#girl help I’m stuck on my back like a bug again

[strange-aeons]

YOU'RE IN HOSPITAL?

HAHA AS OF TODAY I AM ON THE LOOSE

[navybrat817]

Hold You Tight: Part 13

Pairing: Club Owner!Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

Fic Summary: The owner of The 107th wants you to be his girl whether you like it or not.

Part 12 | Series Masterlist | Part 14

Chapter Word Count: Over 4.8k

Chapter Summary: You're on edge, but try to enjoy the day of freedom that Bucky promised you.

Chapter Warnings: DARK AU, mild dubcon (kissing, touching), tension, unease, possessiveness, inner turmoil, gaslighting, manipulation, stalking, slight feels, Bucky Barnes (he's a warning, okay?), more warnings to come.

A/N: More Hold You Tight and thank you for sticking with me! Bucky edit by the beautiful @nixakimbo . ❤️ Beta read by the lovely @whisperlullaby , but any and all mistakes are my own. Divider by the talented @firefly-graphics . Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog new fics and notifications. Comments, reblogs, feedback are loved and appreciated!

For his part, Bucky behaved once you were back in the shop. He waited patiently while you tried on a couple of the dresses and didn't attempt to go back into the dressing room or force you to come out and model them. You were thankful for that since there wasn't anything to jam under the doorknob and you didn’t need him to corner you again. Who knew how much he’d push the envelope the next time.

Before you went to the counter, you grabbed a cardigan from a rack. “This, too, please” you said, handing it to the associate. It would be nice to have in case you got cold at the vineyard.

“Of course,” she smiled, ringing it up with the other garments and accessories selected.

Bucky eyed the cardigan with a small smile. “That looks warm and comfortable,” he commented, sliding a card across the counter. “I should’ve remembered that,” he said almost to himself.

“Well, part of the fun of shopping is picking out your own stuff,” you said, careful to leave the bite out of your voice.

“And part of the fun of gift giving is surprising the receiver,” he said, kissing your temple. “I was trying to surprise you by having stuff you liked ready,” he added in a smaller voice.

You didn’t miss the glance from the associate, making you feel as small as Bucky’s voice sounded. Of course, he made himself look like a doting boyfriend and your comment made you sound ungrateful. “It was a really nice gesture and I loved the dresses selected. Thank you,” you said. He showed that he knew and liked your taste like a caring partner would do. “But maybe during the next shopping trip I can go through and pick everything out myself?” It would give you some sort of autonomy.

“Sure,” he smiled, likely happy at the prospect of there being a next time.

You mumbled a thank you to the associate before Bucky carried everything out of the store, not at all ashamed to carry stuff for his girl. Another doting boyfriend gesture. He even refused to let Ray take the garments from him when he held the door open. Nor did he let his bodyguard help you into the car.

“I didn’t spoil you as much as I wanted to, but it’s a start,” he smiled once you both got settled in.

“Yeah, it is,” you said. In your eyes, he spoiled you plenty. “I really do appreciate it. I’m not used to someone wanting to spoil me.”

Past boyfriends didn't care enough to do nice things like that. The last girl Bucky dated tried to steal from him, but did she demand shopping trips? Maybe he was simply happy to spend his money beyond you being his girl because you didn't expect or ask him to.

“You deserve it,” he said, sighing as he raked a hand through his hair. “I can't believe I won't see you tomorrow.”

You glanced at him and noted the droop in his shoulders. He may have dismissed your feelings from time to time, but it wouldn't help you to dismiss his when you were stuck in a vehicle with him. “I know it'll be tough, but it’s one day and you do have a photo of me to look at if you’ll miss me.” Who knew what else he had since your place was bugged.

“I do. I’ll probably look at it all day between work and other stuff,” he smiled, tilting his head toward you. “Do you think you could do me a favor?”

You eyed him suspiciously. “Depends on the favor,” you replied. God, did he want you to send him an explicit photo of you or something?

He made sure he was looking you in the eye. “Don’t run tomorrow. Don't leave the city,” he stated.

You blinked. The man wasn’t psychic, so how could he possibly know you thought of doing that very thing? At least, to get out of the city earlier than the girls trip. Was your poker face that terrible? “You think I’ll run?”

“I think part of you wants to try. Not even because you want freedom, but because you want to rebel against me and take back some control,” he replied. For his part, he didn’t sound upset. “But I think you and I both know you either won’t get far or you won’t end up running at all.”

You opened and shut your mouth. You wanted to. God knows you wanted to get far away. “Do you think I’m a coward if I don’t try?” You weren’t sure why his opinion on the situation mattered since he was the cause of it all.

“I think you’re one of the furthest things from a coward. Given the circumstances, you’ve been extremely brave,” he said. You didn't feel brave, but it was kind of nice to hear. “But one other favor? Don’t tear your place apart looking for the bugs either.”

You practically threw your arms up in the air, his compliment of you forgotten. The man was beyond exasperating. “Oh, come on! You’re giving me the day to myself, but I still have to stay in the city and I can’t get rid of the bugs?” You smacked his chest before you could stop yourself. “Your compromises suck, do you know that?”

His eyebrows shot up. “Did you… did you just say my compromises suck?” He threw his head back, his laughter filling the car. “Your insults are just as adorable as you are.”

“Yes, that’s what I said and my insults aren’t adorable,” you said, your face hot when he kept chuckling. “And I swear if you find some sort of loophole to see me tomorrow, I will go to your penthouse and throw out all of your expensive suits for being a liar.”

That cut his laughter short, but his eyes still sparkled with amusement. “Now we both know you’d donate my clothes before throwing them out. At least make your threat credible.”

“I… Okay, no, I wouldn't throw them away,” you said, smacking his chest once more when he looked like he’d laugh again. “But you may be onto something with donating. Maybe I'll donate your first editions to someone, too.”

“You wouldn't.” He tapped the tip of your nose, sending more fire through your veins. “You’re not the vengeful type.”

Grabbing his wrist before he could pull away, you lightly bit his finger and drew a sharp gasp from him. “I might just surprise us both.”

Heat crept up your neck at the look in his eyes. “I have no doubt about that,” he whispered, holding the back of your head and closing the gap between you.

His lips were persistent against yours, but still soft. So was his tongue invading your mouth. You put a hand against his chest as he pushed further into your space, but he was an immovable wall. You should've known he’d take your action as foreplay. He would twist anything and everything you did in his favor.

His scruff tickled your cheek as you turned your head away to breathe, but the intake of air didn't slow your heart. “Did you know I’ve dreamt of moments like this with you?” His hand cupped your breast through your top as you shuddered. You were trapped once again, just like in the shop. “You riled up or flustered and you making me laugh? Just… little moments.”

“No,” you whispered, his thumb brushing your nipple until it hardened. Touching you, having you, yes, you knew he dreamt of those things. You knew he wanted a connection. Hearing how much he craved the little things made your head spin, too.

“Well, I have.” Before you could tell him to stop, his hand fell away. “I won’t bother you tomorrow,” he whispered, brushing his hair back and settling once again in his seat. “As much as I want to see you, I won't.”

You smoothed out your top and got comfortable again, too. The underlying tension didn't cease when he took your hand and you didn't flinch or pull away. He wouldn't try anything else. Not tonight. You just knew.

“Try not to run tomorrow, okay?” he asked.

You looked out the window and caught him looking at you in the glass, the semi distorted image an accurate description of your relationship. You knew it was off, that he was off. No one else would see it that way or just didn’t care.

“I’ll try not to,” you replied.

Whether it was cowardly to not try or stupidly brave to stay, you might just have to stay put.

You didn't say much for the remainder of the car ride. Bucky brought up the double date again with Steve and you didn't argue when he suggested a couple of places. Maybe you could figure out what Steve was doing to this girl and you could help each other out. At the very least, it would be nice to have a new friend who might understand a bit of what you were going through.

It was fucked up way to think.

Bucky managed to balance the books he purchased for you earlier that day as well as the clothes once Ray parked the car. “I can carry something,” you offered.

“I've got it, but thanks,” he said, refusing to let Ray help either. “And this way, I'll keep my hands to myself,” he added with a smirk.

You bristled, but recovered quickly. “I hope you have a good evening, Ray.”

He gave you a nod and what looked like a hint of a smile. “You as well.”

You were a bundle of nerves as you went into your building. You were close to having time to yourself, but Bucky was still going up to your apartment since he insisted on carrying everything. The elevator ride up was comfortably silent, but you saw the tension in his body once you got to your floor. He really didn’t want to let you go for a day.

“Thank you again for the books and the clothes,” you said, getting your keys out as he followed closely. He was practically breathing down your neck. “You can just leave everything in the entryway.”

He hummed, stepping inside once you unlocked the door. “You don’t want me in your bedroom?” he guessed.

“I think we’ve had enough excitement for today,” you said. Between kissing you in the shop and his car, you wouldn’t risk it.

He carefully set the books and garments down before he turned to you. In an instant, your back was against the wall and the sound you made muffled by his mouth. He moaned against your lips when you didn’t turn your head away, but you shoved his chest to get him away. You really thought he wouldn’t push anymore tonight. He promised. He…

He stopped.

He pulled back, his breathing ragged and a glazed look in his eyes. “I’m not a monster. I’m not,” he whispered, rubbing a hand over his face. You braced yourself against the wall as he turned to leave, pausing to look over his shoulder. “I’ve just never wanted or needed anyone like you. I’m… I’m trying.”

“I know you are,” you whispered. And he wanted you to want and need him, too.

He smiled sadly and you almost reached out to soothe him, but you refrained. “Enjoy your day tomorrow,” he said.

The door shut before you could respond, leaving you in the silence of your apartment. A minute or two passed before you went to your room. Uncaring of the bugs around your place, you began to pack a few things in a tote bag with tears in your eyes. You wouldn’t leave tonight, but you’d be prepared if you wanted to go tomorrow. Who were you kidding, would you leave at all?

You blinked the tears away when you caught the photo of you and your friends on the dresser. It was foolish to think of escaping if it meant risking something happening to your loved ones. Addison and Brady. Dana. Your other friends. Mrs. Crandle. In the end, you would have to stay for them. Your life for their safety and continued happiness.

A small price to pay.

Curling up on your bed next to the bag, you whispered, “Once again, you win.”

Would luck ever be on your side when it came to him?

There were no texts from Bucky when you woke up the next morning. It felt… oddly quiet, but you weren’t sure if that was a relief or something you didn’t want to think about. Nothing was out of place in your apartment, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were still being watched thanks to the bugs. There were no gifts outside of your door. No breakfast. Just the quiet of your own thoughts as you went about your morning routine.

You smiled as you left the apartment, but it felt different today. Somehow lighter. It was as though normalcy wasn’t a burden, but a chance to breathe, to exist without your new “boyfriend” pulling the strings. The crisp morning air felt welcoming, and the walk to your favorite cafe was like a promise that today you could simply enjoy the time you had. The rich scents of coffee and pastries greeted you like an old friend, and for the first time in days, you felt a flicker of something close to peace.

“Most important meal of the day.”

You tried to push Bucky and his haunting blue eyes from your thoughts, but his absence lingered like a shadow you couldn’t chase away. He still followed you. Today wasn’t a day for lingering on what could happen tomorrow. Today was about you and small steps, about finding comfort in simple moments, and allowing yourself to breathe without the weight of uncertainty. And kindness to a stranger seemed like a good place to start.

“I’d like to pay for the person behind me,” you said.

"Thank you so much. You didn’t have to do that," the woman said, her surprise softening into a genuine smile. Something in her tone felt warm, like the simple exchange was more than just about paying for her coffee and pastry. It felt like a shared understanding, a reminder that kindness still mattered, and that it could still find its place in a world that often felt too heavy.

You couldn’t help but smile a little wider. “I wanted to,” you said, taking your to-go bag. You were still capable of offering kindness and still held the belief that it could make a difference, even in small ways. “Have a great day.”

The next stop was the flower shop once you finished your treat. You carefully selected a variety of flowers so you could make a nice arrangement at home. You were far from sad, but it would brighten up your mood more. Working with flowers always gave you a burst of happiness.

Once you were back at your apartment, with no one waiting for you, you got to work. Humming, you cut and prepped the flowers and selected a wide, simple vase. Once you had the grid of tape on, you added the greenery, focal flowers, and filler flowers. You loved the balance and harmony it presented once finished. It was also beautiful.

You snapped a photo of the colorful arrangement and sent it to the girl group chat. “What do we think?”

Addison was the first to respond. “Gorgeous! Seriously, how do you do that? I can’t wait to see what you do for my wedding!”

Dana responded next. “Why are you not running your own shop? Mrs. Crandle is sweet, but you should be in charge.”

You giggled when Gina asked, “Can you please tell me how to keep flowers alive? I’m hopeless.” with just about everyone reacting with a finger pointing up.

“You also appreciate Words of Affirmation, even if compliments make you feel uncertain because you sometimes feel overlooked.”

You hugged your phone to your chest as Bucky’s voice echoed in your mind. The praise from your friends was warm and you felt seen, but a part of you couldn’t help but wonder if you were seeking validation. Did you need them to remind you that you were good at something? Or was it just that you didn’t want to feel invisible, even in this small corner of your world?

“Love you ladies. Can’t wait for Saturday.”

It was true. You loved them and always would. With the thought of the upcoming weekend and enjoying the time together, your doubt was silenced.

There were still no texts from Bucky as you wrapped up the morning. Things felt normal. It was almost too normal. You felt like you were still holding your breath and looking over your shoulder when you left your place again to head to the bookstore, expecting Bucky to block your path or suddenly show up.

It was silly to visit the bookstore considering you were just there and Bucky bought you a bunch of books. Like the cafe, it was another sense of comfort. You even spotted a new book you previously overlooked. It was a perfect novel to add to your collection.

“Reading has always been a hobby of mine. I even have first editions of some of my favorite books.”

Had Bucky carved out a place for himself so deep in your core that everything went back to him? Was this how he went about his day? Did he see something or do something and his mind just went to you? How did one function when someone else constantly invaded their thoughts?

“Hi. Is Marc working today?” you asked once you were at the counter. You wanted to see with your own eyes that he was okay.

“No, he isn’t, but he’ll be in tomorrow.”

“Oh, okay,” you said, stopping the associate before she bagged the book. Maybe you could find an excuse to go back or call to talk to him. “I’ll just put that in my bag, thanks.”

The weather had warmed up enough that you could go to the park with your new book in hand. Grabbing a seat on an empty bench, you took a moment to appreciate the landscape. It was one of the brightest spots in the city. You sometimes pictured having a picnic date there, looking up at the sky and seeing what shapes the clouds made.

“One day,” you smiled to yourself, getting started on your book.

You were only about one chapter in when a man’s voice jolted you from the pages. “Excuse me, miss. Is this seat available?” You glanced up to find a tall man in a turtleneck and long trench coat standing over you with a charming smile. Was he wearing purple gloves? “My apologies, I didn't mean to startle you.”

“It’s okay.” You nodded to the empty spot. “Feel free.”

“Thank you.” He sat down, his eyes on you as you tried to go back to your book. “Beautiful day, isn't it?”

“It is,” you agreed, turning a page in the hopes he’d get the hint. You didn’t want to be rude by not conversing, but you were trying to read.

“And it’s nice to finally meet the lady who has James Buchanan Barnes so enamored.”

Your heart thudded in your chest, turning to face him. He had a knowing smile on his face, like he knew you were either afraid or worried. “I’m sorry. Do I know you?”

“I don't believe you do. How rude of me to assume.” He extended a gloved hand toward you. “Helmut Zemo. James and I work together on occasion.”

“Nice to meet you.” You shook his hand, but didn't let it linger. Something about him put you on edge, a different sort of edge than Bucky. “I don't hear many people call him James.”

“He’s not particularly fond of it. He much prefers for people to call him Bucky.”

That said something about their relationship if the man didn't respect Bucky’s preferred name. “Okay, Mr. Zemo. Is there something I can help you with?” You couldn't imagine Bucky sending this man to speak to you. “And, I’m sorry, how did you know where to find me?”

He shrugged a bit. “I may have bribed someone or two. Nothing for you to trouble yourself with.”

Your stomach plummeted. What was wrong with these men? “You sound like Bucky,” you muttered. No wonder they worked together sometimes, if he was telling the truth. “And if you’re bribing people just to get close to me, I think I have the right to know exactly who you spoke to.”

“As I said, it’s nothing for you to trouble yourself with.”

You looked around. There were others at the park, but no one paid any attention to you. What would happen if you screamed? “What do you want from me?” you asked. Was this one of the things Bucky meant when he said it wasn’t safe for you?

He held his hands up. “I mean you no harm. I just wanted to see you face-to-face since I didn't receive an invitation from James to meet you at his club. I’m sure it… slipped his mind,” he said with a bitter smile that had you shifting away from him. “I must say, you don't strike me as the type to fall for a murderer.”

You swallowed a little. “A murderer?” Bucky had referred to himself as a monster who hurt and killed.

“Oh, yes. The blood of many stains his hands, don't you know. Alexander Pierce. Brock Rumlow. Jasper Sitwell. Howard Stark,” he ticked off names like he was listing ingredients for a recipe. “He even killed-”

“I think your time’s up.”

Both of you looked behind you to find Ray standing feet away. It was one of the first times you ever saw the stoic man look angry. “Ray?”

“Ah, Raymond!” Zemo smiled, pushing himself up from the bench. He didn’t look at all intimidated by Bucky’s bodyguard. “I was wondering which one of you would show up. Good to see you still have work.”

Ray blinked twice. “Indeed. And I’m sure you’ll hear from my boss very soon,” he said, walking around the bench to put space between you and the virtual stranger. “For now, you should go back to your side of the city and leave her be.”

“We were only talking.” Zemo held his hands up again. “You don't think I'd pose a threat to the property of James Barnes, do you?”

“I’m no one’s property. I'm a person,” you seethed, holding your head high. You were tired of everyone around you thinking of you as an object. “And I agree with Ray. You need to go. Now.”

“Such unexpected fire,” Zemo smiled, making your skin crawl. “I didn't mean to upset or offend you. I’m sure we’ll see each other again soon.”

Ray’s jaw clenched. “Walk away and don't look back at her,” he ordered.

Zemo glared at Ray, but walked away without another word, his jacket flowing in the light breeze.

You breathed properly again as Ray took a seat next to you. “Are you okay?” He shifted toward you when you nodded. “I’m so sorry he bothered you. He was supposed to be out of town.”

“Who is he? How did he know where to find me?” You narrowed your eyes at Ray and he didn't flinch under your gaze. Much scarier people stared him down. “And how did you know where to find me?”

“Zemo works with Bucky from time to time. He has his own club blocks away, Echo Scorpion. Lots of money and resources and far from being Bucky’s friend,” he explained, blinking twice again. “Boss wanted to make extra sure you were safe and he thought I was the best for the job.”

“What?” you asked over a whisper. Bucky and his fucking loopholes. “Have you been following me all day?”

“Yes,” he answered.

You slowly breathed in and out to remain calm about the fact that Bucky stayed away, but still had you followed. It didn’t calm you down. You were upset. So upset that you let out a shout of frustration loud enough that a few people looked your way, but no one stopped to check and make sure you were okay. Maybe they thought you were crazy. Maybe you were at this point.

Ray didn’t look at all surprised by your outburst. “Not to defend my boss, but he is keeping his promise by not contacting you himself if that is any consolation.”

“He still sent you, Ray. He can say all he wants that it’s for my safety and maybe it is, but it’s still a control freak move and he’s probably demanding that you give him every detail about my day,” you argued, shoving your book into your bag. “And today was going so well.”

“It still can.”

“You’re still going to follow me though.” With Zemo showing up, maybe it was for the best that Ray showed up. “That Zemo guy. Is he going to hurt me?”

