#got me through the whole mopping part of my work night

[mickyschumacher]

Im not sure if your request are open but if they are- a fic with Lando based off the song lose control by Teddy swims. Angst and smut, the whole works😩

But if your request are not open and you see this I hope you have an amazing day/night 🫶

(also I absolutely love your writing. Binge read majority of them the first day I got tumblr and I’m obsessed)

[LOSE CONTROL!]

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: you and lando had ended things on a good note... or so you thought. you didn't expect to find him at your front door begging for a second chance. or in which lando doesn't know when to give up.

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒: 18+ (minor dni), mentions of magui (not a fan of what she's done but this is fiction), angst, jealousy, cheesy confessions, unprotected sex (pretty please use protection), teasing, slight-public roleplay? breast play, eating out, fingering, oral sex, p in v, cumming inside, mentions of crashing, technically infidelity on lando's part, poor humour, fluff, and poor proofreading.

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: ex-fwb!lando norris x fem!reader, special appearances: magui corceiro and joão felix.

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓: 9k+

𝐀/𝐍: first of all so sorry for taking this up so late! my bad... but it's done! in time for my 2k special! yes that's right, there are two thousands of you little buggers reading my work! i'm ever so grateful, especially because i'm the most inconsistent person i know! thank you for putting up with me, for reading my work, and for your cute little comments. they all make me very happy in such a tough time i've been going through. sending you my ever grateful love from the bottom of my heart ♡︎ p.s it's my 100th post shocker!

𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

"I miss you."

Lando's voice was always like this. Slightly croaky and brittle yet warm and full of need. For you it was a sort of drug. It always pulled you in, it blurred the line between wrong and right, and you always came back for more. And when it was paired with those brown tinged blue eyes of his and all the freckles on his face, you were a goner.

"Lando," you sighed, leaning on your door frame. It was one in the morning. You were asleep but ever so gracefully woken up to the consistent ring of your doorbell. You rubbed your face with an exhaustion not familiar to your slumber but familiar to the antics of Lando himself. The words fell from your lips in an eased flow. "You can't be here. You don't miss me. You need to leave."

You tried to avoid his pained eyes but everywhere you looked, you met them in some shape or form.

"But I do miss you. I miss everything about you. Your smile, your lips, your body, your laugh, fuck, everything."

You blinked slowly, wondering how you had got here. How is it that the decisions and choice you made in life lead to Lando Norris pleading at your front door at one in the morning?

Ah...

There was an answer to that.

As the story goes, around a year ago, you were with Lando. 'With' was a loose term. It was supposed to be friends with benefits. You had been for almost a year by that point. Naturally, the only rule to being friends with benefits was to not fall in love with each other. And as natural as that rule was, there was a common saying: 'Rules are meant to be broken.'

You and Lando both realised it. But it terrified you the most. You weren't cut out for this. Things were already hard enough as it was sneaking around.

Travelling on the private jets, facing the media and the public, having to watch Lando race every weekend and pray for him wellbeing... it wasn't exactly your cup of tea. It was exactly why you were friends with benefits in the first place.

So you ended it. Lando wasn't happy about it but he respected it.

That was the end of your story.

Or so you thought.

"Lan, you're in a relationship. For fuck's sake, please can you consider her at least?"

Lando ran a hand through his dark mop of curls, sighing while holding back the eye roll at the mention of his intricately created PR relationship. He knew you were right. You often were. But you weren't understanding him. He didn't think you ever could, no matter how much he tried to explain it to you.

You and him... you were made for each other. He knew it from the bottom of his heart. You were perfect. Together, you were perfect. There was no one like you. And for him, there was no one else. Not ever. No matter who he dated or who he was with, he'd be damned if there was someone else other than you.

Lando's tongue poked his cheek, eyes firmly on you. "Are you coming this Sunday? In the evening?"

This race weekend was the Silverstone circuit and in the same day, afterwards, was a dinner party with the drivers, families, and friends. In other words, it was a recipe for disaster.

"I don't think I should..." you trailed off, internally wincing when you knew deep down you should've just said you weren't coming rather than being open to it. When it came to the blue-eyed boy in front of you, any assertiveness you ever had was thrown out the window.

Lando reached to grab your hands, fingers automatically rubbing smooth circles into your skin. "Please come," he pleaded, "if not for me, come for mum and dad, hmm? They miss having you around."

You pressed your lips together, eyes falling onto the floor as you began to chew your lip. "Lando, I can't come. It doesn't look good... for the both of–"

"She won't be there."

Your eyes flickered up to Lando, widening slightly at his words.

With an eager sharpe intake of air, he doubled down on his response. "If that's why you're saying no, she won't be there."

You tilted your head, giving him an almost dry look. "You know that's not even half of the reason." A sigh fell from your lips. "Go home, Lando. You've got practice tomorrow. You need sleep."

Lando's eyes softened. You always kept track of those small things for him, scolding him for not going to sleep early or not taking care of himself. It was like old times all over again. His grip around your hands tightened. "I will," He promised, "but tell me you're coming on Sunday. Please."

You cursed at yourself. It was that same voice. That one with so much need and desperation. It was as if a voice gained the ability to have puppy eyes.

Reluctantly, you nodded slowly. "Fine... I'll come," you relented.

A smile finally sprawled across Lando's face, hands moving to quickly bring you into a hug. His arms felt comfortable, bringing an ease you hadn't felt in over a year. "Thank you."

Your eyes widened when you felt a quick kiss on your cheek, still lingering after Lando parted. He grinned, taking a few steps back from you. "I'll see you Sunday. "

━━━━━━━━━━━

The Sunday jitters were real. You couldn't ever truly imagine how anyone of the drivers felt on race day but you imagined it to be something like this.

The way your heart was thumping, one would think you have an odd case of arrhythmia. You were working up a sweat masked by the anxious sprays of perfume you had lathered on and all you were doing was standing.

You hadn't watched the race in person because that was equally as idiotic as going to a brunch where the person you love and his family was despite him having a girlfriend. And you didn't want to be twice as idiotic. In the end, Lando had gotten a well-earned P3 at his home race, despite the mistakes of his team.

You were happy for him. But it didn't rule out the fact you were in a serious dilemma of awkwardness as you dawdled outside of the venue. Your fingers twirled around the fabric of your dress.

You shouldn't of worn it. It was Lando's favourite. You knew that.

Hell, you shouldn't be here.

You should go home.

It wasn't too late.

Your name abruptly sprung into the air. "Is that you?"

Well shit.

You took a slow turn on your feet, a sheepish smile automatically working its way onto your face. "Mr and Mrs Norris!" you greeted.

An amused huff fell from Lando's mother's mouth. "Please! You know you can call by our names!"

Somewhere in the back of your head, you could feel your mother's voice nagging you at the very thought of calling them by their names.

Cisca smiled, bringing you into a warm hug. "God, we've miss you!" Pulling away after a few seconds, she took another few to observe you. "You've become more beautiful since we last saw you, isn't that right, Adam?"

Lando's father chuckled. "Not more than you though," he teased only to get a playful elbow from his wife. He turned to you and grinned, reminding you exactly where Lando's came from. "The girls will be so happy to see you, sweetie. Oliver too."

You laughed gently, thanking them. Your mouth felt dry. Usually you knew what to say to them. But it had been so long, you weren't sure what to say. Whether it was right or wrong. How much Lando had even said...

"Lando was telling us how you've been busy studying, is that right? You've been doing your master's?" His father queried.

Speak of the devil...

You nodded slowly. "Yes. It's research based so it's quite, uh, time consuming. So I just wanted to put a year dedicated to it. That's why I haven't been around as much."

Both of his parents nodded in understanding. His mother pouted, "While it's been sad without you, I'm very proud of you. A bachelors is no easy feat let alone a master's!"

Your heart constricted while her soft eyes met yours. His mother was always like this. Talking you... treating you as if you were her daughter. You never understood it. You'd only known each other for a couple of years including the period were you and Lando were with each other.

You asked her a month before you had ended it with Lando how she knew you so well. Her response... you could've never forgotten it even if you willed it. '"A mother knows everything. What's good and bad for their children. You know it as mother's intuition. When I look at you, I just know."'

"'Know what?'" You remembered asking.

"How important you are to Lando."

And that was when you realised you were completely and utterly in love with him.

"If you two are done talking, we should finally go inside," Lando's father continued to tease.

You sucked in a sharp breath as you walked with his parents inside the venue.

It was definitely too late.

━━━━━━━━━━━

To be honest, Lando had seen many beautiful things in life. Life, if you looked at it carefully, perhaps on a slight angle, was beautiful. And besides, they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

But the sight of you walking into the venue, arm linked with his own mother and you chatting with his father was forever etched into his brain.

He could've sworn his heart was leaping out of his chest. Everything about what he was seeing was perfect. Your smile, the atmosphere, the sun shining down on you, the sound of your laugh, your hair, the wind, the dress... God, he could go on and on.

"Lando! Look who we met outside!" His mother cheered making him grin.

"Well, well, well," Lando smiled, giving his mother a kiss on the cheek before hugging his father. He stepped back, blue eyes fixated on you. He stretched out his arms, waiting for a hug making you sigh and his parents laugh softly.

You took a step forward, reaching your hands to wrap around his back while Lando's own hands fell to your waist and brought you close. His classic Tom Ford perfume lingered around you as he whispered in your ear. "You came."

"I promised," you responded softly, pulling back only for him to tighten his grip on you. You suppressed an eye roll. "Congrats on P3. You did well."

Lando perked up at the mention of his race and finally pulled back. "You watched?"

"I–" Your voice was interrupted by another familiar Brit.

"Is that who I think it is?" Alex queried with his usual wide grin.

Now it was your turn to roll your eyes. "Depends... is it the most prettiest girl? After Lily, of course."

Alex chuckled. "Is there any other answer?"

You pretended to ponder. "Nope! That's the one." You both laughed as you gave each other a hug.

"Where have you been? I needed someone to give me company on the tracks. It's been so lonely," He complained dramatically.

And without realising it, you were back to meeting everyone you hadn't seen in a long time. Weirdly enough, you missed this. Talking to everyone, joking around, just spending time with them... it gave you some sort of peace.

"Okay! Oscar, you're time's up," Lando announced, standing at the table you, Oscar and his girlfriend, Lily, were seated at.

Oscar gaped at his teammate. "But we only just met her!"

Lando gave a sickly sweet smile. "Aw... tough. Now scram!"

You shook your head as you watched the couple leave the table. "You are the worst," you said, leaning on your arm while Lando took a seat next to you.

"I haven't seen you in so long! Sue me for wanting to spend time with you," Lando shrugged in his defence, blue eyes trained on you.

You blinked, averting your eyes to the rest of the party. "I going to get some champagne," you murmured, standing up to go the table full of various spirits and juices.

You cursed silently as you caught Lando following after you from your peripheral. Arriving to the table, your fingers danced around, looking for the right glass of bubbles.

"You're ignoring me," Lando stated, hot breath skimming past your ear as he stood inches away from you.

You kept your eyes on the alcohol, letting a small laugh fall from your lips. "Gee, has anyone ever told you that you're a smart cookie, Lando"?

Lando pursed his lips. "I miss you."

You sighed at the familiar words, fingers wrapping around a glass of what you were pretty sure was Dom Perignon leisurely being given. "Lando... stop it. I came here because you wanted me to, okay? Just forget about whatever it is you're thinking about."

You sucked in a sharp breath when you felt Lando's hand travel to yours, fingers just hanging on to each other. You hated how his touch made you feel so... so tingly. As if you were having your first crush.

"So that's why you wore this dress? To tell me to stop? Because I wanted you here?" He laughed softly, playing with your fingers. He shook his head. "I can't even imagine what you'd do if I told you every single thought running through my head right now."

Your eyes widened. You shakily put back the glass of champagne.

"Lan–" Your voice cut off upon the feeling of his fingers trailing at the back of your neck. You gulped while Lando's voice continued to linger.

"How much of a mistake do you think this really is? Wearing my favourite dress? Don't think I haven't seen that necklace on you. Let's turn that pendant around and show everyone who's name is on it, hmm?"

Your eyes widened. Shit. You had completely forgotten about the necklace. You had spent all your time using it on the front side that you had forgotten about his initial's engraved on the back.

Lando's tongue trailed over his bottom lip, head tilting to the side. "Sweetheart, I'm torn. You have no idea how gorgeous you look. But you have no idea how much I would give... what I would do to take you home right now. That dress would be off and my fingers would be on you. Fuck, just imagining it, I–"

"Lando!"

You and Lando both furrowed your brows, chests heaving breathlessly. You definitely didn't say his name nor did you sound like that. Turning your head slightly, the view made you take wide steps back from Lando.

Lando mended his brows even more, only smoothing them when he saw what you had seen. "B-Baby!" The endearment failed to come out of his mouth smoothly, making you wince.

You watched Lando hug the blonde girl in front of you. "What are you doing here? I thought you were in Brazil?" He asked, only just covering up his sheer curiosity.

"I was but I wanted to surprise you... so surprise!"

A surprise... yes it was.

You blinked as the blonde turned to you, extended her hand, and introduced herself. Awkwardly, you returned the kind gesture because ultimately she had done nothing wrong to you.

You introduced yourself as Lando's old friend because it was the safest bet. And it was the truth... to some degree.

"Can I get you anything to drink?" Lando asked his girlfriend as a queasy feeling began to form in your stomach. You think you can hear her respond, settling for a glass. You weren't sure. Your ears were tuning in and out of this noise. Out of your peripheral you see the driver turn to you. "Did you still want your champagne?"

You let out a low exhale and gave the both of them a tight smile. "It's okay. I was just leaving."

The smile on Lando's face dropped. "W-What? Already?"

You nodded curtly. "Lots of things to do."

Lando narrowed his eyes. "Like what? It's barely seven... the day's almost over..."

Your eyes widened, feeling startled as an awkward laugh fell from his girlfriend's lips. "Lan, the girl said she has things to do. Stop grilling her. Sorry... must be the post-race adrenaline or something. It's a shame you can't stick around though. See you around?"

You gave a small smile, slightly irritated at how genuine and sweet she was. You actually wished there was something about her to hate. "Yeah," You agreed softly, "See you around."

━━━━━━━━━━━

About thirty minutes had passed since you left the dinner party, much to everyone's dismay.

You were exhausted.

You only just had the energy to take off your heels and put aside your purse before you fell onto your bed. Sighing, you stared at the ceiling. What even was life anymore?

You couldn't believe yourself. You were so angry and pissed off at Lando and you were jealous of his girlfriend.

There wasn't any rocket science to it. You were still very much in love with Lando. You shouldn't be but you were.

Your mother once told you that love wasn't black and white. It was the blurred line between: it was grey. It was never as simple as being in love or not. You fall in love and fall out of it and just as you did, you would fall once again but with someone else entirely. And sometimes it compelled idiotic things like infidelity or rebounds.

Love was also seasonal. It changed all the time and sometimes you enjoyed it and sometimes it made you suffer. It was entirely demanding. It drove people crazy. It was overwhelming and yet so lonely.

Point in case: love sucked.

And you and Lando had not escaped from it.

You weren't sure if you ever could.

But you had to. It was the right thing to do. Maintaining boundaries was the right way to go.

You blew some air up to your face, pushing the hair out of your face. Nodding to yourself, you told yourself you were getting over Lando.

You sat straight at the sound of your doorbell ringing throughout your house. Begrudgingly you walked towards the door, a hundred percent sure it was your neighbour a floor down. She was a sweet, quiet old lady who fit the 'crazy cat lady' persona a bit too well. Often, she came to you asking if you had seen a cat of hers but the worst part was that all of her cats were the tabby orange type. How she could tell the difference was beyond you, no more than how exactly the cats were using elevators and opening fire exits to get to your floor.

Without thinking too much, you opened the door to greet the lady but all the words you had ever known fell to the air upon seeing Lando.

"Lando," you took a calm deep breath, "Please tell me I'm hallucinating or that you're not actually in front of my door right now."

"I can't do that," Lando said, eyes burning with something a bit too familiar.

Wordlessly, you begun closing the door. But the jutted foot of Lando's quickly intercepted the act. "Please," Lando pleaded, coming into your apartment.

You let out a distressed sigh as you hear the door close. "Lando, you can't be here. You're supposed to be at a dinner party. With your friends... family, with your girlfriend, oh my God, with your freaking girlfriend, Lando."

"But you're the only one on my mind," Lando breathed, watching you walk around your house. His arm reached out to your waist, stopping your endless rounds of circles. He could feel you take a sharp intake of air, standing still at his touch. Holding you close, his lips lingered near your ear while his warmth enveloped you.

"I think I'm going crazy," he murmured. "You're in my dreams. Even when I look at her, I see your face. You're fucking everywhere, sweetheart."

You pursued your lips together. "Why do you have to make things so difficult?" you asked quietly, not to Lando in particular but to the silence of your house.

"Then tell me... that you don't want me here. That you don't feel the same way. Tell me... tell me you don't love me. Then I'll leave. I promise."

"I–" you paused, turning your body to him. You could feel his eyes searching your face but you couldn't even lift your head up. "I don't love you."

A lengthy silence ensued and it spoke volumes.

Finally, a soft chuckle from Lando's lips broke the silence. "You can't even look me in the eye and tell me that."

You threw your head back with an exhausted sigh, giving up. Your hands began to flail about. "What more do you want from me, Lando? Why can't you just leave me, us, alone?"

Lando's hand travelled to your jaw, pulling you in a mere inch away from his face. His grip was soft and warm, lulling you. "I can't leave you alone... I can't ever leave you alone. You don't get it," a cry of frustration fell from his lips while his eyes watered, "You were made for me and I was made for you. You... you are all I ever think about. I can't breathe without you. I exist for you. I am so fucking in love with you, it scares me. And i-if you tell me you love me, I'll break up with her right now."

Your eyes burned with an all but familiar salty liquid. "Lando... I can't."

Lando clenched his jaw. His voice was so quiet, a crack away from breaking entirely. "Why? Why can't you just admit that you're in love with me?"

"Because I'm terrified!"

You feel Lando's hand fall from your jaw while his brows furrowed, asking you what you were talking about. Your cheeks were flushed with heat while your fingers dug rested on your hips, digging into your flesh. You took in a shaky breath.

"I can't do this life, Lan. I can't be away from you all the time and travel with you all the time. I'm not another girl on your arm for the media. And I really can't watch you race. Every time I watch you race... I, " you blew air into your cheeks, "I watch with a sick stomach. Every spin, every crash... I always just think.. God, if something happened to you. If I love you..."

Lando fell silent. For the first time in a long time, he had nothing to say to you. All he had were the fresh tears quietly leaking out of his eyes. He blinked rapidly, using his arm to wipe off the rest of his silent sobbing. Stepping forward, with the soft pad of his thumb, he collected the tears you hadn't realised were falling.

Lando cleared his throat, breathing in while he rested his hand on your cheek, rubbing soft circles into your skin. "Ever since I met you, before I even realised I was in love with you, I've spent every race thinking about you. You're my first thought when those lights go off and the last when that flag waves. You don't know it but you are the only thing that makes me feel truly safe. And I would fight the world if it meant that you could openly love me back."

A singular tear made it's way down your face, seeping into the pores of your skin as Lando pressed a long kiss on your cheek before quietly leaving towards the door. Before entirely leaving, he stopped in his tracks. "I'm not giving up on us. I told you before. I could never leave you."

━━━━━━━━━━━

It had been a month since you and Lando had talked... whatever that was out.

The promise he had made before leaving your house that day was one he was persistent in pursuing. You knew Lando. He was stubborn. Often, what he wanted, he got.

You tried to avoid him. But the good morning and good night messages you received every day despite his ever-changing time zones still reached you. You spent the first three days ignoring them but the guilt with each passing day got heavier.

In a way, it felt like you were restarting your friendship. Taking things slow. Except the odd times that reminded you it was anything but. In particular Lando's 'drunk on horniness' messages or the sudden love confessions that popped out of thin air.

Things were... steadyish.

It was the only reason you had accepted Carlos' extended invitation to join him and the other's at a nightclub. You couldn't lie. Of course, Lando was at the forefront of your brain when you accepted. A part of you was curious.

How was he holding up?

Whether he was still with his girlfriend...

Were his plans on not giving up on you limited to his consistent texts?

But alas, as life usually worked, things did not go the way you planned.

While most of the drivers steered clear of the alcohol aside from their podiums, a practice Lando often took somewhat seriously, he was seriously considering breaking at the sight of you. More specifically, the sight of you and João Felix, the famed five-star FIFA player, mingling.

Lando who wasn't starving for any spirits was ready to down a few shots. But instead, he was completely sober, not a lick of alcohol in him, watching João, the ex-boyfriend of his own girlfriend chat you up.

Lando couldn't exactly blame the athlete. He would've done the same thing: the fixated eyes as you talked, the ear-to-ear smile when you laughed, the seamless checking out when you turned to take a sip of your drink or talk to someone nearby because Lando was a hundred percent sure you were the most gorgeous person in the room.

But he could blame João's pettiness. Lando had his ex and now he was going after you. In way, he rated it. But Lando knew you too well.

You were not interested in the player at all. The tight smiles, the absentminded nods, the readiness to jump into a conversation with literally anyone else... you were practically inviting Lando for a talk.

You could feel yourself freeze at the sight of Lando and his girlfriend walk over to the both of you. The air, all of a sudden, felt thick, fogging up your brain. You weren't quite sure what to say. This odd intertwining history between the four of you was nauseating.

"João," Lando greeted with a fake cheer. Magui, his girlfriend, gave a tight smile that bordered on pissed off – you knew the look all too well.

The football player gave a loose grin, shaking Lando's hand. "Lando... Magui," he sucked in a sharp breath. "Oh! Have you guys met yet?" He asked, brown eyes moving to you as he introduced you to the couple.

The three of you blinked at the dry sarcasm underpinning João's voice. You let a small laugh fall past your lips. "We have, actually. I'm Lando's old friend and Magui and I met not so long ago."

Lando gave you a pointed look. "You are way too down to earth. She's a special old friend," he corrected, grinning at João.

You pursed your lips awkwardly as the two Portugueses raised their eyes brows. You raised your hand to rub the nape of your neck nervously. "Uh, well, no... just old friend will do. Always the funny one, huh, Lando?" You murmured with a forced laugh.

To be honest, as the silence began to build, you were surprised to even hear Magui's voice. "I'm sorry..." she started, arm darting out to grab João's hand, making you widen your eyes, "João, we need to talk."

You incredulously watched Magui drag away the Portuguese before turning to Lando. You pondered over her words. "She still–"

"Likes him? Yup!" Lando said, popping the 'p' as he shoved his hands in his pockets.

