#even if he's been able to lean on him from time to time during earthquakes and such | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

cilldaracailin · 2 years

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You’re My Best Friend

Hello my Tumblr Lovely’s

Happy Monday :)

Here is the next part for everyone!

Love Suze xx

“Joy came always after pain.”

It was near half one in the afternoon when Taron finally felt like he could breathe again without sensing he was taking in water. He had talked and talked and talked, Robyn listening to every word, offering support and tonnes of hugs, holding his hand through it all. He moved around the bed as he spoke, from sitting, to kneeling, laying on his side to his back, his stomach, Robyn moving with him each time. He hugged cwtch hard, Robyn even harder and when he blew his nose again, the sigh that followed was filled with relief as he lay on the bed with his head on Robyn’s shoulder. He felt shattered, more so if possible then when he had arrived at Robyn’s home.

“So how much do you charge per hour?” He chuckled, hearing Robyn’s giggle. During their chat he had just let go of everything he had been thinking and feeling and he had laughed with her and in-between the tears and talking through his time on set, they shared memories of all the time they spent together.

“My services are free for citizens of Wales.” Robyn answered him, her hand still rolling through his hair as he leant against her.

“Well thank fuck for that because I would owe you a fortune.” His eyes closed as she scratched the crown of his head, snuggling a little into her shoulder. “Thank you Robyn. I guess I had a lot to talk about.”

“It was you introduced me to the idea of talking about your emotions.” She said leaning in to kiss his head. “It helps apparently.”

“It does. Really does.” He closed his eyes, very much enjoying the head massage from Robyn.

“It was nice to just sit and chat together through it all. It has been such a long time since we have been able to sit and talk to each other and now you know exactly what I have been doing since you left me too.”

Taron laughed lightly “Hmm yes. You sure you changed the sheets since the popcorn fight?”

“Yes, all changed and thank you again for the flowers and balloons.”

“You are welcome. I thought they would make you smile.”

“They did.” Robyn agreed as she ran her hand through his hair above his ear, smiling at his quiet moan, feeling his whole body rise and fall in a very deep breathe. It took a long while but as they chatted, she saw him relax, his shoulders dropped and the deep worry lifted from his face. It didn’t mean a part of him wasn’t still troubled but for the moment, their talk had helped and she could see he wasn’t fully laden down with the burdens he arrived with.

“Taron…”

“Hmmm…”

“Do you think maybe talking to Penny might help you?” She asked him carefully.

Taron lifted his head. “Penny?”

“Yeah.”

“You still chatting to Penny?”

Robyn nodded. “She likes to keep in touch with me. I actually find it a great help to be honest but she was so good with me and you after Florida, that maybe she can help you sort through your thoughts some more?”

Taron leaned his head back on Robyn’s shoulder. “I still have her number.” He mused. “I will give her a call.”

“It was just a thought.”

“It was a very good one Robyn. I like Penny.”

“Yeah me too.”

Taron cosied into Robyn again, closing his eyes as her hand went back into his hair. “I will have to give Matthew a call at some point.”

“I can do it if you want, just the first call to tell him that you will call him.”

“Nah I will talk to him. I am sure he is worried. I just had to sort through my thoughts first before I called him.”

“And maybe call your mam too?”

“Hmm yeah. That feels really nice Robyn.” He lowered his head a little, as Robyn dug her fingertips into his scalp. “Really really nice.” He snuggled some more into her.

“Sleep if you want. I know you are tired.”

“So tempting.”

“You only need to move down a little and you can get some rest.”

“I won’t sleep a wink tonight if I do.”

Robyn chuckled as his head moved a bit lower despite his words. “You would sleep through an earthquake when you are exhausted.”

Taron was so very comfortable leaning against the woman under him. Soft and cosy, he could feel his eyes closing and he shifted his body a little so he could drape his right arm around her waist. “Maybe a nap.”

“Nap away if you want.”

Feeling a new lightness since he took those wet steps into Robyn’s home, Taron closed his eyes, relived that the visions of bubbles were gone. He could have slept and slept well but he knew he had to be back at work on Tuesday, a thought that caused him to sigh. “It is so fucking tempting Robyn but I need to try and keep my body clock in some sort of decent order.” He sat up, yawning long as he stretched his body out. “Maybe an early night instead?”

“Whatever you want Taron.” Even though he had said he wasn’t going to sleep, when she looked to him, he was sitting with his eyes closed. She understood his reasoning behind staying awake, even though he had missed a few nights sleep. As always, work was on the back of his mind and she didn’t want him thinking about work right now so came up with a plan to help distract him. “Ok how about this. Let’s go and get some lunch and a coffee. You must be starving and the fresh air will help wake you up. We can walk down to the coffee shop we went to before, get your favourite window seat.”

“Walk?” He looked to her with wide eyes. “You are meant to be resting.” His lips lifted in a wide smile, which felt amazing after all the tears he had shed and he tapped her nose playfully. “No walking for you.”

“I have been cooped up in this house for the last how many days and hours and would love some fresh air and I will be with you and we can walk slowly together. If I feel off, we can turn back and make something here.” She pouted her a lip a little at him. “Please Taron. It would be good for both of us to get out for a bit. We can come back then and chill on the couch?”

He could never resist Robyn’s large blue eyes and as she pouted a little more, he sighed. “That is actually a really good idea. I could eat, drink some coffee and the fresh air would be good for both of us but on one condition.” Taron agreed but negotiated.

“And that is?”

“You start to feel anyway dizzy or weak or off, you need to tell me straight away and we will come back here.”

“Deal.” Robyn confirmed quickly.

“Fantastic but we also have another problem.”

“And that is?” Robyn asked.

“I have no clothes to wear and I would definitely make a scene if I go like this.” He pulled at his boxers.

Robyn bit her lip and then stood up and jumped off the bed, going into her closet. “So you don’t mind a good pair of tracksuit bottoms right?”

“Hmm no.” He called back to her, getting off the bed and giving himself a long stretch, hearing his body creak as he rolled his shoulders and neck. He could have easily searched through his wallet for a back massage voucher because he was nearly sure he had one and would have happily handed it over to Robyn there and then and she would have given him another but instead, gave himself another full stretch, hearing rustling from Robyn in her closet. He really liked her idea of taking a walk. A slow stroll through Kilcreen to get some food and a coffee sounded like a perfect plan. He still had a slightly fuzzy headache and knew the air would help him and the walk too to loosen up stiff muscles from his restless night.

“Ok well about these?” Robyn walked back out holding a dark grey pair of sweat pants. She saw his face frown. “Men’s.” She assured him.

“Men’s?” He questioned as he took them from her.

Robyn shrugged. “There is no law that says that a woman can’t shop in the men’s section and sometimes you just want an extra baggy pair of sweats.”

Taron held the waistband up against his waist and gave her a grin. “Men’s.” He confirmed. “So tell me Miss Quinn, what exactly do you do in men’s sweatpants in your house?”

Robyn’s face tinted bright red and she shook her head at him. “Make cookies.”

“Make cookies?” Taron repeated throwing the trousers over his shoulder. “Ok. Sure.” He pulled his t-shirt away from his chest. “Got another T to spare? Would love a change.” He laughed as a white t-shirt was thrown his way. “You still trying to find a way to get this back to me yeah?” He opened the white Elton John t-shirt he had given Robyn back in Belfast.

“We said when you came to visit me you would take it back.” She shrugged.

“True. These are perfect Robyn, thank you.”

“I am sorry I don’t have anything else for you to wear.” She said walking over to him. “Maybe you need to start leaving things here to wear. For these visits.”

“Maybe.” He hummed. “But these are good.”

“You take the bathroom first.” She said to him. “I am going to open some curtains, let some air in for a bit before we go. Check the weather. Maybe we should pop your clothes in the wash, so you actually have something to wear.”

“Yeah I will do.”

They parted ways, Taron going into the bathroom while Robyn made the bed, turned off the bed side lamp and opened the curtains, blinking a little as the bright sunlight beamed in through the glass windows. It was another lovely day outside and she opened the door to step outside, feeling the sun on her skin. It wasn’t roasting hot but just a nice t-shirt temperature and a perfect day to take a light walk. She had hoped Taron would take her up on her suggestion of lunch out to get him out of the house, to help clear his head some more and was so happy to find another way for him to relax a little. She was also a little desperate to leave her house too though. She had been inside for so many days and really wanted to get out but was nervous about going out alone before she had to get back to work and felt much more comfortable going with Taron because he had been with her when she had fallen and she knew, even though he was knackered, he would look out for her as they walked. Letting the sun shine on her face for a few more seconds, she stepped back inside, leaving the door open to let the air circulate in her room.

“Nice day out?”

She turned around, Taron walking out of the bathroom carrying the white t-shirt and his shoes. The grey sweatpants fitted him perfectly and as always they sat low on his waist and hips and she definitely found herself staring much longer then she should have. Pulling her eyes away from his body, she looked to his face. “It’s really nice. Please tell me they are dry.” She pointed to his converse.

“Yeah.” His lips lifted as Robyn marched over to him to take his shoes from him and check to make sure they were dry, his grin widening as she handed them back to him. “Dry. Give me ten.”

“I am going to give Matthew a quick call while you get changed.” He said to her, throwing his shoes and t-shirt onto the bed.

Robyn nodded his way and left him alone, routing through her clothes for some jeans and a t-shirt. In the bathroom her laundry hamper was empty and she could her the washing machine rumbling as it ran on the cycle Taron had put on. At the sink, his wash bag had been opened, his toiletries spilled out over her counter in a bit of a mess. Robyn put them neatly on her shelf, lining up bottles and jars for him, taking a sniff of the aftershave he had brought with him, closing her eyes as the familiar scent made her stomach flutter. She got dressed and washed up, tying her hair up in a messy bun. Knowing Taron was planning on giving his director a call, Robyn lingered in the bathroom for a bit longer than she needed, cleaning up a little, not that there was anything to clean up but she did spray his aftershave properly once letting the gorgeous male scent filter through her tiled bathroom. She loved the aftershave he wore and smelling it in her bathroom made her very happy. Figuring she had been hanging around long enough, spraying more of his aftershave in her laundry room before she actually put the blue bottle on the shelf, she then walked out quietly not wanting to disturb Taron if he was on his phone call.

“You can make some noise.” Taron said as he saw her creeping out of the closet. “I am all done.” Taron lifted his head to look at her before going back to tying his shoe lace. Dressed in a pair of jeans and black t-shirt, he felt his lips lift in a little smile at the simplicity of her outfit but loved how much he adored her in it. It was just how Robyn was but it still made him grin when he realised her t-shirt was his favourite v-neck shape. He felt the bed move as she sat beside him, feeling her arm on his shoulder. “I am fine.” He said to her before she could ask. “Just a quick chat with Matthew. He told me he was going to send me over some of the footage as soon as he could in the next few days, help ease my mind on the scene.” He turned to her when he was finished fixing his shoes. “I am ok.” He shuffled closer to her and gave her a sideways hug. “So, you promised me lunch and a coffee?”

“Yes I did.” Robyn nodded, wrapping her arms around his waist, giving him a tight squeeze. She saw a little of the worry back in his eyes and didn’t want to push him for more information so just hugged him to her, kissing his shoulder lightly.

“I closed the bedroom glass door already.” Taron said to her. “We are good to go.”

Once Taron had given Robyn his phone and wallet to put in her bag, they left her house and took an easy walk down into the town both enjoying the fresh breeze that was blowing through the nice summer’s day. Robyn was so thrilled to be out of her home and even more so that the tiredness she expected to come as she walked, never arrived, and it was just amazing to be herself once again. They walked close together as they came to the steps at the railway station, heading into the small town but as always, Taron knew he didn’t have to look behind him, feeling safe and secure in Robyn’s home town and as the coffee shop came into view, his footsteps sped up.

“Someone is eager.” Robyn chuckled as he walked a little in front of her.

“I can smell the coffee.”

“Caffeine leaving your system?” Robyn sped up to catch up with him, grabbing his hand to make him slow down.

“It’s been two days since my last cup.”

Robyn laughed at him, loving the smile on his face. He was by no means over what had happened to him but for the time being he was lighter and content and she very happy to feed him and fill him with coffee. She thanked him when he held open the door for her, walking straight to the fridge with the sandwiches, Taron coming to stand right beside her. They picked a sandwich each, Robyn also grabbing a bottle of water while Taron headed to look in the glass shelf with the cakes.

“So I can pick two right?” He asked with a grin.

“Whatever you want rocketman. My treat.” Robyn replied to him. “What you want to drink?”

“Large coffee.” He replied still staring into the cake counter.

“One large coffee it is then.” She took the sandwich from his hand and walked away from him to join the queue, only two people in front of her. By the time it was her turn Taron was back with her.

“So what can I get you?” The staff behind the counter asked as Robyn handed over the two sandwiches and bottle of water.

“I will take these, a large cappuccino, a peach iced tea and…” She looked to Taron.

“A cherry bakewell tart, a chocolate muffin and rice crispy square.” He answered adding please to his order.

“Sure. Eat in?”

“Yes please.” Robyn confirmed after she raised an eyebrow at Taron and his cakes, the Welshman just giving her a cute dimpled smile in return.

After their order had been placed and their sandwiches scanned through, Robyn then tapped her debit card on the machine to pay, pushing Taron a tiny bit as he frowned at her. “My treat.” She said to him. “Now do you wanna go and get your seat before it is taken?” She said to him seeing the most favoured window seat free from the corner of her eye.

“Yes.” Taron immediately answered, walking away from her with purpose and haste to get the couch that looked out the corner glass windows.

She watched him sit on the couch, right in the middle and chuckled to herself as he sat taking up as much of the couch as possible so no one else could sit beside him. She knew he was tired, still drained but his spirit was good and she definitely wanted to get him talking to Penny before he was back to work on Tuesday. She was sure it would do him so good to talk to someone else besides her and already having built a professional relationship with Penny, a deep personal chat with her would help Taron so much.

With her tray in her hands, she carried their lunch and Taron’s sweet treats towards their table, Taron jumping up to take it from her.

“Three cakes?” She questioned him.

“I haven’t eaten anything in two days.” He said as he took a seat, putting the tray on the coffee table, then patting the chair beside him.

“Two days?” Robyn stopped mid sit to stare at him. “Taron!” She dropped onto the couch. “And you have been lecturing me to take care of myself?”

“It’s been a bit stressful Robyn.” He said to her, biting his lower lip a little. “And you know yourself, stress can take your appetite away.” He felt his hand being taken and squeezed tight and he returned her sweet gesture. “And the rice crispy square is for you.” He added. “I know you like them.”

“Yes I do.”

He let go of her hand, opened the three packets of sugar on the tray and as he stirred some sugar into his coffee, shrugged a little “So it really is only two cakes.”

Robyn playfully rubbed his leg, smiling at the gorgeously boyish look on his face as he tried to talk his way around her cakes. “You must be starving.”

“Hence the two cakes.” He replied taking a sip from his cup, closing his eyes at the taste of the coffee. “Thanks Robyn.” He said as he opened the wrapper of his sandwich, picked up half and settled back into the couch.

“It’s just some lunch.” She said, copying him as she sat on the couch.

“It’s more than just lunch.” He said before he took a bite from the corner of his sandwich. “It’s so much more than that.”

Tucking into their lunch, Robyn moved to sit closer to him, both quiet as they ate. As it was after the lunch rush, the coffee shop was quiet enough, a few tables around filled with people but while she did acknowledge those who said hello to her, no one paid them any mind as they sat and ate their lunch. Taron was clearly hungry as he had finished his sandwich before Robyn even picked up the second half of hers or the rice crispy square he had picked for her, draining the last of his hot drink before he ate the bakewell tart, the chocolate muffin still waiting on the tray for him.

“I am going to get another coffee.” He said getting to his feet, still feeling stiff even with the walk, giving his shoulders a roll. “Want anything?”

“Nah, I am good.”

After he got his wallet from her bag and he had walked away from her, Robyn watched him go, smiling at just how comfortable he was in Kilcreen. She had seen him in places, barely able to walk down a street without being pestered but he just stood in the line like any other person, waiting to give his order, no one saying anything to him. Tilting her head, she found herself staring at him, looking him up and down. Dressed in sweats and a t-shirt he looked gorgeous and she had to look away, and found herself biting her lower lip. She just couldn’t get over how much she loved and cared for him, how she just needed him to be happy. While she had been making sure he was comforted as he was upset earlier, her own heart was in bits because he was hurting. Now seeing him smile, it was amazing how much better she felt too. She blushed harder when Taron looked her way and caught her staring at him, his face lifting in the biggest smile she had seen on his lips so far and she looked away from him and out the glass windows to the street. She would never ever forget how he had stayed by her side while she had been in hospital and she was more than determined to just give him whatever he needed while he was with her. After their lunch, she was going to suggest going back to hers, throw open the glass doors, sit on the couch, give him his favourite corner and pop a movie on. They could easily just sit and more than likely sleep for the rest of the afternoon and she was just perfectly happy with that plan. While she needed to make good use of her last few days before she was back to work, Taron needed the same rest too.

As she watched out the windows, she knew why Taron loved these seats so much. While the corner of the coffee shop didn’t look out onto the busiest part of Kilcreen, there were still many cars pulling in and out of the supermarket to the left of the coffee place, people milling about. Robyn had just been not really paying attention, too busy thinking that even though the reason for Taron’s visit wasn’t the best, she loved having him around and just being with him, hearing his laugh, seeing him smile, feeling him breathe.

While her mind had been thinking of Taron, a person walking past the windows caught her eye, made her sit up, her mind immediately forgetting about the Welshman. Even more so when the person stopped to stare at her through the glass, a smirk on their face. A smirk which she had worked so very hard to forget over the last few years.

“Keith.”

#Taron Egerton #Taron Egerton Fanfiction #Taron Egerton Fanfic #Taron Fanfic #Robyn and Taron #Love #Hugs #Trust #Friendship #Talking #Emotions #Worry and Anxiety #the past comes back to haunt us

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vxntagedior · 2 years

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stress reliever

summary | eddie always gravitates towards your chest when he’s stressed

pairing | eddie munson x fem!reader

warning | 18+ minors dni, smut, [boob kink?, tit worship, tit sucking], i started this before V2 came out so i made a little change to it, mentions of the upside down, near death experience

word count | 803

Spoilers for V2

Eddie was happy that he was released from the hospital and was able to leave. Most of it had been destroyed during the ‘earthquake’ when the four gates merged together, and with Chief Hopper back, Jim offered a room for Wayne while Eddie stayed at yours while they looked for a new home.