“No,” Ray said with certainty. Zemo still wanted something though. Maybe he wanted to get under Bucky’s skin since he wasn't asked to meet you. “He knows that would start a war of sorts. Try not to worry about him. We’ll deal with him.”

“Start a war? You’ll deal with him? You speak so casually about violence because I assume it’s violence that’s intended,” you said as Ray looked in his lap. “He said Bucky is a murderer and he listed names. He killed those people, didn’t he?” you pressed, shuddering a bit when Ray didn’t deny it. God, he really was a killer. Why? For his own gain? “I need to sit down,” you said when your vision began to blur.

“You are sitting down,” he gently pointed out, scooting over and tenderly placing a hand on the back of your head. “Deep breaths. Put your head between your knees. It’ll help.”

You bent over, taking a few deep breaths like he instructed. “You said I can do this, but I don't know if I can, Ray. I’m not brave,” you said in a small voice.

Bucky didn't have anything to fear. He was a king who ruled his city and decided what to do with the peasants. You didn’t ask for him to entangle you in anything of his, the peasant that you were. You just wanted to survive at this point.

Ray surprised you by rubbing your back, your head starting to feel normal again. “Yes, you are. You just don't believe it because you’re not in your element,” he said, helping you sit up properly again after a minute. You did feel a bit better. “Try not to think about this and enjoy the rest of your day. You owe it to yourself to have some peace and relaxation.”

Glancing at your tote bag, you had to agree. You did owe it to yourself to have a bit of peace and relaxation. “Bucky asked me not to run or look for the bugs, but I can’t have complete peace today if I go back to my place for the night,” you said, glancing at the blonde beside you. “Is there anywhere I can stay where he won’t have direct eyes on me?”

Up until Zemo showed up, it was a normal day. A good day. You wanted that to continue.

Ray thought it over. “There’s a hotel not far from here, The Red Room. We can get you a suite for the night. I will warn you before you ask, the manager has worked with Bucky before.” He stopped you before you could get up and leave. “But she won’t breathe a word to him about anything you do. Her staff is very discreet.”

You weren’t sure whether to believe him or not. At the end of the day, he worked with Bucky and his loyalty remained with him. “Why The Red Room and not just another hotel?”

“Because it’s safe there,” he said.

You sighed and slowly got to your feet. It wasn’t getting away, but it was a small win and something told you to trust Ray. “Before we go, is Bucky doing okay today?” Part of you was curious.

Ray shook his head. “He’s in a mood and he misses you,” he replied. You pushed the guilt away. Bucky had to learn to handle time apart. “Shall we go? Are you okay to walk?”

“I’m fine. Just lead the way,” you answered.

Spending time in a hotel suite would relax you. It would give you time to read your book. And it wasn't like Bucky would show up and ambush you.

Right?

And Zemo has entered the picture. What will Bucky do when he finds out he made contact with his girl? Is Ray really looking out for you? Will anything happen at the hotel or will our girl get the rest she more than deserves? Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

Masterlist ⚓ Bucky Barnes Masterlist ⚓ Ko-Fi

[pandora-writes-one-piece]

The Meet-Cute - Zoro's Story - 14

Source for pic

Trouble 14

Word Count: 6045

Tags For The Whole Story: Fem!Reader; Protective!Zoro; Soft!Zoro; Sexual Tension; Teasing; Flirting; Mature Audiences (I'll always tag the NSFW chapters); Modern Day AU; Reader is being stalked; Fear; Paranoia; Angst; Rom-Com Vibes; Mild Gore-like Descriptions; Blood; Reader in a terror-like state; Dead Animals Mentioned; Fluff; Romance; Banter; Manipulation; Miscommunication; Frustration; Reader is very clumsy;

Special Warning: English is not my first language, I apologise for any possible spelling or grammar mistakes.

Summary: After moving away from the hustle and bustle of Grand Line City to help your father around the property following a horse-riding accident - and in the hopes of healing your broken heart after your asshole ex-fiancé cheated - you settle into the country calmness of the Calm Belt. You and Zoro are slowly returning to your easy friendship filled with banter and flirting and you actually begin to glimpse a future with the green-haired cop. But then you start to receive weird gifts. They quickly escalate to manipulative texts. And now you're stuck in a spiral of terror and there's no way to get help because the Stalker, whoever he is, is threatening something other than just your life.

Notes: Okay, now we really are reaching the end of the story. There's the Epilogue after this and we'll be done with Zoro! I'm missing this story already, it was so different from the others and I had so much fun with it! Well, as I said in my post earlier today, I wasn't expecting this chapter to take such an angsty turn, I was going to skim the details of the healing to get straight into the fluff. But they decided they wanted something different, and I complied. I'm glad I did because I like the bit of angst in this chapter, tell me what you think about it too, will you?

Masterlist

You both get a good scolding from the team of nurses as you wake up because you need rest in order to recover from your wounds. Zoro tries to argue that it was the best rest he’s gotten in the past few years, and though some nurses find the declaration cute, the head nurse tells him to stop acting like a child and behave.

So, you leave to return to your room for the doctors and nurses to check on Zoro’s condition, promising to return as soon as possible. 

You’re still finishing up breakfast, sitting in your bed when you hear a light knock at your door. “Come in.”

“Bug?” 

As soon as you see the look of worry Shanks gives you, you feel like a little girl again and start sobbing, the weight of everything too overwhelming to bear alone. 

“Oh, honey…” Shanks drops his coat on the floor and runs to you, holding you close in a one-armed hug. “I’m sorry, I’m so, so sorry.” He keeps kissing the crown of your head, his arm pulling you closer and closer as if by that gesture he can erase all the pain you’ve been through.

“I–It’s okay, Dad…” You hide your head against the crook of his neck, inhaling the familiar scent of safety and love, and sob some more. “It’s not your fault.”

Shanks sits on your bed, never letting go of you, and when he speaks, his voice sounds hoarse and ragged, like he’s trying to hold back his own tears. “I should never have left you alone.”

“You couldn’t have known.”

“What if–... What if Zoro hadn’t–... What–...” Shanks groans, shaking his head and gritting his teeth, squeezing you tighter against him and not finishing his line of thought, as if merely thinking about what could have happened is unbearable. “I’m never leaving you again, Bug.”

You let out a bubbly laugh mixed with a dry sob. “We both know that’s unreasonable, Dad.”

“It’s not.” He kisses your head again. “I’ll strap you to my waist with a rope or something. I’m never letting you out of my sight again.”

“Dad!”

“I mean it, though. Don’t worry, it will be a rope long enough to give you some privacy.”

“Geez, Red, stop being so dramatic.”

Mihawk enters the room after a slight knock on the door to announce his presence, but Shanks is already scowling and still refuses to let go of you. 

“I’m not being dramatic, Hawkeyes, I’m just comforting my child and showing her love. Something I doubt you’re capable of doing.” Mihawk smirks back at your father, and you wiggle free of his embrace, still holding his hand. 

“Actually, Dad, Captain Mihawk was quite understanding with me last night.” You chuckle slightly, drying your tears with the back of your hand. 

“Well, I’ll be damned…” Shanks begins with a grin, and Mihawk sighs, rolling his eyes and promptly changing the subject. 

“I was just on my way to see Roronoa, but I wanted you both to know that your property looks like a media circus now.” He straightened up, his nose scrunching at the mention of reporters. “I tried to keep things wrapped up as tightly as possible, but the news still leaked, so we had to make a statement. And though we’re trying to provide all the information about King and his responsibility in the maiming of the two victims, the reporters still want a story about the girl he did all of this for…”

Shanks tightens his grip on your hand, and you hold a breath. Obviously, the nightmare couldn’t be over. Was it too much to ask?

“We forced them to remain outside private property, but you know how tenacious reporters can be… maybe you can stay with a friend until the novelty dies down?” He looks at you, and you nod softly. 

Your friends! If they heard the news, they must be worried sick!

“My friends, are they…”

Mihawk sighs again, this time in exasperation. “They’re all camped outside the hospital, demanding to see you and Zoro. I managed to talk to Miss Nico and Miss Nefertari, the sensible ones in that crew, and promised they would be allowed in as soon as you were cleared to receive visitors.”

You shed a small smile, your brows wrinkling with gratitude mixed with worry. Of course they’re camping outside. You push the guilt from not telling them anything far down to the abyss of unwanted things to think about, and force the smile to keep pressing your lips.

“We’ll be fine.” You say to your father. Shanks nods, the wrinkles near his eyes much more prominent than when he left, and then he fixes your hair in a loving gesture. 

“We will.”

Mihawk nods and turns to leave, then he calls your name and turns back to you. “One more thing, if you’re up to it, I can take your statement here instead of you coming to the police station to do it. Less hassle, no reporters…”

You nod with a small thank you and he leaves you to your father’s fussing once more.

-*-

“You look like crap.”

“Thanks, Cap. That’s exactly the pep talk I needed after getting stabbed and almost dying.” Zoro grunts and raises his arm to cover his eye. He feels like shit. Every muscle feels raw, every wound stings and hurts, every bruise taunts him and strains his movements. 

But he feels fucking good too.

Because you’re alive, and King is not. Motherfucker.

Zoro clenches his fist and grits his teeth. He still feels so much rage over what the fucker did to you. He keeps thinking about all the things he could’ve done differently, of all the pain and hurt that could’ve been avoided if he’d just figured out sooner what was happening to you.

He keeps revisiting your conversations, everything he could have done differently to avoid this outcome because yes, you’re alive, but you’re not unscathed. You went through hell, and King almost took you away from Zoro. He still touched you and did unspeakable things to you. Zoro can’t help but blame himself for most of it. If only he’d been faster, stronger, smarter…

“Don’t think too much, Roronoa, you might strain a muscle.” Mihawk’s remark is teasing, and Zoro snorts in response, but doesn’t answer back. A confirmation that he is, indeed, thinking too much about things he cannot and will never be able to change.

“It wasn’t your fault.” Mihawk continues, as if he’s a mind-reader, when in reality he knows Zoro like he knows his prized sword. “None of it. So stop blaming yourself and stop thinking you could’ve done something differently. It doesn’t matter now. The bastard’s dead. You got the girl. You’re alive.”

“But…” Zoro starts, then stops, his teeth clattering together as he forces back the anger and the shame, the guilt and the rage. The words are stuck in his throat, drying it up and sucking all the air from his lungs. He never wanted to be a disappointment… but he needs to acknowledge it. Even if only to himself.

“I... I got a scar on my back. From a fucking blade.” His arm is still draped over his eye, and though Zoro doesn’t cry, the words sting and burn. Even more so because of how much he admires the person he’s saying them to.

Mihawk remains silent. 

For too damn long.

“Fuck. Just admit that I’m a fucking disappointment and–”

“I’m proud of you, son,” Mihawk states. Zoro removes his forearm from the front of his eye as it bores into Mihawk’s golden gaze. He doesn’t seem to be joking, hell, he doesn’t seem disappointed at all. 

“You gave your all to save a young woman’s life. You protected her with all you had and were willing to lie down your life in order to achieve it.” He sighs. “As far as I’m concerned, that scar on your back brings you pride, not shame. And you should look at it the same way.”

It takes every ounce of willpower in Zoro to school his features into perfect stoicism. Then he nods. “Thanks.” It’s all he manages to say, and even that one word comes out shaky and watery. 

“Anytime.”

-*-

In the afternoon, after Shanks leaves to take care of the animals, the nurses allow your friends to visit you, as long as they promise to be quiet and not all come in at once. 

The poor nurse doesn’t know your friends at all.

They come in all at once, hugging you, crying, drilling you with questions, and every other minute one of them asks if you are okay. It’s overwhelming. So much so, that Robin decides they should let you rest and shoos them all away as you promise to stay in touch and meet them as soon as you leave the hospital.

They try to check in on Zoro, but the nurses don’t allow them, as he’s still in critical condition and can’t be strained. You promise to send him their love as they all leave.

Nami stays behind, though. 

“I should’ve noticed…” She whispers while fidgeting with the blanket at the end of your bed, folding it neatly as her eyes turn brighter. “I mean, I did notice! And that’s why I’m so mad! I noticed something was different, but didn’t dig enough, didn’t ask you more questions. I– I’ve been such a shitty friend!”

Your smile is strained and saddened. She shouldn’t blame herself when you did your best to hide everything from them. To isolate yourself from the people closest to you. “Sweetie…” You begin, getting up on still-wobbly legs because of all the painkillers you’re on, clutching your broken arm against your chest. “It wasn’t your fault. I was the one who kept you all in the dark.”

Nami swallows a sob and hugs you tightly, minding your injuries like a worried mother, fussing over you, fixing your hair and hospital gown. “I know you did, but you were being threatened! It’s not like you could’ve told us what was happening! You didn’t tell Zoro, and he knew something was up! He didn’t let go, didn’t dismiss it as a bad moment, or just missing your father like we all did!”

You hug her back, patting her head. “Nami, I don’t think we should play the blame game. It happened. It’s over. I want to heal. Just… be there and help me heal. I never asked for more.”

“So just… be your friend?” She smiles.

“That’s all I need.”

With a nod, she wipes her tears and finishes straightening your hair, helping you get back into bed. “That I know how to do. Shanks said you had reporters camped at your house and that you should find a quiet place to stay until it all dies down.” You nod. “You can stay with me and Vivi, love, okay?”

Of course she would offer. You smile and nod. “Thank you, Nami.”

-*-

“Why are you still here, Trouble?” Zoro’s voice sounds more amused than upset, but you thought he was asleep. You straighten up in the uncomfortable hospital chair and take another sip of your coffee nonchalantly. “Didn’t the hospital dismiss you already?”

He’s right. You were dismissed two days ago, but he wasn’t. And you’ve been spending every possible moment with him, even when the nurses tell you to go home. Because how can you go home when the only place that feels safe enough to be called such is Zoro’s arms?

“They did.” You answer, crossing your legs as your gaze wanders. He looks better. Less pale, stronger, with more brightness in his eye. He’s still heavily bandaged, and there’s still an IV bag strapped to his arm, but he has been talking about leaving the hospital already, though the nurses assure you he still needs at least another five to seven days of rest. 

He’ll never stay that long, you’re sure of it. 

“You should be resting.” He reprimends. 

“I am! I was sleeping just a while ago.”

He sighs, looking at the discarded blanket at the back of your chair. “You were napping, it’s not the same as proper rest, in a bed, at home.”

Your eyes fall to the ground as you fidget with the coffee cup and set it aside. “I don’t want to go home…” It doesn’t feel like home anymore. It feels tainted, unsafe, dangerous. Captain Mihawk says they found cameras all over the house, even in your bedroom and bathroom. You were horrified by this knowledge and it sent your father into another spiral of guilt. 

Plus, the reporters are still hovering around the property, trying to get to you and hounding your dad as the next best thing. Shanks decked one of them in the jaw when he got extra nosy. Mihawk alleged the reporter was on private property, so Shanks was off the hook, even though he hit him far off the property grounds. 

“Why?” Zoro asks, but as soon as the words leave his mouth, he regrets them. He knows why. So he sighs and scoots to the side. “You don’t have to go, then. C’mere.” This time, you don’t even protest. You carefully climb into the bed and nestle against his strong body, getting hooked on the feeling of safety only he can provide. “Better?” You nod as he kisses the crown of your head. “Me too.”

After a long silence, in which both of you seem lost in your own thoughts, Zoro presses his cheek against your head and sighs heavily. “He’s dead.”

You just nod. You know that. Your head knows that, but your body still shudders every time you’re alone. Your heart still beats faster whenever you hear a foreign noise. Your eyes still sting when someone enters your space unwillingly. Your breath still hitches every time your phone vibrates. 

He’s gone, yes, but the scars he left behind will take an eternity to heal. 

-*-

You haven’t set foot in your house since it happened. Nami went with your father to bring your essentials and a change of clothes. She set up an inflatable mattress in her art room and you finally found some peace. 

Until the reporters find out that you’re staying there and then guilt settles into your chest, and you don’t want to impose. So you spend more time at the hospital, having befriended some nurses who particularly like you, and they let you sleep near Zoro.

Other than the fact that you barely rest, and he gets grumpy about it, he doesn’t contest to your being there. After almost ten days, he’s had enough and hounds the doctor to give him clearance, promising not to overexert himself. 

He gets released, but someone leaks the news and when you, Shanks and Zoro leave the hospital, there are more reporters than you can count, and suddenly, the air feels thicker. 

“Maybe I should talk to them and just get this over with…” You start, your voice already small and shaking, not wanting to relive the worst moments of your life. 

Then Zoro places one arm over your shoulder, pulling you to him as he nearly growls. “Like fuck you will. They’re just looking for gossip, I don’t want you having to relieve the experience just so they can get a scoop.” He turns to Shanks. “Can you go get the car, Mr. S.? We’ll wait here.”

Shanks nods while a frown presses on his lips, then he sighs and walks through the reporters, repeating ‘No comment’ over and over again, though you swear he’s cussing each and every one of them as he walks to the car. 

“You okay?” Zoro asks, concern shadowing his eye, and you sigh. 

“Yes, I’m fine. Stop worrying, Zo, you need to recover, not stress about me every single second.”

He smirks smugly and flicks your forehead, earning an indignant gasp. “Too bad. Worrying about you is in my blood, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

You scrunch your nose at him, your good hand rubbing the spot he flicked, even though it doesn’t hurt. “Idiot.” You mutter under your breath, and he chuckles, using two fingers to lift your chin so you can look at him.

“Your idiot.”

“Damn right.”

-*-

Healing hurts.

Not just physically, though each pull at the scars, each twist of a battered muscle, and each ache of your wrist has you wincing in agony. It’s the emotional scars that cause more pain. 

You’re seeing a therapist - doctor’s orders - and you talk, but the fear, the anxiety, and the overwhelming sense of being trapped are still buried deep in your bones. The therapist keeps saying you’re making progress, and there are days when you actually believe that.

And then there are terrible days. 

The reporters left Shanks’ property after three weeks, and though some still pop up once in a while, the novelty died down. They are still focusing on the story, but since the police caught Queen and Jack, both accomplices to King, the spotlight on you faded somewhat. 

While accompanying Zoro to physical therapy, he tells you that Mihawk informed him they managed to connect the cameras in your house to Queen. They caught Jack because of DNA collected from hair found at the overlook, where Lucci’s eyes were discovered. 

The weight in your chest doesn’t lift, it constrains you further. You didn’t even think about the fact that King’s accomplices could still be out there. What if they had come for you? What if they wanted to avenge their fallen comrade and gone after Zoro?

“Fuck!” Zoro grunts as thick beads of sweat drip from his forehead to the tip of his nose. His arms give out, his knees follow, and he slumps down onto the mat with another curse and a grunt.

You fight against your strongest instinct to rush to him and instead shove your idle hand beneath your leg, biting your lip as Zoro’s physical therapist tuts and sighs. “I said breathe, didn’t I?” Doctor Kureha is not the most patient of women, but maybe that’s exactly what Zoro needs for these sessions. “Your core is not strong enough, boy, stop pretending like you’re in a brutal training session. These things take time to heal.”

“Again.” Zoro growls, already setting himself back into plank position, this time willing to last longer than ten seconds. 

“Not yet. Your body is still–”

“I said again, woman.” Zoro inhales sharply and you see the way his body trembles under the strain. This time you do get up, kneeling down next to him.

“Hey, Zo. Please, take it easy.” He grits his teeth together and avoids your gaze. You know Zoro hates to feel weak, limited and useless. Even though he’s already doing exercices that he should only try for another week or two. He’s strong. But he’s also stubborn.

“You need to be patient, boy, or you’ll permanently damage your body. And there’s no coming back from that.”

“Tch.” Zoro struggles, his shoulders shaking from the effort, but then he lowers his knee and sets it on the mat to relieve the strain on his core. “Fine.”

You sigh in relief and kiss his temple before returning to your seat. 

Healing hurts. And you’re not the only one doing it.

-*-

The nights are the hardest. 