"It's weird how similar she and I are. Lonely... and both head over heels for our exes." Lando tilted his head, eyes examining you carefully while you took a deep breath. "Can't say the same for João though," he clicked his tongue.

The comment made you raise a brow. Lando softly laughed at your confused expression. "Sweetheart... it is my worst luck that you are the most gorgeous woman to exist. João had eyes for you. From the moment you were talking till the moment we stepped in."

You folded your arms, a small grin teetering on your face at the irritated expression on his face. "So you were watching me... obsessed much?" You humoured out of pure amusement.

Lando poked his cheek with his tongue, taking a step towards you, hands still shoved into this pockets of his pants. "Oh you have no idea."

You pressed your lips together.

There were an infinite amount of things that were unhealthy. Rewatching your comfort shows five times too many, the double digits on your screen-time, a high sugar intake (although your tastebuds said otherwise)...

But for you, it usually ended up being Lando. The various facets of Lando often left you undone. And a clean-shaven Lando, stalking towards you in the loosest long sleeve polo shirt, folded at the arms and half unbuttoned so the necklace you brought him and bracelets he wore glittered under the club lights was just another one of many undoings.

"Lando..." you murmured, taking a step back, eyes darting to your surroundings. "What are you doing?"

"I haven't told you how good you look today, have I? Because you have no idea how fucking hot you look," Lando responded, ignoring your question as he took another step forward.

You swallowed your saliva at the recognisable look swirling in those blue orbs of his. Like he was going to ravage you.

"Lando," you hissed, putting a hand to his chest to maintain some distance. You breathed shakily, trying to think straight. "Have some self-control!"

"Oh sweetheart, you know as much as I do." You widened your eyes as Lando used your hand to pull you closer, merely inches away from his face. His voice, despite it's softness, is drowned in a husk that runs down your spine. His warm breath pricked the surface your skin. "When it comes to you, I have no control."

Never in your life had your throat felt so dry. You burned at his words and his touch made your stomach churn. "But..." you furrowed your brows, trying to remember what you wanted to say. "But Magui? João?" You managed to get out.

As the strobes of light glimmered across Lando, you managed to capture him closing his eyes after being trained on your lips for so long, as though he was trying to hold himself back, swimming up to the surface for some sort of consciousness.

His forehead fell to yours as he pondered those three words. "I told you..." Lando said, hands travelling up your neck to hold your face, relishing the heat your flushed state brought. "I exist for you."

In essence: fuck Magui and fuck João.

━━━━━━━━━━━

"You're kidding me," Lando flatly said, evilly eyeing the 'Out of Order' sign on your elevator.

"I'm also totally kidding that my room's on the fifth floor," You laughed softly, sarcasm underlying your voice.

Lando turned to you with a blank stare. You two had both managed to get out of the nightclub as discreetly as you could (which included the most obvious winks from Carlos and Fewtrell). While both of your patience was wearing thin, in the nature of an F1 driver, Lando was losing it ten times faster.

Lando had been waiting what felt like forever to be with you, for you to green-light him. That time he spent without you felt torturous as though he was being punished for being in love. And now that he had you, he was going to make up for lost time.

The only hitch in his plan was an elevator under maintenance and five flights of stairs.

Lando raised a brow at the anything but innocent smile tugging on your lips. He sucked in a sharp breath. "I do not like that look on your face."

You suppressed an eye roll, knowing damn well those twinkling eyes were saying something else. Slowly, you walked towards the fire exit with Lando following after you cautiously. Popping your head into the room, you looked up and the numerous staircases trailing up the building.

A quiet laugh slipped past Lando's mouth. "What are you doing?" He asked as you took your heels off and placed them on the floor.

You turned to him, resting your hand the railing of the staircase while the other found your hip. "My dear Lando," you tsked, "you didn't think it would be that easy, did you?"

You smiled at the furrowed brows he sported. "They say you should work hard to get what you want. Who knows..." you shrugged, "Maybe you'll find my panties on the third floor."

As the cogs finally clicked in place, Lando sunk his teeth into his lips. "Fuck," he muttered under his breath, raking his eyes over you. "And if someone catches us?"

You jutted your bottom lip, pretending to ponder his question. "Guess you'll have to be fast then. Aren't you an athlete or something?" You teased, grinning ear-to-ear now.

"You are going to be the death of me." Lando gave you a pointed look, throwing his heading back soon after receiving a cheeky wink from your side.

The British driver watched carefully as you started to make your way up the flight of stairs. Smiling to himself while shaking his head, he grabbed your heels with his two fingers and climbed up after you.

Lando was amused and excited at the same time, seeing you occasionally turn to him with a knowing glint in your eyes. He knew himself that things were currently tame: finding your heels, purse, and jacket in his hands.

He felt dazed upon catching a glimpse of the lace underneath your dress, tight around your ample flesh, his own pants beginning to constrict.

"Not just yet, Lan." Your voice piped up in the silence. Lando fluttered his eyes open, seeing you turn back to him again. He questionably hummed in response, gathering himself once again.

"What are you going to do now?" You queried with feigned innocence, eyes flickering to your bra dangling in your hand. "Whoops!"

Lando sucked in a sharp breath, watching your bra fall to the floor before shamelessly moving his eyes to your chest, eyes bulging at the now uncontrolled cleavage spilling from your dress. His fingers clenched around all of your items while he swallowed the saliva building up in his mouth.

The sudden urge to increase his pace up the stairs made you widen your eyes with a fire-like anticipation, matching his action. As Lando grabbed your bra from the floor, he could only imagine what was coming as you arrived to the third floor.

But surprisingly enough, Lando had caught up to you, intentional on your part he was sure. He eyed your body as you sat on a stair, leg crossed over another, letting your dress ride up your thighs.

"Looking for something?" You queried, catching his attention.

"Nothing." Lando winced at the poor and croaky lie escaping his lips.

You grinned, gliding your tongue over your lip. You stood up, hand clenching around the soft and wet fabric in your hands. You could hear Lando's breath hitch as you used your free hand to trail up his leg, only millimetres away from the bulge in his pants.

Lando's eyes focused on you as you met his gaze. He felt your lips graze his own, naturally making him lean in for more but your finger pressing down stopped him, instead pulling his free hand open.

Lando closed his eyes upon the feel of the soft textured fabric in his rough palm. "Please tell me that's what I think it is."

He knew what it was. But he wanted to hear it from your lips.

You moved your lips to his ear. "What do you want to hear? That your holding my panties? Or that they're soaked?"

Lando's eyes snapped open, dropping your items to his side. His hand travelled up your neck, holding your face to jerk it towards him. You could feel his hot breath swarm your vicinity. His thumb trailed over your lips, head leaning in.

You gave him a small smile, pulling away. "We still have two whole floors, Lando. Patience is a virtue."

Lando blinked blankly at the light tap of your fingers on his cheek. He watched you leave once again. Knowing that you had no underwear unknowingly awoke something deeply sinister within him.

You were a siren. Luring him in by doing so little and yet, the most. He was sure of it.

Lando took in a deep breath, closing his eyes once again. He was also sure that the next thing about to come off was the last thing you had on: your dress. And he wasn't confident he could handle it at all. His cock felt impossibly tight against his pants, aching in such a way that begged for release.

"You're missing the show, baby."

Lando looked at you, gathering your items and slowly walking up the stairs, watching you carefully take the straps off your shoulders, emphasising 'L' on your necklace. His tongue rested at the corner of his mouth, preventing them from tugging upwards when you realised you had to deal with the zipper of your dress.

"Need some help?" Lando asked, catching up to you once again.

You pouted at his amused expression. "Lan... I had a thing going," You whined. You had used a damn string and paperclip to pull the zip up earlier this evening. And now? Now you had a lover who drove a papaya-coloured car for a living with a shit-eating grin.

"How about," Lando started, moving your panties to his other hand to wrap an arm around your waist, bringing you closer to him, "I help you get out of this dress and you stop being a little minx so I can fuck the tease out of you, hmm?"

Your teeth sunk into your bottom lip, feeling Lando's bulge push up against your ass. Your skin pricked with a wave of heat that you hadn't felt in a long time. You hear Lando hum in your ear, waiting for a response as he nestled his chin into your collarbone, fingers grazing up and down your body.

"Fine, fine," you relented, turning to grab Lando by the hand before you hurried up the last flight of stairs.

"I thought you said patience was a virtue!" Lando huffed, smiling at your pace.

You rolled your eyes. "You're one to speak."

Lando chuckled softly, trailing after you with the same eagerness sparking within him.

━━━━━━━━━━━

You peeked your head into your empty hallway, hand still around Lando's. There were four flats on your floor. Two of which were empty thanks to the cost of living crisis and the other, your neighbour, who was often out of town.

In other words, you were free to be as loud as you want.

With as much humbleness and reserve you could manage, you tamely walked down your hallway, hearing Lando mumble something about how your hallway belonged in a horror movie.

"Gee... that's so sexy, Lan. Keep going," you dryly encouraged, turning to grab the keys in your purse.

Lando jutted out his hand, letting your keys dangle from his fingers in front of your face. "I'm just saying," he said defensively with the corner of his mouth tugging upwards in amusement.

You shook your head, failing to suppress your grin as you shoved the key into the door, waiting to hear the obscene click. Opening the door, you smiled timidly at the state of your flat. "Well... this is my humble-ish abode... that you've seen a bit too much recently," you teased.

Lando laughed softly, following after you, hands still full. "What are you on about? I love your flat. It's so... you."

You turned to Lando with a raised brow, watching him put down all the trinkets you had left him on the shelf near the door. "Is that a diss I hear?"

The driver rolled his eyes, walking towards you with a knowing glint to his eyes. His arms stretched out, travelling to your waist before pulling you in. You could feel his breath graze past your skin as he held your gaze. Lando's voice was a mere whisper in your ears. "I mean I love you... so I love your cute little flat."

"Oh," you lamely said before blinking back to reality. "I mean not 'oh' like 'oh,' I mean like 'oh... I love you too?" You questioned, slowly dying on the inside at your stupidity.

Lando grinned at your pained expression. "Nice save," he murmured against your lips. "Now... where were we?"

"Hmm?" You idly queried, unable to take your eyes off of his lips. "Uh," you cleared your throat, "something about fucking the tease out of me?"

"Ah, yes," Lando agreed, teeth sinking into his bottom lip. "You have been pretty awful today. First walking in with João..." He clicked his tongue, finger trailing the underside of the strap of your dress before pulling it down your shoulder. "Then this dress, fuck."

You let out a shaky breath, feeling his fingers skim past your neck as he walked around you to meet the zip you had been battling all day. Lando's mouth met the side of your ear while he pressed the cold metal of your zip down and against your back.

"And now your little theatrics. It's not very nice of you, sweetheart. I've waited so long... you're on my mind every second of every day. I think about you so much, I don't think it's healthy. But..."

Lando stopped himself, lips brushing against your burning skin.

"But?" You repeated, turning your body to face him.

"But... I don't care," He finished with a small nonchalant shrug and a balance of softness and cockiness drowning his voice.

You didn't waste a second, moving your hands to Lando's neck, pushing yourself forward as you pressed your lips to his.

You could feel his hands immediately wrap around your waist. Your skin pricked with a familiar burn, warming at the touch of Lando's fingers skimming your bare skin.

Even though a fire was whirling within you, your body still had managed to create waves and waves of goosebumps as the hairs on your skin stood straight. You could feel Lando's tongue dart out, nudging your mouth to open a bit more to explore every crevice.

A mix of a grunt and high-pitched moan slipped past Lando's lips making your thighs clench at the tingling rippling through your core. You were positively going to combust.

Lando was equally sure he was going to lose it. He had waited so long to feel your lips and the sheer happiness he felt right now... it couldn't even compare to his imagination. To feel his teeth graze your lips while his one hand roamed your bare back, ever slowly inching towards your ass... the other tangled in your soft hair... he was almost afraid to admit he daydreamed of this.

His pants, fuck, they were tight before but this was something else entirely. He was in a some sort of twisted pain as your hands moved from his neck and crept up the hem of his shirt, brushing his taut torso, remembering exactly where all his little moles were.

"Shit..." Lando sighed out, holding you tighter against him. His lips moved along your bare shoulder, meeting the nape of your neck to attack it with purple written love letters. "Get on the bed, baby," he managed to get out, half-focusing on the honey-drenched moans falling from your lips while he waddled you towards the bed.

You sat back on the mattress breathlessly, chest heaving up and down as you watched Lando eye you down with a lust-driven softness. A gentle smile sprawled across your face, making him gulp cautiously. Coyly, you stood up, barely a few centimetres away from him as you peeled off your dress as slowly as you good.

You could hear Lando's breath hitch before he sucked in a sharp intake of air, eyes fixed on your breasts. They looked lonely... as if they were waiting for his touch. His tongue rested on the side of his mouth, tilting his head while your dress skimmed past your thighs and off your legs.

Lando's head fell back. "Fuck... you are going to be death of me." He shook his head, inching back towards you.

The small laugh that had fallen from your lips made him smile. He watched as your fingers pinched the edge of his shirt, lifting it up at the same rate of his arms flying up. Removing his shirt, your hands danced towards his shorts but Lando's hand caught your wrist.

You flickered your eyes to Lando, eyebrows raised at the pained look on his face. "If I let you do it, I swear to God, I might cum right here."

Your eyes slightly widened at his words, mouth all of a sudden feeling dry. You raised your hands in defence, watching him try to take off his pants in amusement.

"Don't think I don't see that smug smile on your face, sweetheart," He murmured, blue eyes averting to you. A smug smile of his own formed on his face as his arms caged you in, your knees bucking at the feel of the mattress or Lando – you couldn't tell.

Lando's head dipped into the valley of your breasts, hot breath letting goosebumps litter your bare skin. "I missed these sweet tits of yours," he murmured, watching his own hand skim past your pebbled nipple, ears perking at the quiet gasp coming from your mouth.

You could feel the ghost of Lando's smile against your skin before his hand stretched to fondle the soft mound of tissue while his tongue wrapped around the other, circling the hard nipple with his warm saliva.

You let out a small sigh, hand immediately travelling to the mop of brown curls Lando sported as you revelled in his touch. You could tell what he was doing. Making up for lost time. Ensuring you knew how much he missed you by spending the uttermost time and care with your breasts alone.

His thumb and tongue moved in synchronised circles, paying attention to each nipple, savouring the way your body arched into his touch and the small sighs and whimpers of admission dancing into his ears.

Detaching his tongue from your nipple, Lando looked at the sight of the ample flesh of your tits filling his hands. Fuck... it drove him insane.

Your body quivered as Lando's lips trailed down the valley of your breasts, a line of purples following right after his wet kisses. "Lando," you hissed, "People are going to know."

A huff of amusement crawled from his throat. "I know."

Lando watched you roll your eyes while he came down to pussy. His hands glided across your thighs, gripping your plump skin as a wave of tingles bubbled within your core.

Planting a small kiss on the side of your thigh, he flickered his blue eyes to you. "Think I still need to get that brat out of you," he murmured before gently pulling at your labia.

He watched your folds clench around nothing as his hot breath grazed the surface of your pussy. Lando smiled knowingly. "You are simply drenched for me, sweetheart."

You sucked in a sharp breath, feeling his finger slide down your slick folds, going up to ever so slightly to gather your arousal and graze the sensitive bundle of nerves near the top. A gasp left your mouth, making him grin.

You feel his fingers move away from your heat, skimming your thighs while hearing the hitched breaths fall from Lando's mouth as if he was the one affected. You could see his eyes travel across your body, wondering where to start. He wanted everywhere.

His mop of curls on his head dipped down, warm lips pressed up against the valley of your breasts to your stomach. And as he reached your navel, he could hear your shallow breaths, the ghost of his smile tickling your skin.

Heat prickled every inch of your body and yet a shiver of what could only be explained as some sort of electric current ran through you. You felt a tap on your thigh, bringing you back to reality.

"Don't lose me now, baby," Lando murmured softly, hands gripping your hips to yank your body closer to him.

Before you could breathe, before you could imagine the mere consequences of the way Lando's breath felt against your core, his mouth dived down into your folds.

Your mouth fell open as your head found comfort in the mattress. His tongue grazed over your clit with a tantalisingly slow pace, letting your legs tremor in his grasp. You could feel his lips curve, smirk practically dripping off his face.

You opened your mouth, preparing a witty comeback only for a string of moans to come out as Lando traversed deeper into your burning core, taking on every crevice and fold.

A groan escaped Lando's lips, pulling away for a brief second. "I missed how good you taste, so fucking sweet," he sighed out, delirious.

Your toes curled at his words, hands reaching for his head as he returned back to your pussy, Lando's own hands moving to your inner thighs to expose you entirely to him. His tongue had found your clit once again, unleashing his torturous attack.

"Oh God," you cried out, hips bucking themselves further into his tongue as the signs of your upcoming climax approached. You didn't think you could last any longer, especially not when Lando slipped two fingers inside you, making you clench around around him.

"Fucking hell," Lando rasped against your clit, speeding up his pace. His fingers move in and out of you rapidly, tongue flat against your clit as you trembled in his hands.

The dazed look in your eyes, the sunken teeth, the clenching of your walls...

Lando eagerly pulled you closer if possible, hoisting a leg over his shoulder, sending an entirely different realm of pleasure across your body.

"Lando!" You sobbed, hands tightening their grip on his hair.

He moaned, maintaining his pace. "Come, baby. All for me, come on. Show me how good I make you feel."

You felt undone at his words, body convulsing as the big waves of your orgasm hit you hard. Your walls clenched and pulsed around his fingers.

Lando couldn't tell whether his heart was fluttering or whether his cock was throbbing, probably both, but he had once committed this ruined sight of you to his memory not too long ago, and God, he had been dying to see it again.

The strain in Lando's voice was impossible to miss. So was his aching cock standing straight against his stomach. "I need you... so bad," he murmured, pussy-drenched lips against your ear.

You couldn't help but shudder at his words. Only minutes had passed since your orgasm but fuck, you needed him as much as he needed you.

With a series of nods, you beckoned him over, bringing your lips to his for a brief minute. Your hands trailed over his chest, grazing the back of his neck before finding their place on his upper back.

A low sigh blew from Lando's lips, his eyes trailed to where your hips met before coming back up to meet yours. For a moment, he allowed himself to revel in your touch before holding your gaze firmly. He called your name. "I love you. So fucking much. You're all I want... forever."

His confession made you warm all over. You could feel your eyes water slightly. With a tight smile, you brought your hand to caress his cheek, feeling him lean into your touch. "I love you too."

Those words were music to his ears. Without a second to waste, his hips moved, cock thrusting into you so deeply that you can't help but let out a small cry of pleasure, hand covering your mouth.

Lando wanted to fold. Right there and then. You felt so good around him. As though heaven had found him. But all he could do is moan your name, feeling you tightly clench around his cock.

His eyes flitted to your face when he heard your muffled moans. His arms stretched out to keep your hands away from your mouth and on his back. "Let me hear you, baby. Yell my name. Tell me how good you feel."

Your body jolted as his thrusts became deeper and somehow, you felt like you were only becoming more aroused. Your skin felt sticky, riddled with sweat as your slickness coated your thighs.

Lando groaned at the sight. You were making a mess of him, dripping all over his cock as your eyes became lost in a haze. His hand reached out, jutting your chin to make sure you were looking at him. "Keep looking at me. Look at what you do to me."

Lando's grip on your waist tightened, pulling you over so you straddled his cock, riding him into a new oblivion.

And you did look. You watched him fuck into you with a speed and depth you had missed so dearly. You watched him memorise you as though he was afraid to forget you. You watched him make love to you.

Your second orgasm began to build up as the obscene sounds of your skin slapping against one another filled the room. Your body shook at the feel of Lando's thumb against your clit, rubbing you as he entirely ruined you.

"Lando, I–" you mewled, unable to get the words out.

"I know," Lando responded, holding the same level of restrain and pleasure as his own climax built up. "Cum," he almost cried out, "please."

You could barely keep your eyes open as the tight coil in your stomach snapped. You trembled in his grasp, cumming all over his cock, hips almost unstoppable as they chased those waves.

The tight clench your orgasm brought around his cock sent him over. Lando fingers sunk into your skin. "Fuck, where, tell me where," he begged, impossibly close.

You quivered, still in the remaining moments of your orgasm. "Inside," you panted, "please, Lan." There's nothing more that I want than your cum."

Lando rasped, hips stilling at your words as his cum spilled into you, filling you in all the the right places. His grip on you loosened as he slowly pulled out of you.

You shivered at his fixated gaze of your mixed cum seeping out of your pussy. Lando fell into the bed, closing his eyes, muttering things under his breath to restrain himself. You held in your laughter as he left the bed, almost painfully, to grab a wet towel from the bathroom to clean you up.

You kissed his cheek gently, thanking him as he finished cleaning all the witness dripping your thighs. Putting aside the towel, you pulled the duvet over you and Lando, nestling up to his warm body.

You could feel the softness of your mattress and duvet conform around your body while Lando rested beside you, taking you in. You mended your brows at the sudden silence. "Penny for your thoughts?" You queried, poking his cheek before rubbing his face with the pad of your thumb.

Lando leaned into your touch, warm blue eyes grazing over your face. "I missed you," he murmured, pressing a kiss onto the side of your hand. "Every day without you felt miserable and now... I can't believe you're actually in front of me. "

Your eyes softened. "I'm here," you reassured, "forever."

© 𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐘𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑

[doitforbangchan]

All Bark and No Bite 09

Yall this has to be my best chapter yet. So romantic, i really shocked myself here. Please enjoy :) The middle pic is what I imagines omega to be wearing but does not represent the body type of all readers!

Masterlist

Series masterlist

Chan x reader (y/n) x ot8

ABO!Nonidol!SKZ Alternate Universe

Previous - Next

Series Warnings: Fem reader, Smut, verryyyy nsfw, chan x reader, OT8 x reader, A/B/O, m/m/f smut, possessive! SKZ, possessive! Reader, anxiety and depression, reader is a CRYBABY, fluff, angst, virgin!reader,  cursing, violence, pet names, dom/sub dynamics, Sub reader x mostly dom SKZ, misogyny and sexism, Ateez are depicted as terrible people (sorry Atiny!) 

Chapter Warnings: cursing, crying, fluff, smut ,oral- f receiving, fingering, protected piv (ik crazy for me lol)

WC:5.6k

MDNI 18+

The birds outside woke you up this morning, the sound of their sweet melodies peacefully bringing you out of your much needed slumber. The sun was barely rising over the mountains so you knew it was still very early. The alarm clock next to you read ‘5:44 am’. You knew Chan was laid behind you, his heavy arm curled over your figure, holding you close. 

