them on everything they had discussed. As he was being hugged by Martin and holding the fluffy cat he slowly began calming down.

After Leitner was done a long moment of silence ensued.

"So," Sasha said slowly, "Gertrude's dead?"

"Yes, she was shot and then hidden by Jonah in the tunnels. Unfortunately I couldn't get out to allow for a proper burial, so I had to leave her there." He seemed sad admitting it. Jon did not feel sympathy for him. This man deserved none for his past and cowardice.

"And now, we need to, what, somehow find the center of the maze of tunnels to kill Jonah completely and burn the archives?" Sasha asked skeptically.

"Yes, the whole institute in fact. I have a gas main in the tunnels ready to be ignited once we find the center." Leitner said.

"How do we do that?" Martin frowned.

"Maybe Michael knows?" Tim quipped. "He just helped us out of that situation with his own… corridor labyrinth. Maybe he'll be able to help."

"Okay, okay let's first take a breather and calm down. We'll figure out how to solve this." Jon said, raising his hand to slow them down.

"Yeah, I'll make us some tea." Martin added, "At least now that... Thing won't bother us for a long while."

"Let it burn along with this hell of an institute." Tim said harshly. Knowing how his brother was killed almost the same way, Jon felt strong sympathy for Tim rush over him.

Which was replaced with a different emotion the moment he turned to the man who saved him.

"Thank you for your help, now Martin, I need you to hold Paper for a moment."

Martin, looking baffled, took Paper out of Jon's arms. "Jon wh-"

Jon swiftly approached the older man and proceeded to sock him in the nose with the full force of his fist. The crew gasped in unison.

"That's for everyone you hurt with your idiocy, you stupid old coward." Jon seethed and punched him again. He heard Martin chuckle and Tim whoop as the man whimpered and attempted to protect his face.

Jon was glad they were spared the horrible plans of a 200 year old evil man and that they had some semblance of a strategy moving forward. He was, however, equally elated for this opportunity to do what he fantasized about since learning of Leitner's existence.

And, he supposes, all of this can be indirectly attributed to Paper, the archive cat.

-------

Jon woke up to the warm snuggle of his lovely fiance and a mouthful of cat fur.

"Pffff, Paper geerroff," he mumbled, uselessly trying to push the stubborn cat away. The chirping of birds mingled with the sound of highland cows grazing in the field near their cabin.

After the success of their plan to end Jonah, after the fire had already burned down the horrors of that evil place, it took a while longer for their troubles to be resolved. They had to endure endless questioning and investigations of the police. Jon, who was weakened by the ordeal to the point of needing hospitalization, took a long time to recover and regain his strength. Leitner claimed it was lucky he was cut off from the Eye this early, or the consequences would have been much more serious. The others seemed to have been less affected, but once the archives were completely reduced to ashes they recovered, their jobs burned down along with everything else.

Sasha found a new job as a researcher in a prestigious institute, nothing supernatural involved. Tim moved on to journalism, utilizing his curiosity and charm to their full potential. Jon and Martin opened a tea & book shop, if only to make Paper a real bookshop cat. They have been slowly setting it up and settling down until... Well, Jon proposed and they took a break. Traveled to Scotland with Paper on an early honeymoon to see the cows and enjoy the quiet.

And quiet it was. Until Paper shamelessly began purring as loud as a train right in Jon's ear. Jon huffed in fond annoyance and got up, leaning down to give Martin a kiss on the head and then shooing the crime of a cat off to the kitchen.

"You can't give me a moment of reprieve, can you?" He stretched and followed the cat out the bedroom.

He filled Paper's bowl and sat on the floor leaning his back on the cabinet, closing his eyes as Paper chewed his food noisily.

He must have fallen asleep because the next thing he knew, he was awakened by a soft tap on his head. He looked up blearily and smiled. The cat had long since finished eating and found a home in Jon's lap.

"Morning love." Martin murmured softly, matching his tone to the serene atmosphere. After hesitating a moment, he bent down and sat next to Jon. Jon looked at him adoringly as he absent-mindedly stroked Paper, humming along to his purrs. Martin joined him, petting Paper, their hands occasionally (and very purposefully) brushing against each other.

After a few minutes of calm silence, Martin spoke up.

"You know, this reminds me of that first day we met. In the stacks."

Jon smiled at the memory. "Ahh yes, all three of us had a very fateful meeting there, didn't we? God, I was so stressed back then."

"You handled it pretty well I have to say. Handled my nervousness pretty well too." Martin chuckled.

"I was lucky you were there. You really helped me calm down." Jon admitted. "Well, you and Paper." Jon added fondly.

"Paper was a really good archive cat wasn't he?" Martin said, leaning into Jon, pressing a warm, still sleepy kiss on his cheek. Jon closed his eyes, grateful for the events that led up to this moment of pure happiness, with his fiance and his cat.

"Yes, the best cat in the world."

#Had fun speculating with this one #Hope you enjoy!#tma #the magnus archives #Tma fic #jonathan sims #martin blackwood #s1 archives crew #Jonah magnus #elias bouchard #jurgen leitner #Jonmartin #Fabric Rustles #My tma fic #jonsimsandcats2021 #Jon&cats

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rogue-durin-16 · 4 years ago

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AN UNUSUAL YEAR (Part I/V)

Summary: After having little to no interest on girls for five years, Fred suddenly feels the need to nag the shit out of a certain witch, completely oblivious to the reason behind it.

Pairing: Fred Weasley x Slytherin!Reader

Genre: fluff (+ enemies to lovers)

Tags:

Permanent taglist: @elia-the-bibliophile @randomparanoid @karlthecat15722 @thebutchersdaughtersblog

Warnings: none

A/N: I'm currently going through a Harry Potter fever ('tis the damn season), so I thought I'll write something. I might write more of this story, (maybe turn it into a multipart) we'll see. If you'd like to be tagged in this, let me know.

Part II

Part III

Part IV

Part V

Rogue-durin-16 masterlist

I had always supposed that reaching the sixth year at Hogwarts meant subjects would get way more demanding and complex, and I to be proven right, only two weeks in were needed.

Added to the usual difficulties, we would be hosting The Triwizard Tournament. Having the castle be almost twice as crowded as the other years, when all you crave is a quiet spot to study, wasn't ideal.

As I said, the first two weeks were already hard enough.

During the third week though, believe it or not, things got even worse —and our guests hadn't even arrived yet.

The Slytherin common room was quieter than the library these days, that's the sole reason why, at 3:35 pm, my best friend and I were already making our way there.

To our luck, we arrived just in time to see the two redheaded troublemakers par excellence high-fiving each other besides my common room's entrance.

"What on Merlin's beard are you two doing here?!" Both of them jumped at the sight of two Slytherins.

"The question is what are YOU doing here?" One of them questioned back, probably attempting to distract us. "You two should be in the library."

"What did you do?" I squinted my eyes at them and, while one raised his hands in surrender, the other just shrugged.

"Nothing." He motioned at our door nonchalantly. "If you don't believe me, check it yourself."

My friend and I shared a reluctant look, and before I could say anything, she was heading to the door.

"Mathilda wait—" I gasped when she sunk into what appeared to be the stone floor.

"Okay now, I wasn't expecting her to actually do it." When I attempted to step forward, a hand on my forearm prevented me from it.

"Don't step further." He warned. "Just in case."

"I'm not stupid." I hissed before grabbing my wand, which made the tall redhead back off. "Revelio." Slowly, a swamp was revealed to be where the entrance hall to the Slytherin common room was supposed to.

Now that it was visible, both twins hurried to get my friend out of their giant prank.

"Get rid of this." I ordered as they pulled her up, her bottom half covered in mud.

"Pffft... no?" One of them scoffed, walking away from Mathilda and stepping closer to me. "It's a masterpiece. It stays."

"If it stays, I will throw you into your masterpiece." I threatened, putting my wand back in my pocket.

"Oh, I'd love to see you try."

I glared at him, partially because I hated that cocky attitude these two —specially him— always exhibited, but also because I had to look up in order to make eye contact.

"Listen Weasley,"

"It's Fred." Oh what would I give to wipe that stupid grin off his face.

"I don't care." Refusing to step back as he clearly wanted to achieve by towering me, I stepped forward, lightly pushing him back with one hand. "You will remove this from here or I will walk right now to the Potions Classroom and split on you."

The twins seemed to have a silent conversation with their eyes only. After a moment of silence, the one with my friend spoke. "We'll get rid of it right now and you won't say anything." I nodded, my eyes still fixed on Fred's. "Just so we're clear, this was not set up for you."

"The next one will be, though." Fred assured me with an almost wicked smile. "I'll make sure you can't use the revelio on it."

"Is that a promise, Weasley?" I asked in an unconsciously defying tone.

"You can be sure of it, Y/l/n."

"It's Y/n." I retorted, mocking him.

"I don't care." I rolled my eyes when he did the same, finally breaking eye contact with him.

"C'mon Thilda," I held out my hand to her "let's see if someone can sneak us into the Ravenclaw common room."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You think Fred meant it?" Mathilda inquired, the worry slipping through her words as she played with her breakfast.

"I doubt so." Angelina, who was sitting in front of us, replied without even looking up from her quidditch history book. "They seem more trouble than they are, really." I scoffed; it was easier for her to say that; she was a Griffindor after all. "Deep down they're nice sort, Y/n. They won't pick up on you for ruining a prank."

"I don't trust them."

"I'm not saying you have to—" Angelina jumped slightly when a wad of paper hit my face.

"You were saying?" I grunted, making eye contact with the red haired boy waving at me from the Griffindor table.

When I opened the wad, it read:

'miss me? —Fred ;)'.

"Look at his smug face." I hissed. "I'm gonna-"

"Ignore him. You're gonna ignore him." Angelina finished, fairly unconcerned. "I assure you he'll get bored in less then two days if he can't get a reaction out of you."

For the sake of having breakfast in peace, I only dedicated him a fake smile and did as my friend said. It seemed to work, until it was time to leave for class.

"We should get moving." Mathilda spoke, putting her plate aside and picking up her things as I did the same.

"I have a free period now." Angelina informed us. "Or as free as it can be. You?"

"Divination. Y/n?"

"Charms— Fuck." I whined as something dawned on me. "Those gits are in my class." I spared them a glare. "If they ruin my favorite subject I'm gonna—" a sudden splash of water on my face left my shirt soaked for at least the next hour. "You got the nerve—!" I yelled at the guy who was already making eye contact with me.

"I do, indeed!" He cut me off, winking at me from across the table, his chin resting on the palm of his hand with a teasing grin dancing on his lips as he asked, "what are you gonna do now, Y/l/n?" His twin brother, though I could only see his back, was clearly not enjoying this behavior.

Mathilda checked my gaze, dreading the worst. "Y/n, don't. You're gonna make Slytherin lose points." She knew the warning wouldn't do much, but at least she had tried.

Angelina, instead of backing our friend and try to calm me down, got up and walked to the table where the Weasleys sat.

FRED'S P.O.V.

"I hope you know you're dead." Angie stood in front of me, before using her book to tap my brother's arm. "George, move."

"What?"

The three of us spared a look at Y/n, who had, ignoring McGonagall yells, stepped over her table to get to us.

"Move. Now."

"Ssshit." My brother moved just in time for Y/n to repeat the same forward move on our table.

It's not as if I didn't have the time to move and run away, she hadn't rushed; on the contrary, she walked calmed and composed, and still I did not move an inch.

I guess a part of me wanted to know what she'd do to me.

"Look at you." I began to wind her up again when she climbed off the table on my side, sitting down on its surface with her shoes over the bench. "Doing the impossible to be near me, how romant—"

My sentence died off abruptly as a handful of scrambled eggs was mashed against my face.

I heard a burst of laughs around me. "Blimey! I'm sorry, Fred," she feigned worry, smearing what I assumed were the remaining rests of my breakfast all over my chest. "I hope you're not late to Charms because of this." She whispered near my ear, making a shiver go down my spine when her breath hit my neck. "See you there, yeah?"

Her hand squeezed my shoulder and her fingers ran over my shoulder blades as she walked away.

I felt a napkin placed in my hand and I was quick to remove as much scrambled eggs as possible from my face, just in time to see Y/n exiting the Great Hall with McGonagall jogging after her.

"You know?" Lee asked, drawing my attention. "Picking up on the girl you fancy is kind of a toddler strategy."

"Yeah, Fred," my brother agreed. "you're not an eighth year-old anymore."

"And you chose the wrong girl to nag" Angie added," if you keep it up, she will surely kill you." She held back a teasing smile. "And you should be careful" she nudged George. "I don't think she can tell you both apart, you can end up as collateral damage."

"But you wouldn't let that happen, would you?" I rolled my eyes when George scooted closer to our quidditch chaser.

"Depends on how annoying you are." She faked indifference as my brother searched for her eyes.

"I don't fancy her." I not-so-randomly stated. "But I can't stop pranking her now that she ruined my breakfast."

"You can and you will, Weasley." I jolted at McGonagall's voice behind me. "Twenty points from Gryffindor." At least I'm not grounded, I thought. "And you're grounded for the rest of the week."

"But Y/n— Ouch!" my brother kicked me under the table so I would shut it.

"Y/l/n has received her fair share of punishment, too, Weasley." The professor gave me a poorly masked, disgusted look. "Go and..." She waved her hand "Clean yourself up, Y/l/n will inform professor Flitwick about this incident. And Weasley," She stared at my brother. "Aren't you supposed to be heading to Charms too?"

"Yes ma'am." He replied, throwing everything into his bag, getting up and rushing out of there, not before grabbing his robe.

"The day's promising." I groaned, handing my things over to Angelina so I could go to the bathroom.

"You made the day promising by messing with a Slytherin, you twit." She pointed out, putting my things over hers. "Now go clean those eggs from your shirt."

"Aye, mother!" I headed off before Angie could add anything else to the conversation, loosening my tie as I moved forward.

As I cleaned off everything I could in the nearest bathroom, a random thought slipped into my mind.

Had Y/n been punished too? And if so, would we fullfil the punishment together? It seemed logical that if one of us got grounded, the other one would get grounded too; consequently, it would only make sense for us to—

Shut it. I mumbled to my own mind.

I didn't care. I did not care if she was punished or not. It was none of my business.

I don't fancy her, I thought to myself once again.

#fred weasley x reader #fred weasley x y/n #fred weasley x slytherin!reader #fred weasley #fred weasley imagine #fred weasley fanfiction #fred x y/n #fred weasley au #fred weasley fluff #harry potter fanfiction #harry potter imagine #harry potter #harry potter and the triwizard tournament #triwizard au #triwizard tournament #fred and george #fred weasley icons #fred x slytherin reader

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xavadak3davrax · 4 years ago

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Crisis of lust /George Weasley

Lawyer!George

Summary: Fred and George are the most powerful lawyers England has seen in years and y/n is fresh out of college and looking for a place to do her internship. What happens when George decides to hire her? A lot of things.

Warnings: Smut (18+), daddy kink, dom/sub (Dom George) and if you squint very much dom y/n for mere seconds. Spanking, female receiving oral, male receiving oral, unprotected sex (because somehow I find that hot lol). There’s angst and fluff and mentions of things such as anxiety and more sad moments but nothing extreme!

a/n: this is lawyer George, it’s 11.7 k words. I got carried away and ended up making this in only one part aha. As always English in not my first language, any mistakes or wrongly worded phrases, please excuse me. Titles are not my thing so yeah this is just horrendous. As a lot of people around tumblr say: don’t be shy, reblog! Thank you so much to everyone who even takes time to read my stuff. Love you all!

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Weasley’s Law Firm was the most famous law firm in whole England. They were known for hiring the best of the best. They also got the worse of the cases there is. Fred and George worked extremely hard on those cases and that’s what got them where they are today. Every murder case there was they were the first, people came to.

They had all the knowledge, all the experience, all the fame. Although they started small, they very quickly became who they are today because they are that good. Now both of them only take on the biggest cases and usually they came from very famous people, otherwise they keep themselves busy by taking their firm a step further.

While Fred was busy working on a case from a famous singer who was now being accused of murdering his wife and a whole lot of love affairs in between, George was working on another very important thing.

Interns. Every year their firm hired at least two interns. Becoming an intern for them was extremely difficult, and the skills required were almost never met (reason why they either ended up with one intern, or none at all). The type of work they needed from them was not fetching coffee or take some copies of some documents. They required their help all the time and their knowledge. Last year they had taken two, top of the class and they showed to be so good they recommended them to another very good law firm that took them in that moment. How could they not? Coming from the Weasley Firm they were the best of the best.

This year however things were proven to be a lot more difficult. It looked like anyone wanted to join them, people with so little qualification that George wondered how they even met the requirements to apply to their firm. Universities usually advised certain students, who they knew not to be good, or had the necessary demands, to just not attempt their chance at it.

George’s headache was even stronger now, and it only had been two hours since he started.

“Mate need your help.” Fred’s voice took him out of his trance and made him look at his brother. George nodded and Fred put the documents on his secretary. Pointed with his head towards them and George picked them up and had a look.

“Oh shit.” George said, laughing a little loudly. “She was involved with his assistant. That does make him suspicious. Finds out his wife his sleeping with his assistant, feels betrayed, takes his chance when she’s in the pool, makes it look like an accident.” George looked at his brother who nodded.

“I mean yeah, but to confirm that theory we need acces to the cameras he has displayed around his house. He’s been refusing that since the beginning, told him how that makes him a suspicious and that he should just give us those, since we’re trying to help him not get convicted. Any advice?”

“Ginny is very good with persuasion, maybe we should give her a call? She’s always our best chance.” George suggested, and when Fred widen his eyes, he knew he had had a brilliant idea.

“Yeah thanks mate. I will. By the way still looking for interns?” Fred nodded to the papers in front of him. He had to look through every curriculum.

“Yes, this year is proving to be hard. Everyone thinks they can get in, almost everyone had a bad average grade.” He brough his hands to his red bright hair and pulled at his hard, letting a groan leave his mouth. “Can’t take this shit anymore.”

Fred came around the secretary and leaned down next to him to get a better look at the people he was looking at. All of sudden his hand came to the table and pointed at girl. “Look, she finished top of her class, with 20.” George opened his eyes and looked at where he was pointing.

“How did I miss her?” it came out in a whisper, only because George was a little loss at her beauty. Sure he had seen a lot of beautiful girl applying to his firm, and he had a lot of them working for them, but he never saw anyone like her.

He tried to pull if thought out that. She was no minor, after all she had finished college and was looking for a place to do her internship at, but that didn’t mean it would not be wrong.

“I don’t know, but you did. And let’s look at the rest…” Fred said in a wondering voice his finger coming over the list of names. “You also have, his name is Elias, he’s in the same situation as y/n.” He looked at his brother, then got up from the crouched position he was in. “You were making a big fuss. I mean I clearly understand your point, besides these two no one else is even close. But I found you the interns. I have to do your job and mine.” He joked in the end earning from George a punch in his arm. That made Fred groan.

“Go on about your day asshole, I will take care of the rest. But thanks for the help.” George screamed the last part a little because Fred was already exiting the door and closing her.

So George arranged his secretary so the only things in front of him was y/n’s and Elias resumes and applications so he could read them and actually decide if they were to be hired or not. And if yes proceed to send an email to them to tell them the news.

Some people might think they would prefer to give this job to their secretaries and let them do this. But one year they did that, and ended up with some of the worse people they could find, just didn’t know how to do the simplest of jobs. It might sound mean, but they had a reputation to maintain.

So every year they alternated had to who had this job. This year it had been him. And after an hour of so of reading everything, he did decide to hire them. So he proceed to write their acceptance email.

⚘

y/n was sitting in her sofa, a tub of her favorite ice cream in her hand. She was in her last week of collage (ever) and she was patiently waiting to receive any type of email from the firm she had applied to do her internship.

She would be lying also if she said she hadn’t receive some emails already accepting her. The problem? Well they were all last options, those were she said to herself ‘if I don’t get in it I will need something to cushion the fall’ her mother had told her that expression and it stuck with her to this day.

y/n really, really wanted to work for The Weasleys. They were the best of the best, everyone was racing to get a place in their firm. She wanted to be confident, with her grades how could she not? But she also knew a lot of people were had good has her, she for sure would be competing with the best of the best.

She was close to answering one of the emails of the firms she already got an email from.

She sighed. Looked at the pot of ice cream and then got up to go get her computer. When she had it she came back to the sofa and slumped on the couch and groaned quietly. That stupid horrid anxious feeling coming down on her. Every time for the last few days when she was to open her pc that’s how she felt. That desire to see an email from that firm.

When she opened it for a few seconds she didn’t get any notifications.

“Fucking stupid computer.” She muttered, sometimes her pc didn’t connect to the Wi-Fi and she hated that. Because then she would get millions of notifications that she didn’t get because she wasn’t connected. But it connected a few seconds later and she was flooded with messages.

In between all of those if she wasn’t paying any attention she would’ve missed it, probably deleted it too. The email she was so dreading. She didn’t know how they worked. Did they sent an email if you didn’t get in? or did they just sent if you got in? some firms would do both. Not that y/n had gotten any, every single one was accepting her and very eager to work with her.

With trembling fingers, and her breath caught in her throat she open the email, but closed her eyes quickly before she could read what it said.

“breath, everything is going to be ok. Even if you don’t get in, you have a lot of other option.” She pepped talked herself, and then after what felt like an eternity to compose herself, opened her eyes and started reading.

Her mouth moved but no sound came out as she read through every word. The words “congratulations” “we’ve accepted you” “we wait for your response for further meetings” making her mind go dizzy. And then a scream left her lips.

“I got in, Oh my god I got in.” She almost threw her computed on the ground from how happy she was. Every night she didn’t sleep, every night out she had denied her friends, every hour in the library and every cent her parents had spent on her was worth it.

Her parents weren’t rich or even close to it, but they had promised her and her siblings that they would pay for their education until they could. When she had entered the best university and the most expensive she told her parents she would find work and pay for everything. They told her no. Her mom and dad found each a second job and payed for it, even finding a small flat in the middle of nowhere but still close to where she attended, for her to stay in. And now, everything they ever did for her was paying of.

After calming herself down she started to formulate a response to the email. And then proceeded to call her parents, steric and with a smile they were sure they could hear and see from the other side of the phone.

⚘

She started today. Although very happy and grateful for the opportunity she couldn’t help but let the nerves consume her. Some money she had money a little while a go from some old clothes she sold, she decided to spent it on a new suit. She didn’t very much like dresses, and skirts. In all the important meetings and presentations she had throughout her years in collage, she always wore suits.

But for her first day on the firm, and to give a good impression she couldn’t just wear one of the old ones. So she bought this black suit. The pants were all black and a little tight and came to rest on her ankles. The jacket of the suit had a little cleavage and was supposed to not be worn with anything underneath. She had only her bra in, one you wouldn’t be able to see. The jacket closed beautifully around her, and made some of the nerves subside. Her confidence radiating all over her. ´

She looked at herself one last time in her mirror and then picked up her purse and rested it on her shoulder.

“You can do this.” y/n murmured as she closed the door of her apartment and made her way to catch the bus. A bus were if her plans were correct, she would arrive 30 minutes earlier, but she didn’t care. She wouldn’t have to get in until the hour they had arranged, but at least she knew she would be there at said hour and not be late on her first day.

Can you imagine, being late on your first fucking day and give her (hopefully) new bosses that impression? They would deny her right then and there and she would not have the chance to show her potential.

As planned she arrived early. Their firm was one of the biggest and modern building in the city so it wasn’t hard to miss. She decided to get herself a little comfort drink while she made the time pass. When only five minutes were left for her interview she entered the firm. Everything was spacious, and very open and they got all the light in here that was possible. She felt small in such a big space. Although taking and studying law, she always had social anxiety. The friends she had were the most amazing people and took her right under their wing and always made her feel safe. She wishes they were here to help her.

“Hi, my name is y/n y/l/n, I’m here for an interview, I-“ her words came a little shaky. She took a deep breath and smiled at the lady behind the big counter, her face had a smile that made y/n a little less nervous.

“You’re here because you are the intern right?” she completed her sentence and then wrote something on her computer. “The other intern is also here. You both will be interviewed at the same time, Mr and Mr Weasley will both be in there to talk you through everything.” She gave her something of a smile. “You can take the lift, they’re in the last floor. Iris, their personal secretary will instruct you when to come in.”

“Thank you so much.” y/n said, bid her good day and then went on her way. When she got to the second floor she was met with a beautiful modern entrance that had some very good looking and comfortable chairs in. In the middle a glass table with some law magazines. ‘of course,’ she thought to herself ‘what else would they have here’ she laughed a little.

She she looked better she found a tall, blonde guy sitting in one of the chairs. The white button down he wore had hugging his muscles very well, y/n might’ve felt drool pulling in her mouth. It only intensified when she looked at his pants and the way they hugged his legs. His black necktie made everything look together. He didn’t wore a jacket that’s why. The jacket was hanging in the arm chair.

“You must be y/n.” he said, getting up from his position to come and greet her. His hand stretched out, the veins in his hands very prominent. She had to put herself together, she was here to work.

“Yes, and you are?” she was a little lost, the lady downstairs hadn’t told her his name, but told him hers.

“Elias, it’s a pleasure.”

“pleasure is all mine.” She smiled.

“The lady at the front told me to wait here, she will call us when they’re ready for us. Do you for any reason know how they look?” He asked quietly trying not to bring attention from the people working in this floor. From what y/n understood, their offices were here, and their secretary was also here but some other people worked here to. Potential important lawyers?

“Ahm… no, not really. Tried to look them up but no photos. Very private aren’t they? Wonder how they do it, being so well known among everyone. Specially famous people.” y/n said when she brought her thoughts to focus on Elias again. She sitting next to him and they chatted for a little, until they were called.

“They will see you now. You can go down the hall, and it’s the last door to your right. It’s the meeting room.” Iris spoke eloquently, and that made y/n and Elias share a worried look before they got on their merry way.

“That made a little nervous, I mean, didn’t expect much less from someone who works with such big people, but… you know what I mean?” Elias spoke, worry in his voice. Not being able to form many words do to her being nervous, y/n just nodded.

“Do the honors.” y/n managed to let out, a small and brief smile on her face. Elias opened the door after knocking and hearing a ‘come in’ from inside.

The table wasn’t full of people but fore sure y/n would have a hard time, until they introduced themselves, knowing who Fred and George were. They had invited other lawyers, she assumed, from their position and all, she had to be. She was now regretting accepting this.

“Please com in and have a seat.” One man with spiky, red hair pointed to the chairs that had y/n’s and Elias name. They proceeded to do just that.

“I’m George, this is my brother Fred, and these are some of our best lawyers. Please don’t be frightened we just like to make sure the interns we are giving a chance have actual potential and are not just ‘grades’, that’s why they are here.”

y/n had to swallow very hard and hope to not be heard. If she was gonna have to work here and look at that all day was she gonna be able to do it? God helped her. If she thought Elias was attractive mere ten minutes ago… what did she thought of these two men, who were clearly twins but somehow had differences that made her more attractive to the one who was speaking.

“We are going to make a series of questions, from all of us and see how you answer and handle very specific situations. “ It was Fred speaking, he held what she expected to be a smile on his face, while his brother had a way more serious demeanor.

They nodded, not knowing if they should speak or not. George held his eye on the girl slightly longer than he did on Elias. She was more beautiful here than in the picture she had presented in her portfolio. How could he handle that? And if they kept her she was to work on their floor all the time? He needed to control himself, now.

The questions started and they alternated between y/n and the boy next to her, making sure the majority of the questions were different for both of them, to actually see their potential and not some copy of the others answer.

When it ended y/n felt like her heart could be heard by everyone around her and that it would come out of her chest. She didn’t have a very good perspective on things, in a way, if they were good or bad. So she didn’t know if she had done a good job, the faces everyone had at the table didn’t help a little.

Elias gave her a look, a reassuring one. And under the table, like they’ve knew each other for years he squeezed her hand gently.

“I think you both did an amazing job, I think everyone agrees?” Fred gave a questioning look around, starting at his brother and then to their co-workers. Everyone was nodding. “So I think this is all, you are hired as our interns.”

She could scream again, like she did when she had gotten the email saying she was accepted. But she controlled herself. Gave Elias hand a squeeze back and when everyone got up they both followed them.

“I think my brother will now sort with you both every last detail. I won’t be present mainly because I have an import case to work on, but we trusted each other with our lives. So you won’t miss me.” Fred tried to loosen the mood with a small inexistent joke.

Everyone started to leave and only left George, y/n and Elias there.

“If you would follow me please, my office will be a bit more comfortable than these chairs.” He passed through them and like lost puppies they followed to his office.

They spent hours talking about everything. George wanted them to be on the same page, and following everything precisely. y/n tried her best to memorize every word he said, but it started to get harder when after a while George felt bored of his position and dragged his chair away from his desk and then crossed his right leg over his left knee, leaving him in a powerful and extremely hot position that made y/n have to cross her legs and try to be as discreet as possible while trying to alleviate some of the pressure she had.