He hated the hospital, all the wires, the gown that made him itchy and having to pee every 30 minutes and his back aching from the hard mattress.

“Oh, this feels amazing.” Flopping down onto your bed when the two of you got back, there were still a few scars that were still healing but the nurses told you just to make sure to change them occasionally and they should heal up on their own.

“Do you need anything, food, water, or some medicine?” You asked.

“Babe, I’m fine.” He sighed. “I’ve heard all the hounding from the nurses, don’t need it from you, come lay down.”

It took you a minute to join him on the bed, barely even touching him because you were scared that you were going to hurt him.

“C’mere.” Eddie couldn’t take another second not having you in his arms, pulling you flush into his chest, despite how your head bumped against one of the scars.

“We’re okay?” You asked softly, messing around with one of the rings on his hand.

“We’re okay.”

Since the earthquake, you’ve spent most of your time down at Hawkins High, volunteering, either helping with food or sorting out clothes. You felt somewhat guilty about the situation and wanted to make it up to the town.

Steve and Robin were always there, Dustin occasionally. Spending most of the morning there, helping Robin make some sandwiches. A part of your mind was still on Eddie, hoping he’d be okay on his own for a few hours. Even after reassuring you a dozen times before you left, you still felt uneasy.

“I’m gonna go check up on Eddie.” You discarded your gloves, grabbing your wallet and keys before a quick goodbye to your friends before driving back home.

“God damnit!” That was the first thing you heard when you arrived home, immediately running upstairs to find the source of noise.

“Eddie! Eddie!” There was fear in your voice, thinking something bad happened again like it while back in the Upside Down.

You didn’t hear him answer, becoming more worried.

“Eddie!”

Running into the bathroom, you saw him leaning against the wall, pulling off on the wraps to replace it with a new one.

“Thank god.” You muttered in relief. “You’re okay.”

“I can’t do it!” Eddie was frustrated, since coming back from the hospital, it caused him pain occasionally just walking down the stairs and you had been helping him with everything and he felt useless. So when you left, he didn’t remind you to change the gauze, he decided that he could do it himself, seeing the amount of times the nurses did it.

“Hey, let me help.” Eddie didn’t understand why he was getting stressed over a wrap but he felt tired of it.

Helping him back into bed, you let him rest against you, scooting so you were against the headboard.

“It’s okay to ask for help.” You whispered, running your hands through his slightly damp hair, trying to get some of the knots out.

“I’ve just been stressed over nothing.” He whispered, his voice muffled through your chest. “I just want to calm down.”

His face sat between the valley of your breasts, bringing you back to memories of everything that happened before Vecna.

You lifted his head up, seeing the confusion on his face, he looked down to see you pulling down your shirt enough, seeing your breasts pop out.

His eyes widened, his mouth watering. “You always used to suck on my boobs when you got stressed so…”

You didn’t need to finish your sentence before he wrapped his lips around your nipple. He sighed in content, sucking harder and harder, his hand coming to wrap around your other breast, squeezing it softly.

Letting out a quiet moan, you continued to run your fingers through his hair, igniting a moan from Eddie around your nipple.

Letting go of your nipple with a pop, Eddie gave the other the same amount of love, letting his head rest against your chest while he continued to suck.

With the vibration from your hands in his hair, and your boob in his face, he became tired, hoping you wouldn’t notice if he fell asleep around your boob.

You started to notice, when his breathing got a little slower and his breaths were more deep. Brushing his bangs away from his eyes, seeing them closed, you just smiled softly, pressing a kiss to his forehead, continuing to lightly massage his scalp.

#eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x girlfriend!reader #eddie munson x fem!reader #eddie munson #joesph quinn

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joe-mazzello-archive · 2 years

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baby, we're a dying breed - bonus scene 2

eddie munson x fem!reader (no y/n)

summary: you help coordinate a munson reunion

w/c: 1.7k

warnings: get the tissues out y'all

a/n: here is bonus scene #2! i only cried three times writing it. this takes place about a week after the "earthquake", so after the last scene in part two. enjoy!

It had taken some convincing.

You understood why Eddie was hesitant. He really loves his uncle – he’s protective of the man who raised him. Eddie reasoned that telling Wayne the truth would just paint a target on his back. Vecna’s still out there, still planning his next move. There is so much still unknown…and Eddie wanted to keep Wayne far away from all of the Upside Down bullshit.

It was Dustin who got him to change his tune.

Like the rest of you, Dustin has been spending time volunteering at the various shelters around the city. A few days after…everything…he happened to spot a despondent Wayne hanging up a flyer for Eddie on the missing persons board in the high school gym. It broke Dustin’s heart as he watched the man rest a fist on the piece of paper, a tear in his eye as he looked at his nephew’s photo.

“He’s really hurting,” Dustin told Eddie during his last visit to Eddie’s new hiding spot. “I was this close to walking right up to him and telling him everything.”

Eddie’s gaze had met yours, and you knew that he was rethinking his stance.

But it wasn’t until the next day that he finally spoke up.

“I think I want to see my uncle,” Eddie said as the two of you cuddled in bed, halfway through a blunt. You couldn’t help but smile and give him a peck on the cheek, and the two of you spent the evening talking through the logistics of a Munson reunion.

That’s how you find yourself wandering through the gym a few days later, Dustin in tow. Your eyes scan the crowd for the older man, but you don’t see him right away. Dustin isn’t able to find him either, and shakes his head when you meet his eyes.

“He’s a smoker,” you mention, knowing where Eddie gets it from. “Outside?”

Dustin nods and the two of you head out back. Sure enough, you find Wayne leaning against the side of the building, a cigarette between his fingers, staring out onto the football field behind the school.

It’s kind of perfect that he’s alone, as the conversation is going to be uncomfortable to begin with, and you don’t exactly want others within earshot.

“Mr. Munson?” Dustin calls. He throws a glance over his shoulder and looks at the two of you for a moment, before taking a puff of his cigarette. You introduce yourself and Dustin follows suit.

“We wanted to talk to you,” you explain. “About Eddie.”

He turns away at the mention of his missing family member.

“My nephew is innocent,” he says, his voice pointed, “and I’m not particularly interested in your thoughts on the matter.”

“We know he’s innocent,” Dustin replies.

“And…” you start, turning to look at Dustin, who gives you a nod. “...we know where he is.”

That gets Wayne’s attention. You see his shoulders tense before he turns to fully face you.

“And why should I believe you?” he asks, and it doesn’t surprise you. With this town thinking that Eddie is some serial killer and that the “earthquake” was his fault, you can see why Wayne would be apprehensive to two random strangers claiming they know something about Eddie’s disappearance.

“He knew you might not trust us,” you say, with a soft smile. You pull Eddie’s guitar pick necklace out of your pocket and hold it out for Wayne to see. Wayne’s face softens at the sight and he takes a few steps towards you.

“He told me you got him his first guitar,” you continue, recalling the story Eddie had told you. “And that since you couldn’t afford lessons, you put up with his awkward plucking and strumming all night as he tried to teach himself and never complained once.”

Wayne finally gets close enough for you to hand him the pick, and you can see tears welling in his eyes. You offer him a smile. He clears his throat before speaking.

“And…and he’s safe?” he asks and you nod.

“For the most part, yeah,” you confirm. It’s Wayne’s turn to nod, but he doesn’t say anything further as he runs his thumb across the pick.

“Want to see him?”

–

You’ve only been driving for a few minutes when Wayne speaks up again from the passenger’s seat.

“Do you know what happened?” he asks. “With the girl?”

You meet Dustin’s eye in the rearview mirror. He offers a shrug, leaving it up to you how much you want to disclose to the older man.

“Yeah we know,” you respond. “But it’s…a little complicated.”

Wayne shifts in his seat next to you.

“How so?”

You pause for a moment, and you can’t help but think back to a few weeks ago, when Dustin and the others stood in your living room and changed your entire life.

“Let’s just say…things in Hawkins aren’t always what they seem,” you say, mimicking Dustin’s words from before. “The funny thing is, you were on the right track with your theory.”

“My theory?”

“The one you told Nancy Wheeler, about Victor Creel,” you clarify, and you see Wayne’s brow furrow. You bite your lip to hide a chuckle, you can’t help but remember how you felt when you were in Wayne’s shoes. “Dustin, you’re more of an expert than I am. Want to take it from here?”

The teenager sits up in the backseat, leaning forward between the two front seats.

“So it basically all started a few years back when Will Byers went missing…”

–

Dustin manages to tell Wayne the entire Upside Down saga on the ride. Wayne doesn’t say much, and you have no concept of how much of the story he really believes. He might not even care, as long as he gets to see Eddie.

You’re about two minutes out from the trailer when Wayne does speak up.

“So,” he begins. “You Eddie’s girl?”

You can’t help but smile.

“Yeah,” you confirm with a nod, feeling heat rising to your cheeks at the admission. The concept is still so new to you, and you can’t help but feel giddy. You like being known as Eddie’s girl.

“Thanks for keeping him safe,” Wayne says and you shoot him a quick smile before looking back at the road.

“He kept me safe, too.”

Your car shakes slightly as you pull down the familiar driveway once again, and you’re happy to be back at the place that’s felt more like home to you lately than your actual house.

The three of you are still climbing out of the car when you hear the creak of the trailer door opening. You glance up to see Eddie standing at the top of the trailer stairs, clad in an ACDC shirt you found at a nearby thrift store and blue jeans that you had watched him distress and rip up a few days earlier. He crosses his arms over his chest, and you notice him biting back a smile.

When Wayne finally turns to see Eddie, he freezes for a moment, as if he can’t believe the sight. Eddie hops down the stairs and heads closer to the car, and Wayne finally moves himself, heading towards Eddie.

The pair stop a few feet apart and look at each other for a moment. Eddie runs a hand behind his neck.

“I promise I was trying to stay out of trouble,” is all Eddie says before Wayne closes the gap, wrapping his nephew in a tight hug. You can tell Eddie wasn’t expecting it because he does freeze for a moment, before reciprocating the hug.

Wayne’s body shakes, and you hear a sniffle. Eddie lets his eyes fall closed, and you see him squeeze Wayne tighter. You can’t help it when your own eyes get glassy at the sight.

“I didn’t hurt Chrissy, I swear,” Eddie says after a few moments, and Wayne takes the opportunity to pull away. He takes his nephew’s face in his hands and nods.

“I know, son,” he replies, his voice a little shaky. “I always knew.”

As happy as you are at the two of them being reunited, you do feel slightly guilty intruding on their moment.

“Hey,” you say, earning everyone’s attention. “How about we give you guys some time to catch up, and Dustin and I will go pick up some pizza for all of us?”

Wayne lets his nephew go to wipe at his face before giving you a nod.

“Hey, I’ll be right in, I just need a second with these two,” Eddie says, patting his uncle on the shoulder. The older man nods once more before heading towards the trailer.

Eddie pulls you in for a hug and plants a wet kiss to your cheek.

“Thanks for convincing my stubborn ass,” he says, a grin on his face. You let out a chuckle and gesture to the teenager next to you.

“I think there’s someone here who you really need to thank,” you comment.

“Come here, you little butthead,” Eddie says before wrapping his arms around Dustin. Dustin lets out a squeak, clearly unprepared for the hug.

“Do NOT kiss my cheek!” Dustin exclaims. Eddie smirks before kissing Dustin’s cheek as well, earning Eddie an annoyed yell. Dustin shoves Eddie off of him and frustratedly wipes at his cheek. “That’s the last time I do anything nice for you!”

You can’t help but chuckle before pulling Eddie back to you. You’re about to kiss him when you realize Wayne is watching from the trailer steps.

“We’ll be back later,” you say. “You two stay out of trouble,”

“No promises,” is Eddie’s response, and you roll your eyes lovingly.

You and Dustin pile back into your car, and you watch with a huge smile on your face as Eddie meets Wayne on the trailer steps – the older man patting the younger on the back a few times before they head inside.

The sight warms your heart. Sure, you have no idea what the future holds with Vecna and the Upside Down. And sure, your little group is somewhat of an oddball “family.” But Wayne is Eddie’s only true family, and you’re glad the two can take the next steps – whatever those are – together.

#eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x female reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson fic

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noteguk · 4 years

Note

Taehyung fingering u while ur in zoom class,,,,this came to me as i spaced out in class

— contents and warnings: small praising kink, fingering, boyfriend!taehyung, pwp

— words; 1.6k

Thank you for your request, baby!!

You were quick to check if your microphone was still off when your boyfriend walked into the bedroom.

“I’m in class,” you mumbled, your voice a bit more bitter than you’d like. You were sprawled on the bed with your laptop heated and resting against your stomach, the screen lowered so you could pretend to pay attention to whatever it was that your professor was saying. You were in class, yes, but it certainly didn’t look like it.

Taehyung laughed at your position, and started walking towards the other side of the bed. “That explains your delightful mood.”

You hummed, eyes still stuck to the small squares on your screen. Every once in a while, you sat up on the bed and turned your camera back on (since your professor almost popped a vein every time he saw that someone had turned it off) but, for the time being, he was too focused on his explanation to care about that. You were off the hook for maybe twenty more minutes, and no one had to see your zombified face for now.

Your sleeping schedule had been absolute chaos since the beginning of the pandemic and the responsibility of an early class wouldn’t make a difference at that point — so, that night, you went to sleep at four knowing fully well that you’d have to be up at seven, and it worked just as well as anyone with a half functioning brain cell would expect. You were awake, but only physically.

The voice of your professor was a monotone, flat and repetitive melody to your ears. Absent-minded, your eyes darted from the screen and towards your boyfriend when Taehyung threw himself on the bed next to you. With interest, he placed his head on your shoulder and looked at the screen, trying to piece together the information on the slideshow.

“This looks really boring,” he commented, fumbling close to you. If your camera had been on, everyone else would think you were in an earthquake, from how much the bed was shaking under his movements. He turned to you. “And you look really annoyed.”

You sneered. “I’m glad it’s obvious. Too much emotional energy is wasted in these calls,” you complained. You did not know how your colleges managed to keep such neutral faces during online classes, it seemed like it took everything in you to look remotely pleasant and fight against your resting bitch face. “I’ll be free in twenty minutes, then I’ll help you with lunch.”

“I was thinking that maybe today we could order something,” Taehyung said, his hand finding its place on your hip bone. A bit of sleep left your body at the contact, his warmth radiating through your thin sweatshorts. “From that restaurant you like from down the street.”

Your mouth salivated at the thought. “That’d be wonderful, actually.”

He hummed, burying his face on your neck. His hot breath sent shivers up and down your skin, his voice vibrating against your flesh as he spoke. “I don’t like when you’re down,” he told you. “I’m just trying to cheer you up.”

It took everything in you not to moan at the feeling. Taehyung knew very well how much your neck was sensitive, and the little demon was doing it on purpose. “I appreciate it,” you managed to say, even if your voice wasn’t as firm as you’d like.

“There’s other ways that I could try and make you feel better.” His hand slithered closer to your center, and stopped right underneath your belly button. With your computer placed in front of you, you could only feel as he made his way down, brushing against the thick fabric of your shorts. “If you want, of course.”

Another glimpse to check if the camera and the microphone were off and you already had your answer. “I’d love that.”

With a wicked smirk, Taehyung shuffled closer so he could place kisses on your neck — hot, wet, open-mouthed kisses that made your legs weak. You bit your lip as his hand moved underneath the hem of your pants, placing itself between your shorts and your underwear.

A wave of heat ran through your body when his middle finger pressed down against your clit and started to trace small circles on it, faint motions that made your head spin. The fabric numbed the sensation a bit, but it was enough to make the first shocks of pleasure and anticipation appear.

“Don’t tease,” you asked, already a bit breathless.

You were a bit embarrassed to say it out loud — even though you were sure that your boyfriend already knew it — but you were already wet just by having his mouth on your neck, reddening your skin with every tender suck. He didn’t need much effort down there.

You made a mental note to cover your neck with your hair if you had to turn the camera back on.

Taehyung chuckled, his breath coming out hot against your neck. “Baby, I already am. Sorry.” His finger worked at a turtle pace, pressing down just right to make your hips buckle up, fighting for more contact. “Do you want me to keep going?”

You swallowed hard. “Yes, please.”

Since Taehyung wasn’t planning to make you even more irritated with his prolonged provocations, he was merciful and pulled your panties to the side, his digits traveling downwards. He moaned in delight when his index found your entrance, soaking him with your juices.

“Such a good girl, always so wet for me,” he praised, his voice deep and velvety. It was driving you crazy. “Pay attention to class while I finger you, baby.”

You had almost forgotten you even were in a zoom class and, when Taehyung sunk two of his fingers inside you, you forgot about it all over again. Overwhelmed, your eyes fluttered shut at the feeling of his long, slender feelings spreading you open, digging inside you and curving just at the right spot that made you see stars. Taehyung had done that enough times to know where your body reacted the most, where he had to touch and press to have you a whining mess beneath him.

A hoarse grunt vibrated in his throat as he started pumping his fingers in and out of you, imagining how it would feel to have you clenching around his cock instead. But that morning wasn’t about him, and Taehyung was patient enough to wait until after lunch to have you bent over and crying to be fucked. That morning, he only wanted to make you cum.

“Feels good, baby?” He asked, merciless with his movements. His hands were so big that his thumb didn’t have any problem finding your clit, putting some pressure on it as he continued to finger your pussy.

You whimpered and moaned, rolling your hips against his hand in a faithless prayer for more. At his question, you only found the force within you to desperately nod.

“You’re so pretty… and you feel so good, baby…” he mumbled to himself, his eyes closing at the feeling of your walls tightening around him. Inside his pants, his cock was hard and aching to be surrounded by your wetness; throbbing and leaking. “You’re such a good girl. Such a pretty little thing.”

