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heavensoutofsight · 13 days ago

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all i see is green - [billie eilish x reader]

synopsis: billie is the lovely college student who lives in the same apartment complex as you. you don't interpret her friendliness as anything other than just that; being nice for the sake of being nice. but her true motives eventually slip through the crack, and the both of you find yourself playing a dangerous game.

tags/warnings: college student!billie x older!reader (they're exactly ten years apart - reader is 32 and billie is 22), milf reader basically, reader is a single parent, neighbors to friends to not quite lovers, mutual pining, sexual content, angst

word count: 3.2k

author's note: sorry this took so long omg. so happy to finally get this out as it has been plaguing my mind for weeks lol. please mind the warnings! hope you guys enjoy. notes and reblogs are always appreciated <3

It started off completely innocent.

Billie was such a kind, selfless young woman. That was your first impression of her when she moved into the apartment just below yours. You'll never forget that fateful day, when you were struggling with carrying groceries up the stairs, your pregnant belly making the trip up to your place more challenging then it should've been. But then, seemingly out of nowhere, Billie had pulled up, her backup slung over her shoulders, coming back home from classes. Without even giving you the choice, she helped you carry the plastic bags up the stairs. She even offered to help you put them up, but you knew she had more important things to tend to, like assignments and studying and whatnot, so you politely declined. Before she left, she smiled warmly at you, the corners of her deep blue eyes crinkling as she did so. She told you her name, Billie, and ever since then you never forgot it.

“Goodbye, Miss ____!” She had said, waving cutely at you. You waved back, endeared by her thoughtfulness.

It was a normal, neighborly thing for her to do. You didn't expect that interaction to blossom into anything more. Occasionally, you ran into each other at the convenience store, or maybe at a coffee shop, where you two would briefly talk – you'd talk about how work was going, and she'd rant about some school project or some annoying thing her professor did. Whenever you were speaking, Billie would maintain eye contact, nodding and listening attentively, and it only made you like her more. She was respectful, genuinely funny, and wise beyond her years. You enjoyed those moments of small talk between you and her; and for a while, that was it.

Your conversations with Billie became more frequent, however, some time after you gave birth to your daughter. You'll never forget Billie stopping by your apartment to meet her, completely enamored by her. You could tell Billie loved kids; she was a natural with them. It warmed your heart to see your daughter wrap her small hand around Billie's finger, staring up at her with big doe eyes, ever so curious.

Billie came by often just to check on her, and you didn't mind it one bit. Every time she stopped by, the two of you would talk about everything and anything under the sun. Despite the fact that Billie was only twenty-two, and you had just reached your thirties, you had so much in common with her, and talking to her was so easy. She was becoming a true friend, one who always listened to you, helped you, and supported you.

At some point, Billie had offered to help with babysitting on the nights when you wanted to hang out with co-workers or had some important business trip or work meeting. You trusted Billie completely, and when she first asked you, you didn't even hesitate in telling her yes. You knew your child was in good, loving hands. You paid her handsomely for her work, even giving her a key to your place for emergencies or other special occasions. You were so touched about the fact that although Billie was busy enough as a college student, she was willing to make herself even busier if it meant helping you.

You hadn't felt true support like that in a while. You had friends, and you knew they cared for you, but they were busy with their jobs, not to mention they didn't exactly live close to you. On top of that, they had families and spouses. You were single and always too tired to do anything with them. There were some days where all of your schedules would align and you'd be lucky enough to do something, but the older you got, the more you found yourself just wanting to relax at home and be lazy. It started to get to you after a while. You felt like you were missing out. On what exactly, you weren't sure.

Loneliness was a bitch, and it started eating away at you. You remember coming home after a long work meeting, feeling particularly miserable about your social life; but when you opened the door, you were greeted with Billie, who was cooking dinner in your kitchen, your baby presumably sleeping peacefully in her crib. Billie had smiled at you when you opened the door, and this time, her smile did something to you. It made you feel warm all over. And the fact that she had made you dinner, probably knowing that you'd be too exhausted to cook upon coming home, just made you more touched.

You ate dinner with her and talked about random things like you always did. You talked for even longer than normal, until the sun had long since dipped past the horizon. You were sipping on a glass of wine (because Billie had claimed that it looked like you needed some, which you laughed at), while Billie sipped on some lemonade. You both were sitting comfortably on the couch together, leaving some space between the two of you.

It was fine, perfectly fine and totally casual, until you started getting a bit tipsy. More emotional. You were ranting to Billie about how lonely you were. How no one seemed interested in you anymore. How insecure you had become after having your baby.

Billie just silently listened, holding out her hand. You took it, without thinking. She held your hand firmly, rubbing her thumb across the back of it. The gesture made you melt. You didn't even realize she had scooted closer to you as you were rambling. Her leg brushed against yours.

Suddenly, Bille had gently taken the wine glass you were holding out of your hand, placing it on the table, effectively silencing you. With watery eyes, you looked at her, slightly puzzled. Her icy blue ones were full of sympathy and pity for you. She then moved one of her hands to cup the side of your face, where she gently caressed your cheek.

There was a small voice in the back of your mind that was yelling at you to stop her. But something was keeping you from doing that. Something stronger that took over your entire being.

“You have me, so you're never alone. I will always give you the appreciation you deserve.” Billie spoke softly, her eyes never once leaving you. What she said next almost had you breathless.

“Can I show you how much you mean to me?” She asked, biting her bottom lip. You looked down at her mouth as she did so, the feeling of desire completely overwhelming you. You had to rub your thighs together when you saw a smirk slowly grow on her face, her bottom lip still caught between her pearly white teeth.

You wanted to resist. You wanted to be the bigger person and not cave in. But the alcohol in your system clouded your judgment. You weren't thinking about the possible consequences that would come with hooking up with her. You were only thinking about how much she wanted you, and how much you wanted her.

When you didn't speak for a while, Billie knew that it was because you were contemplating what to do. She knew you were fighting yourself and that you just needed a little push. And push, she did.

“Please, baby,” she begged. “Let me show you. Let me help you forget everything that makes you sad. Please.”

The way her eyebrows furrowed, the way her voice sounded as she pleaded to you – it was the final straw.

Without any warning, you closed the distance between you and her. Her plush lips were as soft as they looked. You could taste the sweetness of the lemonade she drank on her tongue. This was wrong, so wrong, but it felt so right.

That night, Billie followed through on her words. You weren't thinking about your pathetic life or your stupid boss. You were only thinking about how good her fingers felt in your pussy. She curled them just right, hitting that spot inside of you that made you see stars. At some point she had gotten on her knees, devouring you like you were her last meal. You had to keep a hand over your mouth the entire time as to not wake your sleeping baby.

She had already made you cum on her fingers and was determined to make you do it again on her face. You were so close – your hands were buried in her long hair as you felt the tension building within you, threatening to snap. You felt tears run down your cheeks at how good it all felt. You hadn't felt pleasure like this in months. Not even your own hand could make you feel like this – like you were on another fucking planet.

But – your daughter must've gently stirred in her sleep, because she had eventually woken up anyway, right as Billie was about to make you come undone.

When the sound of your daughter's cries fill the room, you had completely snapped out of the carnal lust that had overtaken you. A realization washed over you like crashing waves against the shore.

You quickly pushed Billie away, standing up and picking up your pants that had been haphazardly discarded.

Billie wiped her mouth, getting off the floor and standing alongside you. “Want me to take care of it?” She offered, referring to your crying baby. You immediately shook your head.

“No. Billie, you need to leave.” You said sternly as you pulled up your jeans.

Billie seemed confused upon hearing your words, her eyebrows drawn together. “But… I wasn't done-”

“It doesn't matter. Please, go.” You told her, not even sparing her a glance as you stormed off toward your bedroom, where your daughter’s cries could be heard. You could hear Billie’s hurried footsteps behind you.

“Wait–” You heard her say, but the plea fell on deaf ears. All you were concerned with now was comforting your child.

When you approached your baby’s crib, you scooped her into your arm, bouncing her gently. After a couple minutes, she eventually calmed down, resting her head on your shoulder as you cradled her.

Billie stood in the doorway, watching you soothe your child.

“Can we talk about this for a moment?” Billie asked, her arms folded across her chest. You still had your eyes locked onto your daughter's watery ones. She was mostly quiet now, resting her head on your shoulder. It took every ounce of courage to turn around and face Billie, but eventually you did, finding yourself unable to look directly into her eyes that were filled with hurt and desperation. Her hair was slightly ruffled from when your fingers were buried in it just moments before. You made the mistake of glancing down at her lips, fighting against the strong urge to kiss her senseless again.

“Sure,” you replied, voice unsteady. “We can talk.”

“Great.” Billie said, fully entering your room and closing the door. She sat on your bed, still staring at you intensely. You continued standing by the crib, holding your daughter close. She was still awake, sucking on her thumb.

“Why are you pushing me away all of a sudden?” Billie asked, getting straight to the point. She didn't sound angry; instead, you heard confusion and sadness in her tone.

“Because I just… had some sense knocked into me and I couldn't let it go any further.”

“Why? What… what does that even mean?” Billie asked.

“Billie, you're so young. You deserve someone closer to your age. I'm a single mother with a lot of fucking baggage and I don't want you to feel tied down by me.” You admitted.

Billie scoffed. “I don't want someone my own age. I only have eyes for you. And the fact that you have a kid doesn't bother me. I'm literally babysitting for you, for fuck's sake.”

“Billie–” you started, letting out a sigh. You cut yourself off as you felt your arms getting tired. Glancing down at your daughter, you noticed that her eyes had fallen shut once again, and you were glad you could finally put her down. You gently placed her back in her crib, laying her down on her belly. You watched her for a few extra seconds to make sure she stayed asleep before moving to join Billie on your bed. You made sure to keep a small amount of space between the two of you.

“Billie,” you continued. “Trust me when I say this. You have a bright future ahead of you. I just want you to make the right choice. I think lust might be clouding your judgment–”

“I don't only have lust for you. I like you. So fucking much. I want to be in your life, and in your daughter's life. I'm old enough to know what I'm getting myself into.”

“But you're only a college student, Billie. You've got your own responsibilities, and I've got mine.” You responded.

“Baby, listen. Please.” Billie said urgently, grabbing both of your hands. “Be honest with yourself. When's the last time someone made you feel this special? Wanted? Loved?”

As much as you hated to admit it, you knew what the answer was. It had been ages since the last time you were in any kind of fulfilling relationship. The last person you were romantically involved with was the father of your kid, and only now that you were out of the relationship you realized how much it lacked. There was no warmth; the two of you just stayed together for the sake of your baby, because you both foolishly thought that having a child would repair your broken relationship. It obviously didn't.

“Billie… I…” you quickly realized that you couldn't give a proper response.

“I meant what I said earlier. I want to give you all the appreciation in the world. I want to be the one that makes you laugh. The one that makes you feel fulfilled.”

You felt a stinging sensation in your eyes, your vision beginning to blur a bit, tears threatening to spill. Everything that Billie was saying – you wanted it more than anything. But you had to make the right choice, as much as it killed you.

“I can get fulfillment elsewhere. From someone else.” You told her, but the words came out with a hint of uncertainty in your voice, like you didn't even believe what you were saying. Truthfully, you didn't.

“I'm sure you could. But you don't want someone else, do you?” She asked.

You fell silent, refusing to give Billie an answer; but Billie knew what that silence meant.

“You want me just as much as I want you, and you can't admit that.” She spoke for you. It was like she was reading your mind; hearing your inner-most thoughts that you were far too ashamed to say out loud yourself.

“What are you afraid of?” Billie continued. “Judgment from other people?”

“I'm not afraid of anything, Billie.” You lied. “I'm just doing what's best for both of us.”

Billie looked at you with an expression that clearly revealed that she didn't believe anything you were telling her. But at this point, you didn't care if she believed you or not. You just wanted her to leave; even just her scent was driving you crazy and you couldn't stand her body being this close to yours anymore.

“What's best for both of us? Really?” She said, and you could hear in her voice that she seemed exasperated, growing tired of trying to convince you.

“Okay, then. I'm going to give you a choice. If you want me to leave, then I'll leave, and we'll go back to being friends. But if you want me to stay… then I'll stay, and we can pick up where we left off.” Billie said, her voice lowering ever so slightly. Earlier, you pushed Bille off of you before you could cum a second time and you were still feeling that ache between your legs, even more so now seeing Billie's hungry stare as she brought up your little moment on the couch; but fortunately you had enough self-control to not give in to Billie's offer.

“You should go.” You replied. The words came out strained, like it physically hurt you to say them.

Billie seemed taken aback, stunned into silence, but her face quickly morphed into an expression of acceptance.

“Okay. I'll go. I respect your choice.” She said softly. She was about to get up and head to the door, but not before leaning in and placing a kiss on your cheek. Feeling her lips on your skin set you aflame, and you wanted nothing more than for those lips to kiss you everywhere else, but once again, you fought against your desires.

She walked to the door, but before opening it and leaving, she told you: “If you ever change your mind, just call me.”

You didn't even look at her. “Goodnight, Billie.” You said coldly.

Billie gave you one last intense stare, waiting for you to cave in at the last minute – but when you just continued staring at the floor, not even acknowledging her presence anymore, she finally opened the door and left, shutting it behind her.

That's when everything broke for you, the tears beginning to freely fall, your sniffles and quiet sobs filling the room. You laid down, burying your face into a pillow to muffle the noise, your sleeping child completely oblivious to everything that just transpired. You felt ridiculous, crying over a relationship that hadn't even fully blossomed. You didn't even know why you were crying– you had told her to leave, and she did, respecting your wishes. You tried to tell yourself that her leaving was a good thing, and yet you weren't feeling any better. Billie had said that you could just go back to being friends with her, but you didn't even think that was possible. You had already fallen for her, and there was no way you could go back to hanging out with her casually without thinking back to the way she kissed you, the way she always made you feel that stupid fluttery feeling in your stomach, the image of her face between your legs, staring up at you like you were a goddess.

That's when you remembered; you were still aroused, even though you were crying into a pillow. That annoying ache was still making itself known, only made worse by your brain making you relive what happened in your living room.

You rolled over onto your back, wiping your eyes dry and letting out a tired sigh. You unbuttoned your pants, getting out of them completely. Your hand then found its way past the waistband of your underwear, where you rubbed your clit with clumsy fingers. You weren't nearly as precise as Billie. You also weren't that wet anymore and it didn't even feel that great but you just needed a fucking release. You closed your eyes, thinking about the sensation of Billie's tongue on your folds and the way she gripped your thighs. You thought back to the way her fingers filled you perfectly. With those images in mind, it didn't take you long to finally reach your peak, keeping your other hand over your mouth as you rode out your orgasm.

You laid there afterward, breathing heavily, your eyelids feeling as if they weighed a ton. The last thing on your mind before you succumbed to sleep was your lovely neighbor, Billie. And to think it all started with her helping you with fucking groceries.

(author's note: sequel?? maybe??? 🤔)

#billie eilish #billie eilish fanfiction #billie eilish fic #billie eilish x reader #billie eilish x you #billie eilish x y/n #billie eilish smut

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ghost-proofbaby · 1 year ago

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twenty four hours (modern!eddie munson x fem!reader)

HOUR TWENTY FOUR

in which you and eddie win the bet.

→ tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn

→ warnings: strong language, upside down does not exist, minors dni

→ wc: 7k+

→ a/n: oh, holy fuck. holy fucking shit. i have no words, because i know it's not really over yet (we still have an epilogue, friends! don't forget that!) but... i did it. i finished another fic. that's just... insane?

thank you to everyone who has been so very kind and supportive of this fic. i owe you all the world. i'm sure i'll either make a sappy post between now and thursday, or i'll get extra sappy in the a/n on the epilogue, but for now - please know you have all my love. <3

masterlist.

spotify playlist.

◁ previous part, next part▷

24:00 ─────────────── ㅇ 24:00

DINGUS: hey, i facetimed them for last hour’s proof. had to work out when they wanted me to head over and pick her up.

BIRDIE: both still alive? both still well?

DINGUS: so it seemed.

ARGYLE 😎: what a relief! I knew they had it in them

JOHNNY BOY: They still have to last one more hour.

NANCE: They’ll last the hour. Have a little faith, babe.

JOHNNY BOY: Still don’t like the fact we’ve just started calling them instead of requesting the photo proof. I mean, how do we not know they’re lying? Did you talk to both of them when YOU called, Nance?

NANCE: Yes, I told you guys that.

NANCE: Besides, you guys already know that Eddie hates having his picture taken. We’re lucky we ever got picture proof to begin with.

DINGUS: also i JUST facetimed them??? physically saw them?? your lack of trust in me and nance kind of hurts jon

BIRDIE: @NANCE hey can you call ME babe next?

HOUR TWENTY FOUR – 4:00 PM

“Hey there, love birds. Glad to see you didn’t kill each other.”

Steve.

You wait for Eddie’s arm to leave you, for him to put space between the two of you, but he doesn’t. He keeps you pressed flush to his side as if the sudden arrival of a friend doesn’t make the slightest bit of difference.

“Hey, Harrington,” he even casually greets first.

He’s making no move to get up off the floor.

Just a little bit longer. Let me sit here and live in this moment a little bit longer.

“Munson,” Steve nods to Eddie before setting his sights on you, “Doll. Nice to see you, kind of glad I’m not having to fish you out of the canals.”

You feel it — Eddie’s arm tenses behind you ever so slightly at Steve’s nickname. Clearly, it’s still a sore spot for him to work through.

“I was feeling generous,” Eddie shrugs as if he hadn’t just revealed a flash of jealousy to you. You’re not even sure if he knows that you felt it. But it was there, in the slightest tightening of his grip and the flexing of his bicep behind your shoulder.

“Generous? I think you were feeling friendly,” Steve waves his hand between the two of you, as if he thought he was pointing out the obvious.

If he thought this was close, he’d faint at the imagery of you on the kitchen counter, Eddie’s face between your legs as he begged for you to let him touch you.

Just as you had noticed Eddie’s jealousy, he notices the way you suddenly heat up, shifting in your seat ever so slightly. That pull on the corner of his lips tells you all you need to know. You kind of hate how easily the two of you can finally read each other. You kind of love the way he’s looking at you as if he’s thinking the exact same thing.

“Do I get my free punch now?” you finally speak up, tone flat as you muster a glare in Steve’s direction. You’re forgoing all polite and pretend oblivion.

Every single one of you here knows what happened. The bare bones of it, at least.

Eddie looks at you curiously, “Excuse me?”

Steve only grins, holding out his arms as if welcoming you, “Take your best shot.”

You stand quickly, and Steve even flinches. He clearly had thought it was all a bit, but you were deathly serious. After the night you’d had, you wanted to punch something, anything.

“Hold on,” Eddie fumbles to follow you as you stand in front of Steve, your eyebrow cocked as you pause, “Hold on, why are you punching Harrington?”

“Oh, I don’t know. ‘She’d never go for me, why would she go for you?’” you remind him, and fully expect for hurt to flash across his face. Instead, merriment continues to tug on his lips, “That ring a bell?”

“It might,” Eddie drawls, slowing down his movement to stand more casually, no longer in a rush to break up the fight. His eyes flash with something, with some sort of affection as your hand curls into a fist threateningly and you continue to glare daggers at Steve, “‘S cute to see you defending my honor, sweetheart.”

Your knees almost physically wobble. The nickname that once struck such anger and irritation in you has become your favorite thing, something that can so easily elicit such a physical reaction. Any taunting has dissipated from his tone when he falls from his tongue now. Adoration takes its place.

Steve looks between you two for a second before his face twists up, “God, I think I liked it better when you two hated each other.”

“Never really hated each other,” Eddie corrects Steve, but his eyes never leave yours.

“Right, must have slipped my mind.”

One of the questions that had been torturing you has now been answered — Eddie would, in fact, be acting differently around your friends. It’s almost enough that you feel no need to punch Steve.

Almost.

“Where do you want it?” you tear your gaze from Eddie, looking back to Steve now expectantly, “Cheek? Nose? Chin? Jaw?”

Steve’s eyes widen. “My God, have you just been dreaming of this moment for the last hour?”

“I have.”

Eddie leans back against the wall, still watching and still smirking as he crosses his arms.

“I know Eddie’s your boyfriend now but-“

“He’s not my boyfriend,” you correct him quickly, but something inside of you twists at saying that.

He wasn’t your boyfriend. You two had just agreed you’d need time apart before even thinking of exploring what this new chapter will bring you two. So why does it feel so wrong? Why do you suddenly feel like a pathetic teenager, desperate to bestow some cheesy title upon her crush?

Eddie nods when you suddenly look at him, as if he can read your mind, “I’m not her boyfriend. Just… her scary dog.”

Scary dog privilege. And God, does that moment feel light years in the past now. Years ago rather than hours ago. His promise to protect you suddenly rings truer now. If you ever did find yourself in trouble, you knew he’d answer your call. You knew now why his protection only extended to you. You finally, finally understood.

“Scary dog?” Steve squints at Eddie, and his judgmental demeanor has fully returned, “What the fuck does that even mea-“

He doesn’t get to finish the sardonic sentiment. The slap of your palm interrupts him.

“Ow!” he yelps out, head snapping from the force of the hit and hands already coming up defensively.

Eddie pushes off the wall the moment Steve’s hands are up in the air, “Lay a hand on her in retaliation, Harrington, and I’m breaking your arm.”

All the joking, cocky demeanor has faded. Like he had said — scary dog privilege. It applies to more than just pricks at the bar.

“I’m not,” Steve grumbles, rubbing at the red imprint now singing his cheek, “Jesus Christ, I said a punch.”

You fight a smile, “I don’t know how to throw a punch.”

“I can teach you,” Eddie pipes up, now standing beside you, hovering in your orbit.

“Don’t-“ Steve puts out a warning finger, “-encourage her. I only said you could punch me because I knew you couldn’t throw a punch!” he continues to cradle his face, now pouting at you, “Do you feel better now?”

You only answer with a triumphant smile. Because your palm is stinging, and you know violence isn’t the answer, but yeah. You do feel a little bit better.

“I don’t,” Eddie hums. He only has to take one step forward for Steve to back up, throwing out defensive eyes as he narrows his eyes, “Think I deserve to get a slap in, too, Stevie.”

“Fuck that,” Steve spits, eyes wide with genuine fear that makes you want to giggle, “You do know how to throw a punch. If I’m letting you get a free one in, I deserve twenty four hours notice.”

“Then consider this your notice.”

Is this what I had always been missing out on?

You always knew Eddie was playful with everyone, had witnessed how he joked with friends, but you’d never been included. The thought that this was the new normal makes your heart nearly burst. To be on Eddie’s side finally, to be in his good graces properly, makes you feel as if you belong more than any private movie night with Steve or impromptu dinner date with Robin. More than any night out with Nancy. More than any smoke session with Argyle, and more than any literature debate with Jonathan.

It’s as if Eddie was the missing link. You never felt you belonged, because you’d always ached for your rightful spot at his side, not just amongst the group.

The three of you stand in a makeshift circle and every single one of you smiles. Even Steve, through his slipping pout and swollen cheek, is grinning.

Suddenly, it’s not quite as heavy as it once felt.

Everything has changed. Leaving now is not leaving forever.

“I’d pay to see that,” you comment, taking a daring step to bump shoulders with Eddie. His eyes meet yours, his dimples come to life, and suddenly — you’re home, “Think I can get a front row seat to you beating Steve’s ass?”

Steve starts to protest but Eddie only nods eagerly, “I think that can be arranged.”

“I am once again reminding you two that I liked your screaming matches more than whatever this,” his hand flails, motioning to the way you two are standing closer to one another than you are him, “whole teaming-up-against-me bit is.”

“We’re not dating,” you’re reiterating as Eddie laughs out, “Stop being a crybaby.”

You look at one another again. Another foot in the door of your newfound home, another look into your new place to rest your head. It’s as if you’re just now realizing you’ve spent the entire year missing Eddie, even as he was right there in front of you.

“Well, God save us all when you two are finally dating,” Steve mumbles with a shake of his head.

“If-“ Eddie starts to correct, but you stop him.

It’s not an if when it comes to you two dating, you decide. It’s a when.

“I’ll send a gift basket when the day comes,” you snark. The look that Eddie sends you could heal every wound ever left behind, right then and there.

You’re home. When Eddie throws his arm around your shoulders and Steve rolls his eyes at you two (affectionately, even if he’d deny it), you know you’re home.

—

But then, you actually do have to go home.

You try to put it off. The three of you occupy Eddie’s living room for a while, Steve complaining about the way Robin woke him up endlessly throughout the night and how he never did finish that assignment due in his English Literature class. It reminds you that life will continue on; you have to go back to work and school, deal with daily annoyances that should seem bigger than all that’s happened with Eddie tonight, but they don’t. They all seem minuscule now, really.

“Do we still have to send photo proof?” Eddie asks once Steve’s tirade has waned. You’re sat between the two boys, Steve’s body turned almost completely to face the two of you while you and Eddie slowly sink back into the cushions.

You’re sure if Steve knew the activities that had taken place on this couch, he would not be sitting so comfortably. If at all.

Steve sighs at the mention of the bet, “You probably should. Jonathan’s been antsy about it the entire time. Me and Nance tried to cover for you guys, lying about calling and stuff but-“

“Why would you lie?” you inquire, uncurling a bit from your overly comfortable position to stop from falling asleep and actually participate in the conversation.

