#even though i don't have a team for her yet rip

[bluemantics]

ficlet giveaway prize for @yuutsunaoi of klance "struggling to adjust with their new roles as the red and black paladin." i hope you enjoy!

Shiro was gone, and everything was going incredibly wrong.

"Pidge, go to sleep."

"I can find him."

"I'm serious. You need to sleep."

"You can't tell me what to do, Keith, you're not my mom."

"We need you well-rested for Voltron, and I'm the Black Paladin--"

"Isn't he your brother? Do you even want him back?"

Lance groaned, pinching his nose as he leaned against the wall. He had positioned himself just outside the Castleship's living room after he saw Keith go in, worried that the temperamental fighter would offend their youngest teammate. Lo and behold, it hadn't even taken two minutes before the two started to clash.

While Lance could appreciate how they normally melded, he knew that Shiro's... vanishing would trigger fight-or-flight responses in both of them. Honestly, it was a miracle that Keith hadn't spirited off to some random planet on a panic-induced sabbatical. Or maybe the true miracle was that Pidge hadn't ripped Keith's face off, he wondered, as he walked through the door and took in the scene before him.

Pidge had jumped on top of the couch, face contorted in anger, hands balled at her sides. Her computer was lying forgotten beside her feet. Facing her, Keith was entirely red, thick eyebrows pulled down in distinct rage. At least, that was what he wanted Pidge to think.

It was easy for Lance to note the glimmer of hurt in his eyes. Yeah, that comment about Shiro had definitely landed.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Lance called out, raising his arms. Instantly, both heads whipped to face him, expressions unchanged. "Let's back it up, guys."

Keith straightened up and crossed his arms. "It's fine. Pidge just needs to listen."

"I swear to god," Pidge seethed, "I will tear your stupid hair off your stupid head."

Okay, Lance was always in support of a hair insult when it came to Keith, but he had to stop this.

"No one is ripping anyone's hair. Pidge, I admire what you're doing here. Really, I do," Lance began, gesturing to the computer. "No one else on the team can sort through all the data you're collecting from the lion and the Galrans."

"I know. That's why I have to keep working," she snapped. Lance approached her slowly.

"Okay, but what if I told you that's the reason you need to slow down?"

"That makes no sense." Pidge looked curious, though, and a soft smile pulled at Lance's lips. He'd caught her on the hook easily. Unlike the others, Pidge couldn't be persuaded with placating words or niceties. No, what she needed was a little bit different.

"Logically, humans can't operate at capacity for 24 hours straight. We don't have the brainpower." He knocked on his own head to demonstrate, aware of Keith's eyes fixating on his every movement. Good. Maybe he could take something out of this. "Brains need time to breathe, Pidgey."

"I know that," she huffed, but her eyes softened slightly.

"So, if you know that, you know you're likely not an exception." Lance reached over to her computer and plucked it up, closed the lid, and held it out to her. His heart melted a little at her frown. Pidge was far too young to be losing her family and Shiro at the same time, much less being burdened with their rescues. "You'll find him. I know you will. But you're gonna make a mistake or miss something if you aren't in tip-top shape while you search."

Hesitantly, Pidge's hand darted forward to pull her computer to her chest. Hugging it to herself tightly, she looked between Lance and Keith, apprehensive yet seeming more open than before. Finally, she gave Lance a sharp nod. It wasn't long before she jumped down from her perch and stomped out of the room, the automatic doors swishing shut behind her. Keith let out a sound that sounded like a mix between a sigh of relief and a groan.

"I'm shit," he mumbled, wiping his hands down his face. A chuckle pulled out of Lance's throat.

"A little bit," Lance agreed, turning to face Keith with amusement clear on his face. His lighthearted mood died down, though, when Keith moved to sit on the couch, elbows braced against his knees as he slumped over. "Oh, hey, buddy."

"I can't do this, Lance."

"What? Force Pidge to sleep?" Lance quickly took a seat at Keith's right, crossing an ankle over his knee.

"All of it," Keith muttered. His deep eyes looked thoughtful and weary as they stared straight ahead, fixed on nothing. "People wanted to listen to Shiro. Sure, sometimes they'd disagree, but they eventually came around. They trusted him to know more. I trusted him."

"Hmm," Lance nodded, thinking back. Keith wasn't lying; following Shiro had been natural. He was older, experienced, and had a solid balance of intimidation and empathy. "So you don't feel like you've got that same respect as Black Paladin?" Keith let out a broken laugh, shaking his head.

"Why would they listen to me? I'm a mess. I didn't exactly hide that."

"No, that's not it," Lance pressed. "They just don't think you understand them."

"I don't. They're right."

"Well, you can try," Lance said, gears turning in his head quickly. "Tonight was a good example. Pidge is angry, kinda like you, about a lot of stuff, but especially about losing control. She feels like she's entirely out of control with the loss of Shiro and all the changes in our lions."

Keith was watching Lance, now, eyebrows raised at his explanation. Hopefully, that was an invitation to continue. "So, meet her where she is. Relate to her. Explain things how she'd want to hear it, not in the way you think Shiro would."

"I'm not good at that," Keith responded, shifting uncomfortably. His hands twitched where they rested. "You do that shit way better."

"Well, then, I guess I'll just have to help you. Which is literally my job, by the way." Lance's hand moved between the two of them as he spoke. "I can help you meet them where they are, help them feel seen. I'll show you their communication styles. I promise, it isn't as hard as it seems."

"Okay," Keith agreed, unsure but still affirmative.

"But you have to help me, too. This is a partnership."

"A partnership?" Keith snorted in disbelief. "You hate working with me off the battlefield. You called me stupid at least five times in the last month."

Lance scoffed, waving the notion away. "Well, I'm a mature adult, so I can put aside my qualms with you despite your tragically dramatic hangups." That drew an actual laugh from Keith, oddly enough, sparking little butterfly flaps in Lance's stomach. Weird.

"What do you need?" Keith asked through the slight upward tilt of his lips. Shaking his head, Lance snapped back to their conversation.

"Teach me to fight."

"Fight?" Keith tilted his head. "You're our sharpshooter, though. You shouldn't need to do hand-to-hand." While that acknowledgment pleased him, Lance rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, but clearly I'm occupying some different shoes now." He shrugged. "I need to be ready to fill any gaps on the team, now, with one of our close-range guys out of the picture. Plus, I can't always expect that the battles won't come to me, even if you guys try to protect me."

Without pause, Keith sat up, leaning toward Lance. His eyes bore into Lance's with an intensity and fire expected out of the former Red Paladin. "You'll take it seriously?"

A pang struck Lance's gut. "Obviously. I'm insulted you'd ask."

"Fine, then. It's a deal."

"It's a partnership," Lance reminded him, elbowing his side. A grunt of affirmation sounded from Keith, who shoved Lance away with an arm. Letting the momentum carry him, Lance flopped down onto the couch with a pleased sigh.

The whole team had been struggling recently, not just Lance and Keith. Pidge was staying up to run data on Black. Allura spent overtime poring over diplomatic records and contacting foreign planets. Hunk struggled to tamp down on his anxieties during group discussion, nausea clear on his face. Even Coran was less chipper and more focused than before.

But, just maybe, if Keith and Lance could lead the way, the others would fall in step. Together, they could... make it easier. Okay, even.

That was only his privately held theory, though. Voicing it aloud was unthinkable.

"Bedtime?" he suggested to Keith.

"Training," Keith shot back, heaving himself to his feet and yanking the couch cushion out from under Lance. Crashing to the floor with a yelp, Lance stared up at Keith, rubbing his leg.

"Ow, dude!"

"I'll meet you at the training deck in ten minutes. Get changed and grab water."

Lance smirked at his retreating back and shoved himself upright.

Yeah, they'd be fine.

[emoanemo]

succesfully acquired feixiao and a lil guy 😌

some silly shenanigans under the cut

in my attempt to convince my bestie to play the event i made him this:

and so i went back to google image search and found this:

which then lead to my friend requesting i make this:

and ofc i couldn't leave it at that and ended up making the ultimate version:

which is now my friend's desktop background lol

[wileys-russo]

the striped bathrobe II a.putellas

i have not written anything in a hot minute so please be kind <3 the striped bathrobe II a.putellas

"-no no i should be home over the next break in november, i'm not up for selection this time. i just need to book flights back home and clear it with the club to take a few days to myself among training." you tucked your phone between your ear and shoulder, fiddling with the bracelet on your wrist to try and get the clasp open.

"yes, by my own choice mum. because i just want a break and they've already cleared it, sarina is a very patient and sane woman." you chuckled, squealing as a hand wrapped around your free wrist, tugging you out of the hallway and into one of the storage rooms.

"mum? i have to go, yeah yeah i'll let you know i love you too bye!" you rushed out practically all in one breath and hung up right as lips pressed to yours, just managing to grab your phone before it fell and hit the floor.

"well hi." you laughed into the kiss, strong hands pressed flat against the small of your back as she drew your body impossibly close into her own. "hola." the taller girl smiled, pecking your lips a few more times.

"kissing in a storage room? capitana..." you tutted with a frown and a sarcastic shake of your head, the catalan woman chuckling and flicking your ear playfully. "i missed you." she professed softly and you melted both at the admission and the lightly accented english.

"i saw you last night ale." you teased, thumb tracing the curvature of her jaw with a smile. "sí, too long." alexia hummed, pulling you in for another kiss and swallowing the joking remark on the tip of your tongue as her own snaked its way into your mouth.

"okay enough! don't you have a big important meeting to get to? that is why you rushed away this morning." you pulled away with a chuckle as you felt her hands start to move down a little lower on your body, grabbing them and moving them to rest on your hips instead.

alexia only sighed dramatically, head falling to your shoulder as her taller form slumped into yours and you snuck a hand up the back of her shirt, nails gently scratching at her back.

but you were right, she had a meeting and as much as she'd love nothing more than to kiss you forever alexia had professional responsibilities to attend to.

though she'd be lying if she didn't admit her priorities were a little...askew lately.

"i wish i could kiss you all the time amor." your girlfriend confessed quietly, voice a little muffled against your neck as you smiled. "i know, i'm just not there yet." you whispered apologetically, your shared relationship a complete secret much to the blondes poorly hidden distaste.

it wasn't that she wanted things between you both directly in the public eye, alexia valued her own privacy very much despite how seldom she was given it, but not even being able to talk about you to her family or closest most trusted friends, wasn't the easiest.

but as always, your girlfriend assured you it was fine and you kissed her again to shut up the apology you knew was coming for her comment, drowning her in assurances of your own that you knew she wasn't pressuring you in the slightest.

even if you knew deep down there was likely a part of her that wished things were different.

it wasn't that you were ashamed, anything but.

it was more you knew the girl tucking her nose into your neck had quite the social profile, known not just to barcelona but the greater world as one of the best there was, infamous la reina.

you weren't exactly unknown, having wracked up quite a few caps both for england and for arsenal before you'd made the move away from the uk and landed in spain.

but you'd also seen yourself be ripped to shreds enough on social media after an own goal in the last world cup and the big move team to team to have deleted most of your social media bar your instagram, which these days was near exclusively ran by your agency team.

but occasionally the insecurity and curiosity decided to hold hands and pull you along, which would lead you down rather toxic rabbit holes of searching your own name and consuming yourself in whatever sorts of headlines and articles that popped up in response.

that was sometimes how alexia found you when you'd made an excuse you needed to use the bathroom at her apartment and disappeared for just a little too long for that to be true, seen to be instead sat on the edge of the bathtub doom scrolling with a frown etched into your normally relaxed features.

your phone would be snatched from your hand, protests dying in your throat as your gaze locked with the pools of hazel that glanced down with a tenderness and an understanding you never really thought you deserved from her.

shortly after both of your phones would then sit dormant on her counter as she'd tell you firmly not to listen to anyone that didn’t truly know you and that what other people thought of you wasn’t your business anyway. 

then your hand in hers she’d pull you back to the sofa, drowning you in validation, skin ablaze with her touch on yours, loving and soft yet still so filled with passion you'd never found in any other lover before alexia.

you didn't think you really knew what it was like to be treasured before you met alexia. the girl treated you like a precious jewel, hanging off your every word and looking at you like you hung the moon and the stars.

and for her? you'd do it without a moments hesitation.

to play for barcelona was one of your biggest achievements and you were incredibly proud, however it came at a cost of being put under a microscope, and you couldn't even imagine what might come up if people found out you and alexia were seeing one another.

to your girlfriends credit she'd never put pressure on making anything with the pair of you public, you'd been seeing one another for a little over a month now and you knew she was eager for you to meet her family with how much they meant to her, and you'd been working yourself up to that.

which is how it had come to dinner tonight, both alexias sister and mother going to be in attendance and your stomach had been in knots for days now leading up to it, but you knew this was important and with alexia in your corner you knew you'd be okay.

but it didn't stop the doubts creeping in that you wouldn't be good enough to gain their approval, that once they found out you were wanting to keep your relationship with alexia private they'd be in her ear about it, maybe helping her to realise for good that she deserved better than to be kept in the dark.

"mi amor." you came back to with a hum as a calloused hand stroked your cheek, instantly de-tensing as you met her concerned gaze, a quick smile flashed her way to try and assure you weren't just free falling in your own head.

"you will come over for dinner tonight. sí?" your girlfriend asked with a curious look, a quick glance down to her watch showing she only had a few short moments to get to her meeting.

“yes. dinner and a sleep over!" you agreed with a grin causing your girlfriend to let out a puff of amusement. "i like the sleep overs." the blonde hummed, pulling your body back into hers and wasting no time enveloping your lips with her own.

"i like the mornings after too, like this morning..." alexias teeth grazed at your ear making you laugh quietly, the two of you having woken before your alarms and 'fooled around' before being interrupted by the realities of your schedules.

"mm this morning, you left me hanging." you clicked your tongue at her with a playful glare, repeating the phrase back to her in spanish as her eyes lit up. "alexia! that was not a green light to get in my pants in a closet." you smacked away her wandering hands and grabbed her neck, shutting up her protests that was not what she was doing with your mouth pressed to hers.

the two of you sharing a few more sweet kisses before forcing yourselves apart, alexia letting slip that both her sister and mother were quite eager to meet you.

"i am too amor, i promise." you melted into one anothers touch again, arms wrapped around each other, one last hug before you practically had to force yourselves out of one anothers hold.

"alexia!" you whispered as you opened the door and peeked out, the first to step out from the storage room, a small smack sounding as her hand made contact with your ass, a toothy grin all you got in response as you bit your lip to hide your smile and hurried off to the physio.

~

alexia tapped her knee anxiously as for the fifth time in a minute she tapped her phone screen, but no notification from you popped up. after training had finished you’d promised to let her know once you were ready this evening, alexia offering to drive so you could arrive and leave together to quell some of your nerves about meeting her family.

but you’d agreed to leave no later than five and it was now nearing five twenty and alexia was yet to hear a peep from you. of course she’d sent messages of her own, called a few times, even checked your location which sure enough showed you to be at your apartment.

maybe you were asleep? you did have quite the admirable skill of being able to take a nap just about anywhere, having dozed off on many of your teammates shoulders on bus or plane trips between games much to the their amusement and ongoing teasing.

she would just go to your apartment and check on you, at least then if you were asleep she could get you up and ready, already having sent her mami a message advising you were both running a little late to which she assured there wasn’t any rush.

though right as the midfielder grabbed her car keys from the counter her phone chimed in her pocket, alexia unable to pull it out fast enough as sure enough this time it was finally a notification from you.

but as she read the words on the screen, her smile dimmed and her lips slowly turned downward into a frown, eyebrows furrowed together in confusion as she read the message over a few times to make sure she hadn’t missed anything.

unfortunately though the words she was processing weren’t an explanation for your absence, well i suppose they were, though certainly not the one alexia was expecting.

you weren’t sleeping, or busy getting ready, you hadn’t lost track of time, in fact alexia allowed herself to wonder for a moment if you’d just waited up until the very last minute so she couldn’t do much about it. 

but the second those thoughts broke loose from the cage of her mind alexia scolded herself for them, assuring you weren’t like that and she shouldn’t think of you as such.

you’d let her know you were unwell and had come down with a stomach bug of sorts, apologising profusely but explaining you weren’t feeling up to dinner, and that you didn’t wish for your first time meeting her family to be under these circumstances.

on one hand your girlfriend could understand that, you’d been nervous enough about making a good impression let alone that impression being you running to the bathroom every few minutes as you’d so eloquently worded it in the message you’d sent her.

but on the other hand there were doubts that crept in, tiny little snake like feelings that slithered and hissed and wedged themselves into the miniscule gaps of the parts of alexias brain where logic ruled over worry.

little snakes that had her wondering if maybe your nerves had gotten the better of you and this was simply a thinly veiled excuse to get out of something that pushed you beyond your comfort zone, that zone being someone else knowing about the two of you being in a relationship and having to come at that head on.

of course when alexia had organised dinner she’d needed to tell her mother and sister who it was she was bringing, and you were hardly a stranger considering they were at almost every single match, so to some degree this was a tiny step forward you having been okay with that.

but now those horrid little snakes had alexia wondering if you were having doubts of your own, and if your doubts had caused you to retract within yourself and make the excuse to get out of having to confront this face on.

now as much as alexia was a logical person, or so she liked to think so, she was still a human being. so as she sat in the drivers seat of her car, fingers tapping anxiously against the wheel and your message, unanswered but read, sat open on her knee, the blonde was struggling to not let doubt overrule her logic.

you wouldn’t lie to her, you wouldn’t, you couldn’t, you just weren’t that sort of girl.

so with a grunt and a shake of her head alexia quickly messaged you back asking if you needed anything and offering to stop by after dinner, slid her keys in the ignition and her phone into her bag and flicked the radio on much louder than normal to try and drown out those awful little snakes of doubt.