“Taehyung,” you called his name and, for a moment, you didn’t know what you wanted to say. The pressure on your lower back was building up at every new thrust of his fingers inside you, and the sounds of your wetness erased your thoughts for a second. “I’m so close.”

“Wanna cum around my fingers, baby?” Taehyung’s voice was hoarse, vibrating against your skin as his mouth relentlessly marked your neck. Your class had long been forgotten, and you couldn’t even open your eyes and look at the screen. Not that you wanted to. You wanted to succumb to him. “Uh? Want to make a pretty mess on my fingers for me?”

You gasped at his words, your thighs already shaking with your upcoming release. His fingers were so big, they felt so good inside you that you could barely think straight. “Yes, please, Taehyung.”

“That’s my girl,” he said, adding a bit more pressure against your clit. The movement made your hips perk up, and your computer almost fell from your chest. “Let it go, baby. Relax. I got you.”

And you did as he said. You came around his fingers as your hand flew to your mouth, muffling your blissful cries as your pussy clenched around him, lower body buckling up and rolling against his final pumps in an attempt to prolong your pleasure. Taehyung grunted in satisfaction, his cock throbbing at the feeling of you soaking his fingers, and he waited for your breaths to settle before he spoke up.

“Better?” He asked, placing a final pec against the skin of your neck, which now blossomed in purples and reds after his attack.

Your eyes opened lazily and for a second you didn’t find your voice. “So much better. That was great.”

Taehyung leaned in and placed a soft kiss against your lips. “I like to see my girl happy,” he said tenderly. His hand slithered out of your underwear, making you feel awfully empty, and he sat up in bed. “Now, you enjoy those final minutes of your class. I’m gonna get us some food.”

“Thanks, baby,” you said, like you would ever be able to think about any subject after that. “You know my order, right?”

He rolled out of the bed with a swift movement. “Yes, Miss.” Taehyung pointed at your computer. “Now, pay attention. Your tuition isn’t cheap.”

You giggled, and your eyes followed him as he left the bedroom.

When Taehyung arrived at the corridor, he looked down at the tent in his pants and realized he might need to make a quick stop in the bathroom before he could even think about ordering food.

#Taehyung #bts smut #Taehyung smut #Taehyung x you #Taehyung x reader #bts x you #bts x reader #smut #reader insert #Kim Taehyung #bts #x reader #x you #pwp #Taehyung pwp #bts pwp

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just-my-fandom · 4 years

Note

I like the hc on being for the Ninjas dating another ninjas sister who’s their soulmate, Could do one where reader (Lloyd’s older sister) Has been dating cole for a bit in secret and Lloyd and Garmadon find out and become overprotective ( I am so sorry I just love the overprotective dad and/or brother trope)

Boo (Cole Brookstone x Garmadon! Reader)

A/N; I stuck with the powers the reader has in this headcannon. I’m currently only writing for Ninjago, the Umbrella Academy, and Stranger Things, so send them in.

Summary; When the Ninja join the Tournament of Elements, Cole and the reader are forced to fight one another. Cole risking himself already raises suspicion to Lloyd and Garmadon, but it isn’t until they confront the reader before they find out the truth.

Also side note, Rest In Peace to Kirby Morrow who voiced Cole.

“THIS whole thing is so stupid,” You drop your tray onto the table seated with four men, settling next to your father and sensei, Garmadon,

“Hey, their foods great though,” Kai speaks up from across you, seated between Cole and your younger brother, Lloyd,

“Take it,” You mutter, pushing your tray to the hot head before resting your elbows on the table,

“You can’t be skipping meals, Y/N,” Garmadon states, dragging the tray back in front of you so you glanced and glared at him, “You never know when you’ll have to fight,”

“Hopefully never,” You spit, Garmadon raising his eyebrows at your tone, “Come on, dad. We’ve already had four rounds and none of us had to fight. Face it, Chen just wants us here for his enjoyment. He doesn’t want to lose any of us,”

“Me and you are seeing a completely different story here, Y/N/N,” Jay peers over the booth across from you, eyes squinting, “I want to fight. You just know you’ll loose,”

“Want happened to encouragement on the team?” Lloyd asks, looking up at Jay,

“Ehem!” A sharp cough through the speakers above cause everyone’s gaze to shift, “Ehem! Ladies and gents, it’s time for round five!”

“Oh come on,” Kai pouts at his food, poking at the chicken and dumplings,

“Would the following Masters please make their way to their assigned arena; Speed, Gravity, Nature, Mind-,”

“I told you,” You glare up at Jay.

“And our last two, Earth and Natural Occurances!”

Your eyes snap over to Cole, who nearly dropped his fork at the mention of his element, “Remember!” Chen laughs, “Only one can remain,”

“IM not fighting you, Cole!” You turn to stare at the black ninja, arms out in alarm before they raise to your hair, “Oh, God, what if he knows? What if he set this up on purpose and tells my dad-,”

“No one knows, Y/N,” Cole instantly steps up to put his hands at your wrists, pulling them down from your hair, “We just gotta do what Chen tells us to do, and we’ll both make it out,”

“Only one remains,” You remind, “One of us has to take the fall,”

“Easy,” Cole shrugs, your brows pinching, “You grab the blade as soon as it starts. You continue on,”

“No,” You shake your head, “That’s not how this works. Give yourself up instantly and they’ll know,”

“Well I’m not letting you take that fall, princess,” Cole pulls back, when Garmadon knocks and hastily steps in,

“You two ready?”

“IM not fighting you,” You repeat your earlier statement, hands clenched as you and Cole stood feet apart in the arena, every elemental master watching above.

“We can draw it out until they call it a tie,” Cole reassures, not loud enough to where Chen could hear, “Quick- attack me, but not too hard,”

You clench your jaw, throwing a hand out so a small tornado formed and threw itself at your secret boyfriend, knocking him off his feet and into the stone wall behind him,

You flinch behind your mask, stomping a foot down so the earth cracked, where Cole jumps to the side, tossing a wall of rocks in your direction.

“I’m bored!” You hear Chen whine, “Release the Condrai Crushers!”

Your eyes snap to the side, yelping when three vehicles roll out of the tunnels in the wall, one zooming straight for you.

You feel Coles arm loop around your waist, tugging you to the side before his back presses to yours, watching the vehicles surround you. “I got your back,”

“I got yours,” You murmur, hand grazing his before you lunge forward, throwing your arms up so the earth raised into a ramp, the first vehicle leaping off said ramp and ramming into the stone wall,

Cole dodges the next vechile, lunging towards the third to drop a pile of rocks over top of the driver, causing him, too, to crash into the wall.

You huff out a relieved breath and high five Cole, grasping his hand with a smile beneath your mask,

“Enough!” Chen shrieks, so you released Coles hand and turned to Chen, “I know what you’re trying to do. And if neither of you will win, you will both loose!”

You watch in alarm as the ground began to drop in small holes, your feet moving backwards and into Cole, his hands at your hips in alert,

You jump to the side when the floor gives out beneath you, stumbling as you are left surrounded by darkness, eyes looking up at the blade at the top of the post,

“Chen’s right!” Cole calls, as you look to him, “One of us has to be win!”

“And it’ll be you!” You shout back, finger pointed, “Get the blade, Cole. I’ll be fine!”

Cole rushes up the post as you look down at your wobbling knees, Cole jumping down onto a stone still intact, tossing the blade so it hit flat against your chest, your hands stumbling to catch it.

“Winner!” Chen calls, as your eyes snap up to Cole, shocked, “Loser!”

“Cole-!” You lunge forward onto the next stone, barely catching yourself as the floor gave out beneath Cole, dropping him into the darkness below,

You clench your jaw and glare up at Chen, chucking the blade across the arena so it slid off the stones, into the pit beneath.

“YOU seemed really distressed during that battle,”

Your eyes flick up from your food, your fork jabbed into the noodles you received. Garmadon raises an eyebrow, and you look back down at your plate.

“What, am I not allowed to care about my friend?”

“Not with how touchy Cole had been,” Lloyd sits down, eyes squinted, “What’s going on between you two? We both know if you had to go up against Kai or Jay you would have been fine with them giving themselves up,”

“Nothing is going on between us, Lloyd,” You snap, gaze hard, “Coles my best friend. We don’t know what happens when we loose, I didn’t want him to get hurt,”

“Y/N, I read you like an open book,” Your fathers tone softens, leaning forward, “Why didn’t you just tell me sooner?”

“Tell you what?” Kai cuts, and you drop your fork, pushing your plate forward,

“Why can’t you just leave me alone?” You ask, harshly, Garmadon frowning, “Nothing is going on between Cole and I. And if there was I wouldn’t tell you because I know how you both get,” You gaze shifts to Lloyd, before you slide out of the booth, hands clenched to stop the earthquake at the tips of your fingers.

“I got her,” Garmadon states, Lloyd and Kai sharing glances as Garmadon followed his oldest daughter.

YOUR hand wipes away the blue in your eye, hearing your fathers footsteps behind you, “Why are you following me?”

“How long?” Garmadon avoids, your arms crossing as you stopped, turning to face him with your head ducked,

“Almost a year,” You murmur, lifting your gaze to his,

“And why I am just now finding out?”

“Because you know how you are,” You squint, “Every boyfriend I had you scared away, and now that boys know who my brother is? They won’t even talk to me,” You hiss, shoulders dropping, “Cole is the only one who I seem to be able to control my powers around. I’m scared that without him here I’m going to accidentally kill someone with my powers,”

“You’ve trained,” Garmadon responds, your eyes rolling.

“Yeah, but I have your anger from when you were Lord Garmadon,”

You miss Garmadons flinch, but hear his sigh, “I just wished you told me,”

“I told mom,” You shrug, “She seems to enjoy the fact that I keep my relationship to myself. Guess that’s out of the box,”

“I won’t say anything to your teammates if that’s what you’re worried about,” Garmadon reassures, watching your fists release, as your brows,

“Thanks, dad,” You murmur, Garmadon smiling as he nods his head towards the dining area, hands behind his back.

“COLE!”

The Master of Earth turns away from helping Garmadon to his feet, stumbling back upon another figure ramming into him, mind quick to realize it was you,

“Whoa,” Cole laughs, weakly, eyes glancing at Garmadon before his arms wrap at your waist, “Dont worry. I’m fine,”

“You’re such an ass,” You lean back to hit his chest, hands then sliding to hold his face, “Dont do that again,”

“No promises,” Cole murmurs, looking over at Lloyd’s alarmed- “I knew it!”

Your hands drop as Lloyd points an accusing finger, Garmadon chuckling, “I knew something was going on between you two!”

“You’re just now realizing that?” Kai asks, so you spun to look at him, alarmed, “Oh don’t give me that look. You guys suck at keeping quiet at night,”

“Do what?” Garmadons smile drops into a scowl, your eyes widening as you take Coles hand,

“This is our cue to leave. We’ll meet you at the docks, guys,”

Lloyd crosses his arms, eyes squinting to his father, “Did you know about this?”

“Why do you sound like the father here?” Garmadon questions, side glancing his son, “Of course I knew. But go easy of them,”

“What?” Lloyd slacks, “Why?”

“An instinct,” Garmadons hands link behind his back, stepping forward to follow after you, “I have a feeling they’re good for each other,”

#cole brookstone imagine #cole brookstone x reader #cole brookstone #Cole brookstone one shot #lloyd garmadon imagine #ninjago lloyd x reader #lloyd garmadon x reader #lloyd garmadon #lord garmadon #Garmadon #ninjago #ninjago x reader #ninjago imagine #ninjago one shot

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caro-bug · 3 years

Text

Out of touch

Zhongli is a supportive dad, just... A little out of touch.

Xiao tries to explain to his adoptive father that no, he's not a heartbreaker. And actually, he doesn't know how did he end up with two boyfriends either.

Contents: Modern au; polyamory; Zhongli is trying his best; Xiao is bad at feelings; His boyfriends are being supportive and cute as always; kissing

https://archiveofourown.org/works/35602936/chapters/88759576

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

Zhongli hasn't been able to see his son for a while now.

You see, Xiao had moved out from him as soon as he started college. Which was understandable. Every bird has to leave its nest someday, to find its own and learn to fend for itself.

Still, Zhongli really did miss his adoptive son.

So when an old friend of his informed him that she saw Xiao working in a nearby Cafe, he thought that It wouldn't hurt to play him a surprise visit.

"Thank you for driving me here so early, Childe." The man said, stepping out of the certain redhead's car. "Hopefully they won't be too many guests at this hour, so I can engage him in small talk while he works"

"It's my pleasure, Mr. Zhongli" the redhead gave him a charming smile, before catching something interesting with the corner of his eye. "Ah, but he seems... Quite engaged in talking to someone else already."

With his eyesight not as good as it used to be, Zhongli had to say goodbye to his friend and approach the coffee shop in order to see what he was talking about.

Xiao - his quiet, antisocial son, was deeply engaged in a conversation. He was completely focused on the young, blonde customer before him. And so, he wasn't aware of the fact that he was being watched, as he leaned in towards the other boy, to give him a quick, sweet peck on the lips before going back to work.

Oh.

"He... He didn't tell me that he had a boyfriend"

Not that Zhongli minded of course. The expression on the blonde's face was definitely loving as he and Xiao parted ways. It's just that... Zhongli would prefer if his son kept him updated about on kind of stuff.

... No, he shouldn't worry about that.

Reassuring himself that everything's alright, Zhongli decided to enter The coffee shop.

***

Xiao's boyfriend (Aether, as Zhongli, has learned from their little conversation) left the cafe sometime later, claiming that he had an important meeting with his sister. Thanks to that, Zhongli had some time to chat with his adoptive son during his work. However, none ever brought up the subject of Xiao's new partner.

Zhongli stayed up until the end of Xiao's shift. It's not like he had anything better to do.

When his son mentioned that he has a ride home, he was expecting a familiar face. Aether's face, to be exact.

Well, he wasn't totally wrong.

"Hi Xiaooo~" a cheerful voice called, as a familiar, green-eyed young man wrapped his arms around Xiao's neck.

And although clearly embarrassed by their audience, the other man actually leaned in for a kiss.

And thus, Zhongli's entire world shattered into million pieces.

Was his son...

... A player?

"Xiao" Zhongli stood up from his coffee table, his voice stern, and eyebrows furrowed. "Come with me for a moment."

"Ahh, Zhongli, long time no see... Hehe..." Venti visibly regretted his public display of affection, as a drop of sweat rolled down his face when the other two made their way to the exit.

"... Do you have a problem with me dating Venti?" Xiao asked, surprisingly confident as he confirmed their relationship status. "I know that you don't like him, but I'm not about to-"

"I might not understand your choice, Xiao, but as your father, I can't let you play with everyone's heart. Even his." Zhongli exclaimed, his voice calm, yet stern. It almost felt like the last minutes of silence before an earthquake.

"... What?"

"I saw you kissing that boy named Aether before I entered the cafe. I don't mind you dating anyone as long as they're not a dangerous individual, but this..."

"Dad-"

"I did not raise you to play with others' hearts like that. So as your father I demand you to come clean to them and-"

"Father!" Xiao raised his voice to get the other man's attention. However, as soon as he achieved that, he turned quiet again, a tint of red spreading across his cheeks. "They already know, and they're close with each other too. We agreed for it to be like that."

Zhongli's stern expression softened slightly.

"So... You are in a polyamorous relationship?"

Xiao nodded.

"Yes, a closed one. Only me, Aether, and Venti." He explained, looking away in a sudden feeling of shyness. "I didn't know how to tell you."

"... And how did that happen, If I may ask?"

"We... All were really confused with our multiple crushes. When Venti confessed to both of us, we decided to talk it out and come up with a solution." Even when his son's gaze was averted, Zhongli could see a sparkle of happiness in his eyes. "I still can't comprehend how lucky I got"

"And Aether?"

"He... Also likes both me and Venti. Actually, Venti has introduced me to him."

"I see...?"

Zhongli closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to collect his thoughts. Xiao finally dared to look at him.

"Do you disapprove?"

"No, I don't mind" Zhongli reassured, shaking his head slightly. "It's just that these kinds of relationships were quite a taboo back in my days. You also don't seem like the type..."

"... Well, it's not as uncommon these days, actually." A familiar voice said. To Zhongli's surprise, the young man with golden hair emerged from what he assumed was Venti's car. He placed his palm on Xiao's arm, and Zhongli could see his son's muscles relaxing.

The older man nodded.

"That's probably the case. It just seems like I'm a little... Out of touch."

"Well, if you don't understand something about our relationship, feel free to ask! Everyone needs to broaden their horizons sometimes" said Venti, who just gathered up the courage to join them in front of the cafe. "Now you'll have to tolerate me as one of your two sons in law~"

Zhongli hid his face in his hands, sighing deeply, although a small smile still managed to creep upon his face.

"This is the only bad part, actually."

#genshin impact #venti #xiao #aether #alatus #xiaoven #xiaoaether #aeventi #xiaoventer #xiaoveneather #zhongli

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yostresswritinggirl · 4 years

Note

hello, i love your writin'!! seriously, it's so cool to read and im just ajdhsish and this is the first thing- second thing, would you be comfortable with writin' albedo x gn reader (headcanons are cool yknow!) who dislikes goin' outside alone? like, they worry that somethin' bad will happen to them or are a bit scared of doin' things that might go wrong around people, so they prefer goin' outside with someone? (they also want to get rid of their fears but have no ideas how) i will understand if you don't want to so dw!! 👉👈

First thing, thank you so much for requesting! This took a while, I'm so sorryy! This was supposed to come out yesterday but I got sick and barely had the brainpower to even stand :(( feels better now tho so yey? And yess ahhh thank you for your kind words, you guys have been wonderful too, give yourself some credit too!

This is the last Albedo request in the inbox and woohoo, we ended this streak in one of the hard prompts I've come by so far ahaha

I'm not sure if I interpreted anon right but this shall be a fic as originally requested? I'm apologizing in advance because I don't think I've captured this scenario well enough hehe,,, but I hope you still enjoy this!

Keep Me Intertwined

Albedo with a gn!reader that's scared of going out alone (Mild Social Phobia?)

Albedo is a genuis, everybody knows that, even beyond the walls of Mondstadt. Praised and sought out by scholars to ask for his wisdom and a majority of the time they receive their desired enlightenment.