“Because, unlike the other idiots,” Steve gives a pointed look at you and then Eddie, “We had a hunch about what was going on here. And it’s about time, by the way.”

You think over his words for a second before you look at Eddie with sudden embarrassment, “Have you- Oh my God, have you been telling Nancy what we’ve been doing?”

“What?” Eddie sits up straighter, looking just as panicked, “No. No, absolutely not, I-“

“What have you guys been doing?”

Both of you ignore Steve as Eddie continues on.

“-just spoke to her on the phone once or twice. But I didn’t give her any details. Have you been telling Steve what we did?”

Steve, still being ignored, repeats himself, “What have you guys been doing?”

“Absolutely not,” you scrunch your nose at the thought of being that honest with Steve. You loved him, truly, but not enough to tell him about those kinds of things, “I’d rather sleep in the canals than tell him.”

“What have you guys been doing?”

Eddie’s eyebrows shoot up, and he mockingly stabs himself, “Ouch, sweetheart.”

“Not like that,” you backtrack, but more casually as the worry of Steve and Nancy knowing the truth, “I just meant-“

Eddie interrupts with a hand on your knee and a smile on his face, “I know what you meant. I’m just fucking with you. I feel the same way with Nance.”

“Guys?” Steve grows further impatient, “I- What the fuck did you guys do? Oh my God, is it even safe to sit on this fucking couch right now?”

“You don’t wanna know,” you say.

“No, it isn’t,” Eddie says.

It earns him a slap on his stomach as he leans over in laughter at the way Steve launches out of his seat.

“You guys- No. No fucking way,” Steve brushes at the back of his jeans, as if they’re contaminated, “Nope. No way. You’re just fucking with me, Munson.”

“Am I?”

Another slap lands on Eddie’s shoulder as he laughs harder.

“Steve,” you turn to your friend, trying to smile sweetly, “Sit back down.”

“No.”

“You just said you don’t believe-“

“We should get going,” Steve insists through his blush, “You two should take your final picture and we should get going.”

Eddie finally stops chuckling, leaning back up and against the armrest, his ankle cross in front of your shins as he stretches his legs out and sighs, “God, you should see your face right now, Harrington.”

Steve’s scowl deepens, “It’s not funny. Take the fucking photo so we can go.”

You make no move to dig out your phone, because you know. You know once you take this photo, you’ll be leaving, and this will all be over. Once you step foot back into that hallway, time apart begins. Learning how to navigate this new unknown with Eddie begins. It terrifies you, it saddens you, it exhausts you. You hadn’t been prepared for this part of the night.

Even before the confessions, you hadn’t given much thought to the ending of the twenty four hours. You’d assumed it would end in bloodshed and a larger than life fight, probably before the clock even ran out. You’d never assumed it could end in laughing, inside jokes between you and Eddie, in something not only bitter but also sweet.

“Phone, sweetheart,” Eddie whispers as he leans forward and holds out his hand with the palm up, “Before we traumatize the poor guy any further.”

“I will wait in the car, I swear to God-“ Steve starts to protest as you finally dig your phone out of your pocket.

You’re looking down, unable to meet Eddie’s gaze in fear of him picking up on your faint sadness, as you mumble, “Get your panties out of their twist, Steve. Jesus.”

Eddie snorts at that, right as you pass your phone over.

Steve doesn’t comment when you willingly tell Eddie the code to unlock your phone, or the way you let him hold it rather than you. He doesn’t comment on the arm that Eddie seems to constantly keep around you now.

He’s doing it while he can. Cherishing being able to hold you at any capacity before you leave and the distance begins. The time apart you two agreed upon won’t be for forever, but it still kills a buried part of him that had just begun to sprout roots again. A thing made of hope that he planned to tend to this time around.

“So, how do we wanna do this?” he asks in a strained tone, as if asking that question and throttling you two closer to the finish line physically pains him.

You hope it pains him, selfishly, because it pains you. “No idea.”

“We’ve gotta make it a good one.”

“We do.”

Eddie suddenly lights up with an idea as his thumb sweeps across your screen, opening your photos’ app and scrolling up to the first picture you two had taken at the beginning of this night.

“Up for a trip down nostalgia road?” he teases, wiggling his brows as he holds the phone up for you to get a clearer view of the picture.

Eddie, flipping off the camera and scowling. You, hardly smiling with a pathetic thumbs up.

“Yeah,” you breathe out, nodding slowly.

It’s unspoken, what happens next. The camera app is opened and Eddie returns your phone to your grasp. The two of you resituate to mimic the photo as closely as possible while Steve fiddles with some of the items on Eddie’s entertainment center.

You stretch out your arm, put your thumb up into view, blink away any tears burning the back of your eyes. Eddie’s hand has taken position as well.

You snap the photo before you can think too hard on it.

“Think that’ll be the winner?” Eddie curiously asks as you immediately bring the phone close to your face, swiping to view the snapshot just taken. And when you do, with the refreshed memory of that first photo, your heart physically aches.

Almost an identical image. At a quick glance, it’s the same Eddie and the same you from the first one. But the similarities fade the moment you look closer. Eddie isn’t scowling, not genuinely – those damn dimples are even making an appearance as his eyes were squinted up in a valiant effort to fight off the smile he wears now. And your smile, your smile, is no longer half-assed. It’s something real, something full, something even a bit sad. The same face you wear when saying goodbye to an old friend and trying to hold back any tears until their train has long since left the station. You can almost physically see your vines in this photo wrapping around the two of you, clinging so desperately to avoid any separation. Time apart. You’re regretting suggesting that now.

It’s a cute photo. A photo of two friends, if you could call yourself and Eddie that now.

“All done?” Steve interrupts the moment, both of you and Eddie only staring at the photo. You take a peak at him out of your peripherals, and you can see it written plainly on his face – he’s feeling all the same emotions as you. Something sad, something nostalgic, something reluctant. “Not to rush the process but… I may or may not have a hot date tonight to get ready for.”

Eddie tears his gaze from the photo, “A hot date?”

“A hot date,” Steve nods, a boyish grin gracing his lips, “And I’m picking her up in… t-minus…” he pauses, checking his watch, “Three hours.”

“Smart move. Charm her before I rearrange your face and all.”

Steve throws his head back in a groan, “You two won’t be letting that go any time soon, will you?”

“Nope,” you chime in as you swipe to open up the groupchat, not offering Steve a single glance until you’ve sent off the final addition of photo proof to the rest of your friends. You consider adding some sort of sarcastic comment, some well earned bragging and a boisterous told you so, but you don’t.

It doesn’t feel like you’ve won. Leaving this apartment, this battleground, with all the new bruises and healed wounds you’ve acquired over the span of the twenty four hours doesn’t taste like victory. Really, it tastes like… nothing.

There’s no victory, no solid ending for you to cling to. It’s simply ending and there’s still thousands of words you have to say to Eddie. You need more time, another twenty four hours, to fill with every single thing you never told him. More casual confessions of honesty, more hours wasted in his bed, more insignificant bickering to partake in. It’s all on your tongue and desperate for attention, and yet, you know you can’t succumb to it.

You have to go. It’s the last thing you want to do, but you have to.

Steve checks his phone when it buzzes with the notification of your message you sent and opens his mouth, no doubt about to comment on your lack of words with the message, but you’re already standing. It’s like ripping off a bandaid. You need to get it over with, get out of this apartment before you decide you’d rather sink right into these couch cushions and decay just to ensure you never have to really leave.

Eddie’s quick to follow.

“Let’s go,” you say to Steve, grabbing up your bag, not looking at Eddie at the risk of losing all composure.

Neither boy fights you, following you right up to the front door. Steve leads, opening it back up as reality slams you in the chest. As if there’s an invisible barrier here, and you know that in crossing it, you’ll be leaving a piece of yourself behind in apartment 2C.

Leaving now is not leaving forever.

But it sure does feel like it.

Steve awkwardly looks over your shoulder at Eddie, some silent communication you only see his half of as he shrugs and does a timid wave, turning to leave.

One foot hangs midair, your toes beginning to push through that barrier, when Eddie grabs you.

“Hey,” he breathes as he wraps his fingers around your bicep, forcing you to turn to face him. You let him, your body moving to his accord but your eyes still not meeting his, “You good?”

You take a deep breath in through your nose, “Me? Yeah. Yeah, I’m great. I’m… I’m good.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive?”

“Will you look at me, then?”

Reluctantly, so very reluctantly, your eyes meet his. Big, brown doe eyes. This close to them, you can see the way they shine to match yours. You both probably look insane to Steve right now, but you don’t care. Between the sleep deprivation and all the emotions you’ve had to experience over the last day, the tears are well earned.

You almost reach out and kiss him. You almost press up onto your toes and put your lips on his, almost pour every emotion you’re feeling in the moment into a far from innocent peck.

But you don’t.

“We did it,” you croak blandly, “We won the bet.”

As if the Universe is screaming in agreement, you can hear a chime in the distance signifying the hour. Probably the church you recall passing in the middle of the night when the two of you had ventured off to the parking garage. It almost feels as if it’s mocking you.

“We did it,” he echoes as his grip on your bicep loosens. You expect him to let it fall back to his side, nearly begging out loud for him to retract his touch from you so you don’t do something stupid like stay.

You swallow down thick emotions, just like molasses, “I guess I’ll see you around, yeah?”

Time. You two needed time apart.

“Yeah,” he sighs, as he does the one thing you had somehow hoped he wouldn’t yet yearned for ardently – the hand that had wrapped around your arm now cups your cheek, thumb stroking your skin so softly, you nearly melt in his doorway, “I’ll see you around, sweetheart.”

It doesn’t taste like victory, yet it doesn’t taste quite like loss. It’s bittersweet.

You still don’t kiss him. And he doesn’t kiss you, even as his touch against your cheek lingers so heavily before he pulls away.

You cross the barrier and find you were right. You feel that piece of you tear off and flutter to the ground, and you begin to wonder when you’ll have the chance to come back and reclaim not just it, but Eddie.

—

Steve didn’t speak much on the drive back to your dorm, and you’re sort of grateful.

If you were a good friend, you’d ask more about his date. You’d get him giddy as he spills the details about this girl and his plans for the night, chastise and tease him all in good fun. You’d be smiling and making plans for coffee tomorrow morning so he could tell you all about how the date went.

But you’re not a good friend.

You sit in your silence the entire drive, and you pick at your nails, and you selfishly stay focused on Eddie. On all of your own qualms and all your own issues, worrying about what comes next and already feeling your chest tighten the moment you start to think about when see you around will come.

The two of you never discussed that, did you? There was no discussion of just how much time was needed apart.

Steve shifts the car into park in the west lot, right outside your building, “Alright, stop making your cuticles bleed for two seconds and tell me what’s wrong.”

Your hands pause exactly as he requests, caught red-handed. “Nothing’s wrong.”

“Something’s obviously wrong. I told you to go get him – and yet, he’s still not your boyfriend.”

“It’s complicated,” your voice finally breaks. There’s no tears this time, just confusion and desperation clawing at your throat.

Because, was it complicated? Was it really?

The last year was what had been complicated. All the pretending and the fights and the tension. All the false beliefs and all the lies overlapping with one another. That was complicated. But this? The feelings you harbored and finally acknowledged for the boy you just left behind?

That wasn’t really complicated.

And Steve knows this, you can hear it in his sigh, “I think that’s the issue.”

“What?” you turn your head towards him, scrunch your brows, even your breathing and try to shoo away the image of Eddie’s wet eyes.

You wish you would have kissed him.

“Look, i just think you two keep making things complicated when they should be simple-”

You didn’t want to hear it. Childish as it might be, you do not want to have to hear this speech. Because you know Steve’s right.

“I’ll see you later, Steve.”

“Wait-”

You don’t wait. You slam the door in his face once you’ve got your footing outside of his car, truly earning your title of bad friend.

Awful. You weren’t just a bad friend, you were an awful friend.

And yet you can’t think on it, leaving it be until you had the time to properly dwell on how you’d apologize later. All you care about now is getting inside your dorm, moping and being miserable on your own. Your strides are longer and faster than they were even when you’d backtracked to Eddie’s apartment, determined to get behind closed doors and to properly mourn all that had been gained and all that had been lost in the last twenty four hours.

Twenty four hours ago, you were reluctant to even step foot in Eddie’s apartment. And now, it’s the only place you really want to be.

Luck refuses to be on your side as you slam into your dorm room, sweaty and tired and just fucking emotional, only to find your roommate there. There will be no dramatic crying, no cinematic scene with your back pressed to the door as you fight back sobs, it seems.

“You look rough,” is all she notes, sparing you a second glance before she returns to whatever she was tasking on at her desk. Her makeup, you think.

Good. Maybe she’ll be heading out, leaving you to suffer alone like you wanted.

“Yeah,” is all you can answer her as the door clicks shut behind you.

Rough’s a good way to put it.

“Think you’ll be here tonight?” she asks, still distracted, “Troy and I are hanging out today – he spent the night here last night, by the way – and if you’re gone again, I was thinking about inviting him back over. Only if you’re cool with it, or already have plans, though. Our RA has this final and I didn’t even have to sneak him in last night-”

She continues on her rambles, never looking your way as you drop your bag onto your bed, and quickly lift yourself to lay right next to it.

Normal. You were having to go back to fucking normal. Your worries were no longer revolving around Eddie or making it through the next hour, no longer preoccupied with keeping your friends up to date in order to ensure a payout of five hundred dollars – now, you just had to worry about boys named Troy and possible room checks by your RA. Finals to be taken, essays to be finished, shifts to be covered at the diner so you’d have enough cash to go out with your friends next weekend.

You should be relieved. But it all just feels impossibly heavy.

Your roommate catches on quickly, and when you only reply to let her know you’ll be here tonight, she stops talking. She focuses on finishing her makeup and gathering her things, hardly even offering you a goodbye as you shift to curl up more comfortably in the center of your mattress.

You should also know better than what you decide to do next. You can’t help it, though, as you tug your phone out of your pocket and unlock it. You don’t listen to the voice inside your head that screams stop as you click on your photos’ app. Ignore the animal inside that whines as you scroll, and you click on the very first photo of you and Eddie.

It’s painful, but you have nothing better to do in your solitude. You don’t linger on the first photo too long, still being fresh in your mind, before quickly swiping along.

The set of matching photos you and Eddie took of one another, black and white socks covering touching toes visible in each one. You nearly laugh at the Darth Vader figurine both of you took turns holding. You nearly cry when you realize you were, in fact, smiling in your photo. A small one, a forced one, but there nonetheless.

The selfie from the bar, your amaretto sour and Eddie’s whiskey & coke lifted towards the camera. The way both of you had tried to look annoyed, over exaggerated and furrowed brows paired with pouting lips. Your thumb swipes subconsciously over the photo for a second too long, and you’re startled when you realized it was a live photo. The moment after the photo was taken, Eddie’s eyes had moved to look at you. And in that live photo, you watched every ounce of annoyance evaporate. Leaving behind something you recognized now. Leaving behind eyes sparkling with a brief glimpse of adoration.

There’s something else you better recognize now in the next photo. The picture you’d taken when Eddie had locked himself into his room, only opening up long enough to insist you took the photo, the one that guaranteed you your money. You had been right – there was a flood of regret on his face. You hadn’t imagined it. But you had also been wrong; he was never looking at your own rotted vines and mourning them; he was looking at his own, tethered and shredded, regretting that he had ever taken an axe to them. You don’t press down to see this live photo. You don’t want to witness that door slamming in your face again.

The two photos taken in his bed. The one in which both your faces are scrunched from the flash, in which you can see the physical wall between you two. And the one in the dark, where you both wear tired smiles, unaware of the night to come.

The photo on the bike, a helmet mostly covering your blushing cheeks, but not Eddie’s.

The photo from the parking garage, meant just for you two.

The photos from Betty’s. You don’t linger on the one of you; you do linger on the one of him.

Each swipe only makes your heart ache more viciously, painful and sharp reminders of the night you had had. You don’t have to press down on another single photo to witness the live outplay of it – each memory is running through your mind in real time as you retrace your steps of the night. Twenty four hours, twenty four steps. With each photo, you watch yourself grow more relaxed, watch smiles come easier without your awareness and finally pinpoint all the care Eddie had been looking at you with the entire time.

You notice the lack of photos from the last few hours. You nearly scorn yourself for it, but there had been no time. There was no time for memories frozen in time amongst all that hard honesty and those sacrilegious revelations.

Except there was one more moment in time frozen for you. You’re quick to exit the photo app finally, leaving behind that picture of Eddie with full cheeks only to open up your text messages.

Your text thread with him. Filled to the brim with bad pastry jokes and underlying need. You remember that urgent want to comfort him, to remind him he was enough. To erase all the hurt and all the old scars caused by a life from before your time with him you still hadn’t become fully privy to.

You’re still rereading the last message, bet you wouldn’t say that to my face, when suddenly a new message appears.

EDDIE: Make it home okay?

Space and time. They are the last things you want, that you need from him right now.

YOU: yep. my roommate just left.

EDDIE: Is your dorm bed as comfortable as you remember?

YOU: like sleeping on a cloud.

You wish you were still in his bed. You wish you were back at the beginning, with him rather than all alone.

EDDIE: Oh shit, you’re trying to sleep? Sorry

EDDIE: I’ll stop bothering you and leave you to it. Sweet dreams.

No, you nearly scream at your phone screen, come back and bother me. Bother me for the rest of my days for all I care.

You’d never sleep another wink if it meant having him. You remember what you told him about starting over, starting fresh. And maybe taking a much needed nap would offer that. Maybe sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time would be the smart choice, letting you awake with a clearer mind and better intentions.

But you don’t want that. The animal inside still clings to all that has happened.

Something about that makes you brave.

YOU: i never said that, and you’re not bothering me.

EDDIE: Didn’t you say you wanted a nap earlier?

YOU: that was earlier. i’m wide awake now.

An internal battle continues to take place. Your mind whispers liar, knowing damn well that if you put down the phone and turned your cheek to bury into your pillow, you’d be out like a light within seconds.

EDDIE: Ah. I see.

You fiddle with your thumbs for a second, stomach churning as you try to come up with a response to keep the conversation going. Technically, when you had said the two of you needed time apart after all that had happened, it should have meant interactions like this as well. Texting each other was not offering each other space.

But he’d started it. That was on him.

YOU: do you remember what i said about space? and starting over?

EDDIE: I do. I’m not very good with giving you space, it seems.

YOU: well, considering you’re on the other side of town, i’d say we’ve got the physical sense of space down.

There’s a pause in his replies that causes you to sit up. A falter. You curse him for not having a smartphone as well, for not having the privilege of being notified whether he was just taking his time typing or if he had put the phone down. You really hoped it was the former, practically wished upon every star that that was what was happening. You hoped he was glued to his phone as you were yours.

Maybe he still had that photo he’d taken a few hours ago, the one you swore you’d heard him take as you dozed off. Maybe he was still staring at it like you had done with all of your photos.

EDDIE: About that…

You stare at the message, the hidden meaning behind it completely lost on you.

YOU: About what?

EDDIE: I’m not home right now.

Your heart clenches.

YOU: You’re not?

EDDIE: I’m not.

YOU: Eddie, where the hell are you right now?

Your mind reels with all the possible choices. He could be at the bar, at the parking garage, at Nancy’s place. He could be anywhere.

But then he only sends a picture in response, and you know where he is.

You nearly topple into three other students from how you sprint down the hallway. You don’t even grab your key to your dorm room, skipping the elevators and nearly throwing yourself down the few flights of stairs in haste. You don’t care how your lungs cry out, you don’t care how your thighs burn, you don’t care how your shoulder aches from how roughly you slam open that front door of the building. You don’t care about the strange looks you get on your way out. You don’t care about the odd angle you twisted your ankle in on that last step.

The only thing you care about is the boy standing there, helmet off and balanced on the seat of his parked motorcycle that he leans on, arms crossed as his eyes light up at the erratic sight of you.

You don’t even check for any traffic in the parking lot as you make your way to him.

“I’m sorry,” he calls out once you’re close enough to hear him, “I know we said give it time and shit, but you left, and I just-”

He doesn’t get the chance to finish his sentence.

When you make it to Eddie, you’re in no business to carry anymore regret with you. This time, you don’t just yearn to kiss him, to wrap your arms around him, to pour out all those emotions you were feeling across tongues.

You do it. You kiss him, uncaring for all the stares of fellow students. He nearly falls backwards into his bike from the force of you colliding against him, but he’s quick to catch himself as his hands find your waist.

“You-” you pull back, gasping a bit to start to scold him before his lips follow and interrupt you, “Fucking-” Push and pull. You retreat, and he follows, “Idiot.”

His hands squeeze around you, tugging you a stumbling step closer so that your chests are flushed against one another.

“I am,” he mumbles against your lip, the tip of his nose grazing over your cheek as he refuses to let anymore distance be put between the two of you, “I am a fucking idiot. I’m sorry.”

“Stop apologizing.”

His hands cradle your face and he kisses you this time, reaffirming that he felt everything you had. All those words you hadn’t said, all his own admissions he’d withheld, spill between clashing teeth and eager lips. He takes your breath away, shamelessly, greedily. And you let him. You offer all the air that’s left in your lungs up to him on a silver platter.

When the two of you finally pull apart, eyes opening wide and foreheads pressing tightly to one another, he’s grinning like a fool.

“So, I had a better idea than time apart,” he murmurs, “What if we just… start over?”

“Start over?” you question wearily.

He nods, “Yeah. Just… Just pretend this last year and all our bullshit didn’t happen. Start fresh. Let me not be a massive dick this time.”

His hands drop from your face as he takes a step back, taking you in fully. You want to shy under his gaze, but instead you can only melt. His fondness is a warmth like no other, capturing you by the crown of your head and pouring down over you in waves.

“Okay,” you finally agree, feeling your own cheeks spread and ache in a lovesick smile. Coming home, that’s what this felt like. “Okay, we can start over.��

“Great,” the homecoming warmth only spreads as he straightens up his posture. A very serious look overcomes his face, laced with determination for a brief second until he relaxes it into a friendly smile, doleful eyes meeting yours as every single flower he had ever planted in your chest blooms like a spring morning. He sticks his hand out, nearly making you snort, “Hi, I’m Eddie.”

You can’t help it. His front door is open, a warm glow within welcoming you.

You ignore his hand entirely as you impulsively reach up and interlock your fingers at the nape of his neck, tugging him into you for another kiss.

He pulls back far too soon for your liking, but his hands have also found their spot against the small of your back, “Do you greet all the new strangers you meet like this?”

You roll your eyes, “Shut up.”

He pulls you back in for a chaste peck, and it tastes like home.

“I like you,” you whisper into the limited space between the two of you, “I mean it. I like you so fucking much, Edward Munson.”

He grins, cracking your chest wide open with hope, “The feeling’s mutual.”

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#my writing #twenty four hours #eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x y/n #eddie munson fic #eddie munson fanfic #this feels so surreal to post jesus christ #thank you guys genuinely for all the love #i will be making a sappy post before i post the epilogue on thursday #i just #wow #yeah #i did it #again #i finished a fucking fic

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moonchildstyles · 9 months ago

Note

I saw you were talking about curious gazes stuff.... is citrine a part of that group 🧍‍♀️

wordcount: 2.6k+

——————

Parker kept his eyes on his phone, rereading his new text notification over and over even when the bell above his head jingled as he walked through the door of the record shop.

Annie asked if he was going to be at Vera's party tonight. She asked him if she could go with him.

His cheeks almost ached from the width of the smile on his face. Maybe tonight would be the night—maybe he'd finally get the courage to ask her on a real date instead of all these friendly group outings.

Parker pulled his gaze up only when he heard the familiar voice of the shop attendant, catching the wide smile on the man's face. It was the same man every time Parker came in, his name starting with an H (it was Harry, or Henry, or something in that universe but he could never remember and felt too shy to ask for clarification at this point). He knew so much about all of the records and the artists behind them, it was always interesting when Parker wasn't in too much of a rush and could talk to the guy.

"Good afternoon! How are you?" he asked, the glimmering fabric of his top shimmering from the light spilling in from the large windows.

"I'm good, man. Thanks," Parker greeted, feeling infectiously happy at the moment, "How are you?"

"I'm doing really well, thank you," Harry (maybe?) said, dimples in his cheeks, "Are y'looking for anything specific today?"

Shrugging, Parker shook his head. "Not really, just wanted to look and see if I can find something new."

Harry perked up at the sound of something new being in need, a dark curl falling over his forehead. "We got a bunch of second hand records in the other day. It's mostly older albums, but 'm sure there's something you'd like. Let me know if you want any help or have any questions."

Typically, Parker wouldn't mind asking a few questions, especially about the more vintage artists and pressings around the shop, but his mind was still buried deep in his phone. "I will, man. Thanks."

With that, Parker drifted between the shelves that marked out the aisles in the small shop. Huddled between a pair of shelves holding different records and elaborate displays with special edition pressings, he pulled his phone out once again. Annie's thread was still open, her two texts shining in a beautiful, shining, hopeful blue.

ur going to v's tngiht right ?

if u want we could go together :)

He'd never seen a string of letters look so perfect. It was like he was reading poetry.

His fingers held a tremor as he texted her back. He attempted to play it cool, but of course he wanted to go with her. He would have given anything to enter that party under the label of being together with Annie.

