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inadaydream99 · 3 years ago

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Safe

A/N - Hey! This is just something I’ve been slowly working on for a while now. I thought I’d post this while I’m working on requests and also because I think I’m finally happy enough with how it’s turned out ☺️

It’s amazing how something you usually find so causal and comforting now suddenly puts you on edge. Never before had you felt so uncomfortable being so close in proximity to your best friend Juyeon. The way his arm is linked through yours, his fingers drawing delicate swirls along your forearm as you sit closely together in the dark room, the only light coming from the tv.

Subtle skin-ship is something that Juyeon has done since you’ve know him, a mindless habit he has that, although you’ve never bought up with him, makes you feel safe.

Except for right now. And it’s all Younghoon and Chanhee’s fault.

If they hadn’t teased you about your feelings for Juyeon, or so they adamantly believe, you never would have thought so deeply about every little ounce of contact or interaction between you and your best friend. To put it plainly, you’re insecure because of their opinions.

It’s evident you feel tense, the hairs on your arms raised as goosebumps appear in the wake of the patterns he draws. You’re hyperaware of Juyeon’s fingers as they softly trail along your skin but you’re sure he’s none the wiser to your reaction. From your peripheral vision you can see his wide eyes focused onto the movie playing out on the tv in front of you. You, however, couldn’t care less what was going on, the characters so dull and one dimensional and the plot was so confusing that you didn’t want to even try to keep up with it.

You gasp when out of the blue the scene takes a turn for the more romantic, shifting awkwardly and clearing your throat as you shuffle away from Juyeon a little. You were definitely not expecting for the two main characters to suddenly begin ripping each others clothes off in the animalistic fashion they are; growls and gritted teeth chewing away at the other in an attempt to have an interesting twist on the classic passionate love scene.

You shyly gaze to look at Juyeon, his hands now calmly placed in his lap, having drawn away from you when you’d moved. He’s still fixated on the screen, his expression unreadable and his lips etched in a firm line. You can tell he’s suppressing the awkwardness he feels, judging from the way he gulps. Not that that provides you with any more comfort as you flicker your gaze briefly back to the tv to see that it’s only getting more and more intense.

“I-” you begin, your face growing hot as the moans from the tv begin at the exact same time you decide to speak. “I’m going to get another drink.” You squeak, head bowed low as you hurriedly stand from the sofa and rush away into the safety of the kitchen.

For the first time Juyeon’s focus isn’t on the tv, instead his gaze follows you as you get away. He had no idea the movie he’d chosen to watch had a scene of such nature and the fact that it had so clearly made you uncomfortable worried him.

Closing the fridge and frantically opening the can of soda, you quickly chug as much as you can to calm your nerves. You know you’ve made it too obvious now, Juyeon’s bound to have realised how affected you are and yet, you are really hoping he hasn’t.

Why did you have to let Younghoon and Chanhee get into your head like this! It’s not like they know how you or Juyeon feel about each other. You can think of plenty of friends that have loads of skin-ship, theirs being one of them. And you refuse to admit that Juyeon could feel anything for you that isn’t platonic, so where’s the issue with being close?

“Are you ok (Y/N)?” You jump out of your dizzying thoughts, standing bolt upright as your shocked eyes land on Juyeon’s concerned gaze.

“I’m fine, really.” You meekly smile, “That scene just caught me off guard.” You let out an awkward chuckle afterwards. Neither of you are sure where to look, a silence settling between you that leaves you unsure of what to say next.

You’re not sure how you would describe the feeling you have towards Juyeon in this moment; alien-like possibly? Whatever it is, you know something is off between you. You can tell from the way he’s hardly able to look at you, his eyes constantly flickering back and forth between you and the floor.

Just as you notice Juyeon is about to speak up a sudden burst of noise interrupts. It makes you jump as you hear voices echo around you and the sound of the front door slamming shut a second afterwards.

“If I was trying you never would have won.” Eric rolls his eyes, his comment falling on Jaehyun’s deaf ears as he laughs the youngers jealous comment off. It’s apparent that they’ve gotten into some lighthearted dispute between them on their way back home, not that you can keep your mind focused onto their sassy comments.

You do notice, however, that you find yourself unable to wipe the dazed-like look from your face as you watch them both causally stroll into the kitchen where you and Juyeon are stood and begin opening cupboards, retrieving drinks and snacks without batting an eyelid at you both.

It’s not until their talking simmers down that Jaehyun notices you, his brows instantly furrowing in confusion as he eyes your tense posture.

“What’s going on here?” He tilts his head, gaining Eric’s attention from his phone screen as he leans up on the counter next to him.

“We were just watching a movie.” Juyeon responds quickly and it comes out sounding like an excuse when reality is it’s true.

“In the kitchen?” A devilishly cheeky smirk appears on Jaehyun’s face. “Where there’s no tv?” He adds, an amused laugh escaping him.

“No, in there.” Juyeon points to the living room behind him, his expression the complete opposite of his friend’s.

“Why’s it so awkward between you then?” Your attention flickers to Eric as he narrows his eyes in suspicion. You can sense that he’s sussing things out, and knowing that he is usually quite quick to catch onto these sorts of things, it’s only a matter of time before he blurts something you don’t want to hear.

You cast an unsure gaze to Juyeon, hoping he gets the message from you to quickly turn the conversation away from yourselves.

“We were just having an argument.” Your eyes almost pop out of your head with how wide they go at his sudden excuse. That was definitely not what you were thinking he’d come up with, but really you should have known better than to put Juyeon under pressure like that. It’s never turned out well previously. The only response you can give is a forced laugh, hoping you’ll simply come across as flustered.

You watch Jaehyun and Eric exchange glances before the former speaks up.

“Okayyyy, we’ll leave you to it then.” Jaehyun pushes himself off from leaning back against the counter, making his way out of the kitchen. Eric instantly follows without a word; quite unusual for him, but you do notice the sly wink he sends in Juyeon’s direction as he walks past.

You’re officially dumbfounded. As is Juyeon, judging by the way he creases his brows at Eric in response.

“They definitely think there’s something else going on between us, don’t they.” Juyeon rocks back and forth on his feet, hands stuffed into his jean pockets as you notice him trying to suppress the deep blush that begins to creep up his face.

“Probably.” You shrug. “But there’s not, right?” You shoot your friend a questioning gaze, silence once again settling between you. You instantly regret asking that, your hands becoming more and more clammy as the silent seconds pass.

“It feels like everyone thinks we’re secretly dating though. Just yesterday I had Sangyeon asking me about us.” Ah Sangyeon and his love of love, it always brings a smile to your face whenever you see him get excited by the prospect of it.

It’s incredibly endearing how much of a hopeless romantic he is. You even remember when he “accidentally” made Changmin and Eric kiss as forfeit at the last game night just because he finds it so amusing. And you love that about him. Except when it concerns you and Juyeon.

Instead, it makes you feel somewhat queasy… not in the repulsive way that most people associate the feeling with. But, rather, in a stomach twisting, heartbeat racing, head spinning, euphoric way.

“Pft, that’s ridiculous!” You awkwardly chuckle. Now you’re just as flushed as each other. “I had the same thing with Younghoon and Chanhee too.” You add, hoping that if you keep the conversation going then you won’t focus so much on how hot the room has become.

What you don’t notice, while you begin to ramble away about how persistently annoying that had been, is how Juyeon’s whole demeanour changes. He’s no longer feeling timid about sharing how he truly feels about you because now he can see that you feel the same.

“Is it though?” You freeze upon hearing Juyeon’s question, forced smile falling off your face. “Is it ridiculous?” He repeats for clarity.

You notice how his tone, despite being soft, is serious. His expression matching and his eyes now intently staring into yours.

It’s like being in a trance. You can see him moving closer to you and his arm reaching out to touch yours. But you can’t seem to break away from his stare.

“N-no.” You breath. “It’s not.”

You mimic the warm smile that slowly stretches across Juyeon’s face at your confession, simultaneously noticing the little patterns that he draws on your arm with the pad of this thumb. You instantly relax. Just knowing that he’s not scared is all you need.

“Ew! What were they watching!” You hear Eric shout in disgust, Jaehyun’s laughter following after. They must have seen the scene paused on the tv.

“Maybe we should get out of here before they tease us.” Juyeon suggests, grabbing your hand in his with an elated grin when you nod in agreement.

It’s safe to say that from then on neither of you had to worry about any more accusations from your friends. Although, the incessant teasing and pestering might not go way anytime soon.

#the boyz fluff #the boyz oneshots #the boyz drabbles #the boyz x reader #the boyz imagines #the boyz scenarios #the boyz juyeon #tbz fluff #tbz x reader #tbz oneshots #tbz juyeon #kpop fluff #kpop x reader #kpop scenarios #kpop imagines #kpop oneshots #kpop drabbles

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palmtreepalmtree · 3 years ago

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I'm gonna do a little life vent dump here and some of it's a little heavy shit so please feel free to ignore it or move along if you're not up for it, I totally get that. <3

This was a fucking hard weekend. I looked at myself in the mirror this morning and had to laugh cause it looks like I got hit by a truck instead of looking like I slept for 7 hours.

Anyhow, a close friend has been diagnosed with breast cancer, which is as shitty as we all know it is. She's swimming in a world of uncertainties and good news and then bad news, and all the range of emotions in between. I went over to her place on Sunday with another friend to take a long walk to coffee and then a park. When I first talked to her about this last week she seemed pretty optimistic all things considered (it was early, a not very aggressive type, etc.) but in the interim she had received some complicating news and was back to feeling crazy high anxiety about it, and no longer knew what treatment would be.

Statistically, I feel like everyone I know and love should be immune from cancer at this point cause I've already had my full and fair share. But that's not how statistics work and that's not how life works and I fucking really hate that.

Also, one of my mom's good friends died on Saturday. It was not sudden - she'd been suffering from heart failure for some time. But she was not a particularly old lady so it's hitting my mom and her friend group pretty hard. This was a woman I knew well and loved, so I'm going to miss her as well in my way. She always made me feel warm and loved when we saw each other. She felt like everyone's aunt. I can't remember her once ever saying or doing something unkind. She was never snippy. She had a great laugh and a great sense of humor. That's a legacy I'd like to live up to.

Then this morning, another good friend of my mom's has been admitted to the hospital with what sounds like a pretty serious stroke. This is the woman who has been dealing with memory loss issues (I think I've mentioned that around here before). So my mom called very shaken up and upset.

Anyhow, it's all just a lot, which is why I felt like I needed to just get it out here. Even after all I've been through with losing my dad and so many members of my family, I don't feel any more emotionally equipped to handle sad and difficult things when they come. I try to remember the things that helped me before, or helped me help other people.

With covid it's going to be really difficult to help my friend with breast cancer. I can't stop my life for her, but it was clear after an incident yesterday (more on that later, I guess) that she's going to not want to have much direct interaction with people moving forward if they're (sort of maybe we don't know) exposed to (the risk of) covid.

With my cousin, I've always just tried to be an ear for her and a lighthearted distraction when she needs it. Our texts to each other are pretty silly. But with my friend, it's long past since we've had the type of friendship with a lot of laughs and lightheartedness. She's just not that sort of person. Our time together is usually spent discussing career stuff and her kids and family. I've often wondered to myself why we don't laugh very much. I laugh all the time with other people. I know that my sense of fun is very different from hers.

Anyhow, I wrote a whole side note about something else here, but my mom has called me three times since I started writing this message and my Monday staff meeting starts in 45 minutes, so I guess I better just finish this and get to work.

Thanks for listening to me vent. I'll probably be processing this stuff for a while, but I appreciate that this is a place I can do that.

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fangirlovestuff · 4 years ago

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Smile - Thor Odinson x reader

a/n - hey lovely people!! this is for this lovely request by @cotton-candy-clouds-26 , thank you!! i just couldn’t bring myself to write Steve cheating, i love him and i just don’t think he’d do that, but i hope it’s okay. enjoy!<3

Summary: you and Steve break up and it’s rough, but luckily there’s someone out there that helps you get over it. you could say he’s worthy of your affections (i had to hehe)

Word Count: 3k

Warnings: Some curse words and a little angst

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"Steve?" you called out, "you ready to go?"

"Just a couple seconds!" he replied, and you sat down on the couch, scrolling on your phone while you waited for him.

It was your six months anniversary, and you were getting ready to go to dinner with Steve. He's been acting a little weird the past few days, and it was starting to raise your suspicion.

Maybe he's getting me a surprise, you tried to shrug your worry off. You knew Steve wasn't that good at keeping secrets, especially from you, and you'd try and get it out of him tonight.

"Ready t-" you began to ask, but stopped once you saw he was wearing a t-shirt and jeans. "Stevie, you know I love your t-shirts," you said, appreciatively eying the bulge on his muscles revealed by the sort, tight sleeves, "but I was under the impression we're going to a fancy restaurant tonight. You know, the kind that won't appreciate anyone, including Captain America, coming in a t-shirt and jeans," you smirked.

"I'm not going," he sighed, sitting down next to you.

"You're not goi- is everything alright? Are you feeling unwell? I mean, I didn't even know you could get ill, but-"

"I'm not sick," he shook his head, "I just… I thought I could give you this one nice night, but I can't."

"What do you mean you can't? Steve, what's going on? Are they calling you on a mission or something?"

"No, no mission. Not today anyway." He took a deep breath before he continued. "I think we should break up."

Your mouth agape, it took you a couple of seconds to register what he just said. You closed your mouth and swallowed. "What?" you asked, your voice nearly a whisper.

"I'm sorry," he said, averting his eyes to the floor, "I just… I don't think I feel the same way about you anymore, and I don't wanna hold you back or anything. I thought the right thing to do was to treat you to a nice dinner before I…" he trailed off, his eyes fixed ahead of him, away from you, "Anyways, I couldn't do it. I didn't want to lie to you, or lead you on. You deserve better than that," his gaze finally turned to you, waiting for your response.

You didn't know what to say. You knew he was acting weird, but you'd have never seen this coming. "So this is it?" you asked disbelievingly. "This is how we end?"

"Look, I'm so-"

"Sorry, yeah, I know." You took a deep breath, willing your tears away. "I think I'll just go home," you got up, getting your stuff.

"Wait, I didn't cancel the reservation. If you wanna go yourself you— can," he called after you, the last word after you'd slammed the door behind you.

Outside of Steve's room, you let out a shuddering breath. He was living in the Avengers compound, so you had to keep yourself together until you got out of here, in case any of them saw you. You started getting outside, but your distracted state of mind probably led you to take a wrong turn in one of the corridors, because now you had no idea where you are.

"Shit," you mumbled under your breath before turning to look around you. You heard what you thought was the noise of a TV from behind one of the doors, and you knocked on it tentatively. You heard some shuffling and then the door opened to reveal none other than Thor. You know, God of Thunder Thor. God of Thunder Thor that was standing in front of you right now, waiting for you to say something because you were the one that knocked on his door.

You willed your brain to go back to functioning. "Um, hi," you said hesitantly, "I was just… I was on my way out of the compound and I got lost. Could you, um, point me in the right direction?"

"Of course," his voice was deep, you could almost feel it rumbling around you when he spoke. "Who are you looking for?"

"Oh, just the exit," you shrugged.

"Alright. I apologized, I just assumed, from the way you're dressed…"

"No, it's alright. I was supposed to go to this fancy restaurant for dinner, but then… anyways, I wouldn't want to go alone," you sighed.

"Well, in that case, would you like me to accompany you? I wouldn't mind dining with a lovely lady such as yourself," he smiled.

"Oh," you blinked in surprise. You weren't really planning on it, but you were actually kinda hungry. And hey, eating in a fancy restaurant with Thor does sound a little nicer than eating at home and wallowing in self-pity. The wallowing could wait. "I mean, if you'd like to," you smiled back at him, "but you'd have to put on a suit, something fancy."

"Oh, I'm sure I have one of those," he said, leaving the door open and heading back inside. "Come in," he said, loud enough for you to hear it. You guessed he headed into the bathroom to change, since when you got in all you saw was the room itself. It was simple, not a lot of personal touches. Makes sense since he's probably not here most of the time, but in Asgard, which would also explain why you hadn't met him yet.

"How's that?" he asked, getting out of the bathroom. The suit was slightly tight on his tall, broad frame, but it was more than okay with you.

"Perfect," you smiled, "we'll blend right in."

You drove the two of you to the restaurant, spending the time making small talk about 'Midgard habits', as Thor called them, or, as you called them, social norms.

When you got there, the hostess smiled at you and asked for the name of your reservation. By that point you had nearly forgotten it, but your shoulders sagged as you mumbled "Steve Rogers."

"I'll let you right in," she smiled and led you to your table.

"Wait, so Steve was going to come with you?" Thor asked once you got to the table. "Are you his girlfriend I've heard so much about from Tony?"

"I'm… not his girlfriend anymore," you said, averting your eyes to the table, playing with the napkin.

"Oh."

"He broke up with me today," you said, your voice breaking before you could get your emotions under control.

"My apologies," he offered, and put his hand over yours, "I know how unpleasant it is to be… broken up with."

"Yeah? Who'd ever dump Thor?" you chuckled, raising your gaze to meet him.

"Quite a few people over the years," he smiled, lighthearted.

"Well, I'm sorry," you squeezed his hand in yours.

When you were waiting for the main course, you had an idea. "Hey, you can't get drunk, right?"

"Not on your Midgardian version of booze, no. Why?"

"Perfect. Hey!" you signaled for a waitress to come over, ignoring Thor's questioning look, "Can we get a bottle of the most alcoholic wine you got here?" you smiled.

If the waitress thought the request was weird, she didn't show it. She just told you how much it costs, which nearly made you give it up but you really needed this tonight.

When you were done ordering it and the waitress went to bring it, you turned to Thor. "I know we just met each other, and this probably isn't the best first impression, but please can you just call me a cab at the end of dinner? Because I'm kinda planning to get drunk."

He chuckled, again making you experience the illusion that you could feel the sound between you. "Of course. If that would help."

"That would help a ton, thank you," you grinned at him, just as the waitress came back with your wine and the first course.

A whole bottle of wine consumed exclusively by you and a few dishes later, you knew it was time to go home. You paid the bill, trying not to freak out at how expansive it was. Thor wanted to pay too, but you assured him that it was fine, and it was you that dragged him out here anyway.

While you were standing outside waiting for a cab you could hail, you shivered a little in the cold.

Steve always gave you his jacket when you got cold.

Maybe it was the drinks, the late hour or just plain old breakup sadness, you felt tears come to your eyes, unable to stop them from flowing out.

You started sniffling and Thor noticed, his head immediately turning to look at you. "What's wrong?"

"He left me, Thor," you cried, "I thought everything was fine and he dumped me. And he was nice about it, so I can't even be mad and blame him, and that just means that," you barely contained your sobs, "it means I'm not enough. Everyone leaves me because I'm never enough." You buried your face in his bicep, too wound up in your misery to even notice how nice it was.

"Now, now," his other hand lifted to stroke your hair. It was a little awkward, but in your inebriated state you couldn't care less. "You're more than enough. I met you today and even I know you're wonderful."

You lifted your head to meet his eyes. Sniffling once again, you tried to stop crying. "Thank you," you said once you felt you gained enough composure. "I'm sorry I sprung all of this on you. I'll get a cab, go sleep it off," you said, awkwardness now prominent. God, you just made a fool of yourself in front of… a god. A literal god. Fuck.

"Where do you live?" he asked, seemingly unbothered. You gave him your address. "Well, I believe it's not that far. Do you need to wait for a cab or can you walk home?"

"I mean, I could walk, it's just that New York City at night isn't the safest place for a girl to walk alone," you smiled awkwardly.

"Oh, yes," he frowned, "I suppose you're correct. I could walk you home, if you'd like?"

You looked around. No cabs in sight. "Actually, yeah. That'd be cool."

The chilly night air sobered you up a bit. Once you got to your building, you bid Thor goodbye, thanking him again, before going up to your apartment and stumbling tiredly onto your bed, where you fell into a dreamless sleep.

The next morning, you woke up still wearing yesterday's dress and with a slight headache, groaning as you got yourself out of bed to shower, change and drink some water, get an aspirin.

Once you had done all that, you checked your phone for any messages. You weren't supposed to come into work today, so you weren't expecting anything, but just to make sure. Surprisingly enough, there was a text from a number you hadn't recognized.

It said it was Thor and he asked how are you, but there was no way that was true, right? I mean, you didn't think Thor even had a phone, let alone your number. On the other hand, you couldn't think of anyone else who'd know enough to text you that.

Skeptical, you texted back that you were fine, not too far from the truth but still kind of far, and were planning to spend the day watching movies and eating ice cream, which was the truth.

How'd you get my number? You texted again before he could answer.

Jarvis had it, he texted back. He's quite useful. I do wonder why he won't leave his room.

You laughed. Either this was actually Thor, or it was someone really, really good. Before you could think up a reply, you saw the three little dots signifying he was typing again.

Would you perhaps want some company while you watch these movies?

You gasped out loud even though there was no one there to hear it. Was Thor really asking to come over and watch movies? With you? It was hard to believe. Maybe it is someone else after all.

You texted him he should come over if he wanted to. Thor knew your address, if it was really him, he'd come over. If it was some crazy stalker, you just wouldn't let him in and continue in your plans of bawling in front of some sappy movies. If it was actually Thor… well, you'd have to cry in front of him, you guess.

You already started on your ice cream and started The Notebook, figuring it was a good way to start your wallowing fest, and you were starting to get really into it when you heard a knock on the door. You moved as quietly as you could towards the door, looking through the peephole. To your momentary relief, it was Thor and not some stalker. Why momentary? Because holy fucking shit Thor was standing at your day and you were in your pajamas.

"Just a sec!" you called out. You figured you didn't have time to change, but you at least tried to get your hair in some sort of order before you opened the door, hiding your PJs clad body with it.

"Hi," you smiled bashfully once you closed the door behind him.

"Hello," he said, smiling. "Ah, I see you've already started. What movie is that?"

"Well, it's called The Notebook. Do you know it?"

He replied that no, he didn't, and you explained the plot briefly to him as you sat down, wrapping yourself back up in a fuzzy blanket before taking your ice cream back.

"Oh, where are my manners, would you like some?" you gestured the ice cream towards him.

"Yes, sure!" he nodded, and you were glad he at least knew what ice cream was. If someone hadn't bothered to introduce him that would just be cruel.

You went to get the ice cream, the blanket dragging behind you like a cape, and you returned with another tub of ice cream and a spoon, bringing them to him before sitting back down and starting the movie.

You two didn't speak much throughout the movie. When it got to the really sad parts you started crying silently, but by the ending you were just fully sobbing, and, as it seemed, so was he.

"That was so… sad," he said, "is this the entertainment Midgardians always enjoy?"

"Not always," you said, stopping to blow your nose, "we have happy things too. It's just, I got dumped last night, so I'd like the chance to cry a little, you know?"

"That's fair. And it was very beautiful. They loved each other."

"They did," you said, your eyes filling with tears again.

"What's next?"

You watched some more sad movies, and then introduced Thor to the wonderful world of takeout food while you changed to some rom com, a little more cheerful. He laughed the whole way through, and the movie wasn't even that funny, but you giggled along as well, unable not to join his roaring laughter.

You ended up falling asleep on the couch in the evening, exhausted, mostly emotionally. The next morning when you woke up he was gone, but he did text you that if you needed anything you could tell him.

Over time, you and Thor started hanging out some more. Mostly at your place or outside, since you really didn't want to risk running into Steve.

It took you time, getting over Steve. Time and tears. And really, Thor being there helped. A lot. He was a rock, a shoulder to cry on.

A broad, muscular shoulder to ugly cry on.

At first, the thought of starting something with Thor didn't even cross your mind. Sure, he was sweet, but it was platonic, and you were busy getting over your breakup anyway.

But then, you realized it became something… more. To you at least. Because despite the tears, he didn't leave. Never wanted to.

Long story short, when Thor invited you to go to dinner one night, a few months after you met each other, you tried really hard not to think of it as a date. A friend-date, if anything.

"How's it going?" you asked, sitting down in front of him in the small diner.

"Good," he smiled at you, "You?"

"Great," you smiled back.

"So, I have some news," he started, continued once you gave him an encouraging nod, "I have to go back to Asgard in a week or two."

"Oh," you said. It made sense, Thor being on earth as long as he already has been should've raised your curiosity, but you didn't really want to think about it until this moment. "I guess you're happy to go home."

"I am," he hummed, "But… there was something I wanted to ask you before I leave. And be honest. Would you like… well, would you give me the opportunity to court you?"

You sat in stunned silence for a few moments. "Like, you're asking me to date you?" you said incredulously.

"I am," he chuckled nervously, "But you don't have to- I know you might not want to because of Steve and-"

"I haven't thought of Steve for a really long time," you cut him off with a smile, "mostly thanks to you. You make me really happy, and I would love to let you court me," you giggled.

"Really?" he asked, awestruck.

"Really," you smiled, leaning across the table, intending to press a kiss to his cheek. At the last moment he turned, making you plant your lips on his in a soft kiss.

You pulled away smiling, and so was he. He took your hand in his from across the table, and you continued to eat your food like you two usually do. Well, almost. Now there were timid exchanges of looks, gently hand squeezes.

And a breathtaking goodnight kiss.

But it was so natural, so normal, you couldn't bring yourself to admit the absurdity of him being a literal god and you being… just a human.

You spent the week he had left together, making the best of it.

In the future, you'd visit his home, he'd visit yours. And he'll always make sure to remind you you're not just a human, you are, in fact, his favorite one.

It never failed to make you smile.

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this was my first time writing for thor, i hope i did him justice:))

Taglist: @horny-nd-bored @shannon124 @perfectlyharolds @wintersoldierslut @iceebabies @sleepingpapermouse @steverogerswasalwaysworthy @holtzkinnon @angelicl-y @stydia-4-ever @thatoneperson5000 @fangirlfree @kaitcordx25 @bequeening @steve-barry-damon-logan @itscrazycherryblossomcollection @hollandxmarvel @stargazingfangirl18 @readsreblogsfics @onetwo3000 @beritmetal @harrystylesholland @jazbot2000 @anobscurename @xxxtwilightaxelxxx @peggycarter-steverogers @evansphnx12 @starlightcrystalline @procrastinatingsapphictrash

if you wanna join / be removed from a taglist, comment/message me! much love <3

#thor x reader #thor x you #thor odison x reader #steve rogers x reader #thor odison imagine #thor x y/n #thor x female reader #thor odinson x y/n #thor odinson x you #leila's valentine's sleepover

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therosevest · 4 years ago

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happy hawkins holiday hiatus to @mikewheelerthepaladin !! here’s a lighthearted fic + a playlist of songs i listened to a lot while writing, i hope you enjoy 🥳

& a big thank you to @sevensided for putting this together, it’s been super fun <3

It’s the first time he’s been in over a year, really, but he��d entertained the thought of asking Will over the summer, for one last challenge before he left. It never happened, everything went by too fast; and, honestly, Mike didn’t know how to talk to him with the goddamn weight of everything - hi, we’ve barely spoken in the last year and we just almost died, again, and now you’re moving away forever - wanna hang out?