~

alexia enjoyed her evening as much as she could, she could sense alba didn’t quite buy into your sudden illness as much but she was grateful her sister didn’t pick too much at it, though she supposed given the small but hardly secretive chat her mother and sister had not long after she arrived alone and explained the situation, might have something to do with it.

you’d messaged back a little while into dinner assuring you didn’t want alexia getting sick and that you’d ran down the street to the chemist to get what you needed, but again that you were sorry and promising to make it up to her and reschedule.

though when alexia had later asked if the weekend after the game worked, those little snakes had crept back in when you didn’t reply, but the logic overruled this time, assuring that you were unwell and likely had fallen asleep earlier than normal, and that she would see you at training anyway.

only alexia was still yet to hear back from you as she brushed her teeth and glared at her phone on the counter as if trying to mentally will a message from you come in, her messages from last night and this morning all unread and unanswered as you’d seemingly disappeared.

alexia would like to say she wasn’t surprised not to see you at training given you were unwell, but what did catch her off guard was that you must have called ahead this morning to let them know that since nobody seemed surprised you hadn’t arrived, and yet hadn’t managed to find a second to at least let her know you were okay.

so with that hanging above her head all session alexia threw herself into training, ignoring everyones attempts at conversations, only grunting or humming as needed as her teammates and friends seemed to catch on she wasn’t in a talkative mood and for the most part left her be.

but sensing that might not continue once training was actually over alexia was fast to grab her belongings and zoom out of the change rooms before anyone else had even really come off the pitch yet, deciding to shower at home and when your phone appeared switched off as she called it asl she made on her way to her car, that she’d stop in to see you on the way home just to make sure everything was fine.

you weren’t ignoring her, you weren’t, you were obviously still very unwell and as your girlfriend alexia wanted to let you know she was there for you. you’d always struggled to ask for help and feel like you deserved it when something was bothering you, you’d been very open about that with the blonde.

but with alexia from the moment the two of you had drifted into ‘more than friends’ territory you’d always gone above and beyond to communicate clearly with her how you were thinking and feeling.

you also had always made moves to validate and assure alexia that wanting to keep your relationship strictly between the two of you wasn’t anything to do with her, and despite the fact it was private you were an attentive, kind and passionate partner.

so for this wall of silence to suddenly spring up and coincide with the first time that things weren’t so private and weren’t so secret, all these little doubts and worries and nerves alexia had buried deep down, were pushing to break though, and it was beginning to feel downright suffocating.

but alexia knew seeing you would lift all that, that without you even having to do anything else but smile at her, all of those little snakes would be washed away and she could relax and silence all these nasty feelings trying to consume her an eat away at her usual logic.

when you didn’t answer alexias knock at your door the midfielder tried calling you again but your phone still seemed to be off which had her feeling a little uneasy. especially considering how much alexia teased you for your insistence that the pair of you couldn’t leave to go somewhere unless it was charged to 100%.

so with that unease alexia called out through the door that she was coming in and fumbled around in her bag for the spare key you’d given her just a couple of weeks ago so she could come and go as she pleased.

at first alexia was thrilled and of course did the same, though one night when she was laying in bed and you were asleep curled up next to her she did indulge a little into the darker corners of her mind that screamed the key was just a smokescreen.

a small pretty token to cover up the fact that you didn’t want anyone to know about the two of you, a dirty little secret where the sweet words and lingering kisses shared were hidden away from the outside world, something for just the pair of you to savour.

but as you’d stirred next to her and rolled a little closer, warm limbs wrapping around her like a python and pressing a lazy half asleep kiss to the underside of her jaw as you tucked into the familiar safety of your girlfriends hold, all of those nasty little thoughts melted away and her mind fell silent once more.

alexia of course never shared these murkier innermost thoughts with you, of course if she had you’d had gone above and beyond to quell her doubts, over explaining again that you wanted things between you kept private not from a place of shame or for a lack of adoration for the blonde.

but alexia just kept them all to herself, bottled up and festering, refusing to acknowledge that she was letting them eat away at her sanity piece by piece, when her defences slipped and her guard was down.

because no matter what, she still had you, even if it was just to herself. 

really she should consider it luck that she didn’t have to share you with anyone, you were adored among the team and with your witty remarks and cheeky sense of humour had slotted in quite perfectly when you transferred to barcelona.

but still there was a side of you that nobody else but alexia got to see, that alexia got to kiss and touch and worship all for her own, and she needed to remind herself of that maybe a little too often.

none the less the girl found her key and slotted it into the lock, turning the handle with a click and stepping inside, softly closing it behind her and slipping off her shoes before she took another step further just as she knew you liked.

alexia immediately frowned at the state of your kitchen, sink piled with dishes and all sorts of half consumed snacks and protein bars scattered across the counter, none of which were things she’d ever seen stocked up in your cupboards before, both of you with the same nutritionist who prepped nearly most of your meals for the week.

alexia grimaced but quickly began to rinse the dishes out of habit, if you were this unwell to leave your house in such a state then surely you’d appreciate the helping hand of the dishwasher at least stacked and ready to go, this easily had to be most of the dishware you owned considering you lived alone.

and you did live alone, which is what made what happened next all the more bizarre as alexia crouched down to rearrange a few large plates in the bottom of the washer, a frustrated huff leaving her lips as they wouldn’t sit as she wanted, knocking into one another with a clatter that made her jump.

that clatter seemed to attract something, or well someone, else to the source of the new noise.

as alexia finally deemed the washer stacked suitably to her standards she popped back up, only a near blood curdling scream left her lips as she came face to face with a stranger stood across from her, hands curled around one of your football trophies from when you were much younger, that alexia knew lived with the rest of your memorabilia in your spare room.

“¿quién eres? ¿por qué estás aquí?” alexia snapped right out of her shock and into defense mode, grabbing the object nearest to her which happened to be an empty wine bottle and brandishing it over her head threatningly as the mans eyes widened.

“uh uh-shit what did you say?” the man stuttered back, knuckles white with the grip he had on the trophy which he held up as his own makeshift weapon. “¿quién eres? ¿Por qué estás en casa de mi novia?” alexia spat again, advancing around the counter as the mans eyes almost popped out of his head and he stumbled backwards.

“shit um no espoy? no thats not it. shit, uh, no spanish! english english!” he managed to get out, pointing to himself with a nod of his head as eyes eyes narrowed. “who are you? why are you in my girlfriends home?” alexia gave in and spoke a little slower, this time in english which she sensed was the only way she would get to the bottom of this.

“girlfriend? she doesn’t have a girlfriend! who are you?” the man seemed to swell with a small boost of confidence, pointing at her with the trophy and narrowed eyes of his own as the adrenaline of the initial shock began to wear off and alexias mind started to spin.

and then thats when alexia noticed, how she hadn’t before she assumed was due to her fight or flight instinct kicking in, that this strange english man was wearing your bathrobe. alexia would recognise the bright pink and yellow stripes just about anywhere, you’d practically begged her to let you get the pair of you matching ones but alexia had refused.

so why was this stranger, in your home, in your bathrobe, and as alexia looked him up and down, wearing your lucky socks, and judging by the way he was strutting about, seemingly quite comfortable to do all of the above.

but before either alexia or the intruder could say another word, there was the sound of a door opening and footsteps coming down the hall, and then you appeared. you were wearing an old faded england hoodie which was two sizes too large and looked more like a dress, hair disheveled and sleep crusting at the corner of your eyes.

“what the hell is going on?” you yawned, seemingly quite unfazed by this weird man wearing your robe and your girlfriend stood toe to toe with him, rubbing your eyes and trying to wake yourself up a little, squinting as alexia slowly lowered the wine bottle.

this weird man wearing your clothes, stood comfortably in your home, the morning after you’d cancelled dinner with her family at the last minute. you wanting to keep the relationship as one big secret, never even posting anything that would so much as hint you were with someone, alexia knowing next to nothing about your own family and your friends bar what you told her.

this man, the bathrobe, the secret relationship. 

“you are cheating on me. with him.” alexia managed out as the wine bottle was placed back on the counter with a sudden clink that seemed to shock you awake as your once half lidded eyes bolted open.

“alexia. no no please let me-” you started toward her, shoving the man out of the way who looked on with a frown as alexia suddenly felt the room start to spin, a hand coming to rest on her stomach which churned uncomfortably at the reality of the situation.

the room seemed to get smaller and smaller as alexia watched your mouth move furiously but it was as if someone had put you on mute, no sound to be heard as the blondes skin itched uncomfortably and she had a sudden urge to peel it all off of herself like wrapping paper.

“no. no no, no.” was all alexia could manage out, holding up a hand and taking a few more steps back as you continued to try and step closer to her, stopping in your tracks and face falling at the hurt so clearly plastered on the taller girls face.

“ale. please mi amor-” you begged, but before you could even get another word out, the front door was slamming and she was gone.

alexia let out small choking gasps as she stumbled and sprinted her way out of your building, almost tripping down the stairs in her haste to put as much distance between you and her and that horrible awful ugly man you’d apparently chosen over her.

not in a million years or for all the money in the world did alexia ever think you were capable of making her feel this way. rejected, disgusted, angry, hurt, insecure, hollow, the emotions came in hard and fast and drowned her, pulling her down deeper and deeper while she kicked and fought to get a breath in.

finally at her car alexia had a sudden realisation when her hand slipped into her pocket, only touching the soft material inside as she’d left both her keys and phone on the counter of your apartment after she’d let herself in. 

cursing in spanish and kicking the wheel of her car alexia spat and swore and paced back and forth for a moment, desperately trying to figure a way out of this which didn’t involve going back inside.

only it seemed that problem was due to fix itself without her even having a single say in the matter.

“uh, excuse me? um…hola.”

alexia squeezed her eyes shut at the voice behind her, willing it to be just a figment of her imagination as the gravel and dry leaves crunched beneath his footsteps, and since he was not a hallucination alexia had no choice but to spin around with a steely glare.

it did the trick as the man, still clad in your ridiculously bright pink bathrobe, halted in his tracks and froze.

“you uh, you left these inside.” he held up alexias keys and phone, only he took a step back as alexia advanced to snatch them off him. “please. can you just let me explain before you take off? all of this is my fault, not hers.” the man moved his arm backwards as alexia scoffed.

“no no no oh my god please don’t hit me!” the man cowered as alexia lunged, tucking into himself and holding her keys and phone to his chest. “eres patético.” alexia spat, turning on heel and starting off down the street, she’d figure this all out later, for now she just needed to get as far away as possible.

“no please! please don’t run off before i explain everything.” the man begged behind her, starting to follow as alexia glanced over her shoulder and saw him hurrying after her, quickening her pace and readying to run if need be as he almost tripped over himself.

“i’m her brother! i’m not her boyfriend i’m her brother!” 

at that alexia suddenly stopped, the man exhaling a sigh of relief as he slowed to a jog, still keeping a healthy amount of distance between them as he caught his breath and gave an awkward smile to a couple who passed, snickering with amusement at his outfit choice.

“harry. my name is harry. i’m her brother and i’d rather gouge my eyes out with these than ever have anyone think i’m her boyfriend!” the man grimaced with disgust, jingling alexias keys as the footballer crossed her arms over her chest, eyes still narrowed with distrust.

“look i can prove it. see? same last name.” the man grabbed his wallet from somewhere on his person, hand slipping in and out of the robe as he fingered through the cards, pulling out an english drivers license.

hesitating for a moment he bent over and tossed it toward alexia, still not feeling safe enough to take any steps closer as the blonde paused for a moment before bending down to pick it up, inspecting the writing which sure enough did have the last name as yours.

“she got the brains and the uh sporting skills. i’m the good looking one, obviously!” the man smiled nervously clearly attempting to break the thick tension as alexia only hummed curtly, giving the card another look over before throwing it back toward him. 

“i did not know she had a brother.” alexia spoke quietly but bluntly. “i did not know she had a girlfriend here.” harry retorted with a small shrug of his shoulders.

you’d mentioned siblings briefly but your personal life wasn’t something you brought up much and alexia respected that for the most part, not even a whiff of your family to be found on your social media accounts which were strictly professional.

“all of this is my fault. i’ll give you back your keys and your phone, and if you want to leave you can, but please at least give me five minutes to explain all of this. if i go back in there, she might just stab me, she had the knife out ready and everything!” the man exhaled shakily with a shake of his head and alexia fought the temptation to crack a small smile at the mental image that brought on,

“five minutes.” was all alexia agreed to, even if it was just for the sake of getting some answers to try and quell the bitter fist which punched sporadically at her stomach every few seconds as the thought of you cheating was rooted firmly in her mind.

harry attempted conversation as alexia slowly followed him back toward your building but given the withering side eye it earned him to speak he fell silent as the pair of them walked in silence, her phone and keys safely returned and in her pocket, promising a quick getaway if needed.

two short knocks and the door was flung open, alexia quickly stepping back as you appeared and she watched your face fall but a small flicker of understanding spark in your eyes as you moved aside to let them in.

“this is all your fault you stupid little dickhead!” you hissed at your brother, smacking him repeatedly as he shrieked and cowered behind his hands, alexia watching on with an odd frown before the three of you took a seat in the living room, harry quick to stand up as alexia made sure to sit in the armchair closest to the exit.

you wanted to get on your knees and beg alexias forgiveness but really all of this had one person to blame, and he was stood awkwardly clad in your bathrobe which you made a mental note to burn as soon as this was all cleared up.

“explain yourself, now!” you ordered with a fierce glare alexia had only seen a few times after your teammates had been wrongly fouled, hardly an angry or tense person off the pitch you were quite the opposite, known to be the one to lift spirits in the locker room or on the sidelines.

“uh, can you translate?” harry asked dumbly as you smacked your forehead with your palm. “she speaks english harry!” you groaned, cheeks flushed red with embarrassment as your brother cleared his throat with a nod.

“uh well as i explained, i’m her brother, not her boyfriend-yuck!” the man pulled a face as you fixed him with another glare and he straightened up with an awkward cough. “right. well, basically all of this hugs misunderstanding is my fault. you see this all started when my girlfriend emily broke up with me last week, we-” you exhaled shakily and squeezed your eyes closed, counting to three.

“right! thats it, you had your chance, sit down and shut up.” you ordered pointing to the corner of the lounge as the man scowled and grumbled but did so none the less, alexia growing impatient now which you could sense as you turned your body to face her.

“ale, amor i know how this looks but i would never ever cheat on you. not in a million years-” “its true, our dad cheated on our mum like twenty five times and-” “harry!” “sorry, shutting up.”

“harry called me after i got home from training yesterday and told me he was ‘surprising me with a visit’. but what he didn’t say that he was already here, at the airport, waiting to be picked up, without any plan of how to get to my apartment, and without speaking a word of spanish.” you growled shooting daggers to your brother who sagged in his chair with a huff.

“so then i had to go and pick him up from the airport and get him food and quite frankly i don’t trust him here alone not to burn down my apartment-” you paused to shoot him another sharp look as his eyes rolled but he knew better than to argue.

“so then i had to cancel dinner last minute and i didn’t know how to explain what happened and i was panicking, but then i felt so awful lying to you about being sick that i avoided talking to you for most of the night.” you admitted with a troubled sigh, dragging a hand down your face with a shake of your head.

“so then i was going to come over and explain everything after training this morning but like i said i don’t trust harry here alone and i had to promise my mum not to let her precious baby die in spain so last night i sent a message i was unwell and wouldn’t be in this morning.” you managed out all in one breath, pausing before continuing.

“so i would have called you or messaged back but someone unplugged my phone last night and stole my charger because he didn’t bring one and my phone died. so my alarm didn’t go off and i slept in because someone kept me up until three in the morning drunkenly crying about his ex girlfriend of…three weeks!” you snarled pointedly.

“emily was very special to me, she could have been the one!” harry argued with another huff as you paused to take a deep inhale.”the one of what? june? july? you fall in love every two weeks harry you’re toxic!” you flung your arms about as the pair of you started to bicker and alexia cleared her throat, sending you both to silence.

“anyway. so i know this is all a lot and probably slightly unbelievable but this is why i hadn’t told you much about my family, they are a lot.” you finished quietly, hands rubbing against your knees as you always did when you were uncomfortable.

“yeah its true we’re a bit fucked up. but you could have told me you had a girlfriend!” harry scoffed as your eyes narrowed in warning and he motioned to zip his lip and throw away the key. 

“i’m so incredibly sorry, really. i understand if you’re mad ale and i hate that i lied to you, but i would never cheat and i really do want to meet your family. i just…i didn’t expect this is how you’d meet part of mine.” you winced with a small smile.

“please don’t be mad at her, all of this is my fault. i’ll even let you hit me if you want? i’ll try not to squeal like a girl.” harry offered with a shrug as you sighed and buried your face in your hands but alexia cracked the smallest of smiles. “no thank you.” the girl declined with a quiet chuckle.

“but if you go out again in that…someone else may hit you.” alexia semi joked, nodding to the bright pink and yellow striped robe which your brother had still not taken off. “i’m burning that.” you stated bluntly as harry hurried off to change, yelling out that he saw why you liked it as it really was comfortable.

“alexia really i am so so sor-” you stood and began to apologise again as the blonde rose from her own chair, shaking her head and holding up a hand to stop you. “i wish you had told me the truth, i would have understood, helped even.” your girlfriend started as you nodded.

“i know. but if you think harry is weird…he’s the most normal member of my family besides me. its embarrassing, lots of baggage.” you forced a smile as alexia frowned though this time it didn’t hold any sign of malice. “ven aquí.” the girl murmured opening her arms and you couldn’t have stumbled into them sooner.

your repeated apologies were met with assurances she wasn’t mad as you melted into her touch, kissing her cheek a few times in appreciation. “you missed.” the girl retorted with a grin, tapping her lips and making you laugh, the line one you often used on her near daily.

you wasted no time pressing your lips to hers, hand cupping the back of her neck as her own gripped your hips and you poured every inch of your feelings for her into the kiss. “get a room!” the two of you broke quickly apart as your brother returned, pulling a face and opening your fridge.

“and before you go on with your usual feminist shit that is not homophobic, i would say the same thing if you were kissing a man!” harry snapped his fingers at you and buried his head back in the fridge as you exhaled, alexia hugging you from behind with a chuckle and a kiss to your cheek.

“cariño, how long did you say he was going to be here for?”