Sure! I have to do some homework tonight, but I'll be heading over there at around eight. Does that work for you?

Shooting off the message, Parker felt conflicted about staring and waiting for the messages to be read with another set of preemptive bubbles filling where her next message would be, or locking his phone and not being so desperate for a single text.

When the receipts didn't immediately switch to show that it had been read with another time stamp, Parker forced himself to lock the screen and shove his phone back into his pocket. Around him, colorful records asked to steal his attention, to put him back on track and remind him why he came to the shop in the first place.

It was his sister's birthday next week and he wanted to pick out a couple of records for her since their mom was gifting her a player as well. (And, there was an album or two Parker had been looking at that he really hoped the shop carried). Forcing his mind off of his phone, he took his time perusing through the shelfs for anything special he knew she liked before he would start looking through the crates for something vintage she could brag to her friends about.

Across the space, the bell dinged again, another customer stopping by.

Instead of the usual greeting Harry offered to all guests, Parker heard a giddy sigh of, "Sunshine!" ring from the head of the shop.

Lifting his gaze from where he was examining a record cover laden with roses and glimmering gold font, he saw a woman with a beaming smile making her way towards the register area. A plastic takeaway bag hung from her elbow, her hair pulled back with her outfit consisting of a logo'd shirt and black pants. The logo was familiar, from a restaurant deeper in the plaza that had margaritas that were a little too strong but cheap enough it didn't matter.

"Hi, Harry," she greeted, opening her arms as Harry met her halfway and reciprocated her hug.

The plastic bag crinkled over his shoulder but neither of them paid the food any mind as they wrapped around each other. Quiet whispers were shared between them, Harry's curls creating a small curtain so Parker couldn't even see what kind of reaction these secrets pulled from the newcomer.

Instead, Parker only got to hear the sound of her laugh as she drew away from the hug. He felt a bit bad as he kept watching, but even when they shared a small kiss, he couldn't pull his eyes away.

Harry had mentioned more than once these small details about his wife, interjecting that she loved a certain album, or that she recommended something new to him that he was now letting others in on. Truthfully, with who Harry was—so eccentric, extroverted in an introverted way, and seemingly from a different time—Parker had imagined his wife to be completely different than to who was standing before him.

This woman seemed... normal.

Not that it was a bad thing, or that Harry wasn't, but she wasn't draped in lace and gauze with jewels and glitter following her every step. She looked like she belonged in this century.

He turned his attention back to the record in his hand a split second before she would have caught his stare. Though there was a track list right before him, he didn't read a single word, feeling a bit flustered knowing he had just witnessed what was most likely a private moment between the two of them.

Parker couldn't help the way his mind went back to Annie.

Would she visit him during her lunch? Would they embrace like that, without a care? What kind of secrets would she share with him?

He couldn't help the minute check he made to his phone screen.

No new notifications.

Folding his phone back into his pocket, Parker directed his focus back onto his shopping. Meandering back towards the crates, he started flicking through the alphabetized stacks.

With only a quiet album playing on the shop's record player—something crackly and old he didn't recognize but didn't mind—, he could hear the murmurings of the couple now huddled behind the register counter together. Though he didn't mean to eavesdrop, he didn't particularly try hard not to either.

Straining an ear, he heard their hushed conversation over the music and quiet rustling of the plastic bag.

"I can come back later, or save this for dinner," the woman said, "I don't want you to get in trouble, honey."

"'S fine, dove, really," Harry insisted, his smile audible, "I know him—he's really nice. He won't mind, I promise. If he needs my help, I'll help."

"But, H—" she tried again, only to be abruptly cut off.

Maybe it was the romance on his mind, but Parker wondered if the soft sound he heard was another quiet kiss they shared. Harry's tactic to get his wife to let go of the argument.

"It'll be fine, I promise. I've missed you all day, I don't want you to leave already."

A plume of laughter could be heard alongside the laying out of styrofoam containers. The scent of warm food drifted through the shop. Parker's stomach piqued at the smell, reminding him the last time he ate was during breakfast.

Maybe Annie would want to stop and get some dinner before the party. Or go for a late night snack after.

Harry's wife's laugh pulls him out of the possibilities he was beginning to churn before he'd even received a text back.

"We spent all morning together before you came here," she countered, her tone a gentle tease.

"So?" Harry argued, quietly serious under his own joking tone, "'S not enough, and I've told you that before."

A beat passed, the rustling of the bag filling the moment. "Well, I only have forty-five minutes left of my lunch, so you better make the most of it."

Another set of hushed conversation sounded, words too quiet for him to hear. Parker figured with the scolding Harry! that left the wife's lips, he didn't really want to hear what had made them go quiet anyway.

A vibration from his back pocket had Parker practically scrambling to reach for his phone and get the screen to light up.

Annie had texted him back.

sounds good (:

if its isnt to late by the time we r leavig we should get food or something

Parker's heart just about soared right out of his chest towards the record player, the beats wishing to play their own love song in Annie's name.

They were going to get food or something tonight, just like he hoped.

Was this love?

I was thinking the same thing! I'll see if I can finish up any sooner than eight, but I'll let you know when I'm on my way:)

There was so much Parker needed to do.

Now the priority wasn't the set of essays he was planning on editing before he got ready for Vera's. These plants were now shifted, urging him to skip cleaning his apartment and instead rushing home to do his work then agonize over getting ready for the remainder of the evening. The cowlick on the crown of his head that had his hair sticking in weird places after every shower was going to be his prime enemy today.

Focusing on the records before him, Parker skimmed through before grabbing a Fleetwood Mac album his sister would either love or let become a statement piece about how much of an old soul she was. Turning back to the shelves he reached for a foiled album, the band's name one he recognized but only vaguely through his sister's Spotify. He wasn't familiar with the artwork, but hopefully this was a good one.

These two would have to do for now. If he needed to find a third, he'd do it later. Annie was waiting for him (in six hours, but the urgency still mattered).

Taking his tiny stack to the register, he saw the bubbly couple huddled together sharing a container of French fries with their own respective sandwiches. When the woman realized Parker was approaching, she startled in her spot, immediately moving to get their meal out of the way of the register.

"Sorry, sorry," she said, covering her mouth as she swallowed down the bite she'd taken just as he emerged from the shelves. Harry watched with a fond quirk to his lips though he didn't make any move to assist her move.

"'S alright, love," he attempted to soothe her. While Harry was always purely friendly and full of a kind and giving spirit, Parker had never heard his voice take on the notes it did now. This man was in love with his wife—everything she did was special to him.

"I don't mind," Parker jumped in, settling his records on the clear area of the desk, "I get it."

"See, (Y/N)?" Harry pointed out, though he did begin straightening up and tapping at the register keys, "I told you he was cool."

The woman—(Y/N), the name said with a reverence—didn't pay Harry's argument any mind, continuing to move their boxes out of the way for Parker. Harry shook his head, his green eyes lighting up with every glance her way.

"You find everything alright?" Harry asked, sliding the records towards the inlaid scanner on the desk. Before Parker had a chance to answer, he saw Harry's face light up when he spotted the Fleetwood Mac record. "I didn't know you listened to them! Is this your favorite album?"

Holding up the beige cover, complete with a familiar woman in pointe shoes and an unfamiliar man at her side, Harry looked to him with expectant eyes.

"Um, this is actually a gift for my sister," Parker explained, feeling a bit bashful now that he let down Harry. "It's her birthday next week, and my mom is getting her a record player. I don't really listen to older music."

Casting his gaze down at the album cover, Harry pursed his lips. "I guess it did come out in '77—feels like it was only last year, I forget sometimes."

Parker canted his head. That was one of those things about Harry that had him assuming he was meant to exist long before this time. It wasn't the first time he made a comment like that.

"If she likes that album," (Y/N) piped up from where she had stepped back to lean against the back counter, "you should get her some Stevie Nicks albums. She'd love them."

Harry perked up with a smile on his lips, though he stayed quiet as he typed a few numbers into the register before the total popped up on Parker's end.

"She's the singer from Fleetwood Mac, right?" Parker asked, sliding his card into the reader, "I didn't know she had her own music."

"She's the best," Harry interjected, his words a clear praise of his idol, "Even if your sister doesn't get into it, y'should still try it out. Y'won't regret it."

Maybe Annie would like some of this kind of music. They could have a song if they found one they both liked.

The idea had Parker giddy once more, itching to head home and prepare for the night.

"I'll have to come back then and see what you recommend," Parker said, grabbing his carefully bagged records with the receipt tucked inside, "Thanks, Harry. It was nice to kind of meet you, by the way"—his eyes moving to Harry's wife—"He talks about you all the time."

The smile that stretched along her features was like the sunshine her husband named her after—bright and eclipsing.

Though they were small, the things Parker picked up between the two had his heart softening in places he didn't know could soften. A love like that must be consuming in the sweetest way.

Annie was all that was swirling through his mind.

"He does?" (Y/N) asked, her eyes drifting towards her husband. He only shrugged in response, a bashful set to his features with blushing cheeks.

"See you next time," Harry said, biting back his dimpled smile as he bid Parker goodbye.

Tossing a wave over his shoulder, Parker drifted towards the door, his precious phone sliding into his hand on instinct. His heart jumped when he saw a text from Annie.

perf ! excited to see u (:

His heart rocketed into his throat at the small string of words. Just before he left the shop, Parker didn't think before he was looking over his shoulder and catching Harry pressing a loving kiss to his wife's lips.

He wanted a love like that. Hopefully, that will start tonight.

——————

:))))) thank u sm for all the excitement about this pov I hope everyone likes it! thank u sm for reading, sorry for any mistakes, and please send in any fun ideas!

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vlrghoes · 3 months ago

Text

What Once Was | Chapter One

author’s note: I edited and proof read this after coming back from the club so if you see something wrong don’t be afraid to point it out as I’m quite friendly anyway!

I still don’t know if I like this chapter but overall I’m just shy about sharing my work because I’m hyper judgmental of my own work but I still wanted to share this with you guys anyway.

The chapters after this will be set a few years after this (which will be clarified in the chapters)

I’m English so if anything is wrong in terms of America and the health practices please forgive me!

I’m literally yapping now but I do want to say that I can’t promise chapter two will come in under 2 weeks as I’ve just finished my law degree and landed my dream job (not related to my degree) and I start training next Sunday and it’s for 5 weeks, really intense and with exams almost every day and if I mess up I lose my job. (Not sure if it’s obvious what my job is but anyways.) Also it’s my birthday on Wednesday and I’m celebrating Thursday so less time to write!

cw/tw: death, pregnancy complications, heavy angst, references to mental health and body dysmorphia/body image issues

word count: 4370 (I never usually write more than 2k so this is weird for me)

tag list (ask to be added): @trippinsorrows @cyberdejos2 @maeb99 @southerngirl41 @callmekayd @trentybenty @tian-monique @rose-bliss (if your name isn’t in grey, it’s not letting me tag you but I’ll try in the comment section)

masterlist

“You’re choosing that stupid title over your family again.” Ayanna’s voice cracked, the finality of her words hanging in the air as Joe stood frozen, his guilt palpable and his resolve wavering. She had spent all day running around the house and decorating for their special day. She spent hours preparing a nice steak dinner for the two of them, however it had been left untouched, the wait quelling her appetite as she now only felt sick. The dress she picked out now felt too revealing, no longer complimenting her body. Suddenly it clung to all the wrong parts and accentuated her weight gain, making her feel like a whale instead. The candles in the house had melted to the point where the fire had flickered out and the playlist she had queued just sounded like white noise at this point. Nothing matters anymore because Joe is late, late home once again and Ayanna is reaching breaking point. She spent hours waiting for him after she prepared their dinner, but all the effort didn’t matter anymore because instead of romance, the air was filled with tension and dread. “You know they’re due any day now, Joe how could you do this to me, to us. How can you still be wrestling so soon to my due date?” She said, her voice filled with emotion as she tried to steady herself. She didn’t want to cry, she had cried so much this entire pregnancy and she felt miserable. Instead of having that pregnancy glow like Rihanna, she had the life sucked out of her and she just felt lifeless.

“Look baby, I'm sorry.” Joe began, trying to figure out mentally how to get himself out of the trouble he was in. It wasn’t his fault, the media day for Wrestlemania was meant to finish much earlier but they took longer to set up, in turn making Joe’s interview (which was last) late. He had intended to be home earlier but it just seemed like the universe had other plans.

“Don’t even bother” Ayanna sighed, playing with the ring on her finger which now felt like it weighed a tonne. When they first got together, he gave it to her as a promise he’d marry her and whilst he did deliver on that promise, since getting pregnant and no longer being able to join him on the road she wondered if it was worth it sometimes. It’s not that she didn’t love Joe, hell sometimes she thinks she loves him too much. However she now isn’t sure if he loved her more than that title. He used to be so romantic; he’d bring her flowers every single day no matter what, he’d take her on dates, even small ones that weren't as lavish and she loved it. But the more he climbed up the ranks of WWE, the less the romance was there. Then shortly after he became champion everything stopped. Their marriage hit the rocks as he was never home and he started to miss things such as birthdays and christmases, so to save their marriage Ayanna gave up everything and joined him on the road. It was all going great until her later stages of pregnancy which stopped her from travelling with him but the most important thing for Ayanna was that he never missed an anniversary.

Well that was until now.

“Do you even know what day it is?” Ayanna asked, her voice quiet as she watched his mind tick, the cogwheels visabilly spinning with his face scrunched up in confusion, dull eyes squinting until it all finally clicks and he looks at her horrified. “You know, as bad as you’ve been lately, I always used to say ‘at least he’d always remembered our anniversary’ but it seems I can’t even say that anymore.” She spits, her heart breaking as the words leave her mouth.

“Yana” he started, feeling dizzy as he watched her flinch, a look almost of disgust flashing within her eyes. The nickname didn’t bring the butterflies it used to bring anymore, instead it forced a swell of emotion that made her feel like she could spew her guts any second. She used to look at him in adoration, but as the years passed the glimmer in her eyes decreased daily until they were fully extinguished. “Baby things are going to change after wrestlemania, I promise. Just one more match, after this I promise I’ll ask Vince again for some time off, I’m sure he’ll give it to me this time.”

The both of them knew that he was telling her what he wanted her to hear, the same conversation being repeated so many times to the point where they felt like they were in limbo. The last time Joe had asked, Vince told him he couldn’t have time off as he was their top star and Joe simply didn’t ask again. He always seemed to lack a backbone in situations that require him having one, but is happy to have a backbone and be stubborn when he doesn't need to be. Ayanna was exhausted, carrying one baby is hard enough but of course Joe carried the twin gene so she was carrying two instead and it felt like they were draining the life from her body. “I just want you to be present Joe, I feel like a single mother despite being married.” She pleaded, her voice filled with desperation. No one ever mentioned how lonely pregnancy is. She had lost many friends as she couldn’t go out to the club or drink anymore which meant that she spent days on end staring at the four walls of her bedroom watching the time pass as she waited up for Joe to come home. She sighed, tears threatening to well in her eyes which made her mentally curse. Stupid baby hormones. “You made the same promise last time, I don’t think you understand that one day I may not be here. You’ve missed so much already and you will never get this time back.”

She waited for Joe to say something, anything that could save the situation and at some points she felt like he was. But he’d then swallow the words back with a bitter taste and instead just looked at her in defeat. Nothing could save Ayanna for the despair she felt and she felt stupid even having this conversation with him. Instead, she gives him one more look over, a silent plea to say something or do something but the window of time closes as soon as she opens and she ends up turning on her feet and going to bed. She kept her room door ajar, hoping he’d come and knock, give her the tight hugs he used to give her and shower her in kisses and apologies but it never happens.

Joseph himself didn’t know what to do. They had the fairytale romance all their friends envied when they were younger, he was the promising D1 football player and she was a shoe-in to be a future Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. They looked good together and spent years in their honeymoon phase, yet somehow as they grew older the fairytale had started to wear off. He looked around the room with a frown, his stomach twisting and his heart aching as he realised exactly how much effort she had put in for their anniversary dinner and in that moment he felt like a horrible person. He knew he needed to pack as he was leaving at 5AM to get a jet for Wrestlemania but a large part of him wanted to go and fix the situation. But he knew nothing could ever fix it. They promised each other that they’d never go to bed without resolving an argument but that promise got broken several times to the point of which it no longer had any weight. So instead, Joe went into the walk-in closet and packed his things, believing that there’s nothing he could do to fix the situation.

That night, for the first time in their marriage the couple slept in separate rooms. Joe in the guest room tossing and turning in his own guilt, whilst Ayanna tried her hardest to muffle her sobs in the pillow. Her tears soaked the case through and her heart shattered in the pieces.

The next morning, Ayanna woke with the worst headache. Her head was pounding so intensely it hurt to open her eyes, however she put it down to the fact she spent all night crying and didn’t sleep. She called out for Joe, hoping he’d be home still so they could make up after their argument and wish him luck tonight as no matter what she loved him and didn’t want to continue on with another argument. But as she made it to the guest room, she realised it was too late and he was already gone. Her heart splintered like fragile glass, and she wept until the well of her tears ran dry, leaving her hollow and desolate.

“Fix your face uce.” His cousin Joshua says with a nudge. Joe having a face like a slapped ass and a snappy attitude had become too common these days and the twins, Joe’s only confidants, knew exactly what was going on. They’d grown up with Joe and practically spent their whole lives with Ayanna through her association with Joe, meaning they had been privy to almost all of the couple’s relationship issues.

“He’s right, every day you walk around here with the face you used to have when my dad used to whoop us all for breaking the window with the football.” Jonathon adds on, a small chuckle escaping from his twin brother as the memory of that day flashes through him. The twins and Joseph had grown up together due to their parents living next door to one another. Rikishi, the twin’s father and Joe’s uncle would say the twins were a bad influence. However everyone who knew them knew that it was actually Joe, he always managed to get away from it all by snitching on the boys before they could save themselves. Which is what led to all of them getting chased with a broom stick as children after Joseph broke the window as they were all playing football, but instead of admitting it he blamed the twins whilst the twins blamed him so the punishment was collective.

“Are you fighting with Yana again?” Joshua asks, earning him a dirty look from both his twin brother and Joseph as the answer was the most obvious thing in the world. The two of them somehow manage to fight more than Joshua and his baby mother, and the pair of them were never even together, just a stupid one night stand.

The pair wait for Joseph to say something but it becomes more and more obvious that he has nothing to say, but the situation is clearly bothering him. Jonathan, the self-labelled “mature” one out of the twins, felt it was best to offer some advice, even if Joe didn’t ask. “Man, I don’t know what’s going on but I know you two have been together since you were both thirteen, whatever it is you’ll make it through it. You guys have always found a way.” The advice, albeit sweet, doesn't really make a difference for Joe. But thankfully he gets called for his press conference anyway so he doesn’t have to engage in the conversation further and he shifts from vulnerable ‘Joe’ to the formidable ‘Roman,’ like a Jekyll turning into Hyde, shedding his worries and fears to become the stoic, unyielding figure everyone dreads.

Joe never really cared for press conferences, however since he was the face of the company he was obligated to fulfil every duty in his contract. He was always used to giving the cookie cutter answers to the usual questions like “what are your expectations tonight?” and “how do you feel about your opponent?” However, he gets caught off guard when someone in the crowd asks "with the demands of your career, how do you balance your professional and personal life, especially with your wife expecting?" The question then places a pang of guilt in his stomach once more as he’s forced to remember their argument from last night. He really wanted to speak to her before he left but he didn’t want to wake her up and his flight was too early for him to stay. He took a thought and tried to compose an appropriate answer before taking a small breath.

“It’s a challenge, no doubt.” He began, slightly sounding defensive whilst making sure to try and make eye contact with the journalist in the crowd to make sure he appeared engaged in the topic. “But I’ve always believed that if you’re committed to something, you find a way to make it work. My family understands what this career means to me, and I make sure to be there for them as much as I can. After tonight, I’m looking forward to some quality time with them.” The words feeling hollow knowing his home life isn’t in a good place.

At home, Ayanna rubs her temples trying to quell the headache that has seemed to intensify from earlier on. She sits on the sofa, her head spinning from the pain when a sharp, twisting pain in her abdomen causes her to shift positions. “It can't be.” she mumbles, it was too early. The twins were not meant to be due yet, she had an entire plan for Joe’s mother to come down and stay in the guest room and help her for the last week of her pregnancy up until the babies hit six months, this can’t be happening. Her phone lay on the coffee table, just out of reach. She stared at it, debating whether to call Joseph or not. But he was probably in the middle of his press conference. She didn’t want to worry him—she could handle this.

She bided her time, until the pain suddenly intensified, radiating from her abdomen up to her chest. Ayanna’s breath hitched, panic creeping in as she realised something was seriously wrong. She forced herself to stand, but her legs buckled beneath her. The room spun, and she fell back onto the couch, gasping for air. She gave in and phoned Joe first, his phone going straight to voicemail as she thought before hanging up, her hands trembling as she dialled 911.“Please” she began with a gasp, struggling to even breathe, “I think something’s wrong I'm pregnant, and I—” Her voice broke off as another wave of pain hit her, harder this time as she screamed, the sound of her pained yells bouncing off the walls.

Joe, pleased with his answer to the first question, felt like he was in the clear and that would be it for the interview but then another question hit him. "There have been rumours that you were considering taking some time off after this match. Can you confirm or deny that?" The question made him feel hot under the collar, he didn’t want to give a definitive answer as Vince had already turned down his request and he didn’t want to put himself in a position that gets him in trouble. He hated it about himself and in a way he also hated Vince for putting him in this situation, however deep down he knew that he was at fault. No matter what, he was a coward and tried to avoid rocking the boat at work but all that has done is cause problems in his marriage.

He once again flashes that million dollar smile that he knew the ladies loved the most before positioning his answer. “Right now, I’m focused on tonight. Whatever comes after, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. I’ve heard the rumours, but my priority is to go out there, put on a hell of a show, and take care of business. The rest will fall into place." He was cool and composed, everything a champion should be, however, the answer in itself was very evasive. It was as though he had mastered the art of saying much while revealing nothing, leaving everyone guessing what truly lay beneath.

Ayanna’s vision blurred as she tried to focus on the operator’s voice. “Stay with me, ma’am, help is on the way,” the voice said, but Ayanna could barely hear it over the pounding in her head. She doubled over in pain, clutching her stomach as the baby kicked wildly inside her. Her thoughts were a jumble of fear and regret. She should have told Joseph—should have insisted he stay home. But it was too late now. The darkness at the edges of her vision crept closer, and she knew she was running out of time

Joe looked at the crowd, wanting to go backstage and get ready for his match, a sigh of relief leaving his body as he’s told this is the last question of the conference. "Any plans to celebrate after the match, or will you be rushing home to be with your family?”

Joe smiled, the question feeling so bittersweet as he’d love to have Ayanna in the crowd like she usually is tonight, but that isn’t the case. "We’ll see how the night goes. My family’s always been my anchor, so I’ll be getting back to them as soon as I can. But first, I’ve got to take care of business in that ring."The reporters nodded, satisfied with his answer. Joseph glanced at the time—just a few more minutes, and he could get back to his routine. But he had no idea that his world was about to shatter.

Ayanna’s strength was fading fast. She clutched her phone, the operator’s voice a distant echo in her ears. “Hold on, ma’am, the paramedics are almost there,” but Ayanna’s world was already slipping away.

The last thing she felt was the sharp pain in her head, then—darkness.

The crowd was electric as Joe stepped into the ring, his face stoic as he played with his wrists to loosen them up. The glamour and feel of Wrestlemania never gets old, but he stayed focused, his mind locked in on the match and his eyes focused on his opponent. He couldn’t afford any distractions - not tonight.

The bell rang, and he moved with precision, every punch, every kick calculated. He could feel the weight of the championship on his shoulders, the expectations of the fans, the promise he had made to himself to be the best. Minutes felt like seconds as the match intensified, the crowd on their feet, chanting his name. With a final, devastating move, Joseph pinned his opponent to the mat. The referee’s hand slapped the canvas—one, two, three.

The crowd booed as Joseph was declared the winner, his arm raised in victory, gutted that their golden boy Cody Rhodes had lost the title. The championship belt was handed to him, and he held it high, basking in the glory of the moment. For a few seconds, everything was perfect. But beneath the cheers and jeers, he felt an uneasy feeling run through him, it was almost as if his body was trying to warn him that this victory came at a price—one that would haunt him long after the spotlight dimmed.

After the match he walked backstage, sweat dripping down his face but a victorious smile plastered on his lips. Fellow wrestlers patted him on the back, congratulating him on another win, another title defence. He had done it again—proven why he was the best. But it didn’t feel the same without Ayanna there to give him a kiss and tell him how proud she was of him. He longed to have her sweet floral scent dancing though his nose, he simply missed her and he was going to make it his mission to call her immediately and apologise and make it up to her. In fact, he was going to ask Vince again for time off or just go to Hunter and get him to explain to Vince.

As he headed toward his locker room, he saw Vince stood them with a solemn expression. His heart dropped, usually if Vince looks at you like that you’ve done a terrible job and you’re about to be pulled off TV. “Joe, we need to talk,” he said, his voice tight with urgency.”

Joseph frowned, still riding the high of his victory. “What’s up, Vince? I’ve got some celebrating to do and I need to call my wife.”