Indeed, the Kreideprinz is a genuis even if he says otherwise, but he's a genuis in the art of Kemia. And only that. Truth be told there are a lot of things he lacks when it comes to knowledge, as his focus is only in the science he wants to explore. Beyond that, he comes close to a child's understanding of the world.

When he bumped into you when he was strolling through the stalls during a market fair of travelling merchants, he'd thought it would be something he can shrug off easily, but as he moves his head to look at the perpetrator he'd hear a squeak of a "sorry" and a running figure. What?

Albedo silently pats himself down as he continues to watch as the silhouette disappears farther, with a calculating gaze to memorize all their features for... future references.

After he made sure it wasn't a thief that bumped to him to pickpocket, he immediately moves on without another thought.

"Ah, you're the one from the marketplace yesterday." In all honesty, your second meeting was quicker to come than he expected, and at the most curious location of all places. In the Knights of Favonius HQ. How had he not heard or seen of you before?

Your shoulders tense at the sound before you even closed the door of which you came from. This was a room he's never seen anyone use, he realized. Was this where you've been residing all this time? What an oversight on his part but it seems that you two share the common practice of barely leaving your quarters.

When you turned around, behind those surprised eyes lies a gentleness of relief he has not seen a mixture of in the ones he'd observed before. "O-Oh, Chief Alchemist! I'm really sorry about that, I was- I'm really sorry!" He hums in contemplation before shaking his head, assuring you it was a matter that caused no harm.

There was more to it, but his thoughts are distracted with his current task at hand, and with a short goodbye he made his way out down the hall where the stairs resides.

His heavy boots clap on the carpeted floor...

Paired with shuffling light ones to try and match his stride.

Huh? "Are you perhaps going outside?" He confirms with a soft yes as he continues his walk. What are you implying? "Is it okay if I join your company? I uhm also need to get some stuff from outside." He just nods, not one for small talk or questioning. It's nothing much to think about really—

Your loose and subtle grip around the chains hanging by his coat seem to ground him from his musings as you two traverse through Mondstadt in a normal gait. He tries not to think about it too much, but the way you look around with unease when you near other people or your desperate strides to stay a respectable distance to him were things he observed during the walk. Albedo was no man of science focusing on human personality and it bothers him.

It was like a game of cat and mouse between you two running errands, he'll detour to the side and you'll follow him, and if you need to drop by to a building then he'll have to follow you.

And he doesn't know why. Is it because of his mannerism towards taking care of Klee? Or his feeling of responsibility for bringing you along?

During this whole ordeal the Chief Alchemist has brought himself a bright idea (it is not) and went into his scientific mode. He watches you talk to one of the citizens about a commission you had finished yesterday and after confirming your undivided attention, he quietly slips away from the area to visit the Alchemy stall where Timaeus would surely be working on.

It took about an hour before he was allowed to use the table, because Timaeus took so long working on his forgery. Goodness that man needs to work on his studies more.

Ah, speaking of— Albedo realized he'd just up and left you for an hour. Without a second thought he retraced his steps to where he had last seen you. Surely you would have gone off to do your own thing, probably finished up your errands by now and had gone back to the Knights headquarters.

An unmoving force made him tumble forward as his coat seemed to have been caught. If you were there, it would be a sight to see, a rare moment of the Kreideprinz so uncomposed and shocked as he catches himself with a sputter. What the hell? His head snaps to look over his shoulder at such incredible speed, you'd thought it really would have snapped—

The clutch on his chain accessory tightens. With your head down low he couldn't see what expression you were, but your tense shoulders shake with a tremor similar to that of an on-going earthquake. His guilt was more obvious as your knuckles turn white from the deadly grip.

"Albedo-!" You exclaimed in what seems to be a cross between a whine and a whimper. "You disappeared, I couldn't- I couldn't leave..."

He hides a sigh as you refuse to look up to show your face. And in a comforting manner he has 'mastered' with a certain someone, he gently pries off your tight grip (with some urging pats to get you to loosen) before interlocking your fingers with his gloved ones. And he smiles as genuinely as he can, "I'm sorry, I won't do it again. Are you done here? It's almost night, we should get moving."

Your nod of agreement was a breath of fresh air to him.

▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱▰▱

Days after that were pretty much as uneventful as uneventful it could be for Albedo's lifestyle.

Holed up in his laboratory for days without rest like the madman he is. Master's alembic and grounds of scarlet quartz able to keep his mind occupied to not wonder. Hyperfocused, no one has seen him out, only Sucrose dropping by with an 'assistant pass' despite the experiment on-going sign hanging by his doorknob.

When he finally stepped out to the hallway, three days already passed. The door behind him clicks as it locks, a sound that echoed with the door four rooms apart to his.

Kaeya looks up from your doorknob when he noticed the approaching silhouette. "Oh, Chief Alchemist? Finally came out of your cave." He quipped as he leans his shoulder against your room's door, visible eyebrow raising slightly after noticing the fleeting gaze Albedo passed at the door.

"Cavalry Captain, good evening. What were you doing there?" Straight to the point.

The taller man's eyebrow rose higher before he composed his amusement. "I didn't expect you to be into rumors, Albedo." The Alchemist's brows furrows in response. "No harm done, worry not. I just accompanied them on their trip outside before retreating for the night."

Humming to himself, Albedo's eyes wonder back to your doorknob before it was protectively shielded by the man's... white fur cloak?

"I also heard you left them alone when you two were out. I didn't expect you to be such a cruel man, amping up their fear after the progress they've made." Fear? Progress? More questions swirled within the genius' mind the more he talked with this.

Kaeya had noticed his faraway look and pieced together the context. Finally, he offered to explain the background of the issue and Albedo was ecstatic to listen in, a first with the blunette.

"Do you understand it now?"

"Mhm."

"Then I'll leave them to your care, I'm sure your genius mind can come up with something."

"Huh?"

And thus you find yourself standing at the bottom steps of the Ordo Favonius HQ the next morning, hand in hand with the Chief Alchemist you've last seen four days ago. Doesn't he have better things to do? No, he reasoned the solution he worked on will take two days to formulate the desired sediment, and so he has that timeframe free for the taking.

You would have been confused and wary he'd abandon you again—

Were you not forced to listen to the two dummies talk about YOU right outside your ROOM.

"You uhm, you don't have to hold my hand during this whole trip, Master Albedo."

"Albedo." He corrected. "And this is necessary, much more convenient and predictable than pulling on my chains really." A touch of a blush framed your cheeks with embarrassment.

"I have nothing in my itinerary today, so feel free to tug me along. It is, after all, the most I can do for what happened."

Despite the rough texture from the long use, the leathered hand in yours brought about more comfort than you would have thought.

Bonus:

The solar isotoma sparkled in pure golden beauty in front of you, but it didn't prevent the anxiety bubbling inside as you watch Albedo hop over the ledge with the help of his geo construct. "What- what are you doing?"

"Experiment. I'll be up in the roof looking over you so you'll know I'm still here, if it makes a difference if your company is far from arms length or not." He replied as he casually hopped over to the roof of a housing unit.

"Albedooo!"

I didn't get to capture all the aspects of the request that I wanted to focus on ahhhhh, I got so conscious of the length I had to stop it! Still ack I hope I captured his personality and context well— and I'm sorry if I amped up the fear more than you gave, I'm not really sure how bad it was supposed to be skskskks

But hey, this being the last Albedo req in my inbox, I am now free from this man *happy sigh* //:Albedo smut leading the leaderboard for the followers event looms over from behind:// *sweats*

#genshin impact #genshin impact imagines #genshin impact x reader #exile.flower #albedo #albedo x reader #genshin impact albedo #exile.goblet #genshin impact oneshots #genshin impact scenarios #glorysuffer #i enjoyed writing this more than i thought i would have!#sorry this took so long!!#the requests are getting harder lately hmmm #followers special #gender neutral

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niqhtlord01 · 4 years

Text

Humans are weird: Hope for the future

( Don’t forget to come see my on my new patreon and support me for early access to stories and personal story requests :D https://www.patreon.com/NiqhtLord )

The planet Alia near the edge of human territory and had grown from it's species first colony outside of their home system of a sparse few settlers to a thriving metropolis of millions.

The shinning spires of metal and glass of the planet's mega cities pierced the skies like the hand of an angry god reaching out to the heavens and the wealth and prosperity that flowed from it's vast trade network and supported the outlying colonies for further expansion. Yet for all their wealth and prosperity the fate that had been decided for this world was something that could not be changed.

A massive seismic event occurred on Alia shortly after it's new year celebration. The planet's tectonic plates became highly volatile and a series of growing earthquakes began triggering around the globe. Within a week of the events triggering a massive shattering happened and the plates shifted violently without warning.

Oceans swelled and receded, mountains crumbled and volcanos detonated, rivers changed direction and howling winds ripped across the lands so intense it shredded flesh from the bone of any foolish unfortunate enough to be caught in the open. Countless buildings shook and toppled and thousands if not hundreds of thousands died in the ensuing chaos as entire cities were swallowed beneath the cold surface of the planet.

Communication with Alia was lost and though the rest of the wider galaxy was unable to establish contact their response was already put into motion.

The human governing body organized a massive relief effort and was further bolstered by neighboring alien domains that shared trade with Alia and had heard of the travesty. Before the tectonic plates had even stopped shifting a fleet of relief ships from a dozen worlds was already enroute.

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Dust slid off the toppled column like a waterfall as Uto lifted it. The Vorka's muscles straining and bulging as he used all of his strength hefted the massive concrete pillar. His breathing calm and measured as he breathed in rhythm with his lifting. He lifted the mass over his head and in a single motion cast it aside with a deafening *THUMP!*

When the dust settled aide workers rushed passed Uto and cleared the rubble that had been underneath the column and in short order a door was revealed. Uto bent down and punched his fist through the metal door and ripped it off it's hinges. A dozen pairs of eyes looked up at him as he removed the door from his arm and dropped it harmlessly to the ground before gently extending a hand down. One of the people in the shelter took his hand and he carefully lifted them out into the open.

"Res ease, hue-mn." Uto struggled with human language, his tongues struggling to form the correct words.

He set the human, a scrawny female Uto wagered, to the ground. She looked up at him with a mixture of emotions dancing across her face before throwing her arms around Uto and hugging him. Uto stood transfixed as the female wept and thanked him over and over as the other rescue workers began lifting the remaining survivors from the shelter.

Unsure how to react Uto stood still for several moments before one of the rescue workers took the still sobbing woman away with the remaining survivors. Uto watched the frail female leave before turning his gaze back across the now ruins of the capital city.

Numerous fires still burned across the entire metropolis; some scattered around the ground while others burned high up in the few remaining sky scrapers that had not toppled during the quake. Roadways were cluttered with thick dunes of debris ranging from metal beams to massive chunks of concrete turning the landscape into some horrid nightmare forest.

Portions of the city's sea wall had broken and sections of the city itself had drifted into the ocean. Sky scrapers that once stood over 300 stories tall now appeared as nothing more than tiny isles just breaking the waterline.

Though he kept his thoughts to himself, Uto was amazed by the level of devastation nature still could have on modern civilizations.

He stood their for several minutes taking in the catastrophe before heading back and resuming the rescue work. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Several long hours passed with further rescue efforts across the entire city before their overseer called for a crew change and Uto's team began heading back to their hospital ship to rest.

If the shattered city was unpleasant to look at at during the day it was terrifying to look at at night. Nearly all of the power grid sections had been destroyed leaving the vast roadways shrouded in a darkness so thick it felt as if Uto could reach out and grab hold of a chunk of it.

His team was murmuring among themselves with Uto only half paying attention to their conversation when he spotted something down a side street between two toppled buildings. A single light was waving back and forth slowly from beyond the darkness like a beacon of old warning wayward travelers.

Uto held up a hand and pointed to the light and his team stopped and followed his direction.

"Another survivor?"

"Out here? Wasn't this area already swept?"

"Maybe they missed one."

The rescue team debated among themselves before Uto sighed and began walking towards life.

"No mazer," Uto spoke, "we help all."

With that the rest of the rescue team began following after Uto.

As the team came closer to the light they were able to better make out the surrounding area. The weak light appeared to be a lantern hanging from a wooden pole hanging from a small building at the end of the side street. A tiny structure with half it's walls caved in but the remaining structure appearing sturdy enough to support the roof.

"You smell something?" one of the rescue workers said quietly.

Uto sniffed the air and realized there was indeed a strange smell in the air that did not belong in such a wasteland.

"I'd recognize that smell anywhere." Another of the rescue workers spoke before pushing their way forward.

Uto made to grab him fearing the way ahead was unstable but they were too fast and they were already making their way inside through the broken wall section before shouting "Everyone, get in here!"

At that Uto and the other rushed forward expecting the worst but were confounded once they entered the building.

Rather than the gutted remains they had expected the inside of the building was semi clean and well lit. The worker who had rushed forward was sitting at a table on the opposite side of the room with another human handing him a steaming bowl. At seeing the other workers they raised their hand with the bowl to show them.

"It's a ramen store!"

While the word was unknown to Uto it seemed familiar to the others who then in turn piled in and began sitting down at what tables still stood. The man behind the counter appeared to be an elderly human but moved as if the years had only effected his exterior rather than his reflexes and soon there was a warm bowl of ramen for everyone present.

Uto stepped towards the counter and two of his team members parted to allow him a seat. As he took it the old man handed him a bowl.

"For your hard work." the man said as he smiled.

Uto looked at the bowl then at his team. All of them were eagerly eating and the mood was one of joy and comradery; a steep contrast to the dread they had been dealing with as they sifted through the remains of the city.

"Ssank ou." Uto muttered as he began sampling the contents of his bowl. It was a flush of flavor the likes Uto had not had since he was on his homeworld. Warm and delicious, almost disarming in it's nature to such a degree that when Uto looked up and for a moment felt as if he wasn't in the ruins of a once proud city.

When Uto finished his bowl and set it down the elderly man was ready and handed him another.

"Why ssssay here?" Uto asked the man, now curious about this human living alone.

The elderly man waved a hand around the building as he continued cooking. "This restaurant has been in my family for three generations now; I could no more leave it than I could chop off my own arm."

Uto looked back at the ruined walls and roof as portions of the shingles slid off and shattered to the ground. "I am sorry is ruined." To his surprise the elder man chuckled.

"It is not ruined, only broken."

The man must have saw the confusion on Uto's face and he continued. "In my culture when something has been broken it is, like a vase or cup, it is not thrown away and discarded but instead mended with gold to heal the wounds and restore it."

Uto shook his head at the man's remarks. "Iz confusing."

"Is it?" The old man pointed to Uto's arms. "You are covered in cracks and scars yourself, yet you did not resign yourself to languish in the trash and be forgotten."

The man handed out several more bowls before fully turning to Uto. "This city has been broken and many have been lost, the wounds are fresh and feel as if they will never heal again; but in time the city will rebuild and the streets will once again be filled with the sounds of joy once more."

"Ruins are only made when those who remain are unwilling to rebuild what was lost."

Uto pondered the man's words and again looked at his team as they mingled. Their faces were filled with joy and hope he did not think any would have after witnessing such devastation first hand.

"Ou are very wize." Uto tilted his head in acknowledgement to the old man who seemed to blush slightly and laugh.

He sheepishly waved to the store again. "It comes with owning a ramen shop." He leaned in close and whispered "All the best ones have sage advice; it makes the food taste better."

The two laughed and sat the night away, a tiny corner of joy in a city though broken, would never be defeated.

#HUMANS ARE WEIRD #humans are insane #humans are space orcs #humans are space oddities #story

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apocalypseornaw · 4 years

Text

Always be Yours- 1

Word count 4,769.

Story Summary: Inspired by the 2 part I did of the same title. Set in season 9/10

Chapter Summary: When Dean calls to tell you Sam is in grave condition at the hospital you hurry to his side and in turn start to get pulled even deeper into the Winchesters' lives than you already were.

You were in Old Forge, New York working a simple haunting case when the night sky was suddenly lit up with what would appear to be meteors. You barely got the bones burnt before your phone started ringing. You pulled it out your jacket and felt your stomach knot in worry when you saw Dean's name flash across the screen."Hey Dean, what's up?" you climbed out the open grave and heard what was clearly baby's engine roar to life in the background "Y/N where are you?" "Old Forge New York, Why?" you braced the phone against your shoulder and started to shovel dirt back into the hole. "Those aren't meteors" you stopped working for a moment and glanced up at the sky "Then what the hell are they?" "Angels"

Your jeep moved across the pavement while you tried to control your speed so as to not get pulled over and prolong you getting to Randolph even more. From what Dean had told you the trials had went bad fast and Sam was in bad shape. You knew they were a bad idea from the moment the boys bounced the idea off of you but they had been hell bent on doing them, yeah the payoff of the gates of hell being closed forever sounded worth it but not at the price of losing one of them. As for the angels apparently Cas had been ungoing some sort of trials as well which shockingly enough had also went south so he was missing in action while every angel in heaven fell to earth. Your thoughts filled with worry for him right along with worry for your best friend and his brother. You had to get to Randolph. Sam needed you, Dean needed you.

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You had just reached the outskirts of Randolph when your phone rang again. You didn't even look at the screen before answering it "Please tell me it's good news Dean" you heard him take a deep breath and braced yourself but it still hit hard when he said "They asked me about organ donation. They're already giving up on him" You ran your free hand over your face to try to calm yourself. Dean needed someone to be there for him "We won't. I'm close can you meet me outside?" "I'll be in the parking garage, I got Crowley in my trunk" You didn't even ask the how or why as to the king of hell ending up in his trunk and simply said "Ok"

You parked in the first avalible spot then climbed out and headed towards the upper levels. Baby was easy to spot so it wouldn't be a hard find. You felt your stomach drop when you walked around a corner to see Dean pinned to baby's trunk and the man holding him raise an angel blade into the air fuck that meant he was an angel.

Before you made it to him another man came out of nowhere and caught the offender's arm with that show of strength that made him an angel as well. They shared some words then the one who was attacking Dean threw a punch on the one who intervened. Dean spotted you when he took the chance to glance around and shook his head so you ducked behind the nearest vehicle so you could watch should it turn on Dean again but be out of sight. Dean grabbed the discarded blade and slammed it into his attacker's back so you stood up and ran over to him about the time he asked the one who'd intervened who he was. The other angel had gotten pretty beat up in the fight but barely glanced your way as he told Dean "Doesn't matter. You're Dean Winchester and I am here to help" then collasped.