[sswed]

i used to rule the world

aitana bonmati x realmadrid!player

A/N: suprisingly, no smut but a little angsty, thus read if you so wish

wc 2.3k

Winning against Barcelona is a shock. Winning at the Lluis Companys against Barcelona came to be even more of a shock. You score the winning goal, right at the very end. You can see the referee reach into her pocket for the whistle and decide to just go for it, you're yards out but Cata is off her line.

Magically, it goes in and you're bombarded by a horde of players in white just seconds later. Your teammates scramble to launch themselves at you and you practically scream your heart out, point to the crest on your shirt with pride. 

You don't think you've felt better in your entire professional career, so ecstatic that you're buzzing to go another 90 minutes. For a moment, you feel on par with Barcelona. With the likes of Alexia and Aitana.

Then you see Aitana's face. After the celebrations, when you're finally let go after your wonder strike, you look at her for the first time since the second half whistle. She looks devastated and equally frustrated but what sends jolts down your spine is the look of contempt from her as you grin from ear to ear.

Playing for Real Madrid has never been easy. Winning the league is hard, winning a single trophy domestically as well as continentally is beyond difficult with Barcelona and other European giants looming over you.

Yet the hardest thing about being a Los Blancos is Aitana, you love her so much it hurts sometimes and this time it feels like your heart is being ripped out of your chest. She's Barcelona through and through, made in La Masia and you know that playing for Madrid is never going to sit well with her. No matter how much she tries to convince you that she's fine with it.

Once the final whistle is heard, mere moments after your goal, the team bursts at the seams. They celebrate as though it were a final and they had won the trophy from Barcelona's hands. Tears are shed, this is a historic moment, winning on Barcelona's home territory in what is their current home ground feels like an achievement above all else.

You, on the other hand, feel torn. You've scored a banger against Barcelona from yards away, you've won something of significance for what seems to be the first time. You've never been in the Ballon D'or conversations, never made European glory yours but this moment is something else. A personal victory as much as a club one.

Then, there is Aitana. She looks on the verge of tears as she shakes hands with the referees and your heart breaks at the sight. She's no longer the sunshine you know so well, the one that can make a joke that you remember for the whole day.

"Fantastic performance!" Jose grins and pats you on the back. 

After some praise from your coach, you walk into enemy territory and are immediately greeted with forlorn faces and cunning eyes. You clench your jaw when Alexia walks up to you, she's your height but suddenly, you feel small next to her.

"Good goal," She reaches to shake your hand with a firm grip.

She's upset, you can tell. There's a hardness in her eyes that lets you know. You aren't close with her, you don't know her that well but you feel bad and that's something you shouldn't have to feel. You've never seen Aitana feel bad for knocking in goal after goal, be it against you in the league or internationally.

"Thank you," You mumble, it feels awkward having two-time Ballon D'or winner tell you you've well without a smile.

Alexia nods at you then fades away, walking off somewhere. The changing rooms, probably. Then you're left with a couple of others before you can get to Aitana. You decide to just power through, ignore the awkwardness and get to your girlfriend as quickly as possible.

When you get there, Aitana is still sitting on the bench, under the plastic roofing that shades both you and her, away from the heavy rain. 

She doesn't look happy, the opposite actually. You're pretty sure she's been crying a little, her eyes are red and she's gone as white as a ghost. You feel your own eyes well up at the sight but you quickly push it down, you don't need to feel this way.

"Baby," You try, crouching down beside the bench.

Aitana doesn't look at you and your heart sinks at the rejection. You've never had to experience this before. It's been you taking losses since you’ve started dating. You've had to put on a hard shell and tell her you're okay even when she took away the chance to play a World Cup final.

"Go away," Aitana whispers and you barely catch it.

"Please look at me?" You ask, hoping Aitana will find reason and look at you.

You don't really want to do this here, out in the open with stray fans still in the stands and Aitana's teammates watching the two of you with eagle eyes.

"Didn't you hear me? Go away." Aitana scoffs out and then, finally looks at you.

You flitch under her gaze. Upset doesn't even cover half of what Aitana is, she's looking at you with so much anger that you find yourself wanting to just walk away, up and leave Barcelona all together even when you promised her you'd stay until Tuesday.

"I won't," You try to keep your voice steady, not let the mixture of anger and sadness get the best of you.

It hurts you to see Aitana like this, all frustrated and disappointed but you can't help but be angry at her. You've always let her be the best, win Ballon D'or after Ballon D'or, extinguish your World Cup dreams, bash you every time you meet in the league.

"Leave me alone!" Aitana yells and every single one of her teammates heads turn to the two of you.

The feeling of ten people gazing at you all at once makes you shiver. You know that the majority of people at Barcelona are aware of your relationship with Aitana but that doesn't stop Patri putting her hand on your shoulder.

"Maybe you should give her some space?" Patri asks softly, she's got a half grimace on her face and you feel a shot of anger pass through you. They've got no right to look at you with pity.

You shrug her hand off and stand, Aitana watches you with wide eyes. Clearly, she hadn't expected you to actually take Patri's advice.

"When you want to stop behaving like a spoiled child, we can talk," You huff and turn on your heel before stomping towards the away changing rooms.

Misa looks at you with sympathetic eyes that you disregard immediately. You don't need pity, it's not your fault. Olga, instead, gives you a hard pat on the back and a grin.

"That goal was magic!" Olga's practically screaming in your ear and you can't manage to feel happy again.

All you feel is anger. You're angry at Aitana, at her teammates, at everyone looking at you with pity when they should be happy. You don't know what to do, you had told the staff that you'd been staying in Barcelona for the reminder of your days off but now, if you're going to be staying, it will be at a random hotel room.

You contemplate going back home, going against your promise and just leaving. You decide against it, you hope Aitana will come around. Maybe call you, ask you to come over and then you could make it all okay by cuddling on the sofa.

So after everyone is showered, changed and packed, the team slowly shuffles out of the changing room and into the parking lot. You follow them before breaking off and walking the opposite way, down a random street and no one recognises you. It's always like that when you're alone, without Aitana.

You wander the streets of Barcelona for a while with your overnight bag on your shoulder. You've never really seen the city in its entirety, sure, Aitana has taken you to see the monuments when you've both had time off but she's never shown you back alleys or just random streets.

You think about the game. It had been amazing to win against a Barcelona side that had beat you multiple times, that has won the Champions League. Still, the fight with Aitana made you rethink it all. Should you have not celebrated as you did? Maybe save the shot and pass it?

Your phone buzzes and you see Aitana's caller id on the screen. You wonder what would happen if you didn't pick up. She'd be upset, you know that and you'd be too.

So you pick up, "Hello?"

Aitana's voice is small on the other line, "Can you come here?"

Your heart tightens at her voice. She sounds meek and it's not entirely unusual but it's not frequent enough for you to grow used to it. You want to say no, tell her that she's taken it too far but your resolve breaks immediately.

"Please?" Aitana whispers, like she's resisting the urge to cry on the phone and you know then that there is no way you're going to tell her no.

You get to her apartment in record time, practically running there which is detrimental for your recovery but you can't find the urge to care. You buzz her number and she lets you in, you decide to forgo the elevator and run up the stairs, skipping a few each time.

When you knock on the door, Aitana answers immediately. She's standing there in your jumper, the one you left for her last time and you want to crack a smile but she looks so tired, so sad you think a part of you is going to die.

You drop your bag in the doorway and open your arms, Aitana slots right into your hug with a sigh. It's like coming home in the best way possible. You never want to fight with her like this again, you would do anything to prevent it.

"I'm sorry," Aitana mumbles into your jumper and you squeeze your arms around her tighter.

"It's okay," You say back then run a hand down her back comfortingly.

You know how it is to lose better than anyone and that's why you hold her in the hallway for a while, just run your hand up and down her back while she grips you tightly. You want to laugh and tell her that you won't run away.

"I'm sorry," Aitana repeats and you feel your stomach tighten.

You never want her to be sorry, even if you're furious because it breaks your heart to see her like this.

"Can I come in?" You ask, half joking and half serious.

Aitana nods against your chest and moves back, her eyes are a little red and you see the tissues in her hand. You pick up your bag off the floor, only to dump it a meter away by where you take off your shoes. Normally, you'd hide them in the cupboard but you don't think Aitana will mind this time.

"Sofa time?" You smile softly.

'Sofa time' had become a running joke after the first time you stayed over. Aitana had demanded you spend time on the sofa with her, watching something you had absolutely no interest in and you coined the phrase 'Aitana's Sofa Time' which naturally evolved into what you're doing now.

Aitana's head is resting on your chest, she's lying right on top of you, her head facing the TV which is playing some random program. Your arms are wrapped around her middle, holding her close. You never want to let go, you realise it then. Your fight in the stadium had been one of few, the last only minor and this one something massive. 

It made it clear for you that you never want to be angry at her or have her be angry at you.

"Are you feeling better?" You ask, grazing her ear with your nose.

Aitana chuckles light at the touch then nods against you and squeezes her arms tight around your shoulders. You breathe out a light sigh, this is all you could ask for. Just Aitana, in your arms with the TV playing in the background.

"Your goal..." Aitana starts and you want to chuckle because of course she would mention it.

"What about it?" You ask whilst you close your eyes, enjoying the rise and fall of her chest against yours.

"It was... beautiful," Aitana admits softly and you can't help but grin at the words.

It's not like Aitana never compliments your playing but every time you hear it, from her of all people, it makes you feel as though you're over the moon.

You shift slightly and Aitana looks at you with a raised brow then you lean forwards and capture her lips. The kiss is sweet, soft like a fluffy pillow and you couldn't wish for anything more. Aitana tastes like berry flavoured electrolytes and you can't get enough, you slip your tongue into her mouth, letting yourself explore by tracing her teeth one by one like you've done a million times before.

Aitana moans into your mouth and you decide to pull back. Her hand immediately finds the back of your neck, pulling you back in and you chuckle when she presses a closed mouth kiss to your lips.

"I love you," You whisper against her lips, it's quiet, like a prayer and you'll repeat it for the rest of your life if she'll let you.

Aitana smiles softly, "I love you more, so much you don't even know."

You chuckle and rest your forehead against hers, "Impossible, baby."

You see Aitana close her eyes, content against you and you do the same. You realise then that football is merely a part of you and her, nothing more, nothing less. You vow in that moment to never let it get the best of you, never make you walk away. 

[the-offside-rule]

Franco Colapinto (Williams) - Here For You

Requested: no

Warnings: DENNIS IM SORRY BUT UR AN ASSHOLE FOR NOW

The roar of the F1 engine still echoed in Y/n’s ears as she stepped into the hotel lobby, her body sore from the long day. It had been an exhausting weekend on the trac so far, but nothing could have prepared her for what awaited her back at the hotel. Dennis had said he’d meet her later, claiming he was grabbing a drink with a few team members, but she decided to head back early, eager for a shower and some quiet.

The suite was dimly lit when she walked in, her bag slung over her shoulder. Tossing her keys on the side table, Y/n headed straight for the bedroom. Dennis wasn’t back yet. The bed was unmade, a stray pillow on the floor, but what really caught her eye was the corner of something peeking out from the drawer on Dennis' bedside table. Frowning, she moved closer and pulled it out; a hoodie. A team hoodie, but not from their team. F1 Academy. And it wasn’t hers. Her chest tightened, but surprisingly, there was no rush of panic, no immediate wave of anger. Instead, a strange calm settled over her. Y/n could piece together what had happened with alarming clarity. It wasn’t the first time Dennis had been distant lately, but she had never thought he’d actually go this far. With a deep breath, she neatly folded the hoodie and placed it onto the table. She wanted to wait for him to come back so she could confront him. Her mind was clear, even if her heart was heavy.

Y/n sat down, the dim light casting shadows across her face. Her fingers trembled as they traced the outline of the hoodie. She stared at the fabric, her heart feeling as though it was being ripped apart and stitched back together, only to be torn again. The hotel room was eerily silent, the air heavy with the truth she already knew but wasn’t ready to fully acknowledge.

The door creaked open.

Dennis stepped inside, his eyes immediately finding her. He froze, taking in the sight of her sitting next to the damning evidence. His face drained of colour, his usual confident demeanor slipping into something that resembled guilt. "Y/n..." His voice was soft, almost pleading as he moved toward her. "I can explain." But Y/n didn’t flinch. She didn’t raise her voice or lash out in anger like she had imagined. Instead, she slowly lifted her eyes to meet his. There was no fury in her gaze, only exhaustion, betrayal, and the weight of knowing. She held up the hoodie, letting it dangle from her fingers like it was something foreign, something sickening.

"I don't want your explanation, Dennis." Her voice was calm, but every word felt like a stone dropping into an endless void. "I just need answers." He swallowed hard, his steps faltering as he stood in front of her. He glanced at the hoodie, then back at her, regret clouding his features. "Y/n, please—"

"How long?" She interrupted, her voice steady. Her eyes bore into his, demanding the truth. He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck as if trying to buy time, trying to make this less painful. But there was no softening this blow. "Since testing." He finally muttered, his gaze dropping to the floor. Her breath hitched, though she fought to keep her composure. "Why?" She needed to hear it, to understand the timeline of her own life crumbling around her. "Since you started prioritizing your work." He admitted, his words dripping with shame. "I didn’t mean for it to happen, Y/n. I was lonely, and you moved for F1 I just-"

"How many times?" Y/n cut him off again, not caring for his excuses. Her voice trembled now, not from anger but from the hurt she could no longer suppress. Dennis looked away, unable to meet her eyes. His silence spoke louder than any confession. "Whenever you weren’t around," he whispered, his voice barely audible but clear enough to shatter what little was left of her heart. Y/n closed her eyes for a moment, letting the truth settle in. The weight of his words crushed her, but she wasn’t done. There was one more question she needed answered. "I was around today and it still happened." She mumbled. "You had media duties-"

"Who is she?" Her voice was barely above a whisper now, but it held all the pain she was trying to keep contained. Dennis shook his head. "It doesn’t matter, Y/n. She’s no one—"

"Who is she, Dennis?" Y/n’s tone sharpened, her patience running thin. But Dennis remained silent, refusing to give her that final piece of the puzzle. "I’m not telling you, it'll only hurt you more." He said. "And why is that?" She asked. "Because she's nothing like you." Tears welled in Y/n’s eyes, but she blinked them back, determined not to let them fall in front of him. She looked at him—really looked at him—taking in the man she thought she knew, the man she had trusted with everything. The stranger standing in front of her. "Are you happy?" She asked, her voice soft but cutting. The question hung in the air, the silence between them thickening.

Dennis hesitated, his face a mix of regret and something she couldn’t quite place, perhaps shame or maybe even selfishness. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. That was answer enough. Y/n stood up, leaving the hoodie on the table as if it were the last piece of him she would ever touch. Without another word, she walked past him, grabbing her bag as she headed for the door. Her heart felt heavy, but there was a certain clarity in the finality of it all.

After speaking with the front desk, she managed to secure a different room, far enough away that she wouldn’t have to worry about Dennis stumbling upon her. The door closed with a soft click, and Y/n stood there for a moment, feeling the weight of the situation settle on her shoulders. She should’ve been furious, she knew that, but instead, all she felt was numb. How long had this been going on?

A few hours passed, the stillness of the new room becoming almost unbearable. She hadn’t cried. Maybe she should have. The soft knock at the door startled her from her thoughts. Frowning, she padded to the entrance and opened it cautiously. Standing there, holding a grocery bag, was Franco Colapinto. His dark eyes held a kindness that made Y/n’s throat tighten. "Franco?" She asked, confused but slightly relieved to see a familiar face. "What are you doing here?" He gave her a small, soft smile. "I heard about... Dennis." His voice was gentle but firm.

Y/n blinked. "What do you mean, you heard?" She hadn’t told anyone yet. She hadn’t even properly processed it herself. Franco shrugged lightly and ran a hand through his hair, shifting his weight between his feet. "Dennis was... kind of telling people you two broke up." Her heart clenched, not from Franco’s words, but from the casualness of it all. Dennis had already moved on, apparently, telling people about their "breakup" like it was some regular thing. Y/n fought the urge to roll her eyes at the absurdity of it. She swallowed. "I didn't realize the news had spread so fast." She said, trying to keep her voice steady, pretending like it didn’t sting as much as it did.

Franco’s smile was sympathetic as he held up the bag in his hands. "I figured you might want some company. I brought face masks, chocolate, and ice cream. The essentials." Y/n blinked at him, taken aback by the gesture. "You didn't have to do that."

"Of course, I didn’t have to." Franco said, stepping into the room without waiting for her permission. "But I wanted to. You're my friend, and I’m not going to leave you alone while you’re dealing with this." She closed the door behind him, watching as he set the bag down on the small table by the window, like this was the most normal thing in the world. The tension in her chest began to loosen slightly. "How are you feeling?" He asked softly, not looking at her directly but rather busying himself with unpacking the snacks. Y/n forced a smile, one she wasn’t entirely sure reached her eyes. "I’m fine, really."

Franco glanced up from where he was unpacking a tub of ice cream. "Y/n, you don’t have to pretend with me." The sincerity in his voice broke something inside her, and for the first time that evening, her resolve cracked just a little. She sank onto the edge of the bed, pulling her knees up to her chest. "I don’t know how I’m feeling, honestly." Franco walked over and sat beside her, close but not too close. "That’s okay. You don’t have to have all the answers right now." He handed her a spoon and a bar of chocolate, offering her a soft smile that made her feel a little less alone.

They sat in silence for a few moments, the quiet comfortable rather than stifling. Franco opened one of the face masks and wiggled his eyebrows playfully. "Come on, let���s do this. It’ll be fun, I promise." Y/n couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped her. "You’re really going all out, aren’t you?"

"Anything to make you smile." Franco grinned. "Plus, it’s a great excuse for me to wear one of these without looking ridiculous." They spent the next hour chatting about everything except Dennis. Franco told her stories about his racing mishaps, his worst crashes, and the time he accidentally ordered frog legs at a fancy restaurant, thinking it was chicken. Y/n found herself laughing, genuinely laughing, for the first time in what felt like forever. Franco’s presence was soothing, his lightheartedness infectious. He never pushed her to talk about what happened, and for that, she was grateful.