Vince hesitated, his face pale. “Joe, it’s Ayanna… She had a stroke during labour. She had tried to call you as she was going into labour but you were in the press conference.”

The words were like a punch to the gut, knocking the wind out of him. “What?” he whispered, his heart plummeting. “No… no, that can’t be right.” His mind scrambled to reject what he’d just heard, clinging to disbelief as though it could keep the truth at bay.

Vince’s eyes were filled with sorrow as he continued, “I haven’t heard anything else, however I would suggest that you take the jet and go to the hospital now. We will cover you in the post match press conference.” The championship belt slipped from Joseph’s grasp, hitting the floor with a dull thud. The noise of the backstage area faded into nothingness as Joseph stood frozen, disbelief and horror washing over him.

Joseph’s heart pounds as he bursts through the hospital doors, the sounds of WrestleMania’s victory still ringing in his ears. But as he’s confronted by the white walls of the ICU, his triumph feels meaningless, distant. Joseph’s hands trembled as he pushed through the hospital doors, his mind a whirl of fear and denial. He moved as if in a trance, barely registering the people around him as he demanded to be taken to Ayanna.

“Where’s Ayanna? Where are my kids?” he demands, his voice edged with panic.

The receptionist’s eyes flickered with sorrow, looking around in desperation as she did not want to be the one to be here when the news was broken to him. Luckily for her, the doctor steps forward. “Mr. Anoa’i, I’m so sorry. Your wife suffered a massive stroke shortly after going into labour. By the time she got here, there was nothing we could do to reverse the damage. Her brain activity ceased before we could save her.”

Joseph’s breath catches, his world starting to crumble. “What… what do you mean? Where is she? Can I see her?” His voice wavered, a desperate plea for a reality that was slipping through his fingers.

The doctor hesitates, his tone measured but heavy. “We had to make a decision quickly, Mr. Anoa’i. We kept her on life support long enough to deliver the twins via emergency C-section. It was the only way to save their lives.”

For a moment, Joseph just stares, unable to comprehend the words. “You… you kept her alive just to deliver the babies?” His voice is raw with disbelief and rising fury. He couldn’t believe what was being said to him, Ayanna being reduced to a baby making machine made him feel beyond sick. They could’ve had another baby, but he could never have another Ayanna. “She wasn’t just some fucking incubator! She was my wife! She is my wife, why didn’t you save her?!”

The doctor’s eyes hold steady, though full of sympathy. “She made that decision herself. Your wife signed an advanced directive, instructing us to prioritise the babies if anything went wrong. She knew the risks and chose this course.”

The words hit Joseph like a sledgehammer. Ayanna had known this could happen and made a decision without him—a decision that had ripped her from his life. Anger surged and then ebbed away, leaving a hollow ache where it had been. He had spent his life with her, and now, learning to live without her seemed an insurmountable challenge, a cruel twist of fate.

“Where are they?” he finally whispers, his voice barely audible, eyes vacant.

One of the nurses gently guides him to the room where the newborns lie in their incubators. They’re tiny, fragile, and perfect. But as Joseph looks at them, he’s overwhelmed not with the joy he expected but with a deep, unsettling mix of sorrow and resentment. They’re here, alive and breathing, but Ayanna is gone. She sacrificed herself for them, and Joseph can’t help but feel a stab of resentment toward these tiny beings who cost him everything. He stands over the incubators, his hands shaking as he touches the glass. The twins stir slightly, their small cries echoing in the sterile room, but all Joseph feels is an unbearable, suffocating grief—and an anger he can’t reconcile. Whilst he was angry at the world, he was also mad at himself. What sick bastard resents an innocent child? He thought, trying to force the feeling out of his heart, but it was no use. He just couldn't stop himself being filled with disgust when he looked at them, especially as they both look exactly like her. It felt like some cruel punishment from the universe for his wrongdoing.

Finally, he forces himself to pick up one of the babies, holding the child close to his chest. The warmth of his newborn is supposed to bring him comfort, but instead, it feels like a weight pressing down on him, reminding him of what he’s lost. Tears blur his vision as he collapses into a nearby chair, the sound of the twins’ cries filling his ears. But instead of the joy and love he once imagined, all Joseph can feel is a hollow emptiness and a dark, creeping resentment that only deepens his guilt. The nurse gently touched his shoulder, but Joseph barely noticed. He sank into a chair, the twins still wailing in his arms, as tears streamed down his face. The world had stopped making sense. He had won the match, but in doing so, had lost everything that truly mattered, as if triumph had come at the cost of his very soul.

#roman reigns #liyah’s literature #roman reigns fanfiction #roman reigns fic #roman reigns x black oc #wrestling fanfiction #wrestling imagine #wwe imagine #wwe x black oc #whatoncewas

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junosmindpalace · 1 year ago

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may i request a gojo x reader one shot where y/n is gojo's former student, after she graduated she went out of the country then after 5 yrs she comes back to work at tokyo jujutsu high as a teacher like gojo. y/n used to have a crush on gojo back then (maybe she still does 😋) and now that y/n's back after a long time gojo kinda missed her so they often spend time together. y/n keeps convincing herself it's just some kind of friendly reunion, nothing more but one day during the sister school goodwill event she gets jealous when she sees gojo teasing utahime and interacting with her. gojo wonders what got y/n into a pissy mood and y/n is like "why do you even care? just go back to your flirting session" then that's where gojo finds out she's just jealous. he'll tease her and idk maybe a confession between them will follow? i'm rlly sorry i suck at explaining things but i hope you get most of it and this gets accepted 😭 thanks! 💓

UNKNOWN / NTH

hi anon! thank you for your request and patience! i changed a couple of details in this request and it turned out soo weirdly angst but the main idea is still there! i hope that’s alright!

3.2k words. a little all over the place.

“call me every single day, you hear me? you can’t leave me all alone with this guy.”

shoko doesn’t even look over her shoulder as she jabs her thumb toward the white haired teen standing behind her shoulder, who drops his mouth open in disbelief at her insulting tone. the tension in your chest eased up as you laughed.

“of course.”

leaving your friends so soon after graduating was hard to wrap your head around, even with a car waiting to take you to the airport outside the gates of the jujutsu tech building and the occasion bump into your suitcase as you shifted your weight between your legs.

with the assassination of the star plasma vessel and the suguru incident that made your worlds turn upside down, it seemed reasonable that you’d want to stay; immerse yourself in something familiar. but staying at jujutsu tech--in japan all together--was overwhelming. you needed time to figure and sort yourself out; cope without having to relive painful memories every time you passed where the incidents took place.

leaving the two people who helped you cope during the ordeal with suguru was difficult, but though they too were pained to part from their friend, they also understood the importance of your leave. they weren’t too stressed, though. you’d stay in touch. you promised.

shoko stepped forward to give you one final departing gift, wrapping her arms around your neck as you immediately reciprocated, and in shoko’s arms did you mull over whether this was the right choice for you for the nth time.

a couple moments pass before the two of you pull apart, with shoko whispering a threatening “you better call.” one final time, jabbing an accusing finger at you as if you had already broken your promise, before stepping off to the side to allow satoru to get his own affairs in order. he stepped toward you with a roll of his eyes.

satoru gojo has been an insufferable ass ever since you met him in your first year. to you, he once came off inconsiderate and ill-mannered, and to satoru, you once came off stuck up and uptight. yet somehow the mutual distaste you two had for each other upon first meeting turned into a friendship filled with teasing.

it felt weird leaving satoru behind especially, because somehow along the bumpy road the two of you took to get to where you were now, something yet again shifted in the way you viewed him, a shift you were still unfamiliar with. it felt strange leaving without it figured out. but you’d get a chance to, you hoped. like with everything else in your bizarre life.

your usual banter insued as satoru took hold of the handle on your suitcase, swinging it back and forth before loading it into the open trunk. you threatened satoru to look out for himself and not be too much of a nuisance while you were away as he did so. he clicked his tongue as he brought the trunk down with a thud! and waved off your false threats.

”don't miss me too much, y/n.” he smirked over his shoulder, tinted glasses sliding down the slope of his nose as he stepped back up on the sidewalk. cerulean eyes shone under the morning sunlight, fixed on you with an intense gaze in contrast to his easy smile. you looked over your shoulder as you opened the rear car door, mimicking his expression.

”won't be a problem.”

the first couple of months went strong. you upheld your promise of calling shoko frequently, and satoru would often squeeze himself into the frame of shoko’s camera to tease or hurl an insult toward you. she’d shoo him off or laugh along, because she too missed the playful banter you all once immersed yourselves in. and though you were far from the paths you once trekked with your friends, only ghosts of those moments lingering on them now, at least there was no trace of your dying friendship.

more time passed and contact became less frequent. life went on, and keeping in touch as regularly as you once did became increasingly difficult. only on occasion were you able to organize a chat, so much yet so little to be said. each new life event shared left you to ponder over even hours after you had hung up the phone.

and soon enough, a decade had passed. ten years you thought you’d spend in agony over being away from the people and places you considered home flew by considerably fast, and the thought nauseated you slightly as you reminisced on memories from your youth.

the nostalgia of your teenage years lingered like a light fog in your mind, always finding some way to trace even the most mundane of things back to your old friends, especially satoru gojo. even after ten long, busy years, you still found that annoying white haired friend of yours lingering in the back of your mind.

though so much time had passed, you hadn’t gone cold turkey with your communication from your friends; only infrequent. you knew of the important things: the promising new students at jujutsu tech, satoru becoming a teacher, the curse that was rika, the night parade of a hundred demons, toji’s son that satoru was now looking over—suguru’s death. all things recollected to you from your texts with shoko and gojo. though neither of them were quite big on details.

ten years has definitely granted you time to think, to organize, to consider and try new things. you worked through complicated feelings, you met new people, you saw and experienced new things, and certainly had all those things teach you a couple of important lessons.

and ultimately, after over a decade, you made the decision to return to japan as a teacher at jujutsu tech.

around this time, you felt a consistent nagging as if there was still a missing, unsorted piece of your life. you believed that perhaps the decision to return home was spurred by the growing intensity of it. it built up slowly over your less frequent phone calls and text conversations with your old friends and the ever growing amount of changing of their lives back home. though perhaps suguru’s death compelled you to return as well.

you returned the following year after the night parade of a hundred demons. you convinced yourself it would just be a friendly reunion like with the rest of your old friends, but the second you were standing face to face with satoru, your heart said otherwise.

it wasn’t unusual to feel anxious when reuniting with someone, but the painstakingly long pause that followed upon being reunited after so many years made you suppress a shudder. It was hard to believe the man in front of you was the troublemaker you used to go to school with. It was hard to believe he was even real.

you used the silence to get a good look at him, just to make sure it was truly him (and you think satoru was doing the same, regardless of his six eyes.) he had gotten even taller, and he now wore his messy locks of snow white hair up. his uniform was still fitted as it used to be, always just a bit baggier than his tall frame.

but the most prominent difference was his new defining feature, and so you decided to comment on it first. satoru was still in a sort of trance (of shock you guessed; your only indicator were his slightly parted lips) when you broke the ice with a smirk and the words he had parted with you over a decade ago.

"hope you didn’t miss me too much, satoru. what's with the tacky blindfold?”

and the grin that followed on his lips stretched from ear to ear.

satoru your coworker wasn't all that different from satoru your classmate. he was still as childish as ever, irritated by the higher ups and an irritation to all those around him. you found that out rather quickly when reuniting with yaga and nanami. you made a dramatic fuss over how much they both had changed, nanami shyly looking down with a slight frown reminiscent of the signature one he wore when he was younger. you didn’t feel it was appropriate to bring up haibara or suguru at any point.

but your relationship with satoru your coworker was off from your relationship with satoru your classmate. It had been years, and you’ve fallen into your normal rhythm with satoru pretty quickly and easily on the surface. but the passage of time was still evident in your conversations as it was with the changes in your appearances. time matured him (or most likely his ordeals with suguru). even his manner of speaking was so serious sometimes that it caught you off guard. it felt even worse than having him hate you, treating you as if you were a stranger hurting that much more.

so much yet so little had changed. you were taken aback by the amount of maturity in his reasoning for wanting to become a teacher, even if it was so out of place for him, over a catch up brunch. it almost made you feel as if he were a stranger, with a new sense of maturity coupled with his new, more distant look and behaviour.

he’d tease you like he always did, but it didn't have as much bite. he'd show you around tokyo, treating you to desserts and jokingly gifting you funny souvenirs; but because satoru had become so unfamiliar, it didn’t feel as comforting as you thought it would.

and that nagging feeling that you couldn’t quite put your finger on arose again.

you reunited with mei mei and utahime during the sister school goodwill event, with the latter enveloping you in a large hug reminiscent of the ones you received when you left them over a decade ago. they had all stayed relatively close, with utahime becoming a teacher like satoru at the sister school in kyoto.

you were good friends with her, always defending her from satoru’s insults and indulging in her (in your case, faux) hatred toward satoru. you two had also stayed in close contact, appreciating all the emotional support she provided and her updates on the events in her life and the jujutsu world (with complaints about satoru tossed in here and there).

which is why your jealousy was irrational, you thought to yourself as you watched satoru and utahime in the monitoring room. you knew satoru and utahime being the last two people in the world wouldn’t make them fall in love. even if they were, your jealousy was still out of place. if anything, you should feel happy for your two old friends.

but perhaps it had more to do with the distance and familiarity satoru and utahime were able to maintain, even if it was their regular quarreling and distaste for one another. perhaps the way they were able to slip into the routine they’ve kept up for so many years, no matter how ruthless it was, ate at you, reminded you of how different things were between you and satoru. you weren’t two teenagers who’d sometimes catch each other’s stares from across a room. you weren’t attending school together and going on missions.

and the distance was bound to strain your relationship. but you figured that if there was anyone you’d be able to break back into routine with, it was the troublemaker you had known since the two of you were fresh faced students like the ones he now mentors.

it was all those little things stacked atop each other, that casual and distant demeanor satoru treated you with as if you were a stranger, time staring back at you in the mature way he, shoko and utahime carried themselves, and satoru slipping into a routine that you were sure you and him would be able to maintain with someone else, made that whole tower of unease fall apart with that final crack.

he had walked off after you after you had excused yourself from the room, feeling sick the more you thought about the large gap in memories, in time, in knowledge, between you and the others.

“jealous?” he smirked, clearly amused by your sudden outburst (and deeply curious, since it was so out of character for you).

“not a chance.”

not in the way he was suggesting, at least. you waved him off. “go back to your flirting session.”

and Satoru stopped in his tracks, recoiling in disgust over the mere implication. because even he knew that you would never think such a thing of his relationship with utahime, even if he were to one day tell you that something was going on.

perhaps it was the distance, satoru thought to himself sadly. because while to you satoru didn’t seem to be all that affected by your return, he still saw in you that old classmate of his that made his face burn with simply the strength they exhibited, with only a short meeting of gazes from across a room as a teenager, and his heart ached at emotional distance. there was no way that classmate that knew which treats to bribe him with and what games were his favorite would ever assume such a thing about him.

getting through to one another was never easy, both of you equally stubborn in your resolve. and when you throw this terrible distance, these horrible feelings of insecurity and confusion, it made the miscommunication between the two of you that much worse.

but satoru remembers the day you left as if no time had passed at all. he remembers the rising lump in his throat as he watched you say your goodbyes with shoko. he remembers the wave of fear that washed over him as he watched you turn your back from him, reminiscent of the event that took place when his best friend left him for good. he remembers the confession on the tip of his tongue as he looked down at you and into your sharp gleaming eyes, words he’s debated with himself for years over whether or not he was a coward or a hero in not saying.

and right now, as he stares at your confused and hurt expression, your back turned to him yet again, all those feelings wash over him and he feels as if it may be the former, because now he’s let his insecurity hurt you. but he also knows that whether he was a coward or hero then doesn’t matter now. he wouldn’t allow a repeat of what happened all those years ago. he wouldn't let himself hesitate.

he reached to grab your wrist, and you harshly recoiled, shooting him an angry glare from across your shoulder. “what the- hell, satoru? would you just-”

“i wasn’t flirting.”

“whatever. I don’t-”

suguru knew him better than anyone. shoko knows him better than anyone. you know him better than anyone.

“utahime? really? i would think that you know me better than that.”

the pout on his face seeped into his voice, and you further struggled in his grip. “things change with time, satoru. you can’t expect me-”

the distance was fine. satoru could do distance. but it was this misunderstanding that made his stomach churn uncomfortably. it was the fact that he seemed so unknown to you. that you seemed so unknown to him. who knew that such a minor misunderstanding would carry so much emotional baggage, invoke such strong reactions from the two of you?

“can’t use that excuse if i’ve always been in love with you.”

you immediately stopped fidgeting, staring at satoru’s serious expression with wide eyes. his pout settled into a deep frown, and you’re absolutely despising the fact that you can’t see his eyes with that stupid new blindfold. stupid time. stupid change.

“i’m in love with you,” he said again with a shrug. “and that never changed.”

silence. all you could do is continue to stare at him as he held your wrist. but then you inhaled sharply and satoru released his grip. you took another deep breath, and then…

“how the hell am I supposed to know something like that? it’s been over ten years, satoru gojo. everything feels different- you look different!- and you expect me to know you’ve been in love with me for how long?”

you ranted all your anger toward him as you jabbed a finger into his chest, while he continued to stare down at you with a frown and his hands now buried in his pockets. his lack of a reaction only added to your frustration, and you still felt as if you were staring at a stranger.

“take off that damn blindfold.”

his mouth drops into a small o for a moment, before he brings a hand to his face. it feels as if an agonizing amount of time passes as satoru slips the blindfold down from his eyes to hang over his neck. his hair falls into that familiar disheveled heap, and you’re immediately met with a familiar rush of anxiety rushing through your veins as you make eye contact with his blue ones.

big and bright, and staring down at you with so much longing. his hand stays on his blindfold, and the frown stays etched into his face, but you can finally see those eyes. the ones that sent a wave of warmth over you when they connected with yours. the ones you found yourself gazing at as you leaned your head against a desk, admiring them from a sideways angle as they glistened in a ray of sunlight. one’s you knew you could rely on, not because they belonged to the strongest or because of the power they held, but because they belonged to your best friend, to the boy that made your heart stutter.

and you’re too emotional finally seeing your satoru gojo to care about the fact that you were now sobbing into satoru’s chest in relief over something familiar, and you cried even harder when his arms wrapped around your frame, head resting sideways into your hair. and you felt stupid for breaking down over something so childish, so minor.

but maybe some things didn’t change and maybe some change was for the better. because you’ve had over ten years to figure yourself out and so did satoru, and with your decision to return home was your decision to return to satoru synonymous with it.

and you felt satoru finally smile a genuine and childish and familiar sort of smile, into your hair, and you couldn’t find it in yourself to care about how stupid you felt in that moment.

and that final unsorted piece of your life finally stopped nagging at you, as if satoru had exorcised a curse that lingered on your back these past ten years. those confusing and unidentifiable feelings you felt for satoru way back when. together, you’d be able to rebuild your relationship with satoru into the way it used to be all those years ago, not a single detail unknown, so you could put all those insecurities and fear to rest.

#juno answers!#in honour of jjk s2!#title is a hozier reference but not based entirely on the song </3 #ive edited this a thousand times and im STILL not satisfied. will revisit when i have a clearer mind #satoru gojo x reader #satoru gojo fluff #satoru gojo angst #satoru gojo headcanons #satoru gojo oneshot #gojo satoru x reader #gojo satoru headcanons #gojo satoru oneshot #jjk x reader #jjk oneshot #jujutsu kaisen x reader #jujutsu kaisen oneshot #gojo angst #gojo fluff

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reyalvr · 2 years ago

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HEY POOKS i have a request(idk if there closed or not so please lmk) so like reader who hates physical touch finally holds aonungs finger like when there walking together and like his reaction?? idk first time requesting and your my fav writer❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

NEW BEGINNINGS.

୨⎯ in which first impressions are changed – slightly. ⎯୧

genre┊ chaotic fluff, enemies-to-friends, slight e2l if you squint hard enough

pairing┊ao’nung x fem-sully!reader

wordcount┊2.9k

warnings┊none, ao’nung is just an idiot (so nothing new)

author’s note┊ vv cute request but i’m ngl i did end up struggling a bit trying to come up with a scenario for this T^T again, sorry if i had to modify it a bit! hope you still like it anon <//3 also the scene where ao’nung takes lo’ak outside the reef doesn’t happen here! also i'm encouraging you guys to listen to the song rec i added because it really just ties everything in together LMFOAHGHJD (edit: i’ll write a sweeter drabble soon too help)

song recs ┊ lujon.

When you had first arrived at Awa'atlu, Ao’nung had pegged you as the silent, strong-willed eldest daughter of the Sully family. During training you only ever kept to yourself, practicing on your own as soon as you mastered whatever technique they were teaching you that day. You weren’t rude, just very stand-offish.

So stand-offish to the point where not even his insults or antics could get a reaction out of you. It drove him mad, really. Your other siblings, save for probably Neteyam, had given him the reaction that he had expected, wanted even. He thrived on attention, be it bad or good – it’s what made him feel confident.

So when you arrived here, paying him no mind, his brain had gone haywire. He tried doing everything he could – jokes, pranks, and hell, even compliments for minor achievements. Those didn’t work, and he was just about to give up on garnering anything out of you until today happened. He hadn’t seen it coming.

He had spotted you and Kiri by the shore, sitting together as you admired the sand. Ao’nung was aware that this environment was new to you, yet he still found it strange how you always managed to be so entranced by every single thing. He murmured something to his friends, and they snickered at his words.

You turned then, your bright yellow eyes looking at all of them with disinterest. He flashed you a smile and again you did nothing, not even an eye roll. He felt it falter, though he kept it up as soon as your sister lifted herself out of the water.

“Huh? What’d you say?” She asked, her tone so welcomingly friendly.

“Are you some kind of… freak?” He teased, his hands coming up to grab her arm.

“No,” She answered flatly, trying to pull herself out of his grasp.

He waved it around then, as if it were some toy. His friends all laughed at your sister’s hand, treating her like some kind of deformity. You quickly pulled her out of their circle, your face slowly forming a scowl. His eyes widened slightly as he took note of your reaction – success? Not quite, but nearly. He continued on with his antics, hoping that today would finally be the day he got something out of you.

You didn’t understand why Ao’nung was so fixated on treating you and your family like shit. He was a menace, and you honestly couldn’t believe you’d made it this far without retaliating against him. You wanted to yell at them to stop, but you knew that you would only be provoking them.

“Are you sure? I mean, you’re not even real na’vi.” Ao’nung continued, his hand now coming up to pull on your tail.

You yelped, instantly turning to face him. If looks could kill, he would’ve been dead the moment you laid eyes on him. You hated it when strangers touched you without warning, let alone people you hated. Eywa, you wanted nothing more than to smack the entitlement out of this boy. But still you remained silent, opting to just walk away from the situation.

You heard your brothers then, suddenly joining the crowd. Lo’ak guided the both of you further away while Neteyam stopped whatever else was about to fly out of Ao’nung’s mouth. Your scowl remained though, and you kept your death stare focused on him and his circle of idiots.

“And from now on,” Neteyam concluded, his expression just as pissed as yours, if not, even more. “I need you to respect my sisters.”

He made eye-contact with you briefly, and something about the look in his eyes told you that he had no intention of keeping his word. You scowled even deeper.

One of his friends actually had the gall to hiss at your brother, though Ao’nung had made the smart choice of holding him off. Neteyam made his way back to you now, gesturing for you guys to head back to the village. And you were going to– really, you were, but Ao’nung just couldn’t keep his damn mouth shut.

“Look at them, they’re all freaks. Especially quiet girl,” He said, his tone hushed but loud enough for you to still hear. “She’s already a four-fingered freak, what more if she can’t even handle a little tug.”

He had his back turned to you as you stomped angrily towards him, your fist already clenched at your side. His friends had no time to warn him as you angrily jerked his shoulder, making him face you.

“[Y/N] leave it be!” Kiri begged, but it was already too late.

You decked him, hard. He stumbled as he fell, landing straight into the shallow water. He blinked slowly as he regained whatever balance he had left, his hand coming up to caress his cheek. Everyone looked at you in shock. In your entire stay with the Metkayina clan, never did you act out this rashly before. In fact, you never acted out at all.

“Four-fingered freak, you say?” Your tone was taunting him, your tail swinging rapidly as you tried your best to keep yourself at bay. “You mean the freak who just put you on your ass?”

His friends hissed at you, already lunging towards your direction for the insult. They didn’t make it two steps in as your brothers had already stepped in for you, swinging hits left and right. You were pushed out of the way, and you staggered backwards until you were next to Kiri again.

She gave you a look, and though you were older than her it felt like you were the younger one moments away before getting a scolding. In the end you had to pry your brothers away, eventually meeting up with your father by one of the pathways. All of you, except for Kiri, kept your heads bowed as you listened to your father’s words of displeasure.

To say he looked disappointed would be an understatement. He was pissed, yes, but more importantly he was embarrassed. He had asked of you guys one thing, and you had tried so hard to live up to your promise of respect. But today was your last straw.

You could tell your father was torn between having to scold you or let you go with just a warning. He knew now of Ao’nung’s torment, yet he didn’t want to jeapordize the safety the village provided for your family.