Why was she acting like a stupid teenager? For heavens sake, this was her work place, that was her boss, and she should not even thinking about him as other than that. But when his hands came to rest on his crotch her attention switched to the very prominent bulge he presented. Her eyes were not there for even a minute, but she still felt guilty when she looked up to see him looking at her. She looked away fast. He continued with what he was saying.

y/n hoped Elias was oblivious to the situation.

After while George got himself of that position and looked at both of them.

“This is everything, if for any reason something comes up you can always ask Iris, or any other thing, email me or my brother or ask Iris to speak with us. Right?”

He popped his tong and proceeded to get up when everything was settled.

⚘

Their first official day started the next day. And then after that is was smooth sail for a while. y/n helped Fred a lot in his cases and he loved how she was just so vibrant to have around. Took him a while to get her out of her shell, to show her she could treat him as a friend rather then her boss. He felt like he somehow could trust her a lot and when they were very concentrated on a job and they were both tired he would tell her bits and pieces of his life. Usually about his girlfriend Angelina and how they’ve been tighter for years and he is thinking of proposing. Or how he feels old and wished he could be an intern all over again. To which y/n would say:

“Aren’t you considered the youngest and most successful lawyer of all time?” Those were facts, Fred and George were in fact all of that. At twenty five they had a massive empire, that they built from scratch and with only the help of a very few close ones.

He would share small details of his childhood, of him and George. Usually those gave y/n some hope that George would one day be to her what Fred was to her. But until now all she got from him were small short and cold answers from anything she was working on. Usually Fred asked her to go bribe them out of him. Elias was the one who worked more closely to George and even him was usually in other lawyers offices doing close work with them.

“George is stubborn and weird sometimes. He always loves to work with you lot, I don’t understand why this year is different.” Fred stated, looking at y/n for a moment and shrugging when he couldn’t find an answer to it.

“Mister knows everything and everything needs some closure, is now left speechless.” y/n joked and they both laughed a little loud. His office door open because the case they were working on required y/n to leave all the time in search for answers. They didn’t notice George at the door.

He cleared his throat. Fred looked at him, and y/n that on the other side of the desk, back to George turned around to also look.

“Elias is sick and had to go home, I have come important matters to take care of, would it be a nuisance if y/n could do it?” She noticed he spoke more to his borther than to her.

“Sure, what she was doing can continue tomorrow or whenever Elias comes back. Right y/n?”

“Yes of course. Mr. Weasley you just have to show me what to do.” She got up and showed herself ready to work. After her first day her clothes were a little bit more casual, but she still wore pants, but George still had dificlty in not imagining those beautiful legs wrapped around his head.

‘Get your head out of your gutter George’ he always thought to himself when these thoughts came, ‘she’s young, and working for you.’

“Yes, come with me.” He instructed and turned around to leave. y/n waved to Fred and closed the door after she left. She knew her work with him wasn’t nearly done, but without Elias she would have to split herself in two and help both of them. Since Fred always had her help, he would have to to what he could for the time being without her.

“We have to through all these voice messages, the case calls for it and four ears are better than just two.” His voice was always so serious how could he work like this? Elias never complained to y/n on their lunch break or when they decided to do something outside work, that almost always ended up in work talk. They just didn’t have much in common besides that.

“yes sure, can you give me paper and pen or a pencil will do just fine.” George gave her a puzzled look “Well with Mr. Weasley every time there’s voice calls or something we take notes to pin point important stuff.” George knew that by Mr. Weasley she meant Fred but she knew that outside she called him Fred, they were that close. She had only ever heard Mr. Weasley came out of her mouth when it was related to him.

“Yeah you’re totally right. Here. Have this.” He gave her the notebook in front of him, the one that had all the important notes on the case. She sat down on the chair in the same place of Fred’s office and waited for him to start the audios.

She placed her head on her hand, and her elbow was resting on the desk. She looked at George who just started the audios and the tried to concentrate. Silently throughout all the time she was there she took many notes, George was a little taken aback, what was he missing that she clearly wasn’t, when it ended she looked at him. He barely had time to start something because she started first.

“So according to the first call, the lady in question didn’t know the person on the other side, but that person knew her very well, otherwise how could they be so sure of such personal information. The thing was she wasn’t paying attention and didn’t notice any of the signs of what was to come.” y/n started, and when she continued talking and demonstrated so well everything he didn’t dare to interrupt her. Although by the end he knew the girl in front of him has just solved him the case. He was also a little embarrassed because some of his notes were not has good as hers.

“You just solved me a casa.” George said astonished with what had just happened, his mouth opened in surprise and the look y/n gave him was brilliant.

“Did I? Really?” She couldn’t hold her happiness, although working here for a while and helping, and having done so much, Fred usually referred that she had done much more than any other intern they’ve had, she hand’t actually solved a case by herself. Fred and her always came to conclusions together.

“Yes, yes you just did.” George couldn’t believe that the case he has been working on for the last week and a half, and that he was getting to a road with no end was just solved. When he decided to listen to the audios he didn’t expect much from them because he thought he had worked through everything. Well, he guessed wrong. “Do you have any idea what this case might’ve costed me hadn’t you just solved it?” George wondered out loud. She denied, not being able to form words. The way he was looking made her panties soak, which is a current occurrence because every time she see him even from a far he manages to do something to her.

“It would cost us millions of dollars and very bad fame. You see we are working with some of the most influential people England has. Winning is very important.” George said.

“I thought every person you worked with was influential and important?” It came out a genuine question.

“These people can manipulate everything around them, if they wanted to end mine and Fred’s career, they could with a snap of their fingers. Winning them this case on the contrary, will give us something in all out time working he never had in this scale.” He stated. “Thank you so much for your help.”

Well that was first, y/n never heard him say a ‘hi’ to her, and a ‘thank you’ to anyone else.

“You can go have your luch now, I’ve kept you here for… oh for a long time.” He said when he looked at the hours. Two o’clock was away past their lunch our. Fred hadn’t come knockinh why? They always had lunch together. “How about had as a thank you I offer you lunch?” What a bold fucking move George Weasley, what will people think if they see you out and about with your little intern ahm? ‘Fuck that’ George thought to himself.

“Is it appropriate?” way to ruin the opportunity y/n, she thought.

“Lunch as co-workers of course. Celebrating early the win.” He persuaded, now that he was all in, might as well convince her. When she nodded he continued. “Well have you ever tried the Italian on the main street?”

He meant the beautiful restaurant that looked straight out a movie? The one she’s been eyeing since she started working here, but the prices have kept her way because lord forbid her of spending fifty pounds on a fucking meal?

“I was thinking maybe something more on my price range?” She suggested, trying not to offend him, or look poor in front of him. She wasn’t and the money she received working for them was good but she started to pay for her stuff now, to relieve her parents of the bills and so money was always a little tight on her side.

“None sense, I will pay for us both. No one needs to know. Now come on, or we will eat our lunch when we’re suppose to be snacking” He was already getting up, got his jacket of the back of the chair in a swift motion and walked to the door.

No one was to be seen in the hall, which was weird given the hour of the day. Everyone came from lunch and this was the hour of chatting a little bit, drink a coffee or something else and going to the bathroom before resuming their work. Some forces where on their side because besides Iris, no one saw them leave together. And Iris was nice enough to keep everything to her.

The restaurant was to the brim. y/n thought they would have to wait hours or not even have a place. But the very nice employee at the front, as soon has he saw George swiftly pull them in and into one of the best tables they had.

“I’m a regular.” He justified, when they were seated and her eyes weren’t on him for once but instead on the menu.

“yes of course.” She wanted to had, and the most powerful man there is, but she kept that to her.

“If you have any doubts choosing I would suggest the chicken marsala.” Did he think, even though she had just solved his case, that she was dumb? The tone in his voice suggested everything but a suggestion. It was almost a command. What type of fifty shades was this? Although she did like the dominant side he radiated to her.

“Sure, I’ll have that.” And George gestured to the employee working around the tables on the place they were before starting their request. And while they waited they talked. In just few minutes he felt like he was Fred in there. Because y/n was talking openly and so freely that he couldn’t believe she was doing that to him.

It felt nice for her hear her talk like that, like she had no worries and that she felt safe in speaking to him like that. He also talked and y/n was surprised he even wanted to share something with him.

“I also lived in a flat while studying, me and Fred shared one I mean.” He corrected. “Two teenagers leaving alone in a apartment after coming from a big family? Sweet, we were in paradise.” When y/n laughed he had do contain the smile that was to appear on his face.

“I can’t even begin to imagine what two boys would do all alone.” Her tone was suggestive. George coughed a little trying to hide the smirk in his face. If she was trying to rile him up and get something out of him it was working.

“law if difficult, but we never studied they way some of our pears did. We partied, and people were impressed because they never expected the best parties to come from law students, yet, they did come from us. Took us a while after collage to build our reputation to what it is today, a lot of people didn’t take us seriously. Then Fred hit the jackpot with a giant case and things just grew from there. I had my big moment a few months later.”

Now that was all information y/n had no idea about. Fred never shared that with me.

“Fred shared a lot of things with me but never that. I’m shocked.” When George looked at her accusingly but in a joking manner she found herself correcting what she said. “I mean, it’s just… I’m sorry, but you both have this like dominant strong image around you that it’s hard to think you ever did party. There’s zero photos of you on the internet, all of your cases have closed doors. I mean? People create an image, even if not the correct one, about you.”

“You have a point there. You have very good points that I didn’t have any idea about. But then again Fred took you all to him so it’s hard to know anything.”

“Mr. Weasley just likes the way I work.” She felt the need to justify herself almost immediately.

George rolled his eyes a little. “Still, you are working for both of us and although Elias does a good job I found out only today how hard working you are.”

If he was trying to make her feel guilty or sometime of thing it wasn’t working.

“Well, Mr. Weasley, I never worked for you because first, today was the first time you actually felt the need to call me and only because it was urgent and Elias wasn’t there and because every time I try to ask you something, for Mr. Weasley’s work you always answer me shortly.” She stated. George lost words at that, but only for a brie moment.

The next words that came from George were fast and wouldn’t have made any sense if y/n didn’t have all her attention on the beautiful man in front of her.

“I don’t have you work for me because, “he stopped for a moment, thinking his brain might stop him there, but was wrong, “because it is wrong to fantasize about someone who works for you, someone who is your boss. Is it not?”

Her cheeks started to feel warm, and her body was next. She squeezed both hands together and crossed her legs tighter tightly, the warmth from earlies mixing with we warmth from now.

“It is profession to crush on your boss?” She wanted to come out like is words hadn’t just affected her, but it came out shyly instead. George’s breath came out uneven and he put both of his hand on top of the table and closed is hands into fists is knuckles turning white from the force. He breath very deeply, y/n watched his nostrils flare and his eyes turning a very dark shade.

“It is. But I guess we’re both bad at keeping things professional.” He wanted to ass more but their food arrived and he was forced to tidy up is posture and look like he wasn’t hard under his pants.

They ate in silence. And when they finished George paid for their food, and when they got up he put a hand on the end of her back, almost at the curve of her ass.

“We should keep things professional.” y/n got way from his touch and looked at him. “Wouldn’t want to loose my job because I wanted to fuck my boss no?” The smile she gave him made him know that wasn’t scared of what they had said at the table. And that if both of them found it hard to hide the sexual tension before, now that they were both made aware that it was returned, it would be even more difficult.

⚘

George ended up winning the case that same week. Fred had made Elias and y/n work very little that day and in their floor they did a small celebration party due to the fact that this was major win for them. Everyone wanted an interview with both of them, their phones hadn’t stopped ringing. Iris had to put it on hold so she could come celebrate with them since they had insisted. They were in the meeting room, and although they were known around, Elias and y/n stayed in a little corner, champagne in their small cups a little bit of cake in their hand. Elias had chocolate and y/n had red velvet.

“You know we are not alone in this room right?” Fred asked his brother, coming up next to him and bumping his shoulder. George looked at him questioningly. “You know other people will notice if you continue to look at her like you wanna rip her clothes of.” Fred joked and laughed when George mumbled angrily under his breath. He was regretting telling George what had happened at lunch and even more so telling him the crush he’s had on his intern since she started. Although Fred stated, and very well, that of the crush he already knew. If any of the thing either one or the other did that made him have his confirmations. It was small things Fred would notice. Like every time George came into his office and almost every time he had nothing of interest to say, he would find a stupid excuse that Fred was always to nice to snitch on him in front of her. Or how her looked lingered a little to much when she was in his presence, and how Fred had to call her name various times before she looked at him again.

How George only seem to need something from him in the hours y/n was in his office. How, if she wasn’t there, George would be caught red handed with nothing to say or do, because he just wanted to look at her.

“Shut up.” He said angrily. “Stop trying to make me do something irrational. It’s wrong. And we’re not in the right place to have that conversation.” He wanted this conversation to be the end of it, however Fred was not done.

“You know I don’t mid right? If things are done correctly I wouldn’t mind.” Fred looked at his brother. They were both tall, taller than almost everyone in the room, so they both had a good look over y/n and Elias at the end of the meeting room, close to the door.

“What is there to be done correctly? Haven’t you understand she works for us? And let me also tell you from what I’m seeing when her year long internship ends that the possibly of us hiring her is big?”

“If someone else doesn’t hire her first.” Fred said only to tease him. He was very much planning on hiring her, and planning on giver her a notice before the internship ended so they could assure her position in the firm.

“They won’t. We are the best of the best. And as you said before she had other opportunities but waited for ours. Do you think she would be stupid enough to say no?” George scoffed and then moved his head from side to side, his eyes still on the girl in green. She brought a suit today, she knew today was gonna be big and she had spoken briefly to George the other day and told him about it. She was gorgeous.

“Elias and her are alone in the corner, why don’t make yourself useful for once little brother and go talk to her. Oh look just faith speaking.” Fred said the last part when Elias was pushed to the side by one of his colleagues, a lawyer who was been working on a small case.

George composed himself the best he could and made his way to her passing some people who were congratulating him again, and wanted to talk but he had her on his mind.

“May I just say, you were very impressive today, Mr. Weasley.” She beat him to it, speaking first. George had invited y/n and Elias to watch firsthand, front row seats at court. She was very thankful for such a big opportunity, she hoped one day she would be where George was, and be has amazing has he was presenting all the facts and making everyone subdue to him and his ever brilliant knowledge.

“Thank you. Couldn’t have done it without you y/n. You were brilliant, and I wish you could’ve been there. Be the one to defend.” He had his back turned to everyone in the room and since he was tall he covered y/n a little. He was lanky to she could still be seen.

“I think I will have many opportunities no? I mean working for your firm will give me a very good profile, and people will want me, that is, if you give good recommendations.”

“We could always skip the recommendations and hire you.” She looked at him her eyes big and shiny, having him say that made her heart beat a little faster. If she could work for them permanently and be a lawyer to them? Dream come true.

“That would be very nice, yes.” She tried to keep her cool, and then closed the distance between them, but trying to not make it to noticeable for other people not to see. Her mint scent hit his face and his teeth came to rest on his bottom lip, her closeness made him nervous. “Working for you permanently would be a challenge no?” she had her arms crossed, but uncrossed them to rest on hand on his arm and squeezed it. She was about to cross the biggest line there was.

“I could do so much more than working couldn’t I Mr. Weasley? I bet I would look good working on my knees, under your desk, only for you so see.” She spoke almost inaudible, only he could hear it and with the noise everyone was making he was sure they didn’t have a clue what she just said. To everyone else they were just chatting about his win.

George trembled and he had to put all his willpower into not doing something stupid. He had no words. And didn’t have time to say, Elias came up behind her and called her, and he lost all her attention. People had the nerve to always be interrupting them. She left, because they both had to work on something Elias needed help in, and y/n always ready to please, offered to.

⚘

After that, if they thought they had ever felt sexual tension, then they weren’t expecting to go through this. Fred couldn’t take George anymore, everyday in his office going on about how he needed to get laid. How lately he just felt like everything was building up and the work piling on his desk wasn’t helping.

“You should just go to y/n, I think she would be more than willing to help.” Fred hadn’t meant for his words to sound wrong and George understood where he was coming from. Fred felt y/n’s sexual tension before he even hit the floor at 8 am every morning. He even asked Angelina for some advice on how to try and make them understand that he was ok with them.

George wanted to scream at the top of his lungs. “You are no fucking help, ever. I might as well visit my ex.” He stated. In that moment y/n was knocking on the door, she was speaking before she was looking and knowing George was there. “Fred I brought you what you asked, and also some ideas for presents for Angelina.” She said, and finally looked up, every word she was gonna say next. She has just called him Fred in front of his brother. She would only say that if he was alone. Fred didn’t seem to mind.

“Thank you so much y/n. My brother here was just leaving right George? Me and y/n have some things to do.” He looked at George who huffed and left without another word to y/n.

“Sexual tension still?” She questioned, bold question to make to anyone but her and Fred were more than co-workers, they were friends now and he didn’t mind.

“Yes. You two should meet up.” Came Fred’s voice sounding uninterested, and y/n rolled her eyes as she sat in front of him starting her work. Fred looked at her when she wasn’t looking and wanted to laugh at the annoyed and very frustrated face she had.

When five hit the clock Fred got up, after staring to organize his desk minutes before.

“I’m going, don’t wanna be late to my date with Angelina. You’re staying?”

“Yes, there’s still so much to be done and the lady hasn’t stopped calling Iris today asking for anything we might know. This is going to take while.” y/n stopped what she was doing for a moment to look at Fred. “Do you want me to leave? I can go to my desk or the meeting room?” The desk she barely used, it’s only use now being of support to her bag and computer.

“No, you can stay I trust you. Just please don’t stay up to late. Tomorrow we can give her something to occupy her mind.” She nodded, and said goodbye as he left and closed the door behind him.

y/n only got up two hours later to turn on the light in room because it was already dark, but her brain so focused on what she was doing that she didn’t think much of it.

“Fred are you seriously still working?” Came a sudden voice that scared her and made the pencil she held drop to the floor. “Shit sorry, y/n? Where’s Fred?”

“Mr. Weasley left sometime ago, a date with his girlfriend. He let me stay because I have to finish this.” She pointed to the papers in front of her and the proceeded to pick up the pencil. George came in and closed the door behind him. She had to prepare herself to bask in his presence, his knowledge and his extreme intelligence. y/n was not only fisically attracted to him, but also mentally. He was just so intelligent it was scary sometimes to work with him, even though she had helped him solve that case a sometime ago. It was still hard because she was afraid to make any wrong moves.

“Well I thought it was just him in here and was gonna tell him to drop his work and go home. It’s not him but it applies to you to. Besides I had to stay up late too, I’m the only one here and the security will want to close everything up in a short time. I bet if they had done their patrol already that you wouldn’t be here.”

“I will leave when they come here, but for now I have to really finish this.” She turned to her work again, trying to ignore his presence completely. He came closer to her and put a hand on her shoulder.

“Well I have nothing to do at home, I can help you with what’s left. Two heads are better than one.” He said. He pulled a chair from a corner and put it next to hers. She gave him some papers for him to analyze. “Surprising that Fred stayed with this case, i usually take care of financial stuff.” He said more to himself than anything but y/n heard.

“I think he only took it because I told him I like this type of cases and could help him. I’m doing most of the works, he’s working on the arguments and such.” She looked at George. Being the end of the day, he has his shirt unbuttoned, his tie was hanging from his left pocket of the jacket and he just had a tired look on him.

“Ah I see, stealing you all to himself.” y/n denied with her head. “Unfair, seen as he knows very well I’ve been meaning to talk to you since the party the other day. Or did you forget what you said?”

Shit, y/n wasn’t expecting him to act on it. But oh boy, how she was happy he did. Every dream she’s had since that day was of her on her knees sucking him of until he cums in her mouth. While he calls her little pet names and makes her stay with his cock in her mouth because it’s warm. And then in her dreams he would slap her ass, slap her little clit until she trembled and made her call him ‘daddy’. The name would come out shy at first and then when he was destroying her it would come out more strong and sure.

She swallowed hard and pressed her legs together.

“Penny for your thoughts?” He put his hand on her leg and pulled them apart, so her legs were separated and he looked at her sternly. “Keep him this way.” He demanded.

“I thought you were gonna help” she whispered, hand coming to rest on top of his and caressing his long fingers. Shit, they would hit every spot inside her so good.

“And I am, aren’t I? I’m attending to a more important and demanding matter.” His hand came up from her knee to her thigh and then leaned inside towards her core, he could feel all the heat radiating from there. She nodded and guided his hand to be right on top of her still clothed pussy.

“Please, help me.” She said sweetly and seductively, any doubts she had and concerns if the should even be doing this in the first place all melting away.

“Yeah? Want my help baby girl? Since you like to be so bossy and know it all, tell me, what do you want me to do?” George pressed his fingers, quickly finding her clit and letting the pressure there for a moment, a moan coming from her mouth.

“Undress me, and please touch my pussy. I’m so wet.” She pleaded.

“Then get up, come on now, be a good girl.” He sair almost impatiently, and saw her get up and fumble with the buttons of her jacket and then with the button of her pants. “Shit.” George was amazed how good she looked, the black panties and bra she had made her look even more delicious if that were possible. The panties were laced and so her wetness could be seen from them. “On the desk.” He instructed, and y/n without thinking did what he asked.

If Fred ever found out they had sex in his office he would never see the end of it and he might as well think about creating his own firm because… wow.

“I’m so wet.” She brought her hand to his hair and pulled on hit the groan that left George was brutal. “Please kiss it.”

George didn’t need to be told twice, he brought his lips to her covered pussy and kissed, although mixed with the fabric of her panties, he could very much taste her distinct, sweet, taste. He kissed it again, and again until she was restless enough to pull his head back her eyes a darker color.

“Take them of.” She order, George looked amazed at her commanding tone.

“be careful there little thing, might just stop here.” He had taken his hand to move her panties to the side exposing her engorged and redish clit, asking to touched. She mewled, her hand coming to rest on her belly and her fingers digging a little.

George took his mouth to her clit and sucked it gently, gaining from her the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. He sucked again so have that reaction again, her legs came to rest on his back pulling him to her. She moaned his name.

“Sound so fucking good moaning for me princess, just love it so much.” He took the moment she was distracted to rip her panties open, she gasped.

“What the fuck George.” She looked at him incredulously.

He slapped her thigh and squished it. “Watch you language there or daddy might just leave you hanging.”

The fact that not only had he used the word ‘daddy’, the word she so dreamed of him calling, he had also called himself that. He couldn’t be real.

“No please.” Any dominance she might have tried complete disappeared at his words. Two of his fingers played with her wet hole while his mouth kissed the inside or her thigs, kissed just above her pussy, above where she wanted to be touched the most. Her eyes closed and one hand was behind her, to support her and the other still on her belly.

He entered the two fingers, slowly, looking at her, at the way her head fell back, his name fell out of her mouth, and the hand on her tummy came to push him agains her cunt. Non verbally stating where she wanted his mouth to go.

HE wasted no time attacking her clit with his tongue, his fingers moving slowly in and her out her allowing to fill her, to be close to her.

“Daddy, shit.” Her legs slid down his back almost to his butt, they were shaking a little.

“You just so good baby girl, so sweet, fuck, I’ve been imagining this ever since I saw you. How tight you would be, how sweet, how responsive to your daddy.” He moaned, he was so hard the zipper on his trousers opened a little. His free hand came to unbutton and in a very messy way he pulled his boxers down and freed his cock.

His cock was swollen, red, and we was leaking the stinky susbstance y/n wanted to taste. It came slapping to his belly, rock hard. He put his hand on it stroking slowly letting some moans slip out of his lips, which came shocking against her clit and she shook.

“Fuck. Are you touching yourself daddy?” She asked innocently, pulling some of the red hair that had fallen onto his face to have a better view of his wet swollen lips, from mounding at her pussy.

“I am baby, I am, you just, taste so good, feel so warm and squishy.” All the vibrations from his voice were crashing on her clit making her even more sensitive.

“I- I’ gonna cum, George, fuck.” She was so close, so so close, but he stopped, seized his movements at her pussy but his fingers still buried inside of her.

“You’re gonna come, with me deep inside that little pussy, yeah baby?” He asked, moving away from her. Pulling his fingers, she sighed happily, and took his hand as soon as it was out her. Bringing her face close to his hand and putting his fingers in her mouth, sucking feverishly on them.

George groaned, the hand on his cock pressing his tip and he felt like he could come there at sigh.

“I wanna suck you cock daddy, please.”

“Since my girl asked so nicely, I can’t say no.” Hearing him say ‘princess’ ‘my girl’ made her stomach feel with butterflies, and her heart skip a beat. Shit this crush was way out of hand.

She bounced of the desk, and pushed his chair a little, the wheels helping her do so. She came down to her knees, the view making George think the most sinful things.

Her hand took his out and put it in his thick thighs. Her mouth close to his where she left small wet kisses. Her hand started to stroke him, coming from the base all the way to the rudy red tip. She took the pre-cum that was coming out and used it had lubricant making the sensation so much more intense to him.

She opened his legs to fit in between them and looked up at him for a brief moment, her pussy pulsing around nothing wishing to be touched. He had his head back, both hands at his thighs kneading the flesh there. His mouth opened looking like his was gonna moan but no sound came out.

She understood them we was trying to control himself.

“Moan for me daddy, let me hear you. Let me know I’m making you feel good.” She squeezed his tip tightly and his hole body shook, a moan he couldn’t control of her name.

“You’re making me feel so good, shit, your hands are so small and can barely wrap around my thick shaft isn’t that right pretty princess? And why don’t you put that dirty mouth of your to work.” Her mouth came to meet his tip and engulfed it in her lips, sucking softly on it, her hands massaging the rest of his cock for now.

Her tongue playing with his tip and then she not so slowly took more of him into her mouth. Her hand resting on his balls and massaging them. And then coming up again twisting around the part of his cock she didn’t have in her mouth.

He put his hand on her hair, making a pony tail out it and helping her guiding her movements, even thought she didn’t need that, he just wanted to feel in control.

She breath in deepley and relaxes her throat and before he knew it she was taking him all of him in, hitting the back of her throat, gagging around him, her spit and his come dripping down the corners of her mouth.

“Sucking my cock so messily baby, but so fucking good- ah fuck” he cried out his legs feeling numb from all the pleasure. Her hand moving more vigorously on his balls. She pulled out slowly, her free hand not touching him, touching her needy clit.

“Come on, up you get.” He was out of breath, pulling her by her hair and instructing her silently to sit on the desk again. He got up, one hand spreading her thighs apart and the other stroking him, the color red spreading from his head all the way thru his length from the way he was feeling.

“Next time, daddy, I’ll suck your cock until you come. I won’t let you pull out.” y/n said, hands coming up to knead her breast thru her bra.

“Take that off, want you naked while you make a mess on my cock.” He smacked his cock on her clit the sudden touch making them both shudder. With trembling fingers she tried to pull open her bra, and with some difficulty she eventually managed.

George filled her up nice and slowly letting them both ride the high of feeling each other so closely. George feeling her up all the way, her pussy adjusting to his size. He was big, long and thick and y/n hadn’t had sex in a long time and no guy she was with was that big. George was way above average and she could feel it very well and would feel it even more the next day.

“Daddy shit.” Her feet met his ass and pulled him towards her, George wasn’t all in but her sudden movement made him do just that, fitting snugly in her pussy, brushing her sweet stop that made her spasm around him.

“You are just perfect all over aren’t you baby? So perfect and angelic but the dirtiest whore for your daddy.” His hand took the hair that still fell on his eyes and his other hand touched her clit and pressed it, sinful sounds coming from her, her clit touched and played with along with the pressure and size of George’s cock making her senses stop working and her loosing every train thought she had.

“I’m gonna love to play with this pussy.” He started moving his hips, taking his hand of her clit and taking both her legs in his hold. He bent her legs at the knee and close tho her chest the knew position made her scream. He hit her g-spot right there and then, and her legs became gelly.

“Found it baby, now touch you precious clit for me.” He instructed and she did has she was told, all the pleasure she felt becoming to much, her pussy was throbbing, her nipples were hard from all the pleasure and his cock inside her felt heavenly. He was so smooth, and heavy. She made rapid little motions on her clit while George sped up his movements his hips meeting hers ever, bottoming out with every thrust and touching every little part of her cunt.

When her legs started to quake powerfully in his hold he knew she was starting to get close. She had been teased and denied one orgasm, and she would do it again if he demanded, but the way her breasts moved with power of his hips and strokes, and how she clenched around him swallowing him holy he knew he would be mean to do that.

“You gotta ask for permission.” He slapped her hand way from her clit to pus his there, to control the pressure and the little up and down movement.

At first she couldn’t form words, her vision was going white, the shots of pleasure thru her body to much.

“P-please can I cum?” A gentle whimper came from her mouth as the waves of her orgasm become stronger.