As the night wore on, they found themselves lying side by side on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. "Thanks for being here." Y/n said softly, turning her head slightly to look at him. Franco glanced at her, his eyes warm. "You don’t have to thank me. That’s what friends are for." She smiled at him, feeling a sense of peace settle over her for the first time that night. Maybe things with Dennis were over, and maybe it hurt more than she wanted to admit. But with Franco by her side, at least for tonight, she felt like everything was going to be okay.

[winters-light]

Sip and Paint

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Words: 1k

A/N: bucky at the stark expo in tfa letting the girl drag him around??? this is 1000% realistic and I have had this idea for weeks but was too lazy and then when I finally sat down and wrote half I forgot to save it and had to rewrite it so rip :')

please comment and lmk what you think because i’m still new and so in my head about my writing!

“Oh my god, Bucky,” she gasped suddenly as she stopped in the middle of the aisle.

Currently, the pair were in the supermarket on a Friday evening - the first Friday evening they'd both had free in weeks - doing their weekly food shop. It had been a long week and honestly, she was so exhausted the last thing she wanted to do was to go out drinking with the rest of the team. Instead, she and her fiancé had decided to cook dinner together and have a quiet night in.

“What?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice as he glanced over to where she was pointing.

“Look it’s us,” she excitedly gestured towards some paint your own avenger figurines.

They had somehow found themselves cutting through the toy aisle and the Avenger section had caught her eye. She had been part of the team for nearly two years now, yet somehow it was still so surreal whenever she saw toys and other merchandise modelled after herself.

A small smirk appeared on his lips as he took the two figures in. He picked one the boxes up, allowing his eyes to study the miniature version of himself, finding himself impressed with the attention to detail on his uniform.

“Damn… This actually looks pretty good,” he chuckled, running his metal hand through his hair before carefully placing it back on the shelf.

Noticing the way his mouth subtly curved up in amusement, an idea crept into her mind. "Pretty please can we get them?" she asked sweetly, widening her eyes ever so slightly as she blinked up at him.

"Fine,” he sighed softly, rolling his eyes and shaking his head though the small smirk remained in place. He was hopeless against her pouting and they both knew it. She had the Winter Soldier wrapped around her pretty little finger; he could never deny her anything.

Her lips quickly flicked up into an excited smile as she added two boxes to the trolley before pushing it along so they could continue with their shopping.

***

Once they had finished cleaning up from dinner, she excitedly set up the figurines and paints on the dining table, snapping a quick picture for her socials - as cheesy as it was.

The scene looked like something straight from Pinterest, she had lit candles and got out their fanciest wine glasses determined to make a romantic evening of it. This week in particular had been extremely stressful, and she figured they both deserved to relax and spend some quality time together.

“Baby,” she called out for Bucky to join her. She greeted him with a gentle kiss on the cheek and instructed him to sit down. She giggled softly shaking her head as he sat down in front of his own clay figure. “Nope, we’re painting each other, it’ll be more fun that way.”

“Fine,” Bucky groaned and reluctantly agreed, unable to deny her. This whole ‘paint and sip’ thing she had insisted on as soon as she saw the figures in the supermarket sounded ridiculous to him, but she looked so excited by the prospect he couldn’t bear to refuse her. Besides, he found the whole 'sip' part of the night extremely agreeable. And maybe he did secretly adore all the effort she had put into their date night; it had been so long since anyone had cared for him like this.

Bucky shook his head in slight amusement as he picked up his wine glass and took a long sip before picking up the clay figure of you. He ran his hand over the smooth clay with a soft hum, impressed at its likeness to her.

"Just don't laugh at me, if mine looks completely awful," he grumbled though a hint of a smile played at the corners of his lips as he grabbed the brush and dipped it carefully into the paint.

“I won’t,” she chuckled softly and shook her head, watching him as he began to work. She was surprised to see how seriously he was taking this, the way his metal hand held the figure so gently and his whole face had scrunched up in concentration. She smiled at the sight taking a sip of her drink before picking up her own brush.

***

The hours passed by quietly, the couple surprisingly more invested in their art projects than either of them expected to be.

“This is a lot harder than I thought it would be,” she muttered swearing under her breath as she accidentally smudged some of the paint on her figure. The paint that came with the kit was awful and patchy and had preferred to stick to their hands and anywhere but the model. She had been struggling to paint in the details on his face for the last hour and was just about ready to give up.

"You're telling me," Bucky replied with a soft chuckle, equally as frustrated as he smeared away and attempted to start on the painting again. His brows were furrowed in a deep look of concentration, his tongue sticking out between his teeth as he focused intensely on the figure in front of him. "This is impossible."

“Ready to call it a night?” she suggested as she poured the last of the wine into her glass and practically drank it in one sip.

"Yeah, that's probably a good idea,” he murmured in agreement, letting out an exasperated sigh as he set the figure down. He looked a bit disappointed in his work, but at the same time, he couldn't help but to chuckle at how ridiculous they looked sitting there, frustrated over a painting meant for children.

She nodded, chuckling softly as she looked over their figures. Despite their best efforts, the paint messily smudged over the figures barely even resembled humans anymore. She stood letting out a soft yawn deciding that tidying could wait until morning. She grabbed the remaining bottle of wine on the table and took it into their bedroom with Bucky in an attempt to salvage the rest of their night.

[pers1st]

let down - leah williamson x reader

pairing: barca!reader x leah williamson

warnings: barça being broke

In truth, you shouldn't be nervous.

This conversation had been going on for months - it was no secret that Barça had many financial problems, and paying you, Alexia and Aitana as their midfield would always have been difficult. You had had countless conversations like these before - negotiating your new contract, negotiating your new wage, which you knew would be significantly lower. It didn't bother you, though. You would've picked up a second job if it meant playing for your childhood club, even if they refused to pay you.

This setting, however, seemed a lot more official than it should've, in your opinion.

You were still dressed in your clothes from training, and so was Jona, but the rest of Barça's management was dressed properly - in suits and leather shoes. They shouldn't have even been there yet. This conversation was meant to simply verbalize your new contract, not to sign it yet. You were in no conditions to take the usual photos and sit in front of the camera for an interview after the contract extension. It confused you.

"Y/N, we are so sorry."

That was how Jona started, and in that particular moment, your heart stopped. No, this couldn't- they wouldn't dare-

"We can't renew your contract."

Silence followed. Then, your shaky voice. Barely above a whisper.

"What?"

This whole situation seemed too surreal to be true. Maybe in a few seconds, your eyes would open and you would find out that this was just a horrible dream. If it hadn't been for your manager's piercing gaze on you, you might've pinched yourself under the table.

"We don't have the financial means to pay you enough to stay. I know it's not what you want to hear, but-"

"No, Jona, we talked about this. You can cut my wage, I don't mind. I'll stay here, whatever it takes. Alexia said she would-"

But the man in front of you didn't let you finish.

"You are right, we talked about this. And I told you that you deserve more than what we can give you, and that you cannot let us undermine you. It's not fair to you, it's not fair to all the women who are-"

This time, you were the one to interrupt him.

"But this? This isn't fair to me!"

That was how the argument unfolded, and only after your voice was hoarse from crying and pleading, your cheeks stained with tears and your manager stained with guilt, did you leave the office to fall into Alexia's arms, who had been listening in from the other side of the door for God knew how long.

It was January currently, which meant that as soon as you silently agreed with them to sign you to whatever club payed the most, you were out.

Just like that, the chance to play in front of the Culers for one last time was ripped away from you. They received a half-hearted announcement via Instagram, you received twenty women in your apartment, ready to pack your things. In all honesty, you had wished for no one to see as you organized your life into moving boxes and shipped them over the sea for whoever from Arsenal to receive, mostly because it would've felt even less real. Mostly because then, the goodbye wouldn't have hit you as hard. Ona tried to offer you advice on how to get by in England, telling you all about her experience abroad. Mapi tried to lift the spirits by joking around. Ingrid held you as you allowed tears to fall, and Alexia made sure you didn't forget anything, offering to take care of the things you would leave behind in Barcelona.

It was only you and Alexia at the airport. Your best friend, since the day you had been selected to play for the senior team of Barcelona, had shared many angry words with the management, and at one point even threatened to leave if you really had to. But the papers were signed, and the boxes were packed, and there was nothing left to do for Alexia besides holding your shaky frame as tears clouded your vision for what felt like the millionth time.

"You'll be okay, bebita. You'll enjoy London, and then you'll come back. I promise, you'll come back."

The both of you knew that there was no way she could ever promise that - Barça's financial difficulties were far too severe to sign you back soon - the most expensive player in the world, currently. When, or if the smoke would clear up, neither of you could know. Still, her words soothed you the tiniest as you held onto the glimpse of hope your best friend gave you as if it was a lifeline.

"Enjoy London, okay?"

You nodded, although you knew that you wouldn't. What good was London compared to Barcelona? What good was the capital of England compared to your lifelong home?

"Vamos, carino", Alexia huffed as she let go of you, gently pushing you towards your gate.

"Call me, okay? ¡Te amo!", she yelled after you as you turned away from her, and the hurt in her voice made a new layer of tears stream down on your cheeks, but you knew that if you looked back at her now, you would never board that plane. If leaving to England was what it took for your club to keep functioning, you would. If playing for Arsenal meant that you would be back in blaugrana one day, you would wear that ugly red shirt and call yourself a Gunner. You wouldn't do it happily, though.

London looked ugly when you flew over it, and London looked ugly when you landed in Heathrow Airport. You had expected people from the club to be there to pick you up, wearing Arsenal clothes and a sign with your name on it. It was apparently standard procedure, as Alexia had told you, though neither of you could really know because neither of you had never left the country to play football if it wasn't with the Spanish national team. What you hadn't expected, however, was Laia waving at you excitedly from across the hall, with two women dressed in the same hoodie as her, one significantly smaller (you guessed she was Kim) and one Leah Williamson.

You had never followed English football much, likely why you hadn't recognized Kim when you'd first searched up your new team on the internet, but Leah was the kind of footballer everyone was just.. aware of.

Admittedly, she was even prettier in real life.

"¡Hola, guapa!", Laia shrieked as you strolled over to your new teammates (the word 'teammate' along with 'new' still left a bitter taste in your mouth), dragging your suitcase behind you tiredly. The plain ride had worn you out - in all honesty, the entire past week had worn you out. Ever since you'd been told that you would leave the club that you had bled for, you hadn't been able to close half an eye.

Still, Laia's excitement was unmatched as she pulled you into a tight hug, allowing your face to sag against her shoulder. You didn't allow yourself to cry anymore, and so you could see Leah and Kim smile at you softly from a few steps behind the other Spanish woman without tears clouding your vision.

Laia continued to speak in Spanish, asking you about the flight, about how the Barça girls were, about how excited she was that you were finally here and she wasn't the only Spaniard at the Arsenal.

If Kim and Leah thought it was rude that they were left out of the conversation entirely, they didn't say so. Still, you pushed Laia off gently, mustering the smallest of smiles you could.

"Hello."

Your English wasn't very good, but even you winced ever so slightly at the realization of how truly cold you sounded. You didn't want to be here, didn't want any of them to show you your new apartment, didn't want them to show you the club, to bring you to training, to give you a red jersey and call you a Gunner.

But you needed to suck it up. Life wasn't fair. And if Alexia's words held any truth, this would merely be a temporal situation.

"Hey", Kim smiled at you. Her English sounded funny, but her smile was more genuine than yours as she introduced herself and Leah. You hadn't needed her to, but it was a nice gesture anyways.

"It's good to have you here", Leah smiled as she gently lay her arm across your shoulder.

"Wanna see your new flat?", you nodded as Leah guided you out of the hall, your luggage left with Laia who strolled behind you alongside Kim.

Leah's confidence and her proximity to you, your side pressed against hers, was making your head spin ever so slightly. You had, admittedly, hoped that Leah, as co-captain and being about to return to the pitch, would understand how badly you didn't want to be at Arsenal, seeing as she bled for the club the way you did for Barcelona. Maybe she could grasp the idea of being forced out of her home, and sympathize with you in the slightest. And it seemed she did, as she pointed towards what you guessed was Kim's car, leaving you and Laia in the backseats as you drove through the city. London was different from Barcelona.

It was slightly less ugly now, with impressive buildings and a few bits of nature sprawled around as Kim maneuvered the car through the streets. It was cold, though, and as you were shivering slightly, Kim put the heat just a bit higher. It was grey, as well. Not a single ray of sunshine was able to break through the barrier of clouds in the sky, and it reminded you a lot of your current mood, though you were hesitant to show it.

Leah and Kim seemed genuine in their efforts to make this transition as easy for you as possible, given the fact that your apprehension to leave Barcelona was a very well known fact. You had dedicated an Instagram post with a very heartfelt caption to your departure, which made it very clear that you did not leave on your own accord.

Their dedication to welcome you, though, made you feel the tiniest bit of unfair. The women were genuinely trying, and they promised you during the car ride, when asking whether or not you were nervous, that the whole team was excited to meet you. Maybe you could try a little bit. Maybe you could enjoy this for the time being.

"Here we are."

You could see Kim's smile through the rearview mirror as she parked her car in front of an old building which you guessed was your new apartment complex. The car had left the central of London around twenty minutes ago, and at your confused expression, Laia had huffed that the club was in North London, not Central London.

"¿Es un poco feo, no?", (It's a bit ugly) you asked Laia as you stared at the shabby building. The walls were grey, and the parking lot was grey, and it seemed like everything in London was just.. grey. Plain.

"¡No, Y/N! Leah vida aquí también", (Leah lives here too) Laia huffed at your comment, shaking her head while chuckling at your statement. You shrugged, ignoring the way Leah and Kim furrowed their brows at your Spanish conversation while climbing out of your seat to retrieve your luggage.

You insisted on carrying your suitcase up the small flight of stairs as well, though Laia offered to do it for you. The two of you hadn't been super close when she'd still played at Barcelona, but you had been quite good friends, and having at least one familiar face soothed you.

"This is it", Leah smiled softly as the four of you stepped into the hallway, following your curious steps into the flat. It was plain as well, of course it was. For the first time since calming down on the plane, you had to fight tears again. The flat was nice, sure. The club had organized a quite spacious place, with lots of room and comfortable-looking furniture. But it was bare. You knew that shopping for furniture would be a hassle in the middle of the season, so you had rented it furnitured.

You missed your green couch, the thrifted, quite antique sideboard, the golden-framed mirror. You missed the framed shirts on your wall, the clothing rack with all of the shirts you had swapped with other players. All of those things were now packed away in a storage room somewhere in Barcelona. You missed Barcelona.

"Es pretty", you mumbled, dropping your keys on the white coffee table and turning around to look at Leah, who was still holding on to your large bag, the Barcelona badge imprinted on it. The look she gave you, eyebrows slightly raised, eyes looking somewhat defeated, told you that you hadn't been able to fool her.

Laia and Kim left quickly, with the excuse of having early training tomorrow and needing to run whatever errands, but Leah stayed.

"I live in the same building, so I could help you unpack if you want?"

In truth, you didn't want her to help. You didn't want her to swoop through your things, eyeing all of your personal belongings, all of the tokens of your previous home that you had left so promptly, but you didn't have the heart to tell her no. So, the two of you got to work, after a small tour through the whole unit, finding the bedroom, the bathroom and another room that you guessed you would use for storage. Your kitchen was small, after all, and it was filled with things you didn't know how to use.

"What's this?", you asked as you held up a scoop of some sort, that you had found while rummaging through your cupboards.

"It's a tea scoop, for making loose tea", Leah explained with a chuckle, taking the utensil from your hand to showcase how one scoops.

"I don't drink tea", you huffed, taking the scoop back and shoving it into the back of the cupboard before closing it a little harsher than you would have expected.

"You're in England now, you're gonna drink tea."

You decided to ignore her comment, instead opening the next drawer.

"I have a microwave", you pointed out, moving slightly to the side so that Leah could look. She was awfully close to you again, and it made you nervous.

"So you can make paellas", Leah snickered, nudging her hips against yours playfully. At that, you turned towards her, taking a shocked step back.

"Joder, you don't microwave paellas! What is wrong with you? Mujer loca", (crazy woman) you exclaimed, nudging her back playfully before diving into the next cupboard. Maybe London wouldn't be as horrible as you thought.

notes: this is baaaaad honestly but we move

[pinkslaystation]

[Part 2] If I meant something to you.

toxic!Simon 'Ghost' Riley x Reader

Here's part 1 hee hee hee hee Here's part 3 You believe Simon's changed his ways after your sister's engagement. After his actions, you still want him, but does he want you? Word Count: 3.6k

A half naked woman running out of Simon's flat? A surprise indeed it was.

You really thought he reciprocated the same feelings as you did at one point, for once in your life feeling as if someone truly did want you for you, but that fantasy had dried out, and it was clear Simon had no intentions with you.

Your replacement proved it.

Before you began to weep in front of the Brit again, you hurried to your flat door, rummaging through your sweatshirt pockets for your key, wanting to wallow back into a state of depression in the comfort in your own home.

Simon didn't follow you, instead he just leaned against his door frame, sexily might I add, intensely watching you clumsily rip out past receipts and snotty used tissues from your pockets. He wanted to say something, ask you how your day had been, even thought it just turned 9 A.M.

Then it hit you.

You think back to your previous steps. You woke up at 8:30, you read the texts from your sister, made yourself some coffee, which you definitely think had gone off, and left your home, feigning a state of happiness.

You didn't take your keys with you. They sat on your kitchen counter, almost like they were mocking you for being so careless.

Banging your head against the door, you curse, "Fuck's sake...."

You mentally note that this is probably one of the most humiliating scenes you've found yourself in, nearly as bad enough as your 18th birthday, when your parents congratulated your younger brother instead of you accidently.

Simon exhales a puff of smoke towards your direction, you were so fixed on trying to get inside, you didn't catch him lazily eyeing you whilst lighting a cigarette into his mouth.

"You...wanna come inside?" He asks nonchalantly, looking at the sky, avoiding your gaze as if to seem cooler than you.