Wanting to fix this mess immediately, he walked the three of you to the chief’s marui. You sighed and closed your eyes as you walked, mad at yourself for even escalating this stupid situation in the first place. You had everything under control, but all it took was one tail tug and a few harsh words to have your composure come crashing down.

Ao’nung leaned on the side of his marui now, watching as you and your brothers apologized for your actions. He held a cloth with medicinal paste against his cheek, his cuts stinging as he continued to dab it on. His mother and father stood beside him, their presence the only thing keeping him from mumbling any more digs at you.

You were the last to speak, and he could tell that you didn’t want to do this. You took a few moments before you finally looked up at him, your eyes filled with such resentment. The hand you had used to give him the bruising wound below his eye was still tightly fisted, your knuckles still red from the amount of force you had used in one blow.

“I am sorry,” You started, so much distaste in your words. “So sorry that I hit you. And I am even more sorry that I put you on your ass.”

Lo’ak snorted quietly, trying to keep quiet so as to not piss your dad off even more. You felt your father nudge your shoulder, and you redid your apology, this time with a little less sarcasm and annoyance.

Ao’nung’s parents sighed heavily as they approved of your words, followed by his father demanding that he apologize as well for his insults. He had tried to protest, but one look from Tonowari was enough to have him muttering a half-assed apology.

You didn’t care, it wasn’t sincere anyway. And even if it were, you had no intention of accepting it. Once all was said and done, you were the first one to go. You walked away, your expression back to its nonchalant one. You held your head up high, no longer hanging it in embarrassment.

Ao’nung had remained in his place, his mind still processing what had happened today. He was successful in his mission, but could it really be a success if he was the one injured? Could it really be a success if your feelings toward him were only momentarily, your stoic persona coming back almost instantly?

Needless to say though, the reaction he got out of you was unexpected. He knew you were tough, your father was Toruk Makto for crying out loud. But he wasn’t ready for your physical retaliation. Even at the beach, he only stared at you as his friends tried to defend him.

He winced again as he remembered the pain on his cheek, the bruised spot feeling incredibly sore. He was thankful that you didn’t aim for his jaw, since that truly would have shut him up for good. He brought his hand up, slightly tapping the tender area. Who would’ve known that a quiet little thing like you had so much power? Not him, clearly.

He continued to stand there, still examining all his injuries. His sister came up to him then, just coming back from wherever she had been. She looked at him, her eyes darting from bruise to bruise. What happened? her gaze said, though he had a feeling she already had an idea of the events that transpired today.

He only brushed her off, turning to walk back inside the pod. She followed after him, persistent in getting answers out of her brother. Tsireya sat in front of him, not leaving her place until he spoke. He gave her a look, but she gave him a look as well in return.

He groaned under his breath and rolled his eyes before he finally told her everything; the teasing, the taunts, the fight, your punch. She put a hand up to her mouth, much like how Lo’ak tried to compress his laughter a while ago. How fitting.

“Are you laughing?” He said, slightly offended that his own sister found his failures funny.

She pressed her lips into a tight line, shaking her head instantly, though he could see her fighting a grin. She put a hand up to his shoulder, patting him lightly as she got up, taking an empty basket with her.

“Oh big brother, just what have you gotten yourself into?” She said, the suppressed laugh from earlier sprinkled in her words. “If [Y/N] didn’t already despise you before, she definitely does now.”

“Why should I care?” He said as he stood, facing his sister with his arms crossed.

“Why should you care?” She turned and parroted his words, eyes wide at how infuriatingly dense Ao’nung was. “Need I remind you that she is the daughter of Toruk Makto, one of the greatest war leaders of our time.”

“She was on the path to becoming Olo’eykte of the Omatikaya,” He was about to interrupt her until she put her hand up, stopping him from saying anything before she finished. “It is not wise to have her as an enemy.”

“So, what, are you saying I should apologize?” He said. “I already did.”

She put a hand on her hip, clearly starting to get frustrated with her older brother. “No, you didn’t. And yes, I am telling you to go apologize to her – truthfully and sincerely this time.”

He wanted to protest against her, but she quickly tossed the basket she was holding to him. “Go now. She will be by the docks gathering materials for her family’s feast tonight.”

“But-” He tried, but Tsireya had already made up her mind in making him go in her place.

“How do you even know where she is?” He asked, his face scrunched up as he reluctantly made his way out of the marui.

“Because unlike you, I don’t treat her like an outcast. And besides, she likes me.” She said, her shoulders shrugging up at the last phrase. She smacked him on the back of his head before he was fully out of the pod, reiterating her words as he continued on his way.

He found you then, folding dried leaves into your basket. You were right where Tsireya had said you would be, sitting quietly like always. You looked at peace in your solace, your body free of any tension. Your hair was up haphazardly, free from your usual taut braids. The evening breeze had finally come, the sky going from bright blue to muted orange.

He coughed as he made his way towards you, breaking the relaxing solitude you were relishing in. You looked up, still continuing on with whatever you were doing. Your loathing stare was enough to make him fidget in his place before he finally decided to speak up.

“I, uh,” He stuttered. Actually stuttered. He cursed himself mentally before continuing. “I just wanted to say that I am sorry. Again.”

You blinked away boredly, only humming and nodding your head in response. You quickly took your basket with you as you got up, already making your way back to your pod. You didn’t want to be alone with the reef boy any longer, Eywa only knows what you’d do if he dared to provoke you once more.

“[Y/N] wait-” He said, clumsily turning as he grabbed your arm.

You hissed at him, his grip on your arm falling as soon as he saw your reaction. Right, you did not like being touched without warning. He put his arms up, trying to show that he meant no harm.

“Are you not satisfied yet, hm? Does your ego still need to be fed?” You said, eyebrows furrowing as you continued to berate him. “You won! All you wanted was a reaction, right? Well you got it!”

“No!” He argued back, annoyance starting to creep up on him. This was pointless, of course you wouldn’t be willing to accept his apology, let alone be in his presence for more than five minutes. “I am trying to apologize, please just listen-”

“Kalweyaveng,” You muttered under your breath, hand coming up to hold your forehead as you tried to calm your nerves. You had already caused one scene today, you weren’t about to start another. You took a few breaths before you finally faced him again, trying to remain nonchalant as you, aversely, heard him out.

He tried to maintain eye-contact with you, but your stare was just so deep. It felt like you were trying to burn holes into his head the longer he stared at you. You tilted your head to the side, eyebrow raised as you were clearly getting impatient in the ever growing silence.

“Let’s call a truce.” He finally breathed out, his arm already outstretched in your direction. “New beginnings.”

You looked up at him, then down to his arm, then up back to him again. You squinted, unsure if he would be able to stick to his word. Not that it mattered, you were more than capable of handling any situation if he decided to break his vow. But still, a truce was an important promise, and it needed to be held truthfully all throughout.

It was painfully awkward now, his smug demeanor vanishing the longer he stayed quiet. He cursed his sister for setting him up to this, and he cursed himself even more for agreeing. He did not have to do this, he was the chief’s son – next in line for Olo’eyktan. But, regrettably, he knew Tsireya’s words were right. You were a mighty hunter, with a legacy of powerful warriors before you. It really wouldn’t be wise to have you against him.

“Please,” He said, breaking the silence. “I swear to Eywa that I will not break this vow.”

Your ears perked up at this – swearing on the Great Mother meant that someone was serious. You scoffed, huh, he actually meant it. You took his hand then, wrapping your fingers around his forearm as you shook in agreement. Though his hands were rough, they were gentle on you as he took note of your uncomfortableness with strangers.

You never liked the feeling of touch from people you didn’t know, and you still don’t, but Ao’nung’s warmth didn’t feel as bad now than compared to before.

“Truce.” You said, slowly removing your arm away from him.

He grinned. You frowned. He stopped grinning.

He walked with you now, keeping up with your pace. “So, what now, tree girl?” He teased.

You gave him a look as if to say ‘really?’, and he shrugged his shoulders. “I mean, we are friends now, right? I can call you that?”

You stopped, turning to the side to face him. You threw him your heavy basket unexpectedly, and he stumbled back as he tried to catch it without spilling any of the contents.

“Oh yeah, we are friends now, fish lips.” You said, tone laced in sarcasm. “And since we’re friends, you can carry that for me, right?”

You continued on your way then, not waiting for his reply. He watched you for a bit as you walked ahead, and he laughed slightly.

May Eywa bless him with the strength to earn your trust.

tags┊@notsochillnerd, @avatarkv, @normspellsman, @neteyamslovrr, @kaiwritez, @tsveria, @aonungsmate

#aonung #aounung #ao'nung #ao'nung x you #ao'nung x reader #ao'nung fanfiction #ao'nung x fem!reader #ao'nung angst #ao'nung fluff #ao'nung imagine #avatar ao'nung #avatar the way of water #ao'nung atwow #avatar 2022 #avatar 2 #atwow fanfiction #avatar imagine #✎ maxi’s works #✎ maxi's requests

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ashwhowrites · 2 years ago

Note

miscommunication I LOVE IT SM ,

eddie and reader are best friends, he sees reader talking to gareth & gareth tells eddie he has a crush on someone , automatically eddie assumes its the reader so he feels hurt that gareth would “like her” but really shes helping gareth talk to her sister & eddie stops talking to them and kicks reader & gareth out of hellfire , hes angry for weeks so he blows off dates and movie days even when reader shows up to his house with flowers 5 times he still blows her off waynes upset at eddie too. , until theyre having a party eddie wasn’t invited to but dustin brought him , thats when he finds out everything cuz sees reader all by herself in the kitchen while gareth is with her sister , he thinks its gareth that made her sad but really it was him.

A few random notes!

I would like to personally thank everyone for being so patient with me. It's been a few months since I've written a longish fic so this may be incredibly rusty! I hope it's still worth reading.

To the anon who requested, if you even remember requesting this ( it's been a hot minute since you sent it in...) Thank you so much for being patient with this!! I hope you like it and it's what you wanted :)

Thank you to everyone who supports my work :)

I'm excited to finally get a fic out! I hope you guys like it <3

Never proofread

Y/N spent her time with two people, and usually those two people only. Her two best friends, Gareth and Eddie. The three were always together, but weren't afraid to be a part. Eddie and Gareth liked their guy time, where they talked about girls and the band. She enjoyed talking to Gareth about her huge crush on Eddie. And Gareth liked to talk to her about his crush, Y/N's sister. And her time alone with Eddie? Wasn't ever friendly. There were lingering gazes, cuddling, his hand on her thigh and her hand in his hair. He listened closely, always kissing her forehead when she cried. She could talk about anything with him. He never judged her, made everything she said feel important. And one thing she wasn't used to- he made her feel loved and made her emotions feel valid.

Her heart raced too fast for them to be friends. But Eddie wasn't easy to read, she had no idea if he was into her or just was a flirty friend.

Gareth wanted help with asking out Y/N's sister, Steph, which she jumped at the opportunity. Her brain needed a break from Eddie and her feelings for him.

Gareth first planned to go to Eddie but figured Eddie's too chicken to admit his feelings, how would he be any help? Plus it's Y/N's sister, she'll know every detail he needs to win over Steph.

Eddie wasn't quite sure what happened. Or how he was so blind. Gareth and Y/N started to get closer out of nowhere. Suddenly sitting side by side at lunch, whispering to each other. Shoving shoulders as they passed in the halls. Even during Eddie's alone time with Y/N, Gareth finds a way to be there. Did Eddie not see a sign? He never once saw Gareth as Y/N's type. And Y/N definitely wasn't Gareth's type. So what was going on?

But sadly all the pieces fit when Gareth admitted he had a crush.

"okay man, so I got this crush on this girl right? She's going to be at a party this weekend and I think I'm going to go for it" Gareth smiled.

Eddie felt his heart sink into his stomach. Gareth had a crush, and it was obvious who the crush was on.

"what party?" Eddie wondered, he wasn't invited to any party.

"some popular chick, no idea what her name is. But Y/N invited me" Eddie has never once wanted to punch his best friend across the face, but the smug smile on Gareth's lips was way too tempting.

Y/N invited Gareth, to a party. Not a single word mentioned to Eddie. A party that was this weekend, five days away and she hasn't said a word. But asked Gareth?

His two best friends liked each other

Eddie was acting weird. It was the middle of the week and Y/N has barely seen him. He stopped coming to lunch, he never opened his front door when she pounded on it for hours, and he won't answer her calls.

She wasn't sure what happened but tonight was hellfire and she planned to get answers.

Y/N and Gareth headed to hellfire earlier than the rest, knowing Eddie would be setting up. They wanted to get him alone to ask why he was avoiding both of them.

"Hey Eds?" She said softly, walking further in the room, eyes catching that there were two chairs missing.

"wait, who's not coming?" Gareth questioned

"You two are out. " Eddie said flat, not bothering to look at them as he dug out his notebook

"OUT?" Gareth yelped out

"wait why? Tonight is too important for us to be out" Y/N aruged

"I want you guys out of my club" Eddie said, eyes finally looking at his two "best friends"

He knew he was being an idiot. Taking his feelings out on them. Not giving either a chance to explain themselves. He also knows he hasn't given Y/N the time of the day or night.

He kept trying to shrug off Wayne's disapproving look when Eddie refused to open the door. Y/N screaming his name on the other side. One night Wayne came in with flowers and a note for Eddie. Eddie knew exactly who they were from. It was the same flowers he got every year, for their friendiversary. Something Y/N always demanded they celebrated together. He remembers the angry look in Wayne's eyes as he threw the flower right back outside.

"It is not just your club!" Y/N's sharp tone snapped Eddie out of his thoughts. Blinking slowly as he looked at both of them.

"yeah. We've been in this club together since the beginning of high school. We have just as much importance to our club as you do" Gareth stood his ground.

"I'm the leader, you two are just like the rest of the sheep. My word goes" Eddie fought back, crossing his arms as he puffed out his chest. Trying to ignore the sad look that came across Y/N's face.

"You know what? Fine" Y/N snapped, slamming the door behind her as she marched out.

"dude! What's your fucking problem?" Gareth snapped. The coldness Eddie has been giving them was uncalled for.

"I don't have a fucking problem. Go follow your little girlfriend and get the fuck out" Eddie snapped, turning around to pretend to look for something. Not looking as the door slammed again.

Saturday arrived

Gareth was in his room, searching for his best clothes.

Y/N covered her lips in Eddie's favorite red gloss.

And Eddie found himself in his bedroom, strumming his guitar. He hasn't talked to either of his friends since the big blowout. Thursday and Friday passed with glares and silence. A lonely Friday night in his room, a night that was usually filled with giggles and weed when Y/N slept over every single weekend. But once again, Eddie refused to open the door.

His two friends were going on a date to a big party and Eddie was going to spend his Saturday night driving Dustin to whatever friends house and going back home to smoke alone.

"and it's that house!" Dustin pointed out, excitedly bouncing in his seat as Eddie pulled up.

"Dustin, this is a huge party! How did you get invited?" Eddie scoffed. Even a fucking freshmen was getting invited to parties. Is this the one Gareth and Y/N were at? Eddie felt his stomach turn thinking of them dancing on the inside.

"a family friend. Come in?" Dustin asked, shutting the door before Eddie could even answer.

Eddie wasn't sure why, but he followed.

"you got this! She likes you. Be yourself, good luck" Y/N squealed, shoving Gareth ahead. A proud smile on her face.

She watched from across the room, a full drink in her hand. Smiling as she watched Gareth walk up to her sister. Barely one word in and the two were smiling like idiots. It made her think of Eddie. She missed him.

She watched them hug, smile slowly falling. She missed Eddie's hugs. She missed his smell and how warm he was.

Then they giggled. She missed laughing with Eddie. Getting high in his bedroom. She looked at Eddie like he held the stars and now she can't even look at him without needing to cry.

And once she saw them kiss, that's when the tears fell.

He doesn't know how but his eyes found her in seconds. She stood alone, holding a cup. Eddie could tell she was sad. Her body language was slouched and small.

He may have been pissed at her, but he'd always care.

"aren't you supposed to be having fun at parties?" He chuckled, sliding right next to her, not bothering to see what she was watching so closely.

"aren't you supposed to be ignoring me?" she snapped. Her eyes not leaving Gareth. If she looked at Eddie, she'd break down.

"that's fair" he swallowed. He's been an ass, he can't expect a joke to make things better.

Eddie finally looked to where she was staring, his eyes going hard when he saw Gareth kissing another girl

Wait! ......that wasn't just a girl

That was Y/N's sister

"I'm gonna kill him" Eddie snapped, planning to march forward when Y/N grabbed his hand

"hey. What? Why?" Y/N panicked

"HE'S CHEATING!" Eddie yelled, looking at her like she grew two heads. But not releasing her hand.

"what! No he's not" Y/N slightly chuckled. Feeling her tears starting to dry. Just feeling his skin made everything feel better.

"then why are you crying?" Eddie asked

"I'm not" she quickly lied. Dropping his hand to clear off her face quickly

"yes you were. You were looking at him and crying. You like him right? And he's kissing your sister" Eddie explained

"I do NOT like him" Y/N laughed, that was just ridiculous

"what? You guys have been sneaking off and always together" Eddie tried to explain. How was he seeing this situation wrong?

"he wanted to ask out my sister, I was helping" She explained, a small smile on her face as his puppy eyes looked confused.

"your sister? Crush? Not you?" Eddie blabbed out. He couldn't lie, he felt his body fill with relief. He tried not to think about what they did when he wasn't around but asking out Steph was nowhere near his radar.

"no? Why would he like me?" Y/N scoffed. A boy hasn't liked her since forever. Not that she cared. She just wanted the confusion boy across from her to like her.

"because it's you!" Eddie explained like it was common knowledge.

Y/N felt her face warm but tried not to get her hopes up.

"Can we talk? Somewhere quiet? Or are we still ignoring each other?" She asked, shyly looking at him. Eddie hated the small sad smile on her face. All Eddie had to do was talk to his best friends and all his unnecessary drama could have been avoided.

"yeah. I have my van" Eddie offered an encouraging smile, grabbing her hand again and leading her out to the front yard.

"what happened?" Y/N spoke first, breaking the silence.

"I thought you and Gareth liked each other and I got upset" Eddie sighed, hearing himself admit it made him feel dumb.

"Eds, even if we did, we wouldn't stop hanging out with you. We'll always be best friends" Y/N explained, holding Eddie's hand softly.

"that's not what made me upset, baby" Eddie admitted, refusing to make eye contact.

"then what? Got a crush on Gareth or something?" She joked, laughing to herself.

"he's not the one I have a crush on" Eddie confessed, he could feel his palms getting sweaty. The hand she was holding was shaking slightly. Her thumb rubbed his hand softly.

"oh"

Eddie deflated at her response. Of course she wasn't interested. He was dumb for being upset and he was dumb for liking her

"I'm sorry. I know we are friends and that's all we will be" Eddie followed after. A fake smile on his face as he looked at her. Ignoring that his heart raced. He noticed her lips covered in his favorite gloss. He wanted to taste her.

"that's not true. That's not all we can be" she said, leaning a little closer. " Gareth isn't the one I have a crush on either" She winked, a small smile on her face.

Eddie blinked at her blankly. Was she saying she liked him?

"...you like me?" Eddie squeaked out

"yes I do. But I like you a little bit less after the way you treated me and Gareth" she teased lightly, but still meaning her words

"yeah, I'm sorry. That was just a dick move. You guys didn't deserve that"

"We didn't. Ignoring us? Kicking us out of hellfire? You have a lot of ass kissing to do" this time she wasn't teasing. And he could tell.

"I know. I fucked up and I'll earn my forgiveness from the both of you" Eddie promised

"why didn't you accept the flowers?" Her thumb stopped moving on his hand. Her eyes looked away from his as she felt her throat burn. The same horrible feeling in her stomach when she saw her flowers crumpled up in his front yard

"that was very uncalled for and I'm incredibly sorry for acting like that. I was being pathetic and taking everything out on you and I shouldn't have. The flowers were beautiful. Wayne totally chewed out my ass for the past week" Eddie admitted. He was embarrassed of how he acted. Truthfully, the next night when it began to storm, he raced out and collected the flowers. The flowers now sat on his bedside table.

"I'm glad he did. Your ass deserved it. Gareth's been waiting also" She laughed, using her free hand to poke his side.

"I think he'll be a little too busy for that" Eddie joked, throwing a wink.

"but on a serious note, Gareth deserves an apology too. We also deserve our spots in hellfire. And we deserve respect for our roles in it. And you have to plan a celebration of our anniversary"

"done, done, done and definitely done" Eddie said, checking off imaginary boxes

"you do understand that you hurt my feelings, right? That you have to make up for that? You need to make it up to me as a friend before we ever try to be anything more" Y/N explained

"I understand and I agree. I want to make it up to you, and Gareth. I'm going to make it up to you, I promise. Then I'm gonna sweep you off of your feet" Eddie smirked, a horrible wink sent her way that caused her to giggle

"be ready to put in the time and work, won't be easy Munson" she smirked back, leaning to kiss his cheek.

"I've got all the time in the world, baby" he smiled, loving that his favorite gloss now covered his cheek

He can make it up to Gareth later, right now his focus was on her.

Tags!

@bmunson86 @mxcheese @ladymunson @michaelfuckinglangdon @z0mbie-blah @biittersweet @mirrorsstuff @slightlyvicked @micheledawn1975 @ago-godance @magnificantmermaid @tlclick73 @hargrovesswifee @cityofidek @manyfandomsfanvergent @silky-luxe @lokiofasgard616 @loving-and-dreaming @eddiemunsonsbitch69 @thegemaqua @ashlynnkennedy @strangerthingsstories5255 @harringt8ns @pleasinghellfire

#eddie munson x reader #eddie munson #eddie munson fanfic #eddie stranger things #eddie munson request #eddie munson x female reader #eddie munson angst #eddie munson angst x reader #eddie munson fluff x reader #eddie munson fluff #eddie Munson miscommunication fic #ashwhowrites

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limabean42 · 4 months ago

Note

Hello, I like how you characterize Anxiety and I wanted a headcanon with it, here. Romantic Anxiety x reader, she is a new emotion that embodies indifference and so on, simply put, she is the complete opposite of Anxiety, due to their different purpose, they don't get along with each other, they even quarreled a couple of times, but thanks to other emotions, their relationship improved, gradually their relationship became more friendly, after which, later romantic feelings appeared, and they became a couple, now it's hard to imagine what they were when they hated each other, other emotions tease them because of this. Thanks in advance, and sorry if it's too long, I've never been good at writing short 😓

Anxiety growing closer with an indifference! partner

Thanks for requesting! Don’t worry about it being too long, detailed requests are a treat! Hope you enjoy :)

• You arrived in headquarters after Anxiety and her gang, a little further into puberty

• The rest of the emotions were confused because you were alone and not accompanied by a batch of new friends

• Anxiety initially had no problem with you although she found your intentions suspicious

• Indifference? What did that mean? Would it get in the way of Riley’s life?

• Just her usual questioning

• She soon realized after you took control of the panel for the first time that you’d be trouble for her

• Riley was in the middle of making a big choice

• Every emotion was eager to get to the panel to decide what happened next

• “Hold on guys, this is where I come in.” You said

• Everyone paused and watched you walk over to the buttons, letting you do your thing

• Anxiety was nervous. No way everyone was entrusting a single emotion in big decision making, she thought

• You pressed some buttons and Riley said, “I’ll think about it.”

• You nodded satisfactorily and moved back from the control panel

• “What was that!?” Anxiety uttered

• “My job.”

• Anxiety felt like she was going to pass out, “Indifference, we’re quite literally talking about our entire future here, this is college!”

• Riley was a sophomore in high school but she was looking at colleges to apply for and what to do already

• “There’s always time to think about the future, there’s no rush to make a decision. College is years away.” You said calmly

• Anxiety ripped a chunk of her hair out

• Everyone looked concerned for her, you just stood there with a blank expression

• This was only the beginning of your little feud

• In the following months you and Anxiety were nothing short of rivals

• You always disagreed about making decisions and even quarreled a couple times

• Sometimes you both grabbed a side of the lever and pulled it back and forth, arguing over a specific choice Riley had to make

• You just wanted things to be serene, choices didn’t always have to be made. Sometimes the best route was no route at all

• You believed that Riley should just sit back and relax because there was no rush to anything

• Anxiety was the exact opposite. She was all about making decisions as fast as possible. Securing Riley’s future one step at a time until there was no future left

• The other emotions were growing tired of this constant battle between you two and finally decided to do something about it

• It was an intervention-like situation

• All the emotions took turns on speaking about how your and Anxiety’s relationship was negatively impacting them and Riley

• You both didn’t mean to cause any trouble, you felt guilty

• You both apologized for feuding and decided it was time to resolve whatever bad blood you had with each other

• You and Anxiety had a quick chat about what you two could work on as far as overcoming your rivalry

• You just wanted her to realize that she didn’t have to rush every plan

• She wanted you to know the importance of decision making

• Once you worked out your issues you both became closer

• And closer

• Everyone was starting to notice how you two were basically inseparable, like best friends

• They were so glad for everyone’s sanity

• However, the change didn’t stop there

• You two never stopped growing closer

• The pair of you became more physically affectionate

• You’d throw flirty disses, teasing became a daily routine

• It definitely crossed the line of flirting at this point

• The others grew suspicious about your relationship. Knowing that it had evolved into a little more than just friendship

• Anxiety went as far as to picture a world without you and it almost sent her into a panic attack, unnoticed by anyone

• She started to think, she’d never felt that way before

• Meanwhile you were feeling confused. Did you like Anxiety as more than a friend? You couldn’t decide

• Eventually Anxiety confided in you about these feelings, she couldn’t hold it back anymore. Every time she thought of it she panicked

• You consoled her, revealing you felt the same feelings, just in a different way

• Anxiety asked if you wanted to pursue a relationship with her

• You wanted to but you didn’t know for sure

• You just couldn’t decide

• Now it was time for Anxiety to tell you to not overthink

• You told her to give you a while to think about it and that you’d get back to her

• She was anxious and sad because she thought you’d never make a decision and forget

•However, a few days later you came to Anxiety telling her yes, you wanted to be her partner

• You said you wanted to take a chance and decided, knowing you could go back if things didn’t work out

• Anxiety was ecstatic

• She would’ve never thought she’d be this close to you ever

• As a couple, you two get along pretty well, despite some differences

• The other emotions were happy to know what was finally going on between you two

• They would tease you saying things like, “Remember when you two couldn’t stand each other?”