You took a moment to appreciate the feeling of being trapped by him - of his warmth. This was quickly becoming your favorite pastime; laying here with him just enjoying his presence. A part of you wanted nothing more than to lay here all day, wasting away with him. A bigger part of you needed to be productive. You had slept away most of the day yesterday and were feeling quite energized from the rest. 

Chan did say last night that you had things to do today, so why not get this show on the road! It would be a nice surprise for the pack to wake up to a clean house and hot breakfast. First things first- getting out of the alphas hold on you. You shimmied against him, lightly lifting the appendage that held you hostage to squeeze out. You paused when you heard him sigh in his sleep, only to resume when he let out a snore. Cutie pie. 

You grabbed the pillow that you had been laying on and jammed it in place of where you rested previously, in Chans hold. The alpha must have smelled you on the pillow since he pulled it closer to his body. 

After doing your business in the bathroom you went on the hunt for cleaning supplies. You crept through the halls opening doors you knew to be closets until you finally found the supplies in a closet on the first floor. Upon finding them you immediately got to work. 

Starting with dusting, then sweeping and mopping the entire first floor. After that you did all the available bathrooms and then finished with a quiet clean of the top two floors. The kitchen would come after you made breakfast. Surprisingly it only took you until about 8:00 am to get all that done. You felt very efficient! To your surprise none of the boys have awoken yet. You didn’t hear one peep while cleaning. 

You also took the time to add more comfort items to the living spaces. The omega in you begged to make it more nestable so you did. Adding blankets, extra pillows and even a few of your new stuffed animals to couches and chairs. The goal was they would start to retain the smells of your new packmates then you could cuddle the items without shame. 

Next you wandered into your own room. All the bags from yesterday remained there untouched. Sorting through you put away all your clothes and picked out a nice outfit for today. It was almost summer time so you knew it would be warm today and opted for a green floral cami dress that went just above your knees. Minho must have picked this out for you, but it was so so cute you had to wear it. It was just your style. Grabbing the dress and some panties you went to take a shower and to finish getting ready for the day. 

The shower was where you did your best thinking. A place to escape just you and your thoughts. As you washed your hair and body with the strawberry scented products you reflected on the whole pack. If you were a sane person it would scare you just how comfortable you are getting with the pack in such a short amount of time. And how comfortable they are with you. 

But you’re not a sane person. You’re an omega in love. All sanity is thrown out the window when you find your mate. All you want is to be perfect for him. And in turn also for the whole pack. 

There was a blow dryer and curler amongst your things in your room as well as makeup you had chosen while shopping so when you came out you were able to fully get ready for the day. You felt very cute today, you didn’t have any reason to look super nice back when you were with your family seeing as you rarely were allowed to leave the house- and if you did leave never would you have been allowed to wear a dress or anything remotely revealing. Fathers orders. 

You hoped your alpha and pack would like it on you. You straightened yourself up before heading down to cook. It was nearing 9:30 so you hoped they would start getting up any time now. 

Down in the kitchen as you were gathering ingredients you noticed a small sound system attached to the wall and a remote sitting on the island. Grabbing the remote you pressed the power button and when you saw the small light indicating it was on you pressed play. Out came the melodies of a familiar band. 5 Seconds of Summer? Whoever is hooked up to this obviously has great taste! 

That was where Seungmin found you, whisking eggs and belting out the words to ‘She looks so perfect’ and he couldn't agree more. ‘She does look perfect’ He thought to himself. He stood there leaning against the wall admiring you for a solid 2 minutes before you noticed him, suddenly being able to smell another person around you spun around in embarrassment at being caught like that. 

“Seungmin!” 

He cracked a smile at you, eyes scanning you up and down before settling on your reddened face. “Hey baby. Whatcha doin?” 

You turned away from him to try and hide the blush that seeped onto your cheeks, “Nothing. Just trying to get breakfast together. What are you doing?” 

He shrugged “Been up for a few minutes when I heard a commotion in here. The house looks really great. Was that your doing baby?” You felt him approach you while you nodded. 

“Umm yeah, I woke up early and wanted to get some things done for you guys.” You continued to whisk the eggs without looking at him. 

“Mmm” He reached for your face, turning you towards him, “ It is greatly appreciated, omega.” 

You let out a squeak when he called you that, causing a smirk to appear on his face.

 Seungmin could smell how pleased you were so he didn’t give it another thought before he leaned down and pressed a chaste kiss directly on your lips. He pulled away and licked his own lips still gazing into your shocked eyes. 

“How long until food is ready you think?” He asked. You couldn’t believe how nonchalant he was being right now after he just kissed you!! 

‘Should I pretend my heart isn’t beating out of my chest?’ You wondered. 

“ A-about 20 minutes.” Dammit you stuttered! Get a grip! You mentally scolded yourself. 

“Perfect. I'll wake the pack”  He said it with an evil smirk, looking forward to the task. 

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

Wake the pack he did indeed. By playing police sirens on his phone and bursting into everyone's rooms cackling when they swore at him and dodging thrown pillows (and one stuffy from Felix). If you had known he was going to do that then you would have woken them yourself! Though admittedly it was pretty efficient, since it was a matter of minutes until the rest of your pack made their way downstairs, looking tired and grumpy. 

The grumpiness left every single one of them though, when they caught eyes on you. Looking oh so delectable in your little dress cooking for them. What a perfect thing to awaken too. 

Not that you noticed much, you were still caught up on the feeling of Seungmins lips on your own. Each boy greeted you as they came down, most giving you hugs - except Changbin who not only hugged you but did his signature of lifting you from the ground. 

When Minho had come down you thanked him for the dress. He knew you would look great in the outfit and damn he was right. 

“You’re welcome, Baby. It looks good on you.” He replied and gave you a wink

Chan came down last as you and Minho were setting the table, looking freshly showered. 

“There's my sweet girl. I was wondering where you wandered off too.” the alpha kissed your temple. He took the stack of plates from your hands and continued your task. 

“Good morning Channie.” You reached back for the plates but he shooed you out with a smack to your rear. 

“Nuh uh looks like you’ve done enough. Sit down and get some food, omega.” He raised his brows at you when it looked like you were about to protest. You begrudgingly took a seat in your normal spot. Chan gave you a pleased smile. “Good girl.” 

Once the whole pack was sat together you all discussed each other's plans. Changbin was hitting the gym (what was new there), Minho wanted to get more food for the house and Felix wanted to join him to the store, while Hyunjin had his weekly art class he teaches at the community center every wednesday afternoon. 

“What are you up to today, baby?” Jisung asked with a mouth full. 

“Oh, I don’t actually know.” You looked to Chan for the answer. 

He wiped his mouth with a napkin, “Well you have an appointment in about an hour to see a doctor, we need to make sure everything is okay after you got off the suppressants. Then we’re heading over to the police station to clear up your missing persons status.” 

You were confused. “I have a missing person status?” 

“You ran away from home, Baby. Ran away from Hongjoong, who probably paid a pretty penny for a sweet girl like you. Makes sense they would look for you.” Jeongin reasoned nervously. The youngest alpha would never admit it but he was honestly scared about the Ateez pack coming for you or Chan. It was weighing on a few of their minds. 

Chan could sense the uneasiness in the room. “But we’re getting it taken care of today. I already have it all ready to go, just need you to sign a few things and you'll be golden. No more worrying about Hongjoong.” He smiled with that predator's smile he had. His words brought you some ease, and you nodded at him. His next words though, shook you to your core.

“Plus, if that asshole did decide to show his face around here I would take care of it.” 

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

After dropping off Hyunjin and Changbin at their respective locations you and Chan headed for the doctors office. Chan had assured this man was very good at his job and could be trusted. 

Doctor Bong had been Chan's doctor for years, and before that had been childhood friends with the alpha. He was a friendly beta man, albeit younger than any doctor you had ever seen, and he did his best to help you relax with small talk as he examined you. Even though you’re the first real omega he has treated he still had some knowledge as he had to do a course on omegas in medical school. 

“Given how long you had been on the suppressants I am going to need a small blood sample to examine.” Dr.Bong said woefully at seeing your expression. “ I know it’s not ideal, but you had been on some pretty powerful drugs, Y/n.” 

“Not to mention illegal.” Chan muttered scornfully. 

Bong nodded “Yes that too. There's a reason you can’t just pick up a prescription for them. They could cause a lot of damage and we need to be sure you’re functioning correctly.”  

Your alpha grabbed your hand and released a calming pheromone to relax you. “This is to help you, baby.” 

You took a deep breath and prepared for the needle. Chan was laying his scent on thick, it now taking over all your senses completely distracting you from the blood draw. You were so wrapped up in him that you didn’t notice the draw had been done until Dr.Bong was putting a bandage on you. 

You snapped out of the daze when Dr.Bong exclaimed “All done! We will send this into the lab asap and get back to you by tomorrow morning at the latest. From what I can tell so far though your body is functioning pretty normally, maybe just your hormones are a little wacky. I would refrain from any.. Unprotected fun until we get the results in to be sure.” He looked pointedly at Chan. 

“Damn” Chan smirked and you gasped in embarrassment.

“Chan!!” 

He only laughed at your mortification. 

“Before you go” Bong said, “If everything checks out alright are you going to need a prescription for non hormonal birth control?” 

You were too shy to answer correctly, only nodding when Chan said “Yes please Bong. Wanna have some time with my girl before we have babies.” 

As you were checking out with reception Chan thanked the Doctor. 

“I appreciate you getting us in to see you at such short notice Bong.” The alpha bro hugged his friend. 

 “Anything for you, Chris. I am so happy you found your person. I’ll keep you updated as soon as I get the results in.” 

“Thanks man.” He saw you approaching him, “Ready to go gorgeous?” 

You smiled happily, now that the hard part for you was over, “Yes alpha!” You turned to the doctor “Thank you Doctor Bong!” 

Your alpha grabbed your hand and you were off to your next stop. 

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

The people at the police station had the paperwork ready for you upon your arrival. They just had to ask you a few questions regarding your safety, you signed the document stating you were in fact not missing and that was that. 

It felt like a massive weight had been lifted from your shoulders, Chans too by the scent coming off of him. 

The sheriff congratulated Chan on finding his omega, clapping him on the back in a fatherly way. It seemed like everyone in town knew the alpha. It had been explained to you that Chan's family had lived in the town of Silver Ridge for generations, helping to cultivate it and protect it. His family owned the property you now live on, only now it belonged solely to your alpha. He had grown up here. His parents left the small town  with him and his siblings when he was a teenager, wanting a change of scenery. Chan had only returned when he was an adult and his grandfather had passed, leaving his massive home to your alpha. 

He had a stake in his family business of buying and selling massive commercial properties, so he was very wealthy. Though he didn’t flaunt it.To him it was just one of the ways he provided for his pack.  Not that you cared if he had money or not. You loved him for him, not his money. 

After the police station there was still about an hour before you were supposed to pick up Hyunjin and Changbin so Chan took you to a little diner down the road where he claimed they made ‘the best chili fries ever’ and that you had to try them. 

He dragged you to an old booth in the corner, his normal spot he claimed, and ordered a massive plate of chili fries and each of you a milkshake. 

As he ate you just admired him. It was crazy how handsome he was, even with a mouth full of fries his beauty was effortless. He caught your eyes and grinned at you. 

“What are you looking at, beautiful?” 

You looked down ashamed you had been caught staring “Nothing.” You glanced up at him to see him still looking at you in amusement. “You’re just really handsome is all, Channie.” 

He chuckled at your words “ And you are too sweet, my gorgeous girl.” 

You felt the mating claim on your neck tingle at his compliment, so subconsciously  you raised your hand and lightly touched the area. Of course Chris noticed- he never took his eyes off you- and asked in concern “ Does it still hurt?” 

“No, just..” There was that blush again. He patiently waited for you to find your words. “Just whenever you say sweet things to me.. It.. tingles.” 

The alpha let out a small growl at your admittance, feeling his pants tighten. 

“Does yours do that too, alpha?” you asked tentatively. 

“Tingle wouldn’t be the word I would use, baby. But I definitely feel the connection in my bite.” He winked at you. 

“W-what does yours feel like?” 

His stare was piercing into your soul, “Baby. I burn for you.” You gasped as he continued “ It's this ever present heat that dwells within me whenever you are near me.  As if I had been living in a tundra my whole life never knowing warmth and now I’ve suddenly been transported to the desert. Inescapable and all encompassing.” 

Oh my fucking GOD 

Did he really just say that?! 

What the fuck do I say to that? 

You were short circuiting. You just couldn’t believe this perfect specimen of a man was spilling his heart out to you, in a public diner no less! 

Your pleased scent was cascading off of you in waves at this point, Chan could see the other patrons start to turn to look at you, nostrils flaring. He noticed one alpha man in particular start to fidget in his seat while gazing at you. 

Chan narrowed his eyes as if challenging the other male before addressing you, “Time for us to go now, my love.” He threw down a few 20s on the table and stood, grabbing your hand and leading you out. Your alpha was pumping out menacing pheromones, letting others know he wasn’t one to fuck around with.  

You finally caught onto what was happening when you saw heads turning to watch you walk out. You clutched harder onto Chan, holding his arm close to you as he led you out. 

“ ‘m sorry.” You murmured as you exited the restaurant, climbing into the car as he held the door open for you. 

He leaned down and pressed a hot kiss against your mouth, letting it linger for a second before he pulled away. 

“Don’t apologize. Not your fault those bastards can't keep their eyes or their noses to themselves.” He gave you a tight smile at you before closing the door once he was sure you were secure. 

You couldn’t help but feel like you soured the mood, the guilt beginning to feel like a pit in your stomach. Chan climbed into the driver's seat next to you and started the car. He knew you felt bad about what happened. “Seriously Baby, it’s no big deal. It was about time to go pick up Jinnie and Bin anyways.” He gave you another kiss and you were off. 

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

Your mood improved slightly after picking up the other two boys, they always brightened your day. Changbin was still slightly sweaty when he got in the car, his musk making you dizzy. As if he could tell he gave you a wink when you looked at him in the folding mirror. 

Hyunjin had a large canvas with him that was covered in a sheet blocking anyone from seeing what lies underneath. When you asked him what he had made he blushed and held the canvas close to him, muttering that it was a surprise. Of course Changbin would never let that slide so he relentlessly teased the beta, tugging on the sheet and whining about needing- not wanting - to see it. Hyunjin held his ground and refused each time, slapping the alphas hands away after every tug. 

Arriving home Changbin flung his door open and opened your door for you before Chan could, giving his alpha a sly smile when you thanked him. “Ever the gentleman, aren't you Binnie.” You teased him. He nodded enthusiastically. 

Jisung greeted you at the front door when you walked in, planting a wet smooch on your cheek causing you to squeal and laugh, pushing him away. “Jisung!” 

“Mm say my name again baby.” He leaned in for another kiss but instead licked your cheek quickly then ran away cackling maniacally. 

“AHH JISUNG!” 

 You went to chase after him but were stopped by Hyunjin grabbing your arm gently. 

“Ignore him baby, I do.” 

You huffed. “Fine.” 

The beta snickered and lowered his hand to hold yours, the other still gripping his canvas. “Can I show you something? In my room.” 

You nodded “Of course.” He led you up to his room. Chan gave your rear a pat when he passed you. 

You had never been in Hyunjins space before. The space was so…Hyunjin. Cream colored sheets and curtains, a big easel by the wide bay windows, shelves lined with paints and mountains of sketch books, and floral paintings covered the walls from floor to ceiling. His bed was unmade but it somehow added to the charm of the room. An artist's room. 

He closed the door behind you, and led you to take a seat on his bed. The beta then took the canvas in his hands - still covered- and placed it on his easel. He turned to you and fiddled with his hands. You gave him a patient look, waiting for him to gather himself. 

“Promise you won't laugh.” He states. 

You made an X over your heart. “Cross my heart, I won't laugh.” 

He let out a nervous breath and then tore the sheet from over the artwork. 

You weren't prepared for what lay underneath, a gasp leaving you. 

It was you. Hyunjin had painted you. In the exact outfit you were wearing now. He made you look ethereal. Capturing your image in a way that felt too perfect. In the painting you were sitting by an open window looking out into a field of flowers. 

“Oh my god, Hyunjin.” 

He studied your features, looking for any signs of displeasure. He found none. 

“I was teaching a class today and the topic we worked on was things that bring you joy.” You looked at him like you were going to cry, tears on your lash line. “The only thing I could think of was you. Of how effortlessly beautiful you are.” 

A sob escaped your lips involuntarily. The betas eyes widened in panic, upset he had done something wrong. He rushed to your side and took your hands in his own. “I'm sorry baby! I’ll get rid of it!” 

“No!” You demanded, still crying. “ I can’t believe you think of me this way. It’s so beautiful, Jinnie. Way too beautiful to be me.” 

He shook his head disagreeing. “ This is how I see you, baby. To me you are the most beautiful girl in the world. I can feel myself falling for you.” 

You acted without even thinking about it, and crashed your lips into his. He let out a noise of surprise and you pulled back quickly. 

“I am so sorry Hyun-” Before you could finish your sentence he kissed you again. He let go of your hands and brought them up to cup your face, deepening the kiss. He swiped his tongue along your bottom lip asking for permission which you gladly granted, parting for him. He tasted so sweet. Like rock candy, or a jolly rancher. Similar to his scent. It drove you crazy. 

He was the first to pull away, your lips chasing his. “You don’t know how badly I’ve wanted to do that.” He rested his forehead against his own, eyes closed and breathing heavy. 

You released your own shaky breath, his thumbs wiping away your tears. “I thought you were going to yesterday, when you left me in front of my door.” 

“I wanted to. I just didn’t know if you wanted me like I wanted you. Like I need you.” He could smell the sudden flare of arousal emanating from you. 

“ I do, Hyunjin. I need you too. It’s still taking some getting used to that it’s ok for me to need you, but I do. I think I’m falling for you too.” You were honest with him and he rewarded you by nuzzling his nose into yours, giving it a peck. 

“I won’t do anything to make you uncomfortable, baby.” Though if your smell was any indication you were quite enjoying yourself. 

You shook your head, “I’m not uncomfortable Jinnie. In fact I.. I want more.” 

“Oh baby.” Hyunjin purred then reattached his mouth to yours and he lightly leaned you back to lay on his bed, hovering above you while he kissed you. He stuck his tongue back into your mouth, massaging your own with the wet appendage. 

You let out a squeak when you felt his hand find your thigh, his warm fingers running up and down your skin. Your own hands found the front of his shirt, tugging him closer to you. You felt yourself get drunk on the taste of him. 

He slid his hands up to your hips, under your dress, and he drummed his fingers there. Without removing his lips from your skin he peppered kisses from your lips to your chin and down your neck, the opposite side from your mating mark. 

“Tell me to stop.” He said in between kisses. “Tell me to stop before I go too far.”  

“I don’t want you to stop.” 

“Omega.”  His right hand traveled from your hip to your clothed core, thumbing over the wet patch. “Already so wet for me, huh? I haven't even touched you yet. My dirty girl.” You could feel him smirk against your skin, his kisses turning sloppy and wet.  

He rubbed against the wet patch through your panties, pushing the material between your folds and stimulating your bundle of nerves. 

A small moan slipped from you and you bit your lip. By now your slick was building quickly, completely soaking the fabric. 

The beta hummed at feeling it. “I can feel you starting to wet my fingers, baby. Can’t let all that goodness go to waste, can we?” He cooed rhetorically. 

Hyunjin laid one more suckling kiss to your chest (that will surely turn into a hickey) then he scooted himself down your body and bunched up your dress to sit over your hips. He finally got a good look at your soaked panties- a pair of green lacy ones. ‘Fitting’ He thought. 

He was drowning in the scent of your arousal, being this close was like a slap in the face. He could taste it before he even got his mouth on you. Hyunjin looked up at your red, panting face one last time before closing his eyes and licking up the wet patch on your underwear. He let out the filthiest moan he had ever made when he made contact. In turn making you moan too. 

“Ji-jinnie.” 

At the sound of his name he reached up and pulled your panties down your hips just enough to lick you with no barrier, then he dove in with his tongue. He swiped it up and down your folds, over the slit, collecting the liquid that leaked from you, drinking it like he was parched. Like he was dying of thirst. 

Your hands found his hair and you yanked in pleasure, your back arching. He took that as his invitation to go further, slithering his tongue to circle your clit where he wrapped his lips around it and suckled. 

A whine tore through you, so good but wanting more. 

“Jinnnnie please” 

He hummed in response, the vibrations flowing straight through to your core. 

“Nnnnnggghh” you groaned. 

He humored you and brought two fingers up to your opening, coating himself in the slick, before pushing in slowly up to the last knuckle. 

Your panting got louder at the intrusion. You were finding it difficult to keep quiet with how good it felt, the whole pack probably knows by now anyway. Not that you cared right now, but later you would be mortified. Oh well that was a problem for later. 

He gave you a second to adjust, feeling you clench on his fingers every time he licked your bundle, before easing the digits out slowly then back, a steady motion that gradually got quicker as he went. Soon enough he found the perfect rhythm where your moans got the loudest. He paid attention to things like that. 

Your thighs were beginning to shake from the pleasure, you knew if he kept it up you would tip into oblivion. 

“Jinnie ‘m gonna cum.” You pulled his hair in warning. He stayed steadfast, if anything he licked harder trying to get you there. After only a few more thrusts of his fingers you came with a cry, hips bucking against his face and hands knotted in his blond locks.

‘Damn she sounds divine when she comes’ He mused in his head, instead letting a moan of his own escape him at the taste of your cum and the sweet sounds you made for him. 

He pulled his fingers out of you and lifted his face to show you the wetness that covered the bottom half of his face. Then he made a show of sucking those same fingers into his mouth, eyes rolling when they hit his tongue. 

“Hyunjin!” You squealed and hid your face, “That's so dirty!” 

“Only for you, baby.” It hurt how sincere he was. “Do you wanna continue, or was that enough? I don’t wanna push you too far.”

Even though you were a little sensitive from the last few days you still wanted him. “ Wan’ you Jinnie. Need you.” 

He stood quickly to pull down his pants and underwear, revealing his length to you. It was so pretty. Long but on the slimmer side. Drool worthy. 

He removed his bottoms from himself completely, and pulled his shirt up over his head letting you get a good look at his slim but fit figure. He was tan like he had been in the sun recently. He reached into his bedside table for a condom, remembering what his alpha had said about not cumming in you. Yet. He quickly rolled it on. 

He got back on the bed and crawled up your body to hover over you, where he then gave you a peck on the mouth. “Are you sure, baby?” 

“Yes. Please Hyunjin.” you purred. 

He groaned “You’re gonna kill me one day.” 