It’s the first time he’s been in over a year, really, but he’d entertained the thought of asking Will over the summer, for one last challenge before he left. It never happened, everything went by too fast; and, honestly, Mike didn’t know how to talk to him with the goddamn weight of everything - hi, we’ve barely spoken in the last year and we just almost died, again, and now you’re moving away forever - wanna hang out?

It’d never been that hard.

And it sucked. The whole thing. Now that Will is gone, it gnaws at him daily that they could have had more time together. Or a proper goodbye, at least. Instead, he spent a lot of time last summer sitting around, figuring out how to approach El and his feelings toward her, and most of all, alone.

But now the Byers are coming home for Christmas. And staying with The Wheelers, on top of it all.

So, seeking some sort of cryptic universal answer to his life problems, Mike returns to the place of a lot of younger memories, of crowding around machines with Lucas and Dustin and Will, a conglomeration of shouting and booing and cheering when one of them topped a high score, of frantically patting down their pockets for a few extra coins.

All of these wistful memories come to halt, however, when he finds a familiar redhead occupying one of their favorite games.

Max glances at him through the screen. “What do you want?”

“Uh, to play?” Honestly, he doesn’t care; he’s not sure he could focus enough to win much anyway. “Kicking your ass would be a plus.”

“Yeah, as if.” Her gaze fixes back on the colorful pixels dancing in front of her face.

Okay, well, she’s not moving anytime soon. He could probably just walk away, but a part of him wants company, even if it’s from someone hellbent on disagreeing with him.

Even when the Party hangs out now, Mike finds himself bickering with Max over what movies to see, where to eat, nearly anything, even when he doesn’t really give a shit. It’s the principle of the thing, and she gets under his skin.

Maybe it’s a good thing.

Mike sighs, leans against one of the neighboring games, and shoves his hands in his pockets. “I don’t really know why I’m here.”

“Well, if you’re looking for me to throw pity money at you, it’s not happening.” After a beat, and losing the level, she kicks at the machine and turns to him. “Now look what you made me do. All your moping and talking - I could’ve beaten that if you would just leave me alone.”

He offers a quarter.

“Forget it.”

“I’ll buy you a pop, then.” She glares at him. “Seriously, okay, this is the first and only olive branch. Take it or leave it.”

After a moment of scowling at him, her arms folded, she slowly concedes, a smug look taking over. “Okay. I’ll take it, Wheeler.”

“So, you’re stalking me at the arcade because… of nothing?”

Mike presses his lips into a line. “I’m not stalking you,” he says, “and it’s not - it’s not nothing. I was gonna ask Lucas or Dustin to come, but… I felt like I needed to be here alone.”

Max sips on her drink. “That didn’t work out.”

“Guess not.”

“So you did need to talk to someone.”

“Guess so.”

God, this is borderline painful. Sitting in a shoddy little booth across from Max, whom he never once intended to have a heart-to-heart with, is a new level of desperation. But here they are.

With the most grandiose sigh he’s ever heard in his life, Max straightens in her chair. “Well, I don’t love giving advice to annoying teenage boys, but I’ve been told I’m good at it. Advice, you know.”

Mike raises an eyebrow. “Was it El who said that, by chance?”

“Bite me.”

Amused, Mike smiles, and he slides the near-empty cup between his hands like a little game, something else to focus on. “Okay, fine, give me some advice.”

Max frowns at him like he’s the biggest idiot in the world. “Maybe give me a situation to work with?” She mutters something under her breath that he doesn’t bother with.

“Well, the Byers are coming home and staying with us, and I wanted to come up with something really nice to do, you know. I know that they’re really nervous because it’s… the holidays have been rough, the past few years.” He finishes his drink and stares at the lid. “They almost refused. So, I dunno, I figured I could do something to make them feel like it’s still home.”

“Oh,” Max nods, finally breaking into a slight smile, “well, cool, you could set up something really romantic for El! She’d love it.”

Right. The girlfriend.

He had no clue where the hell they left things when the Byers moved. About a month ago, Mike called to tell her the distance was confusing and they might need to take a break. He figured she would’ve told Max because, from his understanding, they spoke on the phone on an almost daily basis.

“Sure - yeah, yeah, that’s - it’s a good idea. For sure.”

Max falls back into a confused squint. “Was there something else you had in mind?”

Mike isn’t sure how to get it out without sounding like a total airhead. So he copes with it the best way he can. “You know what, this was dumb. I’ll figure it out myself.” He grabs his jacket and stands to leave.

“No, no, Mike - I want to help.” She’s looking up at him with a genuinely nice expression, holding out a hand to stop him from fully up and leaving. “I’m really good at this stuff, just let me know what I can do. No judgment. I swear.”

“I have to get home tonight anyway,” Mike says cautiously. “Told my mom I’d help with dinner.”

“Can I come over tomorrow?”

He frowns, and something digging at his stomach makes him respond with, “Why do you care?”

Max’s jaw sets. She stands up to meet his eye level and sets a look on him. “Even if I didn’t, even if I couldn’t care less about you, Mike, I care about El. And Will. And I want to be a part of their homecoming. So maybe you could figure out a way to not be a dick about it.” She snatches her drink cup and storms off from the table, leaving Mike to scramble after her with more apologies.

He’s gotta get better at this whole ‘girls’ thing.

He catches up to her outside. “Okay, listen - come over after school tomorrow. We can meet outside by the stairs.”

She barely turns to him, says, “Fine,” and then hops on her bike and rides away.

That’s how Mike ends up with Max in his basement, slowly walking and examining his things, but not touching any of them, thankfully.

It’s going alright, thus far. A part of him feels like he should reach out to Lucas and Dustin, too, since they’re also Will’s best friends. But something about this… works. He and Max can’t seem to stay entirely civil in each other’s company, but she gets something. And she hasn’t brought up El even once since yesterday.

“So, I’m gonna come up with a really cool campaign - well, I’ve been working on it, and I can tell you about it - “ Max lifts herself on tiptoe in his peripheral vision, “ - but anyway, we can pull an all-nighter, if everyone’s up for it, and make snacks and drinks and stuff, and we can have movies on for you guys, and I thought I might even look for some costumes because I really think Will would get a kick out of it. I can put lights up, too - “

“You draw?”

Max’s back is to him, as she’s looking over his wall of posters and pinned pictures. As he steps closer, he realizes her eyes are fixed on a sketch that definitely bears some resemblance to him.

“No, Will sent me those,” he says quickly, not wanting to seem like a giant narcissist, because Will’s drawing is - how can he say it - beautiful. “He’s been using charcoal a lot recently, he told me he got some new art stuff. I think he wants to send one of all of us.”

Max turns to him, and he can’t tell if she’s tearing up for some reason, but she quickly wipes any sign of tears away. “That’s so neat,” is all she says at first. There’s a small silence between them, and she’s just looking at him, and he has no idea what the hell he should say. “He’s such a good person,” she adds quietly, “I wish I got the chance to really know him.”

Mike’s breath hitches for a few seconds. “Yeah. I mean, he mentioned hanging out with you a few times.”

A smile lifts the girl’s cheeks. “Yeah, to bitch about you, mostly.”

“Hey!” he protests, but he can’t help but smile too, this time. This might just be their most pleasant interaction to date. “He never mentioned that.”

“I don’t know how he could, all you freakin’ do is talk.”

“Whatever.” Mike messes with some Christmas crafts on the table, holding them up in his vision to see where they might fit in the basement. He clears his throat. “You know, El and I, uh - we split.”

Max nods slowly. “She said you guys don’t call much.”

“No, we didn’t. I mean, I don’t even call Will, we just write.” He leans against the table, eyes glazing over as he looks over years of memories, dorky craft nights, and shitty school projects that he or his mom made a point to keep. “It’s too hard to talk - to either of them, you know. I didn’t think I could hear their voices without…”

Max cuts him off. “I get it.” She crosses over to the table, helping him pull apart old paper snowflakes. “I’m just the opposite. I’m scared if I don’t talk to them, I’ll convince myself it was all fake. And maybe it’d be for the better, but I’m glad I knew them. Even if only for a little while.”

Mike bites down on his lips, attempting to bury all the emotion threatening to spew out of him. “Yeah.”

Max finally looks up at him, and though they seem to have shared a moment, she snaps back out of it. “All offense, Mike, these are ugly as shit. I’m helping you make new ones, okay?”

“It’s for the memory!”

“No more living in the past.” She raises her eyebrows at him, and he pinches his face in annoyance, so she says, “Okay, you can put them up, in like, little corners, but we’re making new ones. Surprise. Work with me here, Michael.”

“It’s my basement, Max.”

“Did you or did you not ask for my help?”

Mike blinks. “Not really.”

She throws a crafty paper star at him. “Shut up, you’re glad I’m here.”

He shakes his head and moves on, but though he may never admit it, a part of him really is glad.

Weeks pass in what feels like a span of days or maybe hours, with Mike and Max sorting out their surprise plans with a typical amount of bickering - but hey, they get it done. Max has lots of opinions about decorations and music that make Mike roll his eyes, but she’s got a good eye and she offers to help with baking, which is not a strong suit of his. Yes, they throw a lot of streamers at each other, and threaten to storm out every other hour, but it gets done.

And the day is finally here.

Mike pulls himself into his best festive sweater and eyes himself in the mirror. He messes with his hair, though the long, wavy curls never seem to fall exactly into place - maybe growing it out was a mistake - and tugs at the creases of his sweater, letting out a huffy breath. None of it is working with him. When he can’t stand looking at himself anymore, he dashes down to the kitchen to help his mom with desserts.

She smiles when he plops into a seat. “You okay, honey? You seem a little tense.”

Mike jolts. “Uh, yeah, just excited.”

“Good! Joyce said the kids haven’t stopped talking about the trip for weeks.”

Great. “I hope we live up to the hype.”

“Oh, Mike. You know you don’t have to try that hard.” Karen stops frosting for a moment to look at him. “Will’s your best friend. El is excited to see you,” she nudges at him, and he coughs out a nervous laugh, “and Joyce thinks you’re an angel-”

“God, mom-”

“I’m serious. Don’t worry so much.” She leans forward on her forearms. “I know you think every problem in the world is on you, but it’s not. It’s enough just to be around the people you love. If anything, you’ve gone overboard.”

Overboard. Hopefully, it’s not too much.

Finally, he caves, exhaling slowly with a simple, “Okay.” He stays beside her, tapping his fingers, and eventually ruining a gingerbread man’s face until she notices and smacks his hand away.

There’s a knock on the door, and while Mike hops to his feet, his mother calls out, “Come in!” earning a panicked look from him. She mouths, ‘Chill,’ but he still half-jogs to the door and throws it open.

Nancy calls down the stairs, “Who is it?”

It’s Max, brandishing a few small wrapped gifts.

“Hello, sunshine,” she says. After a moment, “It’s great to see you too, Michael, allow me to invite myself in.”

“It’s just Max,” Mike calls back. He steps aside, and Max brushes past him, dropping her gifts by their tree and running into the kitchen.

“Hi, Mrs. Wheeler!”

“Hey, Max, Merry Christmas!”

Mike’s mom seemed to think Max was one of the most charming people on the planet, something they frequently disagreed on, but he can’t be mad at their pleasant chatter right now.

Especially not when the next knock comes so soon.

Probably just Lucas and Dustin, dragging their feet as usual.

Mike opens the door, prepared with a quippy remark for his friends, but his stomach drops immediately.

It’s Will. Holding a bunch of luggage.

Mike is caught up in everything about him. He’s taller. New, floppy hair, tousled and messy in the biting snowy winds. His forearms exposed as his bags push against his jacket. Will.

The boy smiles at him. “Hey.”

“Hey,” Mike manages.

Will looks past him with a tiny wave, and Mike turns to see Max beaming and waving back, and then Max slips back into the kitchen and Will returns his gaze to Mike. “Can I come in?”

“Hey, Mike!” Joyce interrupts from the car, straining to grab something in the backseat. “Merry Christmas, honey!”

“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Byers!” Mike, finally catching up his brain-to-movement reactions, moves to let Will in. “Yeah, come in. I’m gonna, uh, go help your mom.”

“Cool.”

He immediately forgets why he’s moved and attempts to step out as Will crosses the threshold, almost knocking him over, so Mike grabs his arms to stabilize with a, “Sorry - uh - whoops, haha, don’t fall,” and Will chuckles and shifts a bag to his shoulder, saying, “It’s alright,” and Mike spends his walk to the Byers’ car trying not to curse himself out.

“Oh, Mike, thank you, sweetie,” Joyce grunts, pulling a heavy tote bag from the floor of the car. “Can you carry this?” Mike nods and takes it from her easily, offering his arms out for extra luggage. Together, with Jonathan, who greets him with a, “Merry Christmas, man,” they manage to get everything inside in one trip. Mike hardly notices El rummaging through the trunk until she comes stumbling along with a basket full of gifts.

Finally, they’re all inside, and only a beat goes by before Nancy comes bounding down the stairs to greet Jonathan, and Joyce is grinning around at everybody, and then Karen rushes in from the kitchen with excited greetings.

“It is so good to see you,” Joyce says, opening her arms up to Mike for a hug. “You’ve grown so much-'' she looks at Karen and mutters, “-so much-” then looks back at Mike. “We’ve missed you all.”

“I’ve missed you guys too,” Mike says, “I’m glad you decided to come.”

“We couldn’t miss it. Figured it’s best that we’re together, you know.” Her expression falters, but she takes a breath and carries on with moving bags and ‘Merry Christmases.’

Joyce and his mom wind up chattering, and Karen takes off her apron to help transfer some luggage to the spare room. Nancy takes Jonathan’s hand and heads upstairs, grabbing one of his bags from the ground.

Will seems to have disappeared into the kitchen with Max, leaving his things behind, so it’s just Mike and El.

Mike takes in a deep breath.

It wasn’t an ugly breakup; honestly, El seemed unfazed. Their calls were little more than small talk about their days, most of the time, and even though he thought they might hold onto their past, everything they’d been through… it seemed to work best that they didn’t.

“Hey, Merry Christmas.”

El smiles easily. “Merry Christmas, Mike.” She lifts the basket slightly for acknowledgment. “Can these go by the tree?”

“Yeah, yeah, go for it.”

El nods and slips by the couch over to the tree, carefully laying out the gifts. After a few moments of Mike awkwardly leaning against the couch arm, thinking up something to say - thank god she didn’t seem too focused on him - Max walks in, her mouth stuffed with a truffle.

“El!” She darts over to the tree, and El jumps up, eyes bright, immediately throwing her arms around the girl’s shoulders. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too,” El giggles. “I brought you a gift.”

“You too. I can’t wait for you to see it. But first, you have to try one of these sweets Mrs. Wheeler’s making. They’re like frickin’ heaven.” She holds out the last bite of her own, and El takes it from her hand, eyes lighting up mischievously as she bites into it.

“It’s amazing.”

“I know. I think we should go sample some of the others.”

Mike calls out to their backs, “You guys better leave some for later on,” and in response, hears Max mimic him. He rolls his eyes and stands up from the couch.

And then it’s just him and Will, who’s beaming at him, seemingly amused by their banter.

Okay, Mike, now or never. “Uh, I’ll show you downstairs.”

“We’re not staying in your room?” Will asks simply, crossing over to retrieve his duffel bag.

“We totally can, I just have something I wanted to show you.”

Will nods. “Oh, okay, cool.”

Mike assists with a smaller bag and leads him to the basement door; before he runs down the stairs, he catches Max’s eye, and she gives him a thumbs up and mouths, ‘You got this.’ Deep breaths. At that moment, he’s incredibly thankful for her presence.

He watches as Will follows him down, slower, glancing around at the familiar surroundings. His eyes catch on everything Mike and Max put together over the past few weeks, and his footsteps grow slower as he takes it all in.

Streamers of all festive colors and off-balance fairy lights hang along the corners of the basement, phrases of ‘Welcome home,’ hand-cut and pasted on the front wall; at the table, a game mat and figures sit in wait, silly hats placed in front each chair; even the TV is prepared with a Santa hat, the couch covered in blankets and pillows, a few sleeping bags folded on the floor.

“Mike,” Will says quietly, stepping in a small circle, “what is all this?”

“Your homecoming party.” Mike is all jitters; he leans against the wall and shoves his hands in his pockets to disguise any visible shakes. “You like it?”

Will finally looks straight at him, an indiscernible look painted on his face. “Yeah,” he says, nodding rapidly, “yeah, it’s great - but we, uh,” he swallows and shakes his head, “we don’t, um, have to play D&D. I mean-”

“I don’t know, Will,” he ventures to step away from the wall, taking slow steps over to the table. Will follows every move. “I mean, I was really excited to have you back, even just for a little bit. We all were.” He reaches the table and leans back on his hands. “Figured having our cleric back warranted some festivities.”

Will shakes his head, runs his hands along his face, and turns away. The bit of confidence Mike has slowly starts to trickle.

“Is it okay?”

Will shakes out of his stupor and chuckles. “It’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me. You’ve truly outdone yourself, Michael.” He lifts himself on tiptoe to look at decorations on top of Mike’s shelves. “Are these from our big craft night, like, years ago?”

The horrible crayon work makes Mike smile - they made half of the snowmen evil, citing a Great Abominable Snowman War, and gave them wicked frowns and smiles, claws on their stick hands. “Yeah.”

“I didn’t know you kept them.”

“I keep everything.” An awkward chuckle breaks from his chest. “Not everything, like, a hoarder or whatever, but - “

Will simply smiles and pushes himself forward toward the back wall, brushing past Mike, to his different pinups. He fixates on the sketch of Mike that he’d sent about a month back. “You know, you should probably take this down. I don’t think you’ll hear the end of it from Lucas and Dustin if you don’t.”

“Screw ‘em.”

“Right.” Will quirks his eyebrow and moves to sit in his designated chair, right next to where Mike is currently resting. “So, they know about D&D?”

“They know.” Mike smiles, and looks at the floor, right where their legs brush up against each other. “They seem pretty excited to have the party back together. To remind you of how badass your first one was,” he adds.

Will peers up at him for a moment before quietly saying, “I never joined another one.” Mike meets his eye for a moment, then, threatened by the silence that follows, clears his throat and distracts himself with a particularly interesting notch in the wood paneling. “Did you guys find someone else?”

“No, no,” Mike assures him. “We haven’t touched any of this stuff. It’s not the same.”

A silence settles between them, one that neither seems to know how to navigate. But Will keeps his gaze steady on Mike, trying to breach some barrier, to fall back into their usual ways.

Something is different, though; it’s not uncomfortable, it never could be, but it’s something intimidating. Will seems more comfortable, at least; he’s not shying away from anything Mike throws at him.

And he tries to break the silence first. “Y’know - “

“Will,” Mike cuts him off, and he’s not sure what he’s saying, or where he’s going with it, but he knows he’s supposed to say this. His name. “I need you to know that I missed you.”

Will blinks at him, cocks his head. “I missed you too,” he says matter-of-factly.

The words are eating at him, right there on the edge of his mind, and Will looks almost concerned and now Mike just wants to drop it because that’s not what he wanted. But he can’t, not now. “I missed you the most.” It sounds so juvenile. “More than everyone else. I missed you before you even left. I just didn’t know how to say it.” He breathes in and out, focusing on Will’s cheeks, the tip of his nose, anything but his eyes. When Will doesn’t say anything, the rest just spills. “I missed you when our first first day of school apart came and passed, and I didn’t even call. I missed you at homecoming. And,” he licks his lips, not really sure where his speech is heading, “I know you had to go, it’s fine. We’ll figure it out. But I feel like we haven’t been on the same page in a long time. So, I missed you, and I love you, and that’s that.”

Will looks at him funny, and then his face softens into something like laughter, and Mike is genuinely about to run and throw up somewhere, but then the boy closes his eyes and says, “I love you too.”

Mike blanches. “I don’t think I said that.”

“Oh, you definitely did.”

“Oh,” he nods, mind spinning, “well, you know…”

Will stands to be at Mike’s level, leans forward on his knees. Mike stops breathing. “I do,” he says, “but tell me again.”

Mike swallows down a breath of courage and suggests, “I think I might like you.” His eyes flit to Will’s lips, then back to his eyes. “Is that okay?”

“Yeah, I’ll allow it,” Will says, a bright smile causing lines near his eyes. Mike smacks at his arm, nervous laughter coming out with a quiet, ‘Shut up.’ Will moves so he’s resting his fingertips on the table. Inches away.

“Same page, then?” Mike asks.

“Same page, yeah, for sure.”

Mike nods absently, distracting himself with the strings on Will’s sweatshirt. “So I don’t sound crazy?”

Will laughs. “I dunno. I always counted on us going crazy together. Figured we might have a few extra years, but hey, I’m all in.”

And then Mike is flashed back to a night on his couch just over a year ago. Knees knocking together, shared smiles. A promise.

So much has changed.

He wants to know what Will meant. A future of being in each other’s lives, maybe, getting old and senile and batshit crazy. Always being there.

He never dared to think about it before.

“So what now?”

Will shrugs. He dips his head to meet Mike’s eyes with his own. “What do you want, Mike?”

And finally, he thinks he might know.

Or maybe he’s always known.

He scoots forward, takes Will’s face in his hands, and kisses him. It’s just a quick press of their lips, but in that moment, he knows a few things for sure. His heartbeat is going a mile a minute, and Will must be able to feel it; it’s absolutely exhilarating, surreal, insane that he’s kissing his best friend; and, he is definitely in like, or maybe love, with Will Byers.

He’ll probably love him forever.

When Mike pulls back and his eyes flutter open to see Will, flushed, blinking back at him, slightly dazed, he doesn’t want to pull away at all. He did that. Mike’s hand remains on his jaw, lax, and he runs his thumb along Will’s bottom lip, curious to see his reaction, curious about a lot, now.

Will lets out a breathy chuckle. “Wow,” he mumbles, “that’s new.”

“Yeah.” Mike exhales shakily, takes one of Will’s hands, and says, “Merry Christmas, Will.”

“Yeah, Merry Christmas.”

The world doesn’t seem to fall apart like Mike thought it might if he ever got to this point, so, that’s nice.

“So…” Mike begins carefully, “you’re gonna have to be slow with me here. This is sort of a lot for me.”

“Me too,” Will replies simply. He squeezes Mike’s hand. “But we’ll figure it out.”

“Totally.”

Will takes his cheeks in his hands and smiles into a very gentle kiss, his fingers curling into the hair at the nape of Mike’s neck. It’s soft and sweet and lingering - but not for too long, as moments later the door upstairs busts open and shouts of, “BYERS!” from their dear friends sound through the air, and Mike and Will jump apart, equally startled and laughing.

“Down here!” Will calls out. He looks at Mike, smiles, offers, “To be continued?” and as he walks past, he leans in, just to leave a quick peck on Mike’s cheek.

And all Mike can do is laugh and shake his head and run after him to meet their friends; Lucas and Dustin are horribly late to the surprise, but they collide into Will the second they see him, shouting over each other, ‘What’s going on, dude?’ ‘Merry Christmas!’ ‘You’ve missed so much,’ and everyone is grinning and chattering, and it’s awesome.

Max approaches him, watching all of the madness, smacks a hand to his shoulder, and says, “You did good, Wheeler.”

“Yeah, I did.” She punches his arm lightly, laughing, so he adds, “thank you for everything. Seriously.”

“I think we should work together more often.”

Mike scoffs into a laugh, and says, “Yeah, guess so.”

Max rolls her eyes, but at least now they’re actually laughing in each other's company. It’s great progress from just a few weeks ago.

After a minute of watching the boy’s shenanigans, Max smiles. “Well, Merry Christmas, anyway.”

“Merry Christmas,” he responds, and he watches as she jumps up onto a kitchen stool, chatting and giggling with El.

With everyone back together again, finally, Mike feels really alive; so, he jumps in with all the excited shouting and group hugs and bickering, and celebrates the merriest Christmas he can remember in a long time.

#stranger things #hawkinsholidayhiatus #tuserjake #byler #byeler #mike wheeler #will byers #fanfiction #playlist #ik it might be a lil cheesy/dorky BUT i hope it makes u smile it was written w a lot of love <3 #mine

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torikengel · 4 years ago

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Thomas Hewitt x Reader (Part 4)

“I see you already gave breakfast to her.” Luda, Mae smiled. “Is everything alright, m’dear?” She asked with a cheerful tone in her voice. “Yeah, I am okay.” You answered with a forced smile. “Then I will leave you two alone if you need anything just lemme know, darling.” She stated and disappeared in the hallway. You looked back at Thomas and could see how hurt he was by your sudden behavior. Even though he and his family literally kidnapped you, you felt the urge to apologize, so you did. “I am sorry for startling you; I really didn’t mean to. It’s just that I remember yesterdays’ events only partially. I-I think I might’ve hit my head or something…” you stuttered nervously as you could feel his gaze on you. Honestly, you felt incredibly exposed even though you were fully clothed. He kept staring at you without saying a thing. Right, he was mute… so how are you supposed to communicate, you wondered. Well, he could at least answer with yes or no by nodding or shaking his head, you thought. “So… umm…” you mumbled, not knowing where to begin. “I really want to remember everything, so there won’t be any misunderstandings in the future, but please bear with me, you know that this… it’s tough for me.” You tried to explain how you felt the best way you could. He nodded, but then pointed at the plate with breakfast. “R-right, I should eat to gain some energy first… after that, can you help me recall exactly what happened yesterday?” you asked as you took a bite of the bread with a slice of cheese. Thomas just nodded again and sat on the floor, his eyes not looking away from you for a second.

As you were chewing the dry bread, you realized that they must struggle to buy food, that’s why they are doing all this. You suddenly coughed as the urge to throw up made you choke on the food. Thomas panicked but tried to help you by slapping your back. He was so clumsy when it came to human contact, and he hit you a bit harder than he should have. But it helped you because you stopped coughing in no time, and your attempts to catch breath turned into giggles. You enjoyed this lighthearted and awkward moment in the middle of your miserable situation. Thomas just got more and more confused by everything you did. “I am sorry, I guess I am just trying to laugh at the fact that you eat human meat instead of crying.” You didn’t understand your need to apologize to him and admired your brain for coping with cannibalism in such a way. You were stoked that you could remember something, even though it wasn’t charming this time. After you finished your breakfast and put the plate on the nightstand, you turned to Thomas, who was still exploring your body with his eyes. You took a sip of water to clear your throat and gestured for him to sit next to you on the bed. He hesitantly did what you wanted. “So, I know this might be a bit tricky, but I want to know what happened to me. Please just nod when I say it correctly.” You pleaded and took his hands in yours. He immediately nodded but looked away in embarrassment as he felt your touch. Everything he felt yesterday came back to him.