• Anxiety blushes every time

• Both of you couldn’t even imagine a time where you weren’t in love

• Anxiety learned that anything could happen at anytime, not everything goes according to plan

• You learned that you have to take risks sometimes and decide on things, even if they seem hard or scary

• You couldn’t be happier that you decided to date her

#inside out x reader #anxiety x reader #inside out fandom #inside out 2 #inside out #anxiety inside out

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broken-glowsticks · 1 year ago

Text

What Once was Mine

Chapter 1 - When he was hers

Genre: Childhood friends, Eventual Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Love corner/love triangle, love rivals, Series. Not all chapters will be proofread!!

Warnings: 18+, mdni, mentions of sex and alcohol consumption, additional warnings will be added to individual chapters as needed.

Main • Next

Everyone knew Hwang Hyunjin. Of course they did, he was arguably one of the most gorgeous guys in town, and growing up with such a pretty face caused people to almost instinctively gravitate towards him. Instead of shrinking back from unwanted attention, this caused Hyunjin to flourish in charisma. He became a magnet, dazzling anyone and everyone with his sweet, effortless smile and crescent eyes. He was friendly, knowledgeable about every party in town, and casually flirty without somehow gaining any kind of negative reputation.

Everybody knew Hwang Hyunjin. But nobody knew him like you did.

The plush of his lips, the curve of his neck, the softness of his hair, how his frame is slender yet strong, how his arms felt wrapped around you. Sure, you weren’t the only girl to feel these things in general, but you didn't know of a single girl to feel these things twice, let alone the number of times you have.

You knew Hyunjin for a long time. Both your dad and his had hit it off at work and decided together to leave their company and start up their very own business together being painters.

It was just them two at first and money was tight, so to save themselves from having to hire babysitters they would instead drag Hyunjin and yourself along to help out whenever a no-school day landed on a secular work day.

It was awkward at first, two pre-teens with no previous painting experience being thrust together to paint fences or low house trimmings. But as time went on, the two of you began to grow used to each other and bonded over your shared fate of forced labor while your classmates got to stay home.

Eventually, your friendship would grow beyond your moments of labor and spill over to weekends and evenings. Your families would often share meals together and whenever the summers of your older years rolled around the two of you would often spend your days at eachothers houses, watching movies, hanging out in the backyard, swimming in the local creek or painting on canvases instead of walls in his bedroom.

You grew comfortable in each other's homes, rummaging through the fridge whether it was your own or not, lounging casually on the furniture, often climbing into each other's bed when one or both of you were tired and in need of a nap. Summers were your favorite time of year because summers were when you got Hyunjin all to yourself. Until high school started.

Suddenly, Hyunjin wasn't all yours anymore. His weekends and even some evenings were often filled with dates and parties. You never shared a class with him in school, so it wasn't odd not seeing him through the day - save for the friendly “hi” in passing between classes - but he would often walk you part of the way home every day.

Now, he would only hang out in the hallways or at the bus station with his clique. And while you stayed on with the painting business, becoming an official part-timer to earn some money, the company had grown enough that Hyunjin wasn't needed anymore. The only times you ever saw Hyunjin now were the occasional dinners your family and his would share together, assuming he even showed up, or when he would come visit your room in the middle of the night.

He would tap gently at your window, but you would always wake up. Hyunjin grew a little reckless before his final year of high school, often telling his parents he was at a friend's house when he was out partying or hooking up with a girl instead. And every time he was done, he would come to your room to sleep in your bed. The first time he ever did that, it startled you.

○●☆♡☆●○

“I can't go back home. Come on Y/N let me stay here just this once? Please?” He begged, his eyes sparkling. How could you say no to that?

You figured you'd just toss him a pillow and a blanket, and he'd sleep on the floor, so you let him in. Your heart almost stopped when he clambered into your bed, kicking off his shoes and yanking off his shirt.

“What are you doing?” You hiss, closing your window to avoid staring at his abs, when did he get abs?

“Getting comfortable so I can sleep? What are you doing just standing there?” He asked, pulling back the comforter.

“I… I thought you were going to sleep on the floor or something.”

“Why would I do that when there's a perfectly good bed right here?” He replied, lounging back onto the mattress, giving you an incredulous look. “What are you waiting for? Get over here. I'm freezing.”

“Hyunjin I can't-!” You began, turning to face him when he cut you off.

“What's the big deal, Y/N?” He asked, “we used to nap together all the time when we were kids.”

“Yeah, but this - this is different.” You stammer out.

“How?” He asked, holding eye contact with you. You couldn't come up with an answer.

‘Because you're different,’ you wanted to say, but the words died before they could pass your lips. Instead, you silently made your way back to your bed, sliding in once Hyunjin made room for you on the mattresses. The moment you made yourself comfortable, he pulled the comforter tightly around the two of you, pulling you close against him. You shuttered the moment your bodies met, he really was cold and he physically relaxed as he wrapped himself around you.

You couldn't help but be aware of how small your bed was and how you two would be pressed against each other all night. The thought made your heart hammer in your chest.

“I can feel how tense you are.” He murmured against your hair.

You didn’t know what to say to that. After all, why wouldn't you be tense? The boy who was once your closest friend, who you hadn't really gotten to spend any quality time with since you couldn’t remember when, suddenly shows up at your window in the middle of the night, asking to sleep here in your bed, and you're supposed to just be fine with that?

“Why? It's just me, Y/N.” Something about how he said this irked you. It irked you enough to make you say something.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean Hyunjin? ‘It's just you’?” You snapped, making him pull back in surprise, the emotion clear on his face. “Hyunjin, I don't know who you are anymore. I never see you anymore. And now you want to show up out of the blue and just act like nothing’s changed between us? Like you haven't been ignoring me basically since we started high school?”

“What do you mean I've been ignoring you? When have I ever ignored you?” He asked defensively.

“Oh come on, Hyunjin,” you say exasperated, sitting up and looking down at him. “You never say hi to me at school anymore, you stopped walking me home, you never spend any time with me! You're always with your friends or your girlfriend!” Part of you was worried you were being too loud, that your parents would come in and get the wrong idea from the scene they would encounter. Miraculously, nobody came.

“Why?” You asked after a beat of silence, your throat getting tight with the tears that had begun to well up. “Why did you just abandon me? Is it… Is it cause I'm not popular enough? Your girlfriend doesn’t like me? Cause I'm not pretty?” Your voice choked out as you began to cry, your hands coming to your mouth to stifle your sobs.

Hyunjin laid there stunned. He couldn't believe himself. Did he really make you feel so abandoned? From his point of view, he wasn't going out of his way to ignore you or anything like that. To him, the two of you just didn't have any classes together. He never saw you in the halls, you never shared the same group of friends, and you two didn't work together anymore. Sure, he would hang out with his friends a lot, but he always made it a point to make it to the weekly dinners his and your families would have.

Well… maybe he's missed the last two… or three… okay, maybe four?

Oh god, he has been neglecting you. What an asshole.

Running his hands over his face before sitting up, Hyunjin only now realized exactly how badly he fucked up. Hesitantly reaching out, he first placed a hand on your shoulder to gage your reaction. You slightly jumped at the sudden contact but when he saw how you didn’t pull away he slowly wrapped his arms around your slightly trembling frame, once again pulling you close to hold you gently as you cry.

“I'm sorry…” he whispered, rubbing your shoulder gently. “I didn't realize I had pulled away so much. I didn't mean to, I just- I got so wrapped up in my own thing and just kind of took for granted that you'd always be there.”

Gingerly he moved his arms from around you and took your face in his hands, wiping your tears away with his thumbs. “It wasn't because you're not popular, or because of some girlfriend- which i don't have, by the way. I just thought you were okay because you had your friends at school and your job and your family. I… I figured you were just as busy as I was, so I didn't need to reach out cause we would see each other whenever our parents all got together. But that wasn't fair of me to do to you.”

“I missed you.” You managed between sobs.

“I know that now, I'm sorry.” He said gently, placing his forehead against yours. “I'm so, so sorry Y/N. Please, forgive me and I'll never leave you alone again.”

You didn’t believe him. How could you? He already left you once, what's to stop him from doing it again? But a part of you hoped, a part of you wanted to believe him. Like you said, you missed him. So you agreed.

“If… if you do. I know where you live, Hwang Hyunjin.” You stutter out, trying your best to sound menacing while weakly glaring.

All this did was make Hyunjin laugh softly as he closed his eyes, savoring the warmth of your skin against his. How could he have forgotten how your very presence comforted him, how all the years you've spent together, all the memories, would wrap around him like a blanket?

“Can I still sleep here even though I made you cry?” He joked once your breathing calmed, managing to get a chuckle out of you.

“Yes,” you said with a shaky breath, “yes, you can.”

“Good.” He grinned with that dazzling smile of his as the two of you resumed your snuggled position from earlier.

“And for the record,” he said as he began to run his fingers through your hair, “I think you're stunning. You're absolutely beautiful Y/N, okay? So don't ever say you're not pretty ever again.”

It was from that night onwards that Hyunjin would come to see you in the dead of night, either because he needed a place to stay after a party or a hookup, or just because he missed you.

He was still as busy as ever, being Mr. Popular and all, but he kept his promise and tried to carve out time for you whenever he could aside from visiting you in the night, even if that was just saying “hi” in the halls or after school. He would also make it to dinner every single week, without fail, something your parents all delighted in. It seems you weren't the only one who missed seeing Hyunjin around.

One other thing he started doing ever since that night was he started calling you by a little nickname, one that made your friends question when you suddenly started dating the Hwang Hyunjin.

“What? No, we're not dating. We used to be really close when we were younger and just reconnected, that's all.” You told them as nonchalantly as possible.

“Yeah, ok, sure Y/N, whatever you say.” One of them said, not fully believing you. “But uhm… did he always use to call you ‘Beautiful’?”

○●☆♡☆●○

“Shh, quite Beautiful, we don't want to get caught.” Hyunjin murmured as he continued the leisurely roll of his hips, repeatedly hitting your sweet spot despite his warning.

As much as you attempted to keep quiet, you could still hear the soft echo of your escaping moans bouncing through the mirrored walls of the dimly lit dance studio. To help keep you quiet, Hyunjin moved his kiss swollen lips from the slope of your neck to your mouth, slipping his tongue between your lips. You kissed back eagerly, grateful for the attempt at finding something other than the sensation of Hyunjin pulling out agonizingly slowly only to bottom out with the same infuriatingly unhurried pace, torturously fucking you into the wall, watching how long you could endure.

Your mind was starting to go fuzzy when Hyunjin pinned your hand to the wall by your head, a subtle hint that you knew meant he was close.

Entwining your fingers together, Hyunjin held your hand firmly, growling as he dropped his head to rest on your shoulder, lifting your leg that was wrapped around his waist in search of a better angle. He suddenly wanted, no, needed to hear you screaming his name as languid thrust grew erratic.

You were close to cumming yourself, so close, you just needed a bit more, he could feel it. Dropping your hand to wrap both of his around your thighs, he gathered his strength before lifting you off the floor entirely. You couldn't help but gasp, impressed with this show of strength. You sometimes forgot just how strong he was.

“Come on Beautiful, cum for me.” He said, his voice hoarse and his thrusts turning sudden, quick and aggressive, his dick mercilessly slamming into you.

Wrapping your arms tightly around his shoulders you felt your walls tighten and flutter around him as you hit your limit, cumming hard around his cock. But he didn't stop, instead speeding up. You were starting to become over-stimulated, gasps and moans carelessly spilling out of you as Hyunjin chased his own orgasm.

“Say my name Beautiful. I'm so close to cumming, I just need to hear you.” He rasped out and you couldn't help but readily comply with his request, forcing yourself to form the sounds it took to call out for him instead of making the incoherent noises you were making before.

Your worn and fucked out voice was all it took for him to finally cum, the sensation shaking his body as he rode out his orgasm inside you.

Unable to hold you up anymore he set you down as gently as he could, sliding out of you to quickly remove his condom and adjust his clothes. This gave you a moment to do the same, dressing yourself with shaky hands as Hyunjin did away with the evidence of what just happened.

“You okay Beautiful?” Hyunjins voice pulled you from your daze and he couldn't help but chuckle at the absolutely adorable expression on your face. It almost made him want another go.

“Yeah, I'm good.” You said, managing a smile despite how tired you felt. Feeling the wall for the light switch you squinted once the bright, fluorescent lights came alive, your eyes not wanting to adjust as Hyunjin made his way back to your side to pull you into his arms.

“Thank you for coming, I needed the stress relief.” He said as he kissed your hair, pulling you over to a table that sat in an alcove towards the corner of the dance studio, his desk.

“I needed it too,” you admitted, letting Hyunjin sit in his desk chair as you elected to sit on his desk where he had you moments earlier, his head buried between your legs.

“Work has been a lot?” He asked with a tip of his head, his hands resting comfortably on his stomach as he began swiveling his chair.

“Oh like you wouldn't believe!” You huffed, fishing out the hand-held mirror Hyunjin kept in his desk just for you and began scanning your reflection to fix any smudged makeup.

If anybody walked in right now, they never would have guessed that you two were doing anything other than hanging out based on Hyunjin alone. Being a dance instructor made it easy to dismiss Hyunjins' disheveled appearance and noticeable, glistening skin. You, however, still had to go through the extra effort of making yourself look presentable.

“My boss just loves to pile on the work. I miss working for our dads. It was such an easy job, and they never breathed down my neck.” You complained, giving a frown when you heard Hyunjin snicker next to you. “Don't laugh. We can't all work our dream job.”

“It's just funny. You're the one who was so excited to get out from under our dads, but now you're realizing just how good you had it with them.” He teased as he slid his desk chair in front of you to help you straighten up.

“As if you didn't do the same.” You pout.

“Oh, I didn't complain while I was working with them.” He shot back, reaching out to wipe a smear of lipgloss you had missed from the corner of your lips. He got you there.

A phone alarm caught your attention, causing you to heave a heavy sigh.

“Time to go.” You said.

“Or you could always stay and sit in.”

“No thanks. I'm not really in the mood for any more dating allegations from your younger students. And I'm definitely not in the mood for your thirsty ass adult students glaring at me.”

“Come on, baby, stay. You could hang out in the staff lounge.” He offered.

“Pet names like that is why people think we're dating, you know.”

“I think the new guy likes you, could give you two a chance to get acquainted.”

“Pass.”

“Boo… fine.” Hyunjin said with a pout as he flopped back into his chair, a hand melodramatically clutching at his heart. “Go ahead, leave me. It's obvious you don't love me anymore.”

“Yeah, because it's not like I drove over an hour from home to see you or anything.” You scoff as you slip off the desk, poking him playfully on the forehead and laughing at how he acted like you had just punched him square in the face.

Hyunjin had moved from your small town to the nearby city to attend college and became a permanent resident when he got his job at an all-ages dance studio. Meanwhile, you stayed in your hometown and moved into an apartment with your high school friend Jisung, but you would come and see Hyunjin whenever you missed him and he had time to spend with you. Lately, those moments have started to become fewer and further apart.

“Do you really have to go home?” He asked as you did one final once over of your reflection in the dance studio mirrors.

“Unfortunately. I promised Ji I'd join him and the guys for karaoke tonight. I'm already going to be late cause I decided to stay here longer instead of leaving this morning like I planned.”

Hyunjin frowned, draping himself over your shoulders in defeat. He wanted to whine, to make you stay, to not have to give you back, but he didn't want to keep you from your friends. Especially not when you already made the commitment to spend time with them. He nuzzled his face into your shoulder, and you knew he was going to walk you out this way. Luckily for you, though, he only took you so far as the front door of the building.

“Promise me you'll come see me again soon, okay, Beautiful?” He whispered into your ear before letting you go.

“I promise.” With a kiss to his cheek, you were out the door and to your car. You didn't want to admit this, but you were eager to be on your way back home. As much as you loved spending time with Hyunjin, recently, he's been too busy to see you or even really talk to you. You knew it wasn't his fault, he loved putting his all into his job and deserved a social life outside of your friendship, so you decided to try to busy yourself by spending more time with Jisung and his friends.

You loved spending time with them, with all of them, of course, but mostly one of them in particular.

#hyunjin x reader #hyunjin #seo changbin x reader #changbin x reader #bang chan #lee felix #han jisung #hwang hyunjin x reader #smut #backstory #jealousy #stray kids fanfic #stray kids x reader #stay #skz stay #what once was mine #Glow's ✨️ Fics #eventual established relationship #established relationship

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amazon160 · 1 year ago

Text

“Shit.” Johnathon Ohnn x Reader 🖤⚪️

Just a little something I dabbled down 🤭

“Oh, shit.”

Those words. Those two words. They had such a weight to them that only Linda could understand.

“You had better not be late to another meeting, Dr. Ohnn.” She scowled. A scientist’s assistant was simply expected to pick up every now and then and manage the scientist’s calendar. Help them set up their schedule, y’know? But in the special case of Dr. Ohnn, it sometimes felt like babysitting. This was one of those times.

“Oh, no, of-of course not!” Ohnn stuttered, missing his footing as he stumbled out of his office. Papers were stuffed into a briefcase in a very unorganized fashion. Linda couldn’t bring herself to see how they managed to stay intact and inside the bag every time Ohnn did something like this. Of course, this isn’t Dr. Ohnn’s first time running late. And he went through this exact routine every single time he did.

Dr. Ohnn quickly walked past the other scientists’ offices, striding forward with his long legs. Suddenly, all of the doors seemed to open at once, making Ohnn’s heart race even faster. He glanced down at his watch and not at the people flooding out of those doors. There was a mixture of people from a couple tours going around Alchemax and the employees themselves. Ohnn finally looked up from his watch, which read 10:39, just in time to almost knock into another scholar.

He’d seen her around once or twice. Not enough to be acquainted. Just enough to remember her face. Not like he took extra note of her face in particular. It was a regular human face of perfect proportion and beauty in every detail.

Average.

Right.

Her hands shot up in defense to Ohnn’s speed walking, momentarily setting on his chest, before she maneuvered around him and sent a goofy salute. He could just barely hear her chuckle over the conversing between their peers around them. But it really was just divine to listen to. It almost made him forget he was running late. Ohnn spun around and got back on task, while the woman in particular watched him go for a second.

…

“I don’t get what you see in that guy.” Linda complained. “He’s messy. Sloppy. Leaves his crap everywhere.” She listed off on one finger at a time.

“Smart. Nice. Good manners.” You listed off of your fingers as well. She scowled, only to turn into a friendly smile less than a second later.

“Girl, you can do so much better than him.” She leaned on Ohnn’s desk, gathering up any stray papers left behind and stacking them. “I’ve seen ‘em.” She winked.

“Oh, please,” you rolled your eyes. “This guy looks like a real fun time.”

Linda threw a stray banana peel into the small garbage can in the corner. “Sure.”

“Staawwwpp.” You drawled out. “All those guys were fun, sure, but they were assholes. They seemed more into themselves than they were into me. Johnny seems like a nice change of pace.” You smirked.

“‘Johnny’??” Linda raised an eyebrow, letting her shoulders sag forward.

“Johnathon, right? John. Johnny!”

Linda facepalmed.

…

The cafeteria was bustling just a bit more with the extra students and strangers walking around with their lunches. Johnathon didn’t really like how the tours went during working hours. It was already too hustle-y bustle-y trying to get from place to place and it always felt like you were being watched by these people. Johnathon picked up a bagel and a packet of cream cheese. That should be enough to hold him over.

The walk back to his office was rather peaceful. Sadly, there was plenty of time to reflect on the terrible outcome that meeting was. Upon reaching his office, Johnathon immediately noticed that Linda was gone. Thank goodness, he thought to himself. The sleep deprived scientist leaned against his desk, adjusting his glasses up against his nose. He felt something light slap against his back.

A short stack of papers was being held against his back.

“Oh, shit.” Jonathon muttered under his breath.

“Linda said you dropped these.” You waved the papers in his face with a smile once the scientist completely turned around. He moved the cream cheese and bagel to be held in one hand as he took the papers in the other. “She seemed pretty pissed.”

“She seems pretty pissed whenever someone mentions my name.” He chuckled. “No offense. I mean no offense. If you two are friends. I mean, not assuming you two are friends, but-”

“Nah, it’s fine, Johnny.” His eyes widened some at the nickname. You could see the reaction, and your smile grew just a bit more.

“Ummm…y-yea-yeah? Yeah?” He quickly stuttered. Why was he such a mess under your gaze.

“She’s always pissed. But me, I’m uh..” You hissed and squinted at him. “I’m a little disappointed, Johnny.” You started walking forward. As a quick response, Johnathon started walking back. But seeing that he was leaning against the desk just before the encounter, there wasn’t much space to cover before his back hit the desk.

“Oh?” He squeaked out. You were getting a little close. A little too close for him to be keeping himself composed.

“Linda said you don’t have a lot of free time on your hands. Why is that?” You stopped him once your hips weren’t that far from his and his back was beginning to arch back over the desk.

“I, uh. My job-my job takes up a lot of time-uh-”

You put your arms down on either side of Johnathon, leaning on the desk and leaning in close.

“Friday. 2 pm. The new Foam Party down the street. You know where that is, right?” He nodded quickly. “Good boy.” You let your hips sink in a little bit lower so you just barely grazed each other. Your lips hovered just above Johnathon’s. “If you aren’t able to meet there for whatever reason, I’m always free to talk during lunch. So you’ll be down?” He nodded again.

Your expression turned right back to peppy and bright. “See ya, then, Johnny!” You placed a quick kiss on his cheek. As quickly as you’d pulled in, you pulled out. A flustered, trying to not look flustered Johnathon Ohnn was left leaning back on his desk. You turned the corner and left out of view. Ohnn stood up and processed what just happened. His phone vibrated in his pocket. He fished his hand into his shirt for it and came out with a text message from Linda.

“Check your calendar ;)”

Johnathon looked at the planner, which had already been lauded out on his desk. He didn’t even notice. There was already an event marked down Friday at 2 pm for Foam Party. Perfect.

“Oh, shit”

#the spot #the spot x reader #the spot x y/n #the spot x OC #across the spiderverse #johnathon ohnn #jonathon ohnn #jonathon ohnn x reader #johnathon ohnn x reader #y/n

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coltrainbat · 2 years ago

Note

Chris x reader being really tight friends.

Like they hold hands, hug, forehead/cheek kisses.

They go to an award show, reader is friendly flirting with a Co star of Chris.

He sees it while giving an interview.

When he finishes he comes up from behind, hugs reader close to him and kisses readers cheek. He's slightly jealous...

Media goes wild...

Both phones blow up. Speculations about secret relationship...

Something like that. Thanks 😘

Because I Want You

WARNINGS: Swearing, big mad Chrissy, little angst, jealous Chris

DISCLAIMER: All characters and events written, even those based on real people are entirely fictional and are no representation or comment of said characters in real life.

“How you feeling?” Chris placed his hand on your knee in the limo, rubbing small circles with his thumb over the expensive fabric, desperate to feel your skin.

“I might die from excitement! Did I say thank you? because this is a dream come true.”

“You’ve only said thank you 500 times… but once again you’re welcome and for the final time I wanted you to come because there was no way I was doing this alone.”

“I know I’m just super excited to rub shoulders with celebrities.” You bit your lip, shaking your head in disbelief.

“You know I’m considered a celebrity, right?”

“Yeah, but a REAL celebrity not my guy best friend who despite being a movie star is still in my mind the 12-year-old boy who pinned my down and threatened to lick me unless I gave him the last cookie.”

“Classic move. Worked every single time.” Chris sat smugly.

“You’re disgusting” you glared at him.

“Yet you love me.” He moved a hair out of your face and kissed you on the cheek.

“Do I look good?” You gestured at your dress,

“For the 20th time you look fucking amazing” Chris’s eyes scanned your body like he had done many times this evening, but this time felt like he could openly admire how you looked in the dress. Your boobs and curves filled it out in a way not many women could master, you looked sexy and classy.

“Ok good I just wanted to hear you say it again, also because Henry Cavill is going to be there and omg that man is just… swoon” You smiled, jokingly fanned your face.

Chris’s hand gripped your knee a little tighter. “Yeah. he will be…” His voice got a little quieter as he looked out of the window, slightly taken aback by the comment about his co-star.