“Yes baby, go ahead soke my cock.” His hand moved even quicker on her clit and that’s when they both felt it. Her orgasm rippling thru her, strong waves of pleasure felt all over her body, her legs quacking, her arms stretched out beside her, her pussy convulsing, her juices coating his cock deliciously.

“Squeezing me so tight baby, I’m gonna fucking come.” She puts her head in a way that she can look at him, all destroyed and proper fucked out. He doesn’t have time to warn her again before his climax comes crushing down on him. He almost looses his balance for a second, so strong that everything in his body paralyzes. He buries himself to the hilt in her pussy letting his cum shot deep in her and falls on top of her, his arms don’t give him much support but allow him not to crush her. He hides is face in her neck.

“We really did it ahm?” came her voice, sounding still a little afar since he was still recovering from his strong orgasm. He just nodded unable to form any word.

She waited a little, her hand gently brushing his back making goosebumps appear on his skin. The gentle and sweet gesture making his heart flutter.

“We did.” Came out after a while, finally regaining his posture and picking himself up, pulling out of her. The movement making them moan a little, the emptiness she felt felt weird. She was somehow already used to being full of him.

He pulled her by the arms so she could sit on the desk and not stay laying down.

“Does this change anything?” She asked shyly. He nodded.

“It does, because, I’ll be dammed if I don’t make you mine.” Intertwining their fingers he brought to his mouth to kiss. She smiled britlhy. “If you want me, that is.”

Her answer came in an attack of kisses all over his face and ending up in his mouth.

“We didn’t even kiss thru all that shit. And you kissed my cock.” He joked and she punched him gently on his chest.

“Watch your mouth. And also how we will explain to your brother this?”

“What he doesn’t know doesn’t hurt him.”

They got dressed, both of them taking their time because their bodies were still not at the maximum potential. A knock on the door startled them.

“Mr. Weasley are you still in there?” It was the guard. George made a gesture with his finger over his mouth for y/n to keep quiet.

“Yes Augustus, be out in a minute.” George said a little loudly and finished up getting dressed and waited for y/n to do the same, and then proceeded to organize the mess they made so Fred wouldn’t know about anything.

Opening the door Augustus was there waiting, a few feet from the door he smiled at George, did he knew it was George now that he could see him? Or did he still think it was Fred? Wouldn’t look good if he did, Fred is probably at home with his girlfriend.

“Augustus, my brother gave us some last minute work and we completely forgot the time. I’m so sorry.” George apologized. Augustus understood then is was not Fred. He only nodded, looked at y/n and also nodded and then watched them leave, their hands intertwined while he heard a little laugh coming from the girl.

⚘

Next day y/n came in at the same time as always, but neither Fred or George were to be seen. She sat at her desk and started to work on the things she should’ve done yesterday but got a little to busy to do so. Fred came in first.

“Good morning y/n. Already working on the case?” He asked bewildered, stopping in front of her desk. She nodded, now that she was seeing him, after what she had done in his office words were hard to come out her mouth. “Good, well when George comes in can you please tell him to come to my office? Iris is coming in later today so I can’t leave her that warning. You can also come in with them for us to work on the case.”

She nodded again, her words still not forming. About half an hour later came in George, way later than usual since he came in at the same time as Fred or a little after. When they made eye contact the smile he shared with her was so big and bright that made some of the nervous feeling she had subside. She had spent all night overthinking if that was a mistake, but by the looks of it wasn’t.

“Mr. Weasley your brother wishes to speak to you.” With some of the lawyers doors opened she had to address him like that.

“Thank you y/n, gonna put this in my office and then I’ll go right in.”

And when he came around she got up to follow him. Silently she spoke to him.

“he said to come in too, so we can work on the case.” She felt the need to justify herself.

“Ah yes, the case you should’ve worked on yesterday I am correct? Got a little to distracted no?” He put his hand on her back and pulled her to him. He kissed her lips gently. If her hands weren’t full she would’ve put his face between them. They were lucky that they in a part where no one could see.

“Ah fantastic that you both still know how to follow some orders.” Fred said, when he saw both of them enter his office. y/n swallowed hard, that sentence had a lot more meaning to it.

George tried to hide his smile, he thinks he might know what could come out of this, but how did he know?

“Next time you both decide to shag, which mind you I have nothing against, finally actually, do it at home, in George’s office somewhere… but please not my fucking office.” He looked at both of them trying to portrait himself as mad but failing terribly. A smirk resting on his lips.

y/n wanted to hide so badly, dig the biggest hole ever and burry herself there from how embarrassed she was.

“Hod do you know?” George asked incredosly, one thing they refused to have were cameras in their offices, it was a private place for them.

“Well my dears there’s a thing called a fucking phone.” He pointed to the phone he had on his desk, it was used to call around the firm, but Fred had his house number on there in case Angelina needed anything and couldn’t reach his personal phone. “Having my girlfriend pick up the phone, and come in the bedroom saying ‘someone is having sex on your office’ sure makes you both have a good impression. Lucky me I was at home with her when that happened.”

George looked at y/n who was feeling hot and embarrassed all over. Shit, it must have been her in the moments of pleasure she might’ve pushed some button. Fuck, shit.

“Just that. But finally you both decided to do it, I was done earing from one or the other just plain bullshit.” Fred rolled his eyes, continuing to write what he was doing. “Even Angelina was happy, not about the phone sex, about you two getting your shit together.”

y/n looked at George and took his hand in hers again.

“So are we together?” She asked him.

“Yes, but to make it official let me take you on a proper date. Today, sound good?” She nodded.

“Great you two, but please don’t let it end in office sex.” Came Fred’s voice again, making the three of them laugh.

#george weasley imagine #george weasley imagines #george weasley x reader #smut #angst #fluff #george weasley #george weasley smut

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islesnucks · 4 years ago

Text

THE NANNY - ELIAS PETTERSSON X READER

inspired by this fragment of what bo said in a interview about letting the team babysit Gunnar

ps: i don’t know if they nicknamed him Gunnsey, just saw Jake call him that once

ps2: this is not proofread so just a warning

Word count: 3.4 k (a bit longer than what i usually do)

Warnings: kidnap is mention a couple times jokingly bc petey at first thinks Y/N’s kidnapping the kid, even though it’s meant 100% as a joke i know it could be triggering so just letting you know, however just in case keep in mind it’s never used seriously

Summary: Elias doesn’t know Bo and Holly hired a nanny so the first time he sees you with the baby he freaks out a little, eventually apologizes and there's fluff (i suck at summaries)

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Elias was coming out of the dressing room when he saw you rushing down the hall with a little kid in your arms that he knew for sure wasn’t yours, because it was in fact his captain's son. So he did what seemed like the reasonable thing to do: look for Bo or Holly to tell them. Luckily Bo was near the door finishing his interview with a couple reporters.

“Hey Bo?” he approached him as soon as the reporters left.

“What Petey?” He could see the alarmed look on the boy’s face.

“I think I saw a girl running away with your kid.” he told Bo, who was about to lose it when he saw you walking down the hall in their direction with his son in your arms. He let out a relieving sigh, making Elias confused. If it was his child he definitely would be calling 911 by now.

“Is that the girl you were talking about?” Bo asked, pointing at you. The hall had become more crowded since the rest of his teammates started coming out, but he could see you as you stretched your neck and looked around for someone. Elias nodded, getting more confused by the second.

“That’s our nanny dumbass.” he informed him, hitting him in the back of the head for making him needlessly worry.

“A Nanny?”

“Yes a nanny Elias. She looks after our kid, takes care of him. Don’t they have those in Sweden?” He knew what a nanny was and Bo’s sarcastic remark only made him feel more stupid. Of course you were the nanny, it was pretty obvious, now that he looked at you he could see you were carrying the bag Holly normally brought everywhere with Gunnar’s stuff.

“They do I just-” he started to defend himself but instantly shut up when he saw you appear next to him.

“Hey look it’s your daddy!” you said to little Gunnar in your arms as the baby stretched his arms toward his father making grabby hands. Bo smiled at his son and took him in his arms, but you could tell there was a bit of concern on his face.

”Is everything, okay?” you asked.

“Yeah, yeah. It’s just that Petey here though you were kidnapping Gunnar and almost gave me a heart attack.” Bo explained. Elias looked down embarrassed as his cheeks turned red. You on the other hand were too busy panicking to even notice the blushing mess standing next to you.

The Horvats had hired you mainly to help Holly around the house since she was getting back to her work and especially when Bo had to go on roadtrips. They also wanted Gunnar to get familiar with you, that’s why you were there tonight. This was your first time with them out of the house, if you did something wrong they wouldn’t trust you so they would probably fire you and you really needed the job.

“Oh my God, I’m sorry! I forgot my phone back on our seats and Holly had gone to the bathroom and you were still in there and I couldn’t leave him alone-”

“Y/N don’t worry. It’s fine.” he interrupted you with a sweet tone that made you ease the anxiety that started building up at the thought of losing your job before it even really started.

“I’m so sorry I should have told you before disappearing with Gunnsey.”

“Really don’t worry Y/N.” he kept reassuring you, but you couldn't shake off that bad feeling.

“What happened?” Holly asked after joining you and seeing your expression.

“Nothing, just a little misunderstanding Everything’s okay Y/N, really don’t worry.” Bo answered before you could and gave you a sweet smile that helped you calm your nerves. He would obviously tell Holly when they were back home, but it wasn’t a big deal and he didn’t want to make you feel like they were coming down on you.

Elias was starting to feel a bit out of place there so he excused himself, said goodbye and left to find his friends, but not before giving you one final look. Now that he didn’t think you were trying to kidnap his teammate's kid he found you really pretty and felt even worse for what he made you go through. You were smiling and chatting with Bo and Holly about the game, but he could see you were still a bit nervous.

He made his way towards Jake, Quinn and Brock, who were already looking at him suggestively after seeing the whole interaction, completely obvious to the fact their friend had actually screwed up big time.

“Who’s that?” Brock was the first to ask, wiggling his eyebrows.

“She’s Bo and Holly’s new nanny.”

“I didn’t know they hired a nanny.” Quinn was the one talking now.

“Yeah, me neither and I kind of thought she was kidnapping Gunnsey-” he started to explain but instantly regretted it when he saw the looks on his friend’s faces. He was never going to hear the end of this.

“No you didn’t!” Brock cut him off and everyone started laughing, everyone except Elias who just shook his head trying once again to hide his embarrassment.

“Way to make a first impression Petey. She must hate you.” Jake said putting his arm around Elias.

“Fuck off.” he replied pushing his arm off and walking away towards the parking lot as he heard their laughs behind him. He was not in the mood to endure the teasing from his friends.

On the drive to his apartment he couldn’t stop thinking about it. He knew Bo and Holly weren’t going to fire you, they were nice reasonable people who understood it was all a misunderstanding; a misunderstanding caused by him. Yet he couldn’t shake off the feeling he should have said something or at least apologize. So he promised himself that was the exact thing he was gonna do when he saw you again.

The next time Elias saw you was a couple weeks later. Bo and Holly were hosting a barbecue for the whole team and had asked you to come over and help look after Gunnar while they prepared everything.

Elias walked into the house with one thing in mind: apologizing to you. However as he made his way through the house towards the backyard he couldn’t find you anywhere. He took a sit next to a sit with the rest of his teammates and tried to make casual conversation but his mind was stuck on you.

Bo noticed the way Elias was barely talking and constantly looking around for someone and it didn’t take him long to realize that someone was you. Elias had asked him about you a couple times at practice and games after what had happened the other night, but he still didn’t know if he was just being polite and wanted to apologize or there was something more going on.

“She’s inside playing with Gunnar in his room.” Bo leaned in to tell him so the rest wouldn’t hear, then he simply turned around and continued working on the grill. Elias was a bit confused at first, he didn’t understand how Bo could even know what he was even thinking about. However he quickly stood up mumbling some excuse about going to the bathroom and headed towards the house.

He found you sitting on a little couch with Gunnar in your lap reading a book. You were too focused on explaining the drawings on the pages to the kid to notice his presence. Elias stayed a couple seconds by the door in silence, not wanting to intrude in the sweet moment you were having. He couldn’t help but smile as he heard the sweet high pitch voice you used when talking to the little kid, how you’d smile and make a funny face at Gunnar, how he would laugh at you which only made both your smiles grow wider. If the other day he had thought you were pretty, today he was convinced you were beautiful.

Eventually you finished the book and Elias thought it was time to make his presence known before you notice he had been there the whole time and thought he was creeping on you or something. He was sure you already had a bad impression of him, no need to make it worse. He gently knocked on the door and your face shot up at him.

“Hey.” he said shyly walking into the room.

“Hi.” you replied as you got up with Gunnar still in your arms. The kid wrapped his arms around you and rested his face in your chest, it was clear he would fall asleep any moment from now.

“Can we talk?” Elias asked, not sure how to begin the conversation and a little afraid you’d blow him off.

“S-sure.” you replied a bit confused as to what he wanted to talk about. “But in a low voice, he’s really close to falling asleep.”

“Oh yeah sure.” he immediately lowered his tone to almost a whisper which you found cute. A small giggle escaped your lips.

“I’m Elias by the way.” he said, extending his hand but quickly putting it away and blushing when he realized you wouldn’t be able to shake it since you were holding the kid.

“Y/N. You’re Bo’s teammate, right? The one who thought I was kidnapping Gunnsey.” you added a smirk and arched brows, making his cheeks turn even redder. You were joking about it, that’s a good sign Elias though. Maybe you didn’t hate him.

“Yeah, that’s what I wanted to talk about. I’m so sorry.” he finally said, letting out a deep sigh. He had been beating himself up about it since that night some weeks ago and finally being able to apologize was like taking a huge weight off of his shoulders. You could tell.

“Don’t worry, it was just a misunderstanding. I mean if I saw a stranger basically running down a hall with one of my friend’s kids I’d think the worst too. You did nothing wrong Elias.” you reassured him. Yes at the moment you nearly had a heart attack and felt a bit of resentment towards that guy who thought you could even do something like that, but after all you didn’t lose your job and you could tell Elias genuinely regret everything that had happened.

“Still I shouldn’t have thought you were kidnaping a child, you don’t look like you’d do that.”

“Glad to know I look like a decent human being.”

“You do! I mean not that I thought you didn’t. I-I think you look really pretty- really decent!” Elias started rambling trying to correct himself but felt he was only making everything worse. However you found the blushing mess of a man in front of you actually really cute.

“Thanks Elias, you look really decent too.” you told him with a sweet smile that helped calm his nerves down. He beamed down and at you and held your gaze. The room went silent but it wasn’t awkward at all. At one point you could have swore his blue eyes had hypnotized you.

“Oh you put him to sleep.” Holly said, appearing suddenly next to you. Only then you noticed at some point in your conversation with Elias Gunnar had fallen asleep in your arms. You then proceeded to walk up to the little bed and tried to lay the sleeping kid as gently as possible to not wake him up.

“You should head to the yard with us, grab something to eat.”

“Are you sure? What if he wakes up and-”

“Don’t be silly, that’s why we have the baby monitor. Come on, Elias can present you to the rest of the team.” she said hooking her arms with yours and basically dragging you out of the room too quickly to notice Elias blushed cheeks and for him to notice yours.

Just like Holly said Elias introduced you to the rest of the team before moving an empty chair so you could sit next to him. You didn’t miss the way his friends looked at you two and smirked, but decided not to make a deal out of it, just boys being boys.

The rest of the afternoon was spent eating, talking and laughing; mostly with Elias. At first you were part of the group conversation, but eventually your bodies started slowly turning to the point you were basically facing each other and having a conversation of your own.

He told you about him, how long he had been teammates with Bo, his love for hockey, how he felt moving to the states; he even showed off a little telling you about his rookie year and how he won the Calder trophy.

And you told him about yourself, what you were studying, how you started babysitting and a friend connected you with the Horvats. He listened to everything you said, no matter how boring and mundane it seemed to you. You weren’t traveling the country living your dream like him, but to him every single fact you told him about yourself was impressive. You genuinely felt heard which wasn’t something common, especially dealing with guys.

Gunnar stayed asleep for most of the time. Only once he woke up and when he did Holly insisted she would take care of it, that she missed her baby boy. But you knew she was just doing it so you could stay with Elias, and you internally thanked her for it.

You completely lost track of time and by the time you checked your phone's couldn't believe it was already almost evening.

“I should get going.” you announced getting up and the rest of the group booed.

“Come on it’s not even 6pm.” Jake said.

“I know, but I have an exam tomorrow and I should go over everything one last time.”

“Do you have a ride?” Holly asked.

“No but I’ll just take an uber-”

“Petey can drive you.” Jake proposed without even looking at his friend who was debating on whether to kill him or thank him.

“But he’s the designated driv-” Quinn started to say but shut up when Brock nudged him on the ribs with his elbow. It was embarrassingly obvious his friends were setting him up, but if it meant getting more times with you Elias didn’t mind. He’d deal with them later.

You looked at Elias who by now had stood up with you and was reaching for his keys on his pocket. “You really don’t have to.”

“Oh I was already thinking about leaving, don’t worry.” he reassured you but you were pretty sure the idea never crossed his mind till you have decided to leave.

Your apartment wasn’t far from the house so in a couple of minutes Elias was parking his car in front of the door of your building. Throughout the night a feeling started slowly growing inside of you. You could tell he was a genuinely nice guy, he apologized and spent the rest of the day getting to know you, genuinely interested in everything you told him. It was clear a connection was starting to form between the two of you and neither wanted it to stop.

“Thank you for the ride. You really didn’t have to.” you said once again, eyes stuck on the windshield.

“It’s the least I could do after the whole misunderstanding the other day.” he replied and the car fell into a comfortable silence. You knew it was time to say goodbye, but part of you wished you didn’t have to. Elias was thinking the exact same. He knew what he wanted, he wanted to see you again, but he couldn’t find the words and a part of him doubted if you were just being friendly and it was all in his head.

“Are you going to our next home game next friday?”

“Maybe, I don’t know if Holly and Bo will ask me to go with Gunssey.”

“I mean you could go by yourself …” he started to say and made a pause to look at you, gathering the courage he needed before adding: “to see me.”

“Would you like me to go see you?” you asked, finally turning your head to look at him.

“Yeah I’d really like that.” he replied without missing a beat. The smile that appeared in your face the moment you heard his words made every last bit of doubt disappear inside Elias.

He started to lean into you, heart beating fast on his chest, holding your gaze. You raised your hand gently cupping his cheek and bringing him even closer. His eyes went from yours to your lips and back to your eyes. You were so close you were basically breathing each other's breath. But when your lips were about to touch he stopped and whispered: “You still haven’t answered.”

“I’d love to-” you let out between giggles. He didn’t even let you finish and was already connecting his lips to yours, unable to hold himself back any longer.

His lips were soft against yours, but determinate, setting the rhythm. It was a shy kiss, your first one of many to come. At some point you took off your seat belts to be more comfortable, only prolonging the moment. You’d stop to catch your breath with your foreheads touching, but the second your eyes connected again, go back to kissing, like you couldn’t get enough.

“I should go in, people are gonna start wondering why there’s been a sports car parked in the front door for the last couple minutes.” you joked, definitely pulling away from him but not daring to look at him because you knew if you did you were never getting out of the car. He leaned back on his seat, still in disbelief of everything that had happened. You looked at him one last time before you were about to get out of the car, and decided one last kiss wouldn’t hurt nobody.

He was surprised at first when he felt your hand sneak to the back of his neck, but smiled again into the kiss once he felt your lips connect to his. It took every bit of self control you had to pull away again and get off the car before.

“Friday then?” you said peeking your head through the open window of the car.

He nodded before adding: “And then we could go out? Have some dinner?”

“Sounds perfect.” You didn’t even try to hide the smile on your face.

“See you on friday then.”

“Goodbye Petey.” you said and he chuckled at how you had already started using the nickname his teammates had put him. He loved how it sounded coming from you.

“Goodbye Y/N.”

You turned around and started making your way to the building and Elias waited till you were in to drive away. You entered your apartment and let yourself fall on the couch, a loud chuckle scaping your lips just thinking about everything that had happened today. That bubbling feeling sill strong inside you, unable to take your mind off of the cute hockey player who couldn’t tell a nanny from a kidnapper.

i’ll tag those who asked for it and those who showed some interest on the fic (if i tagged and you didn’t just ignore this sorry)

taglist: @sorryjustafangirl @iwantahockeyhimbo @itshakiba @simpgirl-lat @mellany1997 @stlbluesbrat

also if you wanna be tagged whenever i post about petey or whenever i post a piece let me know!!

#elias pettersson #elias pettersson imagine #elias pettersson x reader #elias pettersson fic #canucks #canucks imagine #canucks fic #vancuver canucks #hockey #hockey fic #hockey imagine #nhl #nhl fic #nhl imagine

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cuttoothed · 4 years ago

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For day 1 of @aspecarchivesweek for the prompt “wish”. Someday I will write something that isn’t jmart, but that day is not today.

Ace Martin character exploration; Jon/Martin; some Martin/OMC

Warnings: internalized homophobia (brief); internalized aphobia (ongoing); reference to having sex while intoxicated; reference to having sex reluctantly (though not coerced); outing of ace character in their absence

Martin spends a long time wishing he was normal.

It starts when he’s fourteen. Well, no, it starts much earlier than that, but it’s when he’s fourteen that the nebulous muddle of feelings coalesces into something impossible to ignore. That’s when all the boys and girls in his class start making eyes at each other while pretending they aren’t; start talking about who they’d like to snog behind the bushes at the bottom of the sports field, and Martin feels something twist in his stomach when he realizes that the person he’d like to be behind the bushes with is Stephen Dowling, who has dark hair and blue eyes and snaps gum between his teeth all day long.

Martin never says anything about it, of course, tries not to even think about it, but he knows it’s not normal. As if he needed one more weird thing about him along with all his sick mum and his jacket that pulls tight across his shoulders, the seams fraying because he needs to get another year out of it before they spend money on a replacement. He keeps his head down and secretly believes that this part of his life will never be over.

Eventually, this part of his life is over.

He is nineteen and living in London in a cheap flatshare with three other people, he has a job at a real academic institution, and he has a boyfriend.

Ramesh is sweet and funny and has soft brown eyes with the longest eyelashes Martin’s ever seen. His heart flutters in his chest every time they’re together, his breath catching in his throat and spilling out as laughter. Martin feels normal, because this is London and nobody cares if he walks down the street with Ramesh’s hand in his, if he kisses his boyfriend in the queue for the chippie. It’s like a weight Martin never knew was there lifted off his chest and he can breathe properly for the first time in his life.

He and Ramesh go out for almost a month before they’re in Martin’s flat alone one night, all the others gone out, and Ramesh presses him down on the sofa and kisses him and crawls a hand inside Martin’s jeans. Martin feels hot and cold all at once, his stomach coiling sick and every muscle in his body tensing up for fight or flight. He pushes Ramesh away—too hard, too clumsy—and guilt courses through him at the hurt look in Ramesh’s soft eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Ramesh asks, and Martin can’t say, his heart pounding and his hand clenched painfully tight against the arm of the sofa.

“Sorry,” he’s able to say eventually. “I just, umm…”

“It’s all right,” says Ramesh, though he still looks hurt and confused and Martin has the feeling it’s not actually all right. “I probably surprised you. We can wait for next time, yeah?”

“Yeah,” says Martin, grateful at the reprieve. They sit on the sofa and watch a film instead, and Martin scarcely follows the plot as he tries to calm the adrenaline rushing through his veins, making him want to flinch every time Ramesh’s shoulder touches his.

Next time is the same. Martin apologizes again, and Ramesh says it’s all right again and then two days later breaks up with him.

“I just don’t think it’s working out,” he says, and Martin knows it really wasn’t all right after all.

Martin’s sick of wishing he was normal, and what is it they say: fake it ‘til you make it?

He gets drunk and takes home a man he doesn’t know and has sex. He scarcely remembers it the next day and he’s too hungover and miserable to try, but he’s proven to himself that he can have sex and that’s the important thing.

Having sex is normal. It’s what people in relationships do. Martin doesn’t know why he has the hang-ups he does, but he just needs to get over them and learn to relax a bit. Having a couple of drinks helps, he finds.

He has a few boyfriends here and there, and having sex really isn’t a problem. There are better things he could think of doing with his time, but it’s fine. There are even some nice things about it, like feeling close to someone. Intimate.

Eventually, he thinks, maybe he’ll stop feeling like he’s faking it.

It isn’t that he gives up on relationships. It’s just that there are so many expectations that Martin feels he always fails to live up to, so many rules that it seems like everyone but him instinctively knows. Trying feels like more hassle than it’s worth.

And then he gets transferred to the Archives and there is Jonathan Sims with his imperious glare and devastating voice and Martin is fourteen all over again watching Stephen Dowling snap his gum in Geography class.

“You really need to stop mooning,” Tim tells him. They’re at the Institute holiday party and they’re all a bit sloshed, and Martin can admit to himself that yes all right he was mooning a bit over Jon, who’s stood at the bar with his back to them, talking animatedly with Elias.

“I am not mooning,” he says, because there’s no reason he has to admit it to Tim as well. “I was just...contemplating.”

“Contemplating Jon’s arse,” Tim snorts, and then Sasha plonks down three shot glasses on the table in front of them and sits down in a rush.

“Who’s contemplating Jon’s arse?”

“Martin, of course.”

“I am not—” Martin begins to protest, but Sasha shushes him, pushing a shot into his hand. It smells of cinnamon and the liquid inside is bright red.

“Hopeless case,” sighs Tim, and drinks his shot. Sasha does the same and then gives Martin a sympathetic smile, her eyes a little bit unfocused.

“If it’s any consolation, Jon doesn’t shag anyone.”

“Sasha!” Tim scolds, and she suddenly seems to realize what she’s said, her eyes going wide.

“Shit,” she says. “Sorry, god, I shouldn’t have said anything. Martin, please pretend you never heard me say that.”

“Okay,” Martin promises but his brain is snagged on ‘Jon doesn’t shag anyone’, how she said it so easily, matter of fact, as if it wasn’t a big deal at all. He looks up at the bar where Jon is still standing with Elias, his slim hands gesturing as he talks.

“Drink your shot,” Tim tells him. “It’ll help you forget about Sasha’s big mouth.”

Martin drinks his shot, which is absolutely sickening, but he doesn’t forget.

There is one bed in Daisy’s safe house.

It’s evening when they arrive and Martin is exhausted, a bone deep weariness that might be from the travel or the fear or the fog that’s seeped under his skin. Jon looks tired too, dark circles under his eyes and now that Martin’s really looking at him for the first time in months, he’s amazed Jon hasn’t just shivered apart at the seams by now. He is filled with the desire to take Jon in his arms, as if he might hold the fragile pieces of him together, and he thinks that he could.

He saw Jon, in the Lonely, even if they haven’t talked about it since. Saw how Jon felt about him, so yes, Martin thinks he could put his arms around Jon and it would be welcome. He isn’t sure why he doesn’t, except that there’s a part of him that still feels like it’s trapped behind glass, abstracted and numb, and it keeps his arms by his sides while his heart yearns against his rib cage.

In the meantime, there is only one bed, and they both stand looking at it for a few moments, considering the implications and the fact that they have only just found each other again after months of absence.

“There’s enough room,” Jon says eventually, his voice soft and tired. Martin nods; there is enough room.

It’s cold, and they both climb under the covers in socks and tracksuit bottoms and long sleeved t-shirts, pile the thick feather duvet and two blankets over them. It feels like being cocooned, their combined body heat gradually warming the mattress, the slow even sound of Jon’s breathing warming something in Martin’s chest.

He’s here, he’s here with you. You’re here with him.

In the gentle dark they gravitate together, drawn close by the longing that’s suffused all their months apart. When Jon’s lips press gently against his, Martin thinks his heart might burst. He kisses back, and at last that trapped part of him breaks free and he lifts his arms to wrap around Jon, pulls him against his chest. Jon makes a soft, surprised sound and he breaks the kiss.

“Martin,” he says, careful the way he has been since he brought Martin back, as if a wrong word might shatter him. “I need to tell you, before this goes any further—”

“It’s okay,” Martin tells him. “I don’t want to have sex with you either.” It feels so good to be able to say it that Martin could cry or laugh or both.

“Oh,” says Jon, and then huffs a soft laugh. “Well that’s—that’s good, then.”

He kisses Martin again, and leans in against him, close and warm and filling every part of Martin’s awareness. Martin knows he left all hope of normal behind years ago, before worms and fog and evil circuses. But the fact that he gets to have this—just this, with the man he loves; no expectations and nothing to fake; and for the moment at least, no fear. This is far, far better than normal.

And Martin couldn’t wish for anything else.