The beta took himself in his hand and lined himself up, sweeping through the liquid to coat him, then slid inside inch by inch, giving you time to adjust to him. 

Your arms came to wrap around his bare shoulders, a long drawn out moan in his ears like the most beautiful melodies. 

You were so warm inside, and you gripped him like a vice so tightly he almost stopped breathing. After a beat he gave you a gentle thrust, then another and another, going deeper with each one. He took one of your thighs and wrapped it around his waist to press himself further into you, letting you feel his weight. If he died now he would die a happy man, having gotten a taste of what it’s like to be with you.

With each thrust you let out small high pitched noises, unable to contain them. Not that Hyunjin wanted you too. It wasn’t long before you were close to the edge once again. You were still worked up from the last one. 

Hyunjin could feel his impending orgasm but he needed you to come first. He brought two fingers up to your mouth and ran them along your lips gathering the drool that was accumulating there. Then he took those same digits and lowered them between your bodies to your clit, where he rubbed hard figure 8s. 

That seemed to be all you needed, your arms tightening around him as you came hard on his cock. Your eyes screwed shut as you moaned.

When you came you clenched hard. Hard enough to push Hyunjin to orgasm, he crashed his lips into yours and he shook against you as he filled the condom. 

For a few minutes he just held you there against him, both of you breathing hard. He wasn’t an alpha so he didn’t have to worry about a knot and was able to slip out if you easily. He held the condom secure as he did so, then stood up and quickly took it off and disposed of it in the trash can in the corner. 

You were still panting but coming too as he stood up. Can’t believe that just happened. There was a twinge of guilt for it, but that was quickly replaced with peace when Hyunjin gave you that signature grin with his pouty lips. 

He came back to his bed where you were still laying and plopped down next to you, giving you a kiss. “How was that, baby? Are you feeling ok?” 

“Mmhmm” You answered, snuggling up to the beta, needing the after sex comfort. 

“I hope you don't regret it.” His voice was timid now, as he put his face in your hair. "Don't regret me."

“No Hyunjin, of course not. I could never regret you.” There was zero hesitancy in your voice so he knew you were telling the truth. Chan had given you explicit permission, encouraged it, so there was nothing to regret. It felt good to be loved and wanted by these boys. Hyunjin definitely made you feel that way. 

He showed it by taking care of you now, getting up to grab you some water and a fresh pair of underwear from your room. Then he plopped down next to you once again and engaged in some cuddles. You could get used to this. 

A/N: Finnnnaallllyyyyyy getting some action from the other boys >:) I am so damn proud of this one yall idekkkk. These chapters are quickly becoming more and more self indulgent lol sorry

Beta read by the lovely @ayejaii thank you bumble <3

Comments and reblogs are very much appreciated!

©doitforbangchan

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[thisapplepielife]

Written for @steddiebingo.

You're a Fucking Dickhead

12 Days of Christmas Prompt: Soulmate | Word Count: 1894 | Rating: T | CW: Language | POV: Steve | Tags: Soulmate AU, College AU, Modern AU, Meet Cute, Or: Meet Ugly, Soulmarks, Invisible Strings, Hijinks Ensue, The Universe Had to Work Overtime on These Two

I actually got assigned the prompt "soulmates" on both of my Christmas and New Year's bingo cards. Instead of trying to double-up, I decided to just make them companion pieces. Here are the links to both:

Part 1: Steve POV | Part 2: Eddie POV | Also on AO3

They are intended so they could be read standalone, but I wrote Steve's first, so I suggest starting here if you want to read both.

Steve pushes his sleeves up, realizes, and pushes them right back down despite it being sweltering in this auditorium. As much as he prides himself on being confident in his own skin, on being exactly who he is, no apologies, this little three inch line of text scrawled on his arm is the bane of his whole existence. He hates it. 

Robin glances over at him, and gives him a raised eyebrow. Yeah, yeah. He had promised he would cut it out once they were at college, but fuck, old habits die hard. He's only a senior. Maybe he'll go to grad school and he can stop hiding his arm then. Plenty of time.

"I know," he hisses at her, and he's told himself over and over that someday he won't care. That someday he'll just let it all hang out. So what if his so called soulmate is out there somewhere waiting to meet him, only to say: You're a fucking dickhead!

Yeah, sign him up for that. Not.

No matter who it is, Steve isn't interested. He's going tell them to fuck right off. If he ever meets them. He hasn't yet, and he's not exactly frothing at the bit to do it soon.

He focuses back on the professor, and he's almost made it through undergrad. Six more weeks. He can do this.

"A frat party? Steve. No," Robin says, and Steve is just nodding.

"Steve, yes," he says, smiling wide. "We'll get some bathtub punch, maybe bum a joint. C'mon. Maybe we'll even get laid."

"Dingus, the odds of me getting laid at a frat party are negative seventy-five thousand."

"Then let me get laid. Rob, please. For me," and he gives her the eyes. They always work, and he spins around after she reluctantly nods her consent to his plan. 

"You've gotten laid plenty," she argues.

"That's patently untrue," he lies. "I'm in a dry spell."

"It's been four days."

"It gets mighty cold at night," he says, and she laughs and pushes him, but she'll go.

He might not have good soulmate prospects, but he does have the best best friend a guy could ask for, and his charm, which he's applied liberally all up and down the eastern seaboard.

So, yeah. Tonight is gonna be awesome, he just knows it.

Tonight is not awesome, Steve thinks, as he's shoved so hard he stumbles. The guy is bigger than him, but honestly just caught him off guard. Steve doesn't know what the fuck his problem is. It's a party. They're supposed to be having fun. But this? This is not fun.

All Steve did is walk by, and now he's fucking stumbling like he's drunk, which unfortunately he is not since he hasn't even had one drink yet, but his balance is already a distant memory. He catches his shin on the edge of a coffee table, and that really fucking smarts. Then, he's going down. There's no other possibility. No way to catch himself.

"Goddamn, fuck you, motherfucker!" Steve shouts, sliding over the table on his knees, tipping over cups and bottles, knocking everything in his path off to the hardwood floor with a clatter, before finally coming to a stop with a thud on top of the person sitting on the couch. That's fucking embarrassing.

"You're a fucking dickhead!" The guy under him laughs while patting Steve's back, and it sounds amused, not angry. But those words. Those are his words. Steve freezes. But not for long, because he's unceremoniously being shifted and dumped into the lap of the guy on the right. 

Big blue eyes, and a mop of curls, looking down at him, asking, "What'd you say?"

"Huh?" Steve asks, trying to right himself.

Oh. The guy — his soulmate? — wasn't talking to him. He was talking to the guy who shoved him.

"What did you say when you literally fell in Eddie's lap?" he asks.

Eddie. His soulmate's name is Eddie. Steve has no fucking clue what he said, but he's guessing that whatever it is, it's scrawled somewhere on Eddie's body and his friend here knows that. 

Steve's ignoring ol' blue eyes, and trying to turn to get another glimpse of Eddie, to see what he's doing, to see if he's gonna fight for his honor or some shit.

He's not fighting, but he does have the guy in a headlock. But they're both laughing. What the fuck is happening right now?

"What the fuck, Goods? You just laid that poor guy out, say you're sorry," Eddie is telling the dude who shoved him. Who looks far less scary with his head tucked under Eddie's armpit. He's all red-faced and curly-headed, squirming, but looking amused. 

"I'm sorry," the shover laughs out, and Steve is still trying to slide off the other guy's lap. "It was an instinct! A remnant from high school. Get bullied, push back, that's what you always said!"

His supposed soulmate knows the asshole that knocked him clean off his feet for no good reason? Well, that's just great. Very promising. He knew he was in for a bad time with the words alone, and now he's been knocked clean off his feet, and not in a good way.

"He was bullying you?" Eddie asks, face looking serious.

"I was not!" Steve says. He's never even seen this guy before. He walked by him in the crowded room, and then was shoved.

"He stepped on my foot!" 

Eddie laughs, "He stepped on your foot, so you shoved him in my lap?"

"Well, I didn't think you'd mind!"

"What's going on here?! I just went to the bathroom, there wasn't even a line!" Robin screeches. "Now Steve is sitting in Gareth's lap? How do you know Gareth? You can't sleep with Gareth!" Robin is rambling, talking with her hands, flailing and fluttering with all her might. 

How do you know Gareth? Steve thinks. 

She's all worked up. Well, she can join the club.

"I'm fine. We're fine, I think? I'm not sleeping with Gareth?" Steve says, but his voice trails upward, unsure. 

"Not a question. Absolutely not. No offense," Gareth says, and well, that's kinda rude.

"Look what you've done, now you've made his girlfriend mad," Eddie says, still not releasing the guy who caused this whole situation. 

"Ew, gross. Not my boyfriend," Robin says, way too fast. 

"She's a lesbian," Gareth says, and Steve wants to wheel on him. Gareth better not have a problem with that, but Steve can only fight one battle at a time, and Robin offending him always takes precedence.

"Don't be so disgusted," Steve complains, and then turns to look back at Gareth, "Same for you. I'm a catch."

"Do you still have a dick?" Robin asks, her go-to response in this situation. He knows the script.

"What she said," Gareth adds.

"I still have a dick," he confirms quietly.

"Well, we're all glad to hear it," Eddie says, finally letting his friend go. 

Another guy walks up, looks between all of them, "What's going on?"

"Jeff?" Robin questions.

Robin knows Jeff? Who's Jeff?

"Hey, Robin," Jeff says

"How do you know Jeff and Gareth?" Steve asks, whoever the fuck they are, but he's being ignored.

 "Oh, Jeff, you picked the exact worst time to wander off. Short story: Goodie pushed this guy—"

"Goodie's here, too?" Robin interrupts.

Gareth keeps talking, "—and get this, turns out, this dude is Eddie's soulmate."

Eddie turns his head, "What'd you say? Gareth, why do you think…" he trails off, and then looks down at his arm.

"You're Goddamn, Fuck You, Motherfucker?" Jeff asks, as if that's Steve's legal name.

Steve laughs, "Well, I prefer Steve, but I'll answer to anything, I guess."

Everybody laughs.

"Jeff, help me. Eddie tried to take my head off my neck," Goodie complains. Which, honestly, the nerve. He started this whole fiasco. Steve was minding his own goddamn business.

"You pushed my soulmate. You got off easy, my child," Eddie says, circling Goodie, clearly teasing him. 

Eddie. Gareth. Goodie. Jeff. Steve's putting these names to faces, because he's afraid it might all be important later. Maybe forever. 

These people are a circus and a rodeo all rolled into one. 

He feels sick to his stomach. In a good way? A bad way? He isn't sure. All this time, and he still somehow wasn't ready for it. This scenario wasn't even in his wildest of dreamed up scenarios. Yeah, he got pushed. But his proposed soulmate doesn't appear to be a total dickhead either. 

"Let me see," Steve says quietly, a demand more than a question, and Eddie stops what he was doing, stepping closer. His arm is right out there, uncovered, for all the world to see. And that's for sure his own handwriting.

Goddamn, fuck you, motherfucker!

Plain as day.

Steve reaches out and brushes his thumb against Eddie's mark, and suddenly he feels like he's riding lightning.

"Holy shit," Eddie says.

"Uh, yeah," Steve answers. 

"Wanna get out of here?" Eddie asks, and Steve is nodding before Eddie's finished asking. 

His body feels warm.

But Robin, "I'm with Robin. I need to-"

"Nope, dingus. Go. I'll ride with Jeff. Or Gareth. Or Goodie," she says. "I can take my pick. I know them all."

"How do you know Jeff, Gareth and Goodie?" Steve asks, because he feels like he's losing his mind.

Jeff waves. So the other two follow suit.

"Jeff and I have had like a thousand classes together," Robin says, and Jeff is nodding in agreement. "We studied together all last year. Do you not recall all the, 'I'm going to study at Jeff's' that I said, week after week?"

Steve shakes his head. He does not.

"You were in our house! All the time!" Eddie says, pointing at Robin. "I have seen you before! I knew you looked familiar!" 

"Yeah, obviously," she says, rolling her eyes, "Anyway. Gareth's in my film class. And Goodie's in the marching band."

Steve feels like he's going insane. He got pushed by a marching band geek? Then there's Eddie, his soulmate, and apparently Robin's just been running in Eddie's whole goddamn circle without his knowledge. What? How?

He can't. Not right now. He needs to process this later. Maybe with a flow chart pointing out all the invisible strings that have been forming, trying to connect them.

"You'll get her home safe?" Steve asks, because that's all that matters.

"They will," Eddie assures, and puts his palm in the middle of Steve's back. Steve can feel it even through his shirt.

Steve looks back at Robin, slightly helpless. 

She takes a step forward, "If you don't-"

"I do," he interrupts, "I do."

He really does.

"Gross, go then," she says, holding up her hands, and when Eddie takes a step forward to lead them out, he goes.

Steve sneaks looks at Eddie as they make their way through the crowded house. He's pretty. Not what he'd expected, not that he'd ever really had a good mental picture of what his soulmate might look like. He'd been too focused on the harsh words, that he hadn't tried to form them into a real person.

Eddie's real.

He's so fucking real.

They step out into the night, and Eddie stops on the sidewalk, meeting Steve's eyes, smiling wide, "Your place or mine?"

Read Eddie's POV next.

If you want to write your own, or see more entries for this challenge, pop on over to @steddiebingo and follow along with the fun! 💞

Notes: I don't think I've written soulmates before, so I'm not sure if I've stayed with the trope or veered into left field, but I know I had fun with this one. I loved the idea that their first words in each other's presence would be something so unhinged, lol. And Goodie shall never let either of them forget that their soulmarks were spoken to him not each other.

[iwikpines]

spamming you with some of my favorite KAPT scenes for potential comics because im totally normal and not at all conceited :D (this is not me telling you to draw any of them they're just what i thought of)---

chapter five "It's not torture, it's manners"/"I'm not a stupid princess!" "You are a princess. and stupid, at that" that whole scene

chapter eight buddy kicking over deacon's mop like the petty king he is/chapter ten trying again and deacon blocks him

chapter twelve buddy finding chase and deacon on their little stealth mission

chapter seventeen jaabu mauling ravenell for the first of many times

chapter seventeen "LAND HO" "hey someones calling you"

chapter eighteen them playing on the beach and being all happy before everything goes to hell :D

chapter twenty one, at the beginning where buddy tries to show chase how to roll dough and promptly fails too and chase makes fun of him

in that same chapter the part after where chase is projecting on deacon while deacon is telling him to go do stuff

buddy saving chase from the death mittens in chapter 24/25

chapter 26 dance lessons with ravenell (failing)

chapter twenty nine sharing food and then "once upon TIME STOP GOING INTO RANDOM UNDERGROUND ROOMS---"

chapter thirty chase complaining about the previous night to deacon and deacon getting the.... VERY wrong idea

chapter thirty two chase seducing buddy armed with a trail of chocolate so deacon can read the book

chapter thirty four chase trying and failing to get through the ball doors and then buddy snarking "I am exceptionally glad i did not have to watch that happen" and the banter that follows (omg this is so long im so sorry)

chapter forty four the conversation surrounding "cat got your tongue?" "god i wish"

chapter forty six buddy dancing with chase and then promptly shoving him into the fountain

chapter forty eight at the end "ITS A WALTZ WHAT DO YOU MEAN ONE TWO THREE FOUR"

the very end of chapter forty nine if you want to draw something more dramatic?

chapter fifty seven chase having the zoomies after buddy healed him

chapter sixty two the tie scene

chapter sixty six buddy pouting that chase ignored him the previous night

chapter sixty six as well; chase sucking at cards and also making moves (hand holding) "I'm going all in!" "EGAD STOP"

chapter sixty seven really anything from their sleepy scene :3

Yes I am doing this instead of working on what I need to be doing :D

and a non-KAPT related idea:

Chase as Rapunzel, Buddy as Mother gothel, and Deacon killing it as Pascal

chapter 5 of keys are people too

okay since you asked for like... A LOT of scenes, i will be drawing and posting them gradually!! i don't think i'll do every single one of them but know that i will be doing many... thank you for all the requests <3

[rustedhearts]

sentimental reasons (boxer!steve x librarian!fem reader)

summary: sunday afternoon musings in autumn.

uses she her pronouns and female anatomy.

✶ the king of the ring ✶

tags: pregnant!reader, fluff, that’s about it.

sentimental reasons - nat king cole

hawkins, indiana, october 20th 1996

“I wonder if she’ll have my eyes.”

“Hmm. I hope.”

Steve’s lashes tickled the tip of your finger as it delicately scaled the soft tissue of his eyelid. His lip quirked, nose twitching when you came to trace the slope of it: bent sideways by brutal fists barreling into cartilage. But once, it was smooth and straight. No matter how crooked or left-leaning it was these days, you still found it handsome.

“Hope she doesn’t get stuck with that,” Steve snorted, and you frowned as you smoothed your thumb over the swollen bridge. “Hope she has her mama’s.”

Steve lifted his hand from where it rested on your stomach to bop your nose. You smiled, fingers pushing through the long tresses framing his face. You had been reclining on your back for a few hours now, late-term pregnancy responsible for consistent exhaustion and sore ligaments. It felt like the whole of you existed in the front, and sometimes you worried you were walking on a forward slant.

The house smelled like the slowly-browned roast your mother brought you, warming in the crockpot; the sweet aroma of brown sugar carrots and the bitter snap of celery. From your open window: damp earth and the musk of goldenrod leaves. It smelled like home.

Cheek pressed gently to your stomach, chapped hands feeling for flutters and kicks, massaging your aches through a faded, stretched-out tee: Steve. He smelled like a morning Marlboro—faded and nipped away by the wind—and the woodsy vanilla of your laundry detergent. He smelled like Steve. He felt like Steve: warm and firm and lovely. Cocooned between his half-pressed weight and the softness of the comforter, you felt you could’ve lied there for the rest of your life.

You closed your eyes and listened to the leaves rustle in the afternoon. The distant babble of youthful laughter. The whoosh of rubber on asphalt at thirty-five miles an hour. The crunch of bike tires over the pile of leaves Steve raked and then left on the tree lawn so he could tend to you.

He heard your silence from the front yard. He felt your ache.

“It’s funny,” Steve murmured, eyes wide and alert, finger trailing a path down the roundness of your bump. “I never thought I’d be here. Never thought I’d have…another part of me. Like this.”

He flattened his palm to rub across your belly, spreading a blissful massage that had you shifting. Expelling a breezy sigh, you blindly tucked a patch of hair behind Steve’s ear. Soft, just-shampooed: vetiver and musk.

“She’s all ours, baby,” he whispered.

The room swayed in the stillness. Like being cradled in a lullaby, gently rocked to sleep by one dreamy, autumnal afternoon. You felt like you were floating, gently bobbing to the rush and recede of the sea.

"Kinda scary to think about," you returned a moment later, just as quietly. You peeped your eyes open to find Steve's face.

Smoothed into mindless relaxation, he watched his own hand lift over the mound of your bump. Back and forth, over the swell and down the valleys. His wedding band caught a spark of pale afternoon light: thick silver tungsten around his ring finger. Unbreakable. Irreplaceable.

Work got in the way of him wearing it often, but on long weekends like this—when you slipped away from the busy, sunny California life for a slice of small town America back home—Steve slipped the ring on and never took it off.

He liked seeing it on his hand. He liked hearing it clink with yours when you held hands at night. He liked seeing them together—your ring, his ring—and knowing: this was eternal.

"God I hope I don't fuck it up."

You tipped your head on the pillow, craning to find Steve. You gently scraped your nails over his scalp, watching them create gaps in his mop of hair.

"You won't," you cooed. "No more than all the other parents."

Steve's lips curled into a pursed smile, handsome and boyish. Your chest stuttered a moment.

"Thanks, angel. Think 'm just nervous," he sighed, words tight between his teeth with his chin pressed to your belly.

You shifted again, socked feet rubbing his sides. "Me too. My mom said she used to throw up just from nerves right before she had me, but I think I turned out alright."

He breezed into another grin, a scoffed laugh shooting from his mouth. "Yeah."

You twirled a strand of hair near his brow around your finger. It curled into shape, tickling his eye.

"Wonder if my mom was nervous with me," he whispered.

You took pause, scanning the surface of his face. His eyes flicked away from your stomach toward your own, and he instantly scoffed and shifted on his stomach.

"Ah, shit, sorry. That was—sorry—"

"Baby, hey," you awed, reaching down to cup his face. "Don't be sorry. It's okay to wonder."

Steve halted a moment. Staring at you, head risen from his place on your center body, eyes a little rounder and wider and laced with pleading. Softened and sweet, you flashed him a small, reassuring smile and scratched your nails against his scalp again. He slowly sank back down, rubbing his cheek against your clothed belly.

“‘Kay,” he murmured.

“Wanna talk more about it—“

“No, baby. Just…wanna talk about names.”

You giggled. “Names?”

You could see the coil of his mouth from here, how the side of his face lifted with the small quirk of muscle.

“Yeah. Been thinkin’ about what we’re gonna name little Harrington.”

Your heart swelled to double the size, aching in your chest. You could barely contain the burst of adoration blooming with a pulse.

“You have?”

Steve’s finger made a zig-zag trail on your belly again. “Mhm. So…let me see it.”

You blinked, brows etching together. “See what?”

Steve turned his head, hair dragging across your belly and flouncing from his face. “The notebook.”

You clapped your hands together with a giddy grin. You’ve kept a notebook of baby names since your first sonogram. You knew you were getting ahead of yourself, and there were chances the pregnancy wouldn’t stick—but all you could think about was what you’d name your child. When you found out it was a girl, that you’d have a daughter, the notebook immediately became a place of scribbles and exclamation marks and highlighted stars.

Interestingly enough, when you started to show a bump beneath your clothes and required more assistance for daily tasks, Steve swapped roles with you as the worrier. He helped you up and down stairs, poured your cereal, made you smoothies, cut your steak, and did his best to do the cleaning exactly the way you did it.

Steve was terrified you’d lose the baby, and that it would be all his fault.

For some reason, naming the baby felt like “jinxing it” to him.

“Really, you wanna see it?” you squealed, capturing your lip between your teeth.

Steve chuckled, a deep, grumbling sound that shuddered through you. “Yeah, baby.”

“Okay good, because I can’t get up.”

Steve chortled, shifting on his stomach to press a kiss to your belly, wide hands spanned on either side. He wiggled off the bed and headed toward the door, rounding the corner toward the library room.

The Hawkins house, made the Harrington residence circa 1994, had a gorgeous, oak-shelved room full of first editions and signed copies. Steve spared no expense when it came to your little corner of the house, where he often found you curled up in the window seat scribbling in a journal, or scanning a book. You had a desk against the wallpapered wall, where a type writer from 1935 found at a flea market in Virginia sat with every intention of good use. Steve hated the sound of your clacking, but you said the sound was “transcendent.”