"Why would I do that? I don't wanna know where that bitch has been..." You scoff, referring to the girl. You want to look away from him, but his blonde chest hair glistens in the sunlight, enticing you to follow his instructions. He's not even all military mode on you but you already find yourself acting submissive around his presence again.

He grunts, thinking about what to say next, "Well for starters, Francesca's no one...and, where else are ya gonna go?" The sarcasm is sharp in his voice.

So you were replaced by a Francesca.

"And listen love, face it, you need something from me, come in so we can talk. Can't guarantee we'll do a lot of talkin' though..." His words trails off, trying to convince you. Boy, is it working...

His eyebrows are raised, and he purposely flexes his still wet pecs.

Fuck it. You think, barging into his room, purposely bumping shoulders.

You finally enter Simon's room for the first time.

Simon wasn't completely heartless.

Yes, his childhood trauma resulted in his avoidant nature, ignoring his team in order to work alone on the field, disobeying his Captain to do what he'd deemed as best, and even ghosting you ever time you tried reaching out to you. What you didn't know though, was that Simon had given you his previous phone number, one he doesn't use anymore...

Late nights in his hospital bed led him trying to stalk you through Facebook, which no one your age uses by the way (don't tell him that), and every time his searches led him to nothing.

Had he not been so foolish, he would have manned up and straight up demanded you for your number. But he didn't, instead he told you he'd find you if he needed you, which was becoming more and more infrequent.

Yet here he lies, now clad in a loose black top and sweatpants, sitting across from you on his couch in his oddly empty room, hearing you out.

"'Kay so, your sister wants you at her engagement and you need a date, and you have no other friends but me, and you want me to be your fake date." He repeats back to you.

You hum, "For someone that didn't finish secondary school, you're quite smart."

Simon chuckles at the reciprocates banter, "And...what's in it for me?"

You scrunch your nose, "What?"

"What's in it for me." He enunciates his word, as if speaking to a baby, "What do I benefit from this?"

"Are you fuckin' for real, you've basically used me for your own pleasure, and you can't even fake a relationship in front of my family for like a couple of hours?"

You stand up, ready to leave, not willing to be disrespected again.

"Love, listen," Simon pulls on your arms, and you begin to notice the fresh scars decorating his forearms.

"Our relationship...platonic of course, it's like a business. You want something, you gotta work for it."

You're stunned, did he just insinuate that you were merely a business partner to you? Can this man be anymore of an ass, than he already is, reducing your relationship to a step below a 'situation-ship'.

"What possibly could I have that you need?"

"Yeah," he gruffs out, contemplating his decision, "not money 'cos I got more of that than you..."

He sits there in mock confusion, but you had a feeling he knew what he wanted from you the moment you spat out your request at his door earlier.

Before you try cursing him out again, your attention shifts to the ping from your phone, another unfamiliar number, but not from your sister.

10:32 A.M. ####:- Hey kiddo, how's life been treating you. ####:- Finally gotta a job? ####:- Can't wait to see you, your brother's been waiting to introduce you to his new girlfriend, good addition to the family this time I think. ####:- You're getting older now, unmarried and unemployed. Chop Chop.

Great, just a monthly reminder from your father that you've already been replaced by your brother's new fling for the week.

Now you really needed that date.

"I'll fuck you." You state.

Simon stares at your new found dominance, standing up to purposely look down at you and tower over you, disliking the sense of authority shifting between you two.

"Once again, dove."

"Just. Fuck. Me. Simon. Get this shit over with." You command.

Okay, now you actually felt used. Blackmailed into having sex with Simon, just for him to get what he wants really was the all time low for you. And you've hit rock bottom multiple times.

You wake up light-headed, in Simon's empty bed. The bedside table held a small note in messy handwriting and a singular key.

Headed out to the pub, got a spare key for your room. You better be out of there by the time I get back. Jesus, you got the hint.

You wonder why and where Simon got a spare key from, realising that this situation could have been rectified from the beginning, instead he basically coerced you into sex just to fulfill his needs.

Your mother would die if she knew what your life was like.

Walking back into your room, you shoot a text to Simon, your now fake date, informing him of the fool-proof plan you'd come up with.

As you rest on your couch, thinking about the future ahead of you, and your head unconsciously drifts to that dreaded question:

What if you hurt Simon like he's hurt you?

The next few days was filled with your evenings trying to explain the dynamics of your family to Simon and teaching him more about you.

"And what, they went to the theme park and just left you there? Ain't that borderline abuse?" He questions, a small guilty feeling arising in the pit of your stomach learning about how similar both of yours fucked childhood was like.

You shrug, used to being kicked to the curb. You stop yourself before making some remark that he has no right to act upset about your parents behaviour when he's acting no better.

You tell him your middle name, hell, you tell him the correct spelling of your first name, and you stare at him, embarrassed that this hunk has pounded at your core but doesn't even know the vowels in your name.

"And last week was my birthday if they ask, and you better tell them I celebrated it by going to the cinema with my friends." You inform him, hoping some of this information gets retained into his pea sized head.

Simon cringes, unaware of your birthday, recalling the numerous amount times you'd shot him a smile that day, urging at least one person to wish you a happy birthday. He cocks his head, "What friends?" before correctly himself, "I mean, names wise."

"....you gotta make them up."

Note to self: Make new friends.

The big day comes and you and Simon had driven to the venue of your sister's engagement party. Extravagant was an understatement. Anyone that would look at this event would assume your parents were millionaires, but they're not considering only 2 out of 3 children received trust funds.

You wore a sleek black dress with a slit by your right leg, and Simon matched with a clean black suit which, by the way, you paid for.

Though you would usually drink in his appearance, his recent brooding behaviour gnawed in your mind, so no matter how many smiles he sent your direction, they couldn't dispel the unease settling in your gut.

The first hour consisted of the pair of you awkwardly standing around, drinking numerous glasses of the finest champagne, with his broad arm hovering over your shoulder.

"Where's the family?" He asks eyeing every guy that even so glances your direction.

You shrug, glancing at your unread messages to your sister.

1:00 P.M. You:- hey :) made it, wru??? You:- looks very grand btw!! 1:29 A.M. You:- hello? where's ma? 1:37 A.M. You:- champagne's tastyyy You:- hi wru 1:59 A.M. You:- bruh did you rly invite me just to ignore me???

Simon winces at your phone, reminding himself to finally get your number so at least someone would reply to your messages.

"You made it!"

You both turn around at the chirpy voice, instantly locking eyes with your sister.

"Hey, you didn't read my texts, been here for an hour now." You question, as you're being pulled into a hug.

"Oh that was you? Sorry, I haven't saved you on my phone," she laughs. You glance at Simon almost offended by that, even though you hadn't saved her number either.

"Introduce me to the big guy!" She nudges you, and Simon interrupts you before you open your mouth.

"Lieutenant Simon Riley, and uh- also boyfriend." He extends his arm, and you can't tell whether he's faking his grin or not.

She drags his forearms, yanking him away from you and ushering him along eagerly., "You need to meet my family, come come!", as they walk off together, and you find yourself standing there, left to socialise with someone else.

At 3 P.M., you navigate yourself to your family and your 'boyfriend', whom at this point, had really seemed to fit in with the community. Your father hadn't believed that you scored a buff military commander, and if he wasn't unhappily married to your mother, you'd bet 10 quid that he'd be all over Simon.

"Served in Afghanistan huh?" He chuckles boisterously.

"Yes sir." Simon actually looks like he's having fun, displaying the look of admiration for having an almost father-like figure in his life. He begins you question why you dislike your family so much, they're great!

"And you watch football lad?" He pats Simon on his back.

"Avid fan, sir."

Your father shakes Simon's hand, immediately surprised by his firm grip, "Good man. Don't let go of this one, love." He nods towards you, his smile twitching at Simon, who's basically gripping the bones through his wrist.

You force a smile hugging into your boyfriend's side, shouldn't he be saying that to your Simon, rather than you? I mean it's either your biological daughter you've sort of brought up her entire life versus a solider you've known for about an hour.

"Son, take some notes from your sister, no wonder you're single every other day." Your father reprimands your brother, who flinches from the sudden sound of disapproval and grips his girlfriend's forearm tighter. For sure the first time you're actually than him, at finding a better fake partner.

Your mother, on the other hand, was virtually glued to the other side of Simon, gripping his biceps and fawning over his muscles to your brother, who's actually looked like the only one who saw through your facade.

"Wow, you must really enjoy the gym, sweetie." She bags her eyes, disgustingly.

"Yes ma'am."

She addresses you, for what you think was the first time in over a year, and mouths sternly, "I was wrong, I approve."

The entire event was a drag to you, something you weren't used to at all, considering the majority of your childhood was mainly you being left home during such big events, but Simon managed to enjoy the evening whilst successfully lying to your entire family.

"Me and the missus have been together for 10 months now. She's very happy." He raises his glass to you, eliciting a genuine smile from you. It was times like this that you wished that you and Simon just tied the knot and just began dating. However, you couldn't ignore those underlying feelings of a simmering anger, a desire to confront him publicly for using you for so long.

"I am..." It sounds more like a question than a reply, kissing him, in mock affection.

"You need to stay over our place, Simon darling," Your mother gleams, with your father agreeing, "You can stay in the study!"

"You mean my old bedroom?"

It's midnight, and your family have finally fell asleep in the place you once called home.

You lay next to Simon on your old bed, inspecting your previous room. The walls were no longer painted your favourite colour, but now was coated in a dull grey, your desk now replaced by a vintage looking oak table, definitely all to accommodate your father's taste. Any speck of 'you' had been wiped out from the room, and Simon wonders what young you was like.

"That was very fun...I like 'em, your family." He whispers almost inaudibly, fatigue evident in his words. His arm is draped comfortably around your neck, your head resting in the nook of his armpit.

You hum. The unfamiliar attention Simon had brought up on the two of you exhausted you, though a small part of you liked it, that now your mother actually cared about what you got up with him on a daily basis.

"Simon..." You begin, "What- what are we? If anything..."

You're anticipating his rejection.

"Neighbours..." He mouths silently.

You nod at him, hoisting yourself up on your elbows, although his eyes are closed.

"Simon. It's just that. I know it's all a show...but today it didn't feel like pretend...And when you said you wanted to marry me to my mum, it's just, I don't know, didn't feel fake you know. Felt real..Simon...Simon?"

He snores in response.

Great. You're just confessing to the thin air.

If he doesn't take you out, socialising for almost 9 hours straight will. You pass out next to him, no longer under his arm. Simon lays next to you, watching the slow rise of fall of your chest, after faking a snore.

He stares at the ceiling thinking about the day.

Come morning, and you find yourself sitting at the dining table next to Simon, who'd found himself in a hearty conversation with your parents, sister and future brother in law.

Across from you is your brother, whom you're sure didn't fall for your ruse.

His expression reveals concern as he gazes at you, almost as if he's silently urging you to unravel the tangled web of lies you've woven.

With a swift motion, he picks up his phone, arching an eyebrow in your direction, just as your phone chimes with a notification.

9:12 A.M. ####:- ik you two aren't dating. ####:- better fess up before i do

He smirks at you, your expression mirrors one of close defeat.

9:13 A.M. You:- ik you mad that she cheats on you every friday. You:- better check her private 2nd insta account before i do

Your brother looks up, hesitant to curse you out in front of everyone.

You 1, your brother 0.

Breakfast was served at this time you actually got the same amount of food as your siblings did, although Simon beat all 3 of you for it. Even though your sister was celebrating her engagement, the entire conversation was stuck on you and Simon.

Credits to your parents, because you were actually learning things about Simon, and you wonder if he thinks you're self-obsessed given that you've forced every fact about you down his throat and you haven't even given a minute for him.

"...and my Captain John Price, great guy. She loves him actually." He nudges you, breaking you from your trance.

"Huh."

Everyone on the table turn to you as Simon rubs your knee softly.

"OH. Um, yeah. Mr Price, John, um, great guy, handsome and so hot. Love him. The best really."

As you stumbled over your words, trying to cover up the slip, Simon gave you a reassuring squeeze on your knee. His eyes conveyed a silent message, telling you that it was okay and that they didn't catch you in a lie.

Your brother, however, shot you a knowing look, his expression a mix of amusement and annoyance. It was clear that he had caught onto your the slip up.

"Alright, enough about work," your mother interjected, steering the conversation away from Simon's military life. "Let's talk about something more fun. Like the wedding!"

The topic shifted to your sister's upcoming wedding, and you found yourself for once engaged in a lively discussion with your family about venues, dresses, and guest lists. Simon chimes in, his comments light-hearted and filled with humor.

As the breakfast progressed, you couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt gnawing at you. Your brother's text had reminded you that you were deceiving your family, and although it had started as a harmless ruse, it was beginning to feel like a weight on your shoulders.

After the meal, you and Simon got ready to depart, and as Simon and the rest of your family went to his car, you stood back at the front door, watching how perfect Simon fit in with them.

"It's obvious you don't like him."

You turn to the voice: your brother.

Your groan, "You again? Can't you just leave me alone, God's sake..."

"Aren't you a 'lil worried about how easily he lies though?" he taunts, "how'd you get him here? Money? Or you hold him over a secret? Maybe...sex?"

"What's your problem? Can't you just be happy I'm with someone?" You step back from him.

"Of course I am, if he doesn't like who, who else will, no? I'm just looking out for you bro. It's not gonna last, take it from someone who's in and out of relationships like your guy's in and out of other women."

You squint your eyes at him, confused.

"Grace, Josie, Francesca..." he trails off walking slowly towards the rest of the group. Francesca? That name rings a bell...

"Word of advice, don't leave your phone out in the open, I mean the amount of nudes on there, you'd think his gallery was a porn site! And without a password? Didn't know you were into whores, sis." He cackles.

And here you thought the trip had altered the dynamic.

The ride home was 2 hours too long and too silent. You contemplated your next move. Do you beat around the bush or straight up ask him if he's still seeing other people behind your back? You know he doesn't owe you anything, he is your FAKE boyfriend, right? But, why did it feel so real?

"So..." he starts.

You rest your head on the window, "So..."

His hand moves to your thigh, squeezing gently before moving towards your core slowly.

"That was fun." He states.

You hum.

"Real cool family, huh."

You hum once again, unsure what to say.

"We should do that again..."

You look at him confused.

"Are you serious? I think they still think that they have 2 kids, they focused on you the entire time-"

"Well, it's not like you put in much effort to talk, love."

That shuts you up.

He sighs at your silence, "Listen, I've been thinking."

You glance at him, hoping he'd kick you out of his car and let you walk the rest of the way home, too ashamed to be in his vicinity.

"Your parents were hinting us to take the next move you know..."

"Neighbours to friends?" You question.

He laughs, "Your family's great, your sister's and her lad, real cute couple you know, I felt at home...so I was thinking...we should try it you know, going out I guess."

You scrunch your face at him, was he really convinced into asking you out because your parents asked him? And here you were, months of trying to hint to wanting more, and the moment your demanding parents butt in, he's just going to do what they say? And the fact that he couldn't even say the word relationship.

Who the fuck does he think he is?

You cross your arms in annoyance. You were tired of being pushed around like a doormat.

Your brother's words ring through your head, as Simon drives.

It's not gonna last, take it from someone who's in and out of relationships like your guy's in and out of other women.

All the signs point towards rejecting his proposal. He doesn't want you, he just wants the safest route. You being in a relationship with him isn't going to stop him fucking other women.

Why would you waste your time with a guy to whom you meant nothing to?

So you decide to give it to him directly.

"Yes. I'll be your girlfriend."

Thank you all so much for the interactions on part 1! Means a lot :D THERE WILL BE A PART 3 LMAOOO i did not intend for this fic to be long but here we are. lemme know you're interested to be tagged in my future posts! tags -> @lilliumrorum, @kxtz3, @poohkie90, @rainlovesyou12, @restrictionsapply, @lunamoonbby, @nigthmar3moon, @thychuvaluswife, @itsnourm, @bubusi11, @owkittie

[hughiecampbelle]

The Boys Preference: Being Becca and Butchers Child

Requested: Firstly HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL!!!!!! ﾟ+.ヽ(≧▽≦)ﾉ.+ﾟ. Secondly, could u write like some headcanon about being Butcher's child (like who is two years older than Ryan) and how other members from the boys (+ maybe Soldier boy, cause of season 3 and how he would interact with them :3) - anon

A/N: Thank you my love!!! In the headcanon I made reader 10+ years older so they'd be at least 18 by the time they found out about Becca and Ryan, I hope you don't mind!! That way they can be part of The Boys and grow up with them, if that makes sense? I also had a very similar request of a headcanon so I'm basing it off that so there's some background :) I love this request!!! Feedback is always appreciated 💜💜💜

Headcanon Pt. 1 / Headcanon Pt. 2

Butcher knew he couldn't take care of you. He was getting drunk every night, picking fights at bars, searching the city for your mom. Your perfect grades were slipping, you were getting into fights at school, you were emulating him. He knew how dangerous that was. First with your Aunt, then your Great Aunt, until you tracked him down all these years later. He still has a picture of you in his wallet, a baby picture that's creased and faded. You and Becca. You've grown up since then, though. And you're angry. He insist you go back to Judy, pretend you never saw or heard what you did, but you refuse. You want to pick a fight with him. You want to yell and scream and get out eight years worth of grief. He understands where you're coming from, he does. He never wanted to be like his father and yet, in so many ways, that's exactly who he was. Your relationship will never be what it is. That's not possible anymore. You have to learn to deal with one another now, in the present, instead of the happy kid you used to be, instead of the dad he used to be. It hurts you both to think about the past, who you could have been instead of who you are.

Hughie isn't really sure what to do with you. There's no doubt you're Butcher's kid. He's still relatively new to the team, so he just assumed this was something else Butcher hadn't shared with him. When he realizes no one knew about your existence, he's shocked. You, like your father, gravitate towards Hughie for reasons you can't put into words. You'll let him sit next to you when you're watching TV and maybe even talk to him if you're in the right mood. You don't shoot daggers at him like you try with everyone else. Similar to a cat, he's someone you can stand to be around. He comes to your defense a lot, especially when you stumble in drunk and pass out for the day. He's sure if any of them had been raised by Butcher, or at least the outside relatives, they would have turned out exactly like you. He can't blame you for being angry, or pissed, or hurt. He can see the hurt better than anyone else no matter how much you try to hide it. He thinks you just need some time and empathy to get straightened out. The least they can do is offer that, right?