#the magnus archives #tma #aspecarchives #jonmartin #my fic

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troubatrain · 4 years ago

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taxi - j. markstrom

a/n: i swore on my life i started writing this and then hours went by and it was done. by the way, aside from this song i still have yet to chose any players for the rest of this series and the google form is open for suggestions (it’s linked below) but anyways, i need to start by saying this got super personal for me and this showcases some of my own experiences with my own mental illness, and not everyone experiences those things the same way and i just want to remind everyone of that before they read! also, i definitely suggest listening to the song while reading it because it just feels right.

i need to tag @danglesnipecelly because k wrote a matty fic and in turn i’m legally required to write a marky fic

part of my lovely little lonely series

tw: mentions of depression, mentions of post-partum depression

“...and in the backseat, when you asked me, is the sadness everlasting? i pulled you closer, looked at you and said love, I think it is...” - Taxi - The Maine

Jacob wasn’t sure when things had gotten so bad.

You were doing better, and Jacob even thought you were doing better than before. You’d been going to therapy again regularly, less of Jacob forcing you to go for his sake and more of going by your own will. You were back on your meds, but even you admitted they felt like they might have been working this time around now that you found the right fit. The adjustment to your new surroundings in Calgary seemed to be going smoothly, spending time with Annica and Elias like you weren’t constantly battling with your own demons.

But god you were.

Jacob honestly thought you were braver than anyone he’s ever known. You met a few years back, when you used to throw on a smile just to walk out the door and Jacob was just starting to make a splash in Vancouver. He was the only person who seemed to notice you in the large crowd you were who was mingling with a few of his teammates. He knew you were something special in that moment, and he’d tell you everyday until you started to believe it. What he didn’t know at the time was, you’d just gotten diagnosed with depression and you were tackling it on your own. Not a soul knew about the days you couldn’t wait to sleep because it was the only time you were able to turn your brain off. They didn’t know about the mess in your apartment that was so embarrassing but you still just couldn’t clean it. And they definitely didn’t know about the long drives where you just thought about never coming back.

Jacob didn’t know these things for a while, but when the signs became clear, he tried his hardest to understand. He came over and cleaned your apartment when you were at work, shrugging it off when you asked him what prompted him to do it. Jacob made sure you were taken care of on days he knew you weren’t able to do it yourself.

Then the east coast road trip happened.

Your relationship was new, and you hadn’t told him what was going on even though it was becoming incredibly clear that he knew. Jacob has always been patient, and you always joke it’s because he’s a goalie, but the truth was that his heart was bigger than him. You called him, teary eyed while you sat on a park bench in the middle of Vancouver and told him you couldn’t do this anymore. At first he thought you were talking about him, maybe he’d overstepped a line he shouldn’t have, but it was clear you meant life. It was just too much, and Jacob knew it was time to push talking about it.

So you did, you laid there in the bitter cold on that bench until the sun came up and talked to him about your mental illness. You talked about your therapist who you’d been seeing but you were honest about the appointments you skipped. You talked to him about the full pill bottles in your bathroom because you didn’t want to take them but you didn’t want anyone to notice you weren’t picking up prescriptions. He was calm, listening to your words and not reprimanding you on the stall in your recovery.

Everyone moves at their own pace Y/N, you can move like a turtle if you want to and I won’t tell you to hurry up and get better.

Jacob never pushed, but that didn’t mean he didn’t educate himself. He read and read and read, everything he could on how he was supposed to help

you. He took classes, he listened to talks and he’d even attended meetings with other people who were in his same position. He wanted to understand, and he did his best to. Jacob did this because he loves you, and he wanted to make sure that was never going to be something you could question.

So that brings him here, standing in your shared bathroom while he counted how many pills were left in that orange bottle and he just knew the math wasn’t going to add up. Jacob runs a large hand over his face, rubbing his temples while he spun out about how this could be his fault. Maybe he should have stayed in Vancouver. Was the change too much for you?

“Babe?” You call out, leaning against the bathroom door and looking at him sadly. Your voice was soft, it always was, like Jacob being in distress was more important than the hell he’d seen you go through.

“Have you been skipping days?” Jacob asks, never with an accusatory tone. He learned that lesson, watching you shrink at his words when he asked if you’d been in bed all day. You start to utter an apology, Jacob raising his hand at you to stop because you didn’t owe him one, “Why didn’t you call?”

Tears were welling up in your eyes, your lip quivering while you tried to find the right words. Jacob didn’t look mad, he wasn’t - he was feeling guilty. He promised you, if you called it didn’t matter if he was in the middle of a game, he’d be there as soon as he could, “You need to be with your new team-”

“Fuck my new team,” Jacob scoffs, shaking his head and opening his arms to you, “You think I’d want to spend any more time with Elias than you?”

“No, I just,” You sigh, pushing a piece of your hair back that seemed to just fall back into place, “I didn’t want to be a bother, you need to be with these guys all the time and how can you do that if you’re worried about me?”

“I can do that because I want to do it,” Jacob reminds you, pushing that same piece of hair back where it belonged, and it stuck, “I don’t feel like I have to worry about you, I want to.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier not to?” You ask, wrapping your arms around Jacob’s waist and pressing your head into his chest. His heartbeat was steady, he was steady.

Jacob was the most stable thing you had in your life. You couldn’t figure what you’d done to experience unconditional love like that, a person to care for you so much that they would do anything to make you happy. He calmed you on the days you needed most and he never pushed you harder than he thought you needed. Turtle speed. He always called it that, but he’d rather see you move slowly to get better than throw on another fake smile.

“My life wouldn’t be easier if you weren’t in it,” Jacob hums, pressing a kiss to the top of your head, “Do you want me to set out your meds for the week? In that little container I got you?”

You nod, making a promise to yourself to take the step in getting better. Jacob reminded you constantly, you can’t do this for him, you needed to do it for yourself - he was just helping. He was always going to help.

***

You seemed better.

Jacob swore you were actually doing okay, the little check ins he was doing was working and when he got back from his next road trip - nothing seemed wrong. You were standing across Johnny’s house, laughing along with Annica and a few other girls and Jacob knew that laugh was a real one. This was good, seeing you out laughing and smiling.

“So, when is it going to be time for you?” Annica asks, her hand running over your ring finger, “Marky has to be thinking about having a few running around soon.”

You wish it hadn’t set you off. It was a simple question anyone would ask a couple who’s been together this long.

Children was a conversation you weren’t ready for. The thought terrified you, not because you didn’t want to have them, it was the post-partum talk. You knew the risks, all of the things that could happen after and you didn’t want to stomach that. What if you weren’t enough for your kids? They didn’t ask for a mother who couldn’t get out of bed sometimes let alone take care of them, and you’d be insane to think that was a healthy way to raise a child.

Jacob’s eyes remained on you while you rushed out of the house, fiddling with your hands and shaking your head. That was your tell, and Jacob excused himself immediately, chasing you out of the house. His hands grab your cheeks, steadying you for a moment and wiping the tears from your eyes.

“She asked me when we were going to the marriage and kids thing and,” You ramble out, closing your eyes and shutting your mouth. Jacob knew where you were going with this, it was fear he had too. It was the reason there was a ring in one of his coat pockets at home that’s never been opened because he was waiting for the right time. He’d wait forever if he had to. You were the one there was never a doubt about it.

“We don’t have to talk about it right now,” Jacob sighs, knowing this conversation was far too heavy to be had in public, “But, you’ll never be alone, I’m never going to leave, I’m never going to pressure you into anything. When you’re ready I will be too, but I don’t care how long it takes.”

“What if it’s too late for kids?” You whisper, the fear that Jacob could tell you he’d wait forever but you’d seen him with kids, he was made to be a father.

“We can adopt, foster, whatever you want,” Jacob assures you, the idea of having children never had to be biological to him, “Chucky asked me if we were looking to adopt the other day…”

You let out a laugh, looking and pressing your lips to Jacob’s. You couldn’t thank him enough, not like he’d ever let you, but he was so good. You leaned your head on his shoulder, watching Calgary pass you by while Jacob hums to the radio next to you in the cab to get home.

“You think I’ll always be like this?” You ask, a question that could have been for either of you.

“There’s always going to be bad days, but you’re never going to be alone on them. I promise.”

“Turtle speed?”

“Turtle speed.”

#jacob markstrom #jacob markstrom imagine #nhl imagine #nhl imagines

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im-lad-ris · 4 years ago

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I Won’t Say I’m in Love : Thranduil X Female! Reader

Prompts: “Hi can I request a Thranduil x elf! reader imagine where he likes her but is too prideful to admit it so the reader & Legolas put on a show to make him jealous?” & “Can you write a Thranduil x fem elf! reader imagine, based on the song I won’t say (i’m in love) from the movie Hercules please??”

Submitted by: @elia-the-bibliophile

Words: 2.5K

A/N: Sorry I’ve been so behind on my writings, so much has been going on and its really been stifling my writing process. But I hope you guys enjoy this, I lost the original draft and completely rewrote it from scratch. Also, this has now become one of my longest ficlets! Also its not edited yet but I will go through soon and fix any errors! Also will add to masterlist soon!

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

The first time the elf king laid his eyes on you, you had been a force to be reckoned with. Your hands were gripping dual swords, and you had made your way across the battlefield with grace, slicing down any orc that had found itself unlucky enough to be in your path.

He had taken a sharp breath and tried to remember that he was standing in a battlefield, but watching you move he felt a tug at his heartstrings. He could not even bare to tear his eyes away from you as he swung his own blade at an orc that had gotten to close for comfort. The foul things head had come off and landed at his feet, and yet he watched as you jumped up and planted your feet into another elf’s back, sending him flying out of the way of an arrow that surely would have ended his life. You had used the momentum to flip around and land back on your feet just in time to deflect another arrow with one blade, while using the other one to slash at the orc nearest you.

Thranduil’s face remained impassive, after all he was a king and he had some image to uphold, but he was finally able to draw his eyes away from you. He knew he had seen your face in his kingdom before, but now you were on his radar. He moved through the battle with new vigor, intent on being able to look upon your face once every filthy orc on the field had had its life snuffed out.

----

“Legolas, you really should not make bets that you know you cannot win” you stated, as another guard tossed a bag of coin into your waiting hand. You smiled as you waggled the coin bag in front of your friend’s face, and all he could manage in response was an incoherent mumble.

You had just drunk Legolas under the table, which was usually how these sorts of bets with him panned out. You couldn’t help but to laugh at him before you lifted him up, supporting him with your shoulder and following the familiar route to his room. As you passed into the royal suite of rooms, you noticed Legolas had fallen asleep while slung across your shoulder. You sighed before you opened the door to his room and threw him, rather ungracefully, onto his bed. You shook your head, a smile still gracing your lips, before dusting your hands off on your tunic and heading out the door.

As you closed the door and turned around you were met with the rather imposing figure of the king.

“There must be good reason for you to be sneaking out of my sons room at this time of night” Thranduil said, his gaze sharp as he looked down at you, but you could see the twinkle in his eyes. You were unsure what such a twinkle meant in comparison to the glare he sent down at you. You had always been unsure about the way he saw you.

“Aran nín (my king)” You started, as you dipped your head into a bow, “He decided that he could beat me in a drinking contest. I’m simply doing the right thing by escorting him to his bed when he could not even manage to hold his own weight up.” You replied as you tried to hide your smile from remembering your friend’s antics.

His face remained impassive, although you were sure you saw his lip twitch.

“Well to make up for my sons... disagreeable behavior, it would be my pleasure to escort you back to your room, híril nîn (my lady)” he said as he fell into place next to you, his hand resting on the small of your back as you both trekked to your room. You tried your best to stay calm, but you felt as if your heart was in your throat and you were sure Thranduil could hear it. His hand never moved from your back, and when you reached your door, he took your hand in his and placed a kiss on your palm before bidding you goodnight. You almost squealed with delight but instead you smiled and kept composure, waiting to lose it as you jumped into bed for the night.

You absolutely adored Thranduil. He was by far the handsomest elf you had ever laid your eyes upon, something you had thought even when you were a small elleth who ran around the kingdom. His eyes were an ocean, and you desired nothing more to swim in them everyday for the rest of your life. The way his hand had been on your back, the way his lips had lingered on your palm, all gave you hope that maybe he felt the same, but reality came crashing down every time you met his gaze. He did not smile, and his face was always hardened with a glare. Somedays you wondered if he felt anything at all, while on others you wished that we would gaze upon you as if you were is beloved, his treasure.

----

If there's a prize for rotten judgement,

I guess I've already won that

No woman is worth the aggravation,

That's ancient history, been there, done that!

As Thranduil left from your rooms, he had clenched his hand to his side. He should have said something, but what good would that have done. His pride always got the better of him and caused him to hold his tongue. He was the king! How could he bring himself to admit that he was feeling something for you?

The past had not been kind to him in regards to love. He spoke nothing of Elerrian anymore, and although he cared much for her, she had passed long ago, leaving him alone in a cold world. Looking at you, he felt the tug on his emotions he once had with her. To him, it was almost as if a string of fate had been wrapped around both your pinkies, and it was all he could do to ignore the pulling sensation he felt.

He dare not fall into the pits of love once more, as much as he wished he could. He recalls the day he saw you on the battlefield and had to keep himself in check. He cannot... no, he would not allow himself to admit that he felt something for you. He had learned throughout his long life that love was nothing but heartache and pain, and he refused to lose another who was dear to him.

----

She's the Earth and heaven to you,

Try to keep it hidden

Honey, we can see right through you

Boy, ya can't conceal it

We know how ya feel and

Who you're thinking of!

He watched as you sat and laughed with his son, his nails digging into the arm of his seat at the head of the table.

After Thranduil’s first encounter with you, he could not help but make it so you were always near him. He found out your name from Legolas, who apparently was your friend and confidant, which is the most likely reason he knew he had seen you before. After this, he assigned you as one of the main commanders of Mirkwood’s forces due to your battle prowess, however, this had allowed you to not only join his council, but also the privilege of being the only elleth on it.

However, this had also led to Legolas being able to spend more time with you. Thranduil refused to admit that he was jealous. He was the ruler of the kingdom, one such as he did not feel such things. But the more he saw you laugh with his son, the more he had to bite down on his tongue to keep from lashing out in an unsavory manner in front of you.

However, he could not stop his glare towards his son as he watched you fling your head back in laughter, your arm on Legolas’s shoulder as you tried to catch your breath. Legolas turned to look him in the eyes, clearly uncertain as to the nature of the glare he was receiving, although his face did light up as he seemed to put the pieces together.

Thranduil gritted his teeth together, his fingernails leaving crescent indents on his palms as he balled his fists, he was feeling as though he would be ground into dust as he watched Legolas lean over and whisper in your ear as you blushed and nodded. He felt as if he was a mortar, with the pestle grinding his very being into dust. Yet, he was still stone, still unwavering and would not yet yield. He refused to speak with you on the matter of his affections, it was unbecoming of a ruler. He would not stand here and declare his feelings for you, and he most likely never would.

He pushed his emotions down and loosened his fists as his knuckles had turn white, he willed his face to once again be completely impassive, even as he felt as if wanted to crush something with his hands as you and Legolas left together.

----

Legolas leaned towards you, his hand on your shoulder and a knowing smile on his lips. He turned and met his fathers fiery gaze once more before he spoke.

“Hey, Y/N, remember that crush you have on my ada (father)?” he asked you. Your eyes went wide, and you sputtered before trying to cover the growing blush on your face with your hands.

“Leg! Do you really need to bring that up here?” you whispered back at him through your hands.

“Of course! Any chance to embarrass you Mellon nîn (my friend)!” he laughed for a second, before his face turned deathly serious. “But back to the point, I think I have a plan of sorts, and I very much believe you’d wish you hear it”

----

No chance, no way

I won't say it, no, no

You swoon, you sigh

Why deny it, uh-oh

It's too cliche

I won't say I'm in love

The next evening, the pieces of Legolas’s plan had slid together almost seamlessly.

He sat with you at the front of the corridor, so that any who passed could plainly see what was happening between the two of you. This worked in his favor, especially since his ada usually passed the hall around this time in order to reach the royal suites. Plus, any servants who passed were certain to inform him about the goings on they had witnessed, which would most likely prompt him to rush to you both.

Legolas’s arm was slung over your shoulder and your legs were pulled into his lap, He gently rubbed small circles into your thigh with his fingernails.

Soon, he heard the familiar footsteps of his ada, and began to set the plan into motion.

His hand left your knee and he placed his finger under your chin, using it to keep your face level with his. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the dark gray of his ada’s robe as he began to turn into the corridor. Legolas winked at you and pulled you closer, his lips dancing over the shell of your ear. He couldn’t help but whisper softly to you, “I wish I could see the look on his face right now Y/N”, causing you to involuntarily shudder.

After turning the corner, Thranduil was practically seeing red, he could hear the blood rushing in his ears. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. His son, his only child, amorously flirting in his hallways, his kingdom. However., when he saw it was you in Legolas’s arms, he forgot how to breathe, and he couldn’t seem to think clearly. His brain had turned to acid in his skull. His face hardened as he stormed over to you both, grabbing you by the wrist harshly and yanking you away from Legolas and down the hall. After a few twists and turns, he had reached the end of a deserted hallway and pushed you up against the wall.

Before you could even gasp at the contact your body had made with the wall behind you, Thranduil’s lips were on yours. You stood still, his hand still grasping your wrist tight. He pulled away from you, and the look on his face seemed dejected, it was unbecoming of his beautiful features to be contorted into such a look of melancholia.

He released the pressure on your wrist and dropped it before turning away and trying to make off down the corridor.

You couldn’t stop yourself by grabbing him by the back of his robe and pushing him against the wall, just as he had done to you. “Where do you think you’re going...” you surged forward, as your lips brushed over his, “Thranduil..”

His eyes widened before you crashed your lips into his, full of fiery passion and spirit, the kind he had seen from you so often. His lips were warm, and he tasted of mint, this moment reminding you of days spent in the forest, nights spent under the stars. He sucked at your bottom lip as your hand wove its way into his hair. You couldn’t help yourself as you grazed your teeth over his lower lip, your hands roaming up to run through his hair and caress his face and neck, everything soft as silk. He let out a low groan before he grabbed you once again and switched positions, your back once again on the wall. He pulled away, resting his forehead against yours and breathing heavily.

“Fuck...” he muttered under his breath, before burying his head in your shoulder.

“Thranduil... Gi melin (I love you)” you whispered from swollen lips “Meleth nîn…(my love)” one of your hands rubbed circles into his low back, the other tucked strands of hair behind his ear.

“Do not forget Y/N,” he started, the shakiness in his voice surprising you “I would pluck every star from the sky and lay them at your feet. I offer you my sword, I offer you my life.” He raised his head from your shoulder before placing a kiss on your forehead.

“You are my ithildim (star-light)” he whispered as his thumb ran across your cheek. He offered you a small smile, the first genuine one you had ever seen from him, before he pulled his hand away and walked off down the corridor.

Your fingers ran over your lips, which still tingled, and when you licked at them you could still taste the mint on them. Your skin felt seared where his hands had run across it. As you watched him leave, you could not help but to let out a small laugh. His pride had forbidden him from directly saying he loved you the way you did him, but his actions, his words, they all proved to you the truth. Although he could not say his feelings, he had shown you them plainly enough.

You smacked your hands against your cheeks and shook your head before you made after him, you refused to let your little rendezvous be over so soon, especially after you and Legolas had went through all that effort to make it happen.

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

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#the hobbit #the hobbit imagine #Thranduil #thranduil x reader #thranduil imagine #LOTR #legolas greenleaf #King Thranduil #imagine #lotr imagine #songfic #i wont say im in love

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laceandhockeyskates · 4 years ago

Text

As friends ft. Quinn Hughes

Summary: 4 times that Quinn has you do something as friends + 1 time when it’s more.

Request: Absolutely none. Once again this is one that has been bugging me while I’m working.

A/N: This concept came to while I was in the middle of my shift. It started as Quinn asking a friend on a really adorable date, and it kind of just exploded and became this. It was originally suppose to be like..... a third of this length and somehow ended up as a 4+1

Warnings:

Word count: 5.8k

It had been a crisp October morning when you first met the rowdy group of hockey players at a charity event. They had come through and caught everyone’s attention with their loud laughter, and their general personalities. Somehow you had been roped into spending your day more or less babysitting the likes of Brock Boeser, Elias Pettersson, and Quinn Hughes. During those hours of rushing around and the chirps flowing back and forth a friendship had begun to form.

Over the following months your apartment became a hub of hockey players whenever there was a day off. They all swore that your tiny apartment had felt more like home than there own places, and that you made the best food which apparently was a lethal combination to you ever getting any alone time. You didn’t mind though. There was something about the way they filled your life that made it feel complete.

It wasn’t just cozy nights in, but they were dragging you to their games and for a night out at the bar. Soon enough you found yourself a part of the entire group. It wasn’t just Brock, Elias, and Quinn but now the rest of the team and the girls had taken you in. You were spending almost as much time with Holly and the other WAGs as you were your favorite boys. There were days though that you forgot you were just a friend, and the life you were getting to live wasn’t truly yours. Eventually the boys would find girlfriends and you would start being invited less and less. Until that happened though you were going to take what you could.

----- i -----

The boys had been whispering about a charity event for weeks now knowing that it was important. Whenever it was brought up your heart tugged a little more for them considering how important doing something good for the community was to them. There was something special about the boys and how much they loved your city.

“So Brock finally found a girl to drag to the charity event,” Elias tenderly nudged his best friend as you returned to your living room with a bowl of popcorn as you took your seat beside Quinn again.

“Oh?” you asked them raising your eyebrows, “Should I be afraid you guys are replacing me as your favorite girl?”

Quinn had reached over grabbing a handful of the popcorn when Brock had opened his mouth. “I don’t think Huggy could ever replace you. So you don’t have to worry about that at least.”

You couldn’t help yourself as you glanced over at the boy in question who seemed to be glaring daggers at your mutual friend, but you knew that eventually you would be replaced even by him.

“That’s okay. I’m sure whichever girl you two replace me with will end up being my best friend when they realize they have to deal with you two,” you teased as you dropped your head on Quinn’s shoulder listening to the laughter that you managed to pull from him.

You wouldn’t admit to anyone, but Quinn was your favorite.

A few hours had passed since all of the jabs had been thrown away, and the boys were absorbed in whatever movie Elias had settled on finally. You excused yourself quietly from where you had been settled on the couch pressed against Quinn’s side in order to get yourself a fresh drink.

What you hadn’t noticed was the defenseman also standing up and following you to the kitchen watching your every move as you refilled your glass before took notice of his presence. You shook your head mostly to yourself as you looked over at him again, “Did you want some water too?” You asked him quietly as you raised your eyebrows.

“No, I actually had a question for you though,” he admitted as he awkwardly leaned against the counter across from you as he reached up to rub the back of his neck.

You decided to cross the small space and lean beside him as you looked up at your friend worried about him. “What is it?” You asked him curiously as you brought your glass to your lips taking a small sip.

“So I uh- I know you probably have plans for that weekend, but I was wanting to see if you would you know---come with me to the charity event? As friends?” He stammered out as he looked down at his feet unable to meet your gaze.

If he had he would have seen the wide smile that spread across your lips. Of course there was some disappointment in the friends comment, but you knew that you would have a lot of fun being on his arm. “Of course I would love to go with you, Quinn.”

The smile that he had returned when he looked up at you was worth any heart break you would have just being his friend.

----------

You knew that there was no reason for the butterflies attacking your stomach. Quinn had always made it quite clear you were nothing but his friend, but that never seemed to calm them. Your eyes ran over your own figure once last time as you took in the simple black dress that you settled on for the charity event. You had decided the more simple you went, the more Quinn could stand out and tonight was about him after all.

Before your own mind could rope you into a spiral there was a knock on your front door pulling you out of your thoughts as you reached for your clutch and moved to pull open the door. You felt the way your stomach dropped while you watched Quinn let out a low whistle taking in the deep plunge of your dress and the high slit up your leg.

“I don’t think anyone is going to notice I’m even there when you look that beautiful, Y/N,” Quinn reached for your hand placing a delicate kiss along your knuckles before pulling you out of the apartment and to his side.

The ride to the venue had been a comfortable silence between the two of you while you listened to the radio, but the quiet changed when you walked into the hall. It didn’t take any time before you found yourself roped into hugs and high fives with your friends.

“Okay hotness,” You heard Holly joking from behind you before she pulled you into a quick hug herself, “I might have to upgrade tonight if Bo doesn’t behave himself!”

Her words had you laughing brightly as you looked back over towards her husband where he was standing with Quinn. Everyone in your lives knew just how smitten the two of you were with each other, but making the two of you see it yourselves was another story.

The evening flew by with Quinn’s hand nearly constantly on the small of your back keeping you close to him while he talked to the big wigs and front office people. It was interesting to watch him seemingly in his element with you at his side when usually he was far more nervous.

It made you happy though to see him be so confident in himself the way he deserved to be. You knew more often than not that he tended to get into his own head and not see the man you, and everyone around you, saw.

It was getting late and the room was certainly thinning out when Quinn pulled you fully into his arms resting them tightly against your waist. “I was thinking we can ditch this place and maybe do a movie night? There’s a new one I wanted to see if you’re interested?”

You moved to wrap your own arms over his shoulders responding with a bright smile, “A movie night with just my favorite guy? I think I could handle that.” The words had passed your lips in a slur. Perhaps you had one or two too many drinks but Quinn just shook his head. He didn’t mind if you let loose if it meant you had fun.

It didn’t take long for Quinn to sweep you into your own apartment while you were giggling. You knew you had to get it together long enough to at least put your own pajamas on. You found yourself standing in the middle of your room trying to unzip your own dress.

Which was how Quinn found you once he had changed into a pair of sweats and a tee shirt he kept stashed in the spare bedroom for late nights that tended to turn into early mornings. “Do you need any help with that?” He asked you curiously as he leaned against the doorframe watching you.

You pouted as you finally dropped your hands to your sides, “It hates me. This dress is never ever coming off, Quinn. I’m going to have to live my entire life in this dress!” You exclaimed dramatically while you watched your best friend shove off from where he was and cross the room to you.

“Not that it would be the worst fate for the rest of us if you’re stuck wearing that dress, but I can rescue you,” he assured you as he slowly reached for the zipper tugging it down until it came to it’s resting stop. “There you go, beautiful.”

You watched in disappointment as he stepped out of your room to go to the living room to wait for you. You couldn’t focus on your own feelings though as you moved to change into a comfortable pair of pajamas before taking your make up off before joining Quinn on your couch.

You dropped your head to his chest as you settled in enjoying the feeling of him covering you with a blanket you always kept on the couch. “What movie did you settle on?” You asked him quietly not bothering to look at the screen.

“Beauty and the Beast,” Quinn admitted running his hand through your hair as you finally turned your attention. You knew that he had decided on that movie specifically for you. It may not be your favorite movie, but it certainly was a top contender.

You knew that you wouldn’t last too long, but before you knew it you were asleep in his arms. While it certainly wasn’t the first time that you fell asleep in Quinn’s arms. It was your favorite place to be and it never got old.

When the morning came you found yourself carefully tucked into your bed with a note left on your nightstand to text your best friend when you actually were up for the day.

---- ii ------

Months had passed since the charity event with nothing changing in your life. More often than not your favorite troublemakers were filling your living room still. Whether it was another movie night or the boys playing video games; they made sure you never felt like you were missing anything.

Even they couldn’t hold off on the inevitable though. Eventually summer would come and the boys would be back home with their families leaving you alone in Vancouver until they’d return for training season. You tried to be excited for the boys, but you weren’t looking forward to months on your own after the months on end of constantly having someone around.

If you were honest though you knew that you weren’t ready to say goodbye to Quinn even if it was only for a few months. Of course you would miss your other troublemakers too. Brock always knew just to have you laughing, and Elias always knew when you needed a quiet moment away from everyone. But neither of them compared to Quinn.

You were trying to enjoy the playoffs with the boys, and really whenever you blocked out the idea of being alone it wasn’t too difficult to actually have fun. You found yourself taking your typical spot for the warm ups near the ice beside Holly. “Nice jersey,” she teased glancing over at you with a warm smile.

You brushed it off with your own smile knowing that Quinn tended to enjoy whenever you wore the jersey to his games calling it his good luck charm. You knew that it never meant anything considering he probably would say it to any friend that he had it just so happened any friends he had in Vancouver besides you was on his team.

The Canucks went up 1-0 in their series that night, and Holly wasn’t hearing any of the protests that you tried to voice as she drug you through the tunnel. You knew that it would lead to the locker room where the rest of the WAGs and family were waiting to see their players, but you also knew that deep down it wasn’t where you belonged. If you even dared to voice that thought though you knew that you would have an entire hockey team hell bent on proving you wrong so you kept it to yourself.

You were leaning against the brick wall watching as the team started to slowly come out. “Y/N!” Brock yelled as he came over swooping you up into his arms as he spun you around earning a warm laugh while doing so.

Once you found yourself on solid ground again everything else melted away. You were there celebrating your friends’ win and nothing else mattered. A much quieter, “Hey” came from behind you causing you to spin around to face the person who had spoken up.