You calmly started speaking from the very beginning, talking about how you went to Luda’s shop, then about the spike strips that caused the accident, and after that, how Hoyt shot your friends and took all of you to this house. Still, you didn’t know where it was or how the house looked from the outside because you were unconscious until you woke up in the basement. Thomas just nodded as you seemed to recall everything correctly. “Now, it might be difficult…” you said as you tried to remember what happened there. You looked at Thomas’s face and thought about his mask for a while… Chloe and Matt… right, he killed and butchered them, as he did to Emma. “You killed all of them?” you asked, and Thomas looked away while nodding. He was nervous, he didn’t want you to hate him. “I guessed your name…” you looked over to the nightstand, “… and you gave me water when I asked for it.” You exclaimed after seeing the glass of water next to the empty plate. It bothered you because you didn’t understand why he helped you, why were you still alive. “I sang for you, and then Hoyt came into the basement and…” you stammered, “Emma was there because he did stuff with her.” You stopped talking to gather your thoughts, and Thomas just kept nodding. “And then we ate dinner… human meat?” you didn’t remember what happened at the table because of Hoyt. “You took me upstairs; I mean here, and I went to sleep?” You looked at Thomas who was now lost in his own thoughts. He was hoping you’d remember the kiss, so now he was disappointed. But maybe it was for the better. He knew that one day you would have to go, one day he will have to kill you… right? There’s no way you would accept him like this; he was a freak, an animal just like everyone has told him, plus his family was far from normal too. You, on the other hand, were simply perfect. After all, if you had the opportunity to run away now, you would do it without question.

He didn’t realize you were getting closer to him this whole time. You were intrigued by this man, you didn’t know if it was the instinct to survive or the trauma you went through, but you felt like he was the only safe space you had right now. He never mistreated you; he helped you when you needed and did whatever you asked of him. And those eyes, you could stare into his eyes eternally. You felt a familiar tingling in your stomach that made you recall one more thing. “We kissed…” You wanted to think it was the fever, but you couldn’t deny it anymore. There was no logic behind it, only honest feelings. When Thomas realized how close you were, it was too late for him to react in any way as you cupped his cheeks with your hands and desperately kissed him with tears forming in your eyes. Thomas moaned quietly into the kiss as your hands traveled from his cheeks into his hair. Even when you were almost breathless, you didn’t stop hungrily kissing him. Thomas held you tightly around your waist and closed his eyes while he tried to keep up with you. This all was still very unknown to him. You finally parted lips gasping for air. “T-Tommy…” you whimpered, trying to hide your tears. You knew it wasn’t right, and you were beating yourself up for feeling this way, regretting your decision to ever go on this road trip.

Thomas’s heart was pounding so fast as it was about to explode. He was happy, yet hopelessly confused. Did he hurt you? What was he supposed to do? He remembered how you snuggled in his arms last night, so he hugged you and caressed your hair, trying to calm you. Your muffled cried were becoming even more desperate as gruesome flashbacks from yesterday appeared in your mind. He could’ve killed you the same way he killed your companions, yet he chose not to. He spared your life. “T-thank you…” you sobbed into his shoulder as he kept holding you in his big, muscular arms. You were grateful that he let you live and even felt sorry for his situation to some extent. You could imagine that his life wasn’t easy, and you couldn’t bring yourself to hate or blame him.

But he was even more grateful than you because you were the one who actually saved him. In the moment of inevitable death, you showed him humanity and kindness. His whole life, everyone called him a monster, an animal, so he became one. You treated him like a human without prejudice or disgust, and by doing that, you managed to save that sad, pained boy deep inside him. You took him back to his childhood and his teen years when he didn’t resent every single human except his family. In those days, he still had hope that someday he would have a normal life. He had his dreams and achievements he wanted to accomplish. He lost all of those the day he snapped. After each kill, it became easier, especially as his victims fought back with more nasty words, and Hoyt just fueled his hatred. However, now, with you in his arms, he felt like he could take on the whole world. He still wasn’t sure about all this, and he didn’t trust you yet as everything he was taught telling him to kill you, but his heart warmed when you were next to him, so as long as you didn’t try to run away, it would be alright.

When you finally calmed down, you leaned your body against the wall while rubbing your eyes dry. You were embarrassed by being so vulnerable in front of your captor. Even though you just woke up, you were still exhausted, and intrusive thoughts about your situation bugged you to no end.

Then you looked at the man sitting in front of you… this man who you just spent such an intimate moment with. You knew him for one day, yet you felt a sense of familiarity when you were with him. You pushed away the reality of him being a killer and a cannibal at that and settled with a thought that if he didn’t kill and eat you, it was okay. “Thomas?” you raised your eyebrow playfully as you put your hand on his thigh. “Can I please take a shower? And… if it’s possible, get the suitcase from the van? I have some clothes there… Pretty please.” You decided to make the best of your situation, at least until you can escape… plus he wasn’t so bad after all. Thomas still couldn’t process your mood swings very well, but a smile made its way on his lips. That made your heart flutter as this was the first time you saw him smile… he was kind of cute… kind of. Thomas nodded and left the room when he realized that your hand was on his thigh. He still got startled easily when he got personal with you as he was very touch starved and only used to pain coming from encounters with other people. He made his mind up that he would try his best to fulfill your request, however, it wasn’t up to him. You looked after him as he disappeared from the room like he was a mirage never to be seen again, and your heart ached unexplainably.

The reality of your situation dawned on you again as you blankly stared into the hallway. He left you to yourself, and you really didn’t know what to do. “Is he going to do what I asked for?” you started quietly talking to yourself to make yourself less lonely. Am I going to be here every day like this, you wondered? It felt so weird, especially how physically close you got to your captor in one day. “It just felt right at that moment! Don’t beat yourself up over it like it’s your fault! It was probably a onetime thing as well…” you argued with yourself, but then decided to stop acting like a lunatic and stretched your sore body. Your leg was cuffed to the bed, but you could at least stand up. Then you just stared outside from the window, lost in your thoughts. You ignored the passage of time. Loud footsteps that gave you goosebumps echoed in the hallway and made you realize that you’ve been doing nothing for more than an hour. Thomas came into the room with your purse and suitcase, looking defeated. “Oh my god! You actually got my stuff. Thank you so much, Thomas!” you jumped up, ready to look through everything, but your clumsy self, tripped on the rope again and felt on the floor with a big thump. Thomas chuckled under his mask when you tried to stand up again. As you noticed his expression, your face became completely red. So, he’s having fun at your expense, huh? A thought came across your mind, and you fell back on your knees, covering your face with both hands as you started sobbing. Thomas’s smile disappeared, and he rushed over to help you. As he got close enough, you suddenly burst out laughing and grabbed his hand. “Got you!” Your prank irked Thomas, but when he saw your genuine smile, he melted. That was the first time in many years someone laughed together with him and not at him. “Sorry, but that’s what you get for looking at me embarrassing myself like that.” You smirked at him. Talk about being positive in a bad situation you thought for yourself when you looked at his bloody apron. “So, now that we got this out of the way, can you take me to the bathroom, please?” you stood up and looked at Thomas, attempting your best to look as cute as possible. He nodded and uncuffed your ankle. You contemplated if you should just run for it, but he was too used to this, so he grabbed your wrist, almost crushing it. “Ow, ow, ow.” You cried out in pain as his grip was tightening around the abrasion on your wrist. Startled, he completely let go of you and stepped back to the door so that you wouldn’t escape. “That hurt,” you looked at your bruised wrists. “How about we take it slow?” you sighed, and Thomas grunted. You opened your suitcase and took out a black lace top, white shorts, and clean underwear. “Now,” you stepped closer to Thomas, who guarded the only exit with his big body. “Let’s try this.” You grabbed his hand and teased him, “Don’t let go if you don’t want me to run.” He rolled his eyes and led you to the bathroom, clearly confused about whether to be happy or mad. When he closed the bathroom door behind you, your body finally gave in. You exhaled and felt all your muscles loosen. For the first time in two days, you were free to an extent. The bathroom was far from clean, but you felt happy, finally having some privacy and time alone without being tied up. You stepped into the tub and let the brownish water run down on your hair and body. There was nothing but a bar of soap, so you just used that to clean yourself. When you were done, you dried yourself with what seemed like a clean towel and put on your clothes. You weren’t sure if you felt cleaner, but you definitely felt more like yourself now. You then looked around for anything useful, but then scrapped your silly idea and just opened the door.

Thomas looked you up and down, mesmerized by everything. However, he snapped back to reality and grabbed your hand, so you don’t try anything to escape. He led you back to the bedroom. When you sat on the bed, he kneeled to inspect your wrists and ankles. Maybe he could get his momma to look at your wounds for him? He then loosely cuffed your ankle again so that it wouldn’t deepen your wound, but not that you could slip out of it. He glared at you with a growl, trying to say: Don’t try anything stupid. “Thank you for your concern…” you shook your head a bit. How could he think you’d be able to escape when he had the key? He stood up, prepared to leave as he had work to do, but you stopped him. “Am I going to die anytime soon?” you bluntly asked him as you braced yourself for the worst outcome. He shook his head and looked you in the eyes. There is going to be a time when he would have to get rid of you… He knew it would be hard as he saw you as a human, not a piece of meat. “I am glad to hear that… because you know, despite everything, I want to keep living.” You teared up a bit at the thought of his cleaver next to your skull but quickly wiped your tears off.

Thomas rushed out of the room, closing the door behind him, leaving you confused and alone once again. He wasn’t prepared to face the reality of you being a victim and him being a captor. Him being the one who took your life, not literally, but still. He took away your freedom, family, friends… They won’t ever know what happened to their precious y/n. You made his mundane duty so difficult to carry out by acting the way you did. You didn’t even realize it, but by everything you’ve done so far, you completely changed Thomas’s life. He wasn’t sure if he liked it, because it made everything very hard. All he had to do up until this point was providing for his family without any hope for having a nice future for himself. He just did what had to be done and listened to Hoyt’s commands. Sometimes he thought about having a normal life, a normal face. Everything could’ve been different, and he felt so desperate about being unable to change it. That’s why when he saw that handsome soldier boy, he ended up taking his face… because that guy had everything Thomas could only dream of. He had given up on his dreams after the first kill; he knew he became the monster everyone wanted him to be. However, you made him think about his dreams again.

His thoughts dispersed as he heard Hoyt’s voice. “So, how’s yer bitch doin’?” he snickered. “Why are you even keepin’ her, it’s just ‘nother mouth to feed?” he kept blabbering. “Let him be Charlie, and he can keep ‘er until we run out of meat.” Luda Mae interrupted. “Okay, whatever you say, ma, but maybe I could show him some tricks, so he gets the best outta her.” He teased. Thomas was clearly uncomfortable, even though he was used to the sex talk and knew what it was as he grew up next to Hoyt. This time it wasn’t just a random girl. You had a name. He also realized that even if he tried to touch you in that way, you would probably finally curse him out and look at him with disgust. Hoyt often bragged about how amazing it felt and how Thomas should finally become a man. Hoyt even offered to show him how it’s done with some victims. Of course, he would love to try it someday, but only with someone who would like touching Thomas, and he was convinced there was no one like that in this world. He didn’t like the faces and sounds the girls were making when Hoyt did it with them. For him, it just tainted the fantasy.

a/n: I swear this was so hard to write, but I am trying my best <3 Thomas is so precious, I just wanna kick everyone who bullied him... and I want you to show him all the love in the world too, but you are still a victim of kidnapping... we are steadily getting there though. Any comments would be highly appreciated.

#thomas hewitt #thomas brown hewitt #thomas hewitt x reader #thomas hewitt/you #thomas hewitt x oc #leatherface #the texas chainsaw massacre #texas chainsaw massacre #x reader #slashers x you #slasher x reader #slasher #horror #horror slashers #hewitt #luda mae hewitt #hoyt #sheriff hoyt #homas hewitt x reader

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let-me-write-shit · 4 years ago

Note

Are you still accepting requests?! If so, could you do something like Jeff and Glenne are getting married and obviously H is the best man. Jeff doesn’t want to go to his dance class alone so he brings Harry along and he falls for the teacher 🥺

A/N: So sorry this took so long. This request threw me for a loop at first, I’m not gonna lie. It ended it being a lot longer than I thought, but I hope I did it justice. Let me know what you think! :) (keep an eye out for links of the song and outfit)

Word Count: 5,237

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Practice Makes Perfect

“Is this really necessary? You’ve already got two left feet, I highly doubt a few dance lessons are going to help you now,” Harry teased, holding the door open for his friend as they entered the top-rated dance studio, making their way to the elevator.

Jeff scoffed, slightly embarrassed, “Come on, man. My wedding is in a month, I’ve got time to learn. Do you know how many people are going to be there? I don’t want to look like an idiot in front of everyone.”

“A little late for that, no?” Harry laughed, entering the elevator and pressing the button to get to the fourth floor, “They’re your friends and family members, all of whom know you’re a right prick at dancing. It won’t be a shock to anyone.”

“Yeah, well, tell that to Glenne. She insisted. And as my best man, you’re obligated to come,” the elevator doors opened and they made their way towards the set of double doors that would lead to their dancing studio, ready to meet their instructor as Jeff muttered, “Could have forced you to wear a wig to get the full effect. Still could, so stop complaining.”

“Why have I always got to be the girl?” Harry sarcastically whined just as he opened the doors to be caught off-guard by one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen.

Y/N was sat on the floor, one leg out, and stretching her hands down towards her toes as her phone lay screen-up and opened up to her Spotify account, scrolling through the list of music. At the sound of Harry’s remark upon their arrival, she looked up at them, an eyebrow raised and an amused smirk drew across her face.

“Well, you’ve got the easy job out of the two of you,” their instructor stood up and made her way over to them, eyeing Harry, “All you’ve got to do is stand there and look pretty while your friend, here, does all the work.”

“See?” Jeff turned to Harry with a smirk, “Won’t be any different than the way you handle your relationships in the bedroom.”

“Shut up,” Harry backhanded Jeff’s arm, blush creeping up on his cheeks as their instructor giggled.

“I’m Y/N, nice to meet you both,” she introduced herself, holding out her hand to shake, “So, obviously you’re Harry, and you’re Jeff. Congratulations on the wedding,” she smiled brightly at Jeff.

Harry’s heart had stopped beating the second he saw her and when she shook his hand it was like a surge of electricity coursed through him and jumpstarted it again, only this time it was beating too fast. He completely blanked, not hearing a single word that was said between Jeff and Y/N, too enraptured by her smile and the way she pulled her hair into a ponytail.

After a moment of chit-chat, Y/N urged them to follow her, her phone in hand, and explained, “So, I’ve been working with Glenne separately on the choreography; love that you aren’t doing your first dance until the day of the wedding, by the way. Very brave,” she turned, smiling kindly at Jeff before continuing towards the center of the dance floor, “And we came up with something beautiful, but easy for you because she mentioned you aren’t much of a dancer,”

“Definitely not much of a dancer,” Jeff nodded in agreement.

Harry snorted, “He’s got the rhythm of a toddler.”

Y/N laughed, smiling brightly, “That’s alright! That’s what I’m here for. I won’t make you look silly. Now she did mention she wanted a couple of lifts, so we did add a few lifts in there. Okay, first thing’s first, I want to show you a few of the basic steps. This dance is pretty simple and it’ll be Glenne doing most of the work. The important thing to remember is to keep your limbs loose and just go with the flow. Don’t worry about your feet. If you hyper-focus on your feet you’ll trip. Just keep your head up and always look at your partner.”

“Got it,” they nodded.

They immediately got to work as she explained the steps, “So you and Glenne will walk in together hand in hand when the music starts. Look at each other, smile, ignore everyone watching you,” Y/N said. She was super professional in how she spoke to them but somehow made them feel comforted and calm. There wasn’t too much pressure on Jeff to get it all down in the first go. “Once in the center of the floor, you’ll turn to each other and this is where our first steps come in. We’ll be doing the waltz. We’ll work on the footwork first, then move on to the turns and posture.”

She showed them the basic steps. Left foot forward, right step out, and together. Right foot back, left foot out, and together, etc, repeat. It took them a bit to get that down, especially Jeff, but they got there. Y/N was extremely patient, keeping it lighthearted and making sure to reassure them. Thirty minutes in and they began to work on their turns, which was even more difficult, but they were having fun. Harry liked a challenge and had always wanted to learn how to dance. After another thirty to forty minutes they had finally gotten it down.

“Now, with this dance, a rise and fall make your turns look elegant and beautiful, so when you turn, make sure you aren’t just stepping forward, stiff-legged. I want you to glide forward with your weight on your heel and gradually rise to your toes. Keep your back straight. You should look like a stuck-up snob with a stick up their ass.”

The two men laughed and they carried on. Pretty soon they were able to carry on with the actual choreography. She explained each move, how many steps, and how many beats to carry the step. They’d learn the steps to a certain point, stop, restart, and do it again a few more times to make sure they had it down before learning the next step.

The more they understood the dance, the more exciting it got. The lifts were Harry’s favorite part, and when he got to try it with her, he jumped around excitedly, proud of himself for getting it right. Y/N would laugh and cheer along with them, making jokes that helped them memorize the steps and having them practice parts of the dance with each other.

Three hours in and they still had work to do, they needed to work on some of their footwork and hadn’t even danced along to the music yet, but they were getting there. But, their session for the day was over and they would be seeing her again next week They had two more lessons with Y/N before the wedding.

Harry began practicing both Glenne’s choreography and Jeff’s at home in his free time, during phone meetings, while cooking, and even once while he showered, though he slipped and got a nasty bruise on his hip so he decided not to do that again. By the time their next lesson rolled around, Harry felt confident in his footwork, that he eagerly joined Jeff to the dance studio, greeted by Y/N with her bright smile and twinkling eyes once again.

“Hellooooo,” Y/N sang as they walked through the doors, making her way over to them from where she stood by the speakers, “How are you both?”

“We’ve been practicing all week,” Harry informed her with a grin.

Y/N giggled, “I’m glad. Should we get started and see what you’ve got? The two of you can dance together. Harry, you can be Glenne,” she stood to the side as both friends got together.

“Hello, my hunky monkey,” Harry teased in a high-pitched voice as Jeff wrapped an arm around Harry’s back, “Goodness, you’re so strong.”

“Shut up!” Jeff groaned with a smile, making both Harry and Y/N laugh.

Y/N counted down and the boys began to dance as she clapped to the beat and shouted out directions. Jeff struggled a bit to keep up, so Harry led, confident in his turns and steps, although they avoided lifts and dips with each other so they didn’t hurt the other, saving them for when they danced with Y/N who was much better practiced. He was sure to keep his back straight, chest out, and arms up. Y/N would cheer and yelp whenever they did a particularly good job and jumped up and down as they finished, clapping proudly.

“That was wonderful, you guys. Really, great job. Harry, you were an excellent Glenne fill-in, thank you. Jeff, the only things I want to critique you on is your posture and your rise and falls. You were still slouched a bit, and the timing of your rise and falls were a bit off which made you mix up your footwork a bit. Also, try not to look down at your feet too much and keep eye contact with your partner.”

“Yeah, sorry, I just didn’t want to look at Harry’s revolting face,” Jeff joked.

Harry smirked, “It’s only because he’s afraid he’ll fall in love with me and want to marry me instead.”

“I’m sure,” Y/N laughed, “So, I think we’re ready to add music to it, what do you think?”

They both agreed.

“So I downloaded your first dance song. Would you like to try the full dance with me from start to finish? Do you feel comfortable enough for the lifts and dips?”

“Is it possible to see you do it first?” Jeff asked, hands on his hips, “I just feel like I keep messing up the first dip and last lift and if I could see his footwork, I might get it.”

“Yeah, that’s fine. Harry, are you up for that? You feel confident enough to do his steps?”

“Of course. I’m a pro,” Harry joked, making her smile.

Really, his nerves began to kick in. He hadn’t done the whole dance from start to finish with all of the dance moves yet, and Y/N had warned them yesterday that sometimes adding the music in could mess with them at first. He worried that he’d get his timing off or drop her. He didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of her. But seeing her confidence and faith in him made him feel at ease. She handed her phone to Jeff and instructed him to play the music on her signal.

“Alright, we’re going to do this for real,” Y/N explained, “You’re Jeff, I’m Glenne, we just got married, we’re happy, we’re madly in love, this is our first dance as husband and wife. We need all of our friends and family to see the passion, okay?”

Harry nodded, gulping as they stood off on the side of the dance floor, “Passion. Got it.”

Y/N smiled sweetly, voice softer, “It’s okay, it’s just us. You won’t have to do this in front of a crowd. Just remember what I said. Keep your eyes on me. I’ll lead.”

He nodded once more and Y/N stretched out her hand for him, which he took in his. She signaled Jeff to start the music. Fire on Fire by Sam Smith began to play, and at the sound of his voice, they began to make their way to the center of the floor. He spun her to face him, keeping their one pair of hands together while Y/N’s other hand went on his shoulder and his on her waist as they began to waltz. Their eyes stayed locked onto each other’s and his nerves began to ease as they danced, twirled, and swayed.

Her touch was so soft, yet he felt comfortable and unfaltering, following her every step and movement, never feeling an ounce of doubt. And as they looked into each other’s eyes, everything seemed to fade. He could see the falter in her smile, and she in his. The chemistry they felt as they danced was overwhelming. And when the beat dropped, everything disappeared. It was time for their first lift, and the worry he felt earlier had completely disappeared. Dancing with her, it came naturally. There was no hesitation.

With her hand around his neck, she wrapped his right arm around her waist and lifted, spinning her around in circles. She smiled, letting her head fall back and giggling as he spun her perfectly, and he laughed at how carefree she looked. Setting her down, they continued to dance and the intimate part of their dance came. With her guiding his hand around her neck, they closed the space between them and pressing their foreheads on each other, looking up into his eyes.

It only lasted a second in real-time, but for Harry, it lasted an eternity. Butterflies fluttered around his stomach, some escaping to his chest as their noses touched. The urge to kiss her was almost too strong to contain. And on their second, with her back against his chest and her hands in his, he spun her again. She let her head fall back onto his shoulder and he took in her sweet scent, his cheek pressed against her ear. And finally, the ending of their dance. The final dip. He outstretched his leg and gently brought her down, her head falling back as he brought his head down to her, letting his lips gently brush against her neck before slowly bringing her back up and letting her lean into him, one hand still around his neck while the other rested on his chest, their foreheads touching again as they deeply looked into each other’s eyes.

There was a moment. And he knew that she felt it, too. The sexual tension could have been cut with a knife. And his point was proven when Jeff began to clap and whistle, making them jump and pull apart, shaken.

Flustered, Y/N hesitantly smiled at Jeff and met him halfway to take her phone and review the dance with him. For the next thirty minutes, she avoided eye contact with Harry. No matter what he said or did to get her attention, she refused to look at him, focusing on Jeff and helping him with the dance. But the more Harry tried, the more she relaxed. She started giggling more at his jokes, bantered more, smiled more. And by the end of the session after a bit of back and forth flirting, Y/N gave both Harry and Jeff a hug goodbye.

“Great job, you two. Keep practicing. Next week is our last time together. I think you’ve got it!” Y/N beamed, packing her things into a duffel bag.

“Thanks so much, Y/N. See you next week!” Jeff called back, pulling Harry towards the door.

With one last look behind him, he grinned and waved goodbye. As they waited for the elevator, Harry couldn’t stop smiling. He hadn’t seen it coming, but these lessons had turned into the highlight of his weeks lately and Y/N was just incredible. Jeff was talking about god-knows-what beside him. He vaguely heard the words ‘final fitting’ and ‘bow-tie’, but honestly, his mind was elsewhere, contemplating on whether or not he should make an excuse to go back in there and talk to her.

“Earth to Harry,” Jeff yanked on his arm.

When he came-to he noticed Jeff standing in the elevator, doors beginning to close and Jeff holding it open for him.

“Oh, shit. Sorry,” Harry jumped in and let the doors close.

“You alright?” Jeff asked, pressing the button for the ground floor.

With a tight-lipped grin, Harry nodded, “Yeah, all good.”

The week dragged and Harry became impatient. He found himself constantly checking in on Jeff to make sure he was practicing and wanting to meet up so they could practice together. He used the excuse that he was ‘maintaining his best-man duties and making sure Jeff didn’t make a fool of himself’, but it was mostly for him. He wanted to make sure he danced well enough to impress Y/N.

He couldn’t get her off his mind and was so eager for the next lesson, that when Jeff told Harry he didn’t think he needed Harry to come to the next session, his heart sank.

“I think I’ve got it,” Jeff explained, “I might call Y/N and let her know that it’ll be a short session. Practice with her once or twice and see what she says.”

“It’s already paid for, you mine as well go. I just want to be there to make sure you’ve really got it down. It’s one more session, what’s the harm? You’ve got your schedule cleared out, anyway.”

Jeff raised an eyebrow, “You were kicking and screaming before the first session, and now you’re begging me to go? Why?”

“No reason,” Harry replied, a little too quickly, and when he saw the smirk form on his best friend’s face, he tried his best to save face. “Jeff, you’re shit at dancing, man. Glenne’s been working hard on this dance, I just think you ought to, too.”

After a suspicious stare, Jeff gave in and agreed.

When their last session arrived, Harry made sure to dress up a little bit more than his usual basketball shorts and a graphic tee, wearing a pantsuit and button-up. Jeff didn’t think anything of it at first, knowing that’s just how Harry dressed sometimes. But mid-way through the lessons, he started to get suspicious. He knew his friend well enough to know that the desperately pathetic dad-jokes and the constant blushing and laughing was Harry’s way of flirting, and he started to put two-and-two together.

“If you’re not careful, it’ll be you who’s taking dance lessons for your wedding next,” Jeff whispered in his ears while Y/N went to turn the music off.

“Shut it,” Harry snapped, giving his friend a push.

“Ask for her number.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

Harry blushed. Because he was nervous, that’s why.

Y/N clapped her hands together once, making her way back over to them with a smile, “I am so proud of you boys. You did such a great job, honestly. You’ve nailed it, Jeff. Your first dance is going to be beautiful!”

“Thanks to you,” Jeff admitted, thankful.

“Oh, no. You did all the hard work. I just watched,” she smiled sweetly, leaning in to give him a hug, “Congratulations, again. You and Glenne are wonderful. Next week will be gorgeous, I’m sure. Let me know how it goes. I can’t wait to see the pictures.”

“Thanks, again,” Jeff patted her back.

She turned to Harry, smiling wider, “And thanks for accompanying him. You’re a great best-man. Or great fill-in-bride. Whatever you want to call it. It was lovely to meet you.”

“You, as well,” Harry managed, giving her a warm hug.

Quickly, he tried to think of something else to say. But when they pulled apart, nothing came to mind. They looked at each other for a second too long, and Y/N, unsure what to do, began to avert her eyes, looking over towards Jeff and backing away towards her bag, “Well, have a great rest of your day. Hopefully, I’ll see you around.”

Jeff looked between the two of them before he jumped into action, “Uh, Y/N? You have any plans for lunch? We’re meeting Glenne downtown at Sips Bistro if you’d like to join us.”