Annie has no idea what to do with you. She tried smiling and talking to you, but you didn't want anything to do with her. She reminds you too much of your Aunt. She always said you should be happier, bubblier, that you were so smiley as a kid. You couldn't live in the past like her, with her. Too much had changed. Hughie assures her it's nothing against her, you're just getting used to things. She thinks it's sweet how you're attracted to Hughie. He's the only one you mildly respect and even, once in a blue moon, listens to. She doesn't take it too personally considering you're ready to rip your fathers head off. It could be a lot worse. Over time you see that Annie and Hughie are together and that definitely earns her some points. Annie can't imagine what your life must have looked like, all those years mourning your mother and father, all those years spent with relatives just doing their best. She understood why you were so angry all the time, so cagey and spiky. She doesn't hold it against you.

M.M. feels conflicted. Betrayed isn't the right word, but it's the closest thing he can come up with. He never 100% trusted Butcher. He was always going behind everyone's backs, doing what he wanted despite the good of the team, etc. He was destructive, combative, and spiteful. But, he thought they knew each other better than that. When he met you he couldn't deny you were Butcher's. Your mannerisms, the crazed look in your eye when you were upset, it all matched your father. He can't help but see you like how he sees Janine, even if you're much older: a victim of Vought. A generational curse. You're stubborn, and angry, and distant all because of what's been done to you, all because of Homelander. If your mom had been around, if Homelander had never done what he'd done, you'd still have your perfect family. He feels this need to protect you the same way he does with your father, even if you both fight him on it, even if you don't want or deserve it. He can't help it.

Frenchie doesn't trust you the same way he doesn't trust your father. He especially doesn't like that you and Kimiko are so close. She doesn't tell him anything about your conversations, knowing it would completely break your trust if she did. He believes Butcher would hide something as big and important as a child. He knows what your family can be like. Lying, drunken, selfish, vengeful. You're only a few of those things, not that he can tell the difference. You know Frenchie isn't your biggest fan, so you love messing with him, teasing him, rubbing it in his face that you and Kimiko are close. Similar to your father, Frenchie thinks this isn't the kind of place for you. You have no idea what you're getting yourself into. M.M. might feel fatherly towards you, but Frenchie sees you as a Mini Butcher, just another handful no one on the team can deal with. You yell and scream and fight and drink. That proves to him you're still a child despite it all.

Kimiko adores you. Despite the difference in circumstances, she sees a lot of herself in you. Ripped from your family, angry and hostile and doing everything in your power not to get hurt again. Besides Hughie, you'd warm up to her second. You're actually incredibly smart despite never applying yourself and pick up the signs pretty quickly. Whatever you can't sign, you write to her, wanting your conversations to stay secret. You show her the pictures of your mom that you kept all these years, telling her all about the good times you had before she disappeared. When you see Butcher you instantly grow hostile, angry all over again, and the person she saw, the person she was just talking to who was kind, and thoughtful, and smart totally disappears. When you blast your angry music she never minds. In fact, she quite likes it, adding it to her own playlist. She doesn't look at you like you need fixing or, worse, need to get out of here.

Bonus! Homelander always knew about you. Becca was more than willing to talk about you and Billy to co-workers. He even remembers taking that picture with you that one Christmas. He's kept an eye on you through the years, but you never seemed like the vengeful type. You never knew what happened after your father abandoned you. He does, however, use it as leverage against Becca. Remember the kid you left behind? Seems like she's got favorites. Becca agonizes over leaving you, but she was caught between a rock and a hard place. He uses you to keep her there, in her place. He gives her updates, usually to make her feel bad. You're kid drinks way too much, did you know that? Of course you didn't. He loves to tell her that Butcher abandoned you all those years ago. He loves to see that it absolutely kills her. He's not worried about you coming after him. You've got to work through your issues before you get to him and therapy for a lifetime couldn't get you an Butcher on the same page.

Bonus! Soldier Boy would actually get along with you. I think you'd have a Worst Dad Competition and though you're close, you definitely think you win. You two share a drink and you tell him all about your dear old dad. "No wonder you turned out like this." Ben says, pouring you more. Hughie urges you to slow down, but you have a high tolerance. Ben, to piss of Butcher, will always take your side in arguments and uses what you told him against him. "You dumped them off and never looked back. Now you're parenting?" Butcher absolutely hates it. You tell him about your mom, how much she loved you, how she was killed. You don't mention Ryan though, knowing Ben's go to answer would be to seek revenge. You have a lot of complicated feelings around your brother, but you still have a burning Hatred for Homelander. You make Ben promise he'll kill him. He does, even if it means killing his son. You two bond really fast. Neither Hughie nor Butcher trusts it or him, but you do.

[respectthepetty]

12 Anticipated Thai BLs for 2025

As usual, I'm excited for ALL the GLs (Cranium, Only You, 3 Minutes 2 Love, Reverse with You, Buy My Boss, Let's Kick this Love, No Romeo, and so many more!), but I'm making my annual list of the BLs I'm excited for this year with brief reasons why I'm looking forward to them, and it includes some I've previously mentioned in my GMMTV 2025 Hot Tops. However, I must first look back at my 2024 list and see if those BLs were worth my anticipation:

The Next Prince - I still haven't gotten it, so 2025 better be the year!

Jack & Joker: U Steal My Heart - Great! Amazing! Loved it!

Spare Me Your Mercy - We don't talk about her.

Wandee Goodday - I have my issues, but it was a fun ride. *wink*

Choco Milk Shake 2 - The production team said it was never planned, you know, like a liar.

Time of Fever - Beautiful! Astounding! I NEED MORE!

My Doctor/Mr. Doctor - I'm probably never getting it. I need a moment to collect myself.

Live in Love - I was only showing up for the colors, and it delivered them plus a lot more crazy nonsense.

Red Peafowl - It was all a lie, and apparently we are never getting it.

Love Upon a Time - I don't want to talk about what happened, but I better get it this year!

Love Puzzle - Probably not getting it, and I'm not okay about it.

Peaceful Property - Fantastic! Divine! Best thing I watched this year!

Sunset x Vibes - I showed up for MosBank, and I got MosBank, so I was thrilled!

The Heart Killers - I'm having the time of my life!

Bonus: Your Dear Daddy - WHERE IS MY MAN FLUKE?! GIVE HIM TO ME RIGHT NOW!

Now time for this year's list!

Honorable Mention: MosBank & JoongDunk

I will show up every year excited about the same thing — my ships! I'm getting Joong and Dunk in Dare You to Death if they don't get divorced before then, and I'm getting Mos and Bank in Be My (Soul)Mate if they aren't busy planning a wedding by then. I know JoongDunk's piece is about murders and making out which are two of my favorite things, but I don't even know what the plot is for MosBank's series because all I know is it isn't Big Dragon 2, but it doesn't matter anyway since I'm always happy to see my favorites!

A Dog and a Plane

2024 came for my throat and my heart with some really heavy shows, and in comparison to the rest of this list, I'm banking on this show to be my one bright spot in 2025. I need at least one show to make me laugh while it's ripping out my heart, and I think this is the show for the job.

Goddess Bless You From Death

This show scares me, and it might give me nightmares, but it involves murders and making out, so I'm effing with los espookys for this one. Y'all can have Khemjira though. I ain't that brave.

My Sweetheart Jom

Saint, in a BL again. That's it. That's the reason.

Memoir of Rati

I expect only happy endings from GMMTV, but I'm worried about this one's ending, yet I must see what happens. It has history, politics, and class dynamics, so as much as I'm happy to see Great, Inn, Aou, and Boom in this, I'm also very nervous.

Love Carved in the Moonlight

It seemed like poly was a possibility, which I know is a lie, but also, this looked beautiful, and I'm not just referring to the men. It's another period piece, so I might just be in for a Thai history lesson in 2025.

I'm the Most Beautiful Count

People are upset that the pilot trailer seemed to make light of the source material, but I have faith this adaptation will do justice to the webtoon and give us a leading man worth fighting for.

Interminable

I sense a lengthy series brewing from Idol Factory for this one, so I think we might not see it until later this year or 2026, but I also think it will be worth the wait since there's no way Billy and Babe won't make me teary-eyed with a plot like this.

Ticket to Heaven

It involves Catholicism; therefore, it will hurt me. However, as a Catholic, the Church has instilled in me that if it isn't painful, then it isn't good for me, so if the show makes me cry every episode, I think the Church would approve.

Knock Out

It's Gym Bros BL adjacent meaning men will be in a gym, half-naked, and working out, which is good enough for me! Also, they're color coded, so who am I to deny small blessings?

The Wicked Game

We are getting two GLs and a BL about bodyguards falling in love with their clients, but just like all the vampire series we were supposed to get in 2024 yet only got two, I'm wondering who will be first and how they will turn out. I think all of them will be great, but I am especially looking forward to Daou getting bruised up for love.

Love of Silom

Up and Poom were a surprise for me in 2024 with My Stand-In, so from what I know about the plot dealing with a cop and a single dad, I think they will do just as great with their second series as they did with the first. I am patently waiting to be in my feels again because of them.

Me & Who

I need to watch Big kiss men like I need air. I need to watch Big gently place his hand on another man's neck like I need water. I need this show. Now.

Bonus: Mandate

Did anyone watch 2012's Political Animals with Sebastain Stan who played TJ Hammond, the bisexual son of the former President of the United States and the current Secretary of State, who had a secret affair with an older married and closeted US Senator?

Anyone? No?

Well, can I get something similar, Thailand? Is that too much to ask? I don't know, but I'm going to ask for it anyway! Let me have it! Give me what I deserve.

[xxchumanixx]

Hii, I have a request Tim Bradford X Grey!reader, I really liked the other one where she is Sergeant Grey’s adoptive daughter.

So basically she is a detective in another station, because you know, conflict of interests since she is his daughter.

she is younger than Tim, so age gap, 25 or so. She is a complete badass fr

and she goes to an undercover mission, a fancy party or something like that, alone. and things kinda get complicated, so the sergeant of the station where she works calls for backup, her father, because they are closer to where she is and also because he thought Wade would want to know his daughter is in danger.

so they get the call, and go to the place, and at first they don’t know she is grey’s daughter. They didn't know he had another daughter and that she was a detective, just because doing this dangerous job he was trying to protect her.

but she was handling things beautifully💅🏻💅🏻, and once they got there she had the suspects under control and was just slightly injured (like her arm idk). And she did it in a dress and in high heels 💅🏻💅🏻. I imagine she would be very sassy like Grey, also kind brag about what she just did. and then she starts flirting with Tim, HARD, in front of everyone and he starts blushing, absolutely melting because of her duh. everyone thought that was it, but no, she then transfers to her father station and from there her and Tim start dating, even if they shouldn’t, so once a few months has passed (and EVERYBODY knew but her father 💀💀, Angela and Nyla were for sure teasing them about it) he goes to Wade and gives up his position (Metro Tim has me in a chokehold 🥵🥵, y/n’s will agree with me for sure, with that cargo pants damn)

and that’s it, sorry it’s pretty long and there are for sure some mistakes, I’m not a native speaker 🥺🥺. Thank u if you will do it ❤️❤️❤️

Give it all

Tim Bradford x Grey!reader

Warnings/Tags: fluff, reader is Grey's daughter, swearing if you squint, canon typical violence

Word count: 3.386

Authors note: Hello love, thanks for the request! I know it's a hell of a lot late, but I didn't get to write it, because you sadly spoilerd me (I was mid season 2 when you sent your request I think) and I didn't even know what you meant with the cargo pants at first😂 But now that I've watched til the end of season 5 (still waiting with bated breath for season 6 to air in Germany with German sync) I can finally write it.

And I know about those cargo pants now and I have to agree with you. Metro Tim is🔥!

Also, I made the reader a little older, just to stay in the possibilities of becoming a detective at a young age (don't know if it's really possible to become one at 25, so she's 27).

Still hope you'll like it, though!

I suck at titles I'm sorry.

Enjoy!

God damn it.

Why did everything you so neatly planned with your team have to go bust?

It was supposed to be an easy mission - get in, get the intel, get out.

Simple as that.

But nothing ever really goes to plan, does it?

Not to mention the dress you were wearing, intoxicating yet so unpractical. Or the heels at your feet, making it all the more harder to fight.

You were worried about the seam of the dress ripping, as you kicked the guard in front of you down to the ground, sending him asleep with a blow to his face.

It was pretty, but so hard to move in.

"Grey, get your ass out of there and wait for backup!" your commander yelled into the small earpiece you were wearing, making you flinch at his high pitched voice.

If you hadn't known his face, you'd mistaken him for a woman.

Swinging at the man in front of you, you hit his jaw, your fist stinging at the harsh contact. The man reeled back, releasing an angry yell, as he made a run for you.

God damn it.

Ducking away from him you kicked at his legs, using the momentum to disbalance him. He stumbled, but managed to catch himself rather quickly, before he pulled a knife out of his boot.

Really?

Groaning inwardly, you tried to avoid the shiny blade, dodging the blow with a jump to the side. It grazed your skin though, a line of blood soon trickling down your left arm.

So much for the dress now being ruined.

The man ran after you, but you pushed a cart into his way. He fell down on it, his weight being his disadvantage, the knife clattering to the ground.

You pinned him down from behind, cuffing him with the binders you'd found earlier. He tried to push you backwards, but you kneed his groin hard, causing him to cry out in agony, as he stopped struggling.

Pushing him to the ground where the other man was lying, you did the same to the unconscious one, tying his wrists together.

"Backup is there!" Granville gave through the earpiece, your eyes rolling at the information.

A bit late, weren't they?

Huffing, you left the men behind, returning to the grand hall where the gala was being held.

Your dress was ruined, stained with the blood that continued to trickle down your arm, dropping to the floor, and your feet hurt.

The room was earily silent, no music or chattering people. Police crowded the room, guns drawn.

You groaned, when you spotted your father amongst them, rolling your eyes for the millionth time this evening.

They watched you, as you walked towards them, your father's eyes widening at the blood. "You're late." you announced loudly, stopping right in front of the aligned officers. "They're in the office back there."

Wade rolled his eyes, motioning for some of the officers to gather the attackers, and for the rest to back down.

God only knew where your constant eye rolling came from.

"Get an ambulance!" he shouted, as the crowd started to disperse, before he walked over to you. Your eyes swiped over the officers, stopping at a particular handsome face.

He was tall, walking towards you and your father, with a female officer on his tail. "Sarge, what about Torres?" he wanted to know, eyes darting to you in curiosity for a brief moment.

Tilting your head, you gave him a once-over. "Didn't know mid Wilshire had such handsome officers." you pointed out, causing his gaze to snap back to yours.

Your father inhaled sharply, not saying anything though. They didn't know you were his daughter, him trying to shield you from threats.

Bradford, as his name tag read, grew a bit red in the face. Clearing his throat, he returned the gesture of giving you a once-over.

"Oh, upstairs are three more guards." you told your father, crossing your arms over your chest. "They should be still asleep, like the ones in the office."

One of his fingers tapped on his waistband, as he tried to calm himself. You were an adult, a detective working at a station farther down the city. You knew what you were doing.

He was still worried as hell, though.

"Good work." he muttered, avoiding to look at you. He couldn't deny that he preferred you to have a normal job, not risking your life when going undercover like this.

Your gaze went back to Sargeant Bradford, the stripes on his sleeves matching your father's. "I'm detective Y/N Grey." you introduced yourself, holding out your non bloody hand for him to shake.

His breath hitched in his throat at the name, still shaking your hand as he introduced himself as well. "Sargeant Tim Bradford."

"I thought we'd talked about this!" your father interrupted you with a hiss, just as your eyes were about to roam the broad figure of Tim Bradford once more.

Rolling your eyes yet again, you smirked at Tim, ignoring the fuming form of your father right beside you. "Nice to meet you."

Some of the other officers where already looking at you, watching the commotion. The woman that had followed Tim - officer Chen - bit her lip to stop from laughing.

Tim's face grew a deeper red in the meantime.

"Are you in a relationship?" you wanted to know, his eyes widening, as your father grabbed your non injured arm, deciding he had enough.

"Look, the ambulance is there." He tried to be calm, his grip harsh though, as he left you no choice but to follow him.

Sending Tim a wink, you smiled. "Hope we'll meet again, sargeant Bradford."

He didn't answer, only watching your retreating figure with deep interest.

_____

After a rather tiresome talk with your father, resulting in both of you shouting at each other, your captain decided to transfer you - to mid Wilshire.

Your father wasn't happy, knowing he'd now have to watch his own daughter getting in harms way.

Things with Tim were getting interesting, after a few weeks had passed.

You'd kept flirting with him, even though he was a bit hesitant at first. Now that you had transferred, everyone knew who's daughter you were.

He didn't want to end on your father's bad side, though still giving into your flirts after a while. Somewhere along the way he'd asked you out on a date.

It resulted in marvelous sex and more dates. It had clicked instantly, things going beautifully between you.

Feelings sparked, soon resulting in a confession.

You'd been walking through the park in the evening, watching the water from a bridge you were standing on.

His arm was around your waist, his warmth engulfing you. You'd been going on dates for two months now, just having left the restaurant. He'd planned to do it in a more romantic way, telling you how he felt.

As the water rippled beneath you, the moon and the lanterns shining down on it, he turned you towards him, your gaze finding his.

"I'm glad you transferred here." he began, taking your hands in his, entwining your fingers. You leaned more into him, heart beating faster in your chest.

"I'm glad we met and I'm glad you still kept flirting with me, even when I was hesitant about it at first." he continued, thumb brushing over your knuckles. "And I'm glad you accepted to go out on a date with me. I really like you, Y/N... I want you to know, that I've grown feelings for you."

He held his breath, waiting for you to respond.

Your lips split in a broad smile, leaning even closer. "Well, I'm glad that you feel this way." you replied, face inching closer. "Because I've grown feelings for you too, Tim."