Noticing the car coming to a stop, he prepared himself to step out.

“It’s showtime baby, now remember I’ll be right next to you the whole time but when I have to do an interview go stand near my assistant, so I know where you are, ok?”

“Yeah, yeah I get it come on!” You pushed him out of the car, his eyes rolling at your eagerness as he moved around to your door and opened it up for you.

Holding out his hand to help you out of your seat. You were immediately met to the sounds of screams and flashing lights.

Your hand still firmly on Chris’s as he eased you towards the carpet, he dropped it monetarily to wrap it around your waist, putting you in a secure position close to him.

You posed in front of the sea of photographers, increasingly more aware that you’re getting 1000 photos taken of you at once, you go tight in Chris’s grip.

Noticing the instant tension of your body at the scene in front of you, he moved his mouth down, kissing your temple “relax, they’ll love you.” He whispered against your head.

You gave him a small smile moving towards his ear “I’m shitting myself.” You whispered in his ear, his head immediately fell back in a roar of laughter “don’t worry me too babe” he said, smirking at you.

“Chris, we need you for an interview can you come over here please.”

“I’ll be 5 minutes.” He squeezed your waist in reassurance, kissing your cheek quickly as he moved to the handheld mic, and you sulked to the side-lines.

Taking the moment to catch your breath and take in the scene of chaos around you, a hand pressed gently on your shoulder blade.

“Apologies, I just had to talk to the rumoured woman of the hour.” A suave British accent startled you out of your haze.

Your eyes widened at the gorgeous man who had appeared behind you, his tall, muscular figure, looking down on you was contrasted by his soft eyes and charming smile.

“Don’t apologise… woman of the hour?”

“Seems everyone’s talking about that dress…” He gestured to your navy-blue number.

“Well, I was worried about whether it would be ok for this kind of thing, I’m not really used to it.”

“I think it’s more than ok; I’d say it’s brilliant, especially on you.” His piercing gaze never left yours as his tongue peaked out to wet his lower lip, admiring the sight of you.

Your eyes were firmly fixed on Henry’s, lost in the intense eye contact so you didn’t notice the fidgety Chris, stuttering to answer questions as he neck stretched out, trying to reach your eyes. His jaw tightened at the sight of you and Henry, jealously burned in his stomach as he watched his co-star undress you with his eyes.

Trying not to show his annoyance but it was clear his mind was half in the interview, giving vague answers of “oh yeah” “it’s great, it’s brilliant, ya know…” eyes skating towards you constantly as he shoved his fidgeting hands in his pockets, shifting his weight back and forth on his feet.

“Where are my manners, I’m Henry.” He held out a hand, you placed yours in his, where the size difference between the two become obvious. He sandwiched your hand softly between both of his, shaking slightly but never letting go.

“Oh, I know. Y/N, I’m a friend of Chris’s.”

“Friend, you say? Oh well that’s good news, I thought maybe you two were...”

“Chris and me? Oh no we are just-“ you were interrupted as strong hands wrapped around your waist pulling you towards his chest, hoping you’d ease into his grip. His mouth going to the skin between your jaw and your shoulder, placing a soft, wet kiss.

“Hey baby, I see you’ve met Henry.”

“Ahh Chris, hi! Yeah, she’s great we were just talking about you.” Henry got visibly nervous and confused seeing the sudden affection between the two of you.

Blush rose to your cheeks in embarrassment.

“Oh really! Awesome well seems Y/N here forgot about this thing we have to go do…”

“I… what…” you looked back at Chris, confusion all over your face.

“Yeah, the thing inside, come on. But hey! we’ll see you after, man. Alright?” Chris was smiling and charismatic but the look in his eyes was a clear, stern stare of “she’s mine, back off.”

The men shared a silent conversation with their eyes, marking a clear understanding that you couldn’t quite decipher.

“Yeah, of course, lovely to meet you again, Y/N hope you enjoy the night.” His hand rubbed the back of neck, unsure of whether he should kiss you goodbye but not wanting to further anger the territorial bear that was Chris right now.

Chris pulled you by your arm inside and towards a secluded hallway away from wandering eyes and all the noise.

“What the fuck was that about? Chris you just ruined my chances with Henry Cavill!”

“Good! What the fuck was that? I’m giving an interview and can’t give you attention for 5 minutes, so you go off and find someone else? Sorry I didn’t know Henry fucking Cavill was your best friend for 25 years and that he took you to a major award show as his date!”

“We were talking Chris! It’s not like I was playing tonsil tennis on the carpet - what has gotten into you? You don’t own me! I can flirt with whoever I want! Why do you always have to ruin every chance I get with a guy because you’re so miserable being single you can’t stand to see someone else happy!”

“Because I want to be with you!”

You paused in shock at his sudden confession.

“I’ve been in love with you since middle school for fucksakes and you never noticed. I saw you and Henry and fuck it yeah, I got jealous, I couldn’t stand. I’m sorry I ruined it for you, I just-“

You cut him off by planting a strong kiss on his lips. He instantly relaxed, hands falling to your waist as you ran your hands through his hair, deepening the kiss.

You pulled out looking up at him “I don’t want Henry Cavill.”

“You were trying to make me jealous?” He looked at you quizzically.

You nodded slowly. “It worked though, didn’t it?”

He shook his head and tutted “You are something else you know that?” Before grabbing your face and planting another kiss on you.

What you thought was a private intimate moment turned out to be filmed by some intern peaking around the corner. Turns out you too loud mouths weren’t as quiet when you were fighting as you thought.

Chris Evans and Y/N… FINALLY confirmed

Best Friends to Lovers Trope but in Real Life Hollywood: Chris Evans & Y/N L/N

Chris Evans professes love in viral video!

24 Photos of Chris Evans & Y/N L/N that told us they were never just “best friends”

25 Tweets that perfectly described how we felt about the Chris Evans & Y/N L/N “Nicholas Sparks” Moment

“Because I want to be with you!” Chris Evans pours his heart out to long time best friend

Chris Evans & Y/N L/N confirm relationship through Reps

“I’m glad they got that moment on camera; we’ll show it at the wedding.” Chris Evans shows no angst towards secret filmer of intimate moment between him and Y/N L/N.

Most Wanted Woman in Hollywood: 10 facts about the woman who had Henry Cavill and Chris Evans fighting over her!

#chris evans fic #chris evans x reader #chris evans fanfiction #chris evans x plus size reader #christopher robert evans #chris evans x y/n #chris evans angst #chris evans x you #chris evans one shot #chris evans imagine #chris evans imagines #chris evans x reader angst #chris evans x curvy!reader #chris evans x curvy reader #henry cavill #cevansedit

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ereardon · 2 years ago

Text

My Girl [Chapter 16][Jake "Hangman" Seresin x OC]

Summary: Jake Seresin could be the answer to all of your dating woes. He’s the full package: steady job, mature, dependable, attractive to a fault. The polar opposite of every guy your age and he’s everything you’ve ever wanted in a partner. But there’s one roadblock: he’s a single father to four-year-old Ellie. Jake is looking for a level of commitment you’re not quite sure you’re ready to give, and he’s not willing to bring someone into his daughter’s life who isn’t there for the long haul. And even if you are stepmom material, is Jake ready to let someone back in his life while still mourning the recent loss of his late wife?

Pairing: Jake “Hangman” Seresin x OC [Lawyer Natalie West]

WC: 3.9K

Warning: Age gap, cursing, angst, nudity

Series masterlist here

Please fill out this form here to join my tag list

Jake poured himself a glass of bourbon and let his head rest on the cool granite of the kitchen island. Outside, a crack of thunder shuddered around the house.

After the recital, Jake had tried his hardest to hide his emotions that were flooding every nerve ending when Ellie babbled on about you showing up for the dance during their ice cream date.

He had to forget you, once and for all. Knowing that you were out there and that you belonged to, or could belong to, someone else would tear him apart. He had to forget you ever existed if he had any hope of rebuilding himself from the ashes of what remained.

And then the doorbell rang.

Jake pushed himself up slowly, walking down the hallway in a daze. The rest of the dagger squad was on a mission somewhere in the South Pacific. He didn’t have friends anymore outside of work. There wasn’t any time. And Ron and Margot had left in a huff months prior. He wasn’t expecting a friendly drop in from them anytime soon. His mother would sooner die than show up unannounced at someone’s house at eleven o’clock at night, and without a pie or casserole in hand.

He pulled open the door, the cool evening air spilling inside.

Jake’s mouth dropped as he took you in. White linen dress soaking wet from the pouring rain, clinging to every curve of your body, your golden hair dark with water, your lips pink and trembling.

“Nat,” Jake whispered, his voice cracking. “What are you–”

“I quit,” you cut in, your words laying over his. Jake’s emerald eyes widened.

“You what?”

You stepped forward onto the porch, out from the rain. “I quit my job. It was the only thing keeping me from you and nothing is worth that.” Your voice trembled, and you were almost scared to make eye contact with Jake, choosing instead to keep your eyes trained on his broad chest. “I love you, Jake. You were right, I was afraid. I made all the wrong decisions. I thought I was saving you from myself. That by taking myself out of the equation I was making things easier for you, and Ellie.” You shook your head, wet strands of hair slapping your neck. “But I was wrong. You’re still it for me. You both are. If you’ll take me back.”

Jake reached out, one hand brushing over your face. You couldn’t read his facial expression. There was something hard in his gaze. “Natalie,” he finally murmured after a moment, his voice thick, shaking his head, confirming your worst nightmare.

You knew that tone. You pushed away from him, out of the shelter of the porch roof, back out on the foot path and into the rain. Let the rain run down your face as the tears spilled from behind your eyes and you bent in half, hands on your knees, gulping for air, trying desperately to hold on but it felt like everything was slippery and any moment you might tumble to the ground and never be able to get back up. “I’m sorry,” you cried through the tears, throat hoarse and cracked. “I’ll leave. I was wrong to come back. You’re mad at me and you don’t trust me and God, I’m so fucking stupid. I’ll go, Jake. I’m sorry.”

As you turned to go, Jake reached out, his strong arms pulling you out of the rain. You thrashed against him.

“Let me go!” you shouted, pushing him until the both of you were standing under the downpour, his eyes burning into yours. “Just let me leave! Pretend I never came back. And you can go on living your life perfectly content without me.”

“Natalie,” Jake said and his voice was sharp. It stopped you in your tracks from where you had been fighting against him. “There is no life without you. I was nothing when you left. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, I could barely function.” He stopped, his hands warm on your arms. “Natalie, I have spent every single day for the last three months without you in agony. Say the word and I’m yours. I said it once and I’ll say it again: you can come home any time you want. We’re your home, honey. Me and Ellie. If you’ll have us.”

You threw yourself into his arms, your lips on his, his arms wrapped around you tightly, and the familiar feeling of Jake beneath your fingertips only made you cry harder, until you were sobbing against him and he pulled back with a terrified face.

“Honey?”

“They’re happy tears,” you choked out. “I promise.”

Jake laughed. “OK.” And then his lips were back on yours, and he had you in his arms and was walking you under the cover of the porch, your back pressed against the side of the house, both of you drenched from head to toe. Jake pulled back, running his hands down your face like he couldn’t quite believe you were standing there beneath his fingertips. “Is this real?”

You nodded. “Yeah, it is.”

“Thank God,” he murmured, tipping your chin up and kissing you lightly. As gently as the ripple of a slow breeze. As softly as you’d ever been touched in your life.

And in that moment, you knew you’d never know someone’s touch the way you knew Jake’s.

He was yours. And you belonged to him.

“Come inside, honey,” Jake said, his hand cupping yours as he pushed the front door open. “You’re soaked.”

You chuckled, skimming one hand over his tanned cheek. “So are you.”

Jake led you upstairs, your footprints soft and soggy on the hardwood. In the master en suite bathroom, he turned the shower on full blast and you looked at him wordlessly, stripping off your wet dress, dropping it in the bathtub to prevent it from creating a pool of water on the floor. Jake silently unbuttoned his shirt, shucking it along with his pants and boxers into the tub. You stepped into the shower first, facing the spray, and felt Jake’s large body behind you as he shut the door, his warm hands gently running over your hair, tugging the hot water through your locks.

You turned around to face him, the bulk of the water hitting you, but Jake’s height, nearly eight inches taller than you, meant his face also was in direct line to the warm spray. Your fingers reached up and threaded behind his neck, and Jake wrapped his hands on each side of your hips, stepping in closer until your chest was touching his. One of his hands floated up to wipe your face, probably littered with the remnants of mascara from crying in the rain.

“God, I missed you,” Jake murmured slowly. The way he was gazing at you made your world stop. For a second, there was nothing else that existed at that moment in time except Jake’s hands on your body, his eyes glued to yours, his heart beating in his chest so loud you could feel it in your own where you were pressed against him. “I thought I’d never be able to touch you again or hear your voice and remember what it sounds like. I thought I lost you forever.” There was a crack in his low voice and your fingers brushed reassuringly along his neck. “I didn’t know what I was going to do without you.”

“I’m sorry,” you whispered. “I wanted so badly not to hurt you. And that’s all I ended up doing.”

“The only thing that would truly hurt me would be knowing that you weren’t happy,” he said and his words sent chills down your spine. “I couldn’t live with myself thinking that I kept you from happiness.”

“Jake,” you said softly, pulling his face closer to yours. The bathroom was starting to fill with steam, and the relentless pounding of the shower head on your back was bordering on uncomfortable but you refused to let go of this moment. “I’m happy because I’m with you. If you’re in my life, that’s all I need. Please, God, kiss me so I can memorize this moment and keep it tucked into the back of my mind for the rest of my life.” He smirked and leaned down, wrapping his arms around your back, pulling you into a kiss beneath the steamy shower.

You let Jake rub body wash across your arms as you leaned with your back against his chest, his fingers trailing down your warm chest and hips, momentarily dipping between your legs before you swiveled around and took the soap from him, running your hands slowly across his broad chest, sudding his chest hair as he smiled down at you tenderly. There was something so intimate about washing each other. Being with Jake was easy. You didn’t have to fill empty voids of silence with words just to feel like there was something there. He made you feel safer than anyone ever had.

Once you climbed out of the shower, Jake wrapped you in a fluffy towel and you padded into the bedroom, sitting on the edge of the bed while he searched in his closet for pajamas for you to wear.

“You left these here,” he said, handing over a pair of sleep shorts and a matching cami tank.

You pulled on the pajamas while Jake changed into a pair of boxers and hung the towels to dry. Without thinking, you pulled back the covers on your side of the bed — the right side, furthest from the door — and snuggled down under the duvet.

“I’ll be right back,” Jake said softly.

You sat up, clutching the edge of the duvet. Had he changed his mind already?”

Jake spotted your pleading eyes. “Just going to check on Ellie, darling. Be right back.”

He disappeared out the door, and you were on your feet on his heels in an instant. Jake was leaning in the doorframe of Ellie’s room as your warm hand slid over his bare back, your head slotting into the space below his where the door sat ajar.

Ellie lay on her side, tiny mouth open, her chest rising and falling with steady breath, one arm draped over her plush walrus.

You looked up at Jake. The way he was looking at Ellie made your heart melt.

Before Jake, you hadn’t really considered kids. But after watching him with Ellie, you wanted ten. You wanted nothing more than to feel the warmth of Jake’s hand on your swollen belly, see the smile on his face as he felt his son or daughter kick beneath his fingertips for the first time.

You couldn’t wait to hold a child in your arms who was made up of someone you loved more than life itself.

Wordlessly, Jake took your hand and led you back to bed. He pulled you into his arms beneath the covers, your leg winding around his, your arm splayed across his chest. He smelled like pine soap and apples and it was so familiar you wanted to cry again, but you held back the tears. There had been enough already for a lifetime in just one night.

You thought Jake was asleep, before his hand brushed over your hair. “I love you,” he murmured against your temple. “Thank you for coming home.”

With your eyes closed, you squeezed your fingers against his bare chest. “I love you, Jake.” It came out in a whisper, exhaustion hitting you and dragging you under.

Jake pressed his lips to your hair. “Please, honey, never leave me again. I can’t live without you.”

“I promise,” you sighed against his chest, sleep overtaking you.

***

Jake looked at you and grinned. The soft pitter patter of Ellie’s footprints above your head were the telltale sign that she was awake and in approximately twenty seconds would be in the kitchen demanding breakfast.

You climbed down off of the barstool, turning to face the kitchen entryway that connected to the hallway where the stairs led off.

Ellie rounded the corner from the stairs, wiping at her tired eyes with closed fists, before entering the open floor plan room, looking around automatically for Jake. Her tiny green eyes, a perfect replica of her father’s, landed on you and she let out a sharp squeal.

“Natalie!” In an instant, Ellie was running toward you and you bent down, pulling her seamlessly into your arms, her hands wrapped around your neck, squeezing you tightly.

“Hi peanut,” you said when she pulled back and she smiled at you and then over at Jake who stood near the coffee machine, wearing a red apron. You set Ellie down on the ground and she climbed onto the barstool next to yours. Jake set a bowl of cereal down in front of her and went to the fridge to grab the milk.

“You’re back!” she said breathlessly.

As you reached out to tousle her hair, you felt a gnawing feeling in your stomach. The fact that Ellie had known you were gone, that you had left her, hurt like a thousand knives stabbing your intestines. You never wanted to hurt her or let her down. “I’m back,” you said softly. “For good this time, sweetpea.”

“No more New York?” she asked.

You shook your head, taking a sip of coffee. “No more New York.”

Ellie smiled into her cereal bowl and Jake walked around the kitchen island, standing behind you and wrapping his arms around your shoulders, planting a kiss on your temple. “Move in,” he whispered into your ear. You turned around to look at him in shock.

“What?”

Jake smiled. “Move in with us. I don’t want to waste any more time. I lost you once. I can’t lose another second with you.”

His face was earnest. His smile alone made your stomach flutter. “Are you sure?” you asked. “Don’t you want to get to know each other better or whatever? Make sure this can work.”

Jake shook his head. “I know everything I need to know about you. Everything else that I’ll learn along the way will just be icing on the cake.”

You bit your lip but then nodded, and his subsequent grin threatened to crack his face in half. “OK,” you whispered. “Yes.”

Jake laughed, which caused Ellie to look up from her cereal bowl, and he pulled you into his arms, swinging you in a circle. “Guess what baby?” Jake said to Ellie, reaching out and pulling her out of her chair into his arms.

“What?”

“Natalie is going to live with us,” he said softly. “What do you think of that?”

Ellie squinted. “At our house?”

“Yeah, honey, here, at our house. Would that be OK with you?”

She smiled excitedly up at you, one hand coming out to rest on your cheek. “Like a sleepover?”

You grinned. “Like a sleepover every night.”

Ellie nodded enthusiastically. “I like sleepovers!”

Jake kissed the top of her head. “Me too, baby.” He winked at you. “Me, too.”

You looked at the two of them. All those months ago, you had walked in on a family.

Now they were your family.

***

“Let me order some pizzas, as a thank you.” Rooster chuckled. “Feel like I’m twenty-three again, getting paid for manual labor with food.”

Bob walked past you with a box and grinned. “Pizza sounds great.”

You smiled. “On it.” You walked out onto the porch, phone pressed against your face as you called the local pizza joint.

Natasha gave you a soft nod as she dragged a few tote bags from the small moving truck parked on the driveway. It had all happened so fast. After your reunion, Jake had helped you find a real estate agent to sell the townhouse which to your surprise sold in two days. You spent the next week packing up the life you had lived before Jake into boxes, and the dagger squad had gotten roped into helping you move everything into Jake’s house.

Jake had sat down with Ellie the night before you moved in, kneeling in front of her tiny pink bed.

“Sweetheart?” he said and Ellie looked at him with wide eyes. “Remember how I told you Natalie is going to move in with us?”

“Yeah.”

“I just wanted to tell you that it’s not going to change things, OK?” Jake was starting to get choked up. “I still love you more than anything in this world, sweetheart. But Daddy loves Natalie, too, and she’s going to be around to help you just like Daddy does.”

Ellie smiled and tugged her plush walrus in tightly. “OK, Daddy.”

Jake gave her a small smile. “I miss your Mommy, too, Princess,” he said and a few tears slid down his cheeks. Jake reached out and brushed Ellie’s hair with his thick fingertips. “I want you to know that Natalie is never going to replace Mommy in your life. She’s just another person you can count on, who loves you.” Jake grabbed the framed photo of Lizzie and Ellie from her nightstand and looked at it softly before pointing to Lizzie in the picture. “This is your Mommy, OK? And she loves you so, so much. She will always love you, even though she’s not around anymore.”

Jake was fully crying, and Ellie leaned forward, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck as he knelt in front of her on the bed, sweeping her into his arms. He felt her tiny hands brushing at his hair and when he pulled back, he couldn’t see anything but Lizzie in her delicate features.

“Mommy and Daddy love you, El.” “I love you, Daddy,” she said sweetly, lying down and pulling her stuffed animal to her chest. Jake leaned over and pressed a kiss to her temple.

“Sleep well, honey.”

***

Once all of the boxes had been unloaded and the pizza had long been demolished, you sat around on the floor of the living room with Jake and the rest of the squad, minus Natasha. She had taken Ellie back to her house that she shared with her sister for a sleepover with her niece that was visiting who was roughly Ellie’s age.

Jake stood, stretching just enough so that you could see the strip of taut muscle where his shirt lifted and his pants began, and headed into the kitchen for a refill, Bob on his heels. Bradley looked at you from where he sat on the couch.

“I’m sorry,” he said after a second and you looked up with confusion.

“For what?”

Bradley shook his head. “For what I said to you that night outside the Hard Deck. About leaving if you weren’t sure. I misjudged you, and I’m sorry.”

You reached forward and laid a hand on his knee, squeezing it before dropping your hand. “It’s OK.”

“It’s not,” he said and there was pain laced in the words. “I lost my dad when I was really young. And my mother died when I was in college. So I guess there’s this part of me in the back of my mind that is convinced everyone is going to leave.” He looked up at Jake and Bob, who were laughing in the kitchen, out of earshot, before turning his gaze back to you. “I love him like a brother. I thought I was protecting him, but really I was just making it worse. It was bad, Natalie. When you were gone. We thought, fuck, we didn’t know what to do.”

You looked over at Jake. It stung to know that your leaving had pained Jake. “I’m here now,” you said, lifting your eyes to Bradley’s warm ones. “I’m not going anywhere. I told him that, but I’ll tell you, too.”

“You don’t owe me anything, sweetheart,” he said with a lopsided smile. “Just a second chance.”

“No need,” you replied softly. “I never wrote you off in the first place.” Bradley’s eyes softened and he opened his mouth just as the doorbell rang. Jake caught your eye over the couch and you pushed yourself to standing as he made his way to the door. You heard footsteps in the hallway and then a familiar voice ringing out through the house.

“Nat!”

“Cassie!” You were on your feet in an instant, Cassie tossing herself into your arms. When you pulled back, you slapped her upper arm a little. “What the fuck, what are you doing here?”

“Had to make sure you did it,” she said, grinning and you laughed. “Now introduce me to all these gorgeous men, why don’t you?”

You chuckled and grabbed her hand, squeezing it tightly. “Guys, this is my cousin Cassie. Cassie, this is Bob, Bradley and my boyfriend Jake.”

“We met,” she said softly, reaching out and pulling Jake into a hug. He hugged her back, a grin across his handsome face as she pulled back. “Nice job, babe.” Jake laughed.

Cassie reached out a hand and shook Bob’s, his ears turning pink at the edges. She turned her blue eyes on Bradley, standing near the couch, taking him in with a long gaze.

“Shit,” she murmured. “Hi there.”

Bradley stepped forward and kissed her cheek. “Hey.”

You rolled your eyes. “Bradley, you asked if I had any cute friends. Well, here she is.”

“Cute is an understatement,” he said quietly and you watched Cassie smirk.

Once she tore her eyes away from Bradley, Cassie looked at you. “Where’s the baby?”

You frowned. “What baby?”

“Ellie.”

Jake laughed. “She’s four, not a baby. And she’s at our friend’s house for the night. Guess you’ll have to meet her tomorrow. That is, if you’re staying the night.”

“Is that OK?” you asked Jake, eyebrow raised. The house had two guest rooms.

“Honey,” he said, sliding one arm around your waist. “It’s your house now. Don’t have to ask me.”

“You two are sick,” Cassie said and Bradley let out a loud laugh. “And yes, I’m staying if that’s OK.” She turned her eyes on Bradley. “Unless this sailor wants to take me out for a drink.”

“Aviator, ma’am,” he corrected and she grinned. “And that’s a hell yes to the drink.”

Cassie slipped her hand into Bradley’s and leaned into your ear. “I’ll be home late.”

You rolled your eyes and kissed her cheek. “Have fun.” You looked up at Bradley. “Watch her, OK?”

“Never gonna take my eyes off of her,” he said quietly and it was the truth. Bradley had an awestruck gaze as Cassie pulled him out of the house and through the front door. Anyone could see it in an instant: he was enamored.

You turned and looked at Jake and Bob and shrugged. “So that’s my cousin Cassie.”

“She’s fun,” Jake said and you laughed. “Guess we’ll see if she comes home tonight.”

"She's a tornado," you said affectionately.

“I think she’s Rooster’s problem now,” Bob said quietly. “Anyway, I should get going.”