“Quinn!” you exclaimed moving to hug him tightly not noticing the jacket that was fisted in his hand as his arms came around you to hug you just as tightly. You didn’t miss the way he had held you there for an extra moment before the two of you had broke apart.

Quinn had started to say something when Brock came up swinging an arm to rest on the defenseman’s shoulders with a mischievous smile as he looked between the two of you. Quickly Quinn had shut down as you raised your eyebrows in Brock’s direction.

“So what do you have there in your hands, buddy?” he asked curiously his full attention on the nervous brunette instead of on you. That was when you finally noticed the jacket in his hands and felt your own heart squeeze. You would know a WAG jacket anywhere considering the crowd that you ran with, but it didn’t make any sense. You would have known if Quinn had started to see someone, and they were reserved for just the wives and girlfriends.

You watched as Quinn suddenly couldn’t meet your gaze while a flush of color raised to his cheeks. “I was just---I mean I know,” he slowly stammered out clearly full of nerves, “It’s just you spend your time at games with the wives and girlfriends--I just didn’t want you to feel left out. So I had them make a jacket for you to wear--as my friend,” he finally managed.

As his friend. You felt your heart sink at those specific words that he made sure to add so that you couldn’t even be given the hope that it could be more. You did your best though to keep the hurt from your face but when your gaze flicked to Brock who was thankfully the only one there to hear your heart being twisted. He shook his head though at the words knowing what an idiot the two of you were if only you would see it.

You did your best to snap out of it though as you took the jacket from him with the best cheerful smile you could fake. “Of course I’ll wear it, Quinny. As your best friend.”

What you didn’t know though was hearing you call yourself just his best friend was twisting at his own heart too. It was a dangerous game he was playing with his own heart, but he wanted to take anything that you would give him.

----iii----

It wasn’t the boys’ year to lift Lord Stanley. They had a couple of good wins, and a lot of close ones, but it hadn’t been enough to move past the second round that year. Elias was the first one to leave claiming that he was in dire need to see his family had been more than fair. Brock wasn’t too far behind him which left you and Quinn alone in the city for a few days without your friends hanging around.

The first day had been spent on the water front enjoying the feeling of the warm summer air on your skin while you walked around. The second day had been spent packing what he needed to head to his parents’ lake house. Now it was the day before he took off and you had locked yourselves away in your apartment curled up together on the couch while you binge watched whatever show Quinn had turned on. You found yourself tucked tightly in his side as you tuned out the show feeling anxious about what tomorrow would bring.

You were sure that he was able to read that something was off about you, but he didn’t mention it seemingly content in just being there with you. You didn’t realize though that he was just as anxious as you were. He wasn’t ready to be away from you for months when he barely got through being away on a roadie. Which was why he had asked his parents if he could bring you, but he knew that you had your own family and your own life to live in Vancouver. He couldn’t just whisk you off for a summer on the lake with his family. Even if it was where he thought you were meant to be.

You felt the way that he tangled his hand in your hair as he shifted in order to be able to look down at you. “You should come with me to the lake house, Y/N. At least for a week. My parents were asking to see you again. I know you have your own thing going on here, but I--I’d like it if you were there. You’re my best friend after all.”

“Quinn,” you stated as you adjusted in order to prop yourself up on your elbow to be leaning over him with a smile as you studied his face, “Are you trying to say you don’t want to be without your best friend even for a little bit?” You asked him knowing that your own parents were spending the summer with your grandparents in Seattle.

“I haven’t been without you since October,” he grumbled mostly to himself as his hand dropped to your shoulder. “But I think you would have fun with us. I’m sure your family will want to steal you away though now that classes are over too.”

“Actually my plans for the summer were to sulk around the city missing my favorite boys. So if your mom really won’t be put out by having another mouth to feed I think I can squeeze in some Hughes brothers time.” You already knew the answer though knowing that his mom would have personally dragged you onto the plane herself.

You had met his parents a few times when they had visited during the season, and even had the chance to meet both Luke and Jack. You adored each member of the Hughes family considering you saw so much of the man you loved in each of them, so spending your summer surrounded by them certainly wasn’t going to be putting you out in any way. You also knew that each member of the Hughes family would be over the moon to have you there. Mostly Jack and Luke loved having any reason to pick on their older brother, but his mom enjoyed seeing her son happy. If you only knew the conversations they had about you.

You loved hearing Quinn’s laughter. It was something you often had to fight for, but whenever you were rewarded with it your heart went soaring. “It’s actually adorable that you think my mom wouldn’t choose having you there over me.”

A few days later you found yourself sitting on the dock in a wooden Adirondack chair soaking in the sun with Quinn’s mom while the boys were along the shoreline each with a fishing pole in hand. You couldn’t hear their conversation but every once in awhile one of them would start laughing. There was something about watching Quinn enjoy some bonding time with his brothers that wedged it’s way into your heart.

“I’ve never seen him so happy,” his mother’s voice pulled you from your own thoughts as you looked away from where your eyes had been settled unsurprisingly on an all too familiar defenseman. “I’m glad you came. I know it means a lot to him.”

“I’m just happy to spend the summer with you all. I was preparing for a very lonely few months in Vancouver,” you admitted even though you knew the moment he learned that was your entire plan he would have figured something out. You were just happy with how things were now.

Ellen leaned forward in her chair as she smiled warmly, “He would have never allowed that to happen. You’re the most important person in his life, and I’m just lucky I have two other mama boy’s now so I’m not completely replaced.” She was joking considering how much it warmed her heart for him to have you.

“I’m sure we will both be replaced eventually when the right girl comes along we will both be replaced. Hopefully she’ll be good enough for him,” you mused quietly. You knew though that no girl would ever be good enough for him.

You completely missed the way she was looking at you. You both could say that everything you did was just as friends, but she knew better if only you two would see it.

----iv----

The summer had flown past you in a blur of sun filled days, and before you knew it you and Quinn had returned to Vancouver just in time for your next semester and his training camp to start. Despite every concern you had the previous spring you and your friends had fallen back to your old routines. Your apartment was still the place to be when they needed comfort, and they drug you out whenever they thought school was consuming you more than normal.

There had been a change though. Quinn had somehow become even more physically attached to you than he had before the summer on the lake. You weren’t sure how it was possible, but he managed it somehow. His hand always seemed to find it’s way just under whatever shirt you were wearing to rest against the skin on your waist, or rest on your bare ankle whenever your feet were in his lap. It was as if he needed the skin on skin contact.

All too soon October was upon you with the crisp chill air and the leaves falling from the trees. Personally you never found Vancouver more beautiful than you did when autumn hit. Between the hockey schedule and your own classes it wasn’t always easy to find a full day off, but they had a Friday off and you had all agreed that you needed a night out to let loose.

You had settled on a simple black body suit with a pair of leather pants. You weren’t aiming to find someone to take home when you got dressed, but you knew that at least you looked good if Brock’s teasing wolf whistle or Elias’ spinning you around was any indication.

The bar top was full making it nearly impossible to get the attention of the bartender on your own. That was until you felt a hand on the small of your back before flagging down someone. Of course being a popular face in Vancouver tended to make sure you weren’t ignored. Quinn didn’t spare a look your way when he placed an order for your favorite drink earning him the happiest smile from you. There was something special about the fact that he remembered what you enjoyed.

“Thank you, Quinn,” you muttered against his shoulder as you glanced up at him noting how his eyes had shifted over to you as he smiled in return.

“Anything for you,” he murmured in return as his hands played with the ends of your hair. “I actually had something to ask you anyways and getting you a drink gave me a chance.”

“Oh?” you asked him as the bartender slid your drink over to you before moving along. You knew anything that he asked you that you would do what you could in order to make it happen for him. You were wrapped around his finger in the same way he was around your own.

With his free hand he reached up in order to rub the back of his neck seemingly nervous although you couldn’t place why. “I realized that there’s only one Saturday before the end of the month that we both are free. And I was thinking maybe we could go to the pumpkin patch? Y--you know as a friend. I just---I know you love the pumpkin patch and i really wanted to go enjoy one together this year.”

It felt like your heart was warming up in your chest as you listened to. Pumpkin patches had always had a special place in your heart so it meant a lot to you that he even remembered that and wanted to go with you. “Of course. Although I do demand that you get me an apple cider while we’re there.”

“I think it’s something that I can manage,” Quinn agreed as you were roped back into your friend group again for the rest of the evening.

The next morning had come far too soon with a pulsating migraine that had you groaning into your pillow. You remember up until rejoining the boys at the table and being dared into a few shots with Brock, after that it was a dark blur but when you rolled over you noticed a glass of water on your nightstand. A smile tugged tenderly at your lips knowing that Quinn had been the one to make sure you made it home safely.

You gave yourself a few more moments in bed before you forced yourself away from the warmth of your blankets in order to get ready. You settled on keeping things simple as you slid your favorite knit sweater and skinny jeans on knowing you would rather be warm than to focus on your looks. After all it was just Quinn and while you always wanted it to mean more you knew it never would.

You weren’t sure how long had passed as you tried to tame your hair and throw some simple make up on your face when you heard a knock on your door. “Give me a second!” You called out putting down the brush you were using before rushing to the door.

You knew that you couldn’t help the smile on your face when you saw Quinn standing there with two cups of coffee in his hand. “I took a guess that a pumpkin patch day meant pumpkin spice latte for you?” He asked you keeping his voice low as he held the cup in question out to you.

You didn’t even hesitate to take the cup from his hands. “It’s almost like you know me better than myself,” you teased as you took a step back into the apartment. “I just need to put my shoes on and I will be ready to head out.”

-----

Feeling the chill of the air surround you as you studied each pumpkin wanting to select the perfect ones to take home with you, by which you meant the ones that would be over looked and needed just to be loved by you. It was the same exact reason you got the saddest looking tree every Christmas. Brock always argued that they didn’t know the difference, but Quinn always encouraged your need to give your love to the ones who needed it the most. Whether it made a difference or not, because it made a difference to you.

“Are any of them calling your name yet?” Quinn asked as he slipped his hand around yours. It wasn’t uncommon for the two of you to find ways to cling to one another, or even to hold hands, but it always felt new. The butterflies that erupted in your stomach always took your breath away.

You tried to keep things casual though as you shrugged your shoulders, “There’s a lot of them that I feel like could use me but I haven’t found the ones that need me just yet.”

“Then we keep looking,” Quinn offered always having patience in spades for you especially if he knew that you were going to be happy.

It was only fifteen minutes later that you finally found the perfect three to take home with you. With the brightest smile on your face you didn’t even fight Quinn as he paid for the pumpkins. Anything that had you looking that happy was worth any dollar amount to him.

---+i---

You were standing at work waiting for a fresh cup of coffee to brew. You weren’t sure if it was your third or forth cup of the morning, but between the lack of sleep the night before and what essentially had felt like everything at work turning into a dumpster fire before your very eyes. There was no telling if you would be surviving the next hour with your sanity much less making it to the end of the day and your only hope to do so was with coffee. Unsafe amounts or otherwise.

What you hadn’t expected was for your best friend to surprise you. It was almost like Quinn had a special sense of when you were stressed out and one of his magical hugs would be your saving grace. You weren’t sure of the magic or science behind it, but you were grateful for it.

You felt a pair of strong arms wrap themselves around your waist holding you to a familiar chest. “There you are beautiful,” he murmured quietly against your hair before he finally let you go so that you could turn around to face him.

“Ah yes so shocking I’m at work during my usual hours,” you teased him as you stepped away from his hold. You never could trust yourself so close to him, but today you were feeling especially at risk to just pull him down for a kiss. With everything going on around you he was your one constant.

It had been obvious to you for the last few months that you were in love with your best friend, but as in love as you were you knew that he didn’t return those feelings. All you were to him was his friend, and at least you had some part of him in your life.

He didn’t allow you to go very far though as his hands settled on your hips pulling you back towards him. He had a smile on his face that you had never seen before, but you realized quickly that it was your favorite of his. “Well okay you have a solid point. I just figured that you needed a movie night tonight, but I figured I could make dinner for you. I just wanted to see if there was any special requests?”

You couldn’t help the way your eyebrows scrunched together as you tried to figure out what was going on. “I could always go for some pasta, and I feel like that might be something that can turn out edible. I love you but I haven’t forgotten about the time you tried to make me breakfast and we had to air out my entire apartment all day.”

In Quinn’s defense he did at least look bashful at the reminder of that morning. You still remembered the squeeze of your heart of affection seeing him trying to make you food. It had meant the entire world to you that he had even tried to take care of you even if it hadn’t turned out the way that he had planned.

“Okay so that wasn’t my finest hour, but I’m really going to impress you tonight. I promise,” he had left quickly with a fast kiss to your forehead so that you could return to work. Although you weren’t sure if you would be able to focus on what was going on around you when your entire focus on what was happening in your apartment.

Every day you couldn’t wait until it was time to leave for the day, but today it had been nearly impossible to make it through everything you had to before you left. You couldn’t rush any faster to your apartment reasoning with yourself that it was just to make sure that it was still in one piece and not on fire, but you knew that it was just to see what Quinn was up to.

You had barely opened the door as you called out for your best friend, but the first thing you had noticed was the fact that it seemed as if your apartment was shadowed in darkness. For a moment you began to think you mixed up what apartment you were suppose to meet at but it was always your apartment that you hung out at. It was that moment that you had noticed the flicker of candles.

Candles. As you stepped farther into the apartment you noticed that there had to be almost a hundred lit candles around your living room. “Quinn?” You asked hearing the question in your voice.

You eyes finally settled on him as he stepped out of your kitchen wearing a look that you hadn’t seen before. “I--I’ve been wanting to ask you on a date for so long, Y/N. Not as a friend, but as more. And every time I chickened out. But tonight I’m not. I planned an entire Harry Potter movie marathon with your favorite candies. I even made sure to find some new fuzzy socks with your house crest on it, and I bought some new blankets to curl up under.” Everything he said was quickly worded as if it wasn’t out there fast he wouldn’t be able to get through it. “So what do you say? One date as more than friends?”

You didn’t bother with a verbal response as you reached up to finally kiss your best friend allowing your lips meld together. It was everything you had dreamt it would be and somehow better. “I can handle way more than one date if you’re interested in that.”

His smile lit up as he leaned in resting his forehead to yours, “I’m absolutely more than interested in more than just one date, Y/N. I’m interested in everything with you.” Quinn leaned back in pressing a deeper kiss to your lips sealing your future together with it.

#Quinn Hughes #Quinn hughes imagine #Quinn Hughes imagines #quinn hughes x imagine #quinn hughes x imagines #vancouver canucks imagine #vancouver canucks imagines #vancouver canucks x imagine #vancouver canucks x imagines #nhl imagines #nhl imagine #nhl x imagine #nhl x imagines #hockey imagine #hockey imagines #hockey x imagine #hockey x imagines

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spookyboywhump · 3 years ago

Text

This one got long. I was inspired by This Anon so this is a follow up to This Piece

CW: Rape mention, mentions of hand whump, mentions of past mouth whump

***

His right hand had seen quite a bit of damage over the years. It had been broken during his first week with the Whitakers, and then operated on to repair it. He’d broken fingers and split open his knuckles countless times. And now he’d sliced it open, stitches running all across his hand. He was starting to think he would need to learn to use his left hand, just in case it stopped working all together. For now, he kept his eyes on his hand so he wouldn’t have to look at his moms. Now that they were home from the hospital he couldn’t avoid it much longer, they wanted to know what happened, why it had happened, and he had to come up with an explanation now- though every time he tried to think of one, it just sounded ridiculous to him.

“I’m sorry.” He finally said quietly, keeping his eyes down. He wished he hadn’t told Eli he could do this alone, he knew he couldn’t but he also knew he needed to. Eli had seen him angry enough times, he knew what it was like, he knew how and when he’d calm down, and he knew where it came from. His moms didn’t understand that though, how could they when he never told them anything? He didn’t blame them for being concerned, and though he knew it wasn’t a bad thing, he still wished they weren’t, wished they could just ignore him and all the problems that came with him.

“You don’t have to keep apologizing…” His mom said softly.

“We… we know you didn’t mean for it to happen, Zander.” Georgia said, speaking gently with him, as though he were still on the verge of breaking down, like he was a bomb just waiting to go off. He almost wished they were angry with him, it would’ve felt better than this. “You got hurt, and you… maybe overreacted a little bit-”

“I need to clean up the glass.” He tried to get up, but his mom gently grabbed his arm.

“Sit down.” She told him, he wasn’t getting out of this that easily, and he obeyed immediately. Good dog.

“We should’ve talked to you earlier in the day.” Georgia said. “We shouldn’t have waited for it to get bad. I’m sorry.” She said, but he just shrugged.

“I wouldn’t have told you anyway.” He didn’t know how to, the only reasonable path was telling them the truth and he just couldn’t do that. I had a nightmare and the man that raped me, tortured my brother, and tortured the boy I loved was in it. The dream wasn’t about him nor was it about that incident, but he was there and it pissed me off. I haven’t stopped thinking about it, about him, about everything since I woke up. I don’t know how to feel anything other than anger anymore and I snapped at the first major inconvenience. I’m unruly, uncontrollable, disobedient, and I should go back where I came from since I don’t know how to act like a human being anymore. The words were clear in his mind but no, he couldn’t say that, they couldn’t know about that. Not even Wren knew about that, he knew he had to keep it a secret.

“Zander, we want you to talk to us.” His mom said. “And- if not us, somebody else, anybody, a doctor even. None of this is easy, but you can’t get better by bottling it all up inside.”

“I know.” Of course he knew that, but it didn’t change the fact that telling people anything about the past seven years was difficult, he didn’t even expect people to believe any of it if he did tell them. The only person he knew understood was Elias, but he had so many of his own problems that he couldn’t stand the idea of adding to them. “I’m sorry. I… I know I need to control myself better… and talking about any of it is hard… I don’t want to upset anybody and I… I don’t want to act this way… it just happens before I can stop myself…” He murmured.

“That’s why you need help.” Georgia said. “You can’t get better all on your own, but you already know this is just hurting you. That’s what worries us the most- you’re home Zander, you’re safe, but you’re still hurting, you’re hurting yourself. I know it’s not easy, you won’t get better over night, and you won’t return to who you were “before”, but you’re still you, and you’re here, and while we may not know the extent of what you’ve gone through, we do know that after all of it, you deserve to finally be at peace, to finally feel as safe as you are.” She said, before softly adding, “We’ll do everything that we can to make sure you feel that way.”

He sniffed, reaching up to wipe at his eyes with his uninjured hand. He didn’t want to start crying, he hated crying in front of them, but he couldn’t help it. He loved them both so much, and he appreciated their concern but more than anything he just felt guilty for worrying them in the first place. He didn’t know how much he could keep apologizing, but it’s all he wanted to do, tell them I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry over and over again for the pain he caused them. When he lowered his hand his mom reached for it, and he glanced up as she gently squeezed it.

“We want you to know you’re safe, and… and we want to see you happy again, someday.” She said, and she looked so sad it broke his heart, he knew he’d never seen her look like that before all this had happened. “I just miss seeing you smile…”

“I-I… I can’t…” His voice nearly cracked when he said it. He tried to smile, though it was wavering and pathetic, it was still a smile, and he raised his shaking hand up to point at one of his gold canine teeth. “Wh-when I smile… people can see them… it’s n-not so bad when it’s you guys, or Eli, or Alondra b-but… other people get scared, I’ve seen how- how people look at me, they step back, or they- they always look away so quickly… s-sometimes they stare and I… I don’t want people to see them… it’s better if I don’t smile at all…”

“Oh, Zander…” His mom said, giving him a sympathetic look, “You know we can fix that? They’re already fake, they, we can replace them with normal ones, whenever you want.” She said, but he shook his head.

“What’s important is that you feel comfortable, whenever you’re ready we can make sure you get it done.” Georgia said, but he shook his head again. It took him a moment to decide if he really wanted to tell them, but with the subject at hand he felt it was finally somewhat necessary.

“I’m… I’m scared of going to the dentist…” He said slowly. He knew they were confused, it had never been a fear of his before, but he did explain this time. “When… when I got them uh… o-only one of my teeth had been knocked out… the other h-he… he pulled it out… with pliers…” He said quietly, almost flinching when his mother gasped. He decided to leave out Eli’s involvement in it. “But… after that, when he uh, took me to get the fangs… I wasn’t… numbed, or- or put under or anything, th… they just strapped me to a chair… and they did it… I felt everything until I passed out, and afterwards I… didn’t get any painkillers until they more or less stopped hurting…”

“Oh god… Zander, that’s awful…” Georgia sounded horrified, and he couldn’t bring himself to look at either of them.

“I know… I know that won’t happen if I go to the dentist, but… just the thought of it scares me. My chest gets tight and it’s hard to breathe and I just… I can’t do it. I’d rather keep them hidden than get them removed…”

“You don’t have to get them removed until you’re ready… I’m so, so sorry…” His mom said, her voice cracking, and Zander almost wanted to cry.

“Stop apologizing to me… you two didn’t hurt me… I need to apologize for freaking out like that…”

“You’ve apologized enough. What you need is to get some rest now, after the stitches and everything…” His mom said, sounding worried, and he sighed, getting to his feet even though he was still dizzy.

“I need to clean the glass up first. It’s my mess, I need to take care of it.” He said, and this time his moms didn’t stop him from leaving the room. They could probably tell he was desperate to get out of there, and it was best to just give him the space.

It didn’t take long for him to clean up, and after saying Goodnight to his moms, he went back to his room, where Eli was waiting, splayed out on Zander’s bed. He sat up when he came in though, still looking worried.

“Hey… how are you feeling…?” He asked as Zander came and dropped down onto his bed.

“Like shit.” He muttered. “I’m tired of talking about it. They already talked to me.”

“Alright… do you want me to stay?” He asked, and after a moment Zander nodded, Elias moving closer to him. “If you do want to talk about it, I’m here, you know that?” He said, and Zander nodded again.

“Thanks…” He said quietly. He appreciated it, he really did, but that didn’t change the fact he didn’t want to bother Eli with it. The boy had enough problems as it was, Zander had no desire to add to them.

He knew they wanted him to talk, but he just couldn’t do it. He couldn’t bring himself to tell them truth so why say anything at all? It would only hurt them, upset them, and the last thing he wanted to do was cause them anymore pain. He saw the way the reacted, heard the pain in their voices when he told them about his teeth, and it twisted his stomach into knots, he couldn’t do that again. They didn’t need to know anymore, and he desperately hoped he could keep it that way.

#my writing #my oc’s #wren #zander #Valerie #Georgia #rape mention #they have A Talk #zander learns nothing #shocking absolutely no one

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voiceless-terror · 4 years ago

Text

Of Deadlines and Drama

For @jontim-week Day Three: Late

Rating: T

Words: 2.5k

Summary: Jon’s has trouble with his expenses. Tim helps out.

“Late again? Really, Jon?”

“I know, I know!” Jon types as fast as his shaking hands will allow, but it’s no use. It’s Wednesday and its half past twelve, meaning Rosie will not be accepting his expense report under any circumstances. She’s a stickler for deadlines- at least, when it comes to Jon. They’ve never been on the best of terms, but ever since what Jon has deemed ‘The Incident,’ she’s been downright unpleasant.

“I thought you set an alarm this time!” Tim says, coming over to lean against his desk. Tim has an alarm for everything - waking up, eating, exercising, going to bed. Jon doesn't know how he stands it. “I didn’t hear anything go off.”

“I might have told you I set one,” he winces, avoiding Tim’s eyes. “And then forgot to.”

“Jon, Jon, Jon…”

“Don’t triple Jon me!” he snaps, attempting to focus on the meaningless numbers in front of him. “I’m stressed enough as is. God, Elias is going to kill me…”

“Why are you trying to impress him?” Tim plops down in the chair beside him and props his feet up on Jon’s desk, raising an eyebrow. He looks infuriatingly handsome in his button up and sweater, a look that Jon has tried to emulate, only to achieve ‘overworked librarian.’ “The only person you should be trying to impress is me. Your boyfriend. The light of your life, the reason you get up in the morning-”

“The reason these are going to be even later than usual,” Jon snaps and knocks Tim’s feet off of the desk with a sharp elbow. Tim yelps and throws Jon a hurt look that he tries and fails to ignore. “I’m sorry. You did tell me to set an alarm. It’s just...these things get away from me.”

“I know.” Tim’s face softens as he scooches his chair over and leans forward, resting his arms on his thighs. “How can I help?”

“You can convince Rosie to accept these. You’re very persuasive.” He turns and gives Tim his best doe-eyed look, though he already knows the answer.

“I am persuasive, aren’t I?” Jon ignores his preening. “But that’s not going to work. You know as soon as she sees your name…”

Jon sighs, resting his chin in his hand. “Yes, I know.”

“What did you do to her, Jon? Run over her dog? I know they scare you, but still...”

“They don’t scare me,” Jon lies, pointedly looking away. “I just...would rather not have them near my person. And you know I can’t drive.”

“What then?” Jon says nothing, focusing instead on chipping away at a small scratch in the wood of his desk. The whole thing’s rather embarrassing, and he’s gone this long without telling anyone. Tim moves his chair even closer, nudging it against Jon’s and squishing him into his desk. He’s effectively trapped.

“C’mon. Pleeease?”

Jon sighs at the wheedling tone. “I...may have snapped at her.”

“You do that with everyone, though. Unless you said something especially heinous...” Another nudge to his chair.

“And then... stumbled.”

“...okay?”

Jon closes his eyes. “And spilled my tea all over Elias’s mail.”

Tim guffaws, as expected, and Jon can feel his face warm. It certainly wasn’t his proudest moment, he can still hear Rosie’s screeching and his own stammered apologies. “That’ll do it! God, I wish I’d seen that.”

“It was incredibly embarrassing, and I’m glad you didn’t. Elias wasn’t in, thank god.”

“You could’ve gotten it all over one of those posh suits he wears.” Jon shudders at the thought. Elias is fastidious about his appearance, he would’ve been fired on the spot. Starting to feel claustrophobic, Jon pushes back against Tim’s chair to give himself breathing room and tries to refocus. He’s dawdled long enough.

Tim hums. “Hmm, maybe…”

“Maybe what?” He tucks his head over Jon’s shoulder, probably eying the obvious errors in his report. Jon’s never been good with numbers.

“Rosie doesn’t accept expenses after twelve, that’s true. But…” Tim trails off, definitely relishing in the small twitch in Jon’s eye when he does it. He enjoys riling him up, and he’s very good at it. Jon contains the urge to elbow him in the stomach.

“But what?” He’s starting to sound like a broken record.

“But she doesn’t actually give them to Elias until three or four.” Tim smirks at his affronted gasp. Jon’s never been that late, but Rosie’s always going on about ‘deadlines being very important to Mr. Bouchard’ and ‘I’m sorry I just can’t accept these so late, I’ve already given him the pile.’ Jon’s wallet has paid the price for this on more than one occasion- he counts on those reimbursements, and it often leaves him short on cash for the rest of the week. Tim will pick up the check on those days, waving off Jon’s protests and trying to assuage his guilt. Before he can start raging about the newly-discovered arbitrary deadline, Tim cuts in.

“But if I distract her, you can slip them in her little pile and she’ll be none the wiser!” Tim gives him a cheeky grin. It’s...not a bad plan, but Jon’s hesitant at the thought of pulling one over on his boss’s secretary.

“Or I could just wait until she goes to the bathroom and do it then.” Tim’s face falls at the suggestion.

“Or I could distract her.”

Ah. So that’s what this is about. They haven’t been on an investigation in weeks, and he always gets restless when they’re cooped up in the institute. And a bored Tim is a dangerous Tim.

“C’mon, it’ll be fun! This way we can control the scenario, make sure you have enough time to get in and out.”

Jon raises an eyebrow. “And what if she sees through your antics?”

Tim gives a dramatic gasp, rearing back in his seat and just barely missing a passing librarian. “Are you doubting my acting skills? I’ll have you know you aren’t the only theater kid in this place. And I didn’t want to bring it up, but...you owe me.”

Jon’s heart drops. Of course. Jon can’t coast along on his boyfriend’s paychecks, that’s asking too much. It’s his fault he’s in this predicament, and honestly, he should be thanking Tim for even offering.

“For bailing on that stakeout.”

Jon pauses, and promptly dismisses his guilt. “I was sick! From a cold you gave me, might I add-”

“Technicalities.” Tim waves a dismissive hand. “C’mon. Do me a favor. Let your boyfriend save the day. Please?” He does his best impression of a kicked puppy, and Jon’s almost afraid he’ll go down on his knees to complete the look.

“Fine,” he sighs, ignoring the answering cheer. “If you must. But how are you going to-”

“Don’t you worry your pretty little head about it,” Tim winks, jumping up from his seat and throwing his bag over his shoulder. “Leave it to me. Finish those up, and I’ll be back before you know it.” He’s already halfway through the door before Jon can say thank you, and only pauses to call back “Have Sasha check for typos! Love you!”