Dean looked at you then back at the angel "Ok" "What now?" You asked and Dean dug the keys to baby out and held them out "Grab the holy oil out the backseat. We need to get him somewhere secure before he wakes up" you took the keys and unlocked the car then leaned in. There were several jugs and flasks in the back floorboard "Which one Dean?" You asked glancing over your shoulder at him. He was trying to get the angel up so he could drag him to the nearby storage room "White flask" you grabbed the flask and shoved it in your hip pocket then locked baby back before moving to grab the angel's feet. Dean noddded "Thanks"

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Once you had the angel in the circle of holy oil you glanced back at Dean and he lit the oil with his lighter. As it flared to life the angel started to come around and Dean reached forward to push you behind him sliding the angel blade into your hand as he did so. You took a moment to actually look over the angel or well his vessel anyways as he climbed to his feet. Cas was really the only angel you'd ever dealt with on the regular and while you trusted him with your life you'd learned from him and the boys as well that most other angels weren't really the trust worthy kind. "You want to help?" Dean asked and the angel looked between the two of you then gave the barest of a nod. "Start with a name" Dean snarled and you gripped the blade as the angel finally said "Ezekiel"

"All right Ezekiel, how do I know you're not hunting me or Castiel like the other angels?" you hated the idea of Cas going against a fucking legion of pissed off angels but your concentration had to be on the angel currently in front of you. Ezekiel stared at Dean for just a moment before answering "Oh, I'm sure there are many angels who are. Many more are on their way here, most likely" Dean's eyes flicked towards you before asking how Ezekiel knew that. "You put out an open prayer like that.." Ezekiel started and Dean finished "I must really be desperate"

You met Ezekiel's eyes when he said "Believe it or not. some of us still do believe in our mission. And that means we believe in Castiel.." then he looked back to Dean then added "And you" "You said you were hurt during the fall?" Dean asked and you glanced over Ezekiel knowing you couldn't see the injuries he meant but the reaction was a gut one. "I was, entangling with my brother back there did me no favors but what strength I have, I offer to you"

Dean held up a finger to Ezekiel "Hold on" then cut his eyes at you "Y/N you're Sam's best friend. What do you think?" You took a deep breath and hoped you were making the right decision when you said "If he can save Sam it's worth the risk" that seemed to be all Dean needed so he pulled the vial of holy water out and splashed the circle to let Ezekiel out.

You offered the angel blade back to Dean hilt first and he hesitated "Sweetheart I wouldn't have called you if I would've known but I think you need to hit the road before the other angels get here" You shook your head "Hell no. I'm here now and I'm staying until Sam walks out this damn hospital" the slightest smirk pulled at Dean's lips before he said "I see why he likes having you around"

-------

You walked into Sam's room between Dean and Ezekiel and stopped in your tracks. God he looked almost dead. You stood back while Dean and Ezekiel walked closer to the bed. Ezekiel touched Sam's chest and Dean asked the question that was weighing on your mind since Ezekiel said he was injured "You still able to heal things after the fall?" You let out a slight breath when Ezekiel replied "Yes I should be, but he's so weak"

Dean's phone started ringing and you cut your eyes at him when he answered and mouthed "Cas" then stepped out into the hall.

"Ezekiel?" you spoke and he looked your way "He's my best friend. These two have been here for me when I didn't have anyone. Please save him" He nodded "I'm going to try" about that time a rumbling made you look up. It was like a mini earthquake almost. "Angels?" you asked and Ezekiel walked to the window and nodded.

Dean walked back in the door and asked Ezekiel "One of yours?" "Trying to secure a vessel. We need to move" you glanced at Sam's lifeless form "If we move Sam, he dies" Dean shoved his thumb in your direction "What she said" "If we stay, we could all die" Ezekiel said. You glanced around trying to figure out a plan and spotted the markers along the board in the room. "Dean, sigils?" you grabbed one and chunked the other to him as the two of you started putting every warding sigil you knew in place.

Once you were done Dean said "long as these are up, no angels are coming in. No one's coming out. You gonna be ok with these?" you knew he was asking Ezekiel who simply said "I'll manage"

Ezekiel turned his head slightly like he was hearing something so Dean asked "What?" "They're here" Dean nodded and walked towards the door "Y/N do not open this door for anybody but me" you shook your head and motioned back to Ezekiel "Tell him that, I'm coming with you" "Like hell you are!" Dean argued but you leveled him with a look "We don't have time for this Dean. If you're fighting angels, god dammit so am I" He looked from you to Sam's still form and sighed in defeat "Fuck, come on" then pointed to Sam and told Ezekiel "Save him, you hear me?" before the two of you headed out into the hall.

You and Dean moved towards the other end of the hall with the plan in mind to keep the other angels as far from Sam as possible. Both of you started running when the windows started blowing out. Dean pulled the pin from the fire alarm so you hollered "EVERYBODY OUT! NOW!" the shaking was getting worse and a glass case of medicine exploded behind the two of you coating you both in glass.

Dean saw a woman stumble and moved to help her up about the time a man came around the corner. When he pulled the angel blade you cursed under your breath and turned to see the woman had Dean around the throat "Son of a bitch" the man backhanded you about the time the woman hit Dean and the both of you landed in a crumpled mess not far from each other, blood already running down the sides of each of your faces.

The male vessel drug you down the hall and the female vessel drug Dean then laid you both out in the middle of the hall. The female vessel stood between your feet and spoke to Dean "Let me make this easy, tell me where Castiel is or your brother's gonna wish he was dead" "Good luck getting past the warding" Dean said with a smirk and you couldn't help but share in the knowledge that Sam was protected. "But we will" the female vessel said and hauled Dean to his feet and landed a hard kick to your stomach as the male vessel broke the glass covering the emergency axe. "And when we do, I'm gonna strip off all his skin and you're gonna watch" she looked back at you "then I'll do the same to her"

"Bite me" you and Dean both growled. She punched him sending him backwards then gave you a kick that you were certain cracked a rib or two but put you near Dean who chuckled as you both pushed yourself up "Anybody ever tell you, you hit like an angel?" she kicked him in the face so you added "or a bitch.Whichever you prefer" and were rewarded with a hard backhand but it gave Dean at least a moment to catch his breath.

You both fell to your knees and you saw him catching your blood and knew what he was doing. When he held up a hand and said "Ok,wait wait" you hurried to finish the banishing sigil for him. "I'll tell you where Cas is" he was trying to keep attention on himself and off of you. When he saw you were done he added "I just have one question?" "Ask" the female vessel said so he met your eyes before saying "If heaven is locked,where do you go when we do this?" so you slammed your bloody palm down on the sigil blocking your eyes with Dean's arm from the flash of the angels disappearing.

"Y/N?" he grunted as you pushed yourself to your feet holding an arm around your mid section "I'm alive. Let's get to Sam"

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The alarms were going insane when you busted in the room behind Dean "What the hell's happening?" Dean asked but you knew. Sam was dying. "This just started" Ezekiel explained waving a hand towards the machines. "and the warding..I'm afraid I'm weaker than I thought" you and Dean both started crossing out sigils as the alarms kept blaring.

"I am sorry Dean, Y/N" "No. We had a deal, ok? We fight, you save" Dean was getting angry and you couldn't blame him. You both had just gotten your asses handed to you only for Ezekiel to say he couldn't save Sam? "I would if I could. I'm just afraid it's too late"

"Are you kidding me?" Dean asked and it broke your heart to hear the slight break in his voice "Are you saying there's no way to save my brother's life?" Ezekiel wouldn't look at either of you when he said "No good ways, I'm afraid" "Then what are the bad ones?" you asked before Dean got a chance. "We're out of options here man. Good or bad let us hear them" Dean all but begged.

"I can not promise but there is a chance I can fix him from the inside" "From the inside? So what you're gonna open him up?" Dean asked but one look at Ezekiel and you put together what he meant "He wants to possess Sam" Dean looked between you and Ezekiel "You want to possess him?" Ezekiel turned his eyes from you to Dean "I told you" "No way" Dean cut him off so Ezekiel nodded "Understood. It's your call" you walked closer to the bed and let your fingertips barely brush Sam's arm and said "No it's his call" "and there's no way in hell he'd say yes" Dean finished your thought.

"He would rather die?" Ezekiel asked and you both nodded so he stood then raised his hand to quiet the machines. "I'll leave you two alone with him then" he walked past you and you swallowed back tears that threatened to spring to your eyes before Dean stopped Ezekiel "Wait"

You grimaced from the pain in your side as you turned to look at Dean who gave you a small nod before telling Ezekiel "If I consider this,just consider this. You got to give me something man. You got to prove how bad he really is" Ezekiel walked over near you and reached to lay a hand on Sam's forehead then told Dean to close his eyes and put one on his as well. A part of you wished you could see what was going on also but it only took a few seconds before Dean opened his eyes "Y/N he's giving up" the pain in his eyes told you everything you needed to know.

"How will it work?" you asked pulling your eyes from Sam to look at Ezekiel. "Mutual benefit, I suppose. I heal Sam while healing myself" "And when he's healed?" Dean asked catching your eyes as Ezekiel promised "I leave"

"We're out of options Dean" you whispered feeling so very defeated. "Even if I said yes Y/N you know it wouldn't mean squat. Sam will never say yes,not to him" "But he would say yes to you" Ezekiel offered his eyes on Dean. Dean closed his for a moment before saying "Do it"

You stepped over next to Dean and turned your face slightly when Ezekiel's grace transferred from his vessel into Sam. He sucked in a deep breath then looked at Dean "We need to go"

------

After Ezekiel had Sam dressed he healed Dean then you and all three of you took the stairs leading down out the hospital. You were walking next to Dean while he asked Ezekiel how it looked inside of Sam "There is much work to be done" "But he's gonna wake up right?" Dean asked giving voice to your worry. "He will" Ezekiel assured you both.

Dean nodded then you leaned up to look at Ezekiel "When he wakes up is he gonna feel you inside, triaging his spleen?" "No. There is no reason for Sam to know I'm in here at all" Dean scoffed "You're joking. No, this is too big" you agreed with Dean. There was no way you could keep a secret that big from Sam. "And what will he do if either of you tell him he is possessed by an angel?"

"Well he'll have to understand" Dean replied but you shook your head "Dean you and I both know after Lucifer? he'll fight it" "If Sam ejects me, he will die" Ezekiel confirmed your worst fear. Dean turned to see your face and must have seen the acceptance there because he agreed "Then we keep it a secret for now or until Sam's well enough he doesn't need an angelic pacemaker or we find a way to tell him. As for him being in the hospital I'll have to figure something out. Any ideas Y/N? " before you could open your mouth Ezekiel offered to erase Sam's memories of the hospital. Dean sighed "Do it" then looked at you "We need to talk"

The two of you walked a few yards from Ezekiel before Dean turned to face you "Y/N thank you for coming" "Dean he's my best friend and I care about you both" he half smirked which was a watered down version of his usual one "Always knew you had a thing for me" you rolled your eyes knowing he always buried feelings under many layers of sarcasm. "Oh of course I always get my ass kicked by angels to get a guy's attention" he scoffed then his face sobered "Cas called before the angels showed up" your attention perked up at the mention of Cas but your heart nearly stopped when Dean told you what had happened with Metatron "He's human?" Cas, no powers and very much mortal which most of the angelic population after him? Yeah you didn't like that. "Yeah I told him to head for the bunker" Dean seemed a bit apprehensive but you quickly agreed "That sounds like the best place to be right now"

Dean nodded then offered "You could come with us too, you know?" you motioned towards Ezekiel "and how are we going to explain to Sam when he wakes up that I've popped up out of nowhere?" "Good point" he replied then smiled in earnest and added "Ya know I'm glad you're one of the few that's stuck around with us" you smiled then said "I really just stick around now for the off chance that you will one day let me drive baby" he laughed "That's not gonna happen but if you want to come to the bunker there's always a room for you" you laughed "I may take you up on it. Hit the road I'm going to take the long way around and see if I can find Cas or a trail if I hear anything I'll call. When I get that way I'll come through Lebanon" Dean glanced around then pulled an angel blade out his jacket and held it out to you "Watch your ass, you've already been spotted with me" you took the blade and tucked it away under your jacket before saying "I always knew you were bad company Dean Winchester" he half smiled before you turned to walk away while he and Ezekiel headed for baby. You hated lying to Sam but you couldn't lose him either. You sighed and resigned yourself to keeping the secret until he was healed enough to live without Ezekiel.

------

You drove for hours trying to get as close to Colorado as you could before forcing yourself to pull off and catch a few hours of sleep somewhere in Nevada. You didn't want to bother with a motel room so you pulled a page out of Dean's book and simply found a patch of woods to park your jeep in and locked it up with your gun close at hand before dozing off in the drivers seat.

------

You woke a few hours later when the sun was slowly climbing into the sky and groaned at the kink in your neck. You rotated it in a tight circle and realized your phone ringing was what had woke you up. You reached for it and barely glanced at the screen to see Sam's name before answering "Sammy?" you let out a breath you didn't realize you were holding when you heard him laugh "You know you and Dean are the only people on earth I'd ever let call me that" thank god he was ok.

"Yeah I know I'm special. What's up?" you moved around in the seat trying to stretch out your muscles. "Are you alright? Did Dean update you on everything going on?" the image of Ezekiel's grace flowing into Sam's body flashed through your mind before you shook your head and responded "Um angels fell down, Cas is human and we have a ton load of shit falling down around us due to a few thousand nukes on the loose?" "Only you could compress that much stuff into a sentence that small" you laughed "It's a natural talent"

You could hear Dean in the background asking where you were "Um Sidney Nevada?" Sam relayed the information and Dean let out a low whistle "Good lord did she turn the jeep into a fucking plane?" you rolled your eyes at him of all people calling someone out for the way they drove "He's one to talk. Anyways I'm about two hours shy of Longmont I'm going to start at the payphone Cas called from and work my way to the bunker from there. Shouldn't take but another day or so. You boys up for a little company?" "Well Kevin's still at the bunker so as long as you don't mind dealing with all of us" Sam teased and you couldn't help but smile hearing him joke around after seeing him in that hospital bed. "I think I can manage. I'll call if I find anything" "Ok Y/N. Watch your back and if you get in a tight spot.." "I'll call" you promised before you said your goodbyes and he hung up.

You opened the door and stepped out the jeep stretching out slowly. There was a truck stop a few miles up the road where you could grab a shower before heading into Longmont. You had to be careful about how you asked after Cas so if any other angel was in ear shot because if those assholes rolled like demons they already heard that you were at Dean's side in Randolph meaning they may assume you know where Cas was.

-------

You fell into your jeep with a grunt. The road from Longmont to Lebanon had been going quietly and smoothly. You stopped at gas stations along the way and asked about someone vaguely matching the description for Cas. When you got to Norton you stopped at the last truck stop before you'd make it to Lebanon. Turned out the clerk in the store was a vessel and had assumed you knew more than you did. Luckily he was alone and from the fact that you walked away from the fight with just a bloody head told you he must have been hurt in the fall just as Ezekiel had.

-------

You didn't try to stop and access your wounds,you simply held a bandana to your head and drove the rest of the way to the bunker. When you pulled to a stop only then did you pull the bandana away and give yourself a once over. The only reason it'd bled so much was that your head had been caught on the corner of a display case. There was a good sized gash but you'd had a lot worse and if you could just find a few spare minutes with a first aid kit you could fix yourself right up. You put the bandana back into place then climbed out to grab your bags out the back of the jeep.

You hit Dean's number on your phone and turned it to speaker as you gathered everything that you needed to wash and the weapons that needed cleaning or resupply from the stock the bunker held. "Y/N, where are you at?" was what he said in place of hello. You laughed lightly "Well I'm right outside and was wondering if someone could come give me a hand. Normally I don't have a problem carrying my own stuff but about fifty miles back I got into a bit of a scuffle with one of our winged friends" "Shit sweetheart are you ok?" you could hear him walking up the steps in the background of the call and gave a short laugh "I'm alive, he's not" then ended the call.

You didn't look up when Dean called your name so he grabbed your shoulder and turned you to look at him. He eyed the bandana "Let me see" you pulled it away and grimaced at the look on his face "Is it that bad?" he tentatively touched it then shook his head "We've all had worse. Let's get your stuff inside and we can patch you up" "Thanks Dean" you replied with a smile when he moved the bandana back into place.

------

"Quit moving dammit" Dean growled while he cleaned your head up. You cut your eyes at Sam "He's such a fricking mother goose at times I swear" Sam snorted at the look Dean gave you in response to being called mother goose. "Excuse me Miss I'm gonna go scrap with a fricking angel on my own" You shrugged "I walked away didn't I?"

Dean shook his head and threw down the cloth he'd been using then placed the steri-strips on your skin. "You need to just stay here with us. We could use another set of hands with everything going down and you'll have someone to watch your back" he met your eyes and barely looked towards Sam and you knew what he didn't add aloud was that he had someone else there to keep a set of eyes on Ezekiel keeping up his side of the bargain. You were held in place by those green eyes and tried to ignore the way they always seemed to pull you in. "Fine but if you two go on a hunt I go too" Dean looked over at Sam who smiled "Sounds good to me"

You sat still while Dean finished your head then looked over at Kevin who was looking a little worse for the wear "Kev? When's the last time they fed you like real food?" he grinned "Been a week or so" "DEAN!" you gasped playfully and he looked guilty for a moment before he realized you were screwing with him "Very funny Y/N" you winked at Kevin and said "Let me go get settled in a room then I'll see what I can scrounge up for you"

You stood to follow Sam who was showing you which room you could occupy and heard Dean telling Kevin to not give you any more ammunition to give him hell and laughed. Sam looked back at you and offered his arm so you took it and let him lead you down the hall. "I'm glad you're here Y/N. A lot of cards are falling and it's nice to know you're not alone" you smiled at that and said "It's nice to know I'm not alone too"

Tags: @akshi8278 @facadeformyrealblog

#spn fanfiction #supernatural fanfiction #dean winchester x reader #dean winchester x female!reader #dean winchester fanfiction #always be yours

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alj4890 · 3 years

Text

Angst Prompt

Requested follow-up to One Fateful Night

Part 2: The Dark Before the Dawn

A\N Sorry again for One Fateful Night’s angst. This picks up right after and goes a little into the future for Liam and those that survived the earthquake. It gets pretty dark in places and is long, but I think it ends on a hopeful note.