You finally leave Nami’s house, thinking that you’re already imposing, even though she assures you that you’re not, but then you don’t head home immediately. You leave your stuff in your car and go to Zoro’s, avoiding returning home like the plague.

If he knows what you’re doing, he doesn’t mention it. Instead, you help him with some simple exercises Dr. Kureha recommended for him to do at home and in between sessions, then you order pizza and watch trash TV for a while.

You can feel all of the unsaid things floating around both of you. The guilt, the shame, the helplessness you both felt, you’ve been skirting around it as if it were a living thing, ready to bite or claw at any given moment.

Instead, you talk about trivial stuff.

But the hurt is still there. 

You can see Zoro needs to rest, so you kiss him goodbye and finally head home for the first time since the nightmare ended. You need some extra seconds inside the car to collect yourself before you finally climb the steps to the porch. 

Each step feels daunting. Your hand grips the handrail so tightly your knuckles turn white. You close your eyes to take a deep breath, and a quick flash of a succession of images passes before your eyes: dead animals, blood, a gutless cat pinned to the door, the note… the threats, the fear.

You swallow down a sob as your heart rate increases. “He’s gone, he’s gone,” you whisper an unending litany as you try to calm your erratic heart. 

“Bug, you’re home?”

Shanks. Your dad is ‘safety’, you’re fine, you’ll be fine.

“Yeah, Dad,” you answer and compose yourself before he opens the door with a strained smile. “I’m… home.” The word still feels foreign, but you ignore it.

Ignore the pain.

“Let me help you.” Shanks reaches for your small bag and ushers you inside. He’s also wearing a strained smile, which you can’t help but notice. And then, at dinner, you and he also dance around the important subjects. 

It’s like you’re made of glass, and everyone is scared to grab you too tightly, or to drop you. 

Including yourself.

You propose a movie night, and Shanks immediately says yes, clearly wanting to spend more time with you and using the excuse of it being cold to nestle you under his arm, cradling you against his body - protecting you, like he failed to do while he was away.

It’s too much.

You fake a headache and excuse yourself, saying you need rest. You do need rest, except you already know there won’t be much of it in this house.

Still, you do your nighttime routine and even try to read for a little bit before your eyelids feel heavy. You close the book and use the covers of the bed to try and disappear. The light is still on, but it seems as if the shadows are even more menacing now. 

Every creak of the old house brings you flashes of the time when you were alone and helpless, every night sound coming from the outside of the house feels like a heavy footstep, and thunder in the distance sounds like a pound on the door. 

You’re nowhere near healed. 

The nightmare is nowhere near over. 

And the pain doesn’t disappear. It lingers.

-*-

Your days all seem the same. You help Shanks with the chores, trying to get back to normalcy, but never quite getting there because you see the way your father looks at you. It’s not pity, it’s guilt. He blames himself for all that’s happened to you while he was away, and with each new day that passes, you fear that he’ll never really get over that feeling. 

You spend your afternoons with Zoro, going to therapy or physical therapy, listening to him complain about how he already feels good enough to get back to work, but then watching as he struggles with basic exercises and avoids dealing with his mounting frustration by pushing himself harder and harder.

He looks at you with guilt, too. But that is your fault as well, since you know he could’ve acted sooner if you’d just told him earlier. So you don’t address the subject, nor does he. And it festers like an infected wound. 

Zoro’s also more protective and worried than ever. He used to look out for you before, but now it’s worse. It’s not like before, when he saw physical obstacles or mundane situations where you would get hurt and had you avoid them before you could harm yourself. Now it’s like he’s attentive to another kind of danger, to something that might lurk in the shadows, to something he can’t see or won’t be able to protect you from.

Your own guilt swells. 

Healing seems so far away…

You barely sleep again. And it shows, you know it does. Zoro and Shanks keep looking at you as if you’ll break at any minute, even though you try to plaster your best fake smile around them. Your therapist suggests antidepressants and you dismiss the thought immediately.

“Is that because you want to prove to everybody that you’re strong, or just to yourself?” She asks, kindness in her eyes, but you don’t know how to answer that.

She still prescribes the drugs and tells you to think about taking them. 

You don’t think about it. You do want to be strong, as strong as Zoro, who keeps pushing his limits, as strong as Shanks, who keeps fighting off random reporters and gossipy magazines. 

But you can’t. 

And one night, everything crumbles. 

You’re in bed, fighting off sleep as you usually do, thinking that you’ll nap tomorrow at Zoro’s, or after lunch while watching a movie with your father. Still postponing the inevitable, still avoiding whatever might trigger you.

But then you fall asleep from exhaustion, as you did on many nights when King was still terrorizing you. 

And it’s like you’re trapped again. You feel King’s hands roaming your body, his weight pressed upon your naked body, his breath hot against your lips, your tears scalding as they drip down your face.

You try to scream for help, but you can’t even open your mouth. And he keeps touching you, claiming you, taking away bits of your soul that you can’t and will never get back. “That’s it, Kitten, purr for me.” It’s like he’s right there, it’s like he never left.

It’s too much. 

You wake up with a jolt, panting, and with your screams all trapped in your throat. You can’t stop shaking and shivering; the walls close in on you, and the air is suffocating. You can still feel the pressure on top of you, the way his fingers groped flesh, the way his breath fanned your skin. You don’t feel safe.

Shanks can’t help. 

But Zoro can. 

With a whimper, you get up on wobbly legs, trying to be quiet because you don’t want to worry your father further. You still leave a note for him before heading outside, though. 

Driving your car with your arm in a cast is a challenge, but it’s the middle of the night, and there’s barely any car outside, so you somehow manage.

When you park outside Zoro’s apartment, you still can’t shake away the phantom touch of King, the grip he has on your mind and body, and just knowing that Zoro is a few steps away has more tears flooding your eyes. 

You knock desperately on his door, hiccups and sobs taking over as your chest heaves with gasps and pain. Zoro opens the door with groggy eyes, his hair messy and a tiredness in his eye that’s been branded permanently since this whole thing started.

“Hey!” He calls your name, and his eye widens as soon as he takes a good look at you. Then he reaches for you and pulls you inside, looking at both sides of the hallway before closing the door and locking it. 

You’re shivering, convulsing with sobs and tears, there’s an ache in your chest that won’t go away, and you need… you need… “Zoro…” Him.

The wail that escapes your lips alongside his name seems to physically hurt him. Zoro winces and hugs you, pulling you against him tight, ignoring both your wounds this time, because who cares about physical pain when his hug can obliterate all that is destroying your mind?

“Zo… Zo…” You can’t utter a full sentence, you can only sob and dig your nails into his shirt, pulling him impossibly closer.

“Is– fuck, did anybody hurt you?” He growls, his body becoming taut. “Tell me!”

You shake your head frantically. “No, no… it’s…” More tears and sobs wreck you, and Zoro looks lost. Helpless again because he can’t help you if you don’t tell him what’s wrong. “A nightmare… I…” You inhale deeply. “It felt real. I felt his hands, his mouth, I–... I was trapped again.”

Zoro takes a deep, shaky breath, his eye closing as he rests his head against the crown of yours, his hand soothing your back, caressing up and down to ground you. “He’s gone… he’s dead. You’re safe.”

And though you know his words are true, you can’t stop the sobs. So he doesn’t say anything else, he just lets you cry, holding you through it all as you cling to him like he’s your only lifeline. He’s warm and solid. He’s your rock, he’s your safety net, he’s your everything.

And you need to stop hiding things from him, you need to talk, or you’ll drift apart. And you don't think you can survive that separation. 

When you’ve calmed down, you try to pull back with a sniffle, your hands rubbing your face to dry it, but Zoro doesn’t let you go. He pulls you to the couch, into his lap, and you clutch his shirt, burying your face against the crook of his neck and inhaling deeply. 

“Wanna talk?” He asks, his voice clipped like he’s trying to keep his emotions in check. 

“I do.” The sigh he lets out is filled with relief. “I can’t be at my father’s house anymore. I– It doesn’t feel safe. I’m always waiting for King to appear out of nowhere, to grab me, to terrorize me… I can’t sleep, I don’t rest…”

A lingering sob still shakes your lips as you inhale, but Zoro doesn’t interrupt you, though you still feel the tautness in his body. 

“The therapist suggested some pills that are supposed to help with PTSD and anxiety, but–... I want to be strong and–”

“You’re still strong if you take meds. There’s no shame in it.”

An unwanted scoff escapes your lips. “You’re not taking them.”

“Not everybody deals with shit the same way, Trouble.” Zoro closes his eye and sighs, his breath warm against your temple. “I can’t stand to see you like this again. I feel like I’m losing you… like I’m powerless against an invisible force that’s pulling you from me. And this time… this time I don’t think I can defeat it. Because I can’t even see it.”

His grip on you tightens, and so does your throat. All the unsaid things, the unspoken words of the last few weeks seem to weigh on you. It’s your fault… it’s all your fault again. 

“Take the meds…” He continues. “Please, take care of you, Trouble. I’m here, but there’s only so much I can do to help you. You need to want to help yourself too.” He raises his hand to cup your cheek and forces you to look at him, and what you see reflected in his eye scares you. He seems haunted and afraid, so unlike the unshakable Zoro you’re used to. “I don’t want to lose you. I can’t lose you.”

You nod, forcing back another wave of tears. Then he takes your lips softly and you let him. You’ve pecked him a few times after the hospital, but not like this, not in a way that feels like you’re drowning and he’s the one giving you life. 

Zoro deepens the kiss, and you open your mouth so his tongue can chase yours. The slow kiss is very different from the ones you shared when you first had sex with him, but it’s much more intimate, more raw and exposed. 

You need more.

You shift in his lap, and he groans, his hands gripping tighter as he stiffens with pain. 

You pull back fast, stepping out of his lap, but still sitting near him, your hands still cupping his cheeks as your eyes search his. Sure enough, he’s in pain as little drops of sweat trickle down his temple. “Fuck, Trouble. I want to, but…”

You chuckle, your chest feeling lighter for the first time in a very long while. “I know. Let’s take it slow, shall we?” He nods with a frustrated sigh, and you run your fingers through his hair. “There's no rush. We have all the time in the world, right?”

Zoro stares at you, his jaw clenching as he smiles softly. He traces your cheekbone with his thumb, letting it settle on your lips, then pinches your chin, pulling you closer to seal the deal with an innocent peck. “We do.”

You both sigh as you settle back into his arms. Then, after a moment of silence, you continue. 

“I can’t sleep in that house anymore…” You confess. And it’s another weight off your shoulders. Finally admitting to someone other than yourself that your house doesn’t feel safe, isn’t comforting, it’s not a haven, but hell itself. 

Zoro nods in understanding and gets up, extending his hand for you to take it. “Did you tell Shanks where you were?” You reply with a yes, so he leads you to his bedroom, taking another pillow from the closet for you to use. “Let’s rest, okay?”

You nod once more, and soon enough, you’re both snuggled under his covers, close, but not on top of each other so as not to strain any of your wounds. 

Maybe healing doesn’t have to hurt so much?

It doesn’t take long for sleep to claim you, exhaustion taking you under in a few minutes. Zoro follows shortly, his breaths evening out too, because, as much as he doesn’t want to admit it himself, every minute he’s away from you, it’s hell on earth. 

He needs you as much as you need him. You were both just too stubborn to admit it.

-*-

You had the best rest in a while, and though your body still feels battered and bruised as you wake up, you feel calm. 

Yawning, you adjust your eyes to the light coming from the window, and the first thing you notice is that Zoro isn’t next to you. You frown. Maybe he’s in the bathroom?

But then you hear noises coming from his closet, and you turn. Sure enough, Zoro’s inside, moving shirts around and tossing others to the floor, folding some jeans and setting them aside.

Is he cleaning? Or…? You blush, a small smile creeping up your lips. “What are you doing, you big Mosshead?”

Zoro chuckles, a smirk tugging at his lips, as if he’s happy you’re feeling cheerful and back to your old self. “What does it look like, Trouble? I’m spring cleaning.”

Bastard. You snort. Then he sniffs one shirt, grimaces, and throws it onto the pile on the floor before turning to another one, his back turned to you. 

“I’m making space for your stuff.”

Yep, that’s what you thought. Your chest swells, and you bite your lower lip to contain an excited giggle. “For me?”

He turns back slightly, a frown on his lips as his ears turn red. “If you want. You said your house doesn’t feel like home anymore, so… maybe my home can… be yours too?” Then he turns back to the closet, not wanting to face you, perhaps afraid you’ll reject his offer. 

So you get up on tiptoes, stand behind him, and bring your uninjured arm softly around his torso, letting your head rest against the planes of his back. “Thank you.” You whisper and he stiffens for a second before relaxing. “I would love to.”

Zoro nods, then clears his throat and continues his closet inspection. “Yeah, well… yeah. It’s just space in a closet.”

Sure it is. 

And the gesture is so… Zoro, that it makes you warm and tingly all over. 

“Yes, it is, Zo.” You kiss his back and flop back on the bed with the biggest smile in weeks, months, even. 

You’ve made up your mind. After today’s session, you will start taking those pills. And no more hiding stuff from Zoro, your dad, or your friends. Sure, healing is hard, painful, and it hurts.

But it doesn’t have to.

Not all the time, at least.

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|Epilogue🔞|

[stevie-petey]

Had an idea and wanted to pester you about it (I’m kidding, I hope I’m not actually pestering you). What if you were to write a cute snow day blurb for Stug? Set in between S3 and S4? I ask because it’s currently snowing where I’m at and just thought “dang, that’d be so cute.”

you could never pester me i loooove answering blurbs <33 now if i may pester you i changed the timeline to between seasons 2 and 3 because i couldnt resist the idea of pre-dating steve n bug playing in the snow together n being all shy n cutie ugh

enjoy !

"its snowing," steve leans your desk chair back, nearly tipping over completely as he peers out your window. "like. a lot."

theres a mound of assignments on your desk and you only spare a quick glance outside. "oh," your absent minded tone doesnt go unnoticed by steve. "thats nice."

he narrows his eyes. "i thought you loved snow."

"i do," this time more genuineness comes through your voice. you look outside again and ache when you see just how snow has fallen. "but..."

your head tilts down to the work scattered between you and steve. youre insanely behind on calculus assignments and steve has a lab report three weeks overdue and today is the first real day your injuries from demodogs and billy have healed enough to even attempt to understand what a derivative is.

jonathan is stuck at home taking care of will and promised you hed help you with the math as soon as he was able, but now, with all the snow that inevitably will block the roads, you know youre doomed.

steve sees the stress that tenses your spine and an idea pops into his head. he snatches the homework from you and is running out of your room.

"what the-?" but hes already gone, annoyingly fast when he wants to be.

you run after steve, having no other option, really, and find him and dustin rushing to put their coats on.

"shes here!" dustin screeches when he sees you. he shoves at steve, urging him to hurry up, and your mother watches fondly from the kitchen.

you push past your brother. "what is happening?"

steve zips up coat and winks at you, giving no response other than flinging the front door open and chasing dustin through the snow. theyre gone in a heartbeat, giggling like children as they fucking prance through the falling snow.

"id join them if i were you, y/n." your mom says with a slight chuckle. "steve told me to hide your homework until you were 'soaked in snowflakes'."

your jaw drops. "mom-"

"im sorry, sweet girl." she laughs at you now. "blame that handsome boy of yours and go play with your brother outside. itll be good to get some fresh air!"

"but-"

"wear a coat!"

and then your mother shuts her bedroom door, leaving you to watch steve tackle dustin into the snow as they shriek and wrestle in the slippery ground.

"my eye!" steve squeals in pain, rolling around, and dustin giggles menacingly. feeling your eyes on him, steve flings a distressed hand towards you. "y/n, help a guy out here, would ya?"

even though he cant see you, you still roll your eyes at steve. dustin echoes his own sentiments of wanting you to join. the boys plead with you over and over and youre weak to them.

sighing, you grab your heaviest coat. "if either one of you even thinks about tackling me, youre dead."

dustin salutes you. "yes, ma'am."

you help steve up. his hand is cold and his nose red and eyes shining and you cant help but giggle slightly at the sight of him. theres flecks of snow that line his brown hair and hes a delicate kind of pretty that rivals the spiral of snowflakes.

"saved me again, angel." he winks at you again, causing you to blush.

"shut up." you shove at his chest, avoiding his tender eyes. they reveal more to you than you know hes ready to admit.

steve laughs and dustin throws a snowball at your face and everything is warm and soft.

-

﹂blurb masterlist

﹂if youd like to buy me a coffee ☕︎

[monsterfuckerconfessions]

Tw rape, piss kink, spit kink, spanking, anal, cum/piss drink, ovipositor, bug mimics. Long confession sorry.

I have a specific fantasy where I, a lone female adventurer, am going through a dungeon/cave system looking for a mineral or plant. Something that is needed for magic. I think I find it in a hole in the wall that is juuust my size. So get on my hands and knees and start to crawl through only for some sticky substance or the wall itself to cinch around my waist. I’m trapped, unable to move forward or back out. I try to scream but there’s no response.

After a few minutes I feel something crawl onto my back and then onto my ass. Whatever it is uses its pincer like claws to tear my pants and leggings apart. I scream as I’m exposed and I try to buck it off but that just makes it dig its legs into me. It uses its legs to spread my cheeks so it can have easy access to my pussy and asshole. Something slimy, maybe a tongue or tentacle, starts to poke and prod at my holes. It does this until I’m good and wet, my legs shaking from being on the cusp of an orgasm when it pushes its tentacle inside my pussy. It’s quick to fuck me with it and it ignores when I orgasm, leaving me a twitchy mess.

Soon, I can feel the tip of the tentacle expand. It pushes against my pussy walls and stops moving. But before I think it’s done I feel something move down the tentacle and push its way into me. It pushes August’s the walls of my pussy before it drops the egg into me. One, two, I loose count quickly. Before long I’m heavy with the things eggs and it skitters away. I’m still stuck however, unable to move.

Later I hear people or something approach. I start to call out when I realize it’s goblins. It’s too late, I’ve caught their attention. They come over, laughing at the stupid over world girl who got stuck in a trap. I can’t even argue as that is exactly what happened. To my horror they start to grope me. I try to kick them away but the are able to pin my legs down and tie them to some heavy tent stakes. They press their fingers into my pussy and asshole, stretching me out even more. I can on whine and moan as one rubs my sensitive clit. Another spanks me. Some have already pulled out their hard cocks and have begun poking and rubbing the heads agains whoever skin is available.

With a loud moan one begins to push his cock inside my cunt. He’s big, bigger than the tentacle or any human fuck I’ve had in the past. He grabs my hips and fucks me. He calls me foul names like “dirty whore” and “dumb rape meat” and his friends laugh. Eventually he cums but I’m not given a moment of rest before the next one is there. One gets below me and fucks into my cunt while another gets on top and thrusts inside my ass. I can and scream in my hole but no one is able to hear me. No one who can help. They all spit on me when they’re done and leave me stuck.

I’m approached by another creature. I only really know when they grab my hips and thrust their cock inside. They’re practically massive, pushing me to my limits and the head of their cock knocking against my cervix. Their heavy balls slap against me with each thrust. I only know what they are when they growl something in orcish as they cum. They slap my cunt as they pull away. I hear them stand up and they place something under me. A bowl, maybe. Either way, it’s collecting the jizz that’s leaking from pussy. They lean over me and I wonder if they’re going the fuck my ass when I feel their hot piss hit my asshole then my pussy. I’m too weak to fight. Instead I numbly lay in the dirt wondering when i can get up.

It’s too long after he leaves he comes back with friends. Each one fucks my ass or pussy, slapping and pinching whatever skin they can find. One shoves their cock into my cunt and pisses there and I hear the orcs laugh. Everything is being collected below me.