Steve padded into the room, blanketed in a pale grey darkness as the sky muddled with rain clouds. The window came to a peak in a rounded arch, wet with old rain drops from last night’s shower. Collections of leaves from the oak tree looming in the yard congregated on the glass in groups of yellow.

He found the notebook on the desk beneath your piles of paper, all full of ink. Steve fought the urge to filter through it as he returned to the bedroom.

You struggled to sit yourself up, wobbling on your palms like doing the crab walk. Steve flung the notebook toward the bed and rushed to your side, hands at the ready.

“Baby,” he huffed, hoisting you toward the pillows at the headboard, which he fluffed adamantly as you settled back. “Wait for me.”

Your eyes rolled, though you were already out of breath. “I had it.”

He shot you a pointed look through narrowed brows, and fumbled for the notebook at the edge of the mattress. He settled beside you, and as the air followed his motions, you caught whiffs of damp soil from his time outside this morning.

“Okay, open it,” you insisted, voice wavering with delight.

Steve flipped the spine open, revealing the first lined page of paper with your familiar writing.

“Jesus Christ, honey,” Steve drawled, pulling the notebook back an inch to take it all in. His eyesight had been slipping for the past year and a half.

He needed glasses, but refused to wear them.

Cheeks swelling with warmth, you tipped your head over to get a peek of your work. “I had a lot of ideas.”

"And they're...alphabetized," Steve commented, tone thick with amusement.

"Obviously."

Steve scanned the list of names, eyes shuttering half-closed and popping back open like a camera lens. The ones he didn’t like got a screwed up face in response. Steve had a headache by the time he got to the fourth page, and the names weren't stopping.

Only few caught his eye: Alice, Caroline, Catherine, Eloise, Emma, Lily, Josephine, Jane, Winnie.

As he continued to scan, he found himself pairing the names with his own surname. Alice Harrington, Catherine Harrington, Lily Harrington. None had the ring he thought they would.

"Do you have a favorite?" he asked, flipping pages again.

Resting your head on his shoulder, you gently skirted the pads of your finger over the warm skin of his forearm. You trailed them to the bone of his knuckle, feeling the purple veins protruding beneath the flesh, plumped from overexertion.

"Mhm," you hummed. "But I don't want to sway you."

Steve turned his head, lips brushing your temple. "It's Jane."

You lifted your head so quickly that it knocked Steve's chin, and he tongued away the pain with a wordless grimace as your face bloomed with warm thrill. You gazed at your husband in delightful wonderment.

"How did you know?"

"It had five stars next to it."

You giggled, warmth increasing. "Oh."

"And," he added, head cocking to pop a kiss on your cheek. "I remember you mentioned that name before. Back when we were still dating, talkin' about kids. You said you always loved the name Jane, and if you ever had a girl, that would be your top choice."

Looping your arm around Steve's, you squeezed him close and nuzzled his neck. "Oh, Steve, you are so hot right now."

Steve's laughter was sharp and surprised, and he snapped the notebook closed to toss it aside. Hands free and desiring your touch, he gently pulled at your legs until you reclined flat on the bed again.

"I know."

Mounting over you with an agreeable and cautious space between his body and your bump, he pressed a gentle pepper of smooches to your face. You ran your hands across his chest, playing with the silver chain around his neck, thin and linked.

"So...Jane it is?"

Steve pulled back, eyes flicking between yours. His features were soft, a sharp contrast to the scars and bruises they regularly carried. He brushed the back of two fingers across your brow, guiding your hair away.

"Jane it is, my love."

♡ ♡

[l4nd0scharm]

Black Friday (Lando's POV)

Author's note: This story is inspired by a song by Tom Odell - Black Friday. I sort of wrote this as a dual story, with the readers part coming up in the near future. It's a song that made me feel two types of things and in general I just wanted to write a story out of it. Warnings: There are none. Maybe mentions of alcohol but nothing major. Please do not copy my work.

Enjoy!

"I wanna go party, I wanna have fun, I wanna be happy, could you show me how it's done?" "Hey, I won't be able to go with you, I found someone else" I reread the text from my date. Feeling empty and betrayed on a friday night. I sat at the bar, those old one's, the usual London - like pub. Infront of me a shot of whiskey, obviously with ice. I turned off the phone, shoving it into my back pocket as I took the shot. The alcohol burning down my throat, filling my heart for a moment before the burning sensation stops and fills me up with nothing but a dark hole. I look at the glass gripping it firmly whilst twirling the ice that remained. I felt presence next to me, thinking it was Max, "I'm not in the mood for your love advices-" I paused, locking eyes with a girl I have never seen before. Her blue-green eyes, staring back at me, her brown hair falling flawlessly on her shoulders. "Oh, don't worry, me neither." she said, her voice sounding like honey, but with a hint of a broken heart.

"Sorry, I thought you were my friend." I said my voice a bit hoarse and low from the previous shot. I cleared my throat as I look at her once again. "What happened?" she asked me, making me look away from her. I sighed running my hand through my hair for the 10th time this night. "Got stood up" I simply answered not sparing her another glance, preparing to be laughed at. Suddenly there was a hand infront of me, "Take it, let's go, you're way too handsome to sit here and slump around." she added, her hand still infront of me. I look at the hand and hesitately took it. She took me to the middle of the dance floor and started dancing, never letting go of my hand. I smiled for the first time tonight and joined her slowly dancing. The feeling of loneliness slowly disappearing, filling the empty spot with a new feeling that I can't describe. But I know she is the reason I smiled today. "It's Black Friday, we're in a black taxi. You take my hand and hold it gently on the middle seat." After hours of dancing, taking shots, we escaped the club. I walked outside, taking in the fresh air, looking over at her. She looked over to me, our eyes locking, we stayed like that, staring into each others eyes, none of us daring to break that. Before she cracked a beautiful smile. The smile that brightens up the whole street, the streets lights could hide at how bright she shines when she smiles. I smiled back before we burst out of laughing.

I called a taxi, the black car suddenly stopping infront of us. I opened the back door "Get in" I spoke, my voice happier, much happier than 3 hours ago, when I was brokenly looking at my phone. She went in, giggling, the sound warmed up my heart, making my new job to hear it everytime I see her. I went in behind her, closing the door, giving the driver my address. We were looking out of the window, as the life of the Friday night passes us. I was lost in thought, thinking, how was I stood up, but managed to be the happiest with her, and not on any dates before her? I felt a small hand grabbing mine, delicate fingers slipping through my rough ones. I look at her, she smiled at me, making my heart race, faster than it does when I'm on track. I glanced down between us, our hands intertwined on the middle seat.

I smiled, "Thank you, for not letting me sit there mopping around in sadness." I spoke, my eyes still on our hands, not getting over the fact that her hand fits perfectly in mine, almost like it was meant to be. "As I said, Lando, you're too handsome to sit alone and not have fun." she told me, squeezing my hand once. "Do you think it was me? Me being the reason she doesn't wanna da-" she put the other hand up to stop me talking nonesense. "She was stupid and threw away something amazing, and perfect." she added. I not knowingly traced the back of her hand with my thumb, whilst I stare at her, slowly falling deep, and I know, I can't escape this hole. Not that I want to.

"It's all in my head, baby, I can't breathe, I look in the mirror, what is happening to me"

The next morning, I was woken up by the sun shining through my windows, I groaned turning to the side, suddenly aware of the weight on my chest. I look down, her brown hair all over my arm, her arm around my waist, hugging me whilst she snoozed away. Her beautiful eyes closed as her breathing, is slow and steady against my chest. I know we didn't do anything other than shared a kiss. A kiss that made me completely fall into this hole. *Last night* We arrived to my apartment, her giggles heard all over the hallway, making me smile. I let her in, her scent, strawberry and cherries, filling my nose as she happily passed by me, walking inside. "Make yourself comfortable, do you want something to drink? Water, tea?" I asked watching her as she took her shoes off, looking around my apartment. She stopped by my helmets, a hint of pride going throught me as I saw her smile at them. "They're nice, huh?" I said softly, my voice quiet. I walked closer admiring her figure whilst she turned to me and smiled. My heart fluttered as I smiled back. "Tea would be nice. And yes, they are pretty, almost as pretty as you.". My heart did blackflips. After another hour of talking we ended up in my bed, her head on my chest as I held her close to me. The empty feeling replaced with love. I felt her head tilt up, her eyes meeting mine, making me smile. How in the world did this get me to love her in only one night? I reached up, taking a strand of hair behind her ear, before cupping her face. My thumb running across the soft skin of her cheek. I stared in her eyes, the color I can't describe. Blue-green, not too blue, not too green, but not a mix, if you understand. But they are my new favorite color. I leaned closer, stopping milimeters away, i glanced at her lips before locking eyes with her again. "May I?" I managed to get out. She only smiled and closed the gap. The moment her soft lips touched mine, I knew, that I won't get out.

*Current* I manage to untangle myself from her arm. Walking to the bathroom, splashing my face with cold water, before looking at myself in the mirror. "What is happening to me?" I whisper, droplets of water falling off my face as I stared at myself, trying to figure out, what to do.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Mise en Place 7

Warnings: noncon, coercion, manipulation. Proceed with caution.

Note:I’ll be honest that these parts are a little more hands on because I’m full on learning cocktail recipes here lol.

Thanks all for reading and I hope you’re excited for this one. All feedback is more than welcome and loved and appreciated. Reblogs are most helpful.

Part of The Club AU

You leave your apartment, the window boarded up with your landlords half-assed at replacement. You almost prefer the wood; more resilient and you can’t see through it. Still, the place feels eerie. Your little fortress has been breached and the mystery of the attacker has you addled.

You walk into work as you always do. Head down, bag hooked over one shoulder, fingers twiddling as you go through your task list in your mind. You put your things in the coatroom and go to the kitchen.

You grab the broom and mop, eager to go over anything you didn't get to before. Behind the bar, upstairs and downstairs and the private rooms that were always in use even after closing. You methodically work your way from the bottom floor up.

As you return the bucket and pan, Thor is behind the bar. You give a small hi as he booms his usual hello. You tuck away the broom and mop and wipe your hands on your apron, grabbing a cloth to tuck into it from the tidy stack leftover from the day before. You have a whole load of napkins to deliver to the servers' station.

Thor enters as you begin sorting through the cutlery into the slotted tray. You peek up at him briefly, shying back to your task.

"How are you? Good night?"

"Mhmm," you hum, "you?"

"Good," he answers, letting silence dangle as he gives a thoughtful hum, "you made it home okay?"

"Safe and sound," you reply as you examine a spoon and put it by the sink to be rewashed.

"And a nice sleep?"

You pause as his line of questioning irks you. He's nice enough but sometimes his conversation feels intrusive. You told him already, you're fine.

"Yep," you shrug, "how about your night?"

"Ah, I did some reading, and a bit of drinking," he winks as you glance at him once more, "they've still not rehired. Just me again."

"That's too bad."

"Lonesome," he chuckles lightly, "but I can always count on you, can't I, fawn?"

You nod, elusive at giving an answer. You don't like being behind the bar and to be fair, it's frustrating doing extra work without the pay to match.

"Have I done something? Said something?" He prods as he comes closer, standing at the other side of the counter.

"No."

"Hmm," he hums as his large hands rest on the silver edge, "you certain?"

You nod again. You hate to even think it, it feels mean, but you just want to be left alone. You miss those days when no one noticed you.

"Well… my hand feels much better," he waves his bandaged fingers.

"That's good," your lips twitch with a momentary smile, "I should take this to the hub."

"Nah, I got it," he volunteers as he grabs the tray of silverware, "little thing like you carrying all this around, that's no good."

"I do it all the time–"

"Yes, well, perhaps it is time you let others help, fawn," he insists, keeping the tray out of your reach, "you might actually enjoy it."

He spins and struts out before you can respond. You don't even know how you would. It confounds you how he can be so friendly yet so pushy. It puts you off yet makes you feel so ungrateful. You can't assume the worst of him because he reminds you of someone else.

🍸

You finish your shift without much disturbance. A few times you bring out clean glasses to the bar and incap a few bottles but nothing exhaustive. Sonny keeps you entertained as he tells you about his time in the corps. He also makes sure Thor can't steal you away again as he keeps you busy with the pans.

The chef leaves first. He works short shifts, leaving the kitchen tidy as he puts on his leather vest and gives a wave. You enter the bar as last call sounds and gather up any empties you can find, you'll do another sweep once it's empty.

You wait out the last of the clubgoers and return to the dance floor, oddly quiet and vacant. The servers count their tips at the station and you hear the subtle clink of glasses from behind the bar. You have your earbuds in still, the low buzz of your favourite playlist easing the tension.

You don't notice when the servers leave, silence is only ever comforting so you rarely make note of it. As you bend to grab a crushed can from beneath a table, a foot appears around the other side. You stand and face Thor as he smiles at you.

"Need help?" He offers.

"All good," you assure him as you dump the can in the plastic bag.

He stares and you back away, looking around for more garbage.

"What're you listening to?" He frightens you again as the blur of his finger fills your peripheral as he points to your ear.

"Oh nothing," you say, "just music."

"What kind of music?"

You blanch. It feels too rude to ignore him or ask him to leave you be. You're working but there's not much left to do. You stand up and face him. Again, you're reminded of his height.

"Florence and the Machine."

"Ah, I love her, er, them?" He questions, "it is a band, yes?"

"I think," you push your lip out indecisively.

"Do you listen to music often?"

"I guess," you squint. His questions are stiff and awkward. Almost like an interrogation.

"You have a record player," he says and you wince, thinking of the green suitcase player in the corner of your apartment, "asking. Sorry, that came out weird."

You clutch the bag and utter an answer, "yeah…" you look around, "I should finish…"

"Of course," he gulps audibly, "let me know if you need me to walk you home… I heard about another girl, eh? At the club down the block, you know the one, right?"

You don't know. You shake your head, "I had no idea, thanks."

"Wanna make sure you're safe," he backs away slowly, "so I'll wait by the door?"

You hesitate and grab a napkin, shoving it in the bag.

"You should just go home, I hate to keep you late."

"I don't mind–"

"I do," you interrupt without meaning to. You sniff and look at him, "really, I'll be okay."

He stares at you, the humour draining from his face as his cheek tics. He looks very unlike himself. It takes your breath away.

Just as quickly as he darkened, he brightens up again and turns his palms out, "stay safe."

He turns and strides away. You watch his back and tension corded in his forearms as he closes and opens his fists. The tenor of his last words hang in the air, more ominous than hopeful.

Maybe it's all in your head. It's the broken window and the unattached footsteps and the memories. You're fucked up and that's why you're better off alone.

[dis0rderly-cl0wn-nerd]

Moving In

Ledger!Joker x Harley (what I think she'd be like in the Nolanverse)

Warnings: Swearing, violence

Summary: After Harleen is attacked and injured in the alleyway, J invites her to stay in his hideout.

Author's Note: I wanted to get some writing done over these few days off since December is gonna be so busy lmao. Anyway as always enjoy! 💕

Edit - Dec 8th, 2024: This has been changed from the original because my old writing sucks and it needed an update 🙃 Should be better now.

< Previous - Next Part >

Nothing ever went the way she planned. 

Much to her dread, yet somehow delight, Harleen was getting more familiar with the clown. They saw each other almost every night. Joker talked to her for hours. It was like they had known each other their whole lives and not just a few weeks. He seemed to really like her for some reason. He also brought her food and various things she needed. Harleen appreciated the gesture but she didn’t understand why he was being so kind to her.

Tonight was no exception. As Harleen laid on the cold, hard ground, nestled in some blankets Joker had brought her, she spotted Joker coming down the alleyway through a crack in her cloth nest. His expression was dark and brooding. His day must not have gone well. As soon as he saw Harleen though, he seemed to lighten up.

“Good evening, Ms. Quinn.” He said in a sing-songy voice and sat down beside her. 

“Evening...” Harleen mumbled as she sat up from her blanket pile. Her mop of blonde hair was wild and her eyes were half lidded.

“Oh sorry, doll. Did I wake you?” 

“No. I was trying to sleep but it’s kinda difficult. How did your day go?” 

“Eh, it went. My men are fucking stupid.”

Harleen bit back a smile. “Oh really?” 

“Yeah. They almost got us busted. Thank God I stepped in and covered their tracks. Ugh, it just puts even more work on me.”

“I’m sorry. Are you feeling any better now?”

“I guess. Got some takeout on the way home. That always lifts my spirits. I have leftovers. You want some?”

“Uh, sure. Whatcha got?” 

Joker produced a styrofoam box from the duffel bag he was carrying. “Just some fries and half a burger.”

Harleen accepted the box from him and started eating. Joker watched her intently with a small smile. 

“So how was your day, doc?” He asked.

Harleen chewed for a moment before answering. “Uh, fine I guess. Same old same old. A random lady came by and gave me 20 bucks. So there’s that.”

Joker nodded.  “Sometimes rich people get lost and wander over towards this side of town. They’re always horrified at the state of this place.”

“Yeah, she looked pretty well off. She probably felt bad for me. But hey, I’m not going to say no to free money.”

“There ya go. Hey, how’s the food?”

“Amazing. Where’d you get this?”

“Just a little spot by the harbor. I usually just get a burger to go. But they also have the best home cooked meals. Reminds me of what my mama used to make.”

Harleen noticed that over the course of their many conversations Joker mentioned his mother a lot. He only spoke highly of her and in past tense which meant she must’ve passed. “Were you close to her?” 

Joker had a faraway look in his eyes.“Yeah. She was pretty special to me. What about you?”

“Nope. My mother and I have never been on good terms. Especially not now. Some stuff happened in the past that she blames me for. And now somehow this is all my fault. Like I set out to do this on purpose, or that I was supposed to know that Arkham would hire a phony.”

“Sounds like a real bitch. When’s the last time you heard from her?”

“I haven’t seen her in person in years but we stayed somewhat in touch. I called her after I got an eviction notice. All I wanted was to see if I could maybe come home for just a few days until I could figure things out. And trust me, that was my absolute last resort. I haven’t stepped foot in that house since I was 18. Well, she lost it at me and said how dare I have the audacity to ask that. I’m the bigshot who had to move away to the big city and I’m a grown ass woman, I can take care of myself. How dare you run off and abandon your poor mother! Blah blah blah. The same shit she always says.”

And I didn’t abandon her. She abandoned me years ago. Harleen added to herself angrily.

Joker chuckled in disbelief. “Wow.”

“I know! The only reason I even got to go to Gotham University was because I got a scholarship! Why would I not take that opportunity? She can never just be happy for me.”

“Screw her. You did what was best for you. You can’t control what she does. Let her be mad.”

“You don’t understand. She twists and manipulates everything I say and then makes me feel like shit. Everything is about her. I always put the blame on her. She’s the victim.”

“Sooo, she’s a narcissist.”

“Yes! She needs to be studied, I swear to God.”

“Mhm. You probably had a shitty childhood then.”

“You think?”

Joker grinned at that. “I had a pretty rough one too.”

“That’s not surprising.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Yeah. The daddy issues are very apparent.” 

“Whoa. You’re good.”

Harleen scoffed. “Not good enough apparently. Since I don’t have a rich daddy to do my dirty work.”

Joker laughed and shook his head. “I wouldn’t take it so personally, doll. That says more about them than it does you. I’m sure you’re great at your job.”

“Thank you. You’re the last person I expected to hear that from.”

“Heh.” He glanced at his watch. “I would stay out here with ya some more, but I gotta get up early tomorrow. It’s getting really late.”

Harleen nodded. “I understand. Go get some sleep. Seems like you’ll need it.” 

Joker stood up with a grunt. He bent down in front of Harleen and gave her a small kiss on the forehead. She bristled at his touch and stared up at him in shock. Before she could say anything, he’d already turned away and started up the ladder. 

What am I getting myself into?

—

The next night came and there was no sign of Joker. It was getting really late so Harleen guessed he was probably staying out because of another job or something. She buried herself under her blankets and tried to sleep on the uncomfortable concrete to no avail. Some time passed and she still couldn’t sleep. 

She found herself missing him. Weeks ago she would’ve been glad to be rid of him. She enjoyed his company. He had a certain charm that overpowered his dangerous aura. He was a great listener and didn’t judge her for venting. She never imagined this was what her ‘sessions’ with him would be like. This was a much better setting than cold, clinical Arkham. Maybe not getting the job was a good thing.

Harleen curled up tighter under the blankets, shivering. Faintly she heard a voice nearby but brushed it off and tried once more to get some sleep. Then she heard multiple voices echoing down the alleyway. She tensed and tried to remain perfectly still, her heart racing as they sounded closer. How she wished Joker was there. 

“There ain’t nothing out here! It’s the emptiest part of town!” One voice shouted.

“You know how many bums live around here? They probably got at least a little cash on them. It’ll be just enough to get a fix. Look over there. There���s one.” Another voice said.

Harleen heard heavy footsteps coming towards her. She gasped and stifled a scream as a pair of hands ripped the blankets off of her. A group of three rough looking men loomed over her.

“Would ya look at this beauty, boys! We found something better than cash.” One man told the others.

“Yeah. Let’s get her.”

The men advanced towards her. Harleen hastily grabbed the knife that Joker had given her and held it out in front of her.

“Get away from me!” She shouted.

The men just laughed at her. They took out their own knives and lunged. Harleen ducked. One man’s knife grazed her calf, slicing through her pants. She winced, not giving them the satisfaction of hearing her scream, and tried to crawl away from them. 

She got about halfway down the alley but one of the men grabbed her ankle and yanked her back. She tried to kick him off with her other leg, landing a few blows to his chest, but it was no use. His grip was too strong.

She was about to give up, but then she heard one of them scream. Her head shot up and she saw Joker beating the shit out of them. He bashed them into the wall, landed punch after punch, knocked their teeth out. The men were screaming and crying and begging for mercy. 

“Please, man! I didn’t touch her! Get off me! Aghhh!”

Joker did no such thing. He kept going until they were laying there, writhing and choking on their own blood. Harleen watched wide eyed from afar, thinking for sure he’d kill them. He probably had because by now they were on the ground and not moving.

Joker walked over to Harleen and offered her a hand up. She took it and stood up on her wobbly, weak legs. Joker put his arm around her to keep her from falling.

“You okay?” He asked.

“Yeah. My leg is a little injured but I’ll be fine.”

“It’s not safe for ya out here. Come stay with me at my place. I don’t mind. I should’ve asked you a long time ago.”