Harry looked over at Jeff, sighing with relief and smiling, grateful to have a wingman, before turning his attention to Y/N, smiling wider. Y/N grinned, nodding, “Oh, yeah, I’d love to, thanks. How about I meet you there? I just have to pack my things and finish up here.”

“Yeah, sounds good.”

Glenne was already at the restaurant when they arrived, and the second Jeff slipped in the booth next to her, kissing his fiance’s cheek, and he started, “Harry has a crush on Y/N.”

“Do you, really?” Glenne gasped, shooting her attention to Harry, “Awe! I mean she is beautiful, isn’t she? And so nice!”

“I invited her to lunch. She’ll be here any minute,” Jeff said.

“Oh, no way! She can sit next to Harry. Do you think she likes him back?”

“Probably. You should have seen all the blushing and giggling going on. You would have thought they were a bunch of pre-teen girls.”

“Alright, alright,” Harry groaned, putting his hands up.

“Harry, you have to ask her out!” Glenne suggested.

He noticed the front doors open and Y/N walk through, craning her neck above the heads of other patrons before locking eyes with Harry and smiling, making her way over. He felt his throat catch before hurriedly whispering at Glenne, “I barely know her and she’s walking over, so please don’t embarrass me.”

“Hello!” Y/N sang, noticing the empty seat beside Harry and sliding in beside him.

“Y/N, I’m so glad you could come! How is Jeff doing with the dance?”

“So good, honestly!” Y/N began, explaining the last three sessions and poking a bit of fun at the boys.

The first half of lunch was spent casually chatting. It was comfortable. Almost like it would be hanging out with any group of close friends. Y/N just seemed to fit in. But by the second half of lunch, Glenne and Jeff started getting down to the nitty-gritty, really getting to know Y/N.

“I can’t believe you’ve been dancing since you were three. No wonder you’re so good at this,” Glenne amazed, looking between her and Harry before smiling and turning to her fiance, “Wow, can you believe we’re across the table from two ultra-talented people? Makes me feel so untalented.”

“Stop,” Y/N blushed.

Harry snorted, “I don’t know how true that is for you. But, Jeff, on the other hand,” he trailed, making them all laugh and Jeff to take a few digs at Harry.

Glenne rerouted the conversation back to Y/N, asking, “And you’re single, right?”

Y/N nodded, “Yep. A bit hard to meet a guy when your job is mainly teaching women and old couples. Otherwise, they’re engaged men trying to learn how to dance for their wedding.”

“I bet that doesn’t stop a few of them from hitting on you, though, right?” Jeff asked, earning a slap on the arm from Glenne.

Y/N chuckled, “Yeah, sometimes. But that’s when I tell them to either keep it professional or cancel their lessons.”

Harry grinned to himself, taking a sip from his drink. She was no-nonsense but so sweet at the same time. He turned back towards her as Glenne asked, “So no dating for you, then?”

Y/N shrugged, “I’ve been on a few, but no luck yet. Dating is hard nowadays and my schedule is all over the place.”

Harry nodded in agreement, “Tell me about it.”

“Well, I’m sure you understand,” Y/N laughed.

Jeff and Glenne kept a close eye as the conversation continued, watching the two of them flirt and blush more than they had seen anyone do in years. The attraction between the two was nearly enough to make anyone sick. Their food was long-since gone, they had paid almost forty minutes ago, and the sun began to set. Pretty soon it’d be dinner.

“We should probably get going,” Glenne frowned, looking between Harry and Y/N who both sadly nodded in agreement. When Glenne realized Harry was too nervous to say anything, she took matters into her own hands, “Y/N, if you have no plans next Saturday, I’d love for you to come to our wedding.”

“Oh, uh, are you sure?” Y/N asked.

“Yes, of course, there’s always room for one more. Besides, Harry still has a plus-one that he hasn’t used. You can be his date.”

Both Harry and Y/N’s eyes widened, blushing as they looked at each other and when he saw eff’s urging eyes he stuttered, “...if that’s okay with you, of course.”

Y/N happily nodded, laughing a bit, “Yeah, that’d be great. I have a class to teach that afternoon, but I can be there by the reception.”

“Perfect. Harry, do you mind texting her the details?”

Harry looked at Glenne, incredulously, as she sent a wink over at him. These two were such a perfect pair and A+ wingmen. He couldn’t be more grateful to have them in his life.

“Yeah, of course.”

“Then you can see your dancing masterpiece unfold,” Glenne smiled at Y/N.

“Masterpiece, disaster, either way.” Jeff joked.

“It’ll be perfect,” reassured Y/N as they slipped out of the booth.

Glenne and Jeff began making their way to the front of the booth while Harry and Y/N held back for a moment to exchange information.

“I’ll text you all of the info later tonight,” Harry assured her.

Y/N nodded with a smile, biting her lip just a little, “Can’t wait.”

He couldn’t get home fast enough. Harry found himself writing, deleting, re-writing, and editing his first texts to Y/N. After several drafts, he finally texted her a simple, ‘Hey! It’s Harry. It was so lovely to see you today! Thanks, again, for the lessons. Looking forward to seeing you at the wedding.’ Followed by the details of the event and ending it with ‘-H. x’

He waited, staring at his phone and impatiently tapping his foot on the ground. Within minutes, he received a response and nearly dropped his phone before reading, ‘Hi, Harry! It was my pleasure. Thanks for being a wonderful student! Hope your hip doesn’t give you too much trouble from that tragic fall disaster. Note to self: don’t dance in a slippery shower.’

Harry chuckled to himself and began typing away. All week they texted, getting to know each other more. The conversations got deeper the more they talked and he found himself completely enamored by her. Something about her struck him differently and she hadn’t left his mind once. There were several times he wanted to bite the bullet and ask her on a date, but he was too busy helping Jeff and Glenne with the final details of their wedding that there just simply wasn’t any time.

When the day of the wedding finally arrived, it was hectic from the beginning. There was no rush or anything, but the nerves were thick in the air. Jeff had begun to overthink things, forget where he put his vows, and start to panic about their first dance, which he forced Harry to help him practice before the ceremony and was thankfully recorded not only by another groomsman but also the wedding videographer.

His worried seemed to be for nothing, though, because the second he saw Glenne walking down the aisle, his shoulders eased and he smiled. Harry always got emotional at weddings and may have teared up a few times, but he just felt lucky to be standing beside him, watching two of his best friends get married.

After the ceremony, the wedding party went off to take some pictures, and when they had finished, the DJ introduced each other them one-by-one as they found their seats. Harry kept an eye out, scanning the hundreds of people that had come, in search of Y/N, and even checking his phone to see if he had gotten a text from her. Nothing so far.

The or d'oeuvres were still being served along with some drinks, people scattered around the dance floor as the newlywed couple made their rounds when the announcement of the first dance was made and Jeff and Glenne made their way to the side of the dancefloor. Harry was at the back of the crowd, glass in hand, standing by the exit to the patio that was vacant as everyone gathered around the edge of the dancefloor.

He could see the reception doors open from the corner of his eyes and turned to see Y/N slip in wearing a navy, off the shoulder frill midi dress, her hair down in beautiful waves, and her makeup light and glowy. She looked around in search of a familiar face and he smiled, stepping back even more and waving. Once she caught sight of him, a smile stretched across her face and she started making her way over to him as the music of Fire on Fire by Sam Smith began to play and the newlywed couple made their way, hand-in-hand to the dancefloor.

“Hi,” Y/N grinned as she reached him, standing on her tippy toes to try and see Jeff and Glenne.

“You look beautiful,” Harry complimented.

She blushed, pushing her hair back and off her shoulders, “Thanks, you look pretty good yourself.”

Quickly, he looked over at the empty patio and then back towards Y/N, building up the courage to ask, “Want to dance?”

She looked passed him at the patio, understood what he meant, and blushed once more, taking his outstretched hand, following him out and behind a few beautifully landscaped hedges so that they were out of sight, but could still perfectly hear the music.

They picked up the choreography where the music was, just before the beat dropped, and spun together, touching soft and light. He quickly realized she was letting him lead and she allowed herself to sink into him as they did their first lift of the dance. It made him feel more confident and in control, also filling him with a sense of honor that she trusted him enough to loosen her reins and let him lead even though she was the professional dancer. She believed in him.

As he set her down and they began to glide together, he felt his stomach and chest fill up with those butterflies again. And when the first intimate moment of the dance came and they brought their foreheads and noses pressed together, they weren’t smiling like they had in their last lesson. Their expressions were serious this time. The passion wasn’t an ‘act’, it was real. It was abundant. It was fierce. They broke briefly before going into their second lift, her back to his chest, and he was sure she could feel his heart beating ferociously out of his chest until he set her down and twisted her to face him into their last and final dip of the dance, dipping low, letting her hand fall to the ground as the other wrapped around his neck, his nose grazing her neck. He slowly and gracefully pulled her back up, their foreheads and noses touch, staring into each other’s eyes as the song began to end.

They could hear the eruption of guests inside clapping, cheering, and whistling for the bride and groom, but they stayed in that position for a minute longer, unable to move. The urge was too strong. There was a tingle where their foreheads met, spreading down to his lips. Their breathing was too heavy from trying to hold back, and he gave in, pressing his lips to hers. He could feel her sink into him, snaking her hand up from his chest to his neck and deepening it, parting her lips slightly. All went dark and black. And when he finally pulled apart, they both smiled.

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

Taglist:

@odetostep, @thurhomish

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nakedmossy · 4 years ago

Text

Depth Over Distance - Part Two [Rudy x Reader]

[A/N: I haven’t found a hometown Rudy fic yet soooo I wrote one. I have no idea where this story is going to go and I’m honestly finding it hard to get out of writing JJ and get into writing Rudy, but here we go anyways. I wanted to write something where the reader and Rudy were hometown friends before he moved to LA, and to explore the idea of how that would change/what it would look like when he comes back. Get ready for a S L O W. B U R N. my dudes. Peace and love, Mossy x]

You blinked a few times and looked around you, realizing you were on the beach still, empty beer cans scattered on the blanket around you. You took a moment to sit up and rub your face before looking up at him, where he stood perfectly still above you, arms crossed, looking down with a grin on his face.

“What the f...” You trailed off, looking around you again. “I’m on the beach”

“That you are”

“You’re on the beach”

“That I am”

“What are you doing on the beach?”

Rudy looked down at you, amused, and took his hat off to run a hand through his hair before sitting down next to you.

“Not quite how I imagined you reacting after 4 years but...” He looked over and smiled again, you smiled back as you both opened your arms, leaning into a deep hug.

“Ooooh man, it is good to see you, Y/N” He said into your neck as he squeezed you, a classic Rudy bear hug, lung crushing and comforting.

“Hi Rudy” You mumbled into his neck and pressed into him deeper. “Where you been?”

It was a rhetorical question, it wasn’t as if you both hadn’t been keeping tabs on each other for the last few years on instagram and facebook. When you broke apart from the hug, Rudy sniffled and nodded at the one remaining full beer can that sat in the sand beside your backpack.

“Party fowl” He said in a lighthearted tone. You smiled and readjusted your position to face him instead of the water.

“You’re here early.” You said, taking him all in. He looked mostly the same...with the addition of a slightly better hair cut and some more defined facial features. All traces of baby fat were gone.

“Actually I’m here on time...Alan messed up the flight schedule in his calendar. Had to get a car at the airport and drive myself here last night, caught the ferry this morning.”

You nodded along to his narrative, trying not to stare at his chiselled jawline. When did that even happen? You finally registered what he said and did a double take.

“You took the ferry this morning? And the first place you came was...the beach?” You looked at him sceptically now. He shook his head and laughed airily.

“Actually the first place I went was your house. But your car wasn’t there so I drove to all the usual spots until I found it.”

You considered this for a second, watching him blankly.

“Seriously?” You said after a few moments. “I thought you would have...I mean, where are your parents?”

“They’re at home...but you know how my dad is in the morning.” He joked before looking out over the water. After a few seconds of confused silence and you staring at him, not able to place if he was joking or being serious, he looked back over at you.

“Truthfully...I wanted to come say hi to you before people knew I was back. My dad has this whole...list...of things to do, and places to visit, and people to see over the next couple weeks, honestly its going to be hard to find time to sleep knowing his militaristic tendencies.”

Your face softened and you picked at a piece of fabric on the blanket, watching him. The morning air was cool and your cheeks were flushed, you could feel it. The mist was starting to creep down through the tree line closer to you, but you could only see that through your peripherals. Your entire line of vision was consumed by Rudy’s light grey long sleeve shirt and red and white trucker hat, two pieces he had left home with 4 years ago.

“What?” He asked quietly after a few minutes of your eyes focussed on him.

“Nothing, sorry. Nothing” You looked at your feet before looking out over the water and back to him. “It’s just...weird seeing you here. I don’t know, I mean we’ve hardly talked for more than 5 minutes over the last couple years and now you’re sitting beside me. It feels like yesterday but, so much has ...changed...since the last time you were on this beach.”

You recalled the memory of him standing in front of you, hands in his pockets, telling you he was leaving the next morning, he had booked an earlier flight than originally planned. It had been pouring rain and he had come to say goodbye, but you were heartbroken and couldn’t say it back. He planted a kiss on your forehead after hugging you, then disappeared down the trail in his hiking boots and backwards hat. You sat down on a log when he left and didn’t get back up until the next day. You hadn’t gone to the ferry to say goodbye. You always regretted that.

You looked back at Rudy now, and found him looking at you with an expression of concern.

“What?” You asked apprehensively

“You look...different” he said gently, his eyes staying on your face.

He knew about the specialists and the “health scare” as you had called it, so it wasn’t as if any of this was a surprise to him...but you figured it might be weird seeing you in person, looking the way you did, for the first time. You chewed on your bottom lip and forced out a pleasant smile, looking down at the sand and fiddling with a pebble.

“Well, you know...a lot can change in 4 years” You said quietly. He was watching you closely now, waiting. You tried to shove off his inquiring glance and inquisitive silence by diverting the conversation back to him.

“You, on the other hand, look completely the same and I am tremendously disappointed. Where is your movie star outfit and your entourage of big men in black suits?” You joked, bumping his shoulder. He smiled and looked down, shaking his head.

“I’m not a movie star” He said quietly, picking at the sand around his feet.

“Really? Has anyone told your dad that?” You laughed. Rudy laughed too, then leaned back onto his elbows and tipped his head back, the sun kissing his skin.

He was so much more tan than he had ever been living in Alaska. His skin was glowing and his hair was lightened on the tips, as if he had just walked off a beach in the Caribbean. You scanned him from head to toe, noting that his jaw wasn’t the only thing that had gotten more...defined. He had always been fit, but the way the fabric of his shirt fell in the crevices between his abs, outlining his 8-pack, was more...noticeable, than you remembered it.

“How are you, though. Really.” He looked up at the side of your head and waited for you to speak. You blinked and looked away, trying to swallow but failing, resulting in a coughing spasm to clear your throat.

You didn’t want to get into it now, he had just gotten home, and for some reason he had come to see you first out of everyone in town who would be just as happy to see him. The last thing either of you needed was to drag up the drama you had been engulfed in for the last few years.

“You know...good. Fine.” You nodded, throwing the pebble you had been playing with away and towards the water. “Working...spending a lot of time with my dad...he has some family from Germany here this weekend and I’ve been graced Captain for the trip...I guess Sylvan walked out on him a few days ago.”

Rudy nodded his head, knowing exactly who you were talking about. You had done the trips up the coast with your dad more times than you could count, Rudy had been on more than half of them with you.

“And sleeping on the beach? That a thing you do now?” He prodded, half seriously.

“Ha ha.” You retorted, grabbing another rock and throwing it into the water. It made a hollow plunk as bubbles surfaced. “No”

“Good”

“How are you? How is the City of Angels?”

You expected him to start gushing profusely about the warm weather and palm trees, or boast about all his friends, or brag about the constant flow of jobs he being getting offered since his TV show blew up internationally. Or ...maybe the money, if nothing else. Instead, he sat up and rested his arms on his knees, his face shadowed with something uneasy, a darkness in his eyes.

“Rude?” You asked quietly after a few long seconds of silence.

His eyes flicked to you briefly and he smiled shallowly before grabbing another rock and throwing it so hard into the water it created a small wave. He sighed deeply and shrugged his shoulders before turning to look at you. His voice was sad when he spoke.

“I needed to come home for a bit.” He looked deeply at you then, something heavy in your chest when you saw his eyes wet with tears. “I needed my friend.”

The expression on his face and the way his shoulders seemed to sag forward hit you so hard that you impulsively leaned forward and buried him in a hug, feeling him relax slightly before his shoulders started to rock and you felt him hiccup. He was crying.

“Rude-�� You started, feeling him squeeze you tighter as you rubbed his back slowly. “What’s going on...”

He shook his head in your shoulder and kept his face buried, still hugging you tightly. You felt his hands move slowly up and down your back along your ribs, which lived just below the skin now. You didn’t think about how different your body looked and felt that often anymore...it had become the norm to everyone around you by this point. Now, as Rudy’s hands moved along your back, feeling your exposed ribs and spine, exploring them with his fingers as if he was feeling them for the first time (which he sorta was), you remembered just how different your last hug with him had felt. You were a different person then.

After a few moments of silence he brought his face out and rested his chin on your shoulder, his breathing slow in your embrace. He sniffed before speaking.

“I never appreciated this place the way I should have, you know? I never appreciated any of this the way I should have.” He said darkly. You understood his meaning.

You broke the hug, against his opposition, and leaned back far enough to look at his face, your hands moving to his cheeks. Seeing him so sad and so unlike his usual light and happy self rocked you, you felt a lump in your throat. Your thumbs stroked the skin under his eyes.

“What is going on?” You begged, praying he would open up and explain what had him so wrapped up and overwhelmed. He dipped his head into your palm and closed his eyes, then pushed out a smile before grabbing each other your hands and pulling them into his lap, squeezing them.

“Its just good to be home, I really missed it.” He whispered, his eyes darting back and forth with your own and scanning your face. “I missed you.”

You frowned and shook your head lightly, he pulled you into another hug before standing up and offering his hand to help you get up.

“Now what do you say we go see my parents and steal some breakfast?” He smiled, wiping his face and blinking the brief darkness away.

You nodded silently, bending down to collect your stuff. Rudy grabbed the empty cans and shoved them in his pockets, helping you fold the blanket up. You walked side by side down the beach towards the trailhead back to the parking lot. You could feel Rudy’s gaze on you every few seconds, his towering 6ft stature always creating shadows over you.

“How long are you staying?” You finally broke the silence, looking up at him over your shoulder. He shrugged.

“Depends...a few weeks for sure. Probably months. Haven’t nailed down the details with my agent yet...but so far I don't have to be back in LA until the fall.”

“So we have some time?” Your voice sounded sheepish and small. Rudy looked down at you and something flashed across his face before he nodded and slung an arm around your shoulders.

“Ya, we have some time.”

You rounded the corner then and emerged from the trail into the parking lot, staring at your cars for a second. Rudy looked at your car and you could see him inhale deeply, smiling beside you.

“My door handle still broken?” He asked, wandering around to inspect the passenger side.

You nodded, smiling. My door. He hadn’t been in your car in 4 years, but he still referred to the passenger side as his own. It was like everything had changed and nothing had changed at the same time. He walked back and passed you the beach blanket.

“Ill meet you there?” You shifted on your feet as he pulled his keys out of his pocket.

“See you in 5” He winked then walked towards his rental car, flipping his sunglasses on before climbing in the drivers seat.

You watched him peel out of the parking lot and onto the road that both of you had driven so many times you could practically drive it with your eyes closed. Waving once, you climbed into your own car, closing the door and releasing the breath you had been holding since you woke up. When you had given yourself a few seconds to regain your senses, you started your car and took off down the road, following the boy you had followed your whole life.

___________________________________________________

Tag List: @bluebirdsbluebells, @sunshinemadds, @lovelymaybankk, @poguestyleskye, @alexa-playafricabytoto, @ilikealotofpeople-younotsomuch

#rudy pankow #reader x rudy #depth over distance #nakedmossywrites #jj maybank #outer banks #obx

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atlafan · 5 years ago

Text

Take it Slow - Part Seventy-Two

a/n: okay this is my first shot at a harry:y/n fic, and it will be multiple parts. y/n had a bad experience with an ex over a year ago, and finally accepts her coworker and good friend Niall’s invitation to go on a blind date with his friend Harry.

Warnings: Fluff, smut, and angst if you squint.

Masterpost (all previous parts can be found in the masterpost)

You and Eleanor sat out on the balcony for a bit while so Harry and Louis could go hang out up in the loft and talk pictures and cameras and stuff.

“You look great, El.”

“Thanks, just wish I felt great.” She laughs. “I was hopin’ I’d be one of those pregnant women that only gain weight in the belly. Feel like everythin’ else is growin’ with it.” She sighs. “Although, I’ll say I’m startin’ to feel less gross now. At least you can tell I’m pregnant and not just fat.” You both laugh.

“You know Harry talks about wanting a baby all the time. He’s cooled it a bit now that we have Buster. I feel like he thinks the whole process is going to be a breeze.”

“Well of course he does, he’s a man. His hormones don’t get thrown out of wack, his body gets to stay the way it is, oh and after the only thing he gets to have happen to him as that he’ll be tired. I know I shouldn’t, but I’ve read so many disgusting stories about after havin’ the baby. The things they don’t really tell you. Like rippin’ all the way open to your arse, and what’s it’s like to really go to the bathroom for the first time. Your body is tryin’ to recover, meanwhile you’re expected to take of this new thing that just came outta yeh. Fuck’n terrifyin’.”

“Can I ask…I mean, was this planned, did you two have a slip up?”

“A mix of both actually. I had gotten off the pill because I knew we’d be wantin’ t’try in the next year or so and I just wanted to give my body some time to adjust. So naturally we switched to condoms.” She takes a sip of her water. “Lou, god love ‘em, didn’t notice that one of ‘em broke while we were usin’ it, I didn’t either. Next thing we knew I was throwin’ up most mornings and when we took the test sure enough it said I was pregnant. Broke his heart to move the date back for the wedding, but I refuse to either still be pregnant or have this nasty baby weight on me.”

“I don’t blame you at all. Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the best days of your life, you don’t wanna look back on the photos and be unhappy.”

“Exactly! I know I’ve been snippy with him lately, and he’s been so patient and understanding. With his ex he was the same way, probably more so, so she wouldn’t snatch Freddie away. Not that she would, but it was always in the back of his head.”

“Harry told me he talks to the baby every night.”

“Oh, he does.” She chuckles. “It’s actually really cute. He’ll help me rub some cocoa butter on, it’s to help with the stretch marks, and then he’ll hum and chat with it.”

“Are you going to wait to see what you’re having?”

“Yeah, we really wanna be surprised. No one does that anymore. Everyone’s doin’ these gender reveal parties now, and I really don’t like ‘em. You’re already determining the kid’s life and personality before it gets here.”

“I agree, they’re way over done.”

“Love?” Louis steps outside with Harry. “We should probably get goin’, wanna beat the traffic and all that.”

“Alright.” He comes over to help her up, not that she needed it. “You boys have fun lookin’ at your cameras?”

“Yup.” He smiles at her. “Thanks again for havin’ us.”

“You’ll stay with us again for the studio opening?” Harry asks. Louis freezes and looks at you.

“Um, I think Niall called dibs on us for that. Gotta take turns y’know?” He laughs.

“Oh…alright then.”

The two leave. You and Harry flop on the sofa with Buster.

“Poor thing, she’s not having an easy time.”

“Yeah, Lou was tellin’ me a bit this morning…they haven’t had sex in nearly two months.”

“Can you blame her? She feels disgusting. God, I’d probably feel the same way. Having literally no control over the way your body changes every day. Not to mention the bump getting in the way all of a sudden. I’d feel like I was crushing you.” Harry swallows hard, his anxiety returning. “Not to mention the resentment.” You laugh.

“Resentment?”

“Yeah, you know the cliché, you did this to me?” You laugh again, but his face stays solid.

“Do you really think it’s that bad the entire time?”

“No…I mean, everyone’s different. I know people who have had really easy pregnancies, but it’s not perfect one-hundred percent of the time. I’m sure things will get better, she’s just starting her second trimester, I heard that’s when things sort of level out.”

“Right…” He looks at Buster and pets him. “Glad we have this little guys for now. He’s all we need for the time being.”

“Couldn’t agree with you more.”

“Can I ask an awkward question?”

“Sure.”

“Erica and Kyle…I mean…that was a weird thing to bring up yesterday.”

“Oh god, I know.”

“I mean, not that I expect you guys to talk about your sex lives, but they thought I was chokin’ yeh to hurt yeh…”

“Yeah, they’re idiots.” You sigh. “We also grew up in sort of a strict home…sort of conservative about certain things. We watched movies that had sex and stuff in it, but I never had like a talk with my parents about it. And anytime I wanted to talk with Erica I just felt awkward. And god know Bridget had no experience. I learned most of what I learned from reading shit on the internet. Plus, I was always nervous with boys in high school. That first kiss story? I was fourteen right? Didn’t kiss another boy until I was seventeen, about to graduate from high school. Then, the next person I kissed was the guy I first had sex with nearly two years later. Did everything for the first time all in one night.” Harry nods. “See, I feel like I was the only one that was able to really explore sex because I was the only one to go away to school. Bridget and Kyle commuted. He had a couple girlfriends, but my parents made him sleep on the couch if he wanted one of them to sleepover.”

“Ah, classic.”

“As if my brother would do anything, his room was right next to my parents’.” You laugh. “And Erica’s been with her boyfriend for nearly ten years. I mean she had a few different boyfriends in high school, but she was locked down when she went to college. And then there was me…”

“You know, you’ve never told me your number.”

“And you’ve never told me yours. It’s not something I think we need to share. The guy I first slept with was the only guys I slept with for about four months. It was just a sex thing. He, however, had a few girls on rotation.” You roll your eyes at the memory. “Things ended in a bad way, it was messy. After that I got a Tinder and I started hooking up all the time. Had a few little relationships here and there, but nothing serious. I think my siblings would be shocked if they knew about all the shit I did, who I did it with, and where it was done.” You say blushing. “I basically told Erica she just needs to mind her own business, and that was that.”

“Good, because I don’t need anyone shamin’ us. There’s worse things we could be doin’ anyways.”

“Yeah, cause you know, anal totally isn’t worse than lightly choking someone.” Harry bursts out laughing and pulls you on top of him snuggle.

“Nope, not worse at all.”

“Bug spray?”

“Check.”

“Sun screen?”

“Check.”

“Water bottle?”

“Check.”

“Inhaler?”

“Check.”

“Sleeping bag?”

“Check.”

“Deo-“

“Babe, I promise, I got all my toiletries.”

“You’re going to be up in New Hampshire for two nights with probably zero cell service, I need to make sure you’re alright and have everything you need.”

He cups your face in his hands and kisses you.

“You’re gonna miss me a little, aren’t you?”