By some miracle the substance holding me in place weakens and I’m pulled out. They tear off my top, their hands and mouths everywhere. I’m held tight and pulled to my knees. One orc reaches out and presses against my swollen stomach. I whimper in pain but can’t squirm away. After a minute and some pressing the eggs begin to loosen. Slowly they fall out of my pussy into the dirty bowl below. One fingers me, pressing so far inside that he can feel how many eggs are inside. When the last one is done the orca pull the bowl from between my legs. They take out the eggs. The one holding me still and grabs my head and forces my mouth open.

“If you want us to let you go, you’ll have to drink the whole bowl,” he explains. I whimper as there’s not much else I can do. I’m not strong enough to finger any off.

The bowl is pressed to my lips and then tipped, the cock rack of piss, cum and spit flowing into my nought. I gag as I swallow mouthful after mouthful but eventually I’m done. The orca gather round and cum one last time on my face and tits before I’m left alone.

Later I find out that the creature was a mimic wall and tried to impregnate me, and the only way it lets its victims go is when it feels like the eggs are fertilized.

.

[neeksparksg]

I wish you were my father instead

The storm raged outside the dingy motel, the wind rattling the thin walls and windows with a ferocity that seemed almost alive. Sam sat cross-legged on one of the twin beds, his nose buried in a comic book Y/n had stolen from him earlier, while Dean lounged in a chair by the window, cleaning his hunting knife with a rag. The youngest Winchester occasionally glanced up at his sister, who was pacing back and forth like a caged animal.

“You’re going to wear a hole in the carpet,” Dean quipped, not bothering to look up.

“I don’t care,” Y/N shot back, arms crossed over her chest. “This is so stupid. Dad’s out there, alone, hunting a wendigo, and we’re stuck here like kids.”

“You’re thirteen,” Dean said flatly. “you are a kid. Dad can handle it on his own”

Y/N glared at him. “I can hunt, Dean. You know I can. I’ve been training just as hard as you. Probably harder.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Dean replied, setting his knife down. “Dad gave us an order. We’re supposed to stay here and look after Sam.”

Sam frowned. “I don’t need looking after,” he mumbled, earning a glare from both his siblings telling him to shut up.

Y/N’s didn’t care what her father had said. She wasn’t some little girl who needed protecting. She could handle herself, and she will prove it—to Dad, to Dean, to everyone who doubted her.

She waited until both of her brothers were asleep—Sam curled up under a pile of blankets, and Dean sprawled out. Quietly, Y/N grabbed her backpack, shoved in a flashlight, a knife, and the gun their dad leave to Dean, then slipped out the door into the cold, wet night.

---

The forest was dark and scary, the kind of place that whispered warnings in every creak of a branch and rustle of leaves. Y/N tightened her grip on the gun as she walked deeper into it . Her heart pounded in her chest, half from excitement, half from fear.

She wasn’t going to let Dad do this alone.

She was about an hour into the woods when she first heard the sound—a low, growl that sent a chill down her spine. Y/N froze, her breath hitching. Slowly, she turned, her flashlight beam cutting through the dense trees. She couldn’t see the creature but there was something in the woods she could feel it’s eyes on her

“Come on, you ugly son of a—”

Before she could finish, the creature lunged, and Y/N barely had time to throw herself out of the way. She hit the ground hard, the Gun slipping out of her hand. Scrambling to her feet, she reached for it, but the wendigo was faster. It knocked her down again, its claws raking across her arm.

Panic set in, but then, through the haze of fear, she heard a gunshot. The wendigo shrieked and stumbled back, and Y/N turned to see her father, rifle in hand, storming toward them.

“Stay down!” John barked, firing another shot.

Y/N’s relief was short-lived as the wendigo lunged again the bullets seemed to be nothing more than a bother to it, John Didn’t hesitate and threw the gun to the side, grabbing the lighter from his pocket and a bug spray can using them to set the creature in fire, the creature was quickly consumed into fire and as its body fell to the ground John used a flare gun to shot at it to secure the kill, the tension in the air was thick as Y/N climbed to her feet, cradling her injured arm.

“What the hell were you thinking?” John roared, turning on her. His face was full of fury, his voice echoing through the trees. “I told you to stay at the motel!”

“I was trying to help!” Y/N shot back, her voice shaking but defiant. “I’m not a kid anymore, Dad. I can hunt just as well as Dean can.”

“You almost got yourself killed,” John snapped. “You don’t disobey orders, Y/N. Ever.”

“I’m sick of your orders!” she yelled. “I’m not two. You let Dean hunt, why can’t you trust me!”

“Dean listens,” John retorted. “You don’t. That’s the difference.”

Y/N clenched her fists, hot tears of frustration brimming in her eyes. “You’re not fair. You never let me prove myself.”

“This isn’t about fair,” John said coldly. “It’s about staying alive.”

He grabbed her by the arm his grip firm and began marching her back toward the motel.

---

Back at the motel, the silence was tense. John didn’t say another word as he bandaged Y/N’s arm, though his movements were rougher than necessary. Dean and Sam pretended to be asleep, unwilling to get caught in the crossfire of their dad’s and sister's anger.

Y/N wasn’t done. As soon as the room was quiet, she slipped out of bed, grabbed her bag again, and climbed out the window. This time, she wasn’t going back into the woods. She had another destination in mind.

---

It was nearly dawn by the time Y/N reached Bobby Singer’s house. She was soaked to the bone and utterly exhausted, but the sight of the familiar junkyard brought some relief. She was glad they weren’t too far away from Bobby's house, She knocked on the door, and it swung open a moment later to reveal Bobby, in his usual trucker cap.

“Y/N?” he said, frowning. “What in the hell are you doing here?”

She burst into tears.

Bobby ushered her inside, sitting her down at his sofa with a blanket and a mug of hot cocoa. He didn’t press her for answers, just waited patiently until she started talking.

“I’m tired of Dad treating me like a baby,” she said finally, her voice shaky. “I’m old enough to hunt, Bobby. I know I am. But he doesn’t trust me. He never will.”

Bobby sighed, sitting down across from her. “Your dad’s a stubborn son of a gun, I’ll give you that. But he’s not wrong about one thing—you’re young, Y/N. Hunting ain’t just about knowing how to handle a weapon.”

“I just wanted to help,” she whispered.

“I know, kid,” Bobby said gently. “But proving yourself don’t mean running headfirst into danger. You’ve got time to grow, to learn. Don’t rush it. Besides you can’t prove anything if you are dead”

Y/N nodded, though she still carried the weight of her father’s disapproval. Bobby reached towards her, patting her head.

“You’re gonna be a damn good hunter someday,” he said firmly. “But for now, just let yourself be a kid. Even if it’s just for a little while longer.”

For the first time that night, Y/N smiled. “Thanks Bobby” she said as she closed her eyes ready to finally get some sleep “sometimes.. I wish you were my father instead”

[xcyphoz0a]

4 steps to (not so) discreetly show interest + the one moment you do.

Recipient: @yuellii , secret santa event! Enjoy :)

Gender neutral reader, fluff TW/CW: injury(minor) Word count: 2739 Proofread: n/a | she think’s she’s discreet, her act is to perfection. is it? oh, no, no– you know. it’s painfully obvious but you can’t help but watch in amusement, watching as she trip on her own heels, but you’re there to help. | A/N: set in modern times, highschool au, ITS CHRISTMAS, SNOW!! :D

Furina, as confident and enthusiastic she may be on stage, still has sides that she feels difficult to show– perhaps some of her more softer and ‘weaker’ sides that she kept behind the facade of flamboyancy.

Recently having found newfound interest in you, the school librarian, she couldn’t help but subconsciously make her way to the school library, taking a seat near your station, peeking from the top of her book as she watches you work on your laptop.

Perhaps it was in the spur of the moment, or it was her muscles that moved on their own, when she had walked up towards the small desk, slamming her hands down on the table.

Eyes moving rapidly from your startled form towards the book ridden wall, she finds her words stuck in her throat, unable to form a coherent sentence.

You adjust your posture as you form a small smile, not knowing what to say.

“May I help you?”

Furina finds her face flaring up into fire as she rethinks her sudden movements, finding herself at a loss of words. She stares at you for a good while until you wave a timid hand in front of the famous school actress.

“Ah, I thought I saw a bug near you– haha…”

The heterochromia girl wanted to sink into a hole and never be seen again– what kind of excuse was that? – to her, it seemed like a loss of face as one of the best students with great acting in the drama club. 

“I… see. Thanks for your concern.” Your voice is laced with some bit of confusion, watching the flustered girl run outside of the library.

Interesting…

1) Befriending you

Furina, at first, finds this idea of hers quite easy.

“You know, I think befriending them is the easiest way to win their heart!” Her voice is filled with anticipation, until she gets shut down by another club member.

“But that can make them only see you as a friend, perhaps?” Yun Jin suggests, “It may not be a 100% possibility, but there’s a chance.”

“True, true, like, you might become one of those second leads that finds their romantic interest get taken away by someone else!” Hu Tao chimes, hands animatedly flailing around.

Furina slumps down on the chair as she sighs. Perhaps she just had to keep it to herself.

“But you can try to woo them, find out their interests maybe?” Nilou pitches an idea.

The white haired girl straightens back in her chair again, grabbing a hold of the red haired’s hands, heterochromic eyes sparkling as she hurriedly mutters out a thank you, running towards the library.

The three look at the door that Furina dashed out of, sharing a knowing look as they hear her footsteps fade.

The sliding door of the library opens as the girl slumps down a bit, taking some breaths as she makes her way to her usual spot to ‘read’, sneaking glances at your form typing away on your laptop. Tapping sounds of the keyboard is heard throughout the ambient silence as Furina closes her book, walking towards your desk as you look up at the approaching figure.

“May I help you?” You close your laptop as you tilt your head.

“Ah, no– I just, well, wanted to know you better– I think my actions yesterday shocked you a little, yeah?”

You smile as you nod slightly, finding some amusement in the obvious stuttering the famed actress’ words. You think you know what’s going on.

Furina conjures up a small smile, “So, as an… apology! I’d like to treat you to something you like, if you have the time…” voice fading as she waits for your response.

“I’m free today after club activities, is that okay with you?”

The girl in front of you perks up as she nods, the single lock of hair seemingly also bouncing up and down, thanking you for your time as she makes her way out of the library– in a calmer manner.

As the door closes, you can hear a faint, ‘Yay!’, with excited footsteps fading into the distance.

Cute.

2) Sitting closer

After Furina’s apology, the two of you became closer, finding the two of you going out regularly towards the small cafe outside of the school after club activities from school. Some days when one of you didn’t have the time, it felt slightly odd and empty, finding nothing interesting to do.

You haven’t noticed yet, but Furina thinks it’d be better for you to not to know, as she takes the seat opposite of you in the library as she opens the book to the bookmark she placed, blushing when she finds the exact book next to your arm, with a small paper folded saying ‘Furina’s’

The white haired girl thinks her club members– friends– are delusional when they tease her about how you may like her back.

She wishes it was true, but the chance of you liking her back in that way was way too low. Always slamming her forehead onto the round table in the drama room.

Today, she came from the drama room once again, though with a slight red marking on her forehead from the excessive slamming of her head onto the table, smiling weakly as you turn your head towards the library’s entrance, greeting her like you always did.

You refocus on your laptop again, until you jerk your head back towards Furina, eyebrows furrowing at the circular red swelling of her forehead. Standing up from your seat, you walk towards the white haired girl, brushing her hair from her face.

“You’re hurt…” 

Furina’s unable to think nor respond as she slightly malfunctions between the small distance from you to her, once again, finding herself at a loss for words.

You take the girl’s hand as you lead her towards the infirmary, setting Furina down on one of the beds as you search for a cooling pack in the fridge.

“You should be more careful next time, what if you get a concussion?” Your voice is laced with concern as you carefully pack the cold pack with tissue, setting it on the girl’s forehead.

“I accidentally slammed my head on the table too hard today– nothing serious!”

You sigh as you let Furina hold the ice pack on her head, making sure to check for any signs of other damage, until you find a small but bleeding cut on the top of her knee.

“What happened here?”

“I don’t know how that happened, really! I’m serious… I didn’t feel anything there–”

You rush to get some disinfectant and a bandaid, setting a chair towards the bed as you sanitise the cut, applying some pressure. Setting the bandaid on the small injury, you look at the girl as she stares back at you, dumbfounded and flustered.

You squint your eyes in confusion until you recall your actions, finding yourself flustered and bashful as well.

3) Trying to impress

The day after that small interaction was pretty normal.

“...I’m telling you, Furina, they definitely like you back!” an energetic voice is heard outside of the drama room as the said girl slaps her hands on Hu Tao’s mouth.

“Be quiet! I don’t want anyone to hear about this– I want to keep my dignity today!”

Yun Jin laughs as she agrees with Hu Tao, “I’m sure (y/n) likes you back, you said they were also flustered in the end as well, no?”

“But still– they could be just caring…”

This time, Nilou shakes her head. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of (y/n) doing that to any of their friends– I can try ask Tighnari– he’s one of their closest friends, if my memory serves me right.”

Slightly– quite obviously– desperate, Furina nods, clasping her hands around Nilou’s own.

“That’d be wonderful! Thank you so much, Nilou~”

A few days later, Nilou brings in newfound information from Tighnari about you.

“Apparently, they aren’t outwardly caring, but do care for their friends… oh! And he did say they seemed to find interest in someone in the school, but didn’t tell him who…”

Furina, with the first bit of information, perked up in glee, though soon dropped on the floor in some despair when she heard the latter.

“They definitely don’t like me back… archons, what will I do?”

As the imaginary rain and thunder cloud splashed tears of despair onto the white haired girl, Yun Jin speaks.

“That mysterious person could be you–”

“That, is being delusional!” Furina chides.

“Maybe you can try impressing them in some way?” Hu Tao mumbles, chin on hand, “They’re the librarian, right? Try reading something they like or something, I don’t know~”

With the brunette’s suggestion, the girl in distress seem to have a weight lifted off her shoulders as she smiles.

“Great idea, Hu Tao!”

And off went Furina, skipping towards the entrance of the library once again.

Yun Jin sighs in amusement, closing the room’s door, chuckling at how this situation felt like many cliches in romance dramas.

When the familiar footsteps of Furina’s shoes clacked on the wooden and marble tiles of the floor, you look towards the library entrance, expecting the white haired girl to arrive soon enough.

“Welcome back.”

Furina’s eyes seemingly brighten when she hears your voice, as she nearly skids towards the opposite seat, sitting down in front of you as she leans towards your laptop.

“So, (Y/n), I think I’ve ran out of books to read, any suggestions for books you like?”

The girl prides herself for not stuttering this time– she thinks that now, she perfected her acts to hide her feelings.

“Oh? Well– I don’t really have much suggestions, but I can lend you a book that I finished reading last week, if you’d like?”

The floating lock of white hair bobs up and down vigorously as Furina hears your suggestion. You smile a little, reaching down for your back and picking up the hardcover book.

“Tell me about it after you read it, yeah?”

“Alright~”

4) Jealousy?

Furina thinks she really isn’t the jealous type– especially when she isn’t in a relationship at all.

She also thinks that she shouldn’t really be jealous when she thinks–thinks– you smile more when you’re talking with Neuvillette.

But she can’t help but find a grimace settling on her face whenever she sees the tall white haired man in the library, taking her seat as you both talk about some matters surrounding costs in the library– it wasn’t something really meaningful, but perhaps it was the jealousy setting in, as she feels like the person you were interested in could be one of her friends– moreso babysitter– but still, she disliked the odd feeling in her chest.

“What if they like Neuvillette? I definitely saw them smiling–”

The rest of her words are muffled in her sweater sleeve as she buries her face, unable to knock the odd feeling in her chest.

“That’s your feelings acting up there, messes up with your logical view on a situation, Furina.” Yun Jin sighs, patting the despair stricken girl on the back.

“But still, think about it– it’s possible!”

Hu Tao seems to be fed up with Furina’s continuous despair, drawling out,“Yeah, yeah, what were they talking about anyway?”

The latter’s mouth thins out to a straight line. “Costs…”

Several sighs are heard from her club members, as the white haired girl peeks up from her arm.

“Yeah, no chance of (Y/n) liking Neuvillette, he’s in the student council, of course he’s going to talk about costs with the student librarian!”

Hu Tao sighs, hands and shoulders creating a shrugging motion as she slumps down to her chair.

Furina sighs as she slinks down on the chair, heterochromia eyes staring up at the ceiling.

However, the four club members’ attention is directed towards the door, several knocks heard from outside. Furina weakly speaks,

“Come in…”

Your hand slides open the wooden door to the drama club, waving a small ‘hi’ towards the startled three. Your shoes make little sounds on the floor as you tap the white haired girl’s shoulder, watching the girl immediately correct both her posture and expression.

“Are you still coming to the cafe? You weren’t near the library for a while, so I wanted to ask–”

“Oh, it’s already time? I guess I was a little caught off, haha– shall we go now?”

You nod, already near the entrance door as you wave back towards the three other members, taking the much happier girl in tow with you as the two of you walk towards the cafe outside of the school.

“I’m like, 1000% sure that they both like each other, it’s so suffocating–”

“Definitely.”

“I think so too…”

5) Your own interest.

In your opinion, you didn’t really find anyone in the school pretty interesting– though your friends, particularly Tighnari and Cyno, did comment that it was most likely due to how much time you spent stuck in the library.

It all changed when a random girl– which you later knew as one of the most popular and famous actress in the drama club in the school– slammed her hands in front of you.

After the small interaction, you found slight interest towards her, finding amusement whenever she tripped on her own heels, both metaphorically and literally, stuttering in the moments when the both of you were alone, and how she became more fidgety during those moments.

You didn’t know that you’d find someone as interesting and funny like Furina in your school years, but you think that this pretty much changed when you saw the girl hurt.

It must’ve been your subconcsiousness acting, because you barely remembered what happened, but you know you remember how Furina stared at you, face red hot, as you found yourself close and taking care of the injury. You remember how after that day, you’d find yourself blushing and warm thinking of the girl.

It was until Tighnari told you that Nilou– one of the other drama club members– asked him for some of your information, telling you his own thought– which you can directly quote,

“Maybe Furina asked her? They’re all pretty close, so it does make some sense.”

Especially when you told Tighnari about how you did find some interest in Furina, Tighnari did convey some information, though taking away some information just for some amusement.

It also didn’t really help when one of your other friends, as well as senior, Lisa, told you that your interest was most likely romantic attraction after you told some of your feelings about Furina towards the senior librarian.

With you, nearly a hundred percent sure about your feelings being reciprocated, waited for Furina to be at the library or its vicinity, but weren’t able to find her after your conversation with Neuvillette.

Perhaps, you think, she went home because of the cold? It is winter…

You take some hesitant but haste steps towards the drama room, knocking on the door as you hear the familiar yet uncharacteristic deflated voice of the white haired girl speak out a weak ‘come in’. You sigh in slight relief, knowing that she didn’t go home yet.

When the two of you make your way towards the cafe that the both of you mostly went after extracurricular activities, you decide to say your feelings– it was now or never.

“Wait, I have something to, uh, say.”

The girl next to you turns towards you, attention focused on your tensed form, eyebrows raising up in both confusion and anticipation.

“Uh… I– I like you, a lot, really…”

Furina’s face heats up, blinking incredulously at you as you look away, unable to look at the heterochromia eyed girl, finding interest in the falling snowflakes from the dark but nice clouds in the sky, though your head immediately turns back as you feel her hands taking your own.

“That’s– that… I– I like you too!”

You smile. Your confession definitely wasn’t one of the smoothest, nor was it the best– but you knew that now, your feelings were reciprocated.

“So, we’re official now?”

“Of course we are– besides, you should be feeling grateful that I– Furina– even liked you back~”

You bonk her head slightly as the two of you make your way towards the cafe, snow crunching on the pavement as you watch the warm orange fairy lights decorate the cafe.

“Merry Christmas.”