Harleen considered the offer for a moment. She knew she shouldn’t. She would be staying in an extremely dangerous criminal’s hideout. There was no telling what could happen to her. But he had been very kind to her and he did rescue her twice. Besides, as much as she hated to admit it, she was starting to grow very fond of him. 

Oh, what the hell? I don’t have anything to lose anyway. So what if he kills me?

“Uh, sure. I’d love to. Thank you.”

“It’s nothing. You’re gonna have trouble getting up those stairs. Here…” 

Joker picked her up swiftly and carried her in his arms. Harleen was startled.

“Oh, uh, okay.” She muttered as Joker started up the ladder and then the stairs. 

She gripped his chest firmly to keep from falling, but not so hard that she seemed like a damsel in distress. She couldn’t help but take in his scent. It was a mix of explosives and cigarettes, with a dash of mint. It was heavenly. She shook off the thought in disgust at herself.

Joker reached his floor and put Harleen down for a moment. He pried open the window as far as it would go and crawled through. Harleen followed him and he shut the window behind her.

He helped her up and led her through the apartment. It was dark, messy, and looked like it hadn’t been cleaned properly in a long time. He sat Harleen down on the grungy, tattered looking couch and cleared away some drawn on newspapers and stuff from the coffee table. 

“Sorry ‘bout the mess. I don’t usually get, uh, visitors.” Joker offered a small apology. 

He grabbed a box from a table across the room and sat down on the couch beside Harleen. Inside the box was an assortment of medical supplies. 

“I gotta treat your leg, otherwise it’ll get infected. Ya don’t want that. It can get, uh, pretty nasty.” 

Harleen nodded. She rolled up her pants and let him stitch her up. He was quick yet gentle at the same time. When he finished she could barely tell that there was a wound. 

“How’d you learn how to do that?” She asked him.

“I’ve had lots of practice.” Joker replied as he put away the medical stuff.

Harleen pulled her knees up to her chest and looked around the apartment. It was laid out in an open floor plan, except for a corner with a door and side wall sticking out. She guessed that was the bathroom. Behind the living area was an open kitchen that had dishes, pots, and pans scattered everywhere. Across the room to her right was a bed that wasn’t made and pushed into the other corner. 

“Where do ya wanna sleep? I got a bed and a couch.” Joker asked.

“The couch is fine.” Harleen responded. 

She was not about to sleep in someone else’s bed. This was already weird enough.

Joker stretched his arms above his head and yawned. “Well, I’m tired so I’m goin’ to bed. You can do whatever you want. Just don’t touch anything cause I do have weapons and stuff here.”

Harleen slowly nodded. He was so casual about that. This life was normal to him. It baffled her though she should’ve been used to it by now. 

Joker slid out of his dress shoes, purple coat, green vest, and tie, leaving them in a pile on the floor. He crawled into bed, still wearing his dress shirt, pants, checkered socks, and of course his makeup. Harleen wished he’d wash it off so she could see his gorgeous face again. 

“G’night.” Joker said, settling beneath the covers.

“Goodnight Joker.” Harleen said back. It felt weird calling him that.

“Call me J.” He mumbled before drifting off. 

J. Harleen liked that a lot better. Why didn’t he suggest that before and spare her the awkwardness? Maybe he wasn’t as comfortable around her as he was now. It showed they were forming a bond and Harleen didn’t know how to feel about that.

As she watched his chest rise and fall, she listened to his soft breathing and wondered how often he had the opportunity to get decent sleep. She guessed he must’ve been really tired because she’d read in his patient file before that he had trouble sleeping. It made sense. With his racing mind, it probably seemed impossible to get some rest.

Growing tired herself, Harleen laid down on the couch, propping her leg up on a pillow. She rested her head on another pillow and covered up with her jacket. She closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep.

[issi-loves-dannyric]

Here- Embry Call fanfic

I'm trying to figure out where this is going, so this is where I'm at. Please give me some advice

"What's going on with you?" This is the first text I see from embry. When I get into the house, laying on my bed, I shove my face into my pillow, sighing. It was a bad idea to do it, but honestly, it felt good. Rolling over, I grab my phone to respond:

"He brought it, and we thought it would be a good idea to do it at the beach. It felt amazing; it helped get rid of test anxiety." I type out before hitting send. Knowing him, he will at least get upset at the fact "he made me do it." If I didn't want to do it, then I wouldn't think of it, and it's simple. Im probably getting upset mainly because embry doesn't trust me and thinks I'm incapable of taking care of myself. Shoving the thought aside, I take my time getting ready since I no longer have tests. Walking up to my laptop, I look through my emails and look at colleges in Washington. Looking at Seattle University, I scheduled a tour; my grades have been good, so it would be pretty easy for me to get scholarships. As well as the fact I'm living with my single dad. 

picking up my phone from the bed, I open my messages from Christian,

-Morning, my love; going to work today but will text you on my breaks

smiling, I reply, "Morning, baby; when are you off next? I'm planning to visit a college in Seattle and want you to come." Hit send; I look around my room. The clothes I had washed are now sitting in a basket waiting for me to put them away, and the floor is dirt from not being mopped well enough. Tossing my phone back into the bed, I grab my basket folding every piece I pick up until I reach the end, shoving each part into its respective place. Stepping down the stairs, Bella comes in with papers looking up at me, "Looks like we're graduating together in two weeks." She says, making me smile widely, taking the form from her and going upstairs. Putting on my shoes, I make my way back down the stairs, taking the keys from the table to rub them in the pack's faces while some still have to be in school. 

~

Getting to Emily's, I shut the truck door, making my way to the house with the paper still in hand. I did not bother to knock, knowing no one did, when they came in, looking at the table where Jared, Jake, and Seth sat, looking at me crazy. "Fuck you bitches; I'm graduating." I declare while shoving it in Jake's face, who rolls his eyes and takes it from me. 

"What's going on?" I hear Sam ask from behind me. Looking over my shoulder, I see embry following behind him. 

"Im officially graduating early," I reply with a grin before embry latches his arms around my shoulders, pulling me into a hug. 

"So you have an idea what you will do next?" Sam asks when we pull apart

"Kind of," I pause while leaning against Jake now, "I plan to visit a college in Seattle with Christian soon. Hopefully, they will give me scholarships with my grades and having a single parent." I explain, causing everyone to look up, slowly realizing I brought Christian up and leaving Forks. "My fault," I say, wincing when embry trembles slightly. Feeling a vibration in my pocket, I pull out my phone to see a text from Christian, perfect timing. Reading it, he's asking if I will officially graduate with Bella and if he could do it this Saturday. 

'Yeah, I'm officially graduating, so you must wear a suit and have the whole day off.' I quickly reply before looking at the group again, who seems to be back into their conversations except for embry, who I guess left while I was texting. "I got to head out; ill see you guys at my graduation, right?" I question everyone currently in the room, earning nods.

"I'll see you guys later," I state while hugging Seth's head to me since he was the closest, and I know he doesn't have a problem with me hugging him. 

~

The rest of the night, I spent on the phone with Christian, cleaning my room, and spending the next two days with Christian, going to the rez to hang out with the pack while they played soccer, and figuring out what I wanted to do with myself. Thankfully, today's Saturday means I get to go on the college tour with my love. Putting on a hoodie Christian gave me, I grabbed the bag he bought on our first date. Instead of taking the truck, I go in his car since it is more comfortable. 

I'm not writing it because I'm lazy and don't want to. I would if I had energy-

"You thinking about a major?" I hear Christian question, still focusing on the road before us.

"I am thinking astronomy for now," I reply, leaning my head against the side, slightly tired from walking all day. I suddenly felt a warm hand on my thigh, putting mine over his, barely holding it, letting myself drift in and out of sleep. 

Suddenly Christian is forced to make a hard stop, my eyes shooting, seeing us fishtailing into some guy in the middle of the road...fuck, this isn't a human.

A/N, lemme know if you want me to keep Christian or if you like where it's going so far. This is on wattpad

[anotherleftturn]

The Silhouette of a Man- Chapter 16

Chapter 16

1

The sun broke through the clouds and sprayed upon the Homeless Shelter, somehow making it look like an oddly shaped angel to The Man. The Man was waiting for three o’ clock, and he was waiting for Julie to arrive. It was still quite a while till then, but he sat in place on the bench, looking on at the Homeless Shelter like a Sentinel.

2

Julie woke up exhausted from last night. One of her first memories of last night was that of the sight of Dirk, screaming as if he was being murdered; and then there was the memory of her holding him, telling him that everything would be alright. Julie liked that moment last night, being of comfort to him. After Dirk had fallen asleep all she really did was look at the moon and think of Andrew, her hero; and when she wasn’t looking at the moon, she would turn an eye to Dirk, who was still in her arms, drooling like a fountain in his sleep. A part of her felt like a bad person thinking of Andrew at that moment, but conflict was haywire like a frayed cord going berserk with sprays of electricity.

Now, yawning, and walking to the kitchen wearing only her shirt, she got the coffee started and sat down. She thought of three o’ clock again, of how sweet that number was to her. And she thought of Andrew.

She thought that he would probably deny saving her, that he was most likely that kind of a person, which was something that attracted her thoughts to him even more.

She could hear the sound of the coffee maker in the distance as she thought. Julie looked over at the coffee maker absently before hearing the footsteps of Dirk walking down the hall.

As Dirk walked into the kitchen, Julie thought:

Three o’ clock.

3

Francine was behind the counter, wiping it, and meanwhile on the other side Eddie stood, nodding along to every word that Francine spewed to him with a dull robotic look to his face.

“Al makes me sick. A lot. I could’ve married any man. A younger man, even now, if I divorced his ass. But no, I chose that balding, stupid loser. He should really appreciate me. If it wasn’t for me he would be a piece of shit lying on the road.” Francine said all this, looking up to some far away place, maybe her version of heaven. “And how I take care of the homeless. Do I brag? No. I admire my work to the...disadvantaged. That’s my gift, really. To help them. To help all of them.”

“Ahuh,” Eddie said.

When Andrew walked into the Shelter, Eddie was surprisingly relieved. Of all the people to make him feel better, he sure didn’t think that it was going to be Andrew.

“Hey there, buddy,” Andrew said cheerily, his smile seeming to reach from ear to ear.

Eddie could only moan inside of his head. “Hey, buddy. I’m going to do some mopping now.”

“Okay.”

“Hello, darling, “Francine said sweetly, her eyes brightening at the sight of Andrew.

Eddie blotted out the rest of the conversation, positive that he did not want to hear the rest of it. He started mopping, and all focus was on the cleaning of the floor.

And somewhere along the way thoughts of Julie appeared.

Three o’ clock was his magic number, for sure.

4

In The Man’s life boredom was quite a common thing, almost repetitive in manner. He sat in the alleyway, leaning his back against the wall of the building and resting his head against the wall, too. He saw that Underdog was snoozing away, and then he looked to the sky, seeing that the sun was starting to break through the clouds. It was weird to The Man. The breaking of the clouds was almost like a sign that it was three o’ clock to him.

He turned his head and saw that a man who must’ve been in his thirties with scraggly black hair was looking at a harmonica like it was some kind of device from another planet. Not even a second later, the scraggly, black haired man started playing it like it had been connected to his mouth his whole life. He played “Bad Moon Rising.” The Man had heard that song being played in the Homeless Shelter from time to time growing up.

The Man thought that he saw a smile cross the scraggly haired man’s mouth as he glimpsed at him.

“What?” The Man asked.

The scraggly haired man put the harmonica down and adjusted himself before speaking. “It’s just that you look like you’ve been through hell, buddy. Not many people look half as decent as you going through hell, though.”

“What makes you think that I’ve been through hell?”

“There’s a look on your face. A very hurt look. It’s hard to explain.”

“You’re good at playing the harmonica,” The Man said, pointing to the instrument lying on the ground.

“Thanks. Is there anything that you’re good at?”

The question seemed baffling. “Living,” he said.

The scraggly haired man laughed. “You must be.”

In the corner of The Man’s eye, he saw Julie passing by the opening of the alleyway.

“I gotta go.”

“Okay. But remember, if you want to keep living you have to fight. Everybody has to fight. That’s what life is.”

The Man stared at the harmonica player, frozen, his mother’s words ringing in his head like a bell in a corner store. With that, The Man started for the Homeless Shelter. Julie had already made her way inside. The Man felt braver than he had in his life. And he wasn’t thinking; he was just walking. The next thing he knew he was standing right at the entrance. He stopped. Barely any of the homeless had showed up yet, and he felt he could wait an hour or so. From the window he could see Julie smiling at the mystery man, the man in the tux.

For now he waited.

5

Julie served the homeless with a genuine smile, something that felt so true and real to her, a part of her sometimes thinking that she was in something like heaven. Andrew smiled thinly back at her. She felt that she understood that thin smile, knowing that he had yelled at her and that she might be mad.

Julie took a break at five pm, walked outside and took a seat on the steps, looking around at the street. The street was depressing to her; the homeless people that felt that they were too good to be taken care of passed on by what looked like blue slabs, an illusion created by the dull grey sky.

She felt a hand fall on her shoulder.

She jumped, startled. It was Andrew, and his face looked semi-serious.

“Hey, Julie,” he said taking a seat. “How are you doing?”

The question made Julie want to laugh. In all honesty, she wasn’tfine, but Andrew asking seemed to carry off some of the weight of her misery. “Good, I suppose,” she answered. “My life is just...just...”

“Just what?”

Tears started coming down her eyes. “It hurts Andrew. You were right. Dirk is abusive. I was angry at you because you were right. I just never wanted to question him. It was too hard to do. I get so afraid. So, so afraid, Andrew.”

“I’m here for you, Julie,” he said, taking her hand. “It’s just that I care for you. Ever since I met you I’ve cared.”

“Really?” she said, not believing that those words had come out of his mouth.

“Yes,” he said, squeezing her hand tighter.

Julie’s heart started to beat fast.

Andrew kissed her.

“Remember, you can always talk to me.”

“Do you want to have coffee?” Julie asked.

“Sure,” Andrew replied.

“I mean at your place,” Julie said, smiling gently.

Andrew put thought into this and smiled back at her. “You up for a walk?”

“I am.”

Andrew took Julie’s hand and they started off, walking down the street.

Julie was in heaven.

7

The Man looked back at the Homeless Shelter occasionally while he listened to the man with the scraggly hair play songs on his harmonica. The Man was starting to feel that he was getting closer and closer to seeing Julie, and Julie seeing him. He could only imagine what that would be like.

He couldn’t think at that moment of what he was going to say to her. All he really knew was that he would say something to her.

Julie appeared from the entrance and took a seat on the step. She looked truly sad, and The Man looked on, his face becoming an entrenchment of sadness. His eyes started to water at the sight of Julie’s sad face.

The man in the tux appeared and sat beside her, and as he sat down he started to talk to Julie. The conversation that ensued made Julie smile. The Man smiled in unison with the sight of Julie’s face becoming happier. Then they kissed. The tears of happiness that were in The Man’s eyes came out as tears of sadness, tears that started to trickle down each cheek. The Man’s heart felt like it was being crushed, like a hand had closed over every beam of happiness that radiated from his soul.

They walked down the sidewalk together, and that was when The Man couldn’t stand it anymore. He turned his attention back to the harmonica player and Underdog, leaned back against the wall, closed his eyes, and let the music and his dreams carry him away.

[maladaptive-maniac]

Dax bitches about her hospital job: The masterpost!

You may have seen me in the tags complaining about my old job, how I was left behind or didn’t have all the right info or whatnot. Well here’s where I’m putting it all so that you don’t have to scroll through a bunch of posts to get the whole story!

Bitching under the cut! Keep in mind that I am autistic, have chronic hip and arm pain, and I was working the night shift, and only 19 at the time.

1: Poor communication. This is the BIGGEST issue I experienced.

1a: Nobody told me you had to terminal clean rooms with bleach water, or that there was a specific ratio of water to bleach tablet I had to follow. One person would say I had to clean the behind-the-scenes of the pharmacy, another would tell me that was the afternoon shift’s job.

1b: When the new hire came in, she took over the Emergency Department, and I was switched over to MSTU (long-term patient area). I was not told that I would have my department switched, nor did I receive any proper training on that area. Also, one time the new hire was told that she only needed to vacuum three of the entrance rugs, and that I would do the other three. I wasn’t told about that until one of the older janitors yelled at her about it while we were in the break room.

2: Frequent interruptions. I thrive best on routine, but I had to be the one carrying the pager (little device that would sing a little song and display a number that corresponded with one of the patient areas) and I would have my routine interrupted and have to go clean up some gross stuff.

3: The workload. This one wasn’t an issue until the last week of my job, otherwise I would have quit much sooner. On top of wiping down the waiting room chairs, mopping the waiting room floors, wiping down the reception desks and chairs, mopping the laboratory, maintaining triage, maintaining 4-8 bathrooms, and routinely taking out garbage and dirty linen every hour or so, I also suddenly had to terminal clean all eight “rooms” of ER fast track, which were less rooms and more small sections separated by curtains. I had to take off the (often clean!) sheets, wipe down the padded table they call a mattress, wipe down the underside of the mattress AND the table itself, crouch down to get all the nooks and crannies beneath the table, including the pedals, AND wipe down all the individual cables that connected to the monitors and those things the nurses use to look into your eyes and ears, rinse and repeat 8 times. I could do one or the other in a night, but doing both meant working overtime and one time the morning shift lady had to take it over for me. Also, I wouldn’t have gotten a raise for doing the work of two people, but that actually didn’t occur to me until after I left.

3a: It didn’t make sense to me that we would only term clean these rooms once a day. I figured it would be best if they were cleaned between EVERY patient, and suggested to my boss hiring a third janitor to do that specific part of the job, but he spouted some bullshit about how he would have to sit down all day and see how much time we’re spending actually working vs sitting around which. Did not make sense to me.

4: They kept leaving me in the middle of the night, all alone, no help whatsoever. If I got paged to term clean two rooms, one of them would have to wait. Oftentimes I was the only person available for both units. It was a nightmare.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the routine part of the work! Genuinely, I loved knowing that I was making this place safer for everyone, even if the floor was a slipping hazard half the time

Also this is the only hospital in town so it’s going to be very awkward if I end up in the ER overnight

Edit #1: One of the higherups took our wet floor signs because he tripped over one, saw that there were like 5 (ER waiting rooms have a lot of entrances), and thought there were way too many (even though I tried to use as few as possible). I never knew where they went. Then it tied back into poor communication, being that I was never told that I was supposed to have a couple signs on my cart.

[ashleytrashly]

Man... the dreams I've been having lately.

First - the night before moving, I had a dream about Andrew. What an absolute shock /s. This one though, I was at his wedding. His finance did NOT like me. I remember someone asking me at what I guess was the rehearsal how I was holding up, and I just kind of shrugged.

Then it's the next day, the day of the wedding, and he asks me and another friend to go get breakfast with him. We get to the diner and there is guy mopping the floor, and sort of like a meet-cute we can't seem to coordinate getting around each other, and I trip over the mop after doing that "i'll go this way" dance thing. He helps me up and we smile at each other. When we're at the table, andrew is visibly annoyed, and he asks why I was flirting with some diner dude. and I asked why he was bothered about who I may or may not have been flirting with, on his wedding day.

Then he says "I guess we should go, she'll be really mad if you're not on time to get ready for the photos" and I was confused and asked him why I would need to be ready for the photographer. He was like, "well we're getting pictures with everyone in the wedding party" and again i was like... ok... I'm not in the wedding party, so I'm good. He got so mad, and told me that the reason I hadn't been asked to be his best "man". She wanted a very "traditional" wedding party and agreed to make me a bridesmaid since it was important to him that i be part of the wedding party. Only she never followed through.

He then was like... so you weren't at the bridal party/bachelorette party? the dress fittings? I go no. None of that. And he got really sad and was like "so this whole time, you were just completely left out of everything regarding this wedding. You must have thought you didn't mean shit to me" when he thought this whole time I was finally getting close to his fiance, she was actively lying to him when he asked about me, and if we had a good time at those events.

i woke up after that.

I had a dream that I made my grandmother watch House of 1000 corpses with me. She wasn't a fan lmao

Last night, I dreamnt that I was getting a chest/clavical tattoo done, and they only got some of the outline done, and then "accidentally" got too fucked up to finish, and tried to convince me it was fine and that i could come back for it, and I was so mad, because I didn't want to deal with shitty barely even started tattoo for however long before i could come back to work on it more.

[kats-chaotic-wonderland]

The tiny town of Merin Falls [Part 2]

The Attic

I’ll be honest I really wasn't sure when I'd get around to posting again, but this morning Iian mentioned something odd about the day he started working with me. That jarred a memory loose that I think I've been repressing, probably for a good reason. So here I am again.

To recap, as I'm sure you've heard before, I'll start by saying I live in a small town. It's settled in the northeast, a ways up from the Bridgewater triangle, and on the hill above a small bay. It's old, and has a history of witch trials and war battles. If you've ever seen a horror or Hallmark movie you've seen a town just like it. From calm summers to colorful falls, with old Victorian homes settled in old neighborhoods, complete with soccer moms and honor roll kids. This place is chock full of the American dream. It looks and operates like a normal New England town on the surface. Of course, I wouldn't be here if it actually did. There's a lot wrong with this tiny town of Merin Falls.

So, with the idea of the town refreshed in your mind, I’ll get on to my next story. This was a few months before that incident with Travis. I was sitting behind the counter at work, my head bobbing to the beat of the music churning out of the speakers overhead. I’d been working at *Binders and Beats* for a couple years at this point. It’s a small shop off the main square, run by an old married couple. The owners, a pair of sweet old men, are an attorney and a musician. They had given me the job after I helped them recover from that storm six years ago. Took hours to clean up all the snails. But, in the end the work and buckets of slime were worth it. We’d talked between scooping, and they offered me the job that I’m still in years later. The pay is pretty good, and the shop is more of a hobby for the musician than a real money mill.

If the name sounds off, that’s because it's a weird mix of a music shop, with instruments of all kinds, records and disks, and complete with sound booths off to the side of the counter. As well as an office supply store, binders, books, pens and the like. To top that mix off, the whole place looks like an earth bound and a hot topic had a mutated baby shop. The attorney is an ex hippie and wicca, still practicing, and his adorable squish ball of a husband was a hard core rocker who may have stalked Ozzy Osbourne, Sting, and who knows who else from the late eighties through to the late twenty tens. Needless to say my bosses are freaks and I’m living for it.