Jon scowls at the snickers that follow this statement, and turns back to his screen. The numbers blurred together, and he’s pretty sure he’s subtracted when he should’ve added. It’s a wonder he ever gets these done at all.

“Sasha? Can you look at this for me?”

_________

Tim promptly comes back with coffee (which Jon knows he hates) and cronuts, dropping one off at Jon’s desk. “She won’t be able to resist,” he promises with a peck to Jon’s cheek. “When you see us in the hallway, that’s your cue!”

In spite of himself, he starts to feel a little excited. Tim’s exuberance is contagious, and while not as thrilling as an investigation, Jon’s not above a bit of petty revenge. Not even revenge, really, more justice for the pain and suffering of his bank account. And not ten minutes later, Tim and Rosie are chatting amicably as they walk past the library, cronuts in hand. He feels the slightest bit of envy at how easily Tim can make friends, but tamps it down as he tiptoes up the stairs and over to Rosie’s desk. Elias’s door is thankfully closed.

And her desk is...empty. Immaculate. Nothing but a tiny notepad and her usual knickknacks, not a paper in sight. Fuck. Had she already given them to Elias? Is Jon too late? Did Tim waste money on coffee and cronuts for nothing? Calm down, he tells himself, willing his heart to slow. Just...have a look around.

He tries not to feel too guilty as he rummages through her mail trays and under her place mat. There’s nothing too personal, though he averts his eyes at a list entitled New Year, New Intentions. It’s when he finally turns to the drawers that he sees it- the corner of a file folder, sticking out of the bottom drawer. Please be it, please be it. He tugs it out, wincing at the small tear it causes and aha! He’s found it. A pile of neatly clipped expense reports is nestled inside, and all he needs to do is stick his in the middle where she can’t see and he’ll be fine-

“Jon?”

The voice startles him so badly he lets out a little yelp, the folder flying from his hands and papers littering the floor around him. He puts a hand on his chest to calm his racing heart and turns around to find Elias, who’s just caught him snooping through his secretary’s desk like a little thief. Jon didn’t even hear the door open. Oh god. I’m fucked. I’m fired.

“I-um, h-hello! Elias.” He gives an awkward little wave and immediately curses himself for doing it. It’s like he’s suddenly forgotten what normal people do with their hands. “I was just...looking for a pen. T-To write Rosie. A note.”

“A note.” Elias raises one eyebrow, and it’s clear he doesn’t believe a word coming out of Jon’s mouth. To be fair, Jon wouldn’t either. When put on the spot, Jon can’t lie to save his life. “And this file…?” He bends down to pick up the folder clearly marked ‘Expenses’ in bold, black print. Jon winces.

“It...fell out?”

“Oh, Jon.” Elias tuts, and Jon refrains from full body flinching. He has a particular hatred of being scolded, and especially by Elias, of all people. The man he’s desperate to impress, who holds his job in his hands. “There’s no need for the ruse. Deadlines aren’t exactly your strong suit, are they?”

“No,” he mumbles, the words barely audible as he struggles to meet Elias’s eyes. He loves having his flaws pointed out to him. Loves it. “I’m sorry.”

“However, you do fine work.” Jon blinks and there it is- a rare, indulgent smile. It’s incongruous with those strange, cold eyes, but it makes Jon feel better all the same. “You’re one of our best researchers. But if you want to move up in the world, timeliness is of the utmost importance, yes?”

“Y-Yes,” Jon stammers, nodding his head up and down like a puppet. Move up in the world? Jon’s never considered himself ‘promotion material,’ but the thought that Elias thinks it possible fills him with excitement. You do fine work, he said. Fine work! “I’ll do my best.”

“Of course.” Elias offers the folder to Jon’s trembling hands, and gives him a conspiratorial smile. “This, however, can be our little secret, hm? I believe I saw Rosie and Mr. Stoker in the break room, but I think they’ll be back any minute. Best to tidy up before she notices.”

Jon can’t help the beam that spreads across his face. “T-Thank you, Elias. Really. It won’t happen again-”

“I know it won’t.” Elias gives him a brisk nod, suddenly all business, and turns back to his office, shutting the door briskly behind him without another word. Jon takes that as his cue to scurry across the floor, grabbing up the papers as frantically as possible while taking care not to crumple them further. It takes him a few moments, but he manages to get them in order and tucks his own into the pile. He places it carefully in the drawer he found it in, corner sticking out just as before. No Rosie in sight. Thank god.

With that, he bolted. Best not to be spotted anywhere near the scene of the crime.

______

“Did it work?” Tim rushes into the library, talking entirely too loudly and plopping down on Jon’s desk, sending pens flying. Jon chooses to ignore this. “I brought Rosie her favorites, gave up my choicest gossip to get her out of that seat. Told her if Elias overheard he’d go mental.” Tim pauses to consider this. “Actually, that might’ve been true. It involves a copier and a certain someone-”

“It worked,” Jon quickly cuts him off. He doesn’t need any more info on whatever...that was. “Thank you. But Elias caught me.” Tim looks at him incredulously, as if surprised he survived the encounter. “And he was...okay with it? I mean, he told me it couldn't happen again, but he said ’it’s our little secret.”

Tim blanches at the words. “What?”

“He also said I did fine work,” Jon admits shyly. “I didn’t know he paid attention to me, but-”

“Hang on, ‘our little secret’? Fine work!?” Tim shrieks and Jon hurriedly shushes him, looking anxiously around the library. No one pays attention, used to their antics by now. “What’s that supposed to be, a euphemism?”

“A euphemism? What on earth could that be a euphemism for?”

“I don’t know!” Tim waves a hand around dramatically, and he actually looks a bit put out. Is he...jealous? Jon can’t help the small smirk and Tim notices it right away. “Don’t give me that! I don’t like the way he looks at you. Sasha’s noticed too. It’s downright creepy.”

“The grey is a bit disconcerting, I’ll give you that.”

“It doesn’t match his face! Weird, right?”

“Anyway,” Jon says, eager to cut off yet another tangent. “Your plan worked.”

“Not really.” Tim pouts, kicking his feet out like a toddler and turning away with his arms crossed. Only Tim can manage to make the petulant look work on a twenty-eight year old man.

“Yes, really!” Tim doesn’t turn around and Jon internally rolls his eyes, albeit fondly. “Look, I’ll get my check next Friday with everyone else. And then I’ll take you out to dinner. How does that sound?”

That did it. Tim tilts his head towards him, gives him a playful smile. “Gonna romance me, Sims? Pull out all the stops?”

Jon returns it. “All the second-rate sushi you want.”

“You’re a prince among men.” Tim hops off his desk and gives his forehead a kiss. Jon’s partial to those kisses and he can feel himself melting at the touch, even as his smile turns wicked.

“I could ask Elias if he’s free as well-”

He doesn’t manage to dodge the pen that flies his way, but he doesn’t mind. Jealousy’s not a bad look on Tim.

ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/30103509

#my writing #tma #the magnus archives #jonathan sims #tim stoker #jontim #jontimweek #precanon #established relationship #is this ridiculous and dumb? sure #do i care? no!#we need some low stakes alright #this podcast stresses me out enough #no warnings here i believe

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avasghost · 4 years ago

Text

When We Drown Update #2

[image description: a pale blue photo of a rocky cliff, and a boy at the edge in the distance, standing on a pile of rocks and looking down. in white serif font in the centre, reads “when we drown: update two” / end id]

wip intro here. first writing update here.

DISCLAIMER: this is my original work, please do not plagiarize in any way.

hi everyone! it’s been a while since i did a writing update (time is fast) and i’ve written quite a lot! up until about a week ago i was in a really, really bad writing slump (which lasted like,,, four months) and so that’s why there hasn’t been a crane anatomy update for a ages because (: i haven’t been writing it (:

i don’t know if i mentioned this in the first update, but this book is now non-linear which has been an ~adventure! the non-linear plotline is kind of freeing because i can just pick a scene i want to write from any time in april’s life and just ... write it? i don’t have to follow the years chronologically. i try to create some kind of causal thread between the scenes but i don’t know how well that’s working out lmao. since WWD follows an entire life story with the protagonist looking back on it and remembering her life, i try to make her memory of one event trigger the memory of the next event, and usually they’re linked by either emotion or information.

current word count: 13,228

so when we drown is officially longer than crane anatomy now, despite being the side project! fun.

anyway lets get into the chapters because i have nothing else to say. tw for death, and other trigger warnings are before the individual chapters!

excerpts under the cut.

chapter 5: faces

[image description: a birds eye view of a forest of snowy pine trees. above the trees in black serif font reads “chapter 5: faces” / end id]

this is a very short chapter (a page and a half) which is a flash forward to when april and elena live together in a cabin in the woods sometime in their late forties. elena is asleep in an armchair and april stokes the fireplace, and then goes outside and sees elias’s ghost and then it dissapears (tbh,,, i think a lot of the chapters will be like this oops) this is the second ghost sighting in the book, but at the point when april is 48 it’s almost a regular occurrence! i might end up moving it to later in the book eventually, since i might want the ghost sightings to be in linear order if nothing else is, to keep the main thread of the book in order.

I closed the door of the woodstove, and glanced over my shoulder to see if Elena had been woken by the clanging of metal. She stirred slightly, a familiar face in her nightmare, an unfamiliar face in a familiar dream. Two fingers clenched against the armrest, then became limp again. Half of me wanted her to wake up, to see me, to speak to me, to see the fire bouncing in the grate and be happy for warmth. But again, she needed rest. She needed to be alone for a while, even if that was just in her head. She’d seen her fair share of fire.

also its snowing in november and its british columbia and i know this is unrealistic but! aesthetics are more important than logic we all know that.

[image description: blurry pine trees and a light snow falling in front of them, with a ridge of snow along the bottom. white serif text in the centre reads “The snow-tipped pines that cupped the cabin sagged under the weight of unexpected snowfall. Their fallen needles jotted the snow. The sky was white, spotless, like an expanse of faraway ocean or the inside of a crystal ball.” / end id]

The snow-tipped pines that cupped the cabin sagged under the weight of unexpected snowfall. Their fallen needles jotted the snow. The sky was white, spotless, like an expanse of faraway ocean or the inside of a crystal ball. No birds flitted between the branches, no foxes slunk between the pines. All was still. All was white. I was alone.

and the ghost is seen then disappears as usual and april goes inside again.

You were gone by the time I reached the door again, by the time I stepped inside and Elena stirred in her armchair, by the time I had stepped out of my shoes and gone to stoke the fire again, which was already starting to dwindle.

i like having elias referred to as “you” because its like april is telling the story to him, but he’s not there, so she’s talking to herself, which is very in character for her to do.

chapter 6: the party

[image description: a slope of pine trees with a grassy field at the bottom. mist shrouds the trees in the distance. a dirt path leads through the grass towards a cabin. in the top right corner, reads “chapter 6: the party” / end id]

chapter 6 follows the day before elena’s fifteenth birthday, and then her party the next day. this is a traumatic time for april because she decides she should mention her first elias sighting at the party. obviously people think she’s crazy and so you can guess how that turns out (aka april goes home and cries because she’s a soft bean)

elena has a cool tree in her backyard apparently!! this seems to be a running theme.

Dribbles of leftover sunlight sifted through the branches of the elm tree that ribbed the sky, its roots furrowing the lawn like varicose veins.

i will admit i didn’t finish this chapter and haven’t written most of the party scene yet so i will probably update on the rest of it in my next update (if i’ve written it by then which i probably won’t have but! we’ll see.)

chapter 7: sacred ground

[image description: the ocean stretching into the distance, with small waves. a blurry girl with long brown hair stands in front of it, facing the water. in the middle in white serif font reads “chapter 7: sacred ground” / end id]

the aftermath of the first elias sighting, when april goes and tries to talk to elena about it. i actually don’t know if this or the party comes first and the non-linearness might be catching up to me oops but we’ll just pretend everything makes sense okay <3

first she tries to decide who to talk to about it and her options are quite limited. she picks elena because she’ll probably take her seriously, and then goes to her house in a state of shock.

I considered my options. Elena: the calm one, either pretending to be wise or really wise. Magnolia: probably less stupid than she made herself out to be. My mother: still crying over a tragedy of five years ago and a tragedy of fifteen years ago and the tragedy of a lifetime wasted in crowded cult meetings and stark bedrooms, tears always falling, thoughts either always whirlwinding or too dead to pay attention to. I found myself winding up the jittery pathway to Elena’s house, or maybe it was me that was jittery. Maybe it was me, who made the world blurry like this. Maybe it was me who was seeing things, not those things drifting into my line of vision and then falling out of sight. The pearly birches jagged the edges of the valley, their leaves chartreuse in the wind-rustled sunlight.

and then elena rejects her plight and april returns to where she saw elias. turns out elena isn’t as accepting of april’s hallucinations as she was supposed to be! here’s a bit of dialogue i generated from that incorrect quote generator that seems fitting for this moment!

April: Bad things keep happening to me, like I have bad luck or something.

Elena: April, you don't have bad luck. The reason bad things happen to you is because you're a dumbass.

this IS april and this IS elena how does this generator know what my book is about!! anyway back to excerpts:

I ran back to where I had seen you, all slow wonderment vanished, and found the place where my old footsteps in the sand looped around. I knew you wouldn’t be there, I wasn’t surprised that you didn’t appear again, your face bobbing in a rice paper mist. I wasn’t surprised that Elena didn’t chase me out, eyes drained of tears, to apologize. And I wasn’t surprised that from that point forward, I thought of that place as sacred.

chapter 8: always falling

[image description: a blurred black-and-white close-up image of water falling. white serif font in the center reads “always falling: chapter 8″ / end id]

tw: death, drowning, blood, fantasizing about drowning

eight-year-old april and magnolia visit a waterfall with magnolia’s parents. feat. april’s dog, august!

The waterfall coiled down the cliff face, cracking the surface of the river like a thousand strands of thunder. I could hardly hear Magnolia’s parents shouting something up ahead, their voices lost in the blare of water.

shortly after:

When I heard suspension bridge, I pictured one from old fairytales I read: wooden, burlap ropes for railings. A thirty percent chance of falling in. I was reassured by the stability, but August shivered at the way it jilted underfoot. He had never walked on ground that shifted under his feet, maybe it was an earthquake, maybe the ground was breaking in.

and here’s sweet eight-year-old April fantasizing about what it would be like to drown. If you think that’s foreshadowing no it isn’t 👁👁

[image description: a slightly grainy photo, half water and half sky, both tinted turquoise. a hand lifts out of the water toward the sky. above the hand in white serif font, reads “What it would feel like to drown, water snagging in my lungs, sharp stones shattering my ribcage until the entire river turned to blood. Being sucked by the current until someone finally found my body, far from where I lost it.” / end id]

I stared over the edge, tried to pierce the thick buzz of mist that separated me from what would be the teeth of my fall. I imagined the bridge giving way, like it always did in the stories I read. One end breaking, the ropes snapping, the entire bridge swinging into the bottomless river. What it would feel like to drown, water snagging in my lungs, sharp stones shattering my ribcage until the entire river turned to blood. Being sucked by the current until someone finally found my body, far from where I lost it. Maybe it would be an old fisherman, hauling a girl in with the day’s catch, or his frail wife, who would faint on the spot at the sight of a dead child, bloodied and mangled and already tearing apart.

they cross the suspension bridge, and august unfortunately falls in! this is just a bit of april’s childhood trauma and i wish i didn’t have to cause her this pain but i do i’m sorry 😭

chapter 9: dead letters

[image description: a close up sheet of paper with a few lines of cursive writing across it. a fountain pen lies across the page. in the bottom right hand corner, a black serif font reads “chapter 9: dead letters” / end id]

a very young april and elias get caught in a hailstorm then go inside and find letters from their father, who they never met because he still lives in the cult their mother escaped from the day april was born. their mother tries to hide the letters from them but! these children do not relent.

We tracked through the colourful forest in autumn, our rubber boots tore trails through the scattered maple leaves. Pronged pinecones crackled under my heels as I chased you, threading between the trees.

I was eight, you were faster but I managed to keep up all the same. A haze of rain sizzled on my skin, but rain didn’t phase me back then. I didn’t mind the water droplets that pearled down my neck into the hem of my bright yellow rain jacket.

they escape from the hailstorm and find their mother in the kitchen making tea (rare!)

When we tripped over the doorframe and found ourselves panting in the kitchen, the kettle wheezed and mother emerged from her bedroom to take it off. The scent of green tea wafted through the air as she poured it, steaming, into a ceramic teacup with a crack veining down the side.

april tries to take one of the letters but her mother stops her. later during the night, she and elias get out of bed and read the letters and it turns out their father left the cult as well, and wants to meet up with them. april wants to meet him, but elias is bitter about it and doesn’t really even consider him their father because he was never there for them.

chapter 10: frostbite

[image description: two pale hands reach towards the sky, in front of a blurry indigo background. in the top left corner, white serif font reads “chapter 10: frostbite” / end id]

tw: freezing to death

there are those weird times when their mom tells stories about her life. these incidents never end well but happen occasionally! she tells april about a time when her and a few other cult members were in the mountains and one of them froze to death. at this point april is around fifteen (which is where the main plot of the book is at right now)

She cut off there, blanched, stared out the window at the sun-speckled backyard, but I could fill in the rest of the details myself: skin a cold stone blue, frostbite jittering through the lungs and spine like a poison, eating everything slowly. Lying in the snow, letting the cold overcome them. Dead before morning. I wanted to ask if they buried the body, dug a grave of snow that would be melted by spring, or just left the corpse lying in the snow for someone else to find, or be eaten by a wolf pack, or to deteriorate, and haunt those lonely slopes forever.

afterwards, april goes outside (yes its snowing again 😭 as someone who dislikes snow i sure write about it a lot)

On those days, my desperation to leave the house rose to a high and I would slide into a pair of ragged sneakers and a cable-knit sweater and push out into the cold. Once vibrant green leaves now greyed with frost, a snowfall months early but not unwelcome. Striking before the trees had the chance to shed their leaves. Frost brittled the branches of the oaks so I could snap them without an effort, not that I wanted to snap them. The concrete of the road was spined with ice that made it look like the ground was caving in, icicles barbed the eaves of our house like jagged teeth. Sometimes I thumbed snow into my mouth like a child, hoping no one was watching a seventeen-year-old eat snow, and let it blot my tongue and dribble down my throat. The cold shock to my system helped clear my mind of whatever mother had been talking about, helped me cope with the pain I shouldn’t have been feeling in the first place.

aaannd that’s everything i’ve written so far! this has been the worst writing slump of my life and i’m not too happy with most of the stuff i’ve written lately, but hopefully that clears up so i can update y’all again soon!

- ava

wips taglist (ask to be added or removed!) @shaelinwrites @august-iswriting @wildswrites @nodeadnarrators @annlillyjose @shaonharryandpannisim @letsgetsquiggly @strangerays @mel-writes-with-her-dragons @dallonswords @teaandtypewriters @chewingthescenery @kahaaniyaa @coffeeandcalligraphy @47crayons @writing-is-a-martial-art

#when we drown #writing update #when we drown update #writers on tumblr #my writing #writeblr #am writing #original writing

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typical-simplelove · 4 years ago

Text

All the Way Across the World - 40s AU (J. Markstrom)

Summary: Jacob wasn't looking for love while he was in England fighting the war. However, he wasn't expecting for Lily Stratton to come in and change that.

Series Masterlist

A/n: Here is the first part! This one is the same universe as the Matthew Tkachuk part that is linked in the series masterlist. Also, I want to thank @glassdanse for sharing their stories with me and allowing me to incorporate them into this series. Thank you so much for your help with this! Enjoy reading!

Warnings: mentions of war, death, and fighting; everyone on the Calgary Flames for this is Canadian (this is what worked for everything to flow)

Word Count: 9.3k

Taglist: @boqvistsbabe @goalision @rmaye @mellany1997 @beauvibaby @heatherawoowoo @petey-patty @barzal-burakovsky @coffee-ontherocks @heaveniish @glassdanse @nhlboyshavemyhart88 @tkapuckit @heybarzy @stars-canucks @2manytabsopen (Do you want to be tagged in my fics? Fill out this form.)

May 26, 1940

The loud dancing music coming out of the Red Cross building on the base that Jacob was at was a calming welcome. After a ten-day boot camp trekking through the English countryside, being back in London was a nice sight. Jacob didn’t often opt to spend his nights off with his friends in the Red Cross building; however, Elias wanted to introduce Jacob and some of the other boys to the girl he’s been seeing. Rumor has it that Elias is going to propose soon. Jacob walked into the Red Cross building and immediately sighed. Loud music and drunk soldiers was not what Jacob wanted to do during his free time. He understood the idea and thought behind the Red Cross women setting this up each Friday night. That doesn’t mean he has to enjoy it.

“Please, be nice,” Elias pleads to Jacob. “Don’t be this mopey version of yourself, please?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jacob grumbles.

“No, I agree, you’re unusually grumpy,” Matthew interjects. What was it with Jacob’s friends and their need to point out Jacob's mood? Don’t they understand that they are fighting a war? All he wanted to do with his time was find a girl to love and marry and go live in a house on a lake. Isn’t that the dream? This war threw everything out the window.

“Fine, I’ll try to be less grumpy, but I’m not taking care of you when you’re drunk later,” Jacob relents. His friends cheer around him at Jacob’s admission and a drink is thrown into Jacob’s hand. That was quick. Jacob follows his friends as they find a table to sit at, and Elias goes over to find Annica.

Some of the boys are looking around trying to find a girl who will want to dance with them. Jacob isn’t doing that. War isn’t a time to find someone to fall in love with. During wartime, Jacob is going to put his energy into fighting this war and ending it as soon as possible. The sooner that it’s over, the sooner that Jacob can go home and live the life he was working for.

“Everyone, this is Annica,” Elias says as he motions to a girl who is holding onto his hand. “Annica, everyone.”

Some of the boys wave and others say hi. Elias found a pretty girl who definitely is crazy about him. Introductions are made and small conversation happens.

“I actually have to go back to work; I don’t think Lily thought I’d be this long,” Annica says. She kisses Elias on the cheek and heads back to the kitchen.

“She’s great, right?” Elias says as he watches Annica walk away. “I think I’m going to marry her.”

“That’s great for you,” Jacob says. He tried to sound chipper and happy, but it was hard when he was in an atmosphere he didn’t want to be in.

“Don’t do this, Jacob, you promised that you wouldn’t be grumpy.”

“Then maybe I should just leave.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Yeah, I know,” Jacob sighs. “I’m going to go outside for a moment.” Jacob places his drink on the table that he hasn’t taken a single sip out of and crosses the room to head outside. He opens the door, and his entire attitude makes a positive turn as he heads breaths in the air.

After a few minutes of standing outside, Jacob hears some commotion about twenty feet away. He turns and looks; he sees a woman in a Red Cross uniform pouring some liquid out of a giant pot. He watches her struggle and decides to go over and help.

“Do you need some help, miss?” Jacob asks and startles the woman. She jumps and the pot lands on the ground resulting in the liquid to spill.

“Well, I guess that completes what I was trying to do,” she says with amusement.

“I’m really sorry about that,” Jacob apologizes. He looks downs at the woman and notices her shoulder length black hair that was pulled back into an intricate updo.

“Oh, don’t worry. The damage was more of you frightening me than anything else.”

“Again, my sincerest apologies, Ms.; I’m not quite sure what to call you.”

“Stratton, Ms. Lily Stratton of the Canadian Red Cross. And you are?”

“Second Lieutenant Jacob Markstrom.”

“Well, Lieutenant, thank you so much for making this part of my job easier.”

“Dumping out whatever that liquid was?”

Lily laughs. “Yeah, that’s always the hardest part. It’s heavy and I don’t have the most strong arms in the world. I doubt you can relate to that.”

“I’m afraid I don’t follow, Ms. Stratton,” Jacob asks confused.

Lily laughs, and Jacob feels a blush creep onto his face. “How tall are you, Lieutenant? Actually, it doesn't matter. You’re tall. What I mean is, I doubt that holding heavy things is a difficulty for you, Lieutenant.”

“Oh, no, definitely not, Ms. Stratton.”

Lily giggles, and Jacob determines that it’s the best noise he’s ever heard. “Well, Lieutenant Markstrom, I have to get back to serving you and your fellow soldiers. It was nice to meet you; I hope to see you around.”

“The same here, Ms. Stratton.”

Lily takes one last glance at Jacob and walks back into the kitchen. There was something about Jacob, she just couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

. . .

“Who was that man you were talking to yesterday, Lily?” Annica asks when Lily walks into the kitchen the next morning.

Lily slightly blushes and pretends to busy herself with cleaning the dishes.

“Oh, so you’re not going to tell me about him, then?” Annica teases. When Lily doesn’t respond, Annica only prods further. “You know, I could tell that he was extremely tall. Maybe I should just walk up to each tall man on the base and ask if they talked to you yesterday.”

Lily gasps. “You wouldn’t!”

“I would. Unless…”

“Unless, what?”

“Unless, Lily, you tell me his name. It’s about time that you find a romantic partner.”

“Firstly, I don’t need to have a romantic partner, so hush! Secondly, his name is Lieutenant Jacob Markstrom.”

“Oh, Lieutenant Markstrom? He’s friends with Elias.”

“Of course he is,” you joke.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Annica asks, confused.

“No, nothing mean, I promise. It just means that the one man I find attractive and talk to also happens to be friends with your boyfriend, or soon to be fiance. This means that you can badger him and me until one of us makes a move. This, however, doesn’t mean he finds me attractive or wants to go out with me.”

“Who are we talking about?” Elias asks as he walks into the kitchen. He wraps his arms around Annica from the back and kisses her cheek.

“Your friend, Jacob,” Annica answers.

“Oh? What about him?”

“Nothing, other than the fact that Lily here talked to him and finds him attractive.”

“Oh?” Elias asks amusingly.

“Can we not?” Lily pleads. “This doesn’t mean anything and it was one conversation.”

“You were the girl that Jacob was talking to because let me tell you, he came back from being outside in a happy mood,” Elias adds.

“What does that even mean?”

“He doesn’t like loud party atmospheres. However, he was in a better mood and didn’t mind the atmosphere after talking to you.”

Lily just stares at Elias and looks to Annica for help.

“It means he likes you or at least enjoys your company, Lily,” Annica clarifies.

“Oh, oh!” Lily says. “Wait, don’t. Again, this doesn’t mean anything.”

“You’re right, it might not mean anything, but you could make it mean something.”

“Oh, be quiet, Annica. Can’t we just change the topic, now? We have to have the donuts made for the pilots who come back from their flights in a few hours.”

“Sure, but this doesn’t mean we’re done with this conversation,” Annica relents. She turns to say goodbye to Elias, and Lily turns away. It was nice to see them so in love; she couldn’t wait until they got married one day.

. . .

The following week, Lily was put to work in the kitchen. She was told to have dinner readily available to be filled. Lily didn’t particularly hate this job; however, she wanted to see Jacob again. She wanted to see him and talk to him. She doubted there would be any natural way for her to see Jacob or for him to see her. Oh well, right?

Lily was beginning to peel the next batch of potatoes when the door to the kitchen opened. Believing it was just one of the Red Cross women, Lily didn’t look up. “You can leave the tray on the table in the middle.”

“Well, I don’t have any trays to give you, so I’ll just sit on this stool,” the person who enters says.

Lily lifts her head and turns to the person talking. “Lieutenant Markstrom, what are you doing here?”

“Do you not want to see me? I’m offended.”

Lily smiles. “This isn’t where the other soldiers hangout on Friday evenings.”

“What if this is where I want to be?” Jacob flirts.

Lily raises her eyebrows. “Oh, is that so, Lieutenant?”

“Partially, Ms. Stratton.”

“What does that even mean, ‘partially’, Lieutenant?”

“Annica and Elias forced me to come talk to you. I was going to wait until you made an appearance, but they forced me into here.��

Lily shakes her head. “Of course they did.”

“Now it’s my turn to ask what that means, Ms. Stratton.”

“Don’t worry, Lieutenant, it’s none of your concern.”

Jacob has an amused look in his eyes. “Mhm, if you say so, Ms. Stratton. May I ask, what are you doing?”

“I am prepping the potatoes for you and your fellow soldiers’ meal.”

“May I help, Ms. Stratton,” Jaocb asks.

“No, you may not, Lieutenant.”

Jacob asks. “And why is that?”

“You are supposed to be enjoying your evening and not working. Let me do my job, Lieutenant.”

Jacob’s deep chuckle sent shivers down Lily’s spine. “Yes, ma’am. Mind if I stay here for a bit?”

“Don’t you want to go back to your friends?” Lily asks.

“Do you really want to get rid of me that quickly?”