[writing-until-i-drop]

What's In A Name? Chapter Nine

Meg Harding and Kate Carter were inseparable until their friends died five ago, then she ran to New Orleans to save lives as a paramedic. But when Javi calls on his two oldest friends to help him collect data, counting on their matching natural instincts for tornadoes, Meg goes home for the first time in years. That's where she meets Tyler and the rest of the Wranglers, the YouTube storm chasers her dad likes to watch, and finds herself fitting in more with them than with Storm PAR. Meg only plans to stay for the week but will it be easy to leave when the dust settles?

If a certain cowboy has a say in it, nothing about leaving is going to be easy.

A/N: The OG chasers make a group chat and the twister shifts towards a crowded town.

AO3 Link

Previous Chapter

Katie and Tyler had their plans all laid out, the science behind them seemed solid enough. Cathy had practically kicked them out of her house but made them promise to come back before heading home. Meg’s heart twinged when she thought of her life in New Orleans but she didn’t dwell on the thought long, quickly falling asleep in the back seat as Meg and Tyler talked science. Nick’s ringtone is what pulled her back to the land of the living some time later.

“Hey, Hot Stuff. My cougar still purrin’?” The whole truck jerked, Meg assumed there was a pothole, her eyes barely open.

“You know it, Honey Buns. You know, since you’ve been gone so long I was thinking of getting her some training wheels, in case you forgot how to do your job.” 

“I’m better than you on your best day, I’ve got moves you ain’t ever seen,” The truck jerked again and Meg finally opened her eyes, Kate was looking back at her, eyebrows up at her hairline. She pointed at Tyler, who was blocked by the seat at the angle Meg was leaning against the window. “Hold on, babe. My boyfriend is trying to kill us.” Nick’s laughter rang in her ear.

“It’s Nick isn’t it?” Tyler sighed, chuckling to himself. “Sorry,”

“Who’s Nick?” 

“Her partner at work,” Tyler explained, Nick was still laughing his ass off.

“Nick, if you don’t stop laughing, I’m fixin’ to tell your wife,” She kicked the back of Tyler’s seat, making sure he heard that part. “About Tommy’s bachelor party.”

“And I’ll tell your man ‘bout the supply closet. Truce?” 

“Truce but it’s official, I ain’t ever lettin’ y’all meet, nuh uh, over my dead body.” Nick and Meg laughed, continuing to chat about all the workplace drama she had missed so far. 

“Can’t wait to have you back, Meg.” 

“Yeah, me too,” Meg couldn’t tell if she was lying or not. “Gotta go, Hot Stuff. Make sure you scrub that rig good tonight, you know she’s a dirty girl after a shift.” When she hung up, Meg sat up straight in the seat, catching a glimpse of Tyler’s pink cheeks in the rearview mirror.

“You always talk like that to colleagues, Mud Bug?” Meg snorted, knowing how out of place the flirting sounded to anyone who was outside of the field. Fire fighters, police, and medics all had a twisted sense of what was appropriate. Normal people had a line that they’d never cross, fearing being impolite or crude, the people in Meg’s line of work however crossed that line with glee. 

“Only the married ones,” She reached up over the seat, resting both hands on Tyler’s shoulders. “How much longer we got on the road?” 

“Not long,” He squeezed her hand, keeping the other on the wheel. “How’s Nick?” 

“He’s annoyin’ as ever, they assigned him a rookie EMT as a partner while I’m gone and let’s just say, it’s goin’ interestin’ for the both of ‘em.” 

When they pulled into the auto-garage, the rest of the Wranglers were standing there waiting for them, including the reporter.

“Ben, you stuck around,” Tyler greeted the man, hopping out of his truck. Meg rolled her eyes, heading straight for Lily, who pulled her into a hug.

“How’s everything going, darlin’?” Meg asked, “Saw y’all chased without us.” 

“Boone won’t stop moping that Tyler left him behind,” Lily snorted. “How are things with you and him?” Meg pulled away, blushing,

“Let’s just say, I’m wonderin’ what kind of rings you’re picking out for us.” Lily squealed with excitement and Meg had to clamp a hand over her mouth when everyone’s head turned her way. “Not all of Oklahoma needs to be in on this conversation.”

“Sorry, sorry, I’ll text you pictures later.” 

“Hey, y’all ready?” Dani called out to the group and everyone converged, Meg and Lily hanging towards the back of the group while Dani ran the salesman down the specifications of what they needed.

After settling on an aluminum trailer, the Wranglers drove out to a field and started working on preparing the barrels and rockets. 

“What are you doing over here, Meg?” Boone stuck the camera in her face, grinning like a dope.

“I’m checking all of my supplies, making sure everything’s ready to go in case there’s trouble.” 

“Y’all, meet Meg, she’s a badass paramedic that’s got T wrapped around her little finger,” Meg batted at him. Boone laughed, dancing away to go check on Lily and Cairo. She felt her phone buzz in her back pocket. 

“Oh lordy, they done made a group chat.” 

Dad: You’re on the livestream!

Rabbit: Wrapped around your finger?

Haynes: Leave her alone Rabbit

Dad: When are y’all getting married?

Lawrence: She’s never getting married out of spite at this point

Meg chuckled at Lawrence’s text, appreciating the throwback to when she looked her Grandma Harding in the eye after being admonished for not “sitting like a lady” and how “no man wants to marry a wild animal” and said with all of the conviction in the world: I ain’t ever gettin’ married. 

Dad: Don’t say that

Joey: Yeah, shut up Lawrence

Haynes: Don’t be mean to him

Preacher: Be careful out there, Meggy

Meg: Always am, Preach <3

Mama: Wear your harness!!!!

Meg tucked her phone away, going to stand by Kate who was quietly snapping pictures.

“You ready to tame a tornado?” Meg rested a hand on the middle of Kate’s back, waiting until she stopped snapping photos tto bring her in for a hug.

“Ready as I’ll ever be. I’m real glad you’re here, Meg,” 

“Nowhere else I’d rather be,” Not even New Orleans. The two of them stood there, hugging for a long while before breaking apart, both of them feeling the atmosphere start to change. 

“Let’s do this.” 

“Something’s not right,” Meg said just as Katie announced that the Doppler went dark. “I don’t like this.” The twisting feeling in her gut only got worse when Cairo went down. Kate was silent but Meg knew by the look on her face that she was thinking the same thing. 

The tornado came through the rain out of nowhere, flipping Javi’s StormPAR truck like a toy. 

“Javi!” Kate screamed, her hand flying back to hold Meg’s. “Tyler, we got to do something.” 

“On your left guys, it’s hitting something big!” Boone’s shout crackled over the radio and Meg let out a string of curse words that would make any sailor blush. 

“Shit,” 

“Oh my God,” They watched in horror as the storm barelled into some type of factory, becoming wrapped with fire.

“Oh my God. Oh my God,” Tyler quickly put the truck in drive, trying to flip them around. Meg squeezed her eyes shut, panic coursing through her veins. Was she going to die this time? Was the tornado finally going to claim what slipped out of grasp all those years ago? She vaguely heard Kate and Tyler squabbling over what to do about Javi, feeling the panic inside of her shift to an eerie calm, her training coming back to her like the second nature it was. 

“Get us out of here, Cowboy.” Tyler’s eyes met hers in the rearview mirror before he high-tailed it out of there, following Javi’s truck which had somehow flipped back onto its wheels while her eyes had been shut, shouting at them to hold on. 

When light started breaking through the storm clouds again, Tyler called out on the radio to check in with the team and Meg felt herself relax a little with each confirmation of safety. 

“What was that?” Ben shouted somewhere in the background and Meg knew the answer in her soul. Tornadoes weren’t classified until after the fact, their strength determined by how much they destroyed, but she could feel it. They were running from the finger of God. She twisted in her seat, looking at the storm.

“It’s shifting course.” 

“Shit,” Kate groaned. “It’s heading straight for a town. It’s heading for El Reno,” Kate started spouting orders over the radio and Meg undid her harness, pulling her medical bag out from under the seat, throwing the strap over her shoulder so she wouldn’t have to waste time when they stopped. 

“You okay back there?” Tyler asked, reaching one hand up over his shoulder for her to squeeze.

“I’m okay, baby. Let’s get these people to safety.” That’s all he needed to hear, picking up speed as they drove past the StormPAR truck. 

The town was in chaos, everyone running around and screaming. They started shouting instructions, pushing vendors away from their tents and towards shelter. There was debris flying all around, the wicked wind making it hard to stay on their feet. 

“Go, go to the movie theater,” Meg guided people towards the theater. Her heart stopped when she heard Tyler scream.

“Tyler! Kate, help me.” Tyler was pinned beneath large debris, and even with all of her might, Meg knew she wasn’t strong enough to move it.

“Meg, you have to go.” 

“I’m not leaving you,” She grunted, shifting her feet for better leverage. “Kate, go inside.” 

“I’m not leaving you either,” Her best friend gritted out as they tried to lift the boards together. There was another large crack that sounded through the air, the scream of warping metal shooting a bolt of panic through her. 

“Javi?” Meg spotted him running towards them with a board that he wedged beneath the debris.

“C’mon, guys, lift!” They managed to pull Tyler out just as the water tower crashed down, thousands of gallons of water knocking them off of their feet. The rushed into the theater just in time to see the ceiling start to cave in and began to check for a basement. 

“This building isn’t built to withstand what’s coming,” Javi shouted over the roaring winds. At the sound of crashing and screaming, both of the men took off back towards the theater, leaving Kate and Meg to stare at the storm. Meg felt that calm again but it was different, it wasn’t the calm she felt under pressure when working on a critical patient. It was the calm she felt before she ran into an unsecured scene, knowing that she could die.

“You thinkin’ what I’m thinkin’?” Meg asked, praying that she wasn’t.

“I swiped his keys,” Kate held up the keyring, offering it to her. The scrunchie Meg had lost a few days ago dangling from the jump ring.

“Then let’s go.” They ran for the truck.

If they survived, their friends and mamas were going to kill them. But if this worked, they would save a lot of people too. It had been a long time since Meg had driven anywhere near a tornado but she did her best to pretend that the shaking of the cab was nothing more than the death wobble of an ambulance going 100 mph on the freeway. 

“That way,” Kate pointed. Meg took a moment to strap into the harness, Tyler’s cologne overwhelming her senses, reminding her that this was a bad idea, then she shifted into gear. Meg didn’t need the directions Kate was shouting, she knew where the storm was going. And with a reckless kind of fearlessness, she pressed the gas pedal to the floor. 

“This truck ain’t made for this,” Meg shouted even though they both already knew it.” 

“Hope he’s got insurance,” Kate’s humor was still intact, even if her sanity wasn’t. The truck caught air going from the road to the grass, eliciting shrieks from the two women. Out of the corner of her eye, Meg saw Kate pull out her phone.

“My name’s Kate Carter and this is Meg Hardiing and today, we’re going to tame a tornado or die trying.” She locked her phone into the mount on the dash, capturing the whole cab with the camera.

“Right now there’s an EF-5 heading towards the town of El Reno,” Meg narrated. The recording was almost comforting, Jeb used to record them all the time, making them explain what they were doing. And just like when they were in the swimming pool, Meg felt like he was there with them. Kate must have felt it too, her voice shaking as she listed off the science of what they were going to do.

“If we don’t make it, we just want to say that we love you guys and mama, I’m sorry.” 

“I’m sorry too,” Meg shouted, swerving to avoid debris. “You know I love y’all but you know we have to do this.” She cursed, narrowly avoiding a large tree limb. “And Ty, I love you, and I really hope you’ve got full coverage on this baby.” 

“This is how you’re going to tell him you love him for the first time?” 

“Not really seeing any better options here, Katie. Shit!” She stomped the breaks, deploying the anchors as soon as they stopped. “Rockets?” 

“Rockets,” Kate fired them and they watched as the twisters sucked up the chemicals. Meg felt completely calm, watching the monster tornado moving closer.

“It’s beautiful,” She couldn’t help but whisper with childlike wonder. It was probably going to kill her but it really was beautiful.

“Let’s deploy together,” They hovered their fingers over the button. “One.”

“Two.”

“Three,” The mechanism went off without a hitch, the compound being pulled up by the storm around them.

“I love you, Katie my Lady.” 

“I love you too, Mud Bug.” They held hands and did nothing to stop what was coming because what else could they do? 

The trailer went first, lightening the weight of the truck enough for the force of the winds to move it despite the anchors. Meg’s eyes fluttered shut and her body relaxed in acceptance. Never before had the universe heard such silence in a truck being flipped like a quarter through the air, both women just waiting for the end. 

Taglist: @theforevermorereject @beltzboys2015-blog @writingrose @sinners-98-world @nerdgirljen @candlejuice @a-court-of-roscoe-and-baby @football1921 @katiemcrae @emma8895eb @itsdesiree86 @closetspngirl @lostinwonderland314 @samanddeaninatrenchcoat @winterassassin1804

Next Chapter

[mulders-too-large-shirt]

s6 episode 22 thoughts

season finale time!!! 

i haven’t watched an episode in a week to avoid having to finish the season, but i have started working on my favorite moments list so i would be better prepared. and here we are!

mulder thinks that life began somewhere that isn’t earth… because of some metallic stuff… well. let’s investigate!

i hope we get some answers on his crankiness. but i’m expecting a ton of plot and little character development in this and the next one. but i can hope to be proved wrong! even if i don’t think we’ll ever beat the s2 finale. sighs… how good we had it.

(post-episode thoughts: i need answers. i need krycek's head mounted on the wall the way people display their ten point bucks. i need justice for skinner and to place both of the agents in a big cozy bed where they can have a sleepover.

this episode was actually pretty good! i'm a bit cynical when it comes to mytharc stuff because it is usually just TOO MUCH going on at once, but this one gave me lots to ponder. i love mulder whump and angry protective scully, so!! i was pleased. but also mad af at Certain Characters. i almost went right ahead and watched the next episode despite my system of rules, but it is a THREE-PARTER, and that is going to take me at least a week to get through ON TOP of still having to post my s6 favorite moments😭so i will just be stuck Suffering over here in cliffhanger land for the foreseeable future!)

anyway. back to the beginning!

ah. we open on the earth. i expect a monologue. oh! it’s scully this time!! i’m so used to mulder monologues on the nature of reality, this took me by surprise

scully is gonna tell us about single-celled life. from the sea. maybe that’s why she feels a kinship with the ocean. and then multicellular life comes next.

for a split second there, i felt like i was watching a nature documentary narrated in scully’s soothing voice. to be honest, i didn’t hate the experience. 

440 million years ago… mass extinction. no oceans. then plants. then bugs. WHAT? ANOTHER mass extinction after that? come on!! it was just getting good!

AND IT KEPT HAPPENING?? can you tell i’m not a science girly?reptiles showed up and then got killed off AGAIN? then birds and dinosaurs. and again. mass extinction.

okay, well i knew about the dinosaur one. give me some credit.

humans emerged 100,000 years ago. and this is the stuff i know. 

look at all of these very 90’s visuals. i feel like i’m in a bill nye episode.

“rising to a world population of over five billion people” well! it is still above five billion people. just… a lot more than that these days. 

ahh... i can just hear it. “you’re my one in eight billion, scully” (accompanied by a light forehead kiss)

she says we are all related to that one singular cell. which i don’t want to think about. but no one knows where that first cell came from. 

“is there a plan, a purpose, or a reason to our existence?” girl, you’re catholic! but i suppose even catholics who have a party line with all the answers to those big questions still muse on the nature of reality. especially if they are scientists and also named scully.

i don’t want to think about a 6th extinction… not of humans or all the birdies… and jaguars… no. we shall simply have to not die.

ah. now we have transitioned into the plot rather than musings on the meaning of life. men are shouting in swahili as something washes ashore. it is… a rock looking thingy.

intro time!!!!!! you can’t help but dance to such a spooky tune!! i still get nostalgic for watching season 1 last may sometimes! 

no special words on the intro this time… hmm! i thought we were due for some.

on the ivory coast, we see that krycek will be in this episode thanks to the opening credits. but other stuff is happening, too. the metal thing is here!!

it is taken to a university for studying. where a man (later revealed to be named dr. merkmallen) carefully unwraps another one!!! the two pieces look like they’ll fit together, but when he holds them next to each other, they merge into one and shoot across the room!

this guy’s office looks so cool. OH DAMN! the metal piece cut into his bible!!! a revelation indeed. and now it’s spinning???? and getting faster!!! he wraps it back up. 

ohhh, it cut into genesis as this fellow calls for an international operator… how… prophetic. 

three days later, the gentleman arrives at the american university in washington, which sounds like a fake name for a school, but it is a real place. he is looking for professor sandoz from the bio department. 

no! this other dude has monkeys!!! what is he doing with them??

sandoz is the monkey guy. and this other fellow is dr. merkmallen. sandoz welcomes him in and asks to see this mysterious object. merkmallen was almost detained for having it

ohhh, the monkeys do NOT like this mystery object. they are screaming terribly. i really do not like monkeys, bro. the pieces have merged together. 

oh shoot! when he asks merkmallen if he’s had any luck reading it, he realizes that is not dr. sandoz!! nooooo!!! leave him alone!!!!!!!

someone else hears the angry monkeys, and enters the room to find the metal piece missing. WHERE DID YOU TAKE MERKMALLEN? NOOOO!! he is dead on the floor!!!!!!!!!! come on, we just met the guy and you take him from us already?!

bow tie dude who found them dead seems freaked tf out

(we later learn that bow tie dude is the REAL dr. sandoz, and the other guy who dr. merkmallen was speaking to was named dr. barnes. i have to insert this note here because it makes sense when you're watching the show visually and can see the different characters, but typing this up can lead to some confusion. so. bow tie guy = sandoz. monkey guy = barnes. got it? okay)

hey! it’s skinner! polishing his glasses. saying he thought of someone, given the nature of merkmallen’s views. “i believe agent mulder is familiar with his work”

mulder is pondering. he looks good today. he usually does, but just thought i’d voice all the thoughts running through my head. scully reads his file- his body is missing. 

mulder says the word “panspermia”, which he says is a fringe theory.

OH! scully finishes his sentence. LMAO, yeah. she knows this concept: the idea that life began on another planet. mulder is watching her intently. 

skinner asks if it’s plausible, and she says it’s a theory. lots of scientific theories are plausible.

skinner hands her a rubbing of the mystery artifact that allegedly held the meaning of human existence. and dr. sandoz had made a similar claim in a SCIENCE (pointed mulder tone and look at scully) journal

but they can’t ask dr. sandoz anything… he’s missing!

scully thinks this is a police matter at best, but mulder says oh come on, skinner wants us on it!

this elevator is very crowded. yeah. force them into close proximity. hahaha!

oh… when he opens the paper, he can’t hear anything or anybody. scully thinks he didn’t want to listen to her say that she doesn’t understand his relentless pursuit of the truth, but he clarifies he couldn’t hear it!