Bob kissed your cheek softly and Jake walked him to the front door, thanking him again for his help.

You were washing a wine glass in the sink when Jake’s arms snaked around your waist, pulling you back against his broad chest.

“Welcome home,” he whispered gently in your ear.

You closed your eyes and leaned back against Jake. Felt the warmth of his hands on your hips, the comfort of knowing that he was right there next to you. That he would never let go. You belonged to each other. For the first time in your life, you felt at peace.

A/N: The reunion we've all been waiting for!! This is not the last chapter, but I am not sure how many more chapters there will be. Thank you everyone who has been reading along!

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awkward-tension-art · 2 months ago

Text

Viral Vector Chp.2 (Echo x Reader)

Chapter 1. Chapter 3.

Tarkin

TW: Tarkin being an ass, Omega being cute, Galactic Empire, Swearing, mentions of a fight, reader insert, mentions of medical procedures, Reader is gender neutral, Reader a medical scientist, Echo x Reader, a bit of a slow-burn though

Galactic Empire.

The words left your blood running cold. You were dizzy, sick and lightheaded.

The Republic was gone. In its place was an Empire built on the remains of war.

At this point, the scientists that fled Kamino had the right idea. After such an announcement, you had a single question.

What happens now?

You were so caught up in your own head, you didn't realize that Omega had wandered off. Nala Se looked around, trying to spot the curious, young girl in the hall.

“I’ll find her,” You nodded to the Kaminoan scientist, “I’ll bring her to the clinic, unless you need her for something.”

“No need,” She moved her long arms behind her back, “I will fetch her later.” Without another word, your current employer turned to walk away.

You sighed, shaking your head and starting your search. It didn’t take long, honestly. After a few turns, you spotted her chatting with Clone Force 99.

Hunter was speaking when you walked up, “What are you doing on Kamino, kid?”

Your laugh was relieved and friendly, “Helping me in my clinic,” You greeted, “Despite how much Nala Se and I tell her, she loves to wander.”

Omega grabbed your hand, “How come I never met these guys? You talk about them alot.”

Before you could answer, Echo cut you off with a friendly smile, “And what do they say, Omega?” Oh, his grin was cunning. As if taking full advantage of the situation and hoping to hear something that may fluster you.

“Just that you all like to cause trouble.” She answered, “And that you’re their favorite squad.”

“Aw, you're our favorite doctor on Kamino.” Wrecker chimed all too happy now.

Crosshair rolled his eyes, clearly uninterested in the conversation.

“Of course they’re my favorite.” You ruffled her short hair, “They are my friends. And they make my life exciting. Too exciting sometimes.” Your wink was lighthearted, “But, at least they don’t wander off.”

She looked up at you, having a bright smile, “Sorry…”

“No you're not,” You teased, putting your hands on her shoulder gently, “Come on, we have work to do.” With a smile and a nod, you bid your brief farewell to your friends.

You didn’t know how Echo watched you leave much longer than the others.

Once you were back at your clinic, you had her do menial tasks. Organizing medicine, fetching you supplies, all to keep her busy. There was a clear nervous energy around Kamino, and you knew how easily children could notice and become anxious.

The problem was how efficient she was as an assistant. It didn’t seem long until she was done and watching you analyze some data. She rocked on her heels, hands behind her back as her eyes watched you work.

That girl had too much energy…

“Omega,” You sighed, “Get something to eat, alright?” She scurried off quickly at your words, leaving you alone.

Once she was gone and silence surrounded you, the exhaustion finally struck. You sat down, putting your face in your hands. Every muscle in your body ached.

How long has it been?

All the Jedi killed. War ended. The Republic fell. The Empire rose.

When did you last sleep? Eat?

A headache pounded your temples. Honestly, it felt like your very brain was hitting the sides of your skull.

Rest…that's all you needed. Just some rest.

You were about to stand when the clinic doors opened. Without turning to see who you were talking to, you snapped, “Unless it's an emergency, knock. I could have been working on a patient.”

“Is that any way to speak to a superior, Doctor?”

You whirled around, coming face-to-face with a middle aged man. His steely eyes were cold and unwelcoming. He wore an admiral's uniform, back straight and his arms were clasped behind his back.

Behind him was Nala Se and Lama Su.

“Excuse me, sir.” You lowered your head, “I meant no disrespect. The last couple days have been trying…”

You knew when to bend. When to bow to your betters.

“Do well to remember your place, Doctor.” The Admiral responded, “I am Admiral Tarkin, and I will need you to give me all the health files of every clone you’ve ever treated on Kamino.”

Your thoughts halted.

“What?”

“Is there a problem, Doctor?”

“I…yes. Yes there is a problem.” You responded, “All health files are private. I can’t just give them to anyone who asks.”

“The Empire is reevaluating the usefulness of the clones.” Tarkin remained stern and cold to you, “Examining the overall health of the clones is our starting point. I have direct orders from the Emperor himself to do whatever is necessary to make my decision.”

The fucking Emperor.

That word seemed so foreign in your brain.

You were born in the Republic. The leader was an elected chancellor. But all of that was gone. In its place was an Empire.

“I…oh.” you were dumbfounded. How could you respond? How could you argue? “But…patient confidentiality…”

“Is not applicable,” Nala Se cut in, “The clones are not patients. They are property. Tools to be used.”

The amount of rage you felt had raised your heart rate.

“My answer is no.” you responded, steadfast in your answer. Your brief moment of unbalance disappeared.

Lama Su stepped forward, but Tarkin raised his hand to stop the Kaminoan, “I admire your dedication to your job, Doctor.” The admiral turned, deciding to leave your clinic, “Patient confidentiality can be breached by written orders of the court. once I get those orders, you will have no choice but to hand the health files over to me.”

“If that's the case, then I won't argue.” You crossed your arms, glare heated, “But until I have those orders, I am not giving you anything.”

He looked back at you with a slimy smirk before leaving your clinic. Nala Se and Lama Su both turned, following the admiral obediently.

At this point you were too pissed off to rest. Your anger melted into paranoia. What if you left and Nala Se tried to get the health records without you? Or Lama Su?

You were about to save all files to an external chip when your clinic doors opened again. Your head snapped to the side so quickly you twinged a muscle in your neck.

Echo was brought in on a stretcher, unconscious. Omega was sitting next to him looking worried and apologetic, “I-I i’m sorry!” She cried your name, clearly stressed. “I didn’t mean for this to happen!”

“Woah, woah,” You directed the medical droid to get the knocked-out clone on a proper bed, “What happened?” The droid, AZ-3 you called it, began a proper examination.

Through her tears she explained a brawl in the cafeteria. She had started it, but Wrecker ended it. In the tussle, a clone slammed Echo in the head with a metal tray.

“...Omega,” Your tone was stern, as you examined Echo. You ran a brain scan to make sure there was no permanent damage, “When I told you to get something to eat, I didn’t mean for you to start a food fight.” Your eyes roamed the datapad in your hands.

All clear.

With a sigh, you gave the distressed girl a smile to relax her, “He’s alright. Just got his bell rung.”

“Oh.” she slipped off the hover stretcher and stepped over to Echo’s side.

You reached over the bed and ruffled her short blonde hair, “Don’t start any more fights.”

She giggled, clearly feeling better.

The former ARC trooper groaned, blinking open his pale brown eyes. Within an instant, he threw a punch at AZ-3. “Get off!” he snapped, clearly remembering his time with Skako Minor, “Get them off!” He swung his leg out, kicking another droid.

“But my tests are not yet complete.” The surgical assistant droid approached again.

“Echo,” You moved swiftly to his side, “Echo, look at me.” Your voice was soft and gentle, bringing him back to reality. You didn’t touch him, knowing how badly he could react if restrained, “It's alright. You’re safe. You’re in my clinic.”

It took a bit more gentle coaxing for the ARC trooper to snap out of it. He sat up, breathing heavily and looking around. With a sigh, he put his hand to his face.

“I don't like being hooked up to their machines either,” Omega chimed in, earning a small smile from your friend.

“Hello, CT-1409,” AZ-3 hovered over.

The smaller girl frowned and responded before you could, “His name is Echo.”

Your smirk was obvious. She was clearly in a better mood from earlier.

The hovering droid leaned forward, getting closer into Echo’s face, “I am AZI-345211896246498721347, your assigned medical droid.” As it repeated its full droid name, your clinic doors opened.

The rest of Clone Force 99 step through the threshold. Hunter perked up, looking relieved to see Echo already awake.

“Ha!” Wrecker laughed, “Told you he was alive! You owe me two credits!” He pointed a large finger at Crosshair, who looked entirely unamused.

With the newcomers in the clinic, AZ-3 hovered over to them, no longer focused on Echo, “CT-1409's condition is stable, But I have some distressing news for the rest of you.” The droid’s words caused a thick silence to fill the air before it continued, “According to your test results, you all appear to be genetically defective clones.”

You shared a look with the ARC trooper on the bed. When the hovering medical bot didn’t get a response, it chimed in again, “I will leave you to process the shock of this revelation.”

…Droids…

Echo fully sat up with a sigh, “We’ve got a problem.”

“Not really. We're more deviant than we are defective,” Tech spoke up finally.

“Not that.” He shook his head, “Admiral Tarkin's here. He's the one evaluating the clones.”

Tarkin.

The older man's name left a bitter taste in your mouth. You huffed, “Right. I met him earlier. Real piece of work.”

“The same Tarkin from the Citadel rescue when you, uh…” Tech looked down, finding a way to politely continue.

Wrecker, however, cut off his brother, “Blew up?” He had a goofy smile, as if cracking the funniest joke.

“And turned into that?” Crosshair snarked.

“Assholes.” You mumbled, shooting the sniper an angry glare.

With a sigh, Echo continued, “Yes…And he's not a big supporter of clones.”

Hunter approached, his expression was calm, but stern, “We'll soon find out. We've been summoned by the prime minister.” His brown eyes roamed over everyone in the medical bay.

Your heart dropped.

Oh no…

Echo sighed again and shifted, getting to his feet. He cast a small smile to you, “It’ll be alright. This isn’t the first time.”

Wrecker laughed rather loudly, “Guess he didn't find that mess hall fight amusing. But I sure did!” He even gave Tech a brotherly hit to the shoulder.

Tech, however, did not look so amused. Neither did Crosshair.

Omega, however, had a proud smirk on her face.

“Hey,” You ruffled her short blonde hair, “No more fights. Even if Wrecker approves.” She giggled in response.

You missed how Tech narrowed his eyes on her. As if analyzing a specimen of some sort. He remained silent, simply observing.

Hunter put a hand on his hip and sighed, “Well, we still need to speak to the prime minister for what happened. Let’s go.” the squad leader didn’t look back as he began to walk out of your clinic.

Omega bolted from your side, “Wait!” Her hands were up as she stopped in front of the squad, “The fight was my fault. I'm going too.” She was resolute in her words.

“Omega…” You walked over to her, putting a hand on her shoulder. Before you could say anything else, Hunter shot her down.

“Not happening. We'll handle this.” He motioned for her to step aside.

“But…” She tried to argue, but you knelt to be eye level with her. The others walked past you, leaving the clinic to find Lama Su and take whatever reprimand they were going to be given.

“Omega, these guys know how to handle the prime minister,” You tried to be kind to her, “They’re Clone Force 99, they’re the best and Lama Su knows that's. Nothing bad is going to happen.”

Echo paused in the doorway and looked back at the two of you. There was a tug in his heart at how gentle you were with the child. He tried not to linger, but it was hard to pull away.

Hunter had to grab his arm and get his attention back, “You ok?” the sergeant asked, one brow raised.

“Y-yea, I am.” The ARC trooper sighed, “I’m fine.”

The squad leader wasn't convinced, but didn’t pry any further. Something Echo was grateful for.

There was…too much to think about.

Fives described love to him once. When his batchmate had entered a romantic relationship with a doctor at the Grand Republic Medical Facility. The more rambunctious twin was head over heels, babbling endlessly about their smile. Their eyes. Their personality….

“I’m telling you Echo,” He laughed brightly before downing a shot, “I think I want to spend my life with them when the war is over.”

“I’m happy for you, vod. But you can’t get caught.” Echo remembered his response, “You could be pulled back to Kamino and reconditioned.”

Fives…I think I'm feeling what you felt…I think it’s love.

He learned a week after his rescue that Fives killed his own lover in a fit of insanity. Leaving the ARC trooper as the last domino.

Echo stared ahead, trying not to think about you.

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survivalist-anon · 7 months ago

Text

Log 16: A bark worse than his bite

Pine Hills most reputable bar: Big Foot Saloon. Ironically, we don't get bigfoot sightings here in Pine Hills, but with nearly 8ft space soldiers with occasionally some quirk about will probably confuse a few folks now.

The morning staff now finally get to have that night out drinking they wanted.

Fjord by this point was just enjoying himself, he was more familiar with a bar setting than I thought. He practically blended in, if were-vikings were common place the west coast.

Ronnie and guys were laughing about some plans they're going to make this weekend.

Jonas was telling us a story that happened to her for the billionth time.

Fjord intensively listening. As for me, my brain checked out a little while ago.

"-And so than, I had my tonsils removed, for the thrice", Jonas concluded.

"....Jonas I'm not certain you CAN remove your tonsils more than once...", I'm certain the last time she said 'twice'.

Frank hand walked up to our table with a rather sizable tab. "Here you go folks, hope you enjoyed your drinks", he looks to Fjord who had drunk a horrendous amount of alcohol, specifically beers, IPAs and I believe I recommended him an actual craft mead, he absolutely loved it. Yet he was more sober than I was with my one bottle of hard cider.

"Oh right, ugh, this be my 'treat'," he quickly handed the little bag of gold nuggets to Frank.

Frank takes the bag without question and promptly leaves.

Ronnie looked at me wondering why Frank accepted a mystery bag rather than cash (Frank apparently didn't believe in the American banking system). "Dang, thanks Fjord...that must have been quite the bill. That had to have been like...I don't know hundreds of dollars.".

Jonas nudged my shoulder again, "dang girl, is he loaded too?", giggling.

"Ah no worries, I just wanted to show my appreciation for being so welcoming.", his smiled warmly. Suddenly he snapped to head to the door.

Oh no.

Jeff and his gang were at Frank's tonight. I guess their usual hangover hang out at Tom's house may have gone wrong considering he lives with his mother.

I was sitting next to Fjord and I FEEL his growling. I had to whisper to him, "Fjord ...Fjord not here, you don't need to do anything.".

His eyes were locked on to Jeff, I was starting to get scared of he was going to kill him in front of everyone in the bar.

His friends from the station were laughing, meanwhile he still looked so drained, a little more rested but drained.

"Hey what are you looking at asshole!?", Tom aggressively spoke to Fjord from all the way across the bar.

Jeff turned around to see who it was...I could tell there was something brewing in him. I would feel more sympathetic to him if it weren't for everything I'd gone through with him.

His eyes shot to Fjord, it was a look of jealousy.

Fjord was standing his guard. Me and him knows he could take every single one of them. However I was more worried of the scene this could cause.

The others at our table began to worry, Ronnie looked at Jeff, than to Fjord. Whom by this point resembled a guard dog than that tall strong friendly weirdo who made wolves howl.

"Lorey, what's going on? Does Fjord know those guys?", the concern in his voice began to match my anxiety with the situation. I look to him and began to gently touch Fjord's arm to calm him down.

"Fjord, you can relax. Please. He isn't going to do anything....he can't anyway.", I felt like I didn't get through to him yet. So, I pull his arm a little, put my arm around his shoulders and place my face on to his, I didn't care about the pungent alcoholic smell from either of us... just close as contact I could get sitting next him.

It was for some... primordial reason....all I could think of doing.

Fjord, finally began to loosen his guard. "Lass?".

"Please Fjord, I'm ok, you're ok, and everyone here is ok...", all I could do is speak as if I was soothing him. I'm not even sure if it was the correct way to do it, but it was working.

He shuffled closer and wrapped his arm around me. "Yes, ok...thank you lass....".

It was a strange moment, time stopped, the sounds of the bar faded out, and it was just our hearts beating.

"Hey, man, come closer to us and-", Jonas was threatening someone as I had my eyes closed.

"-or what... you'll call the cops?", a dead toned, familiar voice had rung out.

"oh shit.", I whispered. I look up to see Jeff.... just standing next to our table. The look on his eyes was of betrayal? Bags under his eyes and an unblinking stare.

"Jeff.... seriously. Please leave us alone.", Ronnie and the guys at our table had not begun to raise their guard.

"....who's....the red head....", Jeff didn't ask...he just made a statement disguised as a question.

Fjord just turned to him, expressionless as he could muster. "....Fjord....you must be Jeff...."

"yeah..... you're not from around...are you?", Jeff was just looking at Fjord, trying to make sense of him. This huge, big red haired man, something about Fjord reminded Jeff of.... monsters...".... where are you from...Fjord?"

Jonas interrupted, "He's from Europe, Jeff, of course he's not from around here.", although Jonas could have been off by a few light-years. Her comment actually helped.

"oh...like...where.... Ireland.... Scotland?....", he continued monotonly.

Having no idea where or what was either of the two countries, "Yes. Both.", I couldn't help but think maybe Fjord was messing with him. "I have family there.".

Jeff just stared at him, than to me. "....you moved on pretty qui-", suddenly Fjord just barked at him.

"Wrouff!", it was as if I had a large but gentle dog next to me.

The scream Jeff let out along with the startled jump he did was the greatest comedic timing one could ever ask for. Not even on accident you could ask for a better jump scare.

He fell to the floor as his Tom, Beck and Mark help him up, "See I told you we should have gone to Portland today!", Beck scolded Tom.

"What and have my girlfriend find out?! Hell no.", he refuted.

Struggling to get his friend up as he was a bit tangled in the chair he felt on, "You asshole it was your idea!", Mark squeaked.

The gang was laughing harder as some of the patrons, who already had their share of grievances with Jeff's gang of friends, began to laugh too.

"Come on man! He wasn't even that loud.", Ronnie cackled.

I hid my laughter so I didn't make it worse for Jeff, Fjord's laugh sounded like the victorious chuckle of some fantasy hero who's just defeated a dragon.

"What is the matter lad? Dog got yur tongue?", Fjord quipped, the laughing continued.

Jeff quickly shuffled up to his feet, "YOU SON OF A BITCH! THATS ASSAULT OF AN OFFI-", Tom tapped his shoulder.

"Bro that isn't going to work there likes several witnesses and Chief already said you can't just say that.", Tom had made a serious point. Jeff for the longest time had always used that excuse whenever he had been inconvenienced by some of the people around. Now, it's completely pointless to do so.

Huffing angrily, "I'll get you for this! FORD!".

Tilting his head, "Ugh...it's Fjord.".

"WHATEVER YOU FUCKING SWED!!!!", he huffed again and looked at me.

Probably hoping for some cheesy revelation that Fjord is some highschool picking on the little guy trope....but it's not going to work anymore.

I just gave him a look of pity. "Jeff... please. I'm sorry for what's happened between us...but its really over now...".

The ball dropped for him right there. "...you know what....fuck it lets-", he was about to put up his fists until a heavy hand was placed on his shoulders. It was Frank.

Frank the only retired Navel officer in the whole time. He had trained out at sea for a better part of his youth, took absolutely no shit from anyone....and he wasn't just going to let a bar fight happen in his nice and reputable place.

"No pig fights allowed.", it was barely a warning, he just dragged Jeff outside along with Tom in tow, Beck and Mark were also being forced out but his brother and husband. All four where kicked out of his bar. "AND STAY OUT, chumps.". He went back behind the bar and went on like nothing happened.

Fjord was impressed by this, "Oh...thank you Frank! I owe you a debt of gratitude!", he waved.

Frank just grumbled to himself just satisfied that no one split nose blood on his nice clean wood flooring. "Oh, Pauly, can you please call Chief Colt and tell him his rascal son is causing a commotion again. He's also banned.".

Pauly cocked his eye, "Wasn't he banned from here last time for that Christmas party last year?".

Frank stopped for a quick second to think about that, "...well he's banned again until I forget.".

After a few more minutes, it was finally closing time.

Ronnie checked if it was clear for us to go to back to our cars. These guys were still police officers after all. "ok, looks like they left."

As everyone headed back to their cars and said their goodbyes, me and Fjord head back home.

I sighed from the fun, all though a little bit too close for a close shave situation, we had back at the bar. "Fjord I have to ask, why are you still so sober? I swear you had drunk like 2 gallons of beer or something.".

Licking his lips remembering the mead likely enough, "Oh yes. You see lass, all Astartes had a special organ implanted in us. It helps filter and purify any contaminats, poisons or anything that could inebriate us. However, life can be pretty boring of you're sober lass. So...we the mighty Vlka Fenryka, had found a cure for such an issue...MJORD. Unfortunately...I can kill mortals like you just by getting a whiff.", he laid back a little.

"Ah yeah, I remember you telling me that...", the mystery toxic concoction he told me about a while ago had me wondering. "...what is it made of?"

He gave a tilted smile, "heh, nothing that could be made 'ere on earth. It requires the vegetation and Fenric roots to ferment for weeks, than a ceremony has to be done to purify it so it don't just turn into some nurglelin sludge.", he huffed a little and looked out the car window to see the stars. "....I wonder where Fenris is from this planet....".

I could tell he was homesick, "you miss your home don't you?", I glanced over to him laying down comfortably.

"Well ...yes, there are aspects of Fenris I do miss...yet...so far here has been great too....it's... peaceful."

The word peaceful may mean two different things from both our perspectives. In my eyes, the world had gotten very dangerous....wars, the climate, the looming doomsdays that supposedly needs to happen.

Maybe from his world view, this place is peaceful not because it is.... because it isn't the world he is use to.

"Yeah, it's nice out here, I'm wondering...do you think I'd like Fenris if it was possible of me going?", wondering what he would say.

He looked at me a with shock, "Would fancy bein frozen the second you step foot on the cold sharp winds lass?", he said it with much urgency it was cute.

I giggled a little from his reaction, "no not really, funny enough it sounds like you lived in a place similar to Antarctica. It's the coldest place I know for certain.".

He sat there wondering about what I said, "ugh... pardon me lass but where is Antarctica?".

"It is a cold, isolated place in the most southern pole of Earth, it's name purely defined by the fact it has no bears.", I felt the need to throw that little tidbit.

The cogs in his brain were trying to figure out how dangerous were the bears on earth to the point we named a whole continent after not having bears.

He just laughed off, "Alright lass, such a strange planet this is... wonderfully strange."

We drove back home with the volume of the car low.

As we get out of the car, I checked my new yellow mail box for regular mail. Nothing new, just bills and useless advertisements.

We head inside and lay down to relax after an eventful day.

"So lass, I believe it is time for your slumber I presume?", he sat on the couch, laying his head back watching me place my things on the kitchen table.

"yeah, it's past midnight, lucky for me I have a day off tomorrow.", as I tell him this, that business card falls right out of the pocket.

"hmm.... Ben....I wonder....", I remember what Ben and his gang wanted to do but I had begun to wonder how much they knew of the space marines. "Hey Fjord, let's go out tomorrow. I want to do some...reconnaissance.".

He turns around, "Oh, what for lass? Is there something you think Aldercon needs to know about?", he gives a cheeky grin.

"Maybe, there's a guy in town who tries to find Space Marines. I'm wondering how much he actually knows...you know....to see if he could be helpful or a threat?", I look at him, he knows what I mean by threat.

"oh ok lass, do you need me to do anything for now?", he asked.

A bit of a strange question, "ugh, no I'm fine. I better get to bed.", I yawned a little, I get a glass of water for him if he needed something to drink in the middle of the night. "Goodnight Fjord, I'll see you in the morning.". I give his head a little scratch and caress.

"hmmm, goodnight lass.", his eyes close as he dozed off.

I turn off the lights and head to my room.

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

Driving down the highway, a large bus full of people drive past the welcome sign of Pine Hills.

There was noise in the bus, chanting, incantations humming in the air.

The driver.....blank masked man.

An old, greyed lady in bright, fashionably colored robes lifts her hand up. "STOP."

The bus makes a stop in a camp parking lot, the bus door eerily opening, with the clapping of her sandles, the lady steps out and examines the clearing. She looks to the stars, uttering in tongues to herself.

Praying to something....or someone.

Turning around, with a terrible grin on her face, "COMMENCE....the pilgrimage! TO THE GREAT ONE!", pointing dramatically to the forest trail. "HE awaits.....".

As her command was heard by the group of 20 or so people. As they all get out from the bus in a single file line. They collect their things, and march to the mountain ridge.

The lady stays behind, waves her hand at the bus....as a pinkish and blue glow emanates from her palm, a familiar sigil appears.

The bus begins to fold, unnaturally like if it was being crumpled like a piece of paper. The driver inside, unreactive to what was happening. He too, began to fold like paper. With metal bending, glass cracking and plastic squeaking.

The bus had shrunk down into the size of a model toy version of the bus. The driver was strunken as well.

The lady walked up to the bus, picking it up and peaking into the bus. "Soon...the great one will consume this pathetic world...and create a new world. HEHEHE HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHA!", her manic laughing echoed through the night.

What had once been considered an impossibility, had now begun to leak...into our world.

End of Log 16

@kit-williams @barn-anon @egrets-not-regrets

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#space marine husbandry #warhammer 40k #space marine #survival log #space marines #space marine husbandry sentience #space wolves

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