I usually spend about four days of the week behind that counter. From opening, around eleven am, to close at eight pm. For the first few months of my first year working for them, the owners would train and shadow me every day. Eventually though, they started leaving halfway through the day, then just helping me open or close, till about seven or so months in. At that point seventeen year old me was basically running the shop on my own. The owners only popping in occasionally when they felt like it. As I got into the swing of running this somewhat high end store on my own, there was something of a learning curve as I figured out some of the rules the owners hadn’t written down, or had the thought to mention. Things like don’t mess with the woman in the silver dress. Just let her hang around in the sound booth until she was finished screaming. Make sure that you shut the door when you take trash so the snails don’t get back in. If they do, close the store and clean the slime before it can stain and make damn sure you toss them all out back again. Wash the bucket and mop out back when you finish, and do not use bleach. Mr. Hannigan always needs a wooden violin bow. Do not sell him a plastic one. Ever. There was some trial and error, and many confusing nights. But after a while I got the hang of it, and my calls to the owners stopped being panicked and were more for formality. Lucky for me, we don’t get a ton of business.

This went on pretty uneventfully for about two years, that was until a black and grey badger with one bold hot pink stripe down her back, made off with a weird looking thing. Some kinda synth keyboard, small and like round. Apparently it's called a Qchord, and it’s not cheap. So yeah. After a hit like that, the owners decided I needed some help. Honestly, I was a little insulted at the time. For years I handled shoplifters, karens (Mrs. Miller in particular), bratty kids, and all the weird shit of this town. But the moment a talking badger in a crop top pulls one over on me, I suddenly need help?

Actually writing it out now, I was being pretty petty at the time. They were already generous with giving me weekends and Tuesdays off. But I know that was more for Arthur, he still has fun running the shop. And on the weekends Luther has time off to help him with it. I really should do something for them shouldn’t I? Anyway, I had handled assorted critters, and kept them from losing money. Hell I actually make them money, it's kinda funny really. Guess it makes up for the time they had me work when I was down with the collywobbles (not what you think. It’s just what Mrs.Hanning calls it). But I digress.

Getting saddled with someone new wasn’t something I was in any way excited about. And this long winded tangent brings us back around to where this story started. I was working my usual shift, bobbing along to the Half-Alive cd I had churning away. Alone, waiting for the new hire to come in. But it was maybe about four pm? I had pretty much given up and assumed they bailed. Just up and no showed, wouldn’t be a surprise. No one assumes this place pays well. It does, but I won’t be telling anyone that. I like my job, and my wage really isn’t their business. While I was rolling this thought around in my head though, my train of thought was unceremoniously flung through the air off its track, crashing into a wall along with a ***FLASH***, that was accompanied by a ‘*Click’* and a ‘*wrrrrrr’*. My eyes instinctively rolled as I heard the signature ‘*fwbwbwubub’* of a polaroid being shaken.

I must have been really lost in thought to have not heard him as he entered the store. He flounced up to my counter and perched himself right across from where I was chilling. His perfect teeth glinted in the black light as he gave me his usual smug grin, holding up a fresh polaroid in his fingers like it was a playing card. The smug bastard leaned nose to nose with me,”Sup Bitch. Looks like you dozed off again.”

Without breaking eye contact I snagged the photo and flicked him in the forehead. A satisfying ‘*thump*’ right between his orange soda eyebrows making him wince. “Piss off Iian. What did I say about me and pictures.” It wasn’t a question. Iian knew how I felt about that stupid hot pink rabbit camera of his. He’d dragged that thing for as long as I knew him, still does now that I think about it.

He just shrugged and raked his fingers through his hair, letting the ginger strands fall in a messy frame around his irritatingly perfect face,”Chill Am. It was a good shot.”

With narrowed eyes I looked at him, then the photo. He wasn’t wrong. I hate having my picture taken. But he had caught me at a good angle. The lights were a soft fluorescent glow behind me, framing my figure nicely. Chin propped on my hand as I leaned on the counter, face soft lost in my thoughts, staring at something far away. Hell, even my hair had settled in that intentionally messy way my bangs were supposed to lay, but hardly ever did, framing my face in a curtain of gold. The strands glowing with pink, blue, and purple fluorescent hues. With a sigh I shook my head and handed him back the photo.

“Fine. But just for your personal collection. If I see myself on your socials I will strangle you with my hair.” to make my point I ran a hand from the base of my ponytail to the end and used my other hand to snap it taut, like it was a rope wrapped around both of my hands.

His jaw dropped a bit,”Fuck Amber, I always forget how long your hair is.”

“Yeah, I don’t leave it down much do I?” I mused with a smirk as I let the mass drop. For context, I’m a chick. Was about nineteen at this point, twenty-three at time of writing and my hair is still stupid long. I stand at a nice six foot and some change, and my hair is at my ankles. Back then I think it was at my mid calf? Using it as a threat is something of a running gag with my friends, and I usually have it up in a tight bun so it doesn’t get caught on stuff. If it weren’t for Iian’s need to take photos of just about everything I probably wouldn’t even remember I had it down.

After that I moved on and made a passive comment about waiting for a new hire, and that I was sure they had just no showed. Iian was sitting cross legged on the counter fiddling with his camera by this point.

“Ya think so?” he mused, pulling back the sleeve of his pink hoodie. He always wears one that's at least four sizes too big. It drapes him in pink cotton and hangs off his shoulders giving him a look like those flowy actress robes lined with fur. The kind that old school actresses would pose around dramatically in.

“I mean yeah. It’s like four thirty. They’re hella late if they’re showing up.” I rolled my eyes.

“Oof. Well, guess I should call my dad huh? Let him know I’m late?” Iian grinned.

I’ll admit, it took me a few moments of the gears turning to catch what he meant. I stared, he stared. He waited, watching boredly for the light to click on. When it finally clicked I just blinked, once, twice. Then shook my head,”no fucking way.”

“Yerp.”

“You?”

“Uhuh.”

“Did you piss off Luther?” I asked incredulously.

He furrowed his brow at me and rolled his eyes,”No. Not every job I get is because I made Dad mad.”

“Well, there was the pool,” I started.

“Okay, I had to pay to fix the car, but that was because of the storm. How was I supposed to know it wasn’t water.”

“And the pet shop?”

“Caught with Ryan in the pool house. It was a totally innocent make out...mostly” A pink crept into his cheeks as he grinned like a fool.

“Uhuh.” I smirked,”what about the library?”

“Look if we’re gonna list all my jobs we’ll be here all day.” he huffed and hopped off the counter. I took that moment to sit on it myself and swing around to hop off on his side. Iian was the owner's son, and every time he got in serious trouble they would put him to work to earn money to pay for damages, or tickets, fees, or just so he learned not to fool around at school. Or in the case with his current boyfriend Ryan, at work. He’s a good guy, about a year younger than me, and has his own photography thing. Insta, patreon, all that jazz. He hadn’t been working in the shop up till this point because he wanted to work without family money. Instead of working he would hand around B&B using it as a place to get neat black light photos. This meant we spent a fair amount of time together, resulting in a rather catty friendship.

I landed beside him, my boots hitting the floor with a thump. But, there was a second thump. I looked at Iian, Iian looked at me, we both slowly looked up.

*THUMP*

I took in a slow breath,”Iian.”

He was still looking up,”Yes Amber?”

*THUMP*

“I’m going to find something horrifying in the storage room, aren’t I.” My sigh was heavy as I exhaled.

He nodded, still fixed on the ceiling,”Most likely.”

I nodded, took another deep breath, and then reached behind the counter. My fingers found the cold steel of the bat I kept there for any errant badgers, and the occasional stalker. Slinging the glowing hot pink hello kitty bat over my shoulder I turned to the back room door. Our store had three rooms for storage. There’s the back room where we have the fridge, coffee maker, ect. The basement, where we keep any maintenance equipment, and the attic where the owners kept the spare instruments, parts, and over stock office supplies. There wasn’t much in any of them at this point in time, mostly drum sets and a few dusty boxes of filler paper.

The stairs up to the attic were narrow, only room for one person to walk up. I say were, they aren’t there any more. I heard the thumps growing louder as I made my way to the door. Normally you’d be expecting the lights to flicker, or for the sound to stop as I neared. But no. It was like there was someone up there rummaging around for who knows what in all the over stock instruments. Taking a breath I put my hand on the knob, but before I could turn it, something grabbed my shoulder.

Reflexively I whipped around and decked the person in the cheek. Iian hissed and swore as he stumbled backwards. I grabbed his sleeve barely stopping him before he fell down the stairs. He just looked at me, his soft brown eyes watering with tears,”Fuck.” he hissed as he regained his footing.

“Sorry,” I shrugged letting go of him. I gave him a questioning look. He just held up his camera and pointed to the little light that did the flash, then to his eyes. I nodded, sorta getting it. Turning back to the door Iian readied himself behind me. Quickly I swung the door open, bat ready and looked into the room.

I don’t really know what I was expecting… An animal? Maybe a crazy person, or one of several assorted monsters. But I really wasn’t prepared for what we saw. It almost reminded me of a muppet. If the muppet had a fleshy face and no lips to hide it's mouth. A confusing mix of feathers and fur fell from the flesh mask. Foggy eyes set behind the skin looked around for us. I wondered for a moment if whatever this was, was blind. We stared silently as it milled around the room.

The things movements were somewhere between graceful and a constant stumble, like a kite being dragged by a toddler hopped up on pixie sticks and meth. It moved in random directions, knocking boxes over as it tried to...well whatever it was trying to do. I was just about to shut the door when Iian whispered,”Wait.” Mistake number one.

Then the thing turned to us, I elbowed Iian for getting it's attention. It swayed for a moment, then raised it's….I’m gonna say arm, but it was more like a noodle. Seriously, this thing looked like if hellraiser had muppets. Just as it did, a ***Flash***, from behind me as Iian took a photo. It screeched, a sound like shattering glass assailed our ears. I cursed and grit my teeth, then stepped in the room with my bat poised to swing. Mistake number two.

What I didn’t notice under the flock of feathers and willowy fur was a massive...claw? Bone blade? Spike thing? I have no idea, it was long, sharp, and heading for my head. Lucky for me Iian decided the best way to help was to plow right into me, sending us both into a nearby bass drum. We watched at the spike sunk into the wall, leaving a massive hole, and a crack halfway down to the floor.

With more than a little awkwardness I untangled myself from the drum, and Iian, and scooped up my bat. With one good swing I felt it collide with the things head. It screeched and stumbled to the side. I heard a snap as it's noodle arm went limp and fell from it. The appendage wriggled and leaked something blue. I gagged, then felt something brush past my cheek. Looking up I was met with a feather noodle. My eyes trailed it to the wall, the other spike had just missed my head. Bat in hand I went to give it another good wack. Instead I saw Iian with a big brass cymbal, with a heave he hoisted it up and slammed it down on the muppets twisted flesh face. It crumpled into a heap of feathers and blue goo. Breathing heavy he dropped the cymbal into the mess and stepped over it toward me.

“I think,” he started between heavy breaths,”We need to call dad.”

I nodded, staring at the pile,”Yeah….probably.”

We closed the door and barred it with a steel mic stand. Luther and Arthur came as soon as they got our call. Arthur burst through the door when they arrived, he went straight to Iian and looked him over.

“Oh my baby boy!” he looked over his son like a frantic mother,”Are you okay? Did you get hurt?”

“I’m fine dad,” Iian said softly trying to calm his father.

He held Iian’s hands,”I am so sorry, we rushed over as quickly as we could,” then he turned to me. I hate to admit it, but I actually flinched. He just put a hand on my cheek and looked me over,”Amber dear are you alright?”

I nodded, a little ashamed at my reaction, old habits die hard,”I’m okay sir.”

He gave me a sad smile,”You don’t need to call me sir, you know that.”

“Sorry, I’m okay Arthur, I promise.” I smiled tiredly.

He smiled and hugged me,”Good, now you two go relax. We called Cher, she has food ready for you at the shop.”

I remember my cheeks heating at his suggestion,”You didn’t have to…”

“Oh shush.” Luther interrupted ruffling my hair,”You both need a break, we’ll clean up here. Go see your friends.”

Iian gave me an eyebrow wiggle and I rolled my eyes. We grabbed our things and walked across the street to 'Pressed Pages,' the local bookstore and coffee shop. As we entered the smell of coffee and pancakes hit us. I couldn’t help but smile, that place always puts me at ease. Behind the counter Cherri was in her usual place, pot in hand pouring a cup of coffee. Anxiety gnawed at my nerves seeing her. As always she looked up as she set the cup down and smiled, I love her smile.

“Hey Amber!” her voice was cheerful, joy always radiates from her like sunlight, infecting those around her like flesh eating virus.

I offered her a weary smile as I walked to the counter,”Hey Cher, how are you?”

“Better than you apparently.” her voice had a tone of concern,”Arthur said you had a break in?”

“Well…” rubbing the back of my neck awkwardly I tried to think of how to explain exactly what happened,”It was the uh...Merin Falls kind of break in.”

She nodded understandingly,”Ah, weird as shit.” With a shake of her head she handed me my usual,”Well, a warm drink and a full tummy can fix a lot of problems.”

A lopsided grin formed as I took it,”What would I do without you.”

“Suffer,” she shrugged with a casual grin,”And probably starve, seriously do you eat anywhere else?”

“Eh, sometimes.” I wobbled my free hand,”I can cook, so I eat at home on my days off.”

Cherri’s eyes got a mischievous glint in them and she leaned towards me across the counter,”Well maybe I can try your cooking sometime.”

See, this was another one of those, my brain is dumb moments. You’d think that I would have said literally anything smooth, or at least have said sure. But no, what I said was so incredibly stupid, that even four years and a few hundred dates later, I still kick myself for it.

I blinked once, then twice, as I tried to process the implications. But for some reason, it just didn’t click,”Why?” I asked dumbly.

Her coy grin deflated almost instantly,”I thought you’d…”

Thankfully for my sake, Iian jumped in,”She’d love to Cher, she’s just dumb.” he butted between us and slung an arm around my shoulder,”How about next saturday?”

Cher looked relieved as she looked at him, then up at me,”If you’re okay with it I’d love to.”

Iian smacked the back of my head and shook me out of my daze,”O-oh, yeah! Absolutely, want me to pick you up or?”

I’ll spare you the details of the rest of this awkward interaction. Needless to say the date went well. Going back to what brought me to this story, I mentioned that I had been repressing the part with the attic. Well today, Iian brought in the picture. Once I touched it, the trigger sent me rushing back to that day.

Thing is, we don’t have an attic. The building is one story. And in all of the photos Iian has, it always has been. He found the photo tucked away in a box, with the date on the back.

What’s weirder, Cherri had a painting tucked away in her closet. With the same date. She doesn’t remember seeing the photo, and we didn’t tell her the story.

I’ll probably have more for you all soon. Halloween is just a few days away, and it’s a big deal here. We don’t really have internet from the 29th-1st, so I’ll be offline until after it’s over. I’m Amber Haze, and I’ll be back soon with more from the tiny town of Merin Falls. Hopefully.

(Side note, I'm talking with Iian about finding a place to put scans of some of the photos in these

stories. We're still talking about the best way to do it, but hopefully you all will get to see what haunts my nightmares too. What joy.)

Master post

Horror master post

Navigation post

Part 1

Part 3

[coffeehazard]

HELLO TUMBLR I AM NEW PERSON

Never have posted here before, but I wanted a place for all my work experiences, be it funny, stressed, terrible, or probably normal!

I hope you guys enjoy the first one: My getting started experience!

So back in 2021, I was finally 16, old enough for some simple low paying jobs for part-timers. I thought I was just going to work nights for a couple of hours after school, but that quickly changed after christmas. However, that will be a story for another time.

When I started my job search, I quickly ruled out 3 places, gas stations, mcdonalds, and seasonal hires. (Since I started at the beginning of a new school year, seasonals were out of the question.) So I applied at every restaurant in town, even one of our grocery stores. For a total of, I believe, 18 rejections. Taco Bell was our last place(I was also rejected from Mcdonalds but considered after I was hired for TB). Now Taco Bell had an amazing old man of a manager. He had some kids of his own, and our big boss(his boss) was also super nice and would buy us stuff for some holidays!

Now, at the time of job searching and hiring, I had no idea I had autism. I had been diagnosed early on with ADHD since our dad also has ADD and ADHD. Autism wasn't really on our radar since we didn't know of the varying kinds of Autism. I am a very functioning adult now, and we didn't know of the setbacks not knowing I was autistic was gonna cause.

Before we get too deep, I just wanna say if I repeat too much, it's because this is a loooong story, and I'm trying not to share too much. CARRY ON!

For Taco Bell, I had no resume, but I did have a slip of paper of one of my recommendations from a family friend. (And also other information I forgot about) I was mostly hired as a shot in the dark and turned out to be one of their best employee's. I had worked there for a little over a year before getting a new job for some different experience. Now, with TB I was talked through and shown how to do stuff multiple times to get it in my head so I was mostly independant as I could pick up a skill pretty fast(some I have kept with me all this time).

I was taught how to tie knots in bags with no drawstrings, with one hand. I was taught how to use the headsets in almost every drive through as well as how to use the registers. I also got some food experience that I still have, was never able to use. I was quickly made fun of by some other coworkers and shift leads for being "OCD" (Which I am not, I just like being somewhat organized so on days I don't feel like it I can feel better I did it another day). I was often yelled at for "not listening," which wasn't my fault it was either hard to hear because I can't block out background noise or they were talking too quietly or too loudly.

I had been written up for being "insubordinate" when I was explaining to a manager what a waste of time it would be to mop the floors within 10 minutes of me leaving for the night because I couldn't stay later. That same manager was the worst to me and would single me out and instead of giving me positive reinforcement(which is what I need to continue doing a good job) she would constantly say I need to be better, faster, if (someone who has been there longer than me and cheats around his job) can do it faster I can do it faster. I got so pressed for time that I spilled a whole mop bucket with dirty water across the floor and had to clean it up before someone slipped, so it took me 30 minutes of doing that.

My managers were constantly bickering over me and how I do my job, the store manager would be calling our "mother"(grandmom) to ask why I do something or why I can't do something. I went home crying half the year I worked there because I hated that one manager because she was so contradicting of herself, doing what she was trained to do and not what we were trained to do. Expected of us stuff we did not know about until halfway through the year of working there. I was so torn up about leaving that job early on but decided not to because of one manager. She did end up moving to another store because of her treatment towards who she worked with. Favorites and all.

Anyways that's all for now! Harley clockin' out!

[dobrevninc]

Like me you say? Must have been my doppelgänger or something like that. I don’t know.. Those kind of mystic shows and vampires and all, not really my thing. And that old? Jesus christ, aren’t people moving on? Surely it can’t have been that good. But as it so happens, hearing you talk about a TV show that’s captured your attention and not a documentary about the second world war or something within that range, surely it must be good — might check it out when I have a moment to spare. Okay good, I’m glad to hear it. Not that I don’t adore the way you care for her and seeing your worry was truly heartwarming, I think she’s settled better than anyone could imagine. I truly doubt you’ll have to mess up your back for her and she will just have to learn that she can’t knock you to the floor. I mean, how am I supposed to sleep if you’re not in bed with me? Yeah no, she’ll be fine. Some nights she sneaks out of the bunk to sleep somewhere alone. I think that might have to do with her getting warm, but it also goes to show that she’s comfortable both on her own and with us and that warms my heart. I suspect you’re right about that. I don’t think we’ll ever hear her ask if we’re having actual human babies in this universe, rather when we’re getting another dog or another pet in general. I’ll happily provide her with all the grand pets. Don’t give me too much confidence now or you’ll have me believing I could tame a coyote if we ever came face to face with one. I appreciate you saying that though, you know I do. I just hope part of it is true. I mean it’s been a while since I had a puppy so you kind of forget the puppy phase. At least it seems like she’s through the worst of it and if I have even been a little part of her settling well in this new life of hers, then I am eternally grateful. Hey now as I recall, you enjoyed the shorter hair. I needed a change after everything. I mean, it was also a way to work Elena out of the system. Too much time on our hands? I think we’re only making up for lost time. I mean we’ve discussed your hair countless times before, you know very well how I feel. Hey look, when I fell for you, your hair wasn’t as long as it is now.. Your hair doesn’t really play a part in how much I love you. You could buzz the whole mop off and I’d still love you. Even if I do prefer you never ever doing that. Just saying, no matter the length, I’ll love you just as much. You really never give yourself the credit you deserve. It’s actually far from the bare minimum you know. A lot of people are in a position to do what you do, and they don’t. You’ve helped to save more animals than you know Andrew, given them a light that led to them getting a home instead of the worst scenario. Like do you even understand how many lives you’ve possibly saved? No. Because it’s incomprehensible. But please, just let me praise you for once and not have you tell me that you aren’t worthy, when in fact you are. You’re not praised enough. I do love you. But I think I would love you even a little bit more if you’d just let me praise you ever now and then.

Yeah and clingy to each other all the time? Disgusting. Cringe, is what they say these days right? No but you’re right. I mean we know that none of the goodbyes are a forever kind of goodbye. We did that once and never again. If we got through ten years of not being able to be with each other every day of the year, I think we’ll manage for the rest of our lives. You know me, I’m just emotional like that. We do fine without being attached to each other's hips all the time, even if I prefer everything that way. I think this time it was just different you know? Even if I knew that seeing you again in LA was on the horizon, it was just different. But our days in LA were some of the best yet, I can’t deny that. And seeing you at the Forum again will forever hold a special place in my heart. Makes sense for you to play in LA again only a couple of weeks after our anniversary. Andrew… You know, every time you say things like that, it’s like I feel it all over again — how much you love me. Not that you’ve ever made me doubt it.. Even when we’re apart, you’re always with me. I carry you in everything I do. Your love is like this constant, steady thing that I can lean on whenever I need it. We've been through so much and we came out of it stronger. We’re in such a better place now because we've seen what it’s like when we’re not together, and neither of us wants that again. We don’t dwell on the past, but at least it’s given us a lesson for life, to never fall down that hole again. I know we can't predict everything, but when you talk about the future like that, just know that’s how I see it too. It’s you and me, through everything. The thought of always coming back to you — that’s what keeps me going. You’re my person. I’m not going anywhere. We’re in this for the long haul, just like you said. Kind of were from the first moment we met — really was no going back from that moment on. Can you blame me? Like do you even remember the state of your first tour buses? Like you didn’t fit into the bunk and they were so uncomfortable. They were noisy and cold. Now? Much more preferable. I think it’s also that I’d take anything anywhere these days, as long as it means I’m with you. I think I’d fare better in that old tour bus these days. But still, I prefer this one. Oooh don’t be making promises like that. But no, I know what you mean. I love seeing you come to life, getting to do what you love. Time at home will come when the time is right. As for now, I’m comfortable as long as you’re around. 