OHHHH... scully with her arm up against the elevator….. yeah <3

“look, after all you’ve done, after all you’ve uncovered- a conspiracy of men doing human experiments, men who are all now dead- you exposed their secrets. i mean, you’ve won. what more could you possibly hope to do or to find?” “my sister”

oh, i GASPED! because at the end of the day, that’s really what it’s about. a boy looking for his little sister. sometimes we forget that with all the mothmen and slowburn stuff. but… man. my heart.

they head off to the university. where something is afoot, as shown by the shadow crossing the scene and someone snatching up crime scene evidence.

the police say they have a probable weapon with blood and prints, but no word of dr. sandoz.

dr. barnes, the head of the department, says there is plenty of speculation on what went down. “apart from his laughable ideas, my colleague was capable of almost anything to advance his rather questionable reputation” <- LMAO... so they did not like this guy or talk with him at faculty department meetings. got it.

he was speaking of a mystery artifact- scully shows him the picture and asks if he means this thing. and again, mulder hears a bunch of weird sounds!! scully watches as he leaves. and dr. barnes says that these men who claim life comes from elsewhere are embarrassments.

mulder’s trying to splash his face with water in a sad water fountain. aww. poor guy. scully asks him what it is. OH. she touches his forehead to look for a fever………… oh. see, that’s always gonna get me. he thinks it’s the thing making him feel terrible! 

she opens it and he hears it again. despite it just being a piece of paper.

scully is conducting some sort of meeting. “you’re late!” “i’m sorry, i thought this was my office” <- this is why you are being punished with evil ear noises

she called chuck to get an explanation. “you know me, this is right up my twisted little alley”, he says

chuck seems vaguely familiar to me, but not deeply. i'm sorry 💔 i guess i'm a fake fan

oh! the writing is a fake! it’s phonetic navajo, but it makes no sense in a literal interpretation. is it code?

maybe it’s a magic square? thankfully they explain what that means- it allegedly comes from god and is used for trapping and storing potential power. maybe that is what someone would want mulder to think it is.

change those projector slides. do not let the light hurt your eyes, scully! 

so barnes wrote an article exposing sandoz as a fraud. he made a career exposing science and religious fraud. but that was him at the beginning with the monkeys, right? and sandoz came in later with the bow tie? and then left?

why produce a fraud with navajo writing in africa? again! a great question! but when he puts the picture of the artifact on the projector, poor mulder's head hurts!!! 

OH!! she goes up to him and gently says “hey” and he groans….she leads him outside. so gently. could this pain have to do with what happened to him at the end of s2? where he was brought back from the dead with the navajo healing? and maybe somehow seeing the writing triggers something?

scully says she will schedule him imaging testing immediately- if nothing else, he should be home in bed! but he refuses, saying he knows what is causing this! he thinks barnes killed merkmallen! 

“well, i hope you’re not going to suggest that we arrest him on that rather baseless assumption” <- LMAO, she has time to be a little pain even when he is suffering

“no i’m not. not until after i show you what he did with the body” <-oooo, it’s getting juicy….

they go to visit sandoz’s place, where the landlord does not want to deal with them. DO NOT WAVE YOUR HANDS AT SCULLY, MR. LANDLORD! they’re searching about…. mulder finds some luggage from new mexico. 

OUR FRIEND ALBERT HOSTEEN!! pictured on the wall with sandoz!!! mulder says that maybe sandoz was using him to read the symbols… but scully says “or write them” <- now, albert is a good man!! do not accuse him of being involved in forgery!

i guess he could have asked albert to translate some stuff and then not explain what it was for... so he wouldn't have been in on the knowledge he was being used for forgery... but still. i think he would be deeply insulted at the thought of his culture being used to make forgeries of mysterious artifacts.

EUGH!! scully asks him to make good on his body prediction, and when mulder opens the trash, he does indeed find just this! it’s merkmallen!!! or just his head. NASTY!!!!!

the agents go to skinner, saying they think that sandoz is innocent and framed- just afraid for his life because of what he knows and has.

skinner asks him if it’s this (passes over the rubbing) and mulder is struggling….. “scully could you please tell…. what your medical exam found in the lab report?” he asks with his eyes closed. 

body parts were missing. all of which would show radiation. and they did find some radiation! cosmic galactic radiation! mulder insisted that they test for it!!!

OH SHOOT!!! he is getting worse… and says to skinner that he knows there’s someone else on the case that he’s not telling them about!!! “i hear it… in my head” “mulder, let’s go” 

ohhhh... she says he’s losing it!!! but he claims skinner is spying on them!! i do not think skinner would do this. scully banishes him home, saying she will look for the artifacts. and he doesn’t really put up a fight, which i know means he has something planned…

but shoot!! skinner closes his door…. and there was a camera in his closet!!! he pulls out the tape and hands it to KRYCEK!!!! NOOOO!!! because he has the kill switch!!!!!!! for his weird disease!!! nooo!!!

oh, skinner…. this is so sad. and how did mulder hear in his head that skinner had someone else on the case just from the rubbing of a piece of metal?!

krycek leaves after skinner and him stare at each other for a bit. 

scully heads down to a new mexico hospital, where she finds someone being rushed to another room. is that albert? there’s a translation of the writing on the artifact! IT’S A VERSE FROM GENESIS!! the same one that the artifact ran into at the start of the episode!!!

and it was mr. hosteen being wheeled out!! the nurse says she cannot tell her what is going on, but scully flashes the badge and says she knows him, and she confesses that he has cancer and is dying. :(

mulder is wearing casual clothes- one sleeve rolled to his elbow, one pulled down to his wrist, a bold fashion choice- in the university where barnes teaches. boy is doing some recon, i guess. he sneaks in somewhere he shouldn’t be…..

ah! he’s in his office!!! and barnes comes in…. realizes that his things have been touched…. and rushes back outside…. he goes to find the monkeys. where mulder was hiding!!! 

but mulder hears the stuff again!!!! and he keeps hearing it as he walks down the hall. bro is going to collapse in this hallway full of undergraduates. he tries to go up the stairs. but it isn’t working well. he’s crawling on his hands and knees and he falls!!!!! what is going on!!

meanwhile, scully is waiting for albert, who is rolled back into his room. but someone was watching him!!! and she chases after him!!! was that barnes?? where did he go??? the music is so creepy…..

she finds him!!!! it’s not barnes!!! it’s sandoz!!! she says she needs answers from him!!!

mulder is still on the ground, writhing in pain!! FUCKING KRYCEK FINDS HIM!!!! and just walks away!!!!! WHAT DOES HE KNOW?!?!

where is he going…….. he goes to barnes and says they are destined to be great friends, handing him the tape. why do they know each other....

back in new mexico, sandoz says that albert was the only translator that didn’t dismiss him- he recognized the importance of the artifact. but it was only one fragment. until merkmallen found two more. 

oh! he thinks the bible came from the aliens!! so would that make navajo the original language of the aliens??

scully is very skeptical. the newest section of writing on the artifact seemed to be just random letters, and albert was working on translating it when his health got bad. and it starts spinning in front of them!!!

phone call time. where is mulder??? he says he’s at home, resting. was he with marita? a woman answers...

scully is not pleased with his idea that aliens put us here. WHERE IS HE?? he says it explains everything. “mulder, i will not accept that. it’s just not possible” “well, then you go ahead and prove me wrong, scully” (cranky sick man hangs up)

HE’S WITH DIANA?!?!? I THOUGHT WE WERE DONE WITH THIS!!!! 

okay. so it is his apartment, which now has a bed. a very cozy looking bed, may i add. i'm happy for him in that regard. but in every other way, this situation is deeply unfortunate.

and diana is in his apartment. she’s calling someone, saying mulder is in distress, and she’s not leaving until she finds out. AND SHE TAKES HER SHIRT OFF???

GIRL, HE’S DYING!!! LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!

she was talking to CSM?!?

holy hell... is diana going to assault him........? what tf is going on.

scully narrates again… the big bang. an act of violence. who did this?

no! albert is being taken to a funeral pyre!! she looks at the stars above. 

wait! he’s not dead. it’s the healing tent! sandoz asks if she wants to come, but scully doesn’t think it’s right for her to join, as she doesn’t share their faith. this is very respectful of her.

skinner calls!!! mulder is in serious condition!!! she has to get here now!!! but she told skinner that sandoz is in new mexico!!! will skinner have to tell krycek?? how quick can you get to DC from new mexico?!

somehow she gets back, but he's not telling her what is going on. skinner calls her dana and grabs her hand….. (omfg... has he ever called her dana before?!) and he says he doesn't know what is going on, but he knew she would want to be here.

mulder’s walking around in a padded room!!! mumbling!!! screaming!!!! and diana is here, too!! 

he’s too violent for them to run more tests!!! he should be in a coma!! scully says to let her try talking to him!! he wouldn't be a danger to her! OH........ oh.... :( she thinks he wouldn't hurt her.... oh. my heart.

“can we speak in the hall?” “about what?” <- OH! she does NOT have time for diana’s tricks… but skinner says her name… and opens the door. and mulder looks up at the camera watching him. 

OHHH what is going on here…??? skinner says that scully has evidence the case is a fraud, and she turns and says “i never sent you that report” <- OH!!!!!!

diana is asking if she can help him- she asks scully to tell her whatever she knows... she says she found him in the stairwell and he could barely speak.

OH!!!! she tells diana she’s a liar and goes to leave. skinner grabs her wrist and she says “you’re both liars”

OMFGGGGGGGGGG….. treacherous skinner CONFIRMED…. but it isn't his fault!!! she escapes from his grip. and he stares at diana.

back in new mexico, more chanting is taking place around albert. sandoz is there.

scully runs into the office, looking for bugs. and she finds a camera in the smoke alarm!!!! but just as she does so, the phone rings. is she going to answer….?

sandoz calls her from new mexico…. she says it’s not a secure line. why did he call right then?! he says the stuff on the artifact, when translated, reads as coordinates for the human genome!! 

but the horses are stirring out in new mexico by sandoz… and there is a gunshot…. and krycek picks up the phone!!! the rat bastard!!!! so did skinner tell him where sandoz was?? or was krycek listening in on the line?!

36 hours later. back on the ivory coast. scully is here!!! trying to find more pieces of the artifact!!! she is led to one….. and she reached in the sand…… and it’s huge!!!!!

it’s some sort of spaceship?? space cathedral?!? huh???? vaguely churchy music plays as the camera pans out...

to be continued?????

girl…. WHAT is going on!!!

skinner is being manipulated by krycek. sure. that’s fair enough. and diana is using mulder for CSM. but to what end!!! did she drug him?? why did she take off her shirt??? can they cure skinner and get him to stop doing all of this?? how long have they been getting spied on??? did the syndicate get to watch their whole baseball flirting session through that smoke alarm camera? is skinner attempting to plot his own resistance? it seems like he is just going along with the whole thing! and that is deeply unlike him!!

UGH!!! how will mulder get better??? was he okay in the time that scully was away??? she must have felt so horrible flying to another continent while he was so sick...

i might break my own rules and watch the next episode tomorrow, and THEN edit my notes. and i’m usually SO principled. i think i’ve only done it once or twice in the entire time i’ve run this blog. but i NEED to know. because like. this diana issue must resolve itself. and what about albert!!!! and fucking krycek!!!

ahhhh!!!!!

oh, FUCK ME!!! i clicked onto the next episode, and i saw that this is a THREE-PARTER, not a mere two-parter!!! so i basically cannot do this plan of watching them all at once!!! because i would get super backlogged when it comes to editing my notes!!! and i still have to do my favorite moments list from s6!! i simply cannot bite off more than i can chew!!! FUCK!

AHHHHH!!! well. i guess that means i’ll get these notes up tomorrow and then start on the favorite moments list. and not have answers. sadly kicks a rock….

so, i have many questions, and i anticipate that few of them will be answered. why is krycek working with dr. barnes? are they trying to expose the x files as fraud? because that is what dr. barnes does- exposes people for fraud? but then why would dr. barnes kill dr. merkmallen? unless dr. barnes is part of the syndicate... there's a pretty big difference between writing a scathing academic article calling bullshit on your coworker's alien theories and actually committing murder. so he must know of the importance of the artifact but is trying to conceal it... because that is the only explanation as to why he would kill somebody over it. and krycek said they were destined to be great friends... and i can't tell if that implies if they knew each other already...

so clearly dr. barnes is lying, because he knew dr. merkmallen was coming, and he asked if the writing had been translated yet. so he knows that the thing is powerful. okay. it's not super clear how his interests correspond with that of the syndicate, but maybe he's an alien?

so. the artifact. the bible MAYBE comes from space, and the aliens use the navajo language. sure. why not?

if it means we get to see our friend albert again, that makes me happy. but he isn't doing very well. it's almost like the writing on the artifact made him sick... because sandoz said that he fell ill when she started to translate it. maybe whatever is happening to him is also happening to mulder? and mulder is in the early stages of whatever it is? and so if scully can find a cure, maybe she can help them both?

or maybe it's something totally different, because mulder was screaming and having his brain go wild, whereas albert was said to have cancer. maybe one progresses into the other?

i am so troubled by skinner working with diana and krycek and CSM. obviously he doesn't want to be doing this! but is he just going along because he knows if he doesn't, he'll die? but he made that promise on his death bed to do better and help the agents more!! is he somehow sabotaging them? did he call her "dana" to tip her off to the treachery? he knows scully isn't stupid...

and scully knew right away that this wasn't a matter for the FBI, but once again mulder got taken in and fully believed the promises of investigating aliens with no real evidence to support it... only that it was coming from skinner, one of the few people he should be able to trust, and the terrible aching desire to find his sister that keeps him up at night and makes him so easy to manipulate...

fucking diana. i thought she was gone!! i should have known better. what is she doing with him? he goes from hearing things to having crazy brain activity when she conveniently finds him? did he really call her and ask for help? i don't buy the story for a second! and she calls CSM and says she won't leave until she knows what is going on... and then she takes her SHIRT off... is she trying to manipulate him? or did she straight up assault him? he's dying!! he doesn't want to see your boobs!!

scully immediately clocking that diana and skinner were lying to her face... yeah. this is immensely satisfying to me.

well. now i have to edit my other notes before i can watch what happens next. and as i type this up on a sunday, i imagine that it will be tuesday at the earliest before i get to watch part two. and then goodness only knows when i will be able to watch part three! this is deeply unfair! but alas. i stick by my routine.

diana and krycek... you freaks deserve each other... although i still think krycek/spender is far juicier. even if spender might be dead. sorry. i will speak my truth.

[sunrotdropbrain]

Princess Pining part 2

Three lectures and a couple of bandages later, Sun had you sat on your bed, worrying over your hands again.

“There’s no clear broken skin so I don’t think it needs a bandage. But it still looks irritated. I think all we can do for now is lotion.” He rummaged through the massive dresser in your room, all drawers organized in a way only Sun understood. When he came back with the bottle, you reached out to take it but he took your hand instead.

He poured the lotion out, not even letting you rub it in yourself, but worked it through your palms. His touch was methodical but soothing, a familiar comfort. He’d been doing this as long as you remembered, helping with every little thing since you were 13. “I’m not a little kid anymore, you know. I can do things myself.”

He glanced up at you, looking a little baffled. “Of course you aren’t. It’s just important to me to show the people I love how much I care about them.” Standing up, he grabbed a cloth, wiping the remaining lotion off so it didn’t get stuck in his joints. “Besides, it’s a habit at this point.”

As much as they cared for you growing up, you felt like they had also grown up with you, although they may not have physically aged. They had changed from you just as much as you had changed from them. The older you got, the more they shared with you, eschewing the little lies you were told as a child. All save for one thing.

“I just don’t know why you insist on trying to leave so much,” he muttered, low enough that he might not want you to hear. “There’s nothing out there for you.”

“Because you never tell me why! You say it’s dangerous and leave it at that.”

He grimaced, looking over his shoulder at you. “Knowing the specifics of why won’t change that it’s dangerous. You can trust us. Have we ever steered you wrong?”

“You told me my pet bird had flown away to be with his family when in reality Moon had accidentally sat on him.” You deadpanned, doing your best not to snicker at all.

Sun bristled, stuttering for a moment. “That was only because I knew how upset you’d be! You cried for days when you stepped on your bug friend. What was I supposed to do? You were just a sensitive little girl who–”

He stopped when your giggles escaped from behind your hand, a scowl settling on his face. Picking up a pillow, he chucked it at your face, knocking you back onto the bed. “Oh, you scoundrel. You’re giving me a hard time on purpose.”

“I would never, dearest Sunshine.”

The bed groaned when said Sunshine flopped down beside you. It was a large bed but even still his legs extended over the sides. His finger poked your side as you both stared up at the ceiling. “You’re lucky you’re not still a child. Otherwise I would send you to bed without dessert.”

You still couldn’t suppress your grin. “And what do I get since I’m a grown woman now?”

“You get to make your own dinner. And I’m sure you’ll burn your dessert like you have every other time you’ve tried to make one.”

Sure enough, a couple hours later, all three of you are screaming over each other as you try to push back the flames raging from the oven.

“How do you always set things on fire?!”

“Flames are getting bigger!”

“Where’s the water?!”

“You used all of it for the pastry!”

“I hate baking!”

Twenty minutes later, you all slump against the floor, covered in flour and the smell of smoke.

“Worth it?” Moon asked.

You picked up the pastry, slamming it against the ground like it was a rock. “Hard as a brick.”

Part one

Next part

[thegreatwizardelwin]

I Won’t Say I’m In Love - Part Two

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

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

Joanne Harcourt x Male Reader

F/N L/N is a student in the Sapphire Owl house at Weston College. For some reason, he keeps running into a Scarlet Fox student in his day to day activities. Intrigued, he tries to learn more about him.

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

You had watched as Harcourt scuttered away from the bookshelves. 

He really is just a little creature of sorts, you mused, heading the other way. You signed out your book at the door before leaving the library.

You let out a heavy breath, thinking back to the moment when you touched his shoulder and his attention all fell on you. It couldn’t be helped; something inside you sparked at the way he looked at you. You brushed it off as just anticipation of the friendship to come. 

The cycle continued on for quite some time. You would pass in the halls, meet once again in the library, and sit with him as you both studied. Occasionally, you would lean over and show each other parts of books or ask for help with the aforementioned studying.

One particular evening, you leaned over with a book about fossils, pointing to some photographs of feathers and bugs preserved in amber.

“Your amber eyes are very pretty. Did you know that amber is very effective at preserving fossils? It’s like a time capsule, saving exactly what it captured for millions of years.” you whispered.

He stared at the pictures with much interest, leaning over in his seat, his cheek close to your shoulder. Then, he processed exactly what you had said.

(Cue the anime sparkles and flowers)

Pretty.

Harcourt quickly snapped his head towards you. He gazed at you with wide eyes. Flattery, it seemed, was one of his weaknesses. 

He shifted, now shyly looking down at his fingers. He picked at his nails, pressing his lips together.

“I-I didn’t know it could do that..” he whispered back.

My, how adorable, you couldn’t help but blush a bit too. 

And it stuck with you for the rest of the evening.

That night- after bathing- you entered the dorm, buttoning up your sleepshirt with a very stupid smile. Your friends paused in their conversation, noticing your demeanor. 

“What’s got you all smiley, L/N?” asked a boy called Moore. 

You turned to him, unable to wipe that look off your face.

“Huh? Oh, nothing. I just… finished an amazing book tonight.” 

As you made up the hasty excuse, the others shared doubtful glances. They knew you well enough to know that you were trying to hide something.

“Are you sure that’s all? You look ecstatic!” noted a boy named Blair.

“Maybe I had too many sweets tonight.” you proposed.

“Sure, Sure. It’s the ‘sweets’ that have you all red in the face.” Moore scoffed.

You smirked at him.

“It’s always possible I’m coming down with a fever. Perhaps you should keep your distance.”

You folded your clothes for tomorrow and sat them on top of a small chest.

“Maybe you’re right.” Moore said, with a fake innocence in his tone. “It’s not like you’d ever have feelings for a girl. You’re too focused on grading papers and reading studies to notice anything else!”

You sighed.

“How would I even meet a girl? This is an all boys academy, mind you.”

They ignored you, turning their backs to you and discussing amongst themselves.

“Perhaps he’s been sent a love letter…”

“Or he snuck someone in…”

“Or he’s fallen for our lady housekeeper?”

Each suggestion was delivered with both mockery and amusement.

You made a retching sound.

“No, no, and NO. ”

They cackled and the sound was audible in the dorms on either side of yours.

“It’s all in good fun~” Blair grinned slyly, “if you ever need someone to cover you just give us a heads up.”

This time you couldn’t help but laugh at the fact that was even a thought that occurred to them.

“You lot… ah. Seriously though, it’s no girl or anything.”

They were still unconvinced.

“Well, you certainly must catch the eye of many of them. I’d wager even some boys, what with having looks like yours. Poor Harcourt certainly notices.”