@gkittylove99 @darley1101 @krsnlove @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @ofpixelsandscribbles @twinkleallnight @lodberg @sweatyrysconnoisseur @motorcitymademadame

Masterlist

The rest of the unity tour was canceled. Unable to speak his reasons why he couldn't do it, Liam left that in the hands of his father and Regina. He didn't want to face the people without Riley by his side, without Drake standing steadfast, without Maxwell's unfailing optimism, without Hana's gentle support.

He had simply lost the will to fight.

Olivia had returned with him to the palace. Neville soon followed, insisting that he would do whatever Liam needed him to. Kiara, devastated by Penelope's death had retreated back to her family estate. Rashad was sent to Domvallier to recover from his injuries. Bastien refused to take time off and was doing his duties from a wheelchair.

Liam ignored all of it. He went to his chambers and remained secluded from the world for days. He refused entry to anyone who knocked. He simply sat there staring at the few mementos he had of those he had lost.

He flipped through the photographs Maxwell had insisted on taking of the three of them through the years. He paused at the few his mother was in, wishing she was here now to tell him how to move on from something like this. She had encouraged his friendships with Maxwell and Drake, knowing he would need them to face life in the public eye.

And now he would never have them again.

Setting the old album aside, he reached for the key chain Riley had given him the night of the Coronation. Thinking of that night and their confessions of love only to be so cruelly parted...his head dropped as he carefully set it back on the table. Next he picked up the pearl he had given her. The plans and hopes they had while meeting in secret. It had helped him through every moment he was kept from her side.

He then lifted the photograph Anna had taken of them for their engagement. Liam's fingers trembled as they brushed against the image of Riley. Her smile so warm. Her eyes so filled with joy.

Reaching for a decanter, he attempted to metaphorically drown his sorrows. In one night he had lost everything he had held dear. How was he to go on from this? There was no enemy to slay, no way to find those he loved and rescue them. Nothing. Nothing except funerals to attend. Nothing but giving them to the cold, unforgiving dirt.

All he had ahead of him was visits to graveyards. He knew his father didn't have much longer to live. It would be just one more loss in his already devastated heart.

Death was what his life had become. He had feared that when his mother was poisoned. Many a night he would wake up crying at the thought of being completely and utterly alone. This long forgotten fear rose up within him, showing that it hadn't been a nightmare. It had been a premonition.

Dropping his head in his hands, he sobbed into the void that had become his only companion.

*****************

Armed with a key, Olivia forced her way into Liam's room. With the first of the many funerals coming up, she knew she needed to get him prepared. The public would be looking toward their king, needing to see him standing against the worst life could throw at him.

Her steps faltered when she saw him. He was slumped over in a chair. Empty decanters sat in front of him, a few tipped over on the table with drops of whiskey spilled out.

The tumbler he had been using had fallen to the floor. The remnants of his drink had stained the Persian rug. His clothes were rumpled. Nearly a week's growth of beard had darkened his sunken cheeks. Dark circles under his eyes completed the look of a man trying to escape his tormented thoughts.

Olivia had to harden her heart. There had always been something about Liam that brought out an unusual softness in her. But that was not what he needed. He needed order. A purpose. Something to get him to step back out in the world.

Grabbing his shoulder she shook him hard.

"Liam!" She snapped in a louder than usual tone. "Wake up!"

He opened his bloodshot eyes with a slight groan. He weakly raised a hand to his head while trying to escape her unyielding grip.

"Get ready." She ordered. "We've got things to do."

"What things?" His hoarse voice cracked.

She ignored his question.

He forced himself to focus on her bustling about gathering his clothes before going into his bathroom. He could hear her starting a shower.

She returned with a determined set to her chin. "Hurry up." She pulled him out of his chair. "We don't have all day."

He stumbled forward, catching himself against a dresser.

Olivia bit her lip as she watched him painstakingly retreat into the bathroom.

Taking a deep breath, she bent to the task of straightening his room. Her gaze fell on the objects he had been using for his only source of company. Tears sparked her eyes when she noticed the photographs.

It wasn't fair. Liam might think he was the only one to suffer with his losses, but she was just as deeply affected. They had been her friends too. A family of sorts, one of her choosing after losing her own at such a young age. She couldn't help but depend on them. Maxwell had been the chipper, up for anything brother she wouldn't have thought she needed. Drake had been her sparring partner, always keeping her wit sharp for any upcoming altercation. Riley...

How had the one she never could quite see completely as her enemy become an actual friend? She had won Liam from Olivia, and yet...and yet Olivia had been grateful. If there was anyone in this world who saw and loved Liam like she herself had, then it was Riley.

And how could she not care for someone who did as Liam deserved?

It was all for nothing. Olivia was left alone once more. Perhaps even more so than when her parents had died. At least then she had been able to lean on Liam. Now he could barely function. It was now her turn to be the one he could depend on in their friendship.

He stepped out, pulling her from her thoughts. He stood there as if at a loss of what to do, whether he should even bother putting forth an effort.

Olivia brought him a jacket and held it for him to slip on.

"We'll eat on the road." She told him, giving him a push out the door.

"Where are we going?" He asked.

"A few places." She told him. She glanced back behind her where Regina had remained out of sight. The worry on the Queen Mother's face eased some at seeing Liam out of his room. She nodded gratefully to Olivia before retreating in the shadows to report this small success to Constantine.

****************

Liam stared out the window as Olivia drove him through the capital. He ignored the people going about their day as if the world had not stopped. He didn't bother to focus as he used to on the state of the roads or on some of the older, historical buildings.

He simply didn't care. He figured it was only a matter of time before these things were taken from him too. The terrorists were probably lying in wait for when they could destroy the last of what had once meant something to him.

"I don't suppose you've spoken to anyone at the hospital." Olivia said, cutting through the oppressive silence.

Liam merely shook his head.

She waited in the hopes he would ask about Hana and Madeleine. She needed to see that the old, kind to a fault Liam was still there, only buried amongst his immense sorrow.

The silence stretched once more between them.

"I have." She said, fighting against tears of frustration.

He didn't move. He simply stared out the passenger window.

Her grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Madeleine's recovery is slow yet steady. The doctors believe though that her fair skin will always be marked with scars."

Liam didn't even blink.

Olivia grit her teeth. "Hana though has not been having an easy time."

Liam stiffened somewhat at that.

Olivia pressed on. She was determined to get him talking. Hopefully once he started he could get rid of the despair that was destroying him.

"Her parents want to take her home to Singapore but the doctors don't believe she is strong enough yet." She swallowed down her own lump of emotion. "When she was told of...of..."

Liam finally face forward. "Told of everyone dying on us? Told that I had failed in saving anyone?" His bitterness slashed across Olivia's stuttered denial at that last one. "Told that her life would never be the same again?"

"Liam, you--"

"I don't want to hear it." He responded.

"You must!" She yelled, hitting her steering wheel in her anger.

Liam didn't flinch. He didn't act like he had even heard her.

"Hana needs you! Madeleine does too." She turned into the hospital parking lot. "We all need you to--"

"To what?" He roared. "Give more empty promises that we will get through this? That we will find our way back?" He jerked his seatbelt off. "I respect them too much to lie to them. The last thing they need is a broken man trying to rally their spirits." He opened the door. "Find someone else, Olivia. I'm not the man they need."

"You are!" She scrambled out, tears falling down her cheeks unheeded. "Liam, we all need you right now. Friday is the first set of funerals. We need you there to help us say goodbye."

Liam walked off without a word.

"Liam, please!" She pleaded, chasing after him. "Even if you can't speak during the service, let those of us who love you help you."

He paused before gently pulling his arm out of her grip. "I'm sorry, but I can't do what you ask of me." His bright blue eyes were filled with tears as he raised them to hers. "I'm done, Olivia."

"Liam, you're allowed to grieve." She reached for his hands. "Take as long as you need. But your friends and country need to grieve with you."

"They won't after I inform them of my decision." He took a deep breath. "I'm giving it up."

"Giving what up?" She asked.

"Everything. The crown. The throne." He looked about. "I'm leaving this country and moving somewhere that isn't filled with memories."

"You can't!" Olivia grabbed the lapels of his jacket, shaking him in desperation. "You can't let the terrorists win! We--"

"Why not?" He bit out. "They might be the right rulers for Cordonia. My legacy has been nothing but death. My brother gave it all up because the pressures were slowly killing him. My mother died trying to do what was right. My father gave up the crown because he is dying. I've done nothing but bring death and destruction to those I love the most." He gripped her wrists and wrenched them from his jacket. "I can't do it anymore."

"Yes, you can." She followed him when he walked off again. "Just try a little longer."

He laughed bitterly. "Try? Why? My reign is already marked with uncertainty. I'm a king without a queen or heir." He released a deep frustrated breath. "What's the point, Liv? Every time I try, I get knocked down. Losing...losing Riley, Drake, and Maxwell..." He shook his head. “It is too much.”

"Promise me you won't decide anything today." Olivia pleaded. "Please?"

He ran his hands over his face. He looked up as if for divine intervention before nodding. "I won't hold the press conference today."

"Good." She relaxed some. She knew now that she would have to fight him these next few weeks over his decision. The last thing she wanted to see was his giving up on his destiny in the midst of his grief.

Slipping her arm into the bend of his she tugged him toward the hospital.

*******************

"Come in." Hana called out.

She didn't want anymore visits from her parents but couldn't bring herself to tell them. Hearing that her marriage prospects were now completely gone due to her injury had done nothing but bring her further into depression. Did they not see that what she had lost was so much worse than the lower half of her left leg?

Her dearest friends, her best friends, those that knew her better than anyone on earth were gone.

And I didn't get to say goodbye. I didn't get a chance to save them. Nothing.

Olivia smiled softly at Hana. "I brought a surprise."

Hana sat up straighter when she saw Liam sheepishly appear.

A sob burst from her lips as she reached for him to hug.

Liam's Adam's apple bounced a few times as he struggled to swallow his sorrow. He couldn't ignore her need for comfort and hurried over to hug her. Olivia quietly stepped out so they could grieve in privacy.

"Oh Liam!" Hana cried against his shoulder. "I'm so sorry." She clutched the material of his leather jacket, wishing they would all wake up and realize this was nothing but a dream.

"I'm sorry." He choked out. "I couldn't save them." His tears began to fall freely. "I failed them, Hana. I failed you. I failed everyone!"

She pulled back and gently cupped his face. Blinking through her tears she shook her head. "You didn't fail any of us, Liam. You saved me and Madeleine. Bastien. Rashad and--"

He clung to her. "What am I to do now? Hana, you know I can't face life without Riley. How can I go on after this?"

"I don't know." Hana hugged him again. "But you know Riley wouldn't want us giving up on life." She glanced down at her legs under the blankets. "No matter how hard it is, she would encourage us to keep fighting."

"Hana, Riley was my life. My heart." He lowered his head into his hands. "She was my strength to keep moving forward no matter what was thrown at us."

Hana reached from some tissues, sharing a few with him. "I know. She gave me the bravery I needed to tell my parents that I was more than a marriage prospect for some noble. Now..." Her breath hitched. "Now I don't know what I am or what to do."

Liam moved off her bed and collapsed in one of the chairs by her bed. "What are we going to do?"

Her hand found his. "We help each other. Isn't that what we would hope Riley, Maxwell, and Drake would do if they had lived and you and I had died?"

He wished that had been the case. Not Hana, but that he had been the one Death had come for. He would gladly switch places with them, anything to escape this unending ache in his heart.

He felt Hana's hand squeeze his.

He looked up and saw her trying to be brave for his sake.

Liam didn't know if he could. "I've been thinking of abdicating."

Her lips parted in shock. "Abdicating!"

"Everywhere I turn there is a memory of them." He explained. "I..." He gave up speaking.

"They wouldn't want you doing that, Liam." She reminded him.

He knew she was right, but he couldn't think of moving on as if his very heart had not been ripped from his chest.

"They say when a person loses a loved one that they should wait a year before making a big decision." Hana said, lacing her fingers with his. "Maybe that is what we both should do. My parents want me to go back to Singapore, and I've been tempted to so I won't be reminded of everything."

Liam slowly nodded. "I wouldn't blame you if you did move back home."

"I think what I need is to be with you. Olivia. Madeleine. All of those we still have." She tried to explain. "I need those memories, no matter how much they hurt, to help me heal."

Seeing that he didn't know how to take her advice she gently squeezed his hand again. "Why don't we wait on any decision and just try to get through these next few days."

He eyed her suspiciously. "Did Olivia tell you to say something like that?"

Hana felt her first laugh in over a week burst out. It sounded hollow, as if her body had forgotten how to make the joyful sound. "She might intimidate me at times, but no, she didn't put me up to this."

His lips curved somewhat before settling once more into a thin line. He knew from her words and Olivia's that no one would accept his abdication.

*****************

Madeleine did her best to look presentable. She picked up the small mirror she had insisted be left on the small bedside table. Her eyes touched on the angry, red scars gracing her face and head. Her arm and legs bore others that were long and jagged.

Taking a deep breath, she fluffed the hair that had not been lost in the deep gashes to her scalp. Refusing to give in to the need to cry over something she had no control over, she smoothed her covers and waited to greet her king.

Olivia had shared with her what he wanted to do. Madeleine knew what the fiery duchess wanted her to say and act when she saw him. But she thought she knew how best to respond.

With plan in place, she looked up when she heard a knock to her door.

Liam came in at her bidding him to do so.

He didn't pause in his walk to her bedside like so many did when they first saw the extent of her injuries. She felt her proud façade crack at that. Only Liam would be kind enough to pretend there was nothing unusual about her current hideous state.

Her own parents had handled it horribly. Her mother had been unable to look directly at her without bursting into tears. Her father had bemoaned the fact that she hadn't been able to trap either prince or any other well standing noble before her looks were destroyed.

Just what any young woman needed to hear when awakening from a near death experience.

Liam bowed over her hand while placing a kiss upon her scarred knuckles. "My lady, forgive me for not checking on you sooner."

Madeleine swallowed before asking him to sit. "How have you been?"

His red eyes lifted to hers. "How do you think I've been? I've lost three people I loved. The country lost them along with Penelope and her family. Portivira is destroyed. The Sons of the Earth burned the royal orchard." He slumped in his seat. "I've lost everything, Madeleine."

"Not everything." She corrected. "I know I'm not Riley or Drake or Maxwell." She grimaced at trying to find the right words. "But I am here for you in whatever capacity you need."

"Thank you." He replied automatically. "Your dedication to Cordonia is to be commended."

"It's not--what I meant--" Madeleine closed her eyes briefly when tears pricked her eyes. "Liam, I meant I will be there for you. As a friend." Her nose wrinkled. "As odd as that sounds, I am sincere."

He nodded once more. "Thank you."

They both sat there lost in thought.

"Do you," he cleared his throat, "do you think I should abdicate?"

Madeleine's eyes narrowed in thought. She knew her next words could possibly be the most important of her life.

"Have you done something that could or has harmed Cordonia?"

His eyes widened some. "No."

"Do you no longer care for our people?" She asked.

"No, of course not." He muttered.

"Do you not wish to help them?"

"It isn't anything like that."

"So, your reason is something more selfish." Her green eyes hardened when they met his. "Like Leo, you decide to walk away when ruling becomes too much work."

Liam got to his feet. "It isn't like Leo's reasons! I lost the woman I was to marry. My best friends! Everywhere I turn I am haunted by what was and what could have been. How can I possibly fight Cordonia's enemies when I've lost my sources of strength?"

Madeleine sniffed dismissively. "Every person has lost someone that was their support. If everyone gave up when that happens then this world would crumble to dust."

Liam took a step back from her cold tone. "Madeleine, don't you--"

"Don't I what? Miss any of them? Are saddened by their deaths?" She allowed her sorrow to show. "Of course I do. I might not have been thrilled to be tossed over for Riley, but I would have had to be a blind fool to not notice what she did for you and Cordonia. The same for Maxwell and Drake."

Liam sat back down. "Then what do you think I should do?" He looked down while his bottom lip trembled. "Riley made me a better king."

"Then by all means think of her when you must make a decision." Madeleine told him. "Liam, for whatever reason, fate has placed you as King of Cordonia. You." She stressed. "We've all known you were the better ruler when Leo was our crown prince. It is a great burden, but one that you've never hesitated to carry."

He ran a hand over his eyes. "I wanted to do what I could for the country."

Her lips eased into an approving smile. "As all rulers should be." Reaching over, she patted his shoulder. "I know it won't be easy, but I can't think of anyone better to guide us into the future."

"I feel so lost." He admitted to her. "How can I guide anyone when I no longer have the ones who were my own compass?"

"You'll find a way." She said with certainty. "It may take time, but you will."

He sighed before running his hands through his hair. "I'm so sorry, Madeleine."

"For what?" She asked. "The earthquake was something no one could stop."

"I know." He stood up. "But I'm still sorry."

She nodded in acceptance.

Liam kissed her hand once more and promised to do better checking on her and Hana as he left her room.

Madeleine slumped back against her pillows when her door clicked shut. Tears trickled down her cheeks as she hoped she had somehow said the right thing to him.

Turning to bury her face in her pillows, she allowed the tears to be for herself, Liam, and those they had lost.

******************

That afternoon, Liam departed from Olivia and insisted taking a walk by himself. He went to the private beach and slipped out of his shoes and socks. Rolling up the cuffs of his pants, he began to walk slowly along the shore, allowing the waves to roll over his feet.

He flipped his collar up when the early fall breeze blew by, hinting at an incoming cold spell. He thought it served his mood perfectly. The summer that had once been his world had ended, bringing the cold cruel reality to crash down upon him.

His happily ever after had truly been a dream not meant for the real world. He should have known that he couldn't bring a fairy tale to life. It couldn't survive the cruelness of fate.