“No,” Lily says quickly and gets a raised eyebrow from Jacob. She blushes before she responds. “I just don’t know why you’d want to spend the evening in a kitchen when you could be drinking and dancing and ignoring your problems and the war.”

“That’s fair, but why can’t I want to spend the time with my friend?”

Lily’s smile falters slightly when Jacob calls her his friend. She doesn’t let it show, though, in her response. “Quite presumptuous, no? Calling me your friend, Lieutenant?”

“Is that not what this is?” Jacob asks with a smirk.

“I’m not sure, that’s why I’m asking.”

“Well, if it’s okay with you, I’d like to be friends with you. I think you and me could be a very powerful duo one day.”

“As friends,” Lily confirms.

“As friends, what else would we be?” Jacob asks obliviously.

“No yeah, you’re right,” Lily says. Jacob didn’t want anything more than friends with her, and she was going to be okay with that, right? Lily wasn’t going to let the attraction she felt towards Jacob ruin a perfectly fine relationship. “I’m going to get back to these potatoes, okay?”

“Yes, of course; don’t let me distract you.” Jacob tells Lily. Yeah, maybe he should walk out of the kitchen then if he didn’t want to distract her.

. . .

“Oh, good morning, Ms. Stratton,” Jacob says to Lily outside the meeting room for officers.

“Oh!” Lily says in reply. “Lieutenant, good morning to you!”

“What are you doing here?”

“I am setting up coffee, tea, and donuts for the troops this fine morning,” Lily jokes at the end. It was an awfully dreary morning with dark clouds in the sky, fog setting on the land, and a chilly breeze.

“Nice joke,” Jacob tells her.

Lily pretends to be offended. “What? This weather is quite fine.”

“I’m not sure where you’re from, but this weather is normally dreary and not ‘fine’.”

“Where are you from, Lieutenant?”

“I’m from Calgary; normal people don’t find this weather enjoyable.”

“Oh!” Lily says and raises her eyebrows. “So you’re calling me not normal and weird.”

“Who says that being not normal is weird, Ms. Stratton?” Jacob asks in a flirtatious tone. “Wait, does this mean that you like this wet, dreary weather?”

“I do like this weather, Lieutenant.”

“Where are you from, then?”

“Well, I’m from Vancouver; this weather is quite normal for Vancouverites.”

“Ah, Vancouver. Quite a lovely city, Ms. Stratton.”

“If you’re asking for me to compliment your home, Lieutenant, let me tell you, I have never been to Calgary, so I have no idea what to say.”

“Understandable, Ms. Stratton. Care to tell me about Vancouver, then?”

“Well, Lieutenant, what do you want to know?”

“Mm, I’m not sure,” Jacob says, and he playfully scratches his chin. “What about --”

“Lieutenant Markstrom, we need you here!” Captain Mark Giordano, their company CO, interrupts. “Stop flirting with the Red Cross workers!”

“Yes sir!” Jacob says. He turns to face Lily, his face is tinged with red. “My sincerest apologies, Ms. Stratton. Maybe we could continue this conversation another time?”

“Of course, Lieutenant,” Lily tells Jacob with a smile. He gives her one last glance before turning and walking away.

“So, you two are getting pretty close, eh?” Chris Tanev eggs Jacob on when he’s joined his company.

Jacob gives Chris a weird look. “What are you talking about?”

“You and Lily.”

“What about me and Lily?”

“You should ask her out. I think she likes you.”

Jacob laughs. “No, she doesn’t, and I won’t be asking her out. So don’t bother asking me to.”

Chris sighs. “Sure, whatever you say.”

. . .

After getting back from his training, Jacob has a few hours of free time, and he doesn’t know what to do. Walking around base, Jacob opts to use this time to just escape from the horrors and gruelling atmosphere of war. Subconsciously, Jacob is heading towards the Red Cross building. Incidentally, this is also where Lily happens to be at the current moment. Realizing where he’s at, Jacob decides to walk into the building. Once he’s walked in, Jacob smiles when he sees Lily sitting at a table with a notepad in front of her.

Noticing she was concentrating on her current task, Jacob softly knocks on the table to signal his arrival. Lily looks up and smiles when she sees Jacob.

“Well, hello, Lieutenant.”

“Hi, Ms. Stratton. Mind if I join you?”

“No, not at all,” Lily says and motions for the chair next to hers.

“What are you working on?” Jacob asks inquisitively.

“The Red Cross is putting on a Canada Day celebration for the troops. Because you can’t be home with your families on Canada Day, we thought we’d host our own for you here.”

“That sounds nice; you Red Cross women work hard.”

Lily smiles at Jacob. “Thank you, but I think you soldiers work harder.”

Jacob smiles at Lily. “Do you need any help with this?”

“I think I’m good at the moment; this is the first event that I will be hosting and organizing on my own.”

“Wait, does that mean you’re doing everything on your own?”

“No, no, don’t worry. I’m just the one in charge with making all the decisions and leading everyone.”

“I think you’re going to do great, Ms. Stratton.”

“Why, thank you, Lieutenant,” Lily says. Jacob was truly going to be the death of her one day.

“So, what did you do during your free time?” Elias asks later that day. He had his suspicions when he saw Jacob walking back to the barracks in the direction of the Red Cross building.

“Oh, nothing,” Jacob says. He isn’t sure why he doesn’t want to tell Elias about going to see Lily, but he knows he wants to keep that to himself.

“So, you didn’t go to the Red Cross building, then?”

“Um, no?” Jacob says.

“Why the questioning tone with that response?”

“Why all the questions badgering me about my free time?”

“Fair enough,” Elias relents.

“Just out of curiosity, why do you think I went to the Red Cross building?” Jacob asks.

“I don’t think you went; I know you went,” Elias says with power. “I saw you walking back from the direction of the Red Cross building.”

Jacob laughs and shakes his head. “Why then are you asking if you know the answer?”

“So you did go to see Lily, then?”

“I, yeah.”

“Why did you lie to me just now, then?”

Jacob shrugs. “I don’t think you need to know everything about my personal life, Elias.”

Elias sighs. “Yeah, sure, if that’s the reason, then.”

“What does that even mean?”

Elias stares Jacob directly in the eye. “You mean to tell me that there is nothing going on between you and Lily?”

“Yes, why?” Jacob asks, confused.

“Nevermind,” Elias says. This was the way it’s going to be then; Jacob was going to be oblivious to what was directly in front of him.

. . .

June 5, 1940

“I’m thinking maybe make centerpieces for all the tables,” Lily explains to some of the other Red Cross workers. “I’m going to see if my mum can send anything from back home for us to use. In the meantime, Rebecca, if you can try to find red table cloths and red and white paper. We will use the table cloths for the tables. The paper will be used to make flags. I doubt that anywhere in Great Britain sells Canadian flags. For now, why don’t we work with what we have. Let’s work on making posters to put up around base, okay?”

The group disperses into their individual groups to work on the fliers and posters.

“Any way I can help?” Jacob says out of nowhere.

“Where did you come from?” Lily asks.

“I walked in to come see you, but you were talking. I didn’t want to disturb you; you seemed like you were on a roll.”

“Oh, well, at the moment, I’m okay at the moment. However, in the future, I might be able to use your height for my advantage.”

“Let me know the time and place, and I’ll be there.”

“Perfect. What do you have planned today?”

“The weather is too muddy for us to train, so it’s a day off after our run this morning.”

“Sounds nice, what do you plan on doing?”

“I planned on coming here to see you and help, but it looks like you’re all good here.”

“How are you with coloring?”

“Is that a threat or a serious question?” Jacob jokes.

“Serious question,” Lily responds. “I was going to color in these posters, but, since you’re here, do you mind helping?”

“I don’t mind,” Jacob responds.

“Follow me,” Lily says and leads Jacob over to where her posters were. “Here. Just use these paintbrushes, please.”

“And just color it in?”

“That’s how you do it.”

Jacob begins coloring in the outlined words and pictures on the poster. He looks up and sees Lily scribbling away on her notepad. “What are you doing?” he asks.

“I am finetuning some of the details of the decorations,” she responds.

“What kind of decorations do you want to do?”

“I’m thinking of making a banner to hang made of Canadian flags,” Lily answers.

“That’s a lot of work,” Jacob admits.

“Sure, but you guys do a lot too, so shouldn’t we do something for you guys?”

“But we’re fighting a bad guy.”

“And we’re fighting off bad morale and poor morale and spirit”

“I guess both are quite vital, right?” Jacob says.

“Yes,” Lily responds. “Oh, that reminds me. I want to launch a campaign to help you guys get stuff from home.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well, our budget has a little bit extra cash,” Lily says. “I’m trying to get approval, so that I can reach out to your families to send the money to send small things to remind you guys of home.”

“That’s a great idea, Ms. Stratton. Also, I finished this flag, do you want me to keep going?”

“Yes, please. Don’t tell anyone yet, though, because I’m not one hundred percent sure that I’ll get approval.”

“I won’t, promise, but I hope you get it. The boys will like it for sure, if you can get approval.”

Lily smiles at Jacob. There was something about his presence that made Lily feel lighter and so much happier.

. . .

June 16, 1940

“Hey, Ms. Stratton,” Matthew says to the woman. “What are you doing here? Come to see Jacob?”

A red tint crosses Lily’s face at Jacob’s name, and Matthew smirks. “Actually, no. I’m here to pick up our shipment of supplies that came in today.”

“Oh, did you want some help?”

“Don’t worry, I’m good.”

“You sure?” Matthew asks. He looks at the large boxes labeled “Red Cross” and knows that it will be multiple trips to her car.

Glancing at the boxes, Lily changes her mind. “If you don’t mind, actually, could you?”

“Sure, I did offer to help,” Matthew says and follows Lily. The pair both grab two boxes each and head towards the car provided by the Red Cross for Lily. “Oh, hey, Marky,” Matthew says with a smirk on his face.

Lily turns to the man in question and a smile breaks out on her face. “Marky?”

“That’s my nickname,” Jacob responds with a red tint forming on his face. “What are you guys doing?”

“Oh, Lieutenant Tkachuk is helping me load up the Red Cross supplies into the car, so I can bring it back to the Red Cross building.”

“Did you need more help with that?” Jacob asks with a slight undertone of jealousy. Was Jacob jealous that Matthew was helping Lily?

“Um, I think we’re okay, but thanks,” Lily responds.

“Actually, I just realized,” Matthew states. “I have something I have to do, so, Marky, why don’t you help Ms. Stratton?”

“Oh, sure,” Jacob says.

“Bye, you two!” Matthew says as he walks away. “Behave!”

“Chucky, always making inappropriate jokes,” Jacob says.

“Oh, sure,” Lily replies. “So, Marky, huh?”

Jacob laughs. “That’s what they call me.”

“I’m assuming that’s a play on your last name, Markstrom, right?”

“You’re assuming correct.”

Lily laughs, “what would you like me to call you?”

“Anything is fine.”

Lily puts on a mischievous grin that makes Jacob’s heart skip a beat. “Okay, then. Marky, do you mind taking that box for me?”

Jacob shakes his head with a smile. “No, don’t call me that. You’re far too nice to call me Marky.”

“What does that mean, Lieutenant Markstrom?” Lily says with an emphasis on his name.

“The boys use that as a joke and to tease. They’re just being mean; you’re far too nice for that.”

“Interesting evaluation, Lieutenant.”

“You can call me Jacob, you know.”

“Oh, okay, sure, Jacob. You can call me Lily then.”

Jacob smiles. “Do you have a nickname or something?”

“Not really. My grandmother calls me Lilibeth, but that’s just because she wanted me to be an Elizabeth. She’s still quite bitter about that.”

“Well, Lily, I think your name fits you perfectly.”

“Thank you,” Lily says to Jacob with a smile that could win the war if anyone saw it.

After about fifteen minutes of transporting boxes, the pair finally finished.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what are all these boxes for?” Jacob asks. “Didn’t you guys get a shipment last week?”

“We get shipments every week with our supplies,” Lily explains. “However, there’s a bit more today because some of this stuff is also for the Canada Day celebration. I can guarantee that there are three extra crates of potatoes than normal.”

“What are the potatoes for?”

“Poutine of course. We can’t have a Canada Day celebration without it.”

“Are you making it?” Jacob asks.

“Well, me and some of the other women, but yes.”

“What else do you guys plan on serving?”

“Probably just sandwiches. We have to be careful with rationing and stuff like that.”

“Makes sense. Again, if you need any more help, just let me know.”

“Thank you, Jacob,” Lily says. “Just remember, you are fighting a war, so helping me is helping to fight the war.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Jacob says. “See you soon?”

“Yeah,” Lily says, and she gets in the car. Jacob closes the door for her, and she waves as she starts the car. “Thank you again.”

“Of course,” he replies. If he had a giant smile on his face watching her drive away, then so be it.

. . .

June 30, 1940

“No, a little higher, please,” Lily instructs Melody.

“Here?” Melody confirms.

“Perfect,” Lily responds, and Melody places the banner on the tape.

“Wow, it looks nice in here,” Jacob says from the doorway.

“Thank you,” Lily says with a smile on her face. “What are you doing here?”

“Captain Giordano had a box of supplies that his wife sent, so he sent me here to give them to you.”

“Oh, perfect! He was telling me about these; I’m glad they came in time!”

“Are you already for tomorrow?”

“I think so,” Lily says nervously. “The only thing we have left is to make all the food.”

“What are you making?”

“I told you about poutine and the sandwiches. I also want to make nanaimo bars; my mother sent me some ingredients from back home. I’ve never made it without her, so we shall see how it turns out.”

“I can’t wait to try them,” Jacob says. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

“No, actually,” Lily says. “I want this to be a surprise for you and the men, so you should leave.”

“I should leave?” Jacob asks with a raised eyebrow.

“You know what I mean, Jacob.”

“Yeah, well, can you at least tell me what I might expect?”

“I’m going to be very vague about it,” Lily says.

“That’s fine; I just like hearing you talk.”

Oh? This was new to Lily. “I, okay, I am going to deck this place out in Canadian flags, maple leafs, and red.”

“How do you plan to do that?”

“Through banners, tablecloths, centerpieces, and decorations.”

“If you want to help, let me know, Lil,” Jacob says.

Lily smiles at the nickname. “No, thank you. If you want to help, then you can leave.”

“But --”

“No,” Lily says and begins to push Jacob out the door.

“Lily, come on,” Jacob pleads.

“I’m not trying to be mean. I just need you gone, so that the Red Cross Ladies and I can get things done,” Lily further pushes Jacob out the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I’ll be here,” Jacob says as Lily closes the door. Despite Lily pushing Jacob out the door, there was still a wide smile on his face with a slight blush. Only Lily could bring out a smile like this on Jacob, could there be another reason for this?

July 1, 1940

“Come on, we’re going to be late,” Jacob urges on to his friends.

“Why is this so important to you?” Matthew asks with a smirk.

“No reason,” Jacob says obliviously. “I know how hard Lily has been working on this, and I want to support her.”

Matthew laughs and shakes his head. So, this was still happening then; Jacob was going to remain oblivious. This was going to be fun.

When they walk in, Jacob smiles. He was impressed. Lining the walls and ceilings were banners made of Canada flags. Each table was dressed in a red tablecloth with an elaborate centerpiece in the center. Each centerpiece was made with fake flowers with fake maple leafs hanging around it. Lining the floors were fake maple leafs. The thought that each piece of decoration had was obvious. Lily really had the skill and knack to do anything she set her mind to.

“Hey,” Lily tells the group as they walk into the Red Cross building. “Welcome to our Canada Day in England Celebration.”

“Hey,” Jacob says, and his smile immediately widdens. “It looks great in here, Lil.”

The guys roll their eyes at Jacob’s pet name for Lily. Right, Jacob wasn’t incredibly whipped for the Red Cross worker.

“Thanks,” Lily responds. “We worked hard for this to be great for you guys, so enjoy! I told you it was a good idea for me to kick you out.”

“Sure, sure,” Jacob responds with a smile, and Lily waves as she heads to the next group to soldiers to greet.

The boys thank her and give Jacob an amused look.

“What?” he asks.

“So, when’s the wedding?” Matthew asks with a grin.

“Not sure. Ask Elias, he’s the one getting married,” Jacob answers.

“Elias?” Matthew asks Elias.

“Whenever he decides to pull himself together and figure it out on his own,” Elias answers.

“What?” Jacob asks, confused. They very clearly are not talking about Elias’ engagement to Annica.

“Nothing,” Elias and Matthew say together.

Jacob rolls his eyes. “Come on, let’s find the rest of the unit.” The trio walks towards their captain and other unit members.

“This is really good,” Matthew says as he spoonfuls a mouth of poutine. “You’re a lucky man, Marky.”

Jacob looks up. “What?”

“To have a girl who cooks this amazing is so lucky.”

“I’m not dating anyone, though,” Jacob says.

“Oh, right, you haven’t realized you’re in love with Lily.”

Jacob glares at Matthew. “I haven’t realized because I’m not in love with her.”

“Sure,” Matthew says and shakes his head.

“So, Jacob, do you love my Nanaimo bars?” Lily asks as the celebration is wrapping up.

“I actually haven’t had one yet,” Jacob admits.

Lily gasps in a playful manner. “You haven’t tried one yet?”

Jacob smiles. “No, I haven’t.”

Lily suddenly grows somber. “I don’t think we can be friends, Jacob.”

“Why not?”

“Because, you haven’t eaten one of the Nanaimo bars, yet, obviously.”

Jacob laughs. “What can I do to make up for it?”

“Come with me,” Lily says and takes Jacob’s hand. She leads Jacob into the kitchen and pulls out a paper plate. “I was saving these for the Red Cross women, but since you haven’t had one yet, I feel that it’s important for you to have one.”

Lily grabs a small plate and places a Nanaimo bar on it; she hands the plate to Jacob with a smile.

“I just eat it?” Jacob asks.

“Yes, unless you want to tell me how beautiful it looks.”

You’re really beautiful. “It’s beautiful, Lily; it’s absolutely stunning.” Like you.

“Thank you, and now, try it.”

Jacob nods and eats it in one bite. “That’s amazing,” he says after finishing it. “I absolutely love it. I’m not sure why I didn’t get one earlier.”

“I’m not sure if there’s anymore around here, but you can have mine from the tray.”

“No, no, I won’t do that; you eat it,” Jacob says.

“I’ve had a few already, you eat it,” Lily insists.

“What about we share it?” Jacob suggests.

“Sure, let me get a fork.” Lily goes to the drawer and grabs a fork. She places one of the Nanaimo bars on the plate, Jacob puts out the knife. “Where did you get a knife from?”

“When you were getting the fork, I grabbed a knife.”

“That makes sense. You cut then?”

Jacob nods and cuts the bar in half. He grabs the fork and spears one of the pieces. “Here you go.” Lily grabs the fork out of his hand, and their hands briefly touch.

“Thank you,” Lily barely whispers as her face grows warm. She could suppress these feelings she had, right?

. . .

July 2, 1940

“So, you and Jacob, huh?” Annica says.

“What?” Lily says with a blush.

“You and Jacob are finally dating!”

“Yeah, no we’re not.”

“Oh, come on, really?” Annica asks. “I saw you guys in the kitchen yesterday. You guys were cute together and interacted so well together.”

Lily looks up. “It doesn’t matter what you saw.”

“Why’s that?” Annica asks curiously.

“He doesn’t feel the same,” Lily answers.

Annica squeals.

“What?” Lily questions.

“You like him?”

“Oh, yeah, I guess I do.”

“I know you don’t think he feels the same why, but he does,” Annica insists.

“No, he doesn’t.”

Annica shakes her head and sighs. Will the pair finally realize the way they both feel for each other?

. . .

August 10, 1940

“Lily, wait up!” Jacob calls out to Lily.

She turns around and smiles when she sees Jacob. “Hey, it’s you!”

“It’s me indeed. Where are you headed?”

“Nowhere in particular. I’m just out for a walk. You?”

“Same, mind if I join you?”

“Of course,” Lily replies with a smile. “How has your day been?”

“It’s been fine. I can’t complain. How about you, Lil?”

“Same, too. I’m ready to immerse myself in our next project, though.”

“What’s your next project?” Jacob asks.

“Other than Annica and Elias’ wedding?” Lily jokes.

“I guess that is coming up soon, isn’t it?”

“It is, but it’s exciting for them.”

“The Red Cross is putting on the wedding?”

“No, we aren’t,” Lily shakes her head. “However, her friends who are in the Red Cross are putting it together. Both of their parents aren’t able to be here, so we are going to try to make this as special as possible for them.”

“Well, let me know if I can help in any way,” Jacob says.

“I’ll be sure to do that,” she says with a smile.

. . .

September 16, 1940

“Guess who?” Jacob says as he covers Lily’s eyes.

“Matthew?” Lily jokes. She knows exactly who it is.

“Oh, I’m offended,” he says, and Lily giggles as he sits down next to her. “What are you reading?”

“A book,” Lily teases.

“Really?” Jacob says with a raised eyebrow. “I never could have guessed. What’s the book?”

“Pride and Prejudice.”

“Oh, a classic,” Jacob says. “Are you enjoying it?”

“I’ve read it quite a few times. We only have so many books here, so I’m rereading it.”

“One of your favorites?”

“It is,” Lily responds with a smile.

“Whatcha reading, Marky?” Matthew teases.

“A book, Chucky,” Jacob responds but not looking up.

“What’s the book?”

“Pride and Prejudice.”

This gets a bout of laughs from the men.

“Why are you reading that?” Elias says. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you read a book.”

“It’s one of Lily’s favorites, so I’m borrowing it from her and reading it.”

This comment from Jacob results in the men looking at each other knowingly. So, Jacob isn’t in love with Lily, right?”

. . .

October 11, 1940

“We missed you this past Friday at the Red Cross evening,” Jacob says to Lily as she’s setting up for the day’s activities.

Lily sniffles. “Yeah, I came down with a cold, so I stayed in my room.”

“Are you feeling better, now?” Jacob asks, concerned.

“Yeah, I have a bit of a runny nose still but nothing to worry about.”

“You’re sick, so shouldn’t we be a little bit concerned?”

“I was a lot worse the other day, so, in theory, no.”

Jacob doesn’t seem convinced. “Sure, if you say so, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to be worried about you.”

Lily isn’t sure how to respond. She’s tried everything in her power to conceal her feelings towards Jacob; however, when he acts like this and cares for her like this, it’s hard to hide them. It’s only a matter of time before they go away, right?

. . .

November 5, 1940

“Maybe you should ask a girl to dance tonight,” Mark suggests. “It’ll take your mind off of what’s happening.”

It’s been a tough month with training and fighting. The men are tired and exhausted and stretched thin. When there is a day off, all anyone wants to do is sleep and catch up on writing home. Today is one of the few days that anyone wants to actually do anything on their day off. To seize the opportunity, the boys are going dancing.

“I think I’m good,” Jacob replies.

“Come on, live a little, have some fun, Marky,” Mark eggs on. “How about this, you tell me what you want in a girl, and I will try to find you someone who fits the bill.”

Jacob sighs. “Fine.”

“Then, Marky, close your eyes and tell me about what you want in a girl.”

Jacob closes his eyes and begins picturing the girl he wants to marry. His eyes are closed for a few seconds, but he suddenly snaps them open. He shouldn’t be picturing Lily’s green eyes or dark hair. He shouldn’t be smiling at the memory of Lily’s giggle. Why was he picturing his friend? Why was Lily’s face all he could see when he closed his eyes?

“You figure it out?” Mark asks.

“Oh, um,” Jacob begins with a shaky breath. “Blue or brown eyes? Maybe light hair. It doesn’t have to be blond or anything. Like, light brown hair? Or a mix?” Yeah, opposite of what Lily looked like.

Thankfully, Chris didn’t catch on to what Jacob was doing. Why was he thinking about Lily as his dream girl?

. . .

December 16, 1940

“Are you ready?” Lily asks Annica. “It’s the big day.”

“I think so,” Annica responds nervously. Lily helps Annica put on her veil.

“You look so beautiful; Elias is going to love you,” Lily tells her friend. Today was the big day. Annica and Elias were getting married, finally. From meeting before the war and somehow ending up in the same place, the pair fell in love and are finally getting married.

“I hope so,” she responds. “What if he isn’t there?”

“He’ll be there, I promise. He loves you more than anything in the world; I have no doubt that Elias will be standing there in his dress uniform ready to sweep you off your feet.”

Annica takes a deep breath. “Let’s head to the cathedral?”

Lily smiles. “Let’s head to the cathedral.”

“Ready, Elias?” Jacob asks. “As best man, I think it’s my responsibility to make sure you’re ready.”

Elias takes a deep breath. “I think so.”

“You look great, and she’ll love you.”

“The bride is here,” the bishop says. “Jacob, if you could head to the back and Elias, follow me?”

Elias nods. “I’m getting married!”

Jacob smiles. “That you are.”

Jacob heads to the back of the cathedral to get ready to process in with the few bridesmaids and groomsmen.

“You have the rings?” Lily asks when Jacob finally reaches the vestibule.

“Yes, I have the rings,” Jacob says and looks at Lily. the breath leaves his body. “Wow, you look beautiful, Lily.”

Lily feels the heat rush to her face. “Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself.”

Jacob smiles and blushes. “We should get ready, yeah?”

Lily nods. “We’re walking down the aisle together.”

Jacob stops. He was supposed to lead Lily down the aisle when she was dressed in that beautiful dress that made his heart race? “Oh, okay.”

As the music begins, Lily and Jacob walk down the aisle as instructed. Throughout the entire ceremony, Jacob couldn’t stop staring at Lily. It didn’t matter if they were directly across from each other in the pew and Jacob had to move his head, he wanted to look at Lily. He wasn’t sure if she knew he was staring, but he didn’t care. She was so beautiful, and Jacob just couldn’t look away.

“How are you enjoying the evening, Jacob?” Lily asks as she goes and sits next to him at the ceremony.

“I’m enjoying the evening,” he responds with a smile. “I love that Elias and Annica are finally married. They are perfect for each other, and it shows.”

Lily nods in response. “I agree. I have a question for you.“

“Sure.”

“Do you see yourself getting married one day and doing all this?”

Jacob looks at Lily. “I’m not sure. Maybe? I think if I find the right woman who I want to spend the rest of my life with, then yes.”

Lily nods. “What does this perfect person entail to you?”

“I’m not sure,” Jacob responds. “I think someone who is smart, knows what she wants, kind, and passionate.” Kind of like you.

“Beauty isn’t a requirement?” Lily teases.

Jacob blushes. “Beauty is a weird concept, in my opinion. Everyone is beautiful in their own way, and everyone’s standards of beauty are different. So, if you find yourself beautiful, I’ll find you beautiful. If you don’t find yourself beautiful, then I’ll still find you beautiful because you are beautiful.”

“That’s really sweet, Jacob.”

“I can be a bit of a romantic when there isn’t a war to be fought.”

Lily laughs. “I can see that.”

“How about you? Do you see yourself getting married one day?”

“I think so, but similarly to you, when the right person comes, I’ll know. I do know, though, that I want to have a family.”

Jacob nods. “What do you see in your future husband?”

Lily takes a moment to respond. How can she try to describe Jacob without describing Jacob? How does she tell him that she sees him, or someone like him, to be her future husband? Fortunately, though, another soldier walks up to Lily and Jacob interrupting Lily’s response.

“I don’t mean to be rude, but a pretty girl like you should be dancing, no?” he says. Smooth, Lily thinks.

“If someone were to ask me, then I’d dance with them,” Lily flirts back. If Jacob wasn’t ever going to reciprocate her feelings, she should be able to try to move on, right?

“Well, ma’am, may I have the next dance?”

Lily looks to Jacob for confirmation. Afterall, they were having a conversation. Jacob motions his hand to express that Lily could dance. What was he to say, anyways? No, Lily, you can’t dance because we’re just friends, but you make my heart burst? No Lily you can’t dance with him because you make me calm and happy, but we’re just friends?

Lily takes this soldier’s hand and follows him to the dance floor.

“If it’s not too much to ask, may I ask your name, soldier?” Lily asks.

“Corporal Liam Springs,” Liam responds. Lower rank than Jacob Lily thinks to herself. Stop comparing the two. “And you are?”

“Red Cross worker Lily Stratton. How do you know the bride and groom?”

“I trained with Elias before getting transferred to a different unit.”

Lily nods. “I work with Annica, and we are close friends. That’s how I know the bride.”

As the song continues, Lily and Liam strike up a conversation. The constant thought that Lily kept having were along the lines of “that’s not how Jacob does it” or “Jacob is funnier” or “Jacob makes me smile more”. What was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she try to get over Jacob? It was obvious that Jacob would never feel the same, so why was she hung up on him? Because. Because Lily Stratton was in love with Jacob Markstrom, and there was nothing she could do about it.

Meanwhile, as Lily and Liam danced, Jacob was staring at the pair and sulking. There was something upsetting about watching Lily dancing with someone else.

“What are you staring at?” Chris asks Jacob as he approaches.