You cocked your head, now curious.

“Whatever do you mean?”

“It’s true. He watches you with those big dreamy eyes when you pass him in the halls.” they egged each other on with their snickering.

“Don’t be mean to the boy,” you chided them, “he probably just wants me to review a paper or something but is too scared to ask.”

“Oh, you’re right, L/N! He probably spends his nights under the covers, fantasizing about you writing down comments on his papers with a stern yet gentle gaze.” teased a boy called Lemmens.

You tossed a pillow at him, shaking your head.

“What a filthy mind you have.”

“I’m just saying, you shouldn’t be surprised when a love note lands on your pillow one of these nights~”

“Well, now I’ll just assume it was you who put it there!” you retorted.

“I wouldn’t blame the guy. Your charm is irresistible.”

You viscerally cringed, flopping back under the covers. They just couldn’t stop themselves.

“So, he’s not immune to compliments? Better watch your back. He might just win your heart.”

Lemmens rose from his bed and placed a hand on his chest dramatically. 

“Oh, L/N! Your hair is the richest velvet, and your eyes more vibrant than sun on the water. Your blush, more brighter than a sunset on the Mediterranean. Your name rolls off my lips like a delicious sip of Tuscan wine-”

You leapt over to him and smothered him with a pillow. Chaos erupted, once again disturbing the other dormitories.

“For the love of all that is holy, will those infernal boys shut up?” grumbled Ciel, mimicking the others in his dorm and wrapping his pillow around his head.

At some point, Master Michaelis interrupted the commotion and threatened you all with Ys.

A week later, you arrived at the rendezvous. You signed your name in the “returned” column of the book records as the door and made your way back into the library. 

Harcourt was seated at a small table, his nose deep in a book of his own. Perhaps just appearing to look busy.

You sat across from him, subtly sliding the book across the table. You noticed a new red rose in the buttonhole of his jacket. Those could only be worn by the Scarlet Fox prefects and the drudges who were close to them.

You reached over and poked it, giving him a questioning stare.

He leaned forward a bit, adjusting the flower as if you had moved it.

“I’m Redmond’s new drudge.” he whispered with a hint of excitement.

You hummed with intrigue.

“What happened to Cole?” you asked.

“He got exposed for using his popularity to manipulate other students.” Harcourt explained, his eyes flicking up from the page. “Also, he’s not really as stunning as he looks. He uses make-up to get that way.” he added.

You crossed your legs and started pretend-reading too.

“I saw the photo. Even so, what a nasty personality for a rather nice face. But, I must congratulate you on becoming a prefect’s drudge! Oh, the privileges you have now…” you trailed off, almost wanting a bit of that for yourself. It was a shame Bluewer already had Clayton. Oh well, you could always hope for next year.

In the meantime, Harcourt beamed. Compliments were always welcome with him, especially from you.

“Thank you, L/N.” he said in a hushed tone.

Chatting unobtrusively in the library for another hour or so, you hardly noticed the way the sun began to set. Clementine rays of light created dark shadows on the wood floors, bathing you both as you sat below the window.

Harcourt closed his book and set it atop the one you had given him. A soft pink hue made its way onto his cheeks, struggling to be prominent through the power of the orange glow.

“We can talk so long that we forget about time.” he observed.

“We just get along so well, like toast and eggs.” you said, lightheartedly. 

He smiled at your comment and stood. You followed suit.

“I suppose you won’t be able to meet like this again, with your new duties.” you noted.

He stopped by the door to sign the book out.

“Perhaps not, but the cricket tournament is coming up quickly so we will have time to socialize once again!” he replied with a bright smile.

You walked along the corridors and came to an intersection where you had to split. You exchanged words of parting and started down your separate ways.

He looked back at you, his long bangs sweeping across his face. 

“Good night.” he muttered to himself once more, clutching his book to his chest, embarrassed and confused about how you made him feel.

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

You might not have fallen for the lady housekeeper, but she slays each day anyway. I hope you’re enjoying it. 🌺

Link to part 3!

[spicywhenspeaking]

If I'm There: Chapter Twenty-One

when you realize the significance of the monkey (∩˃о˂∩)♡

read from part one here!

summary: Noah and Natalie met in high school and developed a relationship through their love of music and art. Falling in love, innocent and young, they think nothing can keep them apart. However, sometimes in the pursuit of your dreams the things we love the most get left behind.

this is a complete work of fiction, some characters while based on real people are totally made up. :)

word count: 3.6k , edited by me ....soooo if you see something spelt wrong no you didn't.

taglist : @lma1986 @cookiesupplier @notingridslurkaccount @blackveilomens @thisbicc @laurpartyprogram @concretenoah @thebadchic @jessitpwk @madomens @samanthasgone @myownthoughts12

I picked up Erin from Ashely’s house at around 10 am the following morning. I don’t think anything will ever compare to her seeing me and running with excitement into my arms for a big hug. I just hope she still feels that way later today when I tell her about Noah.

“I missed you Mom!” she calls out and I pick her up and swing us around in a circle. “Oh my sweet girl, I missed you so much!” I tell her and kiss all over her cheeks and the top of her head. We finish gathering her things and thank Ashely and her mom again before we eventually get into the car and head off to begin our girls’ day. “So nails first or food? How are you feeling?” I ask as I turn on the radio and begin backing out of the driveway. 

“FOOD! Please! We only had cereal for breakfast and you know I need more than that.” I laugh because I know exactly that. My girl can eat! “Okay, so first food and then nails!” I say, then reach over to turn up the radio when I hear “Dancing Queen” by ABBA come on. We sing our hearts out on the drive to our favorite breakfast spot near our house. We sit in our regular corner booth by the back window. I order a coffee and a full stack of pancakes with eggs and bacon. Erin orders an orange juice and the same amount of food and I know she’ll finish it all. She recaps me on the last two days and all the fun she had with her friend, “but I missed you and Hales a lot. I’m happy to be back home now.” she says stuffing a huge piece of pancake into her mouth. “I’m happy you’re home too little bug, but why don't you take smaller bites? I don’t need you choking thirty minutes after getting you back.” She smiles with her mouth full of food, “okay” her muffled voice comes out and I can’t help but laugh. 

With breakfast finished the two of us head to the nail salon and I decide we should really pamper ourselves and we get the deluxe mani/pedi package. The salon I like plays old MTV music videos on big TVs all around the room. The sound of Paramore while my feet soak in the soothing heat and the massage chair digs into my back puts me into a state of complete relaxation and I find my mind wandering. Stuck on a moment from the night before, Noah and I sitting together on the couch and our almost kiss. If things were different, if we lived in an alternate universe and it wasn’t ten years later I would have closed the distance and would have let myself be sucked into his gravity. He has everything he wants now, his music, his band, it’s what he left to find ten years ago.

I look over at Eric who’s set the chair to the back-patting setting that has her voice bouncing “Ah, ah, ah, m-o-o-m, d-o-o-o I s-o-u-n-d w-e-i-r-d.” the smile that breaks across my face is full of love as I take in the beautiful girl in front of me. “You sound perfect baby,” I say and ruffle her hair softly. The rest of our appointment goes by in a relaxing daze. We laugh while Erin tells me about her last two days. We finish up and I mentally prepare myself for the conversation we are about to have. I am going to tell her about Noah. I just hope she doesn’t hate me afterward. 

We get back to the house and she rushes into her room to unload her dirty clothes and reunite with the stuffed animals she had to leave behind. “Fluffy! I never want to be separated again!” I hear her exclaim from outside of her room. Before talking to her I head into my room and open my closet door, I’m looking for a certain shoe box. “Where the hell is it?” I ask myself, “Ah ha!” It’s nestled deep into the corner hiding under the Carhart hoodie I borrowed from Haylie who stole it from who knows. I take a deep breath and lift the lid of the box. On top are several photos of me and Noah, some of the two of us, and Nicholas as well. Wadded up in a tight ball is the Bring Me The Horizon shift Noah gave me all those years ago. There’s also a CD, some random ticket stubs, drawings, and more pictures at the bottom. I decide to just take the whole box and head towards Erin’s room.

Knocking on the door I hear a soft, “Come in!” I walk into her room and see that she’s decided today is the day she’s going to reorganize her bookshelf. 

“Hey sweety, can I talk to you about something?” I ask and try to hide the nervousness in my voice. “Umm yeah, is everything okay? You sound weird.” So I didn’t do a great job at hiding it. “Yes, everything is okay. There’s just something that I need to talk to you about. Something important.”

Two lines appear between her eyebrows and her face contorts in confusion. “Is this an I can keep working and listening important or do I need to sit next to you on the bed?” she asks and I pat a spot next to me on the bed to wordlessly answer her question. “Oof, okay,” she whispers out and climbs next to me on her bed.

“You remember how I told you that I got pregnant when I was still in high school but my boyfriend and I had already broken up?” she continues looking at me with confusion all over her face but nods slightly, “Yeah, I remember. You said you two never saw each other again.” I take her hand and smile, trying to fight the tears in my eyes.

I open the box and hand her a picture of Noah and I. “His name is Noah. This is your father.” She takes the photo and looks back and forth between me and and younger version in the photo. “You look so different,” she says and I huff a laugh. “Yeah, that’s what growing up will do to you.” 

“Where is he?” she asks quietly looking up at me. “Well, he’s actually in town for a few days if you would like to meet him.”

“Where has he been?” she asks and that takes me off guard. I struggle with what to say, not wanting to keep anything from her but also not wanting to upset her. “He’s been in Los Angeles. That’s where he works.”

“What does he do?”

“He’s in a band, playing music, and sings all around the world.”

“Hm,” she says and I’m not sure what she’s thinking. 

“So he didn’t want me?” and there it is. The knife in my heart makes it hard to keep the food down from earlier but I push through, remaining strong.

“Oh no sweety, that’s not true at all. He didn’t know for so long. It’s very complicated adult stuff. Things that took me a long time to understand myself” I try to explain to her. 

“Will you tell me when I’m older the complicated stuff?”

“Of course baby, I’ll tell you anything you’d like to know about him.”

“Is he nice?” Erin asks in a quiet shy voice, “Do you think he would like me?”

I wrap her up in my arms and squeeze her tightly, “he is very nice and he will like you very much I promise.” I run my hand down her head, soothing her soft brown hair.”Does that mean you’d like to meet him?”

The air is still in the room as Erin takes time to think. Her small face scrunched in concentration. “I think I would like to meet him, yes. But are things going to change? My friend Brody’s parents don’t live together and he goes to his dad’s house every other weekend. Do I have to do that now?” I pull her closer until my head is resting on top of hers. “Nothing will change without you making that decision. Right now, we take things one step at a time.” she nods her head and wraps her arms as tight as she can around me.

“Would you be interested in meeting him tomorrow? He will be leaving again soon with his band so we won’t see him again for a few weeks. I can tell him we can wait if you’d be more comfortable.” I’m also definitely scheduling an earlier therapy appointment for her this week. Her head remains buried in my side while she takes everything in. I am giving her all the time she needs to process, so if she wants to wait until he’s more available I don’t blame her. 

“I think I would like to meet him. But what if you just invited him over here? So I can show him my stuff and maybe he will like me even more?” 

I move back so I can take her small face into my hands. “I can do that but I need to to listen to me now, there is no one on this planet that could possibly not like you Erin Howlston and I know for a fact that he will love you so much because you are you and you are perfect,” I emphasize my point my giving her cheeks a little squeeze. “But you have to think that because you’re my mom.” she quips through pursed lips. “And he’s your father, so by your logic, he must also think that,” I argue back and I see her eyes turned down slightly in the corner.

“But he made you sad right? That’s why you broke up when you were in high school. I don’t want him to make you sad again.” My heart swells. While I drop an atomic bomb of information about her life she’s worried about my feelings. I must be doing something right with this whole parenting thing.

“Sweetie, that was a long time ago. My heart is all better now and I’m not sad anymore. I am so so so unbelievably happy with our life. With you and Aunt Haliey, Uncle Kyle and Aunt Mags, and little Natasha. I think Noah is a very good person and he wants to be in your life because he cares about you. Even without having met you.” She gives me a small smile and hugs me again.” okay, I want to meet him. You said tomorrow right?” she looks up at me with her deep brown eyes that have always been just like his. “Tomorrow it is. I will give him a call later today, but what do you want to do now? Play? We could watch a movie? Or draw together?”

Quickly detangling from my arms she races to pick up her paper and stretching pencils, “Drawing please! I need help with the cat I’m drawing.” 

We spend the next few hours drawing together on her bedroom floor laughing and listening to music. For Christmas last year she asked for a Google Mini so she could ask it to play music whenever she wanted. Now we are listening to “The Very Best Of Otis Redding”. When she was a baby I listened to it all the time. I used to sing “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” while rocking her to sleep. Sometimes I walk by her room and she is listening to it while reading or playing with her toys and it reminds me of holding her when she was so little and how she would hold my finger so tightly.

I feel the tug of guilt in my gut about Noah having missed those moments but force it down, there’s nothing that can be done about the past but we can create new memories with the three of us together. Even if Noah and I aren’t together we can be the two parents that Erin needs. Maybe we can even be friends.

Later, once Erin wanted time alone to play with her toys I went into my room to call Noah. I haven’t been able to talk to Haylie about any of this yet, she woke up late with a hangover and had to run out of the house for the day to meet with her editor to talk about her next book release.

I close my door most of the way, only keeping a small sliver open in case Erin calls out for me. I sit on the edge of my bed and hit the green call button on my new Noah contact page, It rings a few times before I hear the sound of him picking up on the other end.

Hey! Natty, how are you doing? How’s it going?

Hi Noah, things are good. How are you? 

There’s rustling in the background of his call, “oohh is that Natalie??” I hear who I think is Folio.

Yes, shush…not you Nat! You don’t have to shush. Sorry, Folio is being an idiot.

I’m good, just working on some new remixes for our deluxe album.

I just finished talking with Erin and she suggested I invite you over tomorrow to meet. Is that okay?

Tomorrow sounds great! What time is good for you two?

How does 12:30 work? I can order us sandwiches from the sub shop in town, Erin’s favorite.

Perfect, 12:30 is perfect. Thank you so much, Natty. I won’t let you down again. I promise.

I try not to blush like a preteen at the way his voice goes almost breathless as he makes his promise to me. 

Um. so I’ll see you tomorrow then, bye!

I try to rush off the phone as fast as possible before I let myself word-vomit anything stupid.

Bye Natty, I’ll see you tomorrow, looking forward to seeing you and meeting Erin. 

A few minutes I hear Haylie unlock the door and head into the house and she calls out like she did the night before. “Honeys!! I’m home!” she calls from the front room. “Hey Hales!” Erin and I both call out.

Before I have the chance to call down to her to come up so I can relay everything that’s happened since we separated after the concert, she is racing up the stairs taking two at a time. She swings my door open, stepping into my room with a huge face-splitting smile on her face. “Sooo?? How did it go?” she asks moving closer into my room and creating the same small gap in the door before sitting down next to me on the bed. “Well, before I drunkenly barged in. sorry about that. That Folio knows how to throw them back, he’s pretty hot don’t you think?”

She has this twinkle in her eye when she says it and I laugh and roll my eyes at her. “It went well, he was a little upset at first which I wasn’t surprised by. He cried I cried, it was very emotional. He wants to meet her and then stay in Austin during their break in between tour dates.” As I recant my mind whirls and everything hits me more than I expected. “He said that he wanted this life with me, wanted the family and the happiness and the love that he should have fought harder for me, should have never let me go.” I try to keep my voice steady but I can feel my throat getting thick with emotion. Haylie wraps her arm around me and remains quiet while I continue telling her all about what happened. “And then when I was showing him pictures in her baby book there was this moment..” I slowly trail off and she pops forward and her eyes widen in surprise.

“What kind of moment?” she asks in a voice that goes all jelly-like and I manage to look slightly shameful before I tell her. That I so easily folded in his presence is borderline embarrassing, just shows how powerful his hold is still over my heart. But right now I can’t think with my heart, now is the time to think with my brain. While also considering Erin’s heart. 

“We might have almost kissed,” I tell her while I bury my face in my hands. “OH MY GOD! NATALIE !” she shrieks and I quickly throw my hands over her mouth. “Shush! Haliey oh my god, Erin will hear you!” and just like that I hear her little voice calling from down the hall, “everything okay in there?” she asks. “Yes!” “Everthing is fine!” we answer in unison and I think she retreats back into her room.

“You almost kissed him! How? What did he say? Did he lean in? How did he act after the almost kiss,” she shoots out the questions in a rapid-fire succession and I rub the sides of my temples before answering her. “Um. I guess he was kind of leaning in, he was doing that thing you know. When a guy looks between your eyes and your lips. I felt so weak. Oh my god, I almost kissed him, and then the book fell and I remembered what we were doing and why he was there and I felt so stupid.”

“You are NOT stupid! There were a lot of emotions flowing, you hadn’t had a moment alone with him in years and it’s not like when you broke up you two weren’t completely and totally in love with each other. It’s not like those feelings just go away.” she says while rubbing up and down along my back. 

“I just can’t do that with him, It’s not a good idea for the two of us to do anything that could jepordize Erin’s happiness.” I nod to myself, wiping one of my hands down my face and then raking them through my hair. Haliey and I flop backwards onto the pillows while I finish catching her up on everything that happened, including my conversation with Erin and then my phone call with Noah right before she got home. 

“You want me to clear out tomorrow so y’all have some privacy?” she asks and I balk at the thought. “No way! I would never ask you to leave your own house. Plus, you’re such an important person in Erin’s life, I’m sure she would also want you here.” 

The three of us spend the rest of our evening lounging in the living room watching TV in our pajamas. We make homemade pizzas and cookies for dinner together in the kitchen while singing along to Disney’s greatest hits. We end the night all cuddled together on the couch watching Erin’s favorite movie “The Secret Life of Arrietty” and when she falls asleep I carry her up the stairs into her room and deposit her into her bed. I gently kiss her forehead and turn on her glowing nightlight before closing the door and heading back to help Haylie finish cleaning the kitchen. 

The next day is quickly upon us and I nervously watch the clock ticking away as we get closer and closer to 12:30. I picked up the subs a few minutes ago so hopefully Noah isn’t late. No one likes a soggy sub.

Just seconds before the second-hand crosses over the 12 on the clock there is a knock on the door that causes me to jump straight out of my seat. Haylie laughs at me as she rubs my shoulders walking past and into her room. She told Erin that if she needed her at any time to just barge in and get her. I walk towards the door and Erin suddenly looks very nervous and gets up to hide behind my back. “Are you okay baby?” I ask her quietly before answering the door. She nods her head against my back and whispers, “Yes, I’m fine.” she gripping the back of my jeans but I think if she didn’t want to do this anymore she would say something, she’s just nervous. Hell, I’m nervous. 

I open the door and Noah is standing there with a bouquet of wildflowers in one hand and a stuffed monkey in the other. “Hi,” he says in a soft and nervous voice. I return his greeting with a warm smile. “Come on in” I open the door wider so he can come in and Erin scoots along with me not quite ready to reveal herself. “How are you doing?” he asks and hands the flowers over to me, “these are for you.” He gestures to the monkey, “And this is for Erin.” she peaks her head out from behind me and looks up towards Noah and the monkey. “That’s for me?” she asks quietly. Noah crouches down to be at her eye level and hands out the toy to her. “Yes, this is for you. Do you like monkeys?” He asks and I see a small smile appear on her face. “I do like monkeys. I saw some at the zoo a few days ago with my friend Ashely.” She holds out her hand to accept the offering. “Hi Erin.” he says with a warm smile, “I’m Noah, it’s very nice to meet you?” She slowly eases out from behind me and is now standing beside me and at eye level with Noah, still crouched. “It’s nice to meet you too. Even though you made my mom sad.” 

Oh, Jesus, this is going to be an interesting afternoon.