He continued his stroll while thinking of his visits with Olivia, Hana, and Madeleine. His conversations with them had only paused his decision. Even if he were to wait as long as Hana suggested before abdicating, what good would it do? He would still be unable to regain what he had lost.

"Liam?"

He paused and turned to see his father walking towards him.

"May I join you?" Constantine asked.

Liam gave a brisk nod before focusing once more on the waves lapping at his feet.

They walked on in silence for a spell. Constantine glanced every so often at Liam’s face, searching for any word that could possibly help his son.

"Who is next in line to the throne?"

Constantine stopped in his tracks. "Who is next in line?" His eyes narrowed in concern. "Why do you ask?"

Liam shrugged. "Shouldn't an unmarried, childless ruler know these things?"

"Son, you have your whole life stretched before you. Give yourself time to grieve and heal. Then--"

"My enemies are at the door." Liam snapped. "Even if I somehow survive them and whatever next hell Cordonia thrusts me into, I will still be without a wife or heir."

Constantine gestured weakly toward a set of lounging chairs. "Sit with me for a moment."

Liam's brief burst of anger turned to resignation when he noticed his father's trembles. Placing an arm around him, he helped ease Constantine down.

Liam took the chair next to his and focused on the ocean. He wondered how he could still find such beauty in it when it had been the final place Riley and Drake had lived.

"I'm going to abdicate, Father." He stated.

Liam was surprised by the silence that followed his declaration. He expected his father to be pleading with him to reconsider or furious for even thinking it.

Instead, he found his father looking more sympathetic than he had ever appeared before.

"I made the same decision when your mother was taken from me." Constantine admitted softly.

Liam's eyes widened. "You did?"

"Yes." He cleared his throat. "Your mother was everything to me." His gaze became distant as he was once again in the past. "She was life itself, my strength." His lips curved into a bitter smile. "She never held back her thoughts and opinions on how we should rule." He met Liam's eyes. "I loved her with my entire heart."

Liam ran his hands down his face. "What," his voice was raspy, "what made you decide to remain king?"

"I'm afraid it wasn't one out of duty or believing anyone needed me." Constantine admitted. "My reasons were purely selfish. I knew the only way to find the ones who took my Eleanor from me was to be in absolute power." His hand balled into a fist at the memories. "For years, vengeance kept me focused on my kingly duties."

"When did it change?" Liam asked.

"It was actually you that opened my eyes."

"Me?" Liam's brow furrowed. "What did I do?"

"You were ten years old." Constantine's lips curved into a tender, proud smile. "Leo was his usual, rebellious self. He had just turned sixteen and was supposed to attend his first official ball. He was trying to get out of it when he found out he would be obligated to dance with every visiting nobles’ daughter, regardless of how attractive they were."

Liam's eyes narrowed as he tried to recall that night.

"As I was walking past the ballroom, I heard your gentle, yet firm correction to his behavior. You were reminding him what a good prince was supposed to do. Be there for his subjects. Kind. Understanding. Sacrificial." He chuckled again. "It was just the slap to the face I needed."

Liam slumped back in his chair. "That ideal is meaningless."

Constantine slowly nodded. "If I had heard it after your mother died, I would have dismissed it too." He reached over and placed his hand on top of his son's. "Time doesn't necessarily heal all wounds, but it does help in how we view them." He swallowed. "There were years where the very thought of your mother brought me to my knees. Her loss was like a festering wound that never eased."

Liam knew that feeling all too well.

"But now, though I miss her just as much as I did before; my memories of her bring me comfort." He squeezed Liam's hand. "They make me grateful for every single second I was allowed with her."

Liam blew out a shaky breath. "Well, unfortunately I can't find and fight the earthquake that took Riley. I don't see the point in being king for revenge."

"True." Constantine nodded. "But Riley, Drake, and Maxwell believed in you. They went on the unity tour for you, for your reign to be successful. Not for themselves. Not for Cordonia. All because they thought you and you alone were worthy to be king."

Liam swallowed a few times as stray tears fell from his blue eyes. "I don't deserve it. I didn't deserve their faith or..." He huffed while wiping his eyes. "I'm not worth it."

"They would say you are." Constantine swung his legs to the side and pushed himself up. "You remaining king is a way to honor them and their efforts to help you be the best one you can be."

Liam pressed his palms to his eyes as a sob tore through him. When he felt his father's arms come around him, he buried his head against his shoulder while shaking with his cries.

Constantine gently rubbed his back while promising he was there for him. That he wouldn't have to go through this alone, that he had him, Regina, and those of his friends that had survived.

Liam clung to him, unable to speak.

Father and son clung to each other as the sun set.

********************

The next few weeks had Liam attending and speaking at the funerals of those that were no longer with them. He didn't bother to try and mask his heartache in front of his people. The nation was touched by his honesty and mourned with their young king.

Constantine and Regina remained by his side. Olivia and Neville traveled with him to each graveyard. Hana and Madeleine were allowed to attend some of the funerals. Rashad stuck by their sides, even helping to push Hana's wheelchair.

Seeing them each time he took the podium reminded him of why he was doing this. His father's words about honoring his beloved and best friends gave him the strength to speak of the type of people they had been.

He didn't know how he got through those first few weeks. Though it took a great effort, he forced himself to get back to his duties. Routine helped him remain focused on what he needed to do and gave him opportunities to continue to grieve.

The rest of the unity tour was canceled. Liam instead spent his efforts in rebuilding Portivira and in replanting the apple orchard. Out of respect and because he couldn't stand the thought of a ball without Riley, he canceled the rest of the year's planned balls and palace events.

With little chance to catch the king in a position that would bring about his downfall, the Sons of the Earth were soon desperate and making foolish decisions to attack during the daylight. Many were rounded up by Bastien's elite task force. Anton was found holed up in a long forgotten Nevarkis stronghold and died in a shootout with the king's guards.

After months of turmoil and uncertainty, Cordonia was once again in a state of peace.

Constantine lived long enough to see it come about. With his sons and wife at his bedside, he quietly passed away after telling them each how much he loved them.

Liam kept working. After two years, he hosted his first ball, an engagement one for Rashad and Hana. He had smiled and gave a sweet toast to the couple, all while remembering his own happiness he had once had with Riley.

As the years went by, he was able to think back on Riley, Drake, and Maxwell with a soft smile on his face.

Then the fifth year as king, he was approached by Madeleine.

"Liam, I think it's time for you to host another social season with potential suitors."

A denial rose to his lips.

She held up her hand to silence it. "I know, but you need an heir."

"There is already an heir. The throne goes to Olivia if I die."

"Liam." She huffed. "The crown needs to be stable. The people want to see you happy with a family." She shrugged her shoulders. "Cordonians are a sentimental bunch."

A family. That had been his heartfelt wish for years. Could he do that? Have one without his Riley?

"I will think about it." He conceded.

Madeleine smiled at him. "Good." She curtsied and left him alone.

Liam rocked back in his desk chair. He lifted his eyes to the ceiling.

"My love," he whispered. "What should I do? You were the only one I could ever picture myself marrying. Mother to my children." His brow creased. "Am I ready to try to find something that can’t possibly compare to what I had with you?"

He closed his eyes, wishing he could find the answer.

"Liam, dear?"

He opened his eyes and looked up at Regina.

She smiled warmly at him. "You fell asleep. Dinner is ready."

He apologized and rose to follow her out.

He halted mid step as the afternoon sun glinted on Regina's silver hair. The answer he needed was right there. He looked back up to the heavens.

His lips curved softly. "I understand. Though no one can ever compare to you, perhaps I can have the kind of luck my father had."

#king liam #liam x riley #olivia nevarkis #choices the royal romance #trr madeleine #trr hana #hana lee #angst prompt #request

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cheeriecherry · 4 years

Text

Space Between [8/9] [Aizawa Shouta x Reader x Yamada Hizashi]

EraserMic x f!Reader

Part 8/9

Warnings: mentions of panic attacks, some fluff, no beta we die like men

It’s dark. So dark that you can’t see your hand in front of your face, or your breath in the air as it heaves from your lungs. The cold is all encompassing, and the damp chills your bones and makes them ache.

Where are you?

Water drips from a leaking pipe somewhere off to the side. You feel like you should know the place, but the name escapes you. A basement? A warehouse?

Where are you?

“Tell me who you work for boy, and who you brought with you.”

You whip towards the sound of the voice, a shiver crawling down your spine. You’d know that cruel, grating lilt anywhere...but if she was here, did that mean you were…? No, you couldn’t be back there. It was too dark, too silent, to empty…

“I’m not working for anyone! I’m loyal to-”

A slap cracks in the quiet, cutting sharp into your ears. You take a hesitant step towards the flurry of sound, then another, and soon you’re sprinting through the darkness.

A little piece of you knows you’re not getting anywhere.

“I’ll give you one more chance, hero scum. Give me the name of your partner, and I’ll let you live.”

Your foot catches on something unseen, and you topple forwards, colliding heavy with the wet ground. Your palms sting against the grainy floor, and your breathing is thick and laboured.

You look up to try and something, anything, in the pitch black.

“I...don’t...have one…”

You gasp and fling yourself away from the sudden and intrusive gurgling voice in your ear. So close, but so broken and distorted. You squeeze your eyes shut and fold your hands over your ears in preparation. You know what happens next. You know, and you don’t want to see, don’t want to hear it. Not again.

Just give her my name, you beg silently, wishing more than anything that the outcome of the situation would be different this time. Just give her my name!

A gun cocks, loud and violating, despite your covered ears.

A cold, violent laugh.

“Then you die alone.”

You gasp awake to the sound of a gunshot ringing in your mind. You’re covered in a cool sheen of sweat, trembling like an earthquake. You glance frantically around the room, looking for any signs of danger, and only when you find none does your heart begin to slow. You sit up.

Outside the window, the sky is lightening. The sun hasn’t risen yet, leaving the dawn greenish and undisturbed.

Shouta appears in the doorway, and you regard each other silently. He clearly hadn’t expected you to be awake at this hour, but everything in your panicked expression tells him why you are. He takes a seat on the edge of the bed, half-dressed.

“Nightmare?” he asks, though he already knows the answer. Still, you nod weakly.

“You were talking in your sleep,” he says quietly, as unthreatening as he can manage, “in English. Something about your name.”

That’s all it takes for you to burst out crying, tears exploding forth and pained wails breaking from your chest. Shouta moves towards you slowly and wraps his arms around you in a tight hug.

“My name,” you weep, leaning heavily against him, “why didn’t the stupid kid just give her my name?!”

Your boyfriend rubs soothing circles into your back, not truly knowing how to answer you.

“She made him give everything else! Why wouldn’t he give my name?! I was right there! I could have helped! I could have fought! He’d still be alive-”

You cry harder into his shirt, and remain tucked in Shouta’s embrace for several minutes. Your sobs eventually turn to snotty sniffles, though neither of you pay any mind to the mess you’re making on his shirt.

“He...he didn’t even give me the option to try and save him. If my cover had been blown, then I…”

“Would probably be dead, too.” Shouta’s voice is low and pained, as if merely speaking the words caused him distress.

You peek up at him through wet lashes. “You don’t know that.”

“I do,” he says, “Up until a few days ago, you were in no shape to fight Akuma and win. If you’d stood up back then, your partner would still be dead, and you’d be beside him, and every bastard you’ve put behind bars would still be out there.”

“But how do you know?” your voice crackles, fresh tears springing up. “How do you know I couldn’t have saved him?”

“How do you know you could have?”

You’re both quiet for several beats, before you sigh deeply and set your head back on his shoulder.

“I...don’t.”

You stay like that for another couple minutes, listening closely to the beat of his heart and the steady thrum of his breathing. And once your anxiety begins to settle, you start to squirm.

“You’re gonna be late for work, Sho.”

He pushes the hair off your face, and lays a tender kiss on your forehead. “The kids will understand.”

You grumble a little, and offer him a tired smile. “Thank you. But really, I think I’m okay now. It’s easier getting through this when you or Hizashi are around.”

Shouta looks like he doesn’t quite believe you, but he knows coddling you will only make you mad. You’ve come far enough, trusting him to see you during a vulnerable moment. He wasn’t going to push it further.

“Promise you’ll call me if you start feeling less okay.”

You roll your eyes lightheartedly. “Yes, dad.”

“I’m serious, Y/N. Me or Hizashi. We’ll talk with you through whatever’s causing you problems.”

You avert your gaze from his, inklings of guilt creeping into your heart. “You’re not my therapists,” you tell him softly, “You shouldn’t have to talk me through anything. It’s not your job to deal with all my fucked up shit.”

“But we do love you.” He reaches down and takes your face in his hands, thumbs gently stroking over your damp cheeks. “We’ll support you however you need, no matter what. We want to be there for you, okay?”

You lean into his touch for a couple seconds, letting your eyes fall shut.

“Alright,” you relent, “if something happens, I’ll call one of you.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

He leans forward and kisses you, then stands to continue dressing. You watch him as he moves around the room, collecting his various accessories and pouches, pointing things out to him whenever he can’t find it.

He’s out of the house a few minutes later, leaving you with a warm goodbye and a tight hug. Hizashi had gone even earlier, which now left you completely alone in the house.

It seemed more spacious than it usually did, now that you’re on your own. No background din of partners moving around, no sounds of quiet conversation, or television music. Your chest dully aches as you flop back onto the bed and pull the blankets over your body.

You didn’t particularly want to go back to sleep, but you could feel the tiredness still in your limbs, and the heaviness behind your eyes. On top of that, your therapist had suggested you try some breathing exercises when trying to fall asleep, and you’d yet to try them out. Even if you didn’t pass back out, it might still be enough to allow you to lay there with your eyes shut.

Lo and behold, not thirty seconds after you start measuring your breaths, you begin to drift off.

----

The next time you wake, it’s nearly one in the afternoon. You feel surprisingly rested with the extra couple of hours, but you’re even more amazed with the lack of recurring nightmares. Plain, decent rests were few and far between.

Feeling revived, you’re able to look at your earlier dream more logically. It’s obvious now that your past is still haunting you, and that you’re even further stressed about the events to come. Your confrontation with Akuma is less than a week away, and you can finally see how much it’s weighing on you.

You’ve been trying your best to remain optimistic, to prepare yourself mentally for the oncoming fight, but you’re just so...tired. All the time. Exhausted down to your very core. You know that therapy will help you in the long run, and that’s what you’re planning for, but you know it’ll be months until you start feeling the affects.

You might not even have months left to live.

You sigh deeply, wishing your negative thoughts would leave you alone. Your phone sits on the bedside table beside you, silently taunting you. You could call one of your boyfriends...but did this count as a stressful time; dealing with the very hard truth?

Probably not.

And you don’t want to feel like a burden, like you need help with every tiny thing.

You could get through this on your own, you decide. You had an appointment in three hours, so if you could make it that long, you’d be okay.

But...maybe you’d leave a little earlier than usual. Getting out of the house would probably be good for you, so maybe you’d stop to get a coffee before your session...

Your heart warms at the thought of a warm drink and a snack, so you roll out of bed and start going about your day. No more moping around, you tell yourself. You were going to hold your head high, and hope your mood gets the memo.

----

It’s a nice afternoon for a walk. Not too hot, not too cold, sunny with white fluffy clouds dotted around, and a light breeze. You sip at the drink in your hand, letting the sweet taste soothe you from the inside out. You weren’t entirely sure whereabouts you were, having been wandering the city aimlessly for the past half hour.

Oddly enough, it didn’t bother you. Most often, you liked to know your exact location, to know which way you could run if you needed to. But today, despite your earlier panic, you feel...good. Light. You can’t describe the sudden onslaught of positivity, but you know it’s there. Maybe because Shouta and Hizashi are just a phonecall away, maybe it’s because you’re taking the time to care for yourself, maybe it’s-

You nearly jump out of your skin when a car alarm starts blaring beside you. Anyone around you would probably chuckle at your actions, and you take a second to smile at yourself.

A shop owner must have seen your distress, because he nods apologetically at you as he rushes out of his store to turn the alarm off. He looks tired and spread thin, not unlike your own reflection, and you pause momentarily to watch him walk back into the shop.

You glance over the flyers pasted to the windows, and an odd tremor crawls up your spine.

You try for a moment to chalk it up to your regular anxiety returning, flaring up from your spook a few moments ago...but something in the back of your mind tells you otherwise, some intricately honed survival sense that you’d obtained from years of being under threat.

You look a little closer at the papers in the window.

Most of them are outdated; old advertisements for food deals and community events, images of a couple lost pets. But there’s one sheet at the very center of the mess that catches your eye.

The paper is so pink it’s nearly blinding in the sunlight, but you’re still able to read the details. A charity event at the shop where it’s posted, one day only, when proceeds from every order will be donated to local food banks.

Usually something like that would have you scribbling the date down to participate...but this one freezes your heart to ice and sends another peculiar tremble through your body.

It’s dated for next week. The very day Akuma is meant to attack.

You skitter back a few steps and look up at the store’s sign, fear beginning to roil around in your gut.

Chicken shop. Cartoon chicken mascot.

This is wrong, you think. She’s not meant to attack until next week.

You hurry along from the shop, nearly running as you try to get out of the immediate area. You cut and dive around various slower-paced people, paying them no mind as they scold you for your rudeness.

But no matter how quickly you run, you can’t shake the feeling of impending danger.

You duck into a small nook beside a larger building, a building you’re fairly certain is the radio station from Oracle’s vision, and pull out your phone.

You feel so stupid, while the phone rings and you wait for Shouta to pick up. Oracle has said they couldn’t confirm the date for sure, but you’d pitted everything on them being right. They’d even warned you to be careful about where you go, until the event happened, but you hadn’t listened.

“Shit,” your curse, when you get put through to your boyfriend’s voicemail, bouncing back and forth from one foot to the other.

“Shouta, listen to me,” you tell the recording, “We got the date wrong. I was stupid. I wasn’t careful enough, and I’m downtown. I don’t think this is my mind playing tricks on me, not this time. It feels different. I think Akuma-”

Your breath freezes in your lungs when something cold and pliable wraps around your throat, and a warm body presses against your back. You try to squirm away, but more icy tar wraps around your extremities, holding you in place.