Jacob doesn’t realize someone was talking to him or came up to his table.

“Marky, what are you looking at?” Chris asks again; Jacob doesn’t realize. Chris smacks Jacob’s arm.

“Hey!” he finally says. “What was that for?”

“What are you staring at?” Chris asks for the third time.

Jacob doesn’t say anything but returns his gaze back to what he was staring at. This time, Chris follows Jacob’s eyeline and realizes what Jacob was looking at. He was looking at Lily, dressed in a beautiful blush dress, dancing with Liam.

“Jacob,” Chris begins.

“Why doesn’t she want to dance with me?” Jacob asks. “I’m right here, and she chooses to dance with him. I’m not disappearing or going anywhere.”

“Why do you want to dance with her?” Chris asks. Jacob always insisted that he and Lily were just friends, so why is he getting so worked up over Lily dancing with someone else?

“Because, I don’t know,” Jacob says and shakes his head. “I want to be the one to have all her attention. I want to be the one on the receiving end of her smiles. I want to be the one to dance with her. I want to be the one who she goes to when she has the biggest news or the smallest news. I just want to be around her.”

“Can I say something without you getting upset or mad at me?” Chris approaches.

“Maybe, I’m not promising anything.”

“That’s fair,” Chris begins. “I think you’re feeling this way because you’re jealous.”

“Why would I be jealous?”

Chris opens his mouth but then closes it again.

“Just say it.”

“Jacob, you’re in love with her, and I think you’re finally starting to realize that yourself.”

Jacob stares at Chris dumbfounded. He wanted to contradict his friend; however, as he sat with the thought, the more he realized that Chris was right. Jacob was in love with Lily, and he probably drew away your love because he acted in ways that represented he only wanted to be your friend. “Oh my goodness, I’m in love with her.”

Chris nods.

“What do I do? Do I just tell her? What if she doesn’t feel the same way?”

“I’m not sure what to tell you, Jacob,” Chris says. “I’m pretty sure she feels the same way, but whatever you do, you have to commit one hundred percent. You can’t go into it and only have one foot in and one foot out. She deserves the truth and everything you have to offer.”

Jacob nods. What does he do now?

. . .

“So, you and Lily, huh?” Jacob says to Liam quite passive-aggressively a few days later.

“Oh, um it’s nothing too serious,” Liam says. “We’re just talking and getting to know each other.”

Jacob scowls at the other soldier. “She’s a special girl, so don’t string her along if you have no serious intentions with her.”

“I wasn’t?”

“Good,” Jacob says and walks away angrily. That man shouldn’t get to have Lily’s love and attention. He wasn’t good enough for Lily.

. . .

“Guess what Elias told me?” Annica says as she and Lily are preparing for the day.

“What did Elias tell you?” Lily asks. “Something gross about your guys’ married life now?”

“Lily!” Annica says shocked. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t share that with you. No, Jacob and Liam got into a fight.”

“What?” Lily asks, shocked.

“Yeah, they were arguing about something and Liam punched him.”

“Do you know why they fought?”

Annica shakes her head. “I do have a theory, though.”

“What’s your theory?”

“You.”

“Me?” Lily asks.

“I think they fought about you because they both like you.”

“I’d believe you except for the fact that Jacob doesn’t like me like that.”

“I don’t know what to say to you, Lily. I think Jacob likes you, and you should talk to him.”

“Maybe,” is all Lily says. Why would Jacob like her if he’s only ever treated her as a friend?

. . .

“Did you know that vegetables can make you tan?” Liam says to Lily out of blue.

“What?” Lily says with a giggle. “There’s no way that’s true.”

“It is! I promise; I learned it in school.”

“Where did you go to school?” Jacob questions annoyingly. He can’t stand Liam, and Liam did punch Jacob in the jaw. Granted, however, Jacob was egging on Liam, but what else was he to say as Liam talked about how you weren’t good enough for him? Liam should be lucky to have you.

“I went to the University of British Columbia,” Liam answers in a tone that Lily couldn’t quite decipher.

“Of course you did; it makes sense why you learned that in school.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Nothing,” Jacob says and looks away. There was no reason for Jacob’s comment. He had no hate against UBC except for the fact that Liam learned something from there that was bringing out your giggles. He wanted to be the one to do that. Jacob wanted to make you giggle and laugh, not UBC Liam.

“Jacob,” Lily says to him in an aggravated voice. “Can we go talk in private for a moment?”

“Sure,” Jacob says in a monotone voice.

“Jacob, what is the matter with you?” Lily fiercely says to Jacob when they’re in private.

“What, Lily?” Jacob says.

“Why are you treating Liam like that?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You’re acting like an idiot and are being truly mean and cold towards him. Why can’t you be nice to him?”

“Why are you even entertaining him, Lily?” Jacob asks with conviction.

“I don’t know,” Lily confesses.

“Really? It doesn’t seem like. It seems like you’re in love with him!”

“Well, I’m not in love with him.”

“Then why do you care for him?”

“I guess because he makes me laugh, makes me smile, and gives me attention. He cares for me, and it’s nice to have that feeling.”

“You are entertaining him for the attention he gives you? I can make you laugh, smile, and give you attention, yet you chose his attention?”

“His attention isn’t the one I want, but it’s the one I get,” Lily tells Jacob.

Jacob looks at her with a sad expression. “Yeah, whatever.”

He walks away, and Lily is beyond confused. She kind of just admitted to having feelings for Jaocb, and he just walked away?

. . .

“I’m not sure what funk you’re in, but it needs to stop,” Mark says. This was the captain's cornering that Jacob was expecting to come soon. “It’s not affecting your fighting, but it will soon.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jacob responds.

“No, I tried to let you figure this out on your own, but it’s not working,” Mark contradicts with purpose in his voice. “What’s wrong? You’re not leaving until you figure out what’s wrong.”

“I think I blew it with Lily,” is all Jacob says. “I treated Liam like crap, and I think that’s the end of anything with her. She hasn’t talked to me in days. I miss her. I’m also in love with her, and I know I blew that with her.”

“Wait, you’re in love with her? When did you finally realize this?”

“When she started dancing with Liam,” Jacob says.

“If I’m not mistaken, I don’t think she’s been hanging out with him recently.”

“Wait, really?” Jacob says shocked.

“Whether or not you believe me, but I think she likes you, too.”

“No, she doesn’t,” Jacob insists.

“Yes, she does. I just think you didn’t know how you felt, so you ignored anything she did that might have indicated this. How many times did she spend her evenings with you? Or, did she go to you when she needed help? It didn’t matter, she always went to you or your aid. She always went to you first if Annica wasn’t around which is saying a lot because the pair are super close.”

Jacob just stares at Mark dumbfounded. He’s right. Did Lily really feel the same way? Was it possible? What if Lily didn’t feel the same way anymore? What if Jacob ruined anything ever happening? In order to quell any lingering thoughts, he knew that he had to talk to Lily.

. . .

January 1, 1941

New year, new start, right? That’s the saying? Jacob couldn’t set the world on it’s new start overnight, but he could fix his relationship with Lily. Hopefully.

You can do this, Jacob keeps telling himself. If she didn’t feel the same way anymore, then Jacob would understand. It took him hell of an amount of time to realize himself, so he’d understand if Lily got tired of waiting. He could do this.

Jacob walks into the kitchen where Annica told him Lily would be. “Hey,” he says when he walks in.

Lily looks up and gives him a soft smile. “Hey, Jacob. Happy New Year!”

“Happy New Year to you as well!” Jacob says and takes a deep breath. “Would it be okay if we went for a walk? I asked Annica, and she said that you deserve a break.”

Lily laughs. “Sure, let me just wash my hands and grab my coat. Give me a sec.”

Jacob nods.

“Ready?” Lily asks when she returns. Jacob smiles at her and leads Lily out of the kitchen to go outside. After about five minutes of walking in silence, Lily decides to ask what the reason for requesting a walk was. “Jacob, why do you want to go on a walk with me?”

“Can’t I just want to go on a New Year's walk with my lovely friend?”

“You are, but we aren’t really talking much right now.”

“That’s what I want to fix. I have one question first, what’s happening with you and Liam?”

“Nothing, I told him that I couldn’t be with him romantically if I was in love with someone else. Why do you ask?”

“I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t making a move on someone else’s girlfriend.”

“Who do you want to make a move on?” Lily asks obliviously.

Jacob gives Lily a deep chuckle. “You.”

Lily stops in her tracks and it takes a moment for Jacob to realize. “You want me?” she asks.

“I want everything with you. I know that I was an ass to Liam, and I treated you unfairly recently. In my defense, though, I finally realized I was in love with you, and I thought you didn’t like me or already got over me.”

“It’s hard to get over someone you’re crazy about,” Lily says, and Jacob erupts into a large smile.

“You mean that?”

Lily nods. “I’ve been crazy about you since that day you scared the crap out of me.”

Jacob laughs at the memory. “I think I’ve been crazy about you, too, but I just didn’t realize.”

“Good thing you realized now, yeah?”

“Absolutely,” Jacob says and cups Lily’s cheek. “Can I kiss you?”

Lily nods. “Absolutely.” The gentle kiss that Jacob places on Lily’s lips was immaculate. She never knew that kissing someone so softly could also be filled with so much passion. She knew that she never wanted to kiss anyone else ever again. “What do we do now?” Lily asks after they break away from the kiss.

“Well, we finish fighting this war, I bring you home with me to meet my family, and we live happily ever after,” Jacob says with a smile. “Is that okay?”

“Absolutely perfect,” Lily says and reaches to kiss Jacob again.

. . .

March 18, 1946

“Should I put my hand under yours?” Lily asks Jacob, her now husband. They were about to cut the cake at their wedding reception filled with their friends and family.

“Yes, you do that,” Jacob says and places a kiss on top of his wife’s head. The cut into the cake and cut a piece and put it on the plate. They both grab a fork to take a piece. They look eyes before eating the cake and smile. After finishing their bite, Jacob and Lily kiss amongst the hoots and cheers from the people gathered around them.

“Nice cake choice, Mrs. Markstrom,” Jacob says.

“See? This is why we listen to me.”

Jacob chuckles. “I guess I have forever to listen to you.”

“That you do.”

All the way across the world they had a love story. Now, on the other side, they had their forever. All the way across the world in England bloomed a friendship and love story for the ages. All the way in Calgary, though, Jacob and Lily had the start of their forever that was a story that instilled hope in all young people and couples.

#jacob markstrom #jacob markstrom fic #jacob markstrom imagine #jacob markstrom x reader #nhl fic #nhl writing #nhl imagine #hockey fic #hockey imagine #calgary flames imagine #calgary flames fic #calgary flames x reader #40s au #claudia writes

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whumpingcrow · 4 years ago

Text

Pt.20 "Into the Frying Pan"

CW: airplane setting, hospital setting, police mention, drugs/alcohol/cigarettes, nightmare/ptsd mention, tics/tourettes, injury description, discussion of noncon/dubcon, nsfw themes, conditioned whumpee trying to initiate sex with caretaker, dehumanizing language/discussion, discussion of past abuse, food mention, discussion of wearing a collar, derogatory language, strangling mention (let me know if I missed anything!)

It was all at once insanely overwhelming and yet incredibly simple for Elias to be away from August, to be on his own. He was allowed to just sit peacefully on his own, no one's hands were on him, there was no tight collar to make him feel suffocated. The flight attendants would occasionally sit with him and ask him how he was doing, if he needed anything, and he was thankful to be otherwise left alone. The lack of constant stress allowed him to lull himself off into a fitful, drunken sleep, where the dreams were horrendous but not stronger than his fatigue. At some point, one of the nice flight attendants keeping an eye on him draped her jacket over him, smiling at him when he woke up to look at her.

"You looked cold," she excused herself. "We'll be landing in about an hour and a half."

"Thank you so much." He grumbled back, tightening the jacket around him to get warmer, then he promptly fell back asleep.

The hospital visit was long and tedious, and by the end apparently also pointless, because they simply couldn't do anything for him. His injuries were plenty, and they had all been severe in the beginning, but by now they were all healed just enough for the doctors to slap some antibiotics and pain relievers on him and call it a day. The meds they gave him seemed diluted by the leftover drugs in his blood, so even that didn't matter.

He wasn't allowed to go straight home after that, like he'd been hoping, instead he was taken to the police station to talk about August. By then he wanted nothing more than to just be back with No Name, and the longer he wasn't the worse he felt.

"Is there anything we can get you while we wait?" People kept asking him, ever since he'd gotten on the plane. It was incredibly unnerving, didn't they know he was just an idiot pet, that he didn't get wants? He guessed maybe not having a collar on wasn't helping his case.

Right now the person asking him was a large police officer, waiting with him outside. Elias felt his stare fixated on him, probably on the tears stained on his face, or the tired, far off look in his eyes.

"Would you be able to get me a cigarette? Please?" The request came out slightly mangled and watery, he was surprised to hear himself asking for it. He was never allowed to ask for anything, he half expected to be slapped across the head for it. Instead, the officer reached out at a safe distance with one in hand. "Oh. Th...thank you so much."

As he lit up, the chill breeze ran through his hair, making him feel gradually more sober. He looked up at the palm trees swaying slightly, the realization that he was home really started to sink in. It was all gonna be ok because he was home. After talking about August and all of the atrocities he'd put him through with the police for a few hours, he felt like he had relived it all. And now it could be done, he just had to wait for No Name.

"Is that him there?" The officer piped up suddenly, making Elias flinch. He looked up to see him approaching, his shoulders high with tension.

Elias dropped his cigarette to the ground with a gasp, his hands flying to cover his eyes in pure shock. He was there! He came! Elias could've fallen over in ecstasy.

"Elias, my darling," he was saying as he got closer, his voice on the very edge of breaking, "Elias I'm here. I'm here."

One inch at a time, Elias dropped his fingers, peering up at him with tears in his eyes. How could he possibly have any more tears left? Now that he was looking at him, he was overwhelmed with relief, absolutely flooded with the promise of safety. No Name's hair was so much longer than Elias remembered, put up in messy dreads, and his face was glowing healthily. Was there...genuine, actual love in his eyes? Elias hadn't seen that in August's face for so long, his stare was often only predatory and arrogant, despite how often he threw around the word, he didn't ever look like he felt love for Elias. He couldn't fight the tears anymore, he dropped his hands to the side in complete surrender and choked back a few pathetic whines.

"Hey, hey, it's ok," he assured him, timidly stepping toward him, "you're alright."

"I c-cant...I'm so happy t-to see you." He sobbed, biting his lip to try not to get too loud. "I'm s-so relieved."

With a small, pleased hum, he grabbed Elias's arm gently, testing how much touch he would allow. "Come here, Eli."

The nickname sounded heavenly back in his mouth, and hearing the way his voice glazed over it with no remorse or second guess made Elias positively break, stumbling the step forward into his welcoming arms.

Cologne and lemons and weed. That's what he smelled like. That's what Tyson smelled like. "Oh god. Tyson. Fucking hell, Tyson."

"I've got you Elias," Tyson whispered, voice watery with his own tears, "I'm here, darling."

Elias couldn't contain himself after that, he was ticcing melodically in Tyson's arms, his name slipping out every few seconds, his hands tightening and loosening around his shirt. "You're here, Tyson. I'm so...oh Tyson..."

Slowly, Tyson led him to his car, without fully letting go of him. Only when he opened the door for him did he pull away, watching him duck in with red, swollen eyes.

"You look so different," Elias mumbled, picking at a loose thread on his borrowed pants, "I feel like it's been years."

Tyson sighed heavily, reaching over to take his hand. "Nearly 10 months."

Elias closed his eyes, a breathless whine squeezing past his lips. Ten months?! He couldn't believe that it had really been that long since they'd seen each other, and yet at the same time it felt more like years. It made him feel sick, thinking about it in that way. Ten whole months of torture, of wondering when August would snap again, terrified he would get killed if he said something deemed unpleasant. "That's...that's a really long time."

Tyson gave a somber nod, then glanced over and saw how sad it had also made Elias, and he squeezed his leg softly and forced the subject to change. "God, I've missed your voice so very badly. I'm so happy to hear you talking."

Elias couldn't take his eyes off of Tyson, and he found himself desperately holding his wrist with both hands to make sure he didn't pull away. "I forgot your name." He blurted. "I'm so sorry."

"My name?" Tyson chuckled, throwing him a questioning glance.

"When I was out there I...all I could remember was your voice and your face. I-I forgot your n-name and I feel like shit a-about it. I'm so - fucking shit - I'm so sorry."

Tyson's jaw flexed a few times, and Elias thought maybe he'd pissed him off. You're off with August for not even a year and you forget about me? You stupid slut, I can't believe I ever thought I could love you-

"Elias, you've been stuck in an absolute nightmare for the longest time. I cannot even begin to imagine..." He trailed off, shaking his head to himself. "Things are gonna be ok. You're here and you remember my name now. That's all that matters."

A shuddery breath shook Elias's frame as he tried to calm himself, and he slowly reached up to loop his fingers around his throat. When his fingers fell onto bare skin, a jolt of panic shocked through him. He didn't realize how used to the collar he'd gotten, but now that it was gone he felt stripped, naked in the worst way. He kept his hand there, cold fingers pressed to his own pulse, the entire ride back to the apartment.

It looked about the same as he remembered, which didn't mean much because every memory was sort of hazy and muddled through the drugs and injury caused brain damage. He stood in the center of the living room while Tyson set his things down in the kitchen.

"Can I get you anything Elias?" Tyson asked when he came back in. He had a glass of water in his hands, and Elias cringed hard as he took it from him.

"People keep asking me that," he mumbled, "I'm not...not allowed..."

Tyson frowned at him, tilting his head to the side. He gave Elias a second to answer on his own, but he'd already decided to stop talking. "Not allowed what, Eli?"

"Not allowed to want things. I wish people would stop...stop asking what I want. I can't want anything."

The face Tyson made at that was like he smelt something foul, his nose wrinkling as he thought about what he'd been told. He had guessed that Elias would be damaged when he got back, but it had been so long he couldn't even fathom what broken pieces he'd have to work with.

"Ok. Finish your water and we'll get you in the shower. How's that?" He kept his voice gentle in the suggestion, relieved when some of the tension dropped from Elias's shoulders with a nod.

"Thank you."

"Let me know if you're ready to talk about anything, yeah?" As he asked, he inched his way forward, looking him over carefully. He could see the faint outline of sharp bruises around his neck, a large scar barely healed on his bottom lip, and on top of it all large purple and blue blotches scattered his pale skin. "Elias...I'm so sorry I didn't do more to stop him."

Now it was Elias's turn to flinch at the distasteful words, shaking his head quickly. "It was my choice, please don't be-"

"No, my love," Tyson protested, softly caressing his arm, "no, I should have done more. You got hurt, I should have done more to help you. I am so incredibly sorry."

Elias was tearful at the words, leaning into his touch eagerly. "Tyson I... I missed you so bad. I felt so empty without you." His lungs tightened as Tyson got closer, his hands staying so gentle against his arms that it was jarring. Elias had to remind himself that he wasn't going to hurt him, this was Tyson, Tyson wouldn't do anything to harm him, but he couldn't help the uncomfortable anxious burning in his chest when he got so close.

"I love you, Eli." He whispered.

The look on his face alone was enough to send Elias reeling, the genuine, evident adoration made his head spin. The last time someone was telling him they loved him, the only emotion he saw on his face was some sort of sick obsession, a look that told him the "love" was only surface level. He began to openly cry, barely able to bite back his sobs.

"Y-you...you do?" He whined, suddenly not able to look at him head on. The emotions were so strong and heavy that he felt weighed down. Again, he wondered how his body was still producing tears. It was probably why Tyson had given him the water. "Really?"

"Yes, really." With that, Tyson kissed the bridge of his nose ever so gently, even when he flinched a little and closed his eyes. "Now let's get you cleaned up, huh?"

"Please."

Being nude wasn't nearly as intimidating as it had been before, being forced to put himself on display for prying eyes and watering mouths ready to grab and pet and squeeze made him shamefully accustomed to not wearing clothes. Even though Tyson could easily overpower him and do any of that to him, he only touched him when he was sure it would be alright, only looked at him when he spoke. He was a little uneasy because he couldn't tell what Tyson was thinking, if he was disgusted or put off and that's why he wasn't touching him. Or maybe he'd done something wrong and Tyson was punishing him. Or he just wasn't pretty enough. He could make himself pretty, he was getting good at that, at carrying himself the way people liked him: as an object.

He did this as he was helped out of the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist. He was relieved when he felt Tyson's stare fixated on him, and he forced himself to look up at him through half-hooded lids. "Thank you, Ty," he murmured, in that way that August always loved, the way that made him go soft for a split second and then hold him closely and gently. When Tyson didn't do that, he took a shaky breath and closed the space between them, grabbing his bicep to get closer.

"Do you feel better?" He grumbled. Elias's eyes fluttered closed when Tyson reached out to run his thumb along his cheek.

"I do. Thank you so much." When he was met with silence, he turned his head slightly, pressing his lips against Tyson's wrist. His whole demeanor was screaming "touch me, please touch me" but Tyson didn't move, keeping his hand against his jaw, watching, waiting. Elias could scream. He was too used up, that's what it was. August would hardly touch him anymore either, for the same reason: because he was a used up toy, no fun anymore. And Tyson felt the same way. It killed him to know that he wouldn't ever experience the bliss of Tyson's adoring hands on him, his warm mouth murmuring sweet nothings against his skin, his name falling from his lips, ever again.

"What are you thinking about in that pretty little head of yours?" Tyson asked him, shifting a little to stroke his hair, humming when Elias pressed into his touch desperately.

"I'm so...I'm afraid that I'm useless now." He admitted. "I know that you won't use me and...and if I'm not being used I...i just want to be important. Useful."

Tyson let out a soft, seemingly disappointed sigh, one that made Elias cringe. "Is that what it was like with August?"

He nodded slowly, not even making an effort to look up at him, too afraid he would see anger or betrayal or even nothing. That's what he was really afraid of, seeing no emotion there, the same blank stare August often gave him, toward the end. "I was just a toy, and August used me for a little while but then other people...they just started taking me too, because I was made t-to be used. But I guess I messed up cause August started hiding me and no one was allowed to touch me or speak to me and I don't want that to happen again, Ty, I want to be useful and good-"

"Eli, take a breath angel," he cooed, stepping closer to him, "I'm not them. You're a human being, and I care about you a great deal, I'm not going to use you."

Don't cry, Elias thought to himself, save your tears for when you really need them. Don't fucking cry. You look so ugly when you cry. He noticed that the voice saying it wasn't his own, rather August's low grumble. He wondered if it would always be there, saying awful things in the back of his mind. Tyson pulled his hand away, leaving Elias to sink into a frigid, freezing loneliness, the feeling of being in the basement was now inside of his chest. He brought his own fingers to his throat, wrapping his hands around his slender, bruised neck to ground himself. He hated himself for admitting it, but he knew deep down he'd look so much nicer with the collar, and maybe Tyson would use him then. Or he'd at least look at him the way he was meant to be looked at, with an intrigue and a thirst that barely overshadowed the guilt of it all. He knew the look well, he saw it every time he got up the courage to look up at the people using him. The dark eyes, the shameful pink tint to cheeks. Tyson would look at him like that, if only he was wearing his collar.

"Don't do this to me," he mumbled, voice breaking just a little, "you don't know how bad I n-need...i just need you-" he cut himself off with a swallow, shaking his head. He wasn't allowed needs or wants, what was he saying? Tyson could use him or ignore him however he saw fit, why did he think he had any say in the matter? "I'm sorry."

"Hey, don't be sorry, love. Talk to me, tell me what you need."

"Nothing," he rushed, smiling through his tears, "I don't need anything. I'm perfect."

Tyson looked on the verge of arguing, ready to pry until he got something out of him, something worthy of a reaction. He knew, though, that Elias had shut himself up again, nervous to even be standing under his gaze. So he stepped away, nodding at him slowly. "Let's get you dressed, then."

Elias was thankful for the luxury of Tyson dressing him, after the whole day spent being treated far too well, too much like a person for his comfort. It was easy to slip back into the practiced doe-eyed, mindless little toy mindset as Tyson pulled his arms through his shirt, holding him steady as he slipped pants on. When Tyson stepped back to look at him, he had a fond grin on his face.

"You're so cute," he cooed, ruffling his hair playfully as he stepped away, "I missed you so much."

Elias blushed, bowing his head as a thank you. He felt cold under his stare, cooled down too quickly from the shower. He couldn't help the tremor that shook him slightly, and the second Tyson noticed, he reached out to grab his shoulders gently, pulling him against his chest. The warmth of being close to him made him weak at the knees, and Tyson tightened his grip as he keened against him. "Oh, Tyson," he whispered, "ah, you're so warm."

"Mm. I could hold you forever. You fit so perfectly in my arms." He gave him a light squeeze, listening to his breathing hitch gently.

"Tyson," he whined, trembling fingers twisting into his shirt, "ple-please touch me. I need you to touch me."

"You need it?" He repeated.

"Y-yes, Ty. I need it so bad it aches. Please." His voice was desperate, slightly fear tinted by hearing his own request. I can't have needs, he reminded himself, but this, oh this is the blood in my veins. This is the oxygen in my lungs. I will die if I can't have this. "Oh god, Tyson, please."

At that, Tyson's lips fell against his throat, causing him to tilt his head back with a small gasp. His skin was hot from Tyson's breath and it was constricting in the same comfortable way his collar was. "I love you, Elias."

Even though it was just a hushed whisper against his skin, Elias swooned, body light and airy at the words, Tyson's hands the only thing keeping him tethered to earth. "Ah...thank you.."

Tyson pulled off to look at him, a small grin on his face as he looked him over. The second he was off of him, Elias replaced Tyson's mouth on his neck with his fingers, dropping his head back down, face flushed and shoulders high. It was too much, entirely too much to have Tyson so close to him, touching him that way, and simultaneously it wasn't nearly enough.

"Anything else?" Tyson teased, leaning forwards as if to try and entice him. Elias was glued to the floor, refusing to look up at him after a breathless whine left his throat. "What is it, baby boy?"

He watched Elias melt at the words, legs shaking slightly as he stepped forward, quickly dropping to his knees in front of Tyson. He kept his arms raised in front of him in submission until Tyson took his wrists in his hands. He looked utterly broken as he peered up at him, the shower didn't help with the cuts and bruises as much as Tyson had been hoping. The bruises under his eyes seemed near permanent, and Tyson sighed heavily.

"Let me...let me make you feel good," Elias whispered, fingers reaching for the button of his jeans. Tyson's grip on his wrists was tight though, and Elias instinctively fell pliable in his grip, dropping his stretching fingers, when he realized Tyson wasn't going to let him move any more. "Wanna make myself useful."

Tyson dropped to his knees as well, keeping his grip secure on Elias as he did, trying to be at eye level. It was difficult because he was so much smaller than Tyson and he wouldn't look up at him anyways, but Tyson returned one of his hands to his own lap and coaxed him to look up with a finger just under his chin. "My love," he soothed him, "you don't even know what you're asking for. You've only been home an hour."

"But I-I don't...Ty..." His bottom lip trembled as he spoke, and now that his arm was free he once again rubbed nervously at his throat. Tyson had just started picking up on it, and all it made him think of was having to go pick up Elias from the hospital the first time, being told he'd been strangled. "P...please, Tyson. Hu-hurts."

"Look at you, Eli. You're shaking. Why don't we get you something to eat?"

"No!" He whined, looking rather afraid at his own outburst. "Tyson, I'm begging you-"

He froze when Tyson's hand replaced his own, fingers loose around his neck. "What is this, why do you keep doing that?"

Elias flinched a little at the harsh tone he used, then he relaxed into his hand. "I don't have my...uh...a collar. I'm not used to it yet, I guess."

"A collar?! Ugh, christ. Why would he..." He trailed off as he saw the sad, dejected wince pass over Elias's face. "Hey, no, it's not you, love. You did nothing wrong."

Elias nodded slowly, then straightened out his posture a little, taking a deep breath to reassure himself. "I'm sorry. I won't whine anymore."

Tyson was shocked by the quick change in demeanor, how, when Tyson's tone changed with him, Elias seemed to correct himself to not look so bothered, so ill. The way he carried himself was more thought out, like he was aware of every muscle in his body, how to present himself in a pleasant way. He stood up with a huff. "Ok, beautiful. Come on, I'll make you some food."

Elias let Tyson pull him up to his feet, then followed him to the kitchen. He was set down in a chair to watch and wait (and look pretty, don't forget to look pretty, Tyson keeps looking over at him and smiling softly but only when he remembers to be pretty). He ignored the burning need in his chest to be underneath the knife Tyson was using to cut up fresh fruit, or to be the water running over his hands as he washed the juice off. He was jealous that he couldn't be closer to him than he was, so jealous it hurt him. But he stayed in his place at the table, because it's where Tyson wanted him to be. And that's all that mattered.

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