Next chapter

[beefros-sin-bin]

Goodbye 2023!

Thank you to everyone who sent in submissions - I have so much reading to catch up on now! 🥩💜🥩

If you have more fics to recommend for the SinBin, keep sending them my way.

I was originally going to break everything by category into the various P-boys, but the majority are one specific character. So we have two categories:

Joel Miller Fics

Other P-boy Fics.

I've included the comments (if there was one) for each fic submitted, but kept the submitter anonymous.

Beefro & the SinBin 🚮🥩💜

Joel Miller Fics (in no specific order)

Left in Lincoln - @toxicanonymity

Left in Lincoln. It's no secret my love for this series, and for my favorite Joelkémon, but this story is one I love not only for the slow burn sexiness but the horror elements in general. The balance of fear and horror with the soft, beautiful descriptions of the characters and setting make it one I return to over and over. The musical references and influence on the story is just the icing on the cake 🖤 Or ice cream on the pie, in this case 🍑🌸 Ty for the beautiful stories Toxy, and community to obsess over our mutual obsessions 🥰🖤

Scarecrow & Fear Thy Neighbor by @xdaddysprincessxx

So my first rec is @xdaddysprincessxx and her Farmer Joel series 🚜 All of her work is amazing but this one is so fun and soooo hot! (Heed the warnings though if you choose to read) I'm biased because I got to hear about her writing process and contribute some of my own thots 🤭 But it's not only sexy af (just like her!) but scary too!!! Be sure to read the sequel too 😉 She's not only a talented writer but a wonderful human in general 🖤

Help I’m Stuck! By @nosesitter

Reader gets “stuck” in the dryer. Luckily her father in law Joel just so happens to find her and helps 😉 her. When I read this I finally got the whole “oh no I’m stuck!” sex scenario lmao I always found it kinda funny bc in porn they’d be stuck in ridiculous spots but this fic? Fucking hot as hell. I get it now 🤷🏻‍♀️

I can be your pretty girl by @walkintotheriveranddisappear

Okay so I’m almost positive she is tired of me recc’ing & talking about this series lol it’s the hottest fucking fic ever. I genuinely am obsessed. It has everything. She deserves a Nobel peace prize for this idc idc.

A Secret Worth Keeping by @multiversed-daydreamer

Vamp Joel. I repeat Vamp. Joel. 🥵 and his vampirism is a secret and readers blood is his krptonite and she has to keep what they do hush hush. It’s so goddamn delicious 🤤

Fall into Temptation by @joelsgreys

Whew okay where do I start? Reader is the pastors daughter. Joel is Joel. 😏 they end up falling for each other and having a beautiful love affair. That has to be a secret bc her father would forbid it! Duh! It’s spicy, they have to sneak around to meet up with each other (again I am paraphrasing ish I don’t wanna spoil lol) and the religious tones in it? My baby is feeding me. This heals my religious trauma. Feeds my daddy issues and desire to fuck this old man.

Deliver Me From Nowhere by @atinylittlepain

It is beautifully written, touching a delicate topic with such care, it is truly an amazing work.

Just This Once by @talaok

Okay hear me out: this one brings the angst. The emotion. I felt so bad for reader, bby girl just wanted love. It tore me up inside. I had tears.

Self Indulgent Tendencies by @strang3lov3

So this was actually the first fic of Bugs I ever read. And. I. LOVED. IT. I’m trying not to spoil anything but long story short; Joel catches reader and fucks her to teach her a lesson. (I am extremely paraphrasing this lol) it still lives in my damn brain 🥵

Meet Me in the Back by @atticrissfinch

Sleazy gas station Joel. That’s it. That’s all. He is so sleazy and ugh I need his dick. And so does reader after she gets it. And she keeps coming. Back for more that is 😉

All You Wanna Do by @atticrissfinch

Now I am an angst queen. And boy this one is not for the weak. It is dark, please please please heed the warnings on this one. But personally I love this one. She has truly ripped my heart out, made my chest physically hurt. She invokes emotion so well.

No One But Me by @koshkamartell

This is a small blog's series that deserves to be promoted!

The Wrong Way by @romana-after-dark

Raider!Joel Miller and Raider!Tommy Miller x fem!Reader

Other P-boy Fics (in no specific order)

Dirty Uncle Ezra by @bonezone44

😏 yea I said it. Dirty Uncle Ezra. Hottest fucking concept I’ve ever heard. He’s so dirty and sleazy and ngh I’m already moaning. Also this beautiful human is an amazing artist so plz check out their art work 💜 (a note from Beefro: the fact that the age tag on this is 56+ made me laugh out loud)

Pascals Pursuit of Love! by @elvinaa (all the P-Boys!)

The innovation! It has all the P boys Bachelorette style. It’s so much like the show, it’s got twists and turns, there’s funny moments, cute moments. I look forward to each week aka each chapter lol I love it so much.

Apple by @romana-after-dark

Bisexual!Dark!Santiago Garcia, Bisexual!Dark!Frankie Morales, and Bisexual!Dark!William Miller x fem!Reader

[rengokuswif3]

Inosuke Hashibira x Shinazugawa! Reader

The two of you met when he was recovering at the Butterfly Mansion. You were there with your brother, Genya, visiting the Butterfly Girls and helping out around the place

You weren’t a Tsugoku, but you were damn near close in skill. You trained under your other brother, Sanemi, sometimes and also under Gyomei, Genya’s mentor. So you were a fine swordsman with lots of strength and vigor, and just as much of a resting bitch face as your brothers

You always looked like you wanted to bite someone’s head off, so lots of Slayers naturally avoided you. You didn’t mind that though, you didn’t have time to chit chat and dawdle, you had things to do and places to be

So when some kid in a boar head rammed into you on your way out of the mansion, you were pissed off and annoyed. He was shouting about something that you couldn’t understand, something about Gonpachiro and Monichi? Whoever those two were, you didn’t care

“Get out of my way, freak! The hell do you think you’re doing running around a hospital?! You could’ve hurt someone already injured you damn moron!”

“HEH?! WHO YOU CALLING A MORON, SPIKY HAIR?!”

“What is going on?”

You both turned when you heard a grouchy voice. A tall, broad shouldered figure blocked your path, their spiky mohawk making them look even taller

“This idiot in a pig head ran straight into me, that’s what!” You snapped at your brother. Despite being the same age, he was taller than you by about a whole head, so you had to strain your neck to look him in the eye

“Hey you! Why are you running in a damn hospital, you stupid boar?” He towered over the shorter boy

“NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS, OTHER SPIKY HAIR!”

The boar kid ran off, despite being yelled at not to run. You looked to your brother, who had a glare on his face as he looked down on you, opening his mouth no doubt to scold you. But you walked away from him, not giving him the chance to. You were late for training anyways, Genya’s complaints about you were going to have to wait for later

It wasn’t long after that you were sent on a mission with the board headed kid, along with some boy in a checkered haori carrying a box on his back, and a kid with yellow hair who whines about everything

“AH! WE MEET AGAIN, SPIKY HAIR!”

“It’s Y/N, you dimwit! Y/N Shinazugawa!”

The name caught the attention of the checkered haori boy. “You’re a Shinazugawa?”

“Yeah, what’s it to you, punk?!”

“Nothing! I just recognized your name was all.” He shrugged nervously.

You rolled your eyes at them all, grumbling that it was time to get going. You wanted to get this mission over with, already sick of their presences

The mission took place in a creepy forest, filled with dead trees and creepy bugs that the yellow haired kid whined about throughout the entire mission. You stalked ahead of them all, hearing them whispering or bickering occasionally

When you all finally located the demon, you decided to split up according to the checkered haori kids orders, and you were stuck with the annoying boar headed guy, or, Inosuke as you learned during the trip

“I say we charge it!”

“No, idiot! Stealth is the better option!”

“Whatever, Shitzuwana, I’M GOING IN!”

“DAMN YOU, INOSUKE!”

Thanks to him, the demon heard you both coming a mile away, easily stopping Inosuke’s attack and knocking you aside. You saw the demon go for Inosuke’s throat, so you quickly got up and ran at the demon, going to slice it’s head. But it was too quick for you, and you almost sliced right into Inosuke’s neck if you didn’t have such good reflexes

“HEY! YOU ALMOST KILLED ME!”

“IF YOU LISTENED TO ME, I WOULDN’T HAVE!”

“THATS A STUPID EXCUSE, WAZUSHIA!”

“ITS SHINAZUGAWA!” You yelled as you fought the demon, until Inosuke shoved you away to fight it himself. You groaned, knowing you’d never win this fight if you fought the boar kid as well as the demon. “Look, let’s fight each other later, alright? We gotta work together!”

Inosuke remembered the fight at Mount Natagumo, where he had learned how to fight alongside somebody instead of by himself and against them. So he nodded and listened to your plan, deciding to challenge you to a fight later to settle who was the better slayer

Eventually, you killed the demon together, but not without busting your leg. You limped as you walked with him to find Tanjiro and Zenitsu, causing him to pick you up without any warning

“HEY! IM FINE! PUT ME DOWN!”

“YOURE SLOWING US DOWN, SHITZUWANA! NOW SHUT UP!”

On the way back to headquarters, Inosuke carried you nearly the whole way, either on his back or in his arms. He bragged that you weighed nothing to him, and how strong he was for carrying you the whole way, but it somehow was less annoying. He also talked about beating you once you recovered, cause fighting someone injured was no fight!

When you got back to headquarters, you unfortunately saw your older brother, Sanemi, sparring with the Serpent Pillar

“What happened to your leg?”

“WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR FACE?!-“

[nullsleepy]

The Strike of a Villainess

Chapter 5: The Huh of the Huh??

Chapter 1 Chapter 6 Ao3

——-//——-///———

A small rustle could be heard as Marinette looked through her desk’s drawers, attempting to find some paper and a pen. How anyone could live without having a single paper in their desk, Marinette couldn’t understand. With no luck, the girl stared deadpan out the nearby window.

Instead of continuing to look hopelessly, Marinette turned her sights to the room’s door- one that might lead somewhere where she could find something to organize her thoughts.

“Are you sure about this, Marinette? There could be danger out there and you don’t have any of your kwamis with you. There could-” She took a long, deep breath, keeping herself from panicking as she walked over to the doorknob, reaching out and grabbing it.

“Let’s do this.” She opened the door into a silent hallway, decorated with endless paintings and valuables. The hair raised on the back of Marinette’s neck as she entered the hallway, constantly trying to keep her balance so she didn’t knock over something expensive.

“My lady?” Eloise’s voice reached Marinette’s ears, causing her to turn towards the maid that was certainly NOT there just a moment before. “May I help you with something?”

For some reason, the maid’s smile was unnerving to Marinette, though she couldn’t figure out why- couldn’t place a single detail that bothered her.

“…could you help me find some pen and paper, please?” Marinette gripped her own hands together, looking down at the ground. “I can’t find any.”

“Of course, my lady!” The maid smiled again at her, disappearing down the hall. “Just wait in your room for me!”

Marinette shuffled back to her room, a bit weirded out that her journey was cut short so suddenly. Or why the maid hadn’t let her see where the paper and pens were. Maybe she was just too paranoid…

As she entered her room, she noticed something on her desk- something that she knew for certain wasn’t there before. A book. A colorful book. A GLOWING book.

“What. The. Flip.” Marinette stared up at it, barely able to keep her hands from reaching up and pulling out her hair. This was weird. This was scary. This was absolutely TERRIFYING.

But for some reason, Marinette didn’t feel scared of the book, it actually felt like it was pulling her closer. It radiated a warmth she hadn’t felt since the last time her maman had hugged her. She couldn’t stop herself as her hand rose towards it and softly touched the book.

But just as she touched it, the glow wrapped around her arm, pulling her forward, forcing her completely against the desk.

Marinette let out a shriek as she felt her hand go inside the cover and something sharp touch her. She immediately yanked her hand out of it, falling backwards as she continued to stare up in fear at the book.

A small bat flew out of it, looking like it was smiling towards her. “Hello, master.”

Marinette gaped at it before throwing the closest thing at it- her hand. She immediately went into “if I’m going to die, you’re gonna die with me” mode as she swatted at the bat. “Just try me you bug-bat-fluff creature! I’ll get rid of you faster than my papa rolls out dough!”

“Hey! Wait a moment!” The bat flew around her room, trying to escape her. “Just listen to me!”

“No way! Last time I listened to something like you- I was stuck trying to save all of Paris!” Marinette threw a nearby perfume bottle at it- which somehow did not break, though the bat barely got out of the way. She immediately into a Crane style kung-fu move, eyes sharp as she stared it down.

“Nettie sent me! The kwami you spoke to!” The creature screamed, hiding behind a bed post. It’s wings wrapped around it, holding onto it for dear life. “Please don’t hurt me!”

“Nettie?” Marinette regained a normal standing position, crossing her arms. “And I’m supposed to believe you? The kwami never even told me their name!”

“They had told you they were going to send you stuff, remember? Like abilities and stuff?” It shook, letting go of the bed frame to curl in on itself. “I’m not lying!”

“Alright, fine. Let’s say I believe you, why are you here? How can you help me?” Marinette kept her stern attitude, but she could feel her heart waver at how cute the small bat-thing was.

The creature smiled as it rose up, puffing out its fluffy chest. “Nettie sent me here to help you! I am the keeper of the book of eternal knowledge! A creature beyond fathomable form! I know everything there is to know about this world and every timeline that there ever has been or will be!”

“…So you’re a guide of sorts? Or are you here to give me this book of eternal knowledge? You haven’t explained anything.” Marinette glared down at the creature, raising a brow.

“I was just getting to that, human! I am the kwami of secrets, a guardian of which few can see! I was sent here to help guide you along the path of change- to ensure you save this world. With the book of eternal knowledge, you will be able to gain abilities that you have only ever dreamed about- though you’ll only be able to use it when you are ready.” The bat kwami flew up to her, staring her in the eyes. “Can I ensure that you will only use this knowledge for changing the world? For changing your role?”

“Of course.” Marinette’s hands fell down to her side. “You aren’t the first kwami to make me swear to saving the world and keeping secrets. But.. do you have a name? Something I can call you by?”

The kwami looked down as if in deep thought while its form slouched. Suddenly, it looked back up, as if reluctant to say anything. “I have no name, human. I have only ever been known as the keeper of Eternal knowledge.”

“… I see.” Marinette put a hand on her face as she looked carefully at the creature. “Then I’ll just call you…”

An image flashed into her brain, causing a small, sad smile to form on her lips.

“Paris.”

“What does that name mean, human?” The creature flew onto her shoulder, looking up at her.

“It’s a name that symbolizes everything I hold dear.”

“So your own secret? I see. I shall accept this name then! I am Paris, the keeper of Eternal Knowledge! And for our first order of business-” Paris suddenly went still before flying off to behind her desk.

“Paris? What are you-?” The door suddenly opened and Eloise came in, a large stack of papers and some pens in hand.

The maid’s stare lingered on her desk - where the kwami was hiding - before smiling at Marinette. “Here are the items you asked for, my lady.”

“Thank you.” Marinette mumbled, taking the items. For a few minutes, the two just stared at each other silently, with only their breath being audible. “…was there anything you needed?”

“I thought I just saw a rat, my lady. But I seem to have been wrong.” Eloise smiled before backing up to the door. “Just the ring the bell if you need something.”

The door began to close before Marinette’s voice rang out. “Wait!”

“Yes, my lady?” The door was still as Eloise continued to smile at her.

“Have you always had green eyes?” Marinette clutched the items in her hands, barely able to keep in her shaking.

“Whatever do you mean, my lady? Of course they have always been green.” Eloise tilted her head, grinning before closing the door.

Marinette fell back onto the floor, her heart racing as Paris flew out to her.

“You shouldn’t trust her, human. She is a-”

“Doppelgänger. I know.” Marinette continued to stare at the door. “But I didn’t think one would be able to sneak into the villainess’ home. I don’t like this. I don’t like this one bit.”

——-///——-//———///———

Next

Taglist(open): @fangirlingfanatic @when-no-wings-do-broomsticks @iinhalemayonnaise @kking13 @xxcalypso-phoenixheartxx @khneltea

Notes: I’m now officially out of pre-written chapters so gotta wait to be motivated again. Also am sick 🤒 Anyways, love y’all!

[abbysleftbicepp]

Abby being your comfort person (your family has been ruining your day and your ex is bugging you).

Ughh this hits a little close to home rn I can’t lie. Tysm for the prompt!!! This was kinda rushed but I wanted to finish it because I loved the Idea so much. (Not proofread!!)

“You need to get out there and get a real job! You can’t just keep living off of a dream that you know will never work out.” Your mom nagged at you all day, she tried supporting your small business but she was fed up with you because it wasn’t going anywhere.

“Your mothers right. You know what I could ask my boss if we’re hiring at the moment, he could get you kickstarted at a job in the company.” Your dad added to the conversation. You held your head in your hands at the dinner table, you did not have the energy for this tonight.

“I’m not working at your stupid office job, I’m not gonna get stuck in a 9 to 5 and not have a life like everyone else my age. This business is going somewhere, it just needs time.” You retorted. You were tired of their nagging, but you knew they would give you a harder time if you up and left.

“Making jewellery out of trashy beads is not a way of living! You will give up, and when you do don’t even think about crawling to us because we warned you.” Your mother yelled, startling you. You tried hiding the fact it startled you, so you asked her calmly;

“May I leave now?”

“Yes, you may.” She snapped, leaving the table herself.

When you pulled into the porch of your small home that you and Abby rented together, you were immediately bombarded by messages from your ex.

Ellie: hey

Ellie: r u busy tnite

Ellie: I know ur seeing my msgs, answer me pls

Ellie: cmon babe I just wanna talk.

You switched off your phone, you couldn’t be arsed with her usual shit. It had been 3 weeks since you found her fucking another girl at a party. 3 weeks since you ended everything with her, and 3 weeks since she started spamming your phone with apologies and horny texts.

Once you walked through the door, you kicked your shoes off and your breathing came uneasy.

“Hey where have you been? It’s pretty late I was getting worried.” Your amazing roommate, Abby, asked. She noticed how your breathing had hitched and tears brimmed your eyelids, threatening to fall out at any given moment.

“Hey it’s okay. Cmere.” She said, before gently grabbing your hand and walking you to the living room. You both sat down on the sofa, and she looked into your eyes with concern.

“Wanna tell me what’s happened?” She asked softly. Her voice alone was enough to send you over the edge. The tears fell down your cheeks as the dam broke, she knew that she didn’t need an explanation, all she needed to do right now was to make sure you were comforted.

She wrapped her large muscular arms around your back, pulling you into her chest. She rubbed small circles into your ribs, trying to soothe you.

“Try to focus on my heartbeat okay? Let my heartbeat be the only thing on your mind.” She whispered into your ear. A few moments passed, and your tears had stopped. The dam had dried. She still drew circles into your back, in an attempt to keep you calm.

Eventually you pulled away, slightly. She was still holding onto your shoulders as she looked into your eyes.

“Wanna tell me what happened?” She asked softly, trying not to pry.

You sniffled as you wiped your eyes, noticing the tear stains on her sweatshirt.

“Sorry about your shirt..” you sniffled again.

Abby let out a quiet laugh. “Don’t you worry about my shirt, I don’t mind as long as you’re okay.” Abby spoke, her voice bringing you the peace that you oh-so needed.

“I don’t really wanna talk about today..I just wanna sleep it off if that’s okay.” You spoke, not looking at her.

“Yeah that’s fine. I won’t push you to say anything.” She smiled.

“Can you stay with me tonight, please..?” You asked, your heart beating slightly faster.

“If it will help you sleep, of course I can.” Abby smiled softly at you.

When you both got into bed, she wrapped her meaty arm around your waist, pulling you closer.

“Don’t you worry, I won’t let anything or anyone hurt you while I’m around.” She whispered into your neck as you fell into a blissful sleep.