“Hello, little mouse,” Akuma coos, sickly sweet in your ear, “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

Your phone falls out of your hand, landing on the sidewalk with a wet splat. It feels disgusting as Akuma’s tendrils wire and snake around your body, soaking through your clothes and into your skin. Your vision is already beginning to fade, and your breath is laboured as the air is choked out of your lungs.

“Your little partner resisted his death, but I have a feeling you won’t make the same mistake.”

The final thought you have is one of Shouta and Hizashi, holding you close with warmth and affection.

Then the world goes black.

#aizawa x reader #aizawa shouta x reader #yamada hizashi x reader #present mic x reader #erasermic x reader #bnha x reader #mha x reader #Space Between

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taexual · 4 years

Text

i’d love you to stay but that’s simply insane // JJK (8)

jungkook is an uncontrollable lead vocalist of the campus band, and you’re a goal-oriented top student that’s known his rich and complicated family since childhood. you don’t want anything to do with each other, until each other is exactly what you want to do.

pairing: jeon jungkook x reader

genre: college au

warnings: liiiittle bit of angst (jungkook is nervous and bitter ok)

words: 3.7k

chapter eight

Just like the last time you’d attended a Parental Advisory gig, this time the club was also packed with people wasted, excited, and just all-around hot for life. However, instead of finding your usual spot by the second-floor bar – you preferred to steer clear of the crowd where a stranger could have started grinding on you any second and Inna loved the view of the stage from higher up – you and your roommate were now at the barricade.

“I really shouldn’t have told you he asked me to come,” you said with a sigh as the drunken crowd kept pushing you in every direction. You didn’t think Inna was going to hear you but she turned to you with a disappointed look.

“Yes, you should have. And I’m glad you did. Otherwise, we’d be over there, all the way across the club,” she said, swinging her hand back to point at the second floor and nearly poking the eye out of a guy who was walking past. She ignored his surprised yelp and swung her hand right back to point at the stage this time, “when Jungkook needs you here.”

“He doesn’t need me—”

“Hey, why don’t you just accept things for the way they are,” she suggested but it sounded more like an order, “and enjoy yourself a little, yeah? You can always go back to your strict routine tomorrow. You can forget yourself for an hour or two tonight.”

You wanted to get offended – your routine wasn’t that strict – but you felt like she was right and couldn’t bring yourself to argue with her further. Loosening up didn’t come naturally to you, however, so you told Inna you’d head to the bar for some drinks. but she grabbed the sleeve of your jacket as soon as you turned around.

“Are you kidding?” she asked, completely unamused. “There were, at least, ten guys who have been staring at you since we got here. There’s not a chance in hell you’re getting your own drink.”

“Inna, I’m not asking some guys I’m not even interested in to buy me drinks,” you said. You were surprised to hear how decided your voice sounded – as if there was someone you were interested in, but they currently weren’t available to buy you drinks and you didn’t want anyone else to do it instead.

Obviously, Inna noticed this, too, as she replied, “well, you can’t ask Jungkook because he’s on stage, so—”

“I’m not interested in him, either,” you cut her off, crossing your arms over your chest defensively – and childishly – while your roommate scoffed.

“Please,” she was in the middle of rolling her eyes but then she noticed – sensed him, really – a guy giving you a once-over as he walked by and, quickly letting go of your sleeve, she grabbed his instead. “Hey! My friend here was just saying how cute you were.”

Your eyes widened as the guy stopped and looked at you, a smirk appearing on his lips.

“She was?” he asked Inna.

“I—” you tried to interject – to fight for your dignity – but your roommate was on a mission.

“Yeah,” Inna told him. “She’s just not the kind of person who’d make the first move, you know?”

“Well,” the guy said, pleased. “That just happens to be my type. Can I get you ladies some drinks?”

“We—”

“That would be fantastic!” Inna beat you to it once again, looking at you with a proud expression on her face as soon as the guy walked away with a promise of ‘just a second’. You shook your head at her but she wasn’t fazed by your disapproval. “Don’t give me that look, this is what I meant when I told you to forget yourself.”

“I don’t feel comfortable using other people to get me drinks,” you said.

She understood what you were saying but she wasn’t in the mood to start a discussion about it right now, so she just patted your shoulder and said with a playful wink, “he’s the one who offered. And he’ll get to enjoy our company in exchange for the drinks. For a few minutes, at least.”

You were in the middle of a very deep sigh when you turned your head to face the stage again, and your eyes met Jungkook’s gaze. The air got caught in your throat and you started to cough violently about half a moment after you caught his sparkling eyes, and the boy on stage – proud to have this effect on you – smirked before walking away to interact with the other half of the club.

Jungkook walked back and forth on the stage a lot that night – just like any other night – but he kept finding himself on your side of the stage during every chorus of every song. His performance wasn’t meant for your exclusively – he was so good at what he did that, even if he’d have dedicated every song for you, the whole club would have still had the time of their lives – but your heart still fluttered – actually, your whole chest went through an actual earthquake, to be more precise – whenever he appeared in front of you.

This was serious. Seven years seemed to disappear with every blink of his purposefully deep brown eyes, and you were fourteen again. Fourteen and very much in love with him. Fourteen and listening to him tell you that you were his best friend, but. Fourteen and heartbroken when the “but” provided no real explanation as to why he decided to no longer be a part of your life.

And yet, you’d told him you wanted to be friends last Sunday at his house. No buts, no additional conditions, and no goodbyes without an explanation. You were starting over -- a genuine friendship, so long overdue.

And you didn’t lie. You did want to be friends. But, watching him tear himself to pieces as he performed the band’s latest song, you also wanted him in so many other ways, too.

It scared you again because you were starting to realize that no matter how much you tried to convince yourself – and him – that you’d be able to be just friends, it was next to impossible to forget all the feelings, dwelling underneath. They had been simmering slowly for the seven years that you didn’t talk – or maybe they faded away completely, but it was hard to imagine this fire ever going out – but they were full-on boiling now. You couldn’t let them spill because what if?

You survived the “you’re my best friend, but…” but you didn’t think you could survive the “I love you, but…”.

So, turning to look at the guy Inna had harassed to buy you drinks before, you accepted the cocktail he’d brought and gave him a smile. He was handsome, sure, but you didn’t feel attracted to him. And yet, faking attraction was much easier than faking indifference, as you thanked the guy for the drink and allowed him to gently touch your shoulder when he leaned in to ask you what your name was.

Because Jungkook was unable to tear his eyes off of you for longer than a minute tonight, he ended up witnessing the whole thing. He saw the guy bring the cocktails to you and your roommate – but the guy had his eyes for you only. He even saw him say something to the two of you that made you both laugh – but the guy only waited for your reaction.

And, before long, Jungkook found himself gripping the microphone so tightly, his knuckles turned white. He never missed a note – he knew better than that – but he stopped interacting with the club as much as he used to. People in the crowd didn’t notice his unusual lack of fan-service – they were fine as long as he kept singing and they kept drinking – but his bandmates saw that something was wrong immediately.

They wanted to ask him what happened – Taehyung even attempted to communicate with his eyes but Jungkook wouldn’t look at him – but they figured what the problem was as soon as the show ended, when Jungkook slipped away from the changing room and went out to find you. He caught you on your way out of the club.

“Hey!” he hollered so loudly, several groups of people around him stopped and turned. But Jungkook was looking at you. Always at you.

You were already too far from the club to hear him properly, so you excused yourself to Inna – who was more than happy for you two to talk – and went over to him.

“Hey,” you said. “Why are you still here? Isn’t there an after party you’re supposed to get to?”

He was expecting you to comment on the show, on his performance—but most of all, on the god-damn guy that had brought you drinks—or on anything else that had just happened. But, as they tended to do a lot lately – “I want us to be friends” – your words caught him off-guard.

“Uh, yeah, but I don’t really feel like going,” he mumbled and then nodded in the direction of your roommate who was now texting someone on her phone because she wasn’t sure if she should have waited for you. “Were you actually going to leave without saying goodbye to me?”

You hesitated. Because, yes, you were. And now, suddenly, you weren’t.

“Was I supposed to say goodbye?” you asked, feeling stupid.

“Well, that would have been the nice thing to do,” his voice was void of virtually any emotion, so you relied on his eyes and the way they narrowed as he said this.

“I didn’t want to invade your space,” you ended up saying even though, the truth was, you didn’t know how to be his friend anymore. Not even the cocktails you’d consumed inside would have gotten you to admit that, though.

Jungkook gave you a doubtful look. “It’s a club.”

“No, yeah, but you’re in the band and—”

“I invited you to come,” he said. “Obviously, I want you here.”

You lowered your eyes and Jungkook quickly recognized your discomfort. You probably thought that leaving was the right thing to do because you didn’t want to join him at the after-party, but he ambushed you anyway. You offered him your friendship but here he was, all insistent and most likely frustrating, too.

Maybe he was taking this too far. Maybe he wasn’t supposed to look for you. Maybe he should have—fuck, even after knowing you for so many years, he wasn’t sure what “being friends” involved. He couldn’t remember how to play this role.

“Yeah. It’s just—” you started to say but Jungkook laughed lightly – the ultimate way to relieve tension – and you looked at him again, relieved almost as soon as you heard it.

“Okay, enough with the excuses,” he said and then added, in a way that didn’t make it clear if he was teasing you or not, “I get it. You have better plans.”

You watched each other for a few seconds then – him, with a manufactured smile that he hoped looked friendly, and you, with a confused wrinkle between your brows because, even though you’d decided to be friends last Sunday, you still couldn’t figure out how to act around him – before you finally spoke up, choosing to go down the honest route instead of further trying to find a way to excuse your actions.

“I don’t. You’re the only plan I have tonight,” you said and he clearly took it the wrong way as his eyes widened just slightly, his lips stretching into an impressed smirk. “I-I mean—the show. Your show. You know—”

To ease your suffering – and to appeal to his own nagging curiosity – Jungkook deflected. “Who’s the guy who got you and Inna drinks?”

“What?” the question took you by surprise but you regained your balance quickly, “oh. I don’t know. Just some guy Inna saw while dancing and basically demanded he got us drinks. We’d have paid him back – probably – but he just sort of—”

Jungkook liked what he’d heard so he didn’t need the full story. “So, it was just a random guy?”

“Yeah, of course,” you said. “Why?”

“No reason,” he replied, turning to look behind him, at the door of the club, so you couldn’t see his relieved smile – all for your benefit, since he was just trying to be a good friend. “Hey, can we—do you want to go for a walk? Inna seems to have given up on you.”

You turned to check for your roommate but she was indeed no longer there. She must have left and you felt bad about making her wait for you -- and made a mental note to bring her back some sweets on your way home to make up for it -- but you knew she’d have slapped you silly if she found out you were thinking of her when you were with Jungkook.

“So it seems. Why a walk?” you asked when you looked at him again. The two of you had never taken walks together. In fact, you didn’t think Jungkook was ever the type to wander around aimlessly, he always acted on purpose. “I mean, sure, but since when do you—”

“Let’s not analyze since when,” he said, hands now in his pockets as he braced himself for something he’d been thinking about this whole week.

You noticed the gears in his brain come to action and gave him a suspicious look. “So, is there an intention behind this walk?”

“No,” he said as you two headed towards the road that lead behind the club and back to campus. “Okay, nevermind, there is. I have a favor to ask.”

You found that unexpected. “A favor?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. Go ahead.”

Jungkook was going to go ahead but then, as soon as he opened his mouth, he realized he didn’t really know how to.

“I need—would you, uh—” he stammered awkwardly but then stopped, shaking his head. This wasn’t coming out the way he’d intended at all. Finally, he took a breath to calm himself, and just spat it out, “I’d like it if you went to dinner at my parents’ house with me next Sunday night.”

It sounded wrong when he said it and you, watching him without replying, made it worse.

“I just—I can’t endure my father’s judgmental eyes without wanting to get mind-numbingly drunk after I leave,” he explained, his eyes set firmly on the pavement. Thousands of excuses flew through his mind, all so you wouldn’t take his invitation the wrong way. “He’ll kick-start my descent into alcoholism, I swear.”

You still couldn’t grasp what he was trying to achieve by bringing you into his house. His parents wanted him there, he’d promised he would come. It felt like a private matter. A family matter. You couldn’t see where you fit into this.

“And you think he wouldn’t look at you like that if I were there?” you asked.

“No, he probably still would,” Jungkook said. He wasn’t delusional. He knew you being there wouldn’t miraculously make his father proud of him. But he also knew several other things, too. “But, with you there, I wouldn’t want to forget about the night as soon as it ended.”

Just hearing him mention you lit your body up and you were drowning in wildfires by the time he finished his sentence. You wondered if they would go out or were you going to burn alive in them first.

“I—well, I wouldn’t mind coming,” you admitted slowly, walking a thin-line between your duties as his friend and something else entirely. “But are you sure I won’t make it more awkward for you?”

“Why would it be more awkward?”

“Well, you know,” you said but he obviously didn’t know. “I—y-you’re trying to prove to them that you’re a mature adult, right? And if you bring me there, it could seem like you’re still reckless. Like maybe you’re trying to take the heat off of yourself by bringing me along. Or, even worse, it could seem like you’re still, I don’t know, sleeping around and now you’re even bringing girls over to your parents’ place.”

He considered every one of the hypothetical scenarios you pointed out and, even though he wanted to laugh at the campus folktale of him, sleeping with anything that moved, he had to admit, you may have also had a point. However, as soon as you proposed a problem – his mind conjured up a solution.

This solution came in his father’s voice, demanding he stopped destroying himself and his family’s legacy. Insisting it was time he got himself together and started to act like an adult.

“What if I told them I was seriously committed?” Jungkook said.

You snorted. “Well, then me being there would definitely make it awkward.”

He felt stupid having to spell it out for you as he stopped walking and gave you a look. And if his posture didn’t prove how determined he was, his dead-serious eyes certainly did.

“You didn’t hear me,” he said. “You’d be the one I’m committed to. I-I mean, that’s what I’d tell them.”

Your skin prickled. Your palms were wet. Even the campus pigeons stopped pecking the ground and turned to watch the two of you.

“You’re, uh, suggesting we fake-date for your parents?” you clarified.

“I—well, yeah,” he shrugged, realizing why you were looking at him with the shocked doe-eyes, but choosing to play it off as not that big of a deal because it didn’t have to be. “I guess I am.”

You looked away, the evening air suddenly chilly as you crossed your arms over your chest. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea. Our parents know each other, it’d be weird.”

You could have kept going but, at the core of all reasons why you thought this was an awful plan, was the very reason that stopped you from giving in and confessing your feelings to him. You were afraid.

But Jungkook was on a roll now, completely convinced that he was a genius. He thought this was a profound idea that was going to solve a lot of his problems and maybe even make his father forget what a poor excuse of a son he’d been his whole life. Not to mention, it’d provide you both with so many opportunities to spend time together in an environment where you grew up and, thus, strengthen your friendship.

And, as he looked for the quickest way to convince you, he could also make out another advantage -- this one all about you.

“No, come on, think about it,” he said, energetic. “This deal can benefit you, too.”

“H-how would it benefit me, exactly?”

“I can make your dreams come true,” he said and, even before he elaborated, you didn’t doubt that he could. “I can get you a position at my company—well, my family company. You could intern there with me this summer, gain the experience you’d need for your own future, and then start a business of your own. Like you’d always wanted.”

You had to be honest, that sounded good. Wrong -- probably; you were never sure what was right when he was looking at you like that -- but good.

However, even despite him having this overwhelming effect on you and despite the end-result sounding so desirable, you still saw too many flaws in the plan.

“You couldn’t do that,” you said.

“I could,” he nodded eagerly. “For you.”

You cursed your heart for immediately jumping to your throat after he said this. “N-no, I mean—you’re barely a member of the board.”

“No, but that’s exactly why I need your help. My family will see how good I’m doing, how serious I am, and they’ll finally relieve some of the pressure they’ve been putting on me. Maybe they’ll even start to trust me,” he said and the more he talked, the more he believed this would work. It was hard not to get infected with his confidence. “And then we’re diving head-first into business from there. You help me turn into a very dedicated heir and I help you get something you’d always wanted.”

You were biting your lip in an attempt to save yourself from his contagious optimism. You couldn’t even look at him out of fear that you’d say yes without really thinking this through.

“That sounds too easy,” you said.

Jungkook sighed.

“Listen, I know you don’t want to date or anything and I’m not suggesting that,” he said, careful, “but can we just pretend to for my parents? Please? It’s just a friend helping out a friend, if you think about it.”

You had a feeling he was asking you to sign your death certificate as you said, “it’s really not. This will blow up in our faces, I swear.”

“It won’t! It can’t,” he disagreed, seeing how close he was to getting you to say yes. You’d been avoiding his eyes but now you finally looked at him and he put all of his hopes into the look he gave you. “You’re exactly what I need to show them that I am getting my life together. My parents know you already. They need to catch up with you so they can see how much you’ve grown but how you’re still as hard-working and dedicated as you used to be. How you’re a good influence on everyone you meet.”

“It’s—” you tried to say but he took a step closer to you and you forgot all words.

“In the end, even if they don’t end up being convinced that I’m changed,” he spoke, “they will probably still decide to ask you to join the company after they see your devotion. Your ambition.”

It was outrageous and yet you couldn’t say no because you thought that maybe it really didn’t hurt to try and see what happened -- courtesy of the cocktails you’d had before he found you -- but also because he looked like his life depended on this and it would have broken your heart to turn him down -- courtesy of a lifetime spent loving him a lot more than you probably should have.

“This is borderline ridiculous,” you tried but your voice lacked conviction, “we—”

“All the best ideas are ridiculous!” he argued.

“I can name several scientists who would disagree.”

“I don’t doubt that you can name a lot more than just several,” he countered, extending his hand, palm-up. “But come on. Give your friend a hand, would you? Please. I really need this. I need you.”

And, in the end, the reason why you took his hand wasn’t because of the position in his company that he’d offered. It wasn’t because he was so passionate about this plan. It wasn’t even because you wanted him to mature at least a little, so he’d stop hurting himself. So he’d grow closer to his family.

None of that affected you as much as his eyes did.

You took his hand because you still couldn’t say no to him. Because he needed you.

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