“Of course I am.” You pout. “I’m just glad Buster’s staying here with me, I’ll have someone to cuddle.”

“What are you and the girls doin’?”

“Well, they’re setting up shop here, in the guest room. We’re gonna do some face masks, nails, watch a ton of movies. It’ll be fun.”

“Good.” Harry looks at his watch. “Nearly eight, I gotta get this shit in the car and head out with Niall.”

“I’ll walk down with you, Buster probably needs to pee again. C’mon baby, let’s go say bye to daddy.” You pus the leash on him and walk down. Sarah was with Niall at Harry’s car.

“You’re never on time for anythin’.” Niall laughs.

“Alright, have a safe trip and a good time. If you have service, let us know when you get there.” Sarah says to Niall. They kiss and he gets in the car.

Harry gives Buster a hug, then looks at you.

“I love you, be good.” He says. You fake gasp.

“I am always on my best behavior.”

“With those two, oh yeah, for sure.”

“Love you too.”

He wraps his arms around you and gives you a deep kiss. You bite his bottom lip before he lets you go.

“Right.” He coughs. “Uh, bye.”

He gets into the car and drives off.

“You two…are disgusting.” Sarah laughs.

“Stop, we are not.” You sigh.

“Did you tell him we’re going out tonight?”

“You know, it slipped my mind.”

“I didn’t tell Niall either.”

“Come on, I’ll make us some breakfast, Rachel will be over later this afternoon.”

Harry and Niall mostly listen to music on the drive up. They pick Louis up on the way.

“What’s El up to this weekend?” Niall asks.

“Her mum’s actually visiting this weekend, so this couldn’t have come at a better time.” He laughs. “They’re talkin’ about havin’ her stay with us for a bit once the baby’s born.” He sighs. “Wouldn’t be the end of the world, but still.”

The three have a nice ride up to the campground. All the talk is pretty lighthearted. Harry pays to park, and one of the rangers tells them where they can set up. They find a nice spot that had a fire pit and they set up their tents.

“Harry, m’bunkin’ with yeh, I didn’t have a tent.” Louis says.

“Yeah, mate, no problem.”

The boys have lunch and decide to go for a walk. They knew they’d be sitting around doing a lot of drinking later, so the least they could do was walk around and enjoy the beautiful area there were in.

Rachel came over around three in the afternoon. You all decided to make frozen margaritas and sit out on the balcony listening to music.

“So, what’s Mariah up to this weekend?” You ask.

“She’s catching up with some of her own friends.” She says taking a sip of her cool drink. “God, I can’t wait to go to Seth’s tomorrow. Nothing like day drinking on a Sunday.”

“I know! And his apartment is so cool, heated pool and everything. It’s gonna be really hot out tomorrow, I’m definitely bringing my swim suit.”

“Plus, we’re going to that indoor/outdoor place tonight. I’m super excited.” You say.

“Did either of tell Harry and Niall about Seth?”

“You know…” Sarah says sipping her drink. “It didn’t come up.”

“Harry just let go of thinking something was happening between Niall and I, no way was I going to bring up going to a guy friend’s house party. Can we please just be careful with posting pictures?”

“I thought they weren’t going to have service.”

“Well, they could, and they could always see stuff later.” Sarah says.

“How sad that the two of you are afraid of your boyfriends…”

“We’re not afraid of them.” You say.

“Sometimes it’s just easier to leave certain things out.”

A little before dusk, Harry and the boys got a fire started. The cracked open their beers and snacked on chips. Louis took a joint out of his bag.

“Lads?”

“Pass it over.” Niall says and takes a hit. “Harry?”

“Sure.” He takes it. “Can’t remember the last time I smoked.” He smirks and takes a hit, then passes it back to Louis.

“Got plenty for the weekend. Haven’t been able to smoke since El got pregnant.”

“Can’t mention this to the girls at all.” Niall says. “I know it’s just weed, but I think Sarah would kill me.”

“Same with Y/N, I don’t think she’s kill me, but it’s just better if it stays between us.”

“What happens in New Hampshire, stays in New Hampshire.” Louis says.

Eventually all the boys themselves laying on the ground, looking up the stars, staying cozy by the fire.

“We hikin’ tomorrow?” Louis asks.

“Definitely, lotta great trails around here.” Niall says.

“Lou, are you scared to be a dad again?” Harry asks out of nowhere. Louis props himself up on his elbows so he can better look at his friend.

“What? Not really, no. It’s a little scary I suppose that I’ll be doin’ it full time. And I’m a little scared that Freddie’s gonna think I’m replacin’ him…but not scared to be a dad again.”

“Does Freddie know he’s gonna be a big brother?” Niall asks.

“Yeah, we told him a few weeks ago. He said he’s excited to have someone to play with.” He smiles. “Bri took it really well too. I think she’s happy he’ll be a big brother too.”

“It’s nice you all have gotten to a point where you all can get along.” Harry says.

“I mean, I walk on eggshells with Bri, but I’d rather do that than fight with her.” He takes a sip of his drink. “How’s havin’ a dog goin’?”

“Oh, it’s great. Think it’s just what we needed. I think it’s added a little more structure to our daily routines. Like we have to get up and take him out, stuff like that.”

“They call each other mummy and daddy.” Niall says laughing.

“A lot of people do that with their pets, don’t make fun of him. So, uh, when else does she call you daddy?” He smirks and Harry nudges him.

“She doesn’t.” He laughs.

“I still can’t believe you’ve made a life with someone. When yeh told me you were seein’ someone and already asked her to be your girlfriend, I was shocked, but really happy for you.”

“I don’t know what it was, I feel like I found my soulmate or some shit.” Harry sits up and starts sniffling. The other two sit up as well.

“Now I remember why you stopped smokin’, yeh always cry when yeh have too much.” Niall says, giving him a pat on the back.

“Shut up.” He sniffles.

“Why are you cryin’?” Louis asks, putting his hand on his knee.

“I’ve just never said that out loud to anyone before.” He wipes his eyes. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, it’s fuckin’ terrifying.”

“Do you think she feels the same way, that you’re her soulmate?” Louis asks.

“She must, right? I know she sees a life with me or she wouldn’t have agreed to gettin’ a dog. I…you know she had a pregnancy scare a couple months ago, well sort of, she just missed one of her pills. And I really didn’t think it was a big deal, like if she got pregnant we would’ve just dealt with it, but now I’m sorta glad she didn’t. The whole thing seems really stressful.”

“It’s very stressful, mate. Worth it, but it’s not a movie. She’s got a nephew right?”

“Yeah.”

“Good, enjoy just bein’ an uncle for a bit. Hell, enjoy bein’ an uncle to my kids. I know you’ve always wanted to be a dad, and you’ll be a great one when the time comes, but there’s really no rush.”

“I’m startin’ to see that…” Harry looks at Niall. “What about you, is Sarah your soulmate?”

“I don’t really believe in the soulmate thing.” He shrugs. “Do I think she’d make a great partner in life? Sure. I mean, I’m grateful every day we went out with the girls that night and we met. I enjoy spendin’ my free time with her, and we’re in love there’s no doubt about that.”

“Do you think you’ll marry her some day?”

“Too soon to tell, to be honest with yeh. You know me, I live in the present. I think once we’ve been together a year I’ll ask her to move in with me.”

“You two really are on opposite ends of the spectrum.”

“Yeah, and you’re right in the middle.” Harry jokes.

“Well, when are you poppin’ the question to Y/N, know you’ve thought about it. Surprised you don’t have the ring with yeh now.”

“It’s been purchased, and it’s in London. I plan to pick it up when I go home later in the summer. I’m waitin’ for us to be together a year before I ask. Her family’s a little conservative, so I figure if we’ve been together a year, then no one can really tell us we’re movin’ too fast. Plus it takes like another year to actually get married with all the planning.”

“God, look at us. We’re so grown up.” Louis says. “It’s fuckin’ disgustin’.” They all laugh. “I mean really, if someone told me six years ago I’d be gettin’ ready to be a father of two, you’d be gettin’ ready to move in with a serious girlfriend, and you’d be just about on your knee ready to propose, I’d of laughed in their face.” They all laugh, but Harry feels tears prick at his eyes again.

“I just don’t want this to change. No matter how much we keep growin’ up, or no matter how busy we get with our own lives, we have to make time for this.” He says through sniffles. “She may be my soulmate, but you two are like…”

The both hug Harry. Nothing else needed to be said on that. The three of them loved each other, and they knew it.

The three of you had a great time at the bar. You didn’t stay out too late because you knew you’d be out all day tomorrow. The three of you camp out in the living room, which makes Buster very happy. You all decide to watch a movie and just snuggle up with each other like old times.

“Okay, now that we’re drunk, there’s been something I’ve been dying to ask.” Rachel says just as the movie starts.

“What’s that?” You ask.

“Well, Sarah’s told me all about her butt adventures with Niall…she let him get in there you know?”

“I do know, I also know she didn’t like it very much.”

“It was just incredibly awkward and embarrassing, but it’s shut him about it so we’re good.”

“The last time we talked about it you asked me how a strap worked…” She starts giggling.

“I think…I think that’s something that should remain private.” Rachel and Sarah squeal and giggle.

“That just means you used one!” Rachel says. “How often? Did he like it?”

“Guys…I really don’t think he’d appreciate me talking about it.”

“As if they’re not talking about. That’s what guys do when they’re alone, they share sex notes.” Sarah says. “You can’t possibly think they’re out there, laying under the stars having a deep conversation.”

“No…I suppose you’re right…okay, I’ll tell you a little bit, but please, it’s so personal…”

“We won’t say anything. Everything this weekend stays between us.” Rachel says.

“We’ve…done it a few times…it’s incredible. And he actually likes it, it feels good for him.”

“Obviously, once you get a man’s prostate in the mix, there’s no going back.” Rachel says.

“I was surprised, honestly. He took it so well. I told him he could be the one to ask for it after we first did it because I didn’t want him to feel pressured. He’s so cute, one time was like,” You look down and put your two index finger tips together, “got some more lube today, love.” They both squeal.

“God, Harry is the shyest, cutest thing sometimes.” Sarah says.

“I wish Mariah was here, she tells the best stories about Harry. He has this really tough exterior, but he’s such a good person.”

“Yeah, he’d take the shirt off his back if someone needed it.” You smile.

“Now that he’s not sitting right here will you please tell us what the fuck was up with your neck last weekend?”

“Oh for the love of god, sometimes we choke each other, lightly, when we’re doing it. He happened to do it to me the night before the party and he didn’t take his rings off so they left bruises. Clearly I didn’t cover them up correctly.”

“Hot damn.” Sarah says. “You know I let Niall choke me sometimes, it’s pretty hot. It’s like just a little bit of pressure.”

“Exactly! And I do it to Harry too sometimes.”

“You choke him, you peg him, damn, he’s a trooper.” Rachel laughs.

“He does things to me too, it’s not all me. We’re just very comfortable with each other. I wouldn’t take Niall as the choking type.”

“The same could be said for you my friend.” Sarah says and you all giggle. “So…you have this apartment, you have a dog, when do you think he’s going to pop the question?”

“I have no idea, not anytime soon. I mean, I know it’ll happen eventually, but there’s no rush. I think we’re both happy with how things are right now.”

“How often do you talk about it?” Rachel asks.

“A little here and there. Like if I say if, he’ll always correct me and say when.” You start to tear up a bit. “I never thought…I never thought I’d ever be someone that someone else would want to marry and have a life with.” You full on start sobbing and the girls hold you. “Like…he’s my everything, you know? He’s truly my person. I never thought I’d get this lucky.”

“You deserve the whole world, Y/N.” Rachel says. “And Harry wants to give it to you, I know he does.” You look at her and smile.

“Yeah! And Niall says all the time that he’s never seen Harry like this with anyone. I think you two really sparked something within each other.”

Buster starts yipping and comes over to you. He licks on of your cheeks.

“Aw, mumma’s okay Buster.” You pull him into your lap.

The three of you talk a bit more, and then settle to watch the rest of the movie.

The next morning the boys get up early to go for a hike. Harry and Louis had shared a tent, and Louis’ laughter wakes Harry up.

“What?” He grumbles.

“Let me see, your head’s in my neck, and you’ve got an arm and a leg thrown over me. Someone miss their lady last night?”

“You know I’m a cuddly sleeper, this isn’t news.” He looks up at him. “What are yeh, suddenly not manly enough to have a cuddle with me?”

Louis wraps an arm around Harry and pulls him in closer. Niall unzips their tent and crawls in with them, going to Louis’ other side.

“Really glad this is a secluded area. Someone walkin’ by would think this is an orgy.” Niall jokes.

“Someone would just be jealous they couldn’t snuggle with three fine men such as ourselves. Now, I’ll give it five more minutes and then we need to get up.”

Harry took some pictures along the trail. He wondered if you’d ever go hiking with him. It took them about two hours to get the summit. They sit there for a while just taking in the view.

“Harry?” Louis asks.

“Yeah, mate?” Harry says, just biting into a banana.

“How do you think you’ll propose to Y/N when you do it? I feel like I had the campus thing with El planned for months.”

“I don’t know yet. I want her to feel really special, but I also want it to be a complete surprise, you know? I have a song in mind I’d like to have playin’ in the background, and I’ve thought a bit about what I might say, but I haven’t really thought of where yet.”

“You should recreate your first date.” Niall suggests.

“Can’t, she did that for my birthday. Besides, she’d suspect somethin’ was up.”

“True…you could tell her there’s some fancy party you have to go to so there’s your excuse to dress up. Oh! And you could just have her meet you wherever it is, so she could walk into the scene.”

“Wait, I’ve got it. Tell her you need her help for one of your freelance gigs. Then she won’t suspect a thing.” Louis says.

“That could actually work. I’d want it to be at night, outside I think. Lights strung up in some trees.” The three of them look off into the distance imagining it. “It’d be beautiful.”

The three of you head to Seth’s around noon. Your mom came over to watch Buster for the day. He’d be fine on his own, but you felt bad leaving him either way. The three of you looked cute, as always. You were wearing a pair of high waisted jean shorts, tennis shoes and a green crop top. Sarah had a casual sundress on, and Rachel had a pair of black shorts and blue crop top on. You all packed your bathing suits and towels, and headed out.

“Hey!” He says to you as you make your way to the backyard of his apartment. “It’s been forever!” He hugs all of you. “Help yourselves to whatever you want. You should know a few people here. Pool’s open and heated.”

“Seth, I brought some veggie burgers for myself for whenever you start grilling, where should I put them?”

“Toss them in that cooler near the grill.”

“Thanks.”

The truth was, both you and Sarah had slept with Seth in college, multiple times. It wasn’t weird for the three of you. A lot of time had passed, but the little memories still lingered.

The three of you start drinking and mingling with others at the party. Seth gets the grill going and he calls you over.

“Alright, how the fuck do I make these things?” He slings an arm over your shoulders.

“Well, and here’s the amazing part, there’s directions right on the package. Did you forget how to read, Sethy?” He rolls his eyes at you playfully.

“Okay smarty pants, can you read them to me while I get the other shit on here?”

“Sure.”

“Hey, smile you two!” You both turn around and smile at Sarah as she snaps a picture.

“Get in here too, selfie.” He says. Sarah holds up the phone and takes a selfie of the three of you.

“How are things with the two of you anyways?” He asks, throwing a veggie burger on the grill. “You both have jobs and boyfriends?”

“Yup! I’m a third grade teacher, and I’m dating one of Y/N’s best guy friends.”

“Yeah, and I work in marketing and I date my best guy friend’s guy friend.” You laugh. “What about you?”

“In between ladies at the moment, but I’ve got a good job so no complaints.” Rachel calls Sarah over for something, but you stay with Seth. “He treating you alright?”

“Yeah, his name is Harry by the way. Wanna see a picture?”

“Please, show me.” You smile and take out your phone. You show Seth some pictures of Harry and tell him all about him. “Seems like a great guy, Y/N.”

“He’s the best. I couldn’t be happier.”

“Well, I’m happy for you then. And for Sarah.” He smiles. “How about Rachel, how’s she?”

“She’s great. She’s dating Harry’s friend Mariah.”

“Wow, nice that all worked out.”

“Yeah!”

Later on, a ton of you get into the pool. Somehow you end up on Seth’s shoulders and you start playing chicken with some other friends. You were happy you wore your hair up in a bun. Sarah also took a turn on Seth’s shoulders while playing chicken. All in all it was a really great day.

You all dry off and change and hang out around the fire Seth started. One of his friends brought stuff to make s’mores. You couldn’t remember the last time you just shot the shit with your friends from college. It was nice.

Harry, Niall, and Louis found a bar to go have drinks at not too far from the campground. They were all looking to eat something a little more filling. Because they were at a restaurant, they all had wifi, so naturally they all started checking their phones.

“Who the fuck is Seth Rowan?” Harry asks.

“Who?”

“This guy, with his arms around Y/N and Sarah.” Harry shows Niall his phone. Another person had taken a picture of the three of you and tagged you in it.

“No idea, where’d you find that?”

“Facebook…I feel like I’ve seen his face before…” Harry goes onto your Instagram, and scrolls back deep. “Christ.” He runs his hand over his face and shows them. There was an old picture of you two kissing, on the mouth and the caption said, spin the bottle.

“Yikes…an ex-boyfriend?” Louis asks.

“No.” Niall says. “That’s an old friend from college. I actually think Sarah might’ve dated him.”

“Well, it fuckin’ looks like something happened. And they were all hanging out with him today. Did you know they were going to a party?”

“No, and clearly you didn’t either.”

“Maybe it was a last minute invite.”

“Or maybe they didn’t want us knowing they were…wait Rachel just posted on her story.”

Harry taps the video.

“You have to do it Y/N! You accepted the dare!”

“You all suck, fine!”

You get up and someone turns the music up louder. You turn around and bend over, shaking your ass. Then you pop your ass, twerking. You stand back up and take a bow as everyone cheers. You sit back down, wrapping yourself in a blanket.

“Hope you all enjoyed that. You’re next Rachel, truth or dare?”

The video ends and Harry’s left there, mouth hanging open.

“Oh…my…god.” Is all he can say.

“Oh my god!” Niall shouts. “Look! Look!” He says showing them Sarah’s story that she made so only close friends could see.

“Sarah, I dare you to kiss Rachel.” Someone says.

“Jesus, as if anyone hasn’t see that before.” She shakes her head and looks at Rachel. “It’s up to you.”

“What the hell, why not?”

The two kiss, only for a few seconds, but the crowd cheers and Rachel curtsies as she sits back down.

“I…I…who are these people?! Certainly not our girlfriends.” Niall says.

“Are you seriously complaining that you just got to watch your girlfriend kiss another girl?” Louis asks. “You both need to chill out. They’re all just havin’ fun.”

“They didn’t tell us they were-“

“Do they need your permission to go out while you’re away?”

“No, but-“

“But nothin’. You two are idiots to get mad over this.”

“I don’t appreciate seein’ my girlfriend kiss someone else, another girl that happens to be her best friend doesn’t make it okay.” Niall huffs.

“I agree.”

Louis shakes his head at the two of them.

“Stupid thing to get mad about.”

The three finish up their drinks and dinner, and head back to the campground. They start up the fire and start drinking more.

“Wish we never looked at our phones. Who knows what else they’re doin’.” Niall says.

“Don’t worry about it, mate.” Louis whines. “It’s literally not a big deal.”

“Um…guys?” Rachel says in the uber on the way to your apartment. “Harry looked at my story of Y/N earlier…”

“And Niall saw mine…” Sarah says. “What the fuck, I thought they didn’t have service.”

“Maybe they went somewhere that did. Fuck, you know, I told you guys to be careful with what you posted. Now he’s seen me popping my ass for a group of people he doesn’t even know. Bad enough someone tagged us in a picture with Seth on Facebook. He probably saw that too.” You groan. “Great, I’m sure I’ll be in for it tomorrow.”

“Me too…”

The three of you get back to your apartment. Your mom had left Buster good to go and he was very happy to see the three of you. You all decide you’re done with drinking and just curl up to watch a movie.

Once again Harry and Louis wake up cuddling. The two laugh as they get up. They clean everything up and load up the car.

“Please don’t let what they did ruin such a great weekend, lads.”

“We’re not.” Niall says. “But they’re gettin’ a stern talkin’ to.”

“Yeah, very stern.”

Harry drops Louis off, hugging goodbye of course. Rachel had left your place, but Sarah stayed behind. You both figured if you were in trouble, then maybe you could be in trouble together. Harry tells Niall to come up with him, figuring that Sarah would still be over.

“So what’s our game plan?” Sarah asks you.

“I’m…going to jump on him and hug him and kiss him.”

“Okay, okay, that’s good. Soften him up a bit.”

“Maybe he’ll just take me right to the bedroom and we’ll fuck, then talk.”

“And what does that mean for me?”

“Take Niall home and fuck him there.”

You both hear the jingle of keys and you stand up. You hear the boys talking and then stop when they see the two of you standing there.

“You’re home! How was the-“ You start waling towards him, but they both cross their arms.

“Who’s Seth Rowan?”

“Why did you think it was a good idea to post a video of you and Rachel kissing?”

You and Sarah look at each other, then back to them. You both move a little closer to them. A scent hits your nose and your face scrunches.

“Why do you both smell like weed?” You ask crossing your arms.

“Answer our questions first.” Harry says. “When I asked you what your plans for this weekend, it didn’t seem like a party was in the mix.”

“Seth is an old friend from college.” Sarah starts.

“Just a friend? Because I’m pretty sure there’s more to it than that.” You gasp.

“What did you do, creep on my Instagram?”

“Maybe.”

You and Sarah both roll your eyes.

“Friend...with benefits.” Sarah says. “To both of us at one point.”

“You both were hookin’ up with the same guy?” Niall asks and you both nod. “Why?”

“I feel like the answer to that wouldn’t really help our case.” You say. “Look, Seth usually has a Memorial Day party, he invited us and we went. Everything that happened was a long time ago, no harm done.”

“So you shakin’ your ass for a group of people is no harm done?”

“I’m going to fucking kill, Rachel.” You groan. “We were playing truth or dare, what was I supposed to do?”

“Tell the truth about sometin’.”

“I couldn’t.”

“What did they ask you?” You look at Sarah. “Don’t look at her, look at me, what did they ask you that was so bad that you decided to do a dare instead?”

“They asked me…god…they asked me if…if I ever…please Harry, don’t make me say it, just know it was really bad.” He sighs.

“Fine…you know you could have told me you were goin’ to a party.”

“No because you would’ve questioned who Seth was and-“

“Of course I would have, and you could’ve just told me he was a friend from school, come on.”

“Sorry.”

“Niall…”

“I’m assuming they asked you a stupid question too?”

“Yes.”

“Can yeh please just not do that again? Friend or not, I really don’t want yeh kissin’ someone else.”

“Of course! I’m so sorry!” She lunges onto him and kisses all over his face.

You look up at Harry and give him your biggest eyes and pout. He sighs and opens his arms and you jump into them. He lifts you up and you wrap your legs around him.

“Love you both, but I’d like to give my man a proper hello now, so please leave.” They both giggle and head out.

“Where’s Buster?”

“Taking a little nappy.”

“Ah.”

Harry walks you down to the bedroom.

“We’re taking a shower, you wreak. Did you smoke?” He sets you down.

“Yes.”

“Harry…”

“Lou brought a joint with him, it’s no bid deal.”

“Alright.” You start taking your clothes off.

“Alright?”

“You’re letting my weekend slide, so I’m doing the same.”

“Okay.”

“So was it fun?”

“It was great, actually. We went for a hike, got to really see the stars at night. It was nice to just catch up and talk.”

“Yeah, same for us.”

Harry strips and turns the water on in the shower. He looks at you and squints.

“Why don’t you ever dance like that for me?”

“What do you mean?”

“I’d love for you to put on a little show for me like that. Maybe a little lap dance sometime.” He grins.

“In your dreams.”

“Come on, it’ll be a new character for role play.”

“Maybe something CEO does for her assistant?”

“Exactly.”

“We’ll see.”

“Fine, then in the meantime, I’m going to fuck you into the tile.”

“Harry!” You squeal as he yanks you into the shower.

His hands are all over you and his fingers are up inside you before you know it. He nips at your neck as he pumps in and out of you.

“Fuck.” You breathe as his thumb works your clit. You reach to grab his cock and you start pumping it. “You know, this is the only cock I want.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah, makes me feel so good. Want it all the time.”

He takes his fingers out of you and sucks on them. He grips one of your thighs and raises it over one of his hips. He thrusts into you. Your back arches against the cold tile. You hands sink into his shoulders as he rocks up into you.

“This is the only cunt I want.” Before you can’t bite your bottom lip, he’s already doing it for you, sucking it into his mouth. “This entire body, actually. It’s all mine, isn’t it?”

“All yours.” You smile at him and he smiles back. He pulls out and turns you around, entering from behind. Your entire front was pressed to the tile. Your head rolls back to his shoulder. “I love you, Harry, fuck!”

“I love, ngh, love you too.”

It doesn’t take either of you long to come. Harry throws his laundry right into the washer, and you both get cozy with Buster on the sofa.

“I really hope you know I didn’t intentionally try to make you upset or anything,”

“I know.” He strokes your back as you lay on him. “I don’t want you thinkin’ that I’m gonna blow up at you though.”

“I guess…because of how things were with my dad growing up, I feel like it’s easier or safer to leave pieced of information out. I know you’re not him, I wouldn’t be with you if you were anything like him, but sometimes those little things are there in the back of my head. I’d do anything to avoid a fight with him, so-“

“Babe.” You look up at him. “I know I get jealous sometimes, and that’s not always fair. But please don’t be afraid to tell me what you’re doin’. The most important thing to me is that you feel safe with me, always.” You nuzzle into his chest.

“I do feel safe with you, I promise. Some things are just hard to shake, I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry your dad fucked you up so much.” He sighs and kisses the top of your head.

“Me too…but I can’t blame everything on him. If I did I’d be just like Bridget. I just know I have certain habits. Like, you know how I always line our shoes up so we don’t trip over them when we walk in?”

“Yeah.”

“Well I do that because of my dad. If there was a hair out place when he got home from work it was like World War three would erupt. I do certain things because I feel like he could just come in at any moment, which is stupid, I mean this is our home, not his.”

“S’not stupid…” You look up at him and kiss him.

“I am sorry though, I was wrong.”

“Yeah, you were.” He smirks. “But it’s okay. I had a really nice time with my friends this weekend, and I suppose I’m glad you did too.” You kiss again.

“What did you guys talk about?”

“Oh, you know, just guy stuff.”

#harry styles #take it slow #harry styles x reader #harry styles y/n #harry styles x y/n #harry styles imagine #harry styles fluff #harry styles smut #harry styles angst #harry styles fluff fic #harry styles smut fic #harry styles fic #it's a long one kiddos #hope you like

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smalltowndetective · 4 years ago

Note

Belle, hii 💕

If you're taking from Prompt List #1~ General: 24. 'I haven't seen them smile in months' with Felix and Thea would be 👀 super interesting if you're willing, dear 💕

Hello Katie! Thank you so much for the request!