He sighed in relief, tugging you closer to cover your lips with his. You returned the kiss, his hands on your waist, as yours brushed through his hair, locking behind his neck.

He was like a drug for you.

He'd swept you off his feet when you first saw him, catching your gaze in an instant. For him it was the same, even with the blood that trickled down your arm, the light scar a reminder of the night you met.

_____

"So, when do we get an invitation for a double date?" Angela quipped, stirring her coffee, as she sat down opposite you. Cocking a brow you looked up from your phone, that goofy smile still glued to your face without you noticing.

You'd been texting with Tim, his own shift a later one that had yet to start.

Angela's smile grew warmer, her head tilting. Your brows furrowed at her, confused about the way she was smiling at you.

"Don't act like you don't know what I mean." she told you, eyes narrowing the slightest bit. "It's obvious that you and Tim are dating."

Your cheeks grew warmer, eyes looking down on the table. "Please don't tell my father about it." you asked of her, knowing that denying the obvious wouldn't get you very far.

She huffed in amusement, shaking her head. "Don't worry, I won't tell him."

"Tell whom what?" someone spoke up behind you - Nyla. She poured herself a cup of coffee as well, joining you at the table. "Tell her father that her and Bradford are dating."

Nyla made a dismissive gesture, shaking her head. "Don't worry, it's so obvious, we wouldn't even have to tell him. He'll find out on his own."

Eyes widening, you sat up straighter.

Where you really this obvious?

They must have read your thoughts, snickering into their cups. "It's cute." Angela pointed out, sending you a wink. "But yes, it really is this obvious."

_____

"We can't go on like this." you told Tim the same evening after your talk with Angela and Nyla, forking at the food on your plate.

Tim cocked a brow, wondering what you were talking about. Looking up from your plate, you placed the fork down. "I mean us."

He froze, the pasta falling from his own fork back on the plate, before he placed it down as well. "What do you mean?"

He couldn't shake the fear that suddenly gripped him, eminent in his voice. He'd thought you'd love him?

"We can't keep this a secret anymore." you explained, leaning on your elbows. "Angela and Nyla are constantly teasing me about it. It's obvious, everyone knows except for my father - he would have decapitated me already if he'd know."

His heart stumbled, though relief filled him at your words.

You weren't breaking up with him.

"Then we'll make it official." he proposed, leaning forward as well. You bit your lip, contemplating it. Someday they would find out anyway.

You nodded, sending him a smile. "Let's make it official."

_____

You should have known it would be a bad idea.

You had a deja vu at the way your father was yelling at you, whilst your mother was shaking her head constantly at him.

She knew better than to interrupted him.

It felt like the time you'd set the bathroom on fire, trying to alter a dress of yours when you were young.

Your father had his very own opinion about you trying to be a fashion designer.

You were waiting for him to finish his speech, knee bouncing as you stared at the wall behind him.

He inhaled deeply and you used the opportunity to interrupt him.

"I love him." you told him firmly, standing up from the chair.

Wait, what?

You loved him?

Well, yes, you did.

"I love him and I won't leave him just because you tell me to. You don't like it? Well, you don't have to. I'm an adult, I'm 27 and I can decide on my own. I can choose who I love and who I date, I don't have to ask for your permission."

He was stunned, noticing once more that you were in fact, an adult. You're mother was smiling to herself, never having had any problems with you dating Tim, even if he was a few years older than you.

Wade grumbled something to himself, wondering when you'd grown so much. To him you were still his little girl, he had to protect you.

"I'm okay with leaving mid Wilshire, if I have to. But I won't be leaving Tim." you clarified, crossing your arms over your chest.

He shook his head, wiping over his face with his hand in a tired manner. "Since when are you this grown?" he wanted to know, voice defeated. "You're my little girl, I have to protect you!"

You couldn't help the smile that fought its way onto your lips. "Dad, you don't have to protect me - protect Dom, not me. She's still so young. I'm a grown-up, I can look after myself."

Luna chuckled, agreeing with a tilt of her head. "Our daughter should be free to decide what she wants." she spoke, putting a hand on your father's arm. "Let her date him, don't ruin this for her."

He sighed heavily, head hanging low. Nodding, he looked at his wife, before he looked at you.

"But you're not leaving mid Wilshire."

_____

"I have to." Tim pressured, pecking your lips. "And I want to. Metro is great, it's an opportunity I want to take."

He had proposed to transfer to the metro, after a position had been cleared, giving him a chance he wanted to take. He secretly hoped he'd get the job - it would make things a lot easier and he had thought about it even before you two met.

He'd be going to your father today, giving up his position if the metro was willing to take him in. He'd already talked to their chief, meeting her in a few minutes to discuss things.

You were nervous about it.

Sure, you knew he wanted to go to the metro, but you were worried he'd regret it. But you knew you had to let him do this.

They rest of the day went on like chewing gum.

Whilst you were working on some cases, he talked to the metro. You bad trouble concentrating, Angela soon noticing.

"What's up with you?" she wanted to know, leaning on the small wall that divided your desk and the hallway. Looking up from the papers you'd read three times already, you pushed them aside.

"Tim's trying for a position at the Metro." you told her, leaning your head on your hand. Her eyes widened, letting go of the air inside her lungs. "Wow."

You nodded, biting your lip. "Im happy if he gets the position, but I fear he's doing it because he feels pressured to do." you explained. "I don't want him to regret his decision."

Angela shook her head, adjusting her position. "He won't." she assured you. "Tim knows what he wants. Just as he knows that he wants you. He'd have done everything in his power to ensure that, believe me. If he tries for the position, than it's because he wants to."

You nodded, trying to belive her words.

You really hoped she was right.

_____

Tim wrought his hands nervously, trying to calm his racing heart, before he would face your father.

He had been a bit harsher on Tim since he knew you were dating, but he refused to let it bother him.

Entering the watch commander's office, he braced himself for the conversation ahead of him.

Wade looked up when he entered, putting his pen down and crossing his arms on the desk. "Bradford, what can I do for you?"

Tim closed the door, sitting down on the chair opposite Wade's. "I want to transfer to the Metro." he spoke, getting right to the topic.

Grey's eyes widened - even if he kept a closer eye on him due to the relationship with his daughter, he wasn't willing to give him up that easily.

"Are you sure?" he wanted to know, his eyes wandering to your desk for a brief moment. He couldn't really see you, but he knew you were there - and Angela was as well, still talking to you.

Tim nodded, licking his lip. "I've talked to their chief and their willing to take me in." he explained, swallowing. "I think it's better this way."

Wade rubbed his chin, humming to himself.

"Are you doing this, because you want to, or because you feel forced to?" he inquired, gaze fixed on his Sargeant.

Tim cleared his throat, never breaking eye contact. "Because I want to." he responded. "I was thinking about going to the metro for a while now, not just because of your daughter."

Wade nodded, contemplating.

"Do you love her?"

Tim was taken aback by the question, still nodding fervently. "I do. Why?"

Wade nodded too, looking down on his desk. "Do you plan to marry her?"

Tim choked on his saliva, growing red as he desperately tried to regain his breath. Wade cocked a brow at his flustered face, eyes wide as Tim stared at his watch commander.

"I think it's a bit early for that." Tim gave back, swallowing hard. Wade huffed, leaning back in his chair with crossed arms. "But when the time comes, I would want to."

Wade was pleased to hear that, the smallest smile gracing his lips.

"Well then, if you want to transfer to the metro, I'm sad to see you go but I won't stop you." he told him, sitting more straight again. "It was my honor to be your watch commander."

Tim looked up from his lap, where his eyes had landed moments before, disbelieve evident in his features. Grey sent him a smile, nodding slightly.

"It was my honor, too, Sarge."

_____

You didn't see Tim, before you went home that evening.

Did he get the position?

When he entered his house - you had a key, already having cooked - you couldn't help the impatience that overtook your senses.

"Did you get the position?" you wanted to know, greeting him in the hallway.

He cocked a brow at you, fighting a smirk. "Let me get home first." he chided, shaking his head as the smirk won.

Rolling your eyes, you walked back into the living room, waiting for him to join you at the dining table.

When he did, his hands found your hips, tugging you closer to kiss you. You returned it, sighing contently. He deepened the kiss, but you separated from him.

"Did you get it?"

He rolled his eyes at how impatient you were, but smiled down at you eventually. "I did." You smiled back, happy for him, as you kissed him again.

He smiled into the kiss, before he leaned back. "And I talked to your father."

Your smile fell, a sigh leaving your lips.

"He didn't want to let me go, but he eventually agreed."

Nodding, you bit your lip, the smile slowly returning. You knew that Tim was one of the best at mid Wilshire, and your father knew too.

"Let's eat, baby."

_____

"Damn, those cargo pants make me want to stay instead of going to work."

You bit your lip as you watched him dress, the pants definitely going to be a weak spot for you. He smirked, capturing your lips with his own. "We have to get ready, I don't want to be late on my first day."

The pants in combination with the boots made you go weak in the knees. It was tempting to just seduce him and stay, but you knew he was right.

It didn't mean you wouldn't seduce him later in the evening, though.

"It'll be hard to concentrate when I see you in these pants." you admitted, staring at them. He chuckled, redirecting your gaze with a finger under your chin. "We have to go." he reminded you, grinning.

He had trouble not giving into you and stay as well, so he tried to get you two on your way to work as fast as possible.

You let him walk in front of you, so you could stare at his ass, as he ushered you out of the house.

Damn, those pants would be the death of you.

Tag List

@newobsessionweekly @laheysfilm

@augustvandyne @rookietrek

[alevicke]

Hii!! I saw requests were open!! I was wondering, if you write for trickster, could you write some headcanons of trickster with a survivor s/o who’s very clingy and cuddly and wants constant cuddles from him? Like she’d even go up to him during a trial and beg him to cuddle with her.

Hi! Thank you for requesting, it's actually the first time in my life someone requests something ^^ i hope you don't mind that I added The Huntress and The Spirit as well because I'm weak for them 💖 I'll use gn reader! Hope you like it 💖

Killer x clingy!reader

Characters: Trickster, The Huntress and The Spirit

No TWs! Or if you think something should be mentioned let me know. Also sorry for the mistakes, English isn't my native language and I have no one to proof read this D:

Trickster:

For this man it really depends how much you know each other or if you're already together (just as with anyone else in reality)

To be fair, he's famous and handsome. He knows already people want to cuddle him, he's well used to crazy fan girls who could do ANYTHING to even get close to him. Cuddling is a FANTASY for them.

But so is for you. Although you see more than the others. When the others think about Trickster they think about the softness of his skin, the sweet voice whispering in their ears, the fingers along their skin... But that's about it, they only see a pretty face to cling onto, a trophy and Trickster knows that

But he always felt something different from you

You didn't look at him like a crazy fangirl who would rip his fingers just to have something from him closer. You were seeing more from him

At first, he would shrug, laugh at you and keep you away using his bat like a long twig to keep the distance. No touchy for people he doesn't know. You could have your fingers dirty with oil from the generators and ruin his amazing skin routine that takes so much time to do

You get closer to him to hug him in a trial? Oh heck no (not yet)

But as time passes and you keep wanting to stay by his side even when he doesn't allow you to touch him, he starts to slowly allow you closer. It's not like suddenly, one day, he will let you hug him, but will slowly allow you to sit closer, some days he will let you grab his hand so you can see his new nail polish, to see his make up that turned amazing today...

And day by day you realize he's way more comfortable around you until he finally wraps his arm around your shoulder, allowing you to cuddle in his chest.

He's warm and sweet once he finally trusts you, he's careful not to mess with your hair and he touches you so gently as if he was scared he could break you

He will start allowing you to hug him, he doesn't mind you doing it if it's not getting in the middle of his routines or similar or if it's a situation when no one can be in danger. He would never forgive himself if you get hurt trying to hug him in a trial or similar so he sets that strict rule. But once everyone is dead in the trial? You're more than welcome between his arms. He's just scared of hurting you. He truly wants to hug you in the trial but it's impossible to do it without it being dangerous for both of you.

Although, he often allows you to be the last survivor so you both can cuddle while he finishes off one of your team mates down

When you hug him he specially loves having your hair closer to him. No matter if it's curly, straight, short, long, blonde, brunettte, black or dyed, he likes your hair a lot and the sweet smell of it.

It's not unusual for him to fall asleep cuddling with you once you both are used to this. He likes to be the big spoon but doesn't mind being the small one every now and then

It takes him more time for him to allow you to pet his hair though. He's still over protective of his hairstyle

THE HUNTRESS:

She's so confused the first time you try to hug her. It doesn't happen out of the blue or else she would completely kill you for touching her when she didn't want to and could only see you as a survivor, but it's still strange

She had a really hard trial. Every now and then, Anna cannot help but let the feelings overwhelm her. She lost her mother long ago and has been alone on her own for so long and while she is strong, god knows that, she is sometimes that scared child that wishes to be hold by someone. It doesn't matter how many muscles she has, it doesn't matter how strong she is nor how tall she is compared to the others. She still has a sweet heart and love to give inside but doesn't know how to

And after a really hard trial with everyone flashing her, breaking pallets in her back even several times, you found her sitting on the ground.

It seemed like the rest had already given up from annoying tf out of her and already escaped. They stole all they could from the map and after basically emptying the flashlight batteries on her, there was nothing else fun to do there, more taking in mind that Anna seemed to had given up

You have been there against her in a few trials already. That wasn't normal. She was always so strong and amazing! You always admired it. Her figure, her muscles and her strength to carry on. Deep down you just wanted to hold onto those muscles and cuddle against her

But you found a defeated Anna and... You still wanted to cuddle her, but in a bit different way

Anna barely looked up when she heard your footsteps. She thought one of the survivors didn't had enough yet. But she was surprised to see you, softly tilting her head. She thought you would have escaped like the others. You were always nice. But you were there still. Did you want to laugh at her as well?

Her jaw almost drops when you lean down to her figure and hug her. You can feel her muscles tense and for a moment you feel scared you fcked up and she would kill you. But you slowly felt her body relax under your embrace

She took you in her arms, sat you on her lap and covered your figure in her embrace. You felt happy you were finally able to get close to the giant woman and she felt happy she finally had someone to hug. Your embrace meant the world to her in that moment

From that time, things between you were different. She was never too hard against you in trials because you weren't mean, but since then, she was always missing shots with you. Oops, she was clumsy that day, haha, right? Oh shit there goes Nea's head, that was so accurate

But no axe against your skin

She loved having you around, feeling your arms trying to embrace her large figure. You could feel her chest puff as she would laugh whenever you tried your best to completely hug her but couldn't.

She had no restrictions. You could hug her whenever and however you wanted. But PLEASE, be careful with her axes! Those are extremely sharp!

Everytime you hugged her and tried to cling onto her, if you are ok, she would happily hold you in her arms and put you on her shoulders. Sometimes she would pick you up bridal style and bring you everywhere until she finds a nice spot to cuddle with you

For quite some time she isn't comfortable taking her mask off. But if you give her enough time and don't pressure her, she will eventually take it off to snuggle with you. She loves pressing her face against you, to feel your warmth and see that she isn't alone anymore

THE SPIRIT

What? You wanted to hug her? Why? Her whole body is covered by broken glass!

She doesn't trust you the first times you try to get close to her. She will always attack, hiss you and push you away. She doesn't want you any closer to her. She has the feeling you're trying a weird trick on her to hurt her. She doesn't know what, but she is so sure no one would want to be closer to her. At least not for something good

But she starts to see little by little that you aren't hurting her and you're being pretty gentle with her. As gentle as you can actually be against a killer trying to kill you. But you seemed sad to have to break pallets on her back and you hissed in pain when you could see the pieces of glass get deeper in her skin with each hit. Like... You felt empathy for her?

She had so many mixed feelings from that. She knew you wanted to get close to her, she knew you weren't hurting her. But she didn't know why? She couldn't understand that someone could appreciate her enough to get closer due to what she went through and what her body had

She doesn't really speak your language so she doesn't even know how to ask you what do you want or what your intentions are. But you realize that every attempt you make to get closer to her is slowly being a bit more succesful than the previous one

Oh, don't think it's gonna take you just a few, no. It's gonna take you probably a lot more than a month or even a few months for her to finally trust you to get closer to her. But patience is the key with her. She has suffered so much even from people closer to her she has struggles trusting

The first time you try to reach her hand, she struggles to keep her physical form. She "glitches" trying to process your action but doesn't move away until you finally grab her hand, carefully, softly. Your thumb caress her cold skin and she barely moves. She's speechless, but feeling someone elses' touch is like a dream for her

She almost melts in your touch, if it wasn't because she can't...

She is ok with you holding her hand pretty often, but the attemps to hug her are way harder. Is not like she doesn't trust you, the opposite, she trusts you and doesn't want to hurt you

Trust me when I say she wishes with her whole soul to hug you and get some comfort cuddling with you, but she is so SCARED to hurt you. It doesn't matter how many times you tell her it's ok because you have medkits and nothing can really go THAT bad down the entitie's eyes. She won't allow a survivor to die outside a trial. But she's still is scared to hurt you

Although, you end up managing to find the best spots to hug her avoiding all her pieces of glass. It's a work between you both but you find several cuddling poses that keep your arms and hands and even your body away from the sharp edges

True, every now and then you hiss in pain feeling a cut. And she still tries to run away when she realizes she has hurt you. But you still manage to calm her down and keep her on your side

She learnt to take care of your wounds in the most soft possible way so cuddles become way more frequent. She's so in love with your hugs !

[fluffypotatey]

To be honest I am a huge Nalu shipper. But the thing is I want to know the difference between the way Natsu cares about his guildmates and Lucy. Like what is the obvious difference since that boy sees every as Nakama so how can we say that the wag he cares about Lucy is different?

Like even when Erza passed away? (All the way back in first season there was a segment where the guild was gathered at her grave and all) Natsu was still very reactive. Plus he was also said to be depressed even when Lisanna passed.