This is indeed an interesting prompt for these two... I hope you like it!

Title: Smile Again

Pairing: Felix and Thea

Words: 2.1k

Notes: This was a part of an idea I had if UB did not come back to Wayhaven after Book 1, and it kind of turned into this haha!

Prompt: #24- “I haven’t seen (her) smile in months” (From this list. I’m still taking these, so feel free to send some in!)

There was not even a goodbye.

Thea had known that it was likely that Unit Bravo would leave after the case, but this was the last way she had expected it to happen.

One moment, she was half alive, vaguely remembering Felix begging her to stay awake, and the next she was back at the Agency facility, only to be told that the team had already left on their next mission.

And they won’t be returning to Wayhaven.

Her mother was also gone, and any effort to reach her had proved fruitless. She was harder to reach now then she had ever been before, and it only made her feel even more alone.

She had her life back now, the supernatural seemed to have disappeared entirely since Murphy had been captured, but it only served to pull down her spirits. Part of her wanted that craziness back in her life again, in order to just be able to see her again.

A good deal of time had passed, and still, nothing seemed the same, even if Wayhaven was. It had sent her kind of in a slump, and she had tried hard to ignore Tina and Verda’s growing concern.

“I haven't seen her smile in months, we should talk to her”

“We can’t get involved in her business if she doesn’t want us to”

Trying to get lost in the routine of her job had proved futile, and she was kind of losing ways to try and cope with it all. It had been way too long for it to be this hard, and yet, the sudden pain had still not lessened.

It was a sharper pain then she had expected, but one that she had known would happen, just never this bad, and one, that she was not even sure would have lessen if there had been a goodbye.

There was something there between her and Felix, was there not? She had not completely imagined it, right? Thea wondered constantly how he was doing after everything that had occurred, hoping that he was not too strongly affected by what happened with Murphy, hoping that he did not blame himself for the whole thing.

She missed him, missed her grin, her lighthearted jokes, and the way that he had the way to immediately put her at ease, everything seemed to be less bright without him around.

And Thea did not know if she would even see him again, and she was never going to get answers on what could have been, that even with the terror that had happened, had made her the happiest that she had ever been in a long time.

It was not something that she tried to dwell on much, but it was always something in the back of her mind, despite all of her efforts, and it did not look like it would go away for a long time.

Even so, while she had believed that she would be stuck feeling like this forever, there was one thing that changed everything, even if it did not seem like that at the time.

How did that start exactly?

The carnival.

She had let the news kind of brush her by at first, even if normally she would have at least been excited to least check out on her own. The people in town seemed to be enjoying it, and that was enough for her at the moment.

That was until, Tina, who was obviously still worried about her, had invited her to go with her and Verda and his family, and with nothing else to do, she agreed to go along.

There was something nice about being out of the routine which consisted of nothing more then going to work and then going back home, and it the carnival did not disappoint, even it still felt hard to smile. It was nice to see everyone happy, which seemed well deserved after everything that had happened with Murphy.

One suggestion though, was enough to forever break this routine, and it still struck her how ordinary it seemed before all of it.

“Can I go in there?”, Cara had asked, pointing to the hall of mirrors, her eyes looking back to her dads and back there.

Verda’s younger daughter, Lacey, was already asleep, having been tired out from the evening, and even Tina was starting to look exhausted, as the sun was starting to set in the horizon.

“If you have someone going with you, you can”, Verda had then said, and from the way that he looked to Thea, that was the person he was thinking of.

Giving her best to give a smile, she turned to Cara, “I’ll go with you if you want me to”

She beamed a wide grin at her in return, before taking her hand as the two of them walked in the house of mirrors together.

And while places like this normally gave her the creeps, she tried to push all of that down, and try to enjoy what she could out of it, expecting to be out there in a few minutes.

But before she knew it, Cara was no longer next to her, as fog started to pour into the tent, and panic started to fill her.

“Cara?”, she called into the depths, her step quickening as it was starting to get harder and harder to see, “Where are you?”

Thea continued to make her way though, but it only made her seem like she was running in circles, any exit seeming to be farther and farther away.

“This isn’t funny”, she whispered into the depths, hoping that she had chosen the worst time to play hide and seek, and that everything was going to be fine.

But she could have hardly expected what actually happened.

In one of the mirrors right in front of her, someone walked out if it, as if it was doorway instead of glass, and she blinked rapidly in order to keep up, part of her thinking that she had finally gone crazy.

However, there was another part that seemed to know exactly what this was, even after months after not seeing one.

A supernatural

What were they doing here, though? And as much as she looked at the figure, no supernatural from any stories that she knew seemed to be even close to whoever this was.

He had pale skin, almost the same color as their white hair, shaved on one side and on the other, hanging loosely to his shoulder. His black suit created quite a contrast against their skin, but perhaps what was most starting was his eyes, solid black without any pupil, making them even harder to read then they already were.

“Who are you?”, she finally managed to ask, trying to hide the quiver in her voice.

Whomever he was, he stepped closer, reaching out with a hand of long black fingernails as if to run them down her face, to which she immediately jumped back.

“You are silent inside”, he said, looking at her with a raised eyebrow, “Why?”

Not sure what he meant, she decided to let the question slide for now, “I’m looking for someone, and I really need to find-“

“She is alright, detective”, he interrupted her, “She holds no interest to me. You do”

“What do you mean?”

“We have business to do here”, they continued, “Do not interfere with ours, and we will not interfere with yours”

We?

Before Thea could say another word, they seemed to disappear back into the depths, with nothing more with that ominous warning and nothing else.

What was that all about?

But whatever it was, it seemed that Wayhaven was going to be the target of the supernatural again, and this time, UB was not here to help make things right. She was now alone.

I have to tell my mother about this.

There is no way that I can do this alone.

“Thea!”

A voice came from behind her, to which she was relieved to find that it was only Cara.

“Oh, thank goodness”, she whispered, dropping to her height in order to give her a hug, though she seemed very confused by that, “You had me worried there for a second”

“Were you scared?”, Cara then asked, as if the two of them had stayed together the entire time there and had not gotten separated at all.

She did her best to laugh at that, “A little bit. Let’s just find everyone else, okay?”

With that, the two of them made their way to find the others, and Thea tried her best to put a smile back on her face, hoping they would not notice just how spooked she actually was.

Taking her leave for the night soon afterwards, wanting to call her mother as soon as possible, knowing that this was something that she needed to know about.

Which she did try to do as soon as she got back to her apartment, but was sent straight to voicemail, but she left a message anyway, hoping that she would get back to her soon.

~~~

4, 176 miles

That was the distance between Wayhaven and where Unit Bravo was now.

It was a number that Felix had checked a couple of times, as if it would get shorter eventually, but it never did.

Everything had ended so suddenly, not even able to say goodbye before they were sent here, and even months later, it still stung like it had happened yesterday.

The last that he had saw of Thea was her being carried away by the Agency paramedics, and that was it. Nothing else, not knowing how she was even doing now, or even if she had felt the growing feelings between them, sure that they were dampened by now.

But that did not stop the hope that he would one day get to see her again, be able to tell her all of the words that he wanted to, but that seemed farther and farther away now.

The rest of Unit Bravo had also been pretty concerned about him, especially by just how long it had been, but no one them had really tried to talk to him about it, instead sharing worried glances with each other as they were telling each other that one of them had to talk to him eventually, but no one had done so just yet.

He missed her, and it almost seemed to always drag down his smile, it never feeling as bright as it normally did. Maybe a goodbye would have made it easier, or perhaps it would have made things worse, he was not sure. But at least it would be a way to see her again.

Little did he know; however, they were not going to apart for much longer.

And it all started with Agent Holland leaving her phone behind in the facility where they had temporally made their home.

The phone started to go off on the table, but no one really paid much attention to it, figuring that it would just go to voicemail, and that would be the end of it.

But the voice, that voice, there was no mistaking who that was.

“Hey Mum, it’s Thea- “, it had begun, and before Felix could reach forward to grab the phone himself, Adam beat him to it.

“Detective Holland?”, he said, connecting the call, and putting it on speaker as the rest of the team started to make their way closer.

“Adam?”, she said in return, and Felix could feel himself that to grin at the sound of her voice, but as much as he tried to figure out what to say, there was nothing that he could think to say.

“Oh good”, she continued, a relief filled sigh filling her voice, “Well, I wish I could I say I was calling to catch up, but I’m not”

“What happened?”, Nate then spoke up, worry starting to enter his voice.

“It was kind of- confusing”, she mused, “There was someone who came out of a mirror, and I’m pretty sure he was a supernautural, but he was none like I had ever seen before”

“Out of a- mirror?”, Adam said, looking toward Nate, obviously just as confused as Thea was.

“Are we going back to Wayhaven then?”, Mason then cut in, and Felix could feel a smile go across his face at the thought of it.

“I’m going to find Agent Holland”, Adam said, “It’s too early to tell”

He then left the room, Nate following after him, and hope for the first time in months started to fill him, and that the space between them will no longer feel so far.

Tag list (tell me if you want to be added or removed! It is never an issue!)- @lividlyinlove, @sosolenoo, @amlovelies, @solus-reaper, @lady-calypso, @zyneryther, @pearlsandsteel

#the wayhaven chronicles #wayhaven chronicles #twc #detective thea holland #felix hauville #felix x detective #felix x thea #thank you again for asking!#you are wonderful! :D

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draqcnheartstrinq · 5 years ago

Text

Hate That I Want You (Part 5)

Sirius Black x Pure-blood!Slytherin!Reader

Summary: At first it’s hate, then it’s confusion. It grows into a healthy amount of curiosity until it turns into hate once more. But not towards each other, more towards the idea of wanting what you’ve tried to avoid all your life.

Words: 2.4k

Warnings: Bad family relationships, Sirius trying to feel okay again.

Note: This one is more lighthearted than the last one but still a little angsty I guess? But things are looking more bright! I’m also kinda realising this whole series is going to be filled with doubt from both parties HAH... (also didn’t proofread, so sorry I just wanted to post this one as soon as possible)

Feedback is always greatly appreciated!

HTIWY Masterpost | Part 6

Sirius had been staring at The Marauders Map for more than two days, whenever he had the chance to. Between classes, after hanging out, in the library whilst hiding the map in between book pages. Literally every second was spent scanning the map for your name.

He never had to look for very long.

Your name, the one he despised only a few days ago, was always floating in the same spot in the Slytherin dormitories, right next to a bed he assumed was yours.

It was distressing how unmoving your footprints stood on the map. Sirius had thought, more than once, about how you may have starved yourself to death in there. His worries were always quickly soothed though, whenever he saw one of your roommates sneak some food with her back to your room. At least there was someone still able to look out for you, even in just the smallest of ways.

In any case, Sirius felt more frustrated than anxious. All he wanted was to be able to apologize, face to face, one on one, but with you staying in your dorm and hiding away from everyone other than the people who shared a room with you he didn’t ever get the chance to even see you.

He knew apologizing wouldn’t do much, if anything at all. The things he did, in the very far away past up until four days ago, were nothing to be fixed by a few simple words.

But at least you would know, at least he would feel better knowing he told you he was sorry about everything he did to you.

Something in his head clicked when your mother’s words had boomed through the hallways. The way she spoke to you feeling all too familiar, as if he heard his own mother screaming through the house at Grimmauld Place.

The realisation finally dawned on him when the Howler smirked after announcing the death of your grandmother. How your eyes had filled with tears he wished he could unsee, when that final sob escaped through your throat he wish he could unhear. And then you did something he would have never ever expected from you.

You looked around, anxious and full of raw emotion as if searching for help. You hadn’t even bothered hiding the thoughts that were going through your head like you usually did. You had let your walls be broken down because someone you clearly loved very dearly had passed.

You ran away from the situation, broken and defeated.

That’s the moment Sirius realised every mistake he had made up until that point. His prejudice was all wrong, all misplaced and he couldn’t feel any worse about it in that moment.

(Y/N) (Y/L/N) was a normal student trying to get through school with as little hiccups as possible… And he was the typical school bully.

Worse than the bully even, but that insight was now little too late.

That’s how he got here, staring at your name on the map as if it would magically solve things. No spell or potion, no herb or curse were going to get him out of trouble this time. Sirius had only himself to blame and only himself could make things up to you. If you would ever let him make it up to you.

As your footprints stayed planted on the same spot as always, he took a moment to look away from the piece of paper between his fingers. The other three boys had left for a day out in Hogsmeade, they had kindly invited Sirius along but he declined not wanting to miss any chance at catching you in the hallways. A lost cause, he learnt.

Rain started dripping down the window of their dorm, it wasn’t pouring but the drizzle was enough to distract Sirius from his task a few seconds.

Even when the drops demanded his attention all he could do was sit and think about all the ways he had wronged you in the last six years. And more importantly, how he would ever make you believe he felt miserable after all this time.

A deep sigh parted his lips and an attempt at rolling his eyes failed because of the exhaustion running through his mind. He felt emotionally consumed, the thought of you feeling ten times worse than this dragging him physically down, dark hair hanging in front of his face as if forming a shield.

A few seconds past and with his head hanging downwards the map in his lap caught his attention once more. His eyes spontaneously drifted to your dorm, expecting your name to float there once again.

Only to be met with an empty room, no footprints and no name.

Sirius immediately stood up, a slight hint of a smile stretching his lips at the thought of you finally coming out of hiding.

His eyes roamed over all the names moving through the hallways. After seconds of not finding you there and his patience running thin he conjured a spell, whispering your name to the paper so it would find you for him.

The slight smile fell off his face, his eyebrows pulled together in a frown and his thoughts ran wild when even the map didn’t find you anywhere on Hogwarts’ grounds.

His fingers ran over the spot where your name had been a few seconds ago, now it had disappeared completely as if you had never been there in the first place.

*~*~*~*~*~*

The next morning Sirius decided to accompany Lily and Alice to the Slytherin table, something he had only ever done to get his brother’s attention so they could talk somewhere else privately. This time around he had another purpose in mind.

He stayed behind the two girls, trying not to catch more attention than needed and listened in on the conversation between the two Gryffindors and three Slytherins. He propped his hands in his front pants pockets and turned his head to the side as if uninterested in the words that were exchanged. A totally put up and faked front of course. He hung on every sentence your roommates spoke like they were the last puzzle piece to a long unsolved crime.

“There hasn’t been much progress in her mood if that’s what you want to know. She still looked very tired, we heard her cry sometimes through the night when she forgot to put up silencing spells and all that.”

The girl who often snuck food to your dorm always took the lead in these conversations, the other two just nodding along as she told Lily and Alice all that had happened the past twenty four hours.

Sirius’ sudden presence didn’t escape them. They turned their eyes his way every few seconds, gauging his reaction for any sign of interest. He felt the looks burn the side of his face, often enough feeling their not quite anger but not fondness either. It was a weird mix of confusion and spite.

Surely they must have been thinking about how he didn’t deserve to hear how you were doing, he felt like that most of the time himself. At least that meant they were looking out for you.

Alice and Lily shared a moment of silence before asking for more details.

“Is she at least eating again?”

It was now the Slytherins’ who decided to keep the silence, looking at one another before casting their eyes down.

“She ate her food yesterday morning, even made an effort to get some assignments done that are almost due but…”

Sirius looked up at that, seeing the brunette’s face fall for a second before regaining her confidence or what was meant to look like confidence.

“Look, Dumbledore gave her permission to leave Hogwarts grounds for a few days until the funeral of her grandmother was over. (Y/N) left yesterday afternoon when we were all out at Hogsmeade.”

“How long will she be gone?” Sirius suddenly asked. The surprise on all five faces in front of him were anything but subtle.

“Why do you ask, Black? Want to give her even more sh*t?” one of the other two roommates answered full of malice.

He deserved that reaction, he knew he did. That’s why he let it slide with an apologetic look on his face.

The brunette spoke up again, more control in her voice however the little crease between her eyebrows got more outspoken as she turned her gaze fully his way.

“The funeral is in two days, she’ll probably return the morning afterwards.” Then she turned back to Lily and Alice.

“There was a note on her desk asking us if we would be okay with taking extra detailed notes in class so she can catch up on it later. That’s all we know.”

Alice nodded while Lily heaved a sigh. They both thanked your roommates and made to turn back to the Gryffindor table. Sirius lingered a few more seconds.

For the first time in Merlin knows how long the three girls saw Sirius Black in a timid and almost unsure state as he shifted his weight from foot to foot. When he finally lifted his eyes to them they couldn’t quite believe the whispered words that fell from his lips.

“Thank you, for looking out for her while I should be the one making things up.”

He turned around without another moment of hesitation.

*~*~*~*~*~*

The first class of the day had begun ten minutes ago, Gryffindors and Slytherins were scheduled together for the hour. Transfiguration was no difficult subject for the four Marauders and so they, as usual, didn’t hesitate to claim four seats in the back. One of them had halted at one of the desks more towards the front but after a moment's hesitation followed his friends anyway.

Sirius’ face adorned a frown, the corners of his mouth pointing down and his eyebrows slightly more tense than they would normally be. He was the last to take place next to his friends. Without wasting a second his books were charmed open on the pages mentioned on the board, his notebook placed neatly next to it and his quil already dipped in the flowing black ink. As Professor McGonagall started her lessons as usual, with a goodmorning to the class and a introduction of the daily topics, Sirius was already writing away. He was determined to write down every single detail so he could later turn his notes into a understandable and neat summary of the whole lesson.

James was the first to notice Sirius’ sudden concentration, which normally wasn’t the case at all. All four of them were good at Transfiguration to the point where they often didn’t even need to sit in class. The textbooks always sufficed.

James poked Remus, who sat on his other side, in the ribs with his elbow catching his attention away from the scribblings on the board. He pointed at the usually chatty Marauder who now didn’t seem to have any interest in anything else but what was said in front of the classroom. Remus then pinched at Peter’s arm and all three of them sat there, staring wide eyed at Sirius.

Was something wrong with him? Had he completely gone mad after what had happened a few days ago?

“Psssst, Padfoot” Peter whispered under his breath, just quiet enough for no one else but them four to hear.

Sirius didn’t look away from his notebook, too engrossed in the word he was currently scribbling down.

“Hey,” James continued, “you need anything, mate? What’s the stress about?”

Again, no reaction from the dark haired Gryffindor. So they turned to more drastic measures. Remus shoved against James who then in turn, like some kind of domino effect, bumped into Sirius’ side. His quill scratched across the page leaving thick black marks in it’s trace.

Perplexed he raised his arms from the notebook, staring at it as if the biggest drama had unravelled right on that page. He then turned his head towards the three musketeers sitting on his left.

“You guys are lucky these are only temporary notes…” He growled low.

“Why bother taking notes anyway? We never take notes!” Peter countered after the other two just stared at Sirius as if stunned. “Is this an extra important chapter that we don’t know about?”

When Sirius only reacted with a deep sigh and a subtle eye roll Remus started putting a few puzzle pieces together.

Class shared with Slytherins, Sirius’ interest from out of nowhere, the already full page of notes on the guy’s desk and you at home, not being able to follow any of the important information told by the Professor.

Remus’ lips stretched into a smirk, his eyes focussing in on the title at the top of his friend’s notes.

(Y/N)’s summary.

His smirk turned into a proud smile as he met eyes with Sirius. It was subtle enough for the other two boys not to notice. A slight blush dusted Sirius’ cheeks, a rare sight to witness, and he was thankful his friend let the discovery slide. Neither James nor Peter were able to figure the situation out which was surprising since they just had to read the two word title at the top. Another reason to think Remus was just a little less dense than his other two friends.

Sirius smirked at that himself.

He could always pretend the notes were indeed for himself but who was he trying to fool here? Himself maybe?

No. Even Sirius himself knew he never needed notes for transfiguration, the only reason why he wrote anything down now being your absence and the hope this could serve as a first gift of apology.

When your roommates had mentioned your request for them to take extra detailed care of their summaries, Sirius immediately came to the conclusion to take that task upon himself. No matter how he was going to get the pages to you. Handing them over himself, getting your roommates to give them to you, owling them to your dorm,... Endless possibilities.

After the day of classes he returned straight to his own dorm. All pages of lessons he knew he shared with you were neatly piled onto his desk, ready to be put into tidy summaries. Sirius probably concentrated more on the few lessons these two days than any others in his whole school career.

And when, after one more night of staring at the Marauder’s Map, he finally saw your name appear outside of Dumbledore’s office, he froze.

Time stood still but Sirius’ heart beat faster than he could ever remember.

HTIWY Masterpost | Part 6

Thanks for reading! Taglist will follow in a reblog. Want to be added or removed? Send me an ask xxx

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fangirl-inthe-us · 5 years ago

Text

Querencia Pt. 2

Gif not mine

Summary: Pregnant and alone, you stumble upon a man in the middle of a quarry. You save him from a walker. It all happens fast, but you are in labor and the man you just saved claims to know someone who can help. Will you accept his help or turn the other way?

Querencia - (n.) A place where one’s strength is drawn, where one feels at home; the place where you are your most authentic self.

Author’s Note: Yay! Part two! I’m not too sure about this part. This could be because I’ve read it so many time that I’ve become numb to it. Creative criticism is welcomed. Also, if any of you know how to make my dialogue less awkward, I’d appreciate it! Without further ado, here is part two!

Warnings: Swearing, violence, blood, my grammar.

Word Count: 5.4k

Series parts: Part 1, Part 2,

The Doc, who I had learned was named Hershel, had ordered me to bed rest for a whole twenty-four hours. He said that it was to monitor how the mother and the baby were doing. Fortunately, I had some company to entertain me.

Beth had been by my side for most of the day. She had been tasked with taking care of Edmund. Throughout the day she and I had gotten well acquainted with each other. I found out that she was seventeen. Also, she used to babysit.

I told her how I had gone to college to become a teacher. I mentioned that I ended up dropping out because I didn’t have enough money. Beth told me that before the world ended, she hadn’t fully decided whether she wanted to go or not. Then I told her about how I met Derek and how he died. She had squeezed my shoulder.

“Do ya miss him?” Beth suddenly let out.

“Yes. He was my first love, but I’ve had some time and I’m over it.”

“What do ya mean?” Beth’s lifted her eyes to meet mine. She had her brows furrowed and a small frown on her lips.

“I was out there, alone, for a long time. The time let me think and as the days passed, I came to terms with his death. It also made me think about how I would die. I always figured it’d be in childbirth, but thanks to Daryl, not only do I get to live, but my child does too.” A small smile formed on my lips.

I watched as Beth slipped into her mind. There was a long pause as she thought over something. Suddenly, she came out of her thoughts.

“I don’t know what I’d do if my boyfriend were to die.”

I frowned. What could she mean? It’s been a while since the world ended and communication has been down just as long. How could she possibly know if her boyfriend was alive?

“How do you know if he’s alive?”

She giggled a little, “He’s here on the farm. It was the third day after the world ended and he came rushing into the farm. I was overjoyed to see that he was still alive. He had come to the farm to see if I was too.”

“That makes a lot more sense.” After a moment we both started to giggle. Man, it felt good to have a lighthearted moment again.

After our talk, Beth eventually had to go to sleep. Edmund had been put to bed sometime during our talk. With goodnights exchanged, Beth was out the door heading to her room.

~~~~~~

It was the next morning. I got up and walked to the old crib Edmund was in laying in. Hershel was kind enough to lend me the crib they had used for Beth. I picked up my son and sat down in the chair next to it. I began feeding Edmund.

Suddenly Beth appeared. “Daddy said that you’re able to go outside now,” Beth announced as she leaned on the door frame.

“Okay, thanks, Beth.” The girl walked off and I focused on the task at hand.

After Edmund was full, I had burped him. Soon after, I got both of us dressed. Someone yesterday must have gone out and grabbed a few baby clothes. Since there was a box full of clothes.

There were several onesies and each of them had their own pattern. I soon found my favorite, as I pulled out one with little pirate ships spread across the fabric. Along with the onesies, there were a few t-shirts and baby jeans for when Edmund got older. I was surprised that someone had thought that far in advance.

I made my way out with Edmund in my arms. The door shut behind me and I surveyed the area outside. When my eyes landed on the camp, I noticed that it was further from where I thought it was.

Examining further, Daryl’s group had built their camp around a small fire pit. The fire pit had several chairs around it and behind the chairs were everyone’s tents.

I noticed quickly that Daryl was nowhere to be seen. I knew that Hershel had let Daryl go back to his tent last night. There was a commotion that happened which had woken up Edmund who was sleeping in my arms.

“I heard that you had quite the adventure a couple days ago,” A woman with a short hair approached me.

“Anyone still alive has had an adventure. I, fortunately, made a few choices which led to a good situation,”

“I guess so. I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. My name’s Carol.”

“Nice to meet you, my name’s (Y/N).” I flashed her a smile, “This little one is Edmund.” I walked closer to the woman to show her the little munchkin.

“Well, hello there Edmund,” Carol turns her attention back to me, “He’s adorable.”

“Thanks,” A smile found its way to my lips.

“I have a little girl,” her lips from a frown for a moment and tears welled in her eyes, “I’m sorry. It’s just that, she’s all alone out there. She got chased by those things.”

My eyes softened. “If I’m not mistaken, Daryl was out there looking for her when I found him.”

“Yes, he’s been dead set on finding my little girl. I have been very appreciative of him. He keeps the hope up.”

“I can tell you that he is dedicated. Even while he was bringing me here, he always looked like he was watching for something. Now I know what. Y’all are lucky to have someone like that.”

“I know. Everyone here has been supportive and always looking for an opportunity to look for her. I just hope that we’ll find her soon. It’s already been a while and I worry.”

“As mother should,” I gave her a soft look. Carol smiled and nodded. “Do you happen to know where I can find Daryl? I wanted to thank him for what he did for me.”

“He’s out there by the crumbled wall,” Carol pointed toward the line of trees.

My eyes moved in the direction that Carol was pointing. As I examined the area, I found a demolished wall. Beside the wall were a fairly sized tent and a small fire pit. While examining the area, I watched as the woman who shot Daryl walked away from his tent.

“Isn’t that the woman who shot Daryl?” I turned to Carol.

“Yes, she must be apologizing to him. She felt awful after she found out she shot the man. Her name is Andrea just so you know. That way you don’t have to go around calling her as ‘the woman who shot Daryl’.” Carol gave me a small smirk.

“Andrea, okay. Well, I think that I’m gonna go visit Daryl. I haven’t had the chance to thank him for saving me and my baby. I’ll talk to you later.” I waved at the woman beside me and she waved back. With that, I walked toward Daryl’s small camp.

I looked down at Edmund, he was being jostled around, yet he still found a way to sleep. His little head was laying on my chest with his fists balled around the neck of my shirt. Tearing up, I realize Edmund wouldn’t have been a thing in my life if Daryl didn’t come into my life.

Once I reached Daryl’s tent, I tapped on the thin door. There was a shuffle. I waited for some sort of acknowledgment. When there was nothing, I spoke up.

“Daryl?”

“Yeah?”

“Can I come in?”

“Yeah”

I attempted to unzip the tent. It wasn’t something easily done since I only had one hand. As I struggled, I’m pretty sure I heard a little snort from the other side of the door. Finally, I got the door opened and I made a quiet gasp.

Daryl was splayed out with his shirt opened. A few buttons were undone which exposed some of his chest. This made an odd sensation grow in my belly. Feeling a warmness spread across my cheeks, I hoped that Daryl figured that it was from the heat.

“Ya just gonna stand there and gawk?”

“Sorry, sorry. I was just making sure you were okay. I saw what you looked like after you were shot. It didn’t look good, Daryl.”

“‘m fine. The bullet jus’ grazed me. How’s the little tyke?” Daryl tried changing the subject.

“Well, it took an hour and a half but the little guy is as healthy as can be. Beth has been helpin’ me take care of the little guy. He’s got himself a pair of lungs.” I smiled as Daryl chuckled at that.

“’s a boy? Ya, name ‘im?”

“Yeah.” My smile broadened, “Daryl, meet Edmund Joseph (Y/L/N).” I sat Eddie down beside Daryl. Edmund looked up at Daryl’s face as he cooed.

“Nice ta meet ya, Lil’ Risk-taker. The name’s, Daryl Dixon,” I made a look. Daryl saw it, “He took a risk deciding to come out at the time he did. Put his mama through a lot.”

There was a little squeal as Eddie examined the ground beneath him. Daryl and you both moved your gaze to him. A few quiet minutes passed. Both of you watched Edmund for a little while. I let my eyes migrate to the man in front of me.

The corners of his mouth were slightly upturned, and his eyes were trained on the baby as he played. There was a warmth to Daryl I hadn’t seen before. Yet, from the way that Beth talked about him, he didn’t seem like the type of guy to spread the love. Daryl must have a soft spot for kids.

“’m thinkin’ ‘bout goin’ back out there soon.” I automatically wanted to oppose the idea, “I’m assumin’ they told ya about Carol’s lil’ girl’.”

“Carol actually told me. Besides that, how can you even want to move around? You just got shot.”

“I have to find her. She’s out there alone. I found her doll. If I jus’ had one more day, I’d have that girl back here ‘n no time!”

“Daryl, calm down. I get that you want to be out there as soon as possible, but you must think rationally. You’re hurt. You need to take a break. I could maybe take someone out to where we were and look in that area-”

“No. You got Lil’ Risk-taker to take care of. You can’t go riskin’ ya life out there. I already feel better and I know the area now. I will be fine moving around.”

“Just because I have Edmund doesn’t mean that I’m going to stay back and watch as y’all risk your lives. I want to contribute to the group.”

“An’ Ya can do that here! Lil’ Risk-Taker don’t need ta lose his momma right after he’s born. Bein’ a kid without ya parents is hard an’ he don’t need that.” As Daryl was talking I couldn’t help but think that he was talking from experience. The thought jerked my heart.

“What would I do then? I don’t even know if y’all want me to stay.” Daryl tried to interrupt, but I kept talking, “I know you guys don’t know me and some of your members look a little territorial-”

“Would ya shut up?” Daryl glared up at me, “Yer a part of the group now. Carol an’ the Grene girls have been talkin’ like ya one of us. I sure as hell ain’t lettin’ ya leave. I’d drag yer ass back here myself. People need groups to survive now an’ now that ya have a baby, ya need us more than ever. So ya ain’t leaving. If ya want to start helping, ya can do it without riskin’ ya life. ‘m sure Carol could use the help and there’s much ta do here at the farm. Maybe you n’ I can go scoutn’ or lookin’ for the girl later.”

I was running my fingers over the floor of the tent as Daryl ranted. When he mentioned about me being a part of the group, I looked up, surprised. I didn’t know What, Carol or anybody else really thought of me. All I knew was there were a few weird looks I got from some of the members. Especially from the man who carried me to the Greene house.

I was also surprised he admitted to going out looking for the girl. I would’ve gone out without his permission, but the fact that he’d want me to go with him was somethin’ else.

“Okay, Lil’ Risk-taker and I are here to stay.” Daryl lit up when I called Edmund by his nickname. “And I’ll take ya up on the offer to go looking for Sophia with you.”

It became oddly quiet. I gazed down toward Edmund. There he was with his arms tucked under him, asleep. Eddie’s mouth was slightly open and his little chest rose and fell every time he took a breath.

“Alright, seeing how he’s ready for nap time, I’ll leave you to get some sleep for yourself.”

“I’m fine. Jus’ waiting for this damn wound to heal up so I can go look for Sophia again.”

“Don’t do anything stupid. I can’t lose the only person who tolerates my presence.” Daryl rolled his eyes as I stood up.

I leaned down to carefully picked up Edmund. Carefully, I stepped out of the tent. Closing the flap behind me, I examined the sight in front of me. Patricia, Beth, and her boyfriend were standing by a truck while talking amongst themselves. At the other end of the camp, a woman and two men were talking heatedly to a kid. I didn’t see where Carol was, so I decided I’d put Edmund in his crib and then go see what was going on.

I slipped into the room that I’ve been using for the past couple of nights. I laid Edmund down. The little guy was out cold, so he didn’t really notice when he left my arms. His eyes were closed and his mouth was still open. The fuzz he had for hair was sticking up in all directions. My heart filled with unconditional love.

Once Edmund was tucked in, I closed the door behind me and walked out towards the camp. As I approached Beth, the woman and two men from before were walking toward us. I looked at Beth with a confused look. She just waved it off.

“Alright, looks like we have someone else joining us.” The man nudged his head towards me. He was standing with his hand on his hips and a smile on his face.

“Um… What exactly are we doing?” I asked.

“We’re going out for shooting lessons. You wanna join?” The man next to the one from before spoke up. I instantly recognize this man as the one who carried me into the Greene’s house.

“I guess I can. Is Carol coming? I’m gonna need someone to look over Edmund.”

“I think she is but I’m pretty sure Dale won't mind looking over your little one.” The first man reasoned.

“Okay, I’ll talk to him before we go,” Suddenly, I blurt out, “I’m sorry! I haven’t introduced myself. I’m (Y/N) (Y/L/N).” I waved at the new group.

“I’m Rick Grimes. This is my wife Lori and that is my partner Shane Walsh.” Rick motioned to the two people beside him. Then the kid from before appeared. “And this is my son Carl. Carl, this is (Y/N).” The kid waved.

“Nice to finally meet y’all. It’s been a while since I had people to talk to. So, sorry if I’m a little awkward.” My shoulders lifted and my lips formed into a small smile.

“How long were you out there alone?” Everyone looked like they were genuinely interested to hear my answer.

“Uh, I don’t know. The only person who was with me was my boyfriend. But he died a month after the world ended.”

“You poor thing! you were alone for most of it!” Lori was looking at me with her brows knitted. Suddenly, she was walking to where I stood and was wrapping her arms around me. “I can’t imagine being out there, alone for that long. How did you do it? Especially while pregnant?”

There was something in Lori’s eyes. It was like she wasn’t just asking out of curiosity, but almost for herself. There was obviously something going on there. I’d have to ask Carol or Daryl if they knew anything about it.

“I just survived. I found whatever I could and kept walking. I lived all the way back in Iowa. So, I got pretty far. Though honestly, until Daryl came, I thought that I would die while in childbirth.” There were a few pitying looks aimed in my direction.

“Well, we're glad you made it. And your welcome to stay here with us. Nowadays, you need other people to live.” Rick motioned with his hands as he talked.

“Daryl told me the same thing. And I have decided that I’m staying,” I chuckled a little, “Daryl even said he’d drag me back if I attempted to leave.” Everyone chuckled at the thought.

After that talk, Rick went over the plan with me. It sounded like stuff I had already learned on my own, but I figured that the practice wasn’t a bad idea. Plus, it might be a little different since I’m not nine months pregnant anymore.

Before we went off, I introduced my self to Dale and asked if he would watch over Edmund for me. I didn’t want to assume that he would watch over him.

“Hey, Dale right?”

“Yes, ma'am. You’re (Y/N)?”, He must have seen the confusion written on my face as he reassured me, “I talked to Daryl and he told the group about how you two met. Pretty interesting story if ya ask me.”

“Oh, yeah. He would have been walkers lunch had I not walked in when I did.” Dale nodded his head, “I was wondering, Rick wants me to go with the group to the shooting range-”

“I’ll watch over the little one. He’ll be safe here.” I was surprised by his sudden comment.

“Thank you. I know y’all don’t know me much, but I appreciate everything that you’ve done, and what you are doing for me and my son.”

“It’s no problem. Babies are cute and it beats havin’ to sit in the sun all day.” I smiled at the older man.

I left Dale to do what he was doing before and walked toward the others. Everyone except Rick and Shane was ready. The two men were fussing over a bag of guns. One would pull a gun out and the other would put it back in. They would argue a little more and the process would repeat itself. I giggled as I reached Carol’s side.

“Do you have any idea what they’re doing?” I whispered in Carol’s ear.

“They’re trying to decide which guns to take with us. It’s hilarious to watch.” I giggled at Carol’s last comment. She turned to look at me. “How was the talk with Daryl?”

“It went fine. He got to see Edmund for the first time. It’s funny, he even gave Eddie a nickname, Lil’ Risk-Taker,” Carol snorted, “What? I think it’s cute.” I eyed Carol. She was smirking.

“Looks like there are a few more things you think are cute coming from that man,” I felt my cheeks heat up.

“Oh, shut up! Things aren’t that way between us! We just met.” I hurriedly tried to explain myself.

“I was just teasing. I didn’t imply anything but your reaction did give away a few things.” I just rolled my eyes. Keeping my mouth shut was probably the best idea at that moment.

“Hey, do you know anything that’s going on with Lori? I know I don’t really know her, but she seemed a bit off.”

“Not that I know of. Now that you mention it, she has been a little weird, but it’s probably just emotions. She’s only had her husband back for a month or two.” I just nodded. That would make a little sense.

“Alright, I think we’re ready to go,” Rick spoke up as he stopped in front of the group. He beckoned us to move towards the cars. Walking towards the cars, I noticed that Shane already at the cars with the bag of guns slung over his back.

Carol, Beth, and Patricia followed me into a car. In the car next to us, Shane and Andrea rode together while behind us, Rick, Lori, Carl, and Beth’s boyfriend rode in another car.

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

We had stopped and Rick and Shane told us that we’d be walking the rest of the way. Thankfully, it didn’t take too long. The area we stopped at was a wide opening in the forest. There was a fence that happened to be connected to a neighbor of the Greene’s.

I watched as Shane and Rick set up our targets. The targets were just cans set on the fence posts. We all moved closer to the area. When Rick was ready, he went over the basics.

“Alright, This here is the safety. You’re gonna want ta switch it if any of you want to even begin to shoot. Now, from there it sounds pretty easy, but is probably one of the hardest things you encounter when tryin’ ta shoot.” As Rick talked, Shane was nodding beside him.

“I remember when I was shootin’ for the firs’ time and it took a lot out of me. I was a stubborn son of a bitch and I was there practicin’ for what felt like days. I would wake up and go practicing. My advisors had to drag me out of the range, just to get me to finish my other responsibilities.” Shane was here, talking, but he was somewhere far away in his head.

“I remember you almost knocked someone out tryin’ to stop them. You were so determined then. Not that you aren’t now. It’s just the situation is different.” Rick was smiling at his partner as he recollected his memories.

“I got in so much trouble. I dragged you into everything too.” Shane had a smile on his face until he looked at Lori.

I watched as the smile on Shane’s face fell. Lori and Shane didn’t vocalize anything, but there was something in their eyes. Yep, there was definitely something going on between those two.

Soon, the men started handing out guns to everyone. When they got to me, they both smirked. Shane started to riffle through the gun bag. The looks they gave me, it was like they were the hunters and I was the prey.

“We saw that you were carrying a shotgun with you when you came to us. We figured you wouldn’t need any beginners training. So we’re gonna let you give this a try.” When Rick had finished talking, Shane walked up to me holding what looked like a hunting rifle.

“Oh my. I don’t know… The only things I’ve shot with are a handgun and my shotgun. You really sure about this?”

“We’re sure. From what we gathered from Daryl, you know how to carry something of this size. Plus, We’ll be there to help ya out if ya need it.”

“Okay, I guess I’ll try it out. One question. If I get good enough, can I join the watch list? I’d be nice to contribute.”

“Sure, I’m pretty sure once Shane has taught you that you’d be more than fit to join.” Rick looked at his best friend and smiled.

“Cool. Now, is there anything, besides basic knowledge, that I need to know before firing this thing?” I glanced toward the men while raising the rifle.

“You fired a shotgun, right?” I nodded, “Then you’re good. This bad boy is gonna have a lighter kick than your shotgun. And I’m pretty sure ya know how to aim down ya sights. You’re good.”

“Alright, so Where am I going and what am I aiming for?” With that question, Rick motioned for Shane to take me to where I’d be shooting from.

“Now, you gonna want to aim for that branch all the way over there. I made sure to put a can on top of it. Can ya see it?”

Getting into position, I looked into my scope. Sure enough, there was the can. “I see the can. Do ya want me to go ahead and fire?”

“Yep. Just aline the scope with the can and squeeze the trigger.” I followed Shane’s instructions.

As I squeezed the trigger, the bullet went zipping through the clearing. Looking back into the scope, I found that I missed he can. There was the tiniest hole stuck into the branch just below the can. The can stood proudly on top of the brach. It was like it was mocking me. I’ll show you can.

“Not bad. Okay, now pull back the bolt to reload.”

I followed Shane’s instructions again and got back into my position. I took a big breath in. While I breathed out, I squeezed the trigger and sent another bullet flying. As soon as the bullet was shot, I was looking in the scope. I watch just in time to see the can fly off the branch and hit the ground.

I move back and jumped up and down is excitement. I was whooping as well. When I looked at everybody else, I saw they were cheering along. Without thinking, I pulled Shane into an elated hug. When I pulled back I blushed and apologized.

“No problem girlie. It’s an exciting moment for you.” Shane flashed a smile at me. I gave him a smile back and headed to talk to Carol who looked like she wanted to squeeze the life out of me.

~~~~~~~~~

We were riding back to the farm. I was pretty pleased with what I had accomplished. Shane said that if we had a few more practices, then I could be put on the watch list. I’d officially have a job. He also said that he and Rick would introduce Their scavenging friend to me.

I was squished in between Carol and Carl this time. I expected the car ride to be a quiet one, but I was mistaken.

“I’m so bored! Why did we have to go out so far?” Carl was sitting to my right with a scrunched up face.

“Because. We don’t want the noise to attract any walkers and draw them to the camp.” Rick was eyeing Carl from the rear-view mirror.

“Is there any way we can get home any quicker? Or a way to make the time go by quicker?”

Rick was about to speak, but before he could, I voiced my opinion. “Of course there is!” Rick looked at me confused. “Gimme something that starts with the letter A.”

Carl thought for a second. “Can it be an animal?” He asked looking up at me.

“Sure,” I answered back with a shrug.

“Okay, how about an armadillo?”

“Awesome! So, I’m going to the Zoo-”

“Oh! I know this game!” Carl’s face brightened up.

“Sweet! Do you wanna start or do you want me to?”

“I’ll go since I chose the animal.”

“I’m going to the Zoo and I’m bringing an armadillo.”

We got through the entire alphabet. By the time we had reached Z, all the adults were tired of our voices and wanted to get home as soon as possible. We reached the house with a happy Carl and an annoyed group of adults. I was content because I made Carl happy. I did this all the time with the children I worked with. That was when I was in my college education class.

When I clambered out of the vehicle, Shane was by my side and Rick was walking over here with an Asian man beside him. He was slightly shorter than Rick. There was a baseball cap on his head which made him look a lot younger.

“(Y/N), meet Glenn.” I smiled and held out my hand for him to shake.

“Hi, nice to meet you” I watched as Glenn shook my hand. Once he let go, I let my hand fall.

“Nice to meet you too. I hear you’re a good scavenger, me too.” He smiled, “It’s nice to have someone else. I’m always the one to be asked to go out. At least this time we can take turns risking our lives. Not that you should with the baby and all.”

I chuckled as Glenn rambled. He scratched the back of his head. While Glenn and I were talking, Rick and Shane must have walked off because neither of them were with us.

“Don’t sweat it. I’m not just gonna sit around and do nothing because I’m a mom now. I want to help you guys out and if it’s going out there to scavenge, then that’s what I’ll do. Plus, I got pretty good at it back when it was just me. I know how not to get killed.” Glenn relaxed once I finished talking.

As we talked, someone eventually called for Glenn and we went our separate ways. It was at this time I decided that I should go check on Edward and then thank Dale, once more for his kindness.

I entered the room where I left Eddie and I found that he was awake. His attention seemed to be drawn by a little mobile hanging above his crib. I frowned. I didn’t remember it being there before I left.

Upon closer inspection, I recognized a few things attached to it. There was a little wooden arrow, a bow, and a few feathers. They were all tied to a metal band which hung from the ceiling. Looking at the embellishments, I knew that it must’ve come from Daryl. As it spun, I notice a small block of wood that had something carved into it. It was the nickname Daryl gave Eddie. Lil’ Risk-Taker.

~~~~~~~~~

It was the next morning and I was sitting with the camp. Eddie was sitting on my lap. He was as happy as could be as he looked around him

I was handed a plate of eggs and some meat by Carol. I smiled at her and she gave me a smile back. I dug into my food and happily chewed my fluffy eggs. The texture wasn't like normal eggs, but hey, it’s the zombie apocalypse. What can you expect?

Suddenly, Daryl sat next to me. He had a bit of a struggle as he tried to avoid opening his stitches. Also, he had one less hand because he was carrying a plate of food. I quickly placed my plate on the group to help him.

“Here let me help.” I took his plate as he eased himself into the fold up chair.

“Thanks.” Daryl took his plate from me.

“No problem. You’ve got stitches. It’s the least I could do.” The only response I got was a grunt.

With that, I examined the camp. I haven’t been out here much so I was looking at everyone’s living situations. There were tents everywhere and clothesline hanging from the trees. There were a few chairs surrounding the fire which Carol was currently cooking breakfast.

I noticed that each family had grouped together. Or Rick, Lori, and Carl were all together. Shane was standing next to them, Andrea was sharpening her knife, and Dale stood at the edge of the camp. I noticed that T-Dog was beside Carol, helping her cook. Glenn was gazing at Maggie who was standing on her porch.

When I looked at Maggie, I saw that she was shaking her head at Glenn. What was that all about? When I looked back at Glenn, I saw he had stopped googling at Maggie and had is eyes on Dale. Dale was nodding his head. Did everyone know something I didn’t?

I was going to ask Daryl if he knew anything, but before I could, Glenn shot up and moved to stand in front of the camp.

“Uh… Um. Guys. So,” There was a long pause and Glenn looked around nervously. “The barn’s full of walkers.”

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#daryl dixon x reader #daryl dixon fanfiction #daryl dixon fanfic #twd daryl #daryl dixon #twd #twd fanfiction #TWD series #daryl dixion imagine #Querencia

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serenzippity · 5 years ago

Text

Viva

Words: 3022 Member: Eventual Hyungwon/OC, mentions of Wonho/OC, OC/ OC Genre: Angst Warning(s): Mentions of DV

Chapter Two

August 16th, 2019 Starship Entertainment Seoul, South Korea

A soft knock interrupted the stagnant quiet of my office. Despite its relatively quiet manner it still slightly jolted me from my seat. “Come in,” I called out, doing a quick once over to make sure that the collar of my shirt was fully buttoned, and the sleeves weren’t riding up in a way that would expose the fading colors that painted my skin. I held in a disappointed sigh as the door opened, forcing my stoic façade to fall into place.

In the threshold stood someone who looked extremely familiar, yet I couldn’t wholly place him. He strolled into my office with an aura of superiority. Walking in like he owned the building, the handsome guy held his head up with a small smirk as he sat down in a chair on the opposite side of my desk. The room was suddenly full of him, permeating every corner of it with borderline arrogance and the tangible feeling of luxury. Everything about him screamed pretentious and expensive, something that I have grown used to in both my marriage and professional life.

He instantly reminded me of my husband’s rich CEO friends, and it took everything inside me not to roll my eyes as he relaxed in my chair.

“Can I help you?” I asked, cocking an eyebrow at both his suffocating attitude and his sudden intrusion without an explanation. He leaned back, as if making himself at home, and looked me up and down in appraisal. I caught the tick immediately, shooting him a glare when his eyes left my chest and met mine.

“I was wondering,” he lazily said, as if his voice was dipped in honey, “if my contract had anything in it about what I can and cannot do with my hair?”

The moment he mentioned his contract I realized who he was. I recognized him from the dance practice that I interrupted, passings in the halls, and his simple idol status. I had been working for Starship for a little over a year and until yesterday I never had an idol in my office, and within a span of 24 hours, I had two sitting in the chairs across from me.

While Hoseok was timid and gave me an impression of humility, Chae Hyungwon sat across from me and gave me an impression of vanity. It was an interesting dichotomy, especially considering their public personas and bandmate status.

“Let me pull up your contract Mr. Chae,” I said casually as I grabbed my tablet. I didn’t want to blatantly show that I thought he had a vaguely irritating presence, needing to maintain a sense of decorum.

“Please call me Hyungwon.” He smiled at me and peering over the edge of my iPad I could see that it was meant to charm my pants off. However, all I saw was a smile that screamed danger. I tore my eyes away from his annoyingly handsome face and clicked away on the pad in silence, looking for the clause in question.

Finding it, I maximized the document and slid it across the desk to him. “Alright Mr. Chae,” his smile fell a little bit when I didn’t call him by his first name and I took that as a personal win, “it says here that while you do have to consult the head of your styling team and Hongsik, you do have free reign on what you’d like to do for each comeback.”

He took the iPad, finally dropping the charming smile to look at it and giving me a chance to let go of a breath that I didn’t even realize I was holding in. I watched him as he read over the words, taking him in from head to toe for the first time. From his curly black hair down to his jean-clad legs, I could see why the masses of Monbebes fell to their knees for him. He was gorgeous I begrudgingly admitted, and I hated myself the moment the thought formed in my head.

“So,” he drolled, placing the pad back on my desk, “As long as I don’t shave all my hair off I’ll be okay?”

“I assume so yes. Is there anything else I can help you with Mr. Chae?” My tone was dismissive, and I wanted his oddly suffocating presence out of my office.

He just smiled at me and gave me a slight nod before getting out of the chair. He paused in the doorway, turning to look at me with a smirk. “Thank you, Mrs. Hamlin. If I need any more legal advice I will let you know.” And with that, he turned and walked away before I could even form a coherent thought in my mind.

I stared at the doorway for a couple minutes, still not fully processing what had just happened. I was frozen in shock as the gears in my mind refused to turn. It took the shrill tone of my office phone to wake me up from my trance. Jumping almost a foot in the air I scrambled to grab the receiver, thrusting myself quickly back into the swing of my work.

I looked at contracts for new dancers for a couple more hours, scratching and revising them with trained eyes and a steady red pen. Between the contracts, I had lunch with Seyoung, got yelled at by Mr. Park once more, and emailed Hongsik back and forth in regard to Hoseok’s dating provisos. It was a relatively typical day, punctuated once more by my constant switch between my heels and flats. The monotony was welcomed, and I felt that familiar sense of dread when the day began to wind down.

I was in the midst of revising my final contract when my phone dinged. I didn’t think much of it when I reached to pick it up until I saw that the message was from an unknown number.

I was about to ask who it was when another message popped up from the unknown number.

Once again it clicked in my mind. I was confused as to how he got my phone number, so I sent him a quick response. I sent a silent prayer in the hopes that I wasn’t right in my assumption, but it seemed like some malevolent source was looking over me lately.

I fell back into my chair with an audible groan. It was clear that my luck lately was going down the tubes. Seyoung poked his head around the corner at the noise, further pushing me into a pit of generalized annoyance. “You okay boss?”

“Yeah I’m fine,” I said tossing my phone on my desk and raking a hand through my hair. I was in desperate need of a break, a drink, or even just a small bubble bath. I don’t know why I was so stressed out just from my simple conversation with Hyungwon, but it was just adding to my ever-growing pile. “Hey, so Damien is going to be out of town tomorrow. Would you like to go to that restaurant you suggested? I’ve been thinking about it almost all day.” I tried to plaster on a genuine smile as I asked my assistant out to dinner, but I felt like it only came out as a grimace.

“Sure! Would you like me to call and make reservations? Does 7 work?”

I just gave him a nod and watched him go around the corner. I heard him pick up the phone and call the restaurant with his usual cheery tone. Another ping came from my discarded cell phone and I was contemplating turning the whole thing off so as to avoid any kind of contact with Hyungwon. Him texting me was unprofessional, and I was pretty sure I could get in trouble with casual contact with them. On the other hand, however, I was part of their legal team so a conversation with the idols was nearly impossible to avoid. I’ve been able to do so for the last year, so it was only a matter of time.

Plus, his question was seemingly innocent, so I figured that texting him whilst also keeping up decorum wouldn’t be the end of the world. I picked up my phone and saw a second text from the source of an oncoming migraine.

I rolled my eyes at his insistence. He was consistent I could give him that, but there was no way in hell I was calling him anything other than what propriety calls for. Deflecting, I sent him a quick answer to his original question. I couldn’t think of anything else that would put a quick death to this situation. Typing away, I sent him my opinion before placing my phone on airplane mode. But before I could tap on the little symbol, I got another text from him that signaled an uneasy end to the conversation.

My finger hovered over the little symbol as I looked at the eerily daunting face of the yellow emoji. I wasn’t sure why it made my stomach drop, but it did nonetheless. Taking a deep breath, I tapped the symbol and put my phone in my purse, lapsing into silence for the last half hour of work.

-x-

August 17th, 2019 Grand Kitchen Restaurant Seoul, South Korea

Whenever I put on a pair of heels I always made sure to send a curse towards the inventor of the damned things. I always hoped that they were rotting in hell for inventing the torturous devices. However, a little black dress and a pair of pumps always made me feel amazing despite my hatred for the latter. Feeling like a goddess always seemed to resonate the moment I stepped out of the house and into the waiting car. Lipstick and eyeliner in check, everything from the spritz of perfume to the expensive clutch was carefully coordinated. The goal was to turn heads, have a good dinner, and breathe during my weekend respite from work and my marriage.

It also helped to know that for one evening, I wasn’t going to have to put on the perfect wife charade.

Walking into the restaurant with Seyoung definitely helped to boost my confidence, especially when some patrons and even the snooty looking hostess had to do a double-take. Seyoung was arguably one of the most attractive and kind men I had ever been in the company of and being on his arm made my confidence soar. Thankfully his boyfriend let me steal him for the night.