What's the difference between all of them and Lucy?

the fact that he stayed. the fact that before he met Lucy, Natsu wasn't one to stay in a group or even want to work with anyone besides Happy at the start of the story. hell, he was ready to just file Lucy down as "New Guildmate" once they reached Fairy Tail

but then, Lucy doesn't leave. she follows him on his mission to save Macao despite her not needing to or even really understanding everything about it. she stays and then fights with him and saves him. it's no secret that Natsu is strong and can take care of himself really well. he's been going on solo missions for years now, and no one has really stopped him, but that means he's been in a lot of sticky situations where he and Happy are on their own and have no backup. and yet, without asking, Lucy offers it

and i think this is the moment when Natsu considers that maybe it's okay to have someone there to have his back (sans Happy)

"but Natsu only needed Lucy for the next quest because of the requirements," well, Natsu also wouldn't have taken or even considered that quest if it weren't for Lucy, yeah? he was not a team player (in the picking job's sense) or really wanted other people to help him on his quests sans Happy. and then he goes and picks a job that caters to their team whilst ensuring that Lucy can't say no

or maybe i'm reading too much into it 🤷🏻‍♀️

or maybe Natsu's got horrible abandonment issues that he will latch onto people so fast (Igneel & Lisanna) but also cause him to distance himself so far when left behind (his 1st time at the guild, Lisanna's death). Erza and Gray are Natsu's closet friends after Lisanna and yet they cannot reach him when he closes himself off. and then we have Lucy, who stuck by and had his back, so who is to say Natsu didn't make some contingencies to ensure whether or not she'd join him?

but maybe it's the rose, colored ship glasses i have on

because yeah, Natsu cares for all of his guildmates. the power of friendship is his biggest motivator. when we meet Natsu, our first introductions of him is defending his guild's reputation from Bora (who was using it as a guise for human trafficking) and saving Macao. and our 1st big arc (Galuna Island), where Natsu adamantly refuses to allow Gray to use Ice Shell and sacrifice himself despite how antagonistic they've been to each other. we get Natsu 100% at Erza's defense throughout the Tower of Heaven and he is even ready to defend Wendy though they only met hours ago

Natsu is a character with a bleeding heart and cannot help but wear it on his sleeve, but we don't really see him allow others to fight his battles or have his back until Lucy comes in. to be honest, i don't even think he had his heart on his sleeve until Lucy. he still has a bleeding heart (i don't think anything could stop that), but he was not ready to be open in receiving company because he was so used to it being ripped away from him

that being said: of all the characters he interacts with, he finds Lucy to be someone compatible enough for him to start going on team missions and inviting her on them (for example, his 1st S-class mission, which he stole, he went to her house to show it to her. the fact that part of the reward was a celestial key might be a coincidence, but i wouldn't doubt it as Natsu and Happy's trump card in case she refused)

but yeah, the difference is that he stayed and didn't push her away at the beginning, but instead continued to invite her along with him to the point that doing a mission without Lucy wasn't his regular anymore. compared to the rest of the guild, of whom he spent most of his childhood with, even if he spoke to no one, they would still be around and talk to him anyway. he might not invite them on job and only challenge them to fights, but the guild is his home and a constant in his life, a constant he needs (bc heavy abandonment issues).

"okay, but he still pushed her away after he watched Igneel die right in front of him. and he left the guild for a whole year, too. so what's the difference there?" you may ask.

so 1) Natsu never thought the guild would disband. he returns to Fiore after a year and is the last to know that they disbanded. he assumed, like all the other times before and while he and others were sealed for 7 years, that Fairy Tail would still be there when he returned. he assumed that his disappearance would not impact so hard because the guild would still be around and Lucy would have the others with her

which, did not happen :)

and like, so many guild members go off on jobs, quests, or even just leave for an indiscriminate amount of time (which i, personally, believe was his rationality for leaving), so him being gone for a year was nothing! right? no harm, eh? his plan was never to be gone forever :))))

2) he just watched his father die and lose any chance of having some semblance of a long term reunion with Igneel. he literally lost one of his main driving motivations for getting stronger and taking jobs. before Fairy Tail, before anyone, it was Igneel. and to learn that a) Igneel was always with him to begin with and b) he only got to see him for less than a day after 14 years of nothing......i would feel lost too ngl

man's needed space from everybody. and he also needed comfort, but Natsu has been shown not to really be the character who asks to receive comfort (and when he does receive it, it's usually when he's already emotionally compromised). he is in the habit of shutting people out after being abandoned or losing someone close to him, with his next rationale being to "get stronger" in order to prevent what happened in the past to ever happen in the future.

anyway

what makes this different? well for one, he sent the letter only to Lucy (or it's implied since no one else is shown getting one) because of how the two spend most of their time together. even the line that goes with the panel makes it sound like Natsu is unsure on how the note will be received (maybe even hesitant? but that could be my own hopes)

and one of the 1st people he reunites with after a year is Lucy and we get such a similar parallel to the first chapter of Fairy Tail between the two as if the narrative itself is slotting them together to say "ah yes, now everything is back to normal and new journeys can begin"

but yeah, this is just a long way of saying, that Natsu does love his friends and guildmates but even when he is close to them, he kept to himself (and Happy) and sort of stayed in their orbit but always with some emotional distance because of his fear of abandonment. and then you have Lucy where he will stay for and allow her to orbit around him and he will invite to new adventures no questions asked

that's the difference

[minniethemoocherda]

Am I Pretty Enough To Fucking Die?

A/N: Sorry it's been a while since I've posted! IRL stuff got kinda busy for a minute! But I hope it was worth the wait! Also this takes place before my last fic "Saying Something Stupid" Xxxxxxx

Ao3

FF.net

They should have realised the first time that they should have died.

They had spent so long in their human form back then that they had nearly been successful in making themselves forget what it was like to be in their natural liquid state. But subconsciously, they mustn't have had, as it was all too easy for Sinister to bring them back from death.

Countless of the countless experiments Sinister put them should have killed them. At times they wished that he had. But as much as it felt like he was trying too kill them, Sinister always brought them back to life.

It wasn't until when Sentinel-Trask shot a fireball at their face, and they heard Logan scream their name in a repeat of that first fatal night, that the thought first came to them. Because whilst the force of having their body ripped apart hurt like hell itself, it could only have been half an hour later that they were able to pull the burnt blobs of their body back together.

Logan refused to leave their side for at least a week after that and whilst Morph wasn't going to complain, they couldn't help but wonder if the extra protection was even necessary.

Morph had no idea about the science behind it but they knew that somehow they didn't need a brain to function. That the few times they reverted back to a full liquid state, just because they didn't have a physical brain to control them, didn't mean they couldn't. Whenever they were in a human form they would create whatever they needed to move their body, such as their heart or lungs or whatever gendered organs they were feeling that day, even though technically they didn't need them to function, as e it would hurt if one of those concocted organs were injured, as it was their cells that were getting damaged, at the end of the day, they could just shift themselves a new one.

They knew that there were other shapeshifters out there. Mystique being the most famous amongst them. Morph had never met her in person but they had read her file. They knew that she could also change their internal organs, it was how Nightcrawler had come into existence after all. And Beast theorised that she could shift at a cellular, maybe even atomic level. But her natural state was still human, a blue skinned and yellow eyed one but human non the less. Whereas Morph's natural state was as a pile of gloop.

Currently they were in what the team saw as their normal form, pale grey skin with a featureless face. The others did know that it wasn't their real form, but Morph doubted that many of them remembered that.

Except for Logan of course, who knew them better than anyone.

They were sitting besides The Wolverine now, a half forgotten game of go-fish scattered across the table between them and bottles of beer keeping them warm against the chill of the evening breeze.

Stealing glances at Logan wasn't anything new for them but this time was different. They gazed at how the last rays of sun illuminated the sharp edge of his nose, wondering how many sunsets that face had seen. Morph believed that Logan was a sight that they would never tire of seeing.

"You gonna keep starin' or are you gonna ask whatever's in that bald head of yours?" Logan grumbled after Morph must have been looking for too long.

The liver and stomach they'd created, digested the alcohol, giving their body a warm buzz, which was probably why Morph didn't think much before opening their mouth.

"When did you realise that you were immortal?"

Judging by the look on Logan's face that wasn't what he had expected them to ask but he answered anyway.

"The first time I remember getting shot in the head."

"Yeah but how did you know, for certain that you were immortal?"

"I don't. Not yet." Logan shrugged. "Beast reckons that gettin' my head cut off would probably do the trick but I ain't plannin' on testin' that out." He then fixed them with those sharp blue eyes of his. "Why?"

Morph took a deep breath. Honestly after coming out as gay and non-binary, this wasn't half as scary.

"I don't think I can die."

"Oh shit." Logan replied after a moment, rare genuine shock crossing his grizzled features. "You sure?"

"Not yet." Morph repeated back to him in his own voice.

"Well I definitely ain't helpin' you test that out either." Logan snorted as though the pair of them were just shooting the breeze, as though this conversation was a completely normal thing to talk about. As thought this was just nothing thing to add to the list of things they had in common like their love of beer, enjoying taking the piss out of Scott and past psychological torture.

But then Logan had always been the only one who understood them. It was what made him so easy to talk to. Almost too easy. Which made it hard not to tell him how they truly felt.

"Looks like you're stuck with me then old man." They said instead.

"Huh." Before Morph had the chance to reflect on that reflective tone, Logan continued. "Well I can think of worse people to be stuck for eternity with."

"Worse then me?" Morph said through the sharp teeth of Sabertooth's mouth.

"If you spend the rest if time dressed up at Creed, I'll kill you myself." Logan said, punctuating his point with the familiar snikt of his claws.

Then the crease in Logan's brow tensed into something sharper.

"Look, sometimes it's harder to be the one who survives. And just 'cus you can't die don't mean you can't feel pain." Logan stated, watching the sun as it finally sunk bellow the horizon.

They both knew that he wasn't talking about the physical kind of pain. It probably wasn't the healthiest conclusion to come to when dealing with ones own mortality or lack there of, but the thought that they couldn't stop coming back to was that it meant that they would never again be able to hurt Logan again with their death.

Then Logan put his claws away, stroking the red of his knuckles as he cleared his throat.

"So don't go looking for new ways to give us all heart attacks alright. I-we don't like seeing you get hurt."

"Trust me I'm not." Morph snorted. "You don't have to worry about me."

Steel blue eyes met their empty grey ones.

"I'll always worry about you."

It wasn't an I love you, and it probably never would be but, promising to care for them for the rest of eternity would most likely be the closest Morph would ever get and they would hold those words forever in their fabricated heart.

Morph honestly hadn't thought too deeply about their new realisation. After coming to terms with their gender and sexuality this was just another thing to add to the long lost of weird shit they'd learnt about themselves.

But it was a comfort to know that whatever life might throw at them, they would always have Logan by their side.

A/N: So the concept of Morph being made of gloop has really stuck in my head and got me thinking how they can function without organs and if they don't need them, then what could actually kill them?? Like they get blasted in the chest in the OG show?? Then Sentinal-Trask blasts them too and we even see them turn to gloop in that shot!!?? So yeah my latest headcanon is that like Logan, they too are potentially immortal! Xxxxxx

[meskit]

asks you about their dynamic (builderman and 1x1)

smiles at you so big and wide in a non-threatening way

before i get into it i feel it's important to dip into my interpretations of them both.

1x1 is canonically the embodiment of hatred, malice, and negativity. we all know this. i kind of took her a step further and made it so that he is the embodiment of whatever emotions they can feed on. it just so happens that the ones she fed on the most upon creation was telamon's (and eventually shedletsky's) hatred and ire. because of this, in forsaken, he kind of is always passively feeding on everyones emotions (usually fear and frustration). having this constant source of sustenance is what allows them to remain corporeal

builderman is viewed as a very level-headed and laid-back leader. he holds everything together behind the scenes and makes sure that things can run without a hitch. i think that pre-being forsaken he held a lot of pent-up emotions about how he never got recognized for all his hard work on the back end, at least not to the degree the others did. this carried over into forsaken, and has started to fester and eat at him. he's very angry at the world but has a persona to upkeep so he never gets the opportunity to really deal with decades worth of frustration and anger.

ultimately, theyre not good for each other, but theyre "happy" (they think theyre happy. they don't really know what that is though). there's a lot of major imbalances in the way they interact with each other, and they wouldn't necessarily be romantically involved or whatever, considering... everything really.

i'm going to copy and paste a huge chunk of what i yapped about to my friends yesterday here :]

- 🦷 -

i think 1x would be drawn to builderman because of this. initially in a "you can get me closer to my goal of tearing shedletsky down, of ripping this world asunder with my teeth for what he made me. you will be my pawn, my bargaining chip. you will be my vessel for finally being free." way. builderman is drawn to 1x because the deep, simmering fury within him over everything-- always being second to telamon and eventually shedletsky, never being known for his work and achievements, always having to be the one to make sure things run smoothly and being blamed the one time something is out of his control... being forsaken and having lost everything he has tried so hard to maintain while having to pretend that he is still capable-- seems to ebb away the more he's around 1x. he doesnt know that its because 1x is literally absorbing it until later

obviously i think the dynamic could go in many ways over time. none of them would necessarily be . healthy? but i do think that 1x would kind of become parasocial with builderman LOL. i think 1x would play into the knowledge that builderman is always one wrong word away from imploding and going scorched earth on everyone, so they would DEFINITELY play into buildermans wants to fester the hatred with the other survivors . kind of in the-

"you fight so long, so hard, just to be tossed to the side. you let yourself be outshined, for *nothing.* none of them deserve the praise they get, not when you're the key to their success every time."

- way

and i think, regardless of the intent, builderman would come to also be a little parasocial with 1x in return. but i dont *quite* have the dynamic i have in mind down yet

arguably you would think 1x is getting like. a lot out of this dynamic but i think builderman technically is getting more out of it than her.

even though he's being very blatantly manipulated, i don't think he'd really care? no matter how genuine 1x is being, it is still some of the only acknowledgment for his work that he's received in a long time. the only acknowledgment of how much blood, sweat, and tears he's poured into making sure the team doesn't fall apart. it is the most emotional fulfillment he's potentially ever had since building up robloxia. and it makes him feel wanted, seen, and in some twisted way loved. i mean, in order to notice just how much time and effort he's put in, to such an extent as 1x, that has to be love, right? not that he'd know. all of his time is spent making sure the cogs in the machine run smoothly.

1x gets the fulfillment of having a steady source to feed on, of having someone who's lost his way to meld into something more suitable for their needs and goals. builderman gets the ache of his forever growing distaste for everything finally eased. he gets to finally rest.

1x thinks this must be love, as love is a power dynamic just as what they have is a power dynamic. his wants and needs are being met and he gets to make builderman feel good. 1x is the one pulling the strings, just as it always has been, this must be love. wholly being able to alter the course of someones life must be love

neither one of them knows what actual love is for aforementioned reasons 👍 in my epic "post-forsaken au" they grow to actually love each other but its still like. weird. but its okay because they're weird together about it

[princesssarisa]

I once reblogged a post about Disney's Beauty and the Beast where the OP wrote that in a sequel, they'd like to see Prince Adam still struggling to control his temper at times. I think I agree: anger issues don't easily go away. But there's something else I'd like to see in a sequel even more:

I want Prince Adam to make peace with the Beast.

I also want him to know that Belle has made peace with the Beast.

I want Adam to accept the fact that he was once spoiled, selfish, and unkind, and not to excuse it in the least, but to understand that he was made that way by his royal upbringing, not born that way. I want him to see that he can choose to behave differently in the present without hating his past self.

I want him to accept his temper – to realize that just as long as he doesn't act on it in harmful ways, it's okay to feel overwhelming anger when he's attacked or threatened. I want him to know that despite the importance of controlling it, his anger doesn't make him a bad or unlovable person, and that it can be used for good too. Namely to fiercely protect the people he cares about, as when he fought off the wolves to save Belle.

I also want him to accept the fact that he lost interest in dignity and gave in to his feral, "beastly" instincts: wearing tattered clothes, eating like a messy animal, ripping and smashing everything in the West Wing in his rages, etc. I don't want him to remember it as a character flaw, but to know that it was partly the fault of the spell warping his mind and partly out of sheer despair.

I want him to remember that he was never all bad. Even at his most beastly, he was moved by Belle’s request to take her father’s place as his prisoner, which made him agree to the exchange even before he realized that she might break the spell. Then when he saw her crying, he felt compassion and remorse, and he gave her a comfortable room and free rein of the castle. While his ferocious rage when he caught her in the West Wing was inexcusable (his anger itself was justified, but not his reaction that made her afraid for her life), he was instantly racked with remorse, and when he realized she had run into the forest and was being threatened by wolves, he risked his life to save her, which inspired her to give him a second chance.

Then, after he comes to these conclusions, I want him to be assured that Belle has done the same. I want him to know that Belle truly loves him, not just a role he learned to play to please her.

There's a comment somewhere or other on TV Tropes (I think on the Fridge Brilliance page), which says that the Beast "had to learn to hate himself" to become a better person. That breaks my heart. I don't want him to go through life hating himself and pretending to be someone else, or, if he does, for it to be portrayed as a good thing. That's no way to live.

I've been thinking of more recent Disney/Pixar movies like Turning Red and Inside Out 2, which promote accepting the messy sides of yourself (without using that acceptance as an excuse to behave badly, though) and loving every part of yourself. Beauty and the Beast obviously isn't about that mindset, but arguably just the opposite – some of the creative team have said that the Beast's character arc is about the universal process of learning to control our "animal" instincts and become civilized human beings. But are these movies’ different messages mutually exclusive? I'd like to think the Beast/Prince Adam can choose to be a civilized human being, yet fully accept the "animal" part of himself too.

I know that part of the problem is that I see parallels between the Beast and a neurodivergent person. Lack of social skills, physical messiness, struggle to connect emotionally with others, overpowering anger under stress that he struggles to regulate, etc. I see my own AuDHD qualities in him – maybe I'm projecting them too much onto him – and I feel as if part of his character arc is about learning to "mask." I know this wasn't the creative team's intention, but it feels that way. I don't want Adam to spend his entirely life masking and hating what's under the mask, or to think Belle loves only the mask and not his true self.

Let him make peace with the Beast.