With our heads tilted high, we were shown to our table in a more secluded part of the restaurant. I felt so lighthearted and happy for the first time in almost a week, relishing in the great company of my friend. I let Seyoung take the reins and order us drinks and appetizers while I caroused the menu.

Everything was going amazingly, from the delicious drinks to the savory abet tiny proportions. “I have a feeling we are going to want to get pizza after this,” I laughed over my second old fashioned of the night.

“I’m contemplating ordering another dish,” he said as he downed his drink in one gulp, a rosy flush coming to his cheeks.

“If I’m paying then by all means darling,” I told him with a wink as I raised my glass and killed it. I purposely purred out the term of endearment, putting a French-twist on it that sent us both into a fit of giggles.

The smile on Seyoung’s face was bright, but within a second it dropped like someone poured a bucket of water over his head. It was instantaneous and it caught my attention immediately as he honed in on something behind me. “Are you okay,” I asked, pausing my hailing of a waiter to take in the look of pure horror on his face.

“Please don’t look now Lux, but we have a slight problem.” The colors that previously tinted his cheeks were gone, and the nervous glint in his eyes had my mind running at a million miles a minute. Of course, my one night of freedom would come with some caveat.

“Seyoung what is wrong?”

“Uhm,” he quickly looked down at his plate and began to fiddle with his forks, putting on an unnatural look of indifference. He almost looked like a kid who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “I think that is Hyungwon behind you.”

The moment he said that name my stomach dropped out of my body and onto the floor. I looked up at the ceiling with a pained sigh, wondering if it was just my luck or if someone was out to get me. Every rational part of my mind was telling me to not turn around and look at him. They were screaming at me to continue eating and ordering drinks until I forgot that Seyoung saw him.

However, the alcohol in my system muffled all the rational voices. The sweet amber liquid told me to turn around and look at his painfully handsome face. It was saccharine and almost bitter, but it held a strong grip on all my reflexes and emotions. In the end, the whiskey won out, and I begrudgingly turned to look behind me. The second my eyes locked on his curly dark hair I regretted every choice I had made thus far—from choosing this restaurant, to even the dress I was wearing—everything was soaked in instant regret.

He was sitting at another two-top with a woman who couldn’t have been anything less than a model. She looked like a fairy under the dim glow of the restaurant lights, her gold dress sparkling against her pale skin and red-painted lips. He was dapper in a fully black ensemble that added to his natural good looks. From his midnight button-up and blazer all the way down to his expensive loafers, Hyungwon was ethereal and dark. She looked like an angel while he looked like the devil incarnate.

“Shit,” I murmured turning back to Seyoung with a pained look on my face. “We cannot have another dating scandal on our hands.”

“What are we going to do?” he asked me with wide eyes, gripping his fork with white knuckles. Running a hand over my face, I looked around the restaurant as I formed a plan in my head. Pieces were being clicked in, held together by whiskey-flavored glue and bad ideas.

Sitting up straight, I took a sip of water and fixed my hair as I plastered on my signature stoic face. “Stay here,” I told Seyoung. He began to protest, but before he could get anything out I was already pushing out my chair and fixing my dress. I turned on my heel and began to make my way over to the corner of the room that held the unholy date. Adding a little pep to my step, I held my head high as I approached Hyungwon’s table.

His date noticed me before I did, giving me a curious once over before seemingly deciding that I was unwanted company and scowling at my impending intrusion. I came to stand in front of his table, arms crossed over my chest with my head cocked in question. Hyungwon noticed me when I fully approached, his knee-jerking smirk taking over as he stared directly into my blazing eyes.

“Do you think this is a good idea, Mr. Chae?” I asked bluntly, slightly tapping my foot against the ground.

“I don’t know what you mean Mrs. Hamlin,” he said as he leaned forward mockingly as he held his head up with his hand.

Raising an eyebrow, I glanced at his model-like date who was still giving me a nasty look. “I mean, do you really think it is wise to be on a date in a public place? I am already dealing with Hoseok’s potential scandal at the moment, and if memory serves, we had to deal with yours three years ago?” I gave him an unkind look at the final jab, pulling from his history to add the final knife into his current situation.

But rather than look irritated at having his past scandal brought up, Hyungwon bloomed at the mention. He gave me a dazzling smile that was almost blinding in the moody restaurant lights. He leaned back and chuckled, causing my already hazy mind to practically short circuit at how good he looked. I was stunned at his carefree reaction—almost stumbling backward in shock—but I was able to hold it slightly together.

“It’s fine noona,” he purred and once again I was at a loss for words, “I haven’t been caught yet. Besides both, Hyunwoo and Hongsik know I am here.” He ended his excuse with a wink, and my surprise melted away. In its place was pure fire and anger at his brazen attitude. I was disrespected enough at work by my superiors, and I was not about to let some flashy idol get the last word in.

“Wink at me one more time Mr. Chae and I will be filing a report against you with Mr. Park,” I growled the threat lowly, barely getting the words out through my clenched jaw. His proud look didn’t disappear completely, but it fell hard nonetheless which added to my currently skyrocketing confidence. “Furthermore, I am not your manager nor your handler Mr. Chae, but be warned that if I have to deal with another dating scandal, I will make your life a living hell. Are we clear?”

His smile was no longer dazzling, but it was still curved against his plush lips. He no longer looked cocky, but there was still a gleam behind his eyes that I couldn’t quite place. He seemed to take the threat well, at least as well as my now-sobering mind could comprehend. Hyungwon’s dark eyes locked in on mine and I felt my stomach lurch at the intensity within them. It was only for a second because the moment he opened his mouth the whole thing shattered.

“Crystal clear Mrs. Hamlin.”

A/N: Here is Chapter One! I’m hoping to get these out every Sunday night. I also tried something different with the messages in the story, so let know if you like the formatting or if I should try something different! Also I don't know if I made it clear but Lux does speak Korean. The entirely of this fic takes place with the general idea that they are speaking Korean unless stated otherwise! Gif is mine.

#monsta x #hyungwon #monsta x fanfic #monsta x fanfiction #hyungwon fanfic #hyungwon fanfiction #monsta x hyungwon #monsta x scenarios #mx

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drummergirl231-2 · 5 years ago

Note

"It's good to have you home" with Donald, Della and Scrooge, please?

[link to AO3]“Maybe we’ll discoverwhat we shoulda known all along! Yeah,One way or another,together’s where we both belong!”

Della started up the dishwasher while singingalong to Powerline. What a great day to be alive! They’d returned frominvestigating the ghost lights of the everglades the night before, she’d justhad the best omelet she’d ever made and only briefly set the kitchen on fire atiny bit, she had her old favorite songs playing on a new phone that she wasfinally getting used to, and best of all, she and her whole family were homeand accounted for.

She turned to go look for her boys,ready to jam out to the chorus of “Eye to Eye,” but she stopped in hertracks. Louie was peering into the kitchen with one hand on the door frame. Hejumped the moment they locked eyes.

Della pulled the earbuds from her ears. “Happy Sunday, my littlepunkin’-noodle-apple-face!”

“Uh… yeah… Happy Sunday.”

Oh, she knew he was up to something…hiding something, looking for something, spying on her for whatever reason, butshe didn’t mind. She loved everything about her boys, even their mischief.

“Whatcha up to, leaning all sneakilylike that?”

“I’m not leaning sneakily…” he lied. Hestraightened up but positioned himself so only the right half of his body wasvisible in the doorway.

“Uh-huh. Sure,” she grinned. “Well, d’youwant any breakfast? I’m getting way better at not setting the kitchen ablaze!”

Louie cocked his brow and looked over tothe stove covered in fire extinguisher foam. Della followed his eyes.

“No really, it’s an improvement!” shesaid. Aw, who am I kidding? “…or I could… get you some fruit orsomething…”

“I’ll, uh… eat later. I was looking forUncle Donald. He wasn’t on the houseboat.”

“Oh, he’s helping Uncle Scrooge in theattic!”

“Which attic?”

“The one with no kids living in it and lotsa boxes. We’re gonna see what stuffof mine is up there! I guess Uncle Scrooge kept my room the way it was for awhile, but after Mrs. B. became the housekeeper, he had her pack everything up.I was just gonna go find you and your brothers to see if you wanna help!”

“Yeah… coooool… Good idea, Mom! You findHuey and Dewey, and I’ll go straight up to the attic…” He inched his way to theleft as he spoke, and she knew he was going to turn and run for it – as much ashe hated running – as soon as he was done speaking. It was like he was tryingto hide his left side from her… and wasn’t his mosquito bite from the nightbefore on his left shin? The bite that got so puffy so quickly?

“How’s your mosquito bite, by the way?”she asked just as he turned.

Louie stopped. “Uh… fine! Totally fine.”

“Lemme see.”

Louie’s brow furrowed and he darted hiseyes to his left and right and around the kitchen, looking for an excuse to notshow her.

“If you try to run, I will chase you,and I will catch you. Don’t underestimate the speed of a cyborg mama.”

Louie sighed in defeat and stepped intothe kitchen, and Della gasped at the angry, swollen red bite an inch indiameter surrounded by pink-tinted skin wrapping nearly all the way around his skinnylittle leg.

“Oh, Honey!” she knelt before him to geta closer look. Before he’d gone to bed, Donald had drawn a line with a blue penaround the entire bite – the red and the pink - and now the red center alonewas creeping past the line. “Does it hurt?”

“Only a little bit.”

“Does it itch?”

“Yeah, pretty bad.”

“Have you been scratching it?”

“No. Then I wouldn’t be able to tell howmuch of the redness was from the bite and how much was from me scratching it.”

Della smiled at her clever boy, but onlyfor a moment. That meant none of the redness had to do with him messing withit. The bite was that bad all on its own.

“Can I touch it? I won’t press downhard.”

“I… guess…”

Della pressed her fingertips to thebite, avoiding the exact spot the mosquito must have bitten him. His leg feltwarm to the touch. Just to double check, she pressed her left fingers to hisother leg in the same spot. Cool as a cucumber by comparison.

“Right. Okay. We’re gonna go get yourUncle Donald.”

A few minutes later, Della poked herhead into the attic and looked around. She could hear Scrooge and Donald, butshe couldn’t see them.

“Donald?” she called. “Come look at yournephew’s bug bite!” Did that sound toopanicky? she asked herself. Gotta notpanic. Can’t scare Louie. Keep it light.

“Coming!” Donald called back.

Della climbed back down the ladder towait with Louie. She was about to ask him how he was feeling other than thebite on his leg when a loud crash and a “WAAAAK!” rang out above them.

“Ugh, tatter me tartan! Watch yerself,Lad!”

“Oh, boy… that’s all we need, to takethe both of you to Urgent Caretoday…”

“Wait wait wait, ‘Urgent Care?!’” Louie asked. “I gotta go to Urgent Care?!”

Goodgoin’, Del. So much for keeping him calm. “Well… all the normal doctors’ offices are closed today, Sweetie. It’sSunday.”

“But I gotta go today? I can’t go tomorrow? Why’s it urgent? Is it that bad?!”

“Don’t you want something for theitching?” she reasoned.

“We… have the pink stuff…”

“Oh, doctors have way better stuff thanthe pink stuff. That garbage is about as useful for itching as rubbing Pepto onyour skin.”

She seemed to have struck a chord. Louiestopped debating and leaned against the wall with a half-shrug as Donald andScrooge finally made it down the ladder.

“Louie? How’s your bug… awww, phooey…”Donald said when he caught sight of it.

“Great Scott! Is that only fromyesterday?” Scrooge asked.

“Yeah, and it’s warm to the touch. I’mthinking it might be cellulitis.”

“‘Cellulitis?’” Louie asked. “I thoughtthat was those dimples people get on the backs of their legs.”

Della chuckled. “That’s cellulite.”

“Then what’s cellulitis?” Louie asked asDonald knelt in front of him to examine the bite.

“An infection under the skin,” Scroogeanswered. “Nothing te panic about, as long as ye get it seen to quickly.”

Donald put the back of his hand againstLouie’s forehead and Della mentally kicked herself. Checking for a fever! I shoulda thought of that! Then Donald puthis finger tips under Louie’s chin and felt his neck. Ugh and checking his lymph nodes! I never would’ve thought of that!Dangit!

Louie made a little gagging noise toprotest Donald checking his neck and Donald stopped.

“The good news is, it looks like wecaught it early,” Donald said. “But we’ve gotta get you in to a doctor.”

“But what’s the doctor gonna do?!”

Maybesome lighthearted joking will calm him down? Della thought. “Well, he’ll probably have to chop it…but hey! Then we’ll match!”

Louie let out a slow whine like a sirenand wrapped his arms around Donald, sobbing into his shirt.

“Oh geez… oh, Honey I’m sorry; I wasjust teasing. Mommy has a dark sense of humor. Oh gosh you’re not used to thatyet… I’m so sorry. No baby, he’s not gonna chop it.”

When she glanced up at Donald, sheexpected him to be glaring at her disapprovingly, but instead she saw the faceof empathy… which, because she was feeling so awkward, was sort of anuncomfortable cringe. Scrooge on the other hand was doing his best to keep fromlaughing at her failed attempt to comfort her son. It must be nice to have thegrandparent role. All Scrooge had to do was sit back and watch her mess up herkids, then tell her stories of the way he messed up when they were little toteach her lessons she really could have used earlier.

“It’s okay,” Donald told Louie, strokingthe feathers on the back of his head. “The doctor will probably just give yousome antibiotics. Piece of cake.”

It hit Della why Louie wanted to showDonald his bug bite but not her… Louie was such a perceptive kid. He probablyknew Donald would be able to comfort him much better than she could. He didn’ttrust her. And seeing him cry into Donald’s shirt made her feel he was rightnot to trust her. She’d been home all this time, and as far as she could tell,she was still doing a terrible job.

“The nearest Urgent Care opens at nine,”Donald said. “If we leave now we can get there when they open, before it’sbusy. Have you had breakfast?”

“Uh-uh,” Louie shook his head and wipedhis face on his sleeve.

“Let’s grab something quick you can eaton the way.”

Donald ushered Louie back down the hallto head for the kitchen and Della stared after them a moment. Donald knewexactly what to do to take care of the kids when they were sick or scared. And I only make things worse...

“Good catch, Lass,” Scrooge interruptedher thoughts.

“Huh?”

“You spotted that infection before itmade him terribly sick. You’re getting him help.”

“And stressing him out instead ofcomforting him.”

“Well, that’s the tricky thing aboutkids… the same things can comfort some, but scare others. Joke about amputationif Dewey ever gets cellulitis. I’m sure he’d love te match his mum,” hechuckled. “But Louie… he’s a bit more… well, like Donald was.”

“Ah… yeah, that clears a few things up.”

Scrooge patted Della on the shoulder.

“Well, if you kids are going to thedoctor, I’m going te see if I can recruit the others to help in the attic. I’llsee ye when you get back.”

They were only behind one other personwhen they arrived at Urgent Care, so it wasn’t long before a nurse called Louieback and started taking his vitals and asking Donald and Della the reason forthe visit, whether he was allergic to any medications, whether he’d been tothis Urgent Care before, etc. Thank goodness for Donald… Della had no idea ifthe boys were allergic to any medications or if they’d been to this Urgent Careor not. There was so much she didn’t know about her boys’ childhoods andmedical histories.

The nurse left them alone, and a coupledull rounds of I-Spy later, the doctor came in. It didn’t take him long to cometo the same conclusion as Della.

“Yup, that’s cellulitis, alright… but hedoesn’t have a fever, so that’s good… no red line going up the leg… but I amconcerned with how fast it’s spreading, so in addition to oral and topicalantibiotics, I’m also going to give him a ceftriaxone injection.”

“‘Injection?!’”Louie’s eyes widened with terror and he scooted back on the exam table, thepaper beneath him crinkling in protest.

At the same time, Donald had leapt outof the chair beside Della’s and rushed to Louie’s side, holding his arms openfor Louie.

“It’s okay…” he tried to console him.

But this time, Louie didn’t seek comfortin his Uncle’s arms. “It’s not okay! He said ‘injection!’ That means needle!”He looked around Donald at the door and Donald shifted a few inches to blockhis view. He tried to look over Donald’s other shoulder, but Donald shiftedback. As Della watched them, she realized Donald didn’t rush to Louie’s sidewith arms outstretched to offer him a hug… Louie was a bolter.

When the doctor left to get theantibiotic, Louie slipped off the other side of the exam table.

“Louie…” Donald started.

“No! You can’t make me!”

Della stared at the base of the examtable where she knew Louie was curled up in fear just on the other side.Everything in her urged her to try and help, but how? What could she do? Shedidn’t want to make things worse all over again… maybe the best thing to do wasto watch Donald and learn.

Donald didn’t think so. He pointed ather and nodded toward the door. Maintaining eye contact with her, he took astep like he was going to try going around the table to the other side. He wasgonna try to grab Louie but knew Louie would try to make a break for it.

Della exhaled silently and nodded, thentook her place by the door. Louiewould’ve heard that, she thought. Can’texactly be silent as a cat with a metal leg on a linoleum floor…

She hardly had time to wonder what Louiemight do instead of bolting out the door, but neither did Louie. Donald dashedto the other side of the table and reached for him. Louie screamed and ranstraight at Della in sheer panic, hands outstretched to grab the door handle.She bent down and wrapped her arms around him, but he squirmed wildly to getfree. Next thing Della knew, Donald was pulling Louie out of her arms.

“Thanks, I got ‘im,” he breathed.

But then Louie stepped hard on his foot.

“OW!”

Louie managed to grab the door handle,but Donald grabbed him. As he pulled Louie back, the door opened and Louiescreamed.

“HELP! HELP! THEY’RE GONNA STAB ME! IDON’T WANT A NEEDLE! I AM NOT CONSENTING TO THIS FORM OF TREATMENT!”

“Let go of the door!” Donald orderedwith his arms wrapped around Louie’s torso and legs, but as he pulled back, Louieonly opened the door wider, so he called for backup. “Della!”

“Baby, let go of the door…” she tried tosay in a tone as soothing as she could manage as she began to try pryingLouie’s fingers off the door handle. Dang,this kid is determined…

She managed to get one hand pried off,but as soon as she grabbed the second, he grabbed the door handle again withhis recently pried-off hand.

If only she could convince him the doorhandle was disgustingly germy, or… wait,that’s it!

She leaned over and licked the back ofhis hands.

“EW, GROSS! MOM GERMS!” he pulled hishands back. The door slammed shut and Donald swung him up on to the exam tableand held him down. Della ran around to the other side.

“Licking your kid’s hands in a doctor’soffice?” Donald asked her incredulously. She could tell he was impressed,though. “Isn’t that a health hazard?”

“How? What has he touched with the backs of his hands since we got here?”

Louie still fought against his uncle’shold on him. “I don’t want a needle! I don’t want it! Get me outta here!”

The door opened behind Donald and Louiecried and twisted to get free as the doctor stepped back in with a small traycontaining a syringe.

“LEMME GO LEMME GO LEMME GO!”

“Help me hold him!” Donald said.

Della’s chest ached seeing Louie in somuch distress. As tears dripped over the sides of his bill, her eyes began tosting, too.

“Della!”

She shook her head and tried to pushpast the pain of seeing her child like this. “Louie, baby, it’s okay…” shecooed as she reached for his arms. The plan was to hold his wrists and use herforearm to help hold down his torso, but the minute she gripped his arms, hescreamed.

“OW! YOU’RE HURTING ME!”

Della recoiled, but barely had enoughtime to wonder how that amount of pressure could have hurt him before Donaldsaid, “He’s lying! Don’t listen to him!”

Ofcourse he was… how could I have fallen for that? But as she looked back at his tear-dampened face, itdidn’t matter if he was lying about her hurting him. It wasn’t a lie that hewas scared out of his mind. Her insides twisted with every motion he made toget free.

“Okay, can you turn him over?” thedoctor asked.

“Wait, WHAT?!” Louie stopped jerking fora split second and Donald used that time to flip him onto his stomach. “ITHOUGHT IT’D BE A LEG SHOT OR AN ARM SHOT! YOU DIDN’T TELL ME IT WAS A BUTTSHOT!”

Della leaned over to hug Louie, but alsoto keep his upper body still while Donald held down his legs.

“It’s only a couple seconds, and thenyour bug bite’s gonna start getting better, okay?”

The smell of rubbing alcohol met hernose as the doctor cleaned the area around the intended injection site. As soonas he was done, Louie stopped fighting but continued to cry. She knew he wasn’tany calmer; he’d only switched from fight to freeze, possibly because he wasafraid of moving right as the doctor gave him the injection. Nevertheless,Della wanted to praise him for holding still.

“There you go, you’re doing great…”

“I THOUGHT YOU LOVED ME!”

Della gasped as though an ice colddagger pierced her heart, and then Louie screamed bloody murder as the doctoradministered the injection.

“All done!” the doctor said.

Louie continued to cry on the table. “Ithurts!”

“You’re all done, though,” Donald said,straightening up. “No more needles.”

Louie turned his head toward him. “Promise?”

“Promise.” Donald leaned over to kisshis forehead.

Della wanted to join in, but what couldshe say? Her son didn’t even think she loved him. Would he listen to anythingshe said? Or… maybe it had been just another trick of Louie’s? …but what if it hadn’t been?

The doctor told them what antibiotics hewas prescribing and when to give them to him, and Della tried to listen… butshe wasn’t catching any of what he said. Atleast the instructions will be on the tubes or bottles, she told herself.How Louie was feeling was far more important to her now.

She put her hand on his arm and heturned his head toward her, then rolled onto his side.

“It hurts,” he said again.

“I know it does.” She used her sleeve towipe away a tear on his cheek. “We’re gonna go home soon. We’ll get you somefood, a little ibuprofen, and Uncle Donald will pick up your medicine and youcan be lazy all day. How does that sound?”

He took a shuddering breath. “I don’twanna move…”

“Been there… when I was nine I had anallergic reaction to I-don’t-even-know, and I had to have a hydrocortisone shotin my butt, and Uncle Scrooge had to carry me afterwards.” She held her armsout to see if he wanted her to carry him.

Louie looked down at her arms, then backup at her. She was just starting to feel foolish and wondering if she shouldhave told him Donald could carry him instead when he reached out his armstoward her.

Back at home, Donald and Della got Louiesettled in his room with some lunch and gave him children’s ibuprofen. ThenDella put a folded bath towel under his leg and got a bowl of warm water, awash cloth, and a bit of soap to wash the infected area while Donald went topick up his medicine from the pharmacy. She drew two new lines – one around thered area and another around the pink, and she sat with him until Donald gotback. Donald gave Louie his first dose of the oral antibiotic as Della applieda liberal amount of prescription ointment to the bite. All the while, Louiecomplained about the injection site being sore. Donald checked the site, justto the left of Louie’s tail feathers, and he didn’t see any discoloration orcause for concern. Just to be safe though, he looked up this particularantibiotic injection online and found that aching and burning at the site andsurrounding area was a common side-effect.

“Yeah, and I already looked it up on myphone, too!” Louie said. “And apparently you don’t even need it if you treatcellulitis early! So thanks for putting me through all that for nothing!”

That evening, Donald found Dellawatching TV.

“Whatcha watchin’?” he asked. It hadbeen a commercial break, but it switched back immediately following hisquestion. “Oh… Ottoman Empire, huh?”

“Yeah. I’m trying to get into it sincethe boys like it so much, but… ottomans?”

Donald chuckled and sat on her right. “Aaaaandyou’re eating ice cream out of a tiny carton because…?”

“There were only like two scoops worthof ice cream left in the container.” She could feel Donald’s eyes on herthough, and when she looked up at him he had his brow raised. “Okay, fine! I’meating my feelings!” she shoveled the last couple spoonfuls into her mouth andthen grabbed her head. “GAHHH!” She spit the ice cream back into the container.

“Blech!” Donald recoiled. “Take it easy,you can’t eat that many feelings at once!”

Della groaned with her tongue pressed tothe roof of her mouth to fix her brain freeze.

“What feelings are you eating, anyway?”

“Mint chocolate chip.”

“Della…”

Della sighed. There wasn’t much usehiding stuff from Donald… not when it had to do with the boys. “I just… I hatenot having all this mom stuff figured out.” She set her ice cream on the coffeetable and brought her knees up. Donald brought his knees up, too until they wereboth nearly curled into the fetal position side-by-side, and she leaned againsthim. “It’s good to have you home.”

“Me?” Donald laughed.

“Yes you! Donald, it was awful… thefizzy rocks, and the gilded man, and then one time Huey lent me his JWG tocheck out all the cool things he added but then I lost it for a little bit andhis brain broke, and… how ‘bout neither of us ever go to the Moon again?”

“Deal,” he said, wrapping an arm aroundher. “It’s good to have you home, too… for a million reasons… but for today? I don’t think I could’ve managedLouie on my own. He’s getting bigger, and stronger, and I was really glad to haveyour help at the doctor’s office.”

“Aw, look at you two,” Scrooge said bythe armchair. Della turned her head. “Curled up together like ye were beforeyou hatched…”

Della hadn’t even realized she’d curledup against Donald. It was such a natural and instinctual thing for them to dowhile stressed. But gosh, did she miss it. She thought of the bench in front ofthe blackboard on the Spear of Seleneand how she used to sit on it sideways, curled up with her right side againstthe back as she held her family photo, and it just wasn’t the same.

“Louie seems te be improving,” Scroogelet them know as he took his seat in the armchair. “He’s up and getting readyfor bed, and he says it doesnae hurt that much to walk anymore. You both did agood job today.”

“So he’s not mad at me anymore?” Dellaasked.

“Well, of course he’s still mad! That’show ye know you’re doing something right!”

Della groaned and sat up to grab her icecream carton. “I am soooo gonna get fat during their teenage years,” she saidbefore eating a half-melted spoonful, nestled against Donald’s side.

“Not the way you burn calories, you spaz,” Donald said.

“Listen, Lass,” Scrooge said. “Ye cannaeaim to keep your kids happy with ye all the time. Sometimes when you do what’sbest for them, it makes them unhappy. Do what’s best anyway. Bottom line is,you two working together saved Louie’s life today, an’ I’m proud of ye.”

Della had finished her last bit of icecream, but held the spoon in her mouth for a few seconds as her eyes welled up.She couldn’t hold her tears back for long, however, and she dropped her spoonin the empty carton and wiped her eyes on her sleeve.

“Aww… come now, Della,” Scrooge said asDonald wrapped both his arms around her and rested his head on hers. She andDonald both curled up tighter. “What are ye crying for?”

“You gave me more feelings and I ran outof the edible kind!” she held the empty carton aloft.

But she wasn’t complaining. The truthwas, in that moment, she felt she belonged… and that all was right in theworld. And she wanted to cherish that moment as long as she could.

Author’s Notes:lol You and @alliterative-albatross sent the same prompt. XD That made things easier.This wound up being a much longer fic than I thought, but I had the idea for this in my head a while so I figured, why not?

#writing prompt #ducktales 2017 #ducktales fanfic #ducktales fanfiction #ducktales della #ducktales donald #ducktales scrooge #ducktales louie

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