Oversized jumpers are always to be preferred when one intends to layer up for the colder days. And why on earth would I go out and buy them when I can just borrow yours? They’re way comfier and smell better too. Hey it's not stealing baby.. called borrowing for a reason you know. You’re lucky you found a girl who’s favorite time of the year is when it’s cold outside. Now looks may be deceiving with living in LA and all. But the people who know me know that growing up in Canada, and someone who loves skiing, there is nothing better. See? That’s what I know. Which makes it a win win for both of us. It’s right if I’m not wearing your clothes at home. Still have some of your old things by the way.. We didn’t get to that when we were in LA, but just so you know. But yeah I’m glad I did manage to get some of that packing done before we left. Just glad the bus could hold another two of my bags. I think I’d only resort to wearing your jeans in a real desperate manner. Legging and trousers I think I’m better off with on my own if I want to be able to walk anywhere without tripping and falling. Don’t be going off and making me emotional now again. I can’t believe how long it’s actually been since I was there last. It’s like something is missing from me. I don’t think I’ll feel fully complete until I’m back there. Well she pretty much is, so I get it. No I know.. I mean, her cries when she saw you again is unlike anything I’ve heard before. I mean that. You know how she gets when she’s reunited with me.. But this time, with you? That was on another level. Oh god, another bus? Don’t be silly. I love you, but Maverick does fine on this one. I mean her and Freya falling asleep together on the sofa last night? I think that’s enough evidence. 

I don't know, I'm quite partial to the idea of vampires roaming amongst us. Think I saw a show once where there was this absolutely stunning creature, cunning as you like and variant as the day is long. Can't quite remember... Katherine or something, and as luck would have it, she had a human counterpart. Think ya might have liked it, though it's about fifteen years old at this point. My fear with Freya is pretty much settled as of now. She's done well with every environment we've placed her in, so I'm fairly confident she'll do well back in Wicklow. If she doesn't, we'll deal with that when it happens, I'll sleep on the damn floor and mess up my back for her if I have to. She'll be alright, she has you. Though I have a sneaking suspicion my mam is going to want to dog sit far too often to actually be considered normal. How can we refuse? Since we have no wains of her own, Freya and Maverick as basically her grand babies. It'll be nice seeing her in a different environment, embracing the love of different people. I think she's come to notice that the world isn't the cold, dark place she once knew it to be. People aren't all bad and it's been so heartwarming to see her liven up more and more as time goes by. I think a huge part of that has to do with you, my love. You've been so patient with her. You'd make even the most skittish creature feel at complete ease. Ah, darlin', you've always been fond of me having longer hair so it comes as no shock to me you've been enjoying this length. I have no plans to chop it off, unlike someone I know who randomly decided to take scissors to her hair once upon a time without my knowledge. Quite the shock to the system, but you're a Goddess in any light. A haircut or two could never change that. Only you would find humour in my on stage struggles of having too much hair. I'm glad it amuses you, my love. Who knew we'd bond over long locks? We truly might have too much time on our hands, but I love it. Like I said, you're Freya's favourite. Animals pick up on things, she's quickly gotten to know you and loves you more than anything. As glad as I am that you enjoyed your time in New York, having ya back by my side has filled me with much relief. I know we're in a good place but knowing LA was around the corner and you weren't by there installed this irrational, impending doom within me. It isn't logical, but I can't help it. Ah, don't be daft. It's the bare minimum. People love animals, but I think a lot forget about sheltered pets. They deserve a happy home with a stable environment. If anything, I feel lucky that I'm in a position that allows me to bring attention to it. Ya know I love you, darlin', but that's not praise worthy. Thanks for thinking so much of me anyway. Knowing you see me in such a light is all I need.

One day, if like to think we'll both be in a space where goodbyes don't resort in such painful flashbacks to the time that felt like a finality. Just like you, I don't find it easy saying bye to you either, but it's necessary. We can't be those kind of people that cling to each other at all times. I fear that would only be worse in the long run, we'll become irrationally co-dependant and any time spent apart will be laced with doubt. Whenever ya do have to go 'bout with your life and can't be by my side, you can leave with the knowledge that I love you, that I have and always will love you. Your name will be on my dying breath and your face will always linger in my mind. Things won't be like before. We're better now, stronger and I've learnt what it's like to live a life without you. That won't happen again. By no means can I see into the future, but I know mine doesn't exist without you in it. So don't worry, love, you've got me for the long haul. The reunions are sweet, and true. I come to life the moment I see your face again. Remember when ya used to complain about the damn tour bus, now suddenly you've found yourself loving every second you're there? Funny, isn't it? The way out emotional ties to people impact of relationship with other things. I promise after tour ends, I'll have an extended break. We can sleep in an actual bed and have the home comforts you deserve. Can't lie like, keeping a secret from ya wasn't an easy task but I knew it'd be worth it in the end... and I was right, of course.

Being secluded in our own little bubble is one thing, but being able to get back to daily life is entirely different, in the best possible way. It means we'll be back on track, that the people we love can be involved and that alone makes me endlessly happy. Oh no, are ya going to be stealing my clothes all over again? Well, I suppose it's only right since I'll be dragging your arse to Ireland during the colder months... though, now that I say it, even the warm months aren't particularly 'warm' per say. Anyway, now I'm rambling. You're welcome to anything of mine, ya know that. Besides, I've always loved seeing ya in my clothes. You never fail to look so content while you're wearing them. I'd be lying if I said it didn't make my heart skip a beat or two. While we're in LA, why don't we pack some of ya stuff so you're prepared for when you go back? You're more than welcome to my stuff, but I doubt you'll enjoy wearing my jeans around. Much to large for ya and no amout of belts will make that look like a fashion statement. Ireland is your home, Nina. That never stopped being true. The friends you made, the lives you impacted didn't just stop existing when you left. You manage to captivate everyone, but none more so than me. What can I say? Maverick and I have a history. She's like my first born baby. I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a little teary idea. I know she's yours, but I've missed that dog more than I thought was possible. I wish we could bring her along for the rest of tour. Do ya think that maybe I should look into getting a different bus for the two of us and the dogs? Would Maverick like travelling? I wouldn't want to stress the old girl out.

[atlabeth]

everything happens for a reason part 18 - zuko x fem!reader

Don't speak, I know just what you're thinking

part 17 | masterlist | part 19

a/n: and yn is finally reunited with her friends!!! as much as im sure you all enjoyed yn being constantly sad and depressed in prison i am so glad that i get to write her w the gaang again as well as suki in a more normal situation. those girlies are bonded for life

wc: 9.2k lmao OOPS

warning(s): some angst regarding zuko ofc but pretty tame; minor injuries, fighting, canon stuff from the boiling rock ep

chapter title comes from don't speak by no doubt!

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” 

After a restless night, Y/N was looking forward to meeting with Sokka and Suki again and formulating their plan for escape. Instead, she was met with the sight of not only Zuko, but Zuko in his very own set of prison rags. 

“We, uh—” he glanced down at his outfit, “—we ran into some issues last night.”

“Didn’t take you long to mess up, did it?” she commented as she grabbed a mop from one of the buckets at the corner of the room. “I’m not surprised.” 

“Y/N—” Zuko started, but she shook her head. 

“Save it.” She gestured across the way with the stick of her mop where Suki stood, inconspicuously speaking with Sokka who was still in his guard disguise. Not even bothering to look at Zuko, she started on her way. 

“Hey,” she said, offering nods of greeting to both Sokka and Suki. They returned them, and after ensuring that no actual guards were around to hear them, she turned back to them. “Are you guys okay?” 

“I’m fine,” Suki said, and she smiled at Sokka. “A lot better knowing that you’re here.” 

Y/N smiled inwardly at the faint blush on his cheeks as he spoke up. “We’re good too. Zuko ended up getting caught last night, but they still don’t know about me. But I’ve had a lot of time to polish my idea since I last saw you, and I can make it work in our favor. I think I’ve got a pretty solid plan, guys.” 

“Please, spill,” Y/N said. “I am more than ready to get out of here.” 

“Same,” Suki muttered. 

Sokka looked behind him one last time to ensure that no guards were nearby, and then he ushered them into the corner next to the stairs for maximum privacy. Y/N and Suki set their mops against the wall and the four of them squatted down, Sokka lowering his voice. 

“So, you know how when a firebender misbehaves or uses their bending, they get sent to the coolers?” They all nodded, and Sokka pushed up the visor of his helmet. “Well, I checked them out again — the whole point of them is to keep firebenders contained, which means they’re completely insulated and sealed to keep the cold in. And to keep the cold in, it also has to keep the heat out, right?” 

Suki frowned. “Just get to the point, Sokka.” 

“We’ve clearly been apart for too long,” he sighed, shaking his head. “You have no appreciation for my dramatics anymore.” 

Suki rolled her eyes but couldn’t stifle her smile. “Whatever.” 

He smiled as well as he continued. “Because of its insulation, it’s a perfect boat to get through the boiling water!”

Zuko’s eyes widened. “The cooler as a boat? Are you sure?” 

“I’m telling you,” Sokka said, “it’ll work.” 

Y/N frowned. “What about the guards? They have watchtowers around the perimeter—they’d spot us in a second.” 

Sokka shook his head. “I walked it this morning. There’s a blind spot between two of the guard towers—we can launch the cooler there. The current will take us right through, and as long as we stay quiet, no one will notice a thing. Not until we’re long gone.”

“That sounds great,” Suki said. “But how are you gonna get the cooler out? None of us will be able to help you, and surely you can’t do all that work alone.” 

Sokka opened his mouth to respond, but a different, unfamiliar voice rang out instead. 

“Yeah. How are you going to get the cooler out?” 

Y/N immediately grabbed her mop out of instinct—not that it would do much help if a guard had caught them plotting an escape—but when they all looked up, it was just another prisoner. He hopped down from the railing and landed next to them, ignoring their bewildered expressions. So much for privacy. 

“What?” Sokka immediately started panicking as he tugged at his collar. “We— we didn’t say that!”

Zuko nodded. “Yeah. You heard wrong.” 

His face remained impassive. “I heard you hatching an escape plan. I want in.” 

“There’s nothing to get in on,” Zuko said.

“We’re just having a normal conversation,” Y/N said, her grip on the handle of her mop tightening. “Nothing you need to be involved in.” 

“Yeah,” Sokka spoke up, “the only thing we’re hatching is… an egg.” 

Suki gave him a disappointed look, Zuko groaned, and Y/N just sighed. Sokka was a genius, but he really needed to work on his improv. 

The prisoner shrugged. “Either I come with you, or the warden hears about this egg.” 

The four of them looked at each other, speaking with each other just through minute changes in their expressions, until they finally settled on what they knew they had to do. 

Suki broke away first, relenting with a sigh. “I guess we have no choice.” 

“Fine,” Sokka said, looking at the prisoner, “you’re in. But you follow our lead on everything, or you’re out just as quickly.” 

“As long as you get me off this rock, I don’t care what my part is,” he said. 

Sokka nodded. “Okay. Back to getting the cooler out. Obviously, Suki’s right, and I can’t do it alone, especially from the outside. But,” he looked at Zuko, “we can get someone to unscrew it from the inside.”

It took Zuko a second to understand, but then he nodded. “I can do that.” 

“Good.” Sokka took a wrench out from his back pocket and handed it to Zuko, and he tucked it into his tunic. 

“You’re gonna have to use your firebending,” Suki said. “We see it happen all the time— a guard baits a prisoner into a fight, they use their bending, and they get locked in the cooler for a week for something that isn’t even their fault. If you’re seen blasting at Sokka, you’ll definitely get thrown in.”

Sokka shook his head. “As much as I’d love to fight Zuko, I shouldn’t be seen causing a scene with him again. We were already caught together last night—if that happens again, someone up top might get suspicious.” 

“Zuko and I can fight,” Y/N spoke up. “I know how to dodge his attacks.” And to be honest… she wanted to throw a couple punches at him. She was still angry she had to work with him to get out of here. 

Zuko frowned. “No way. I’m not fighting you for this, and I’m not gonna burn you.”

She snorted. “You had no qualms about doing it before.”

Zuko winced at the barb, and she couldn’t help but feel a sick sort of gratification. He should feel bad about what he did to her. She wasn’t just going to let him off the hook because they needed to work together for a day. 

“Don’t worry, princess. You two don’t have to fight,” the prisoner spoke up, and he looked at Zuko with a smile. “I can get you inside.” 

-

Getting Zuko in trouble turned out to be the easiest thing they’d done during their time here. He and the prisoner—Chit Sang, he finally told them—staged a fight, and the second Zuko sent a blast of firebending, Sokka called for backup and he got taken away. Y/N had to admit—it was nice seeing Zuko get shoved around, even if it was just pretend. 

They were sent back to their cells a few minutes later for “security reasons”, and since then, Y/N had just been playing the waiting game. She sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the blue beads in her hands as she rolled them between her fingers. Thankfully they hadn’t been confiscated after she became a prisoner here, but it had only taken a week for her to remove them from her braids and secure them in the safety of her cell. The last thing Y/N needed was for an even bigger target to be placed on her back, and so she made the difficult decision to take them out. 

But now—tonight—they were escaping. She was going to get her life back. No more hiding who she was. 

Y/N had just finished braiding the beads back into her hair when her cell door opened, and she smiled when the guard flipped up his visor and revealed his blue eyes. 

“Sokka,” she breathed, darting up to her feet, “is everything okay?” 

He nodded. “Everything’s going according to plan. I got Suki and Chit Sang out of their cells a few minutes ago—I’m on the way to get Zuko out of the cooler.” Sokka paused. “Do you want to come with me? 

“No.” 

“Y/N—”

“No, Sokka.” She shook her head. “I told you I would work with him just enough to get out of here. I don’t need to come with you.” 

He stared at her for a moment before relenting with a sigh. “Okay. You know your way down to the shore?” 

“Yeah. I’ll meet them there.” 

“Good. Don’t get caught.” 

Y/N smiled. “Take your own advice.” 

Sokka chuckled as he pulled her in for a hug, stepping away after a good long moment. “I’ll see you on the other side?” 

She nodded. “You know it.” 

-

“Oh, thank Kyoshi you made it.” 

Suki ran over and tackled her into a gopher bear hug the second Y/N emerged from around the building, instantly knocking the air out of her. 

She laughed breathlessly and patted her on the back, extracting herself from Suki’s arms so they could walk back over to where Chit Sang was waiting. “Of course I made it—you think I’m gonna let something go wrong this close to our escape?” 

“I have total faith in you,” Suki said. “It just took you a little longer to get here, and I immediately thought the worst.” 

“It’s true,” Chit Sang spoke up. “She wouldn’t stop pacing.” 

“Well, I’m here now,” Y/N said, “and Sokka’s on the way to get the cooler. Hopefully he’ll be here soon.” 

It was then that she spotted two other people sitting on the rocks near them, a man and a woman. 

“Um,” she said, “who are they?” 

“Oh, yeah.” Chit Sang gestured at them with his head. “That’s my girl and my buddy. They’re coming with us.”  

“What?” Y/N looked at him incredulously. “The deal was that you got to come—this plan’s already risky enough with only the five of us. You don’t get to bring in your own people when you’re only here as a liability.” 

He raised his eyebrows. “This liability is fully willing to tell the warden about your plan. So either they escape with us, or we all get thrown back in the slammer.” 

Y/N glared at him, fire simmering just beneath the surface, only quelled when Suki spoke up. 

“I told him that,” she sighed, “but it should be okay. More people getting out of this place, the better, right?” 

“Fine,” Y/N said, and she looked over at the two, “but you don’t do anything to mess this up, or I’ll throw you into the lake myself—okay?” 

They both nodded, and she felt the slightest bit of gratification at their widened eyes. 

Y/N sighed herself and sat down on a rock next to Suki. Now, all they could really do was wait. 

And wait they did. It was another harrowing, anxious ten minutes until they heard noises—when Y/N looked behind them, they were greeted with the sight of Sokka and Zuko rolling down the cooler. They all immediately rushed up to support them, and with the strength of the five of them combined, it was a far easier effort.

“It’s about time you got here,” Chit Sang said , and he pulled the same thing on Sokka as he did on Y/N. “I brought my girl and my best buddy—they’re coming too.” 

And Sokka reacted the same way she did—annoyance underneath, but cooperation above it. 

“Fine,” he grumbled. “Stop it here.” 

Y/N grimaced as she dug her heels into the rock, and they managed to stop the cooler just before the shore. Together, they turned it around, the edge of it just barely in the boiling water. 

“Get in,” Sokka said. “It’s better we’re out before the guards can realize any of us are gone.” 

Chit Sang’s people nodded and began to get in the cooler, but Y/N’s gaze followed Sokka as he walked over to a large boulder. He picked it up to reveal his Water Tribe clothes, and she was able to see his longing stare as he stood there. 

“Are you sure you want to go?” Zuko asked, folding his arms as he and Suki joined them. “You’re the one that said you wanted to redeem yourself, redeem your honor. Rescuing your dad is your chance.” 

Y/N’s eyes widened as Sokka slipped his sword over his back. “Your father could be here?” 

“They’re getting a new shipment of prisoners in tonight,” Sokka said quietly, staring at the ground. “We overheard the guards talking about it—there are some war prisoners, which means my dad could be one of them.” 

The meaning of it dawned on her—either they left and lost their chance at saving Sokka’s dad, or they stayed and lost their chance of escaping, possibly for nothing. It was an impossible situation, but Y/N knew Sokka—and for someone like him, the answer was obvious. Of course, his version of the answer would be to make the rest of them escape and leave him here alone—if it went wrong, only he would suffer the consequences. But that wasn’t going to happen. 

“If I had just cut my losses at the invasion, maybe we wouldn’t be in this mess.” Sokka looked up at them. “Maybe sometimes it’s just better to call it quits before you fail.” 

“No,” Zuko insisted, “it’s not. You’re going to fail, Sokka, and you’re gonna do it a lot before things work out.”

Sokka stood up from his crouch, frowning as he looked at Zuko. “That’s supposed to make me feel better?” 

“No, it’s not. But it’s reality.” Zuko followed him as Sokka started going towards the coast. “Even though you’ll probably fail over and over and over again—” 

“Seriously,” Sokka grumbled, “not helping.” 

“—You have to try every time. You can’t quit because you’re afraid you might fail.”

“I can’t believe I’m saying this… but I agree with Zuko,” Y/N said. “You can’t leave your dad, Sokka—you don’t even want to, I know that. But whatever happened at the invasion won’t happen again—we’re here to back you up, no matter what.” 

Zuko looked at her in disbelief—whether it was the fact that she actually said his name, agreed with him, or even just entertained his presence, she wasn’t exactly sure—but she glanced away just as quickly. He sighed, and focused back on Sokka. 

“So,” he finished, “what’s your decision?” 

“If you’re all done cuddling back there, can we get a move on?” Chit Sang spoke up, holding the cooler on the coast with his hand. 

Sokka looked out into the boiling lake, then back at Y/N and Suki, and finally at Zuko. He took a deep breath and shook his head. “No. I’m staying.” 

He set the sack holding his clothes on the ground and looked at the three of them. “You guys go—especially you two, Y/N and Suki. You’ve been here long enough. I can’t keep you here for something that might be nothing.” 

“Are you kidding me?” Y/N asked. “We’re not going anywhere, Sokka. Like I said—we’re right beside you.” 

Suki nodded. “I’m not leaving without you, Sokka.” 

“I’m staying too,” Zuko said with a small smile. 

Just once, for Sokka, Y/N managed to bite back her remark. But their moment together was ruined by Chit Sang, who hopped into the cooler along with his friends. 

“Not me,” he said. “I’m out.” 

“We gave up our only chance of escaping.” Sokka sighed as he watched the cooler float away, his throat bobbing as he swallowed hard. “I hope we haven’t just made a huge mistake.” 

“We haven’t,” Y/N said. “I know it.” 

-

Y/N watched the cooler float through the boiling waters, the mostly stagnant lake doing little to help aside from the occasional currents. With the new arrivals coming in at dawn and the fact that they couldn’t go back to their cells, the four of them were left to their own devices on the shore. Sokka and Suki sat together, her head resting on his shoulder with his arm around her waist, talking quietly with each other. Zuko stood a few meters away from them, his attention focused on the sunrise. Y/N was occupying her time by keeping an eye on the cooler and kicking a small rock around with her foot. They’d been there for an hour now, just trying to pass the time until dawn. 

The sun was slowly, slowly rising—she swore that it was purposefully going at a more lethargic pace just to spite them—and she sighed as she kicked the rock into the lake. It sank beneath the boiling water, sizzling the whole way down, and she felt that tightness in her chest again. Spirits, she wished she had her bending. She would’ve been able to get them all out without a second thought—instead, all she could do was sit on the shore, useless. 

Y/N heard footsteps behind her and she glanced over, figuring it was Suki or Sokka—instead, she was met with Zuko sitting down on the ground next to her. 

She rolled her eyes and looked back out onto the lake. “Go away.” 

“I just want to talk.” 

“Well, I don’t.” 

“You don’t have to,” Zuko said. “I just… need to say some things.” 

Y/N kept her attention trained on the horizon, staying silent. There was nothing she could do if Zuko wanted to talk, but that didn’t mean she had to listen. 

“I could tell you how sorry I am again, but… I don’t know how much weight that has. Especially right now, when we’re here. I— I am sorry, more than you could ever possibly know, but you probably don’t want to listen to me wallow. So I’m offering my help instead.” 

She frowned a bit at that, but Zuko continued. 

“Sokka told me you lost your bending. I lost mine too, when I first started helping Aang. It was because, before all of this, for as long as I had been bending, the source of it was my anger. But when I realized I was on the wrong side of it all, that anger went away, and my bending along with it. I had to find a different source for it; find the true meaning of firebending. If you figure out how your source was lost, then you can figure out how to get it back. And I want to help you get it back.” 

Y/N huffed a mirthless laugh. “If that’s the reason I lost my bending, then I think I have a pretty good idea what caused it.” 

“What—” Zuko started to say, but he was interrupted by Sokka.  

“The gondola’s moving,” he said, and Y/N turned around to see him and Suki standing up. He pointed at the line that the gondola rode over to the prison, and sure enough, it was going across. 

“Let’s move,” Y/N said. 

The four of them rushed over to the ledge that went around the walls of the prison—Sokka gave Suki, Y/N, and Zuko a boost up by making a platform with his hands, and then climbed up himself with a little help from Zuko. They edged around the wall, being careful not to lose their balance, when all of a sudden there was a deafening scream from out in the lake. 

Y/N’s eyes darted over and she saw Chit Sang standing up in the cooler, clutching his hand—by the splash next to the cooler, she took it he got a little too close to the boiling water. The distant commands of a guard could be heard as the alarm bell clanged on repeat, and Sokka’s eyes widened. 

“The plan failed,” he said, horrified. “They’re caught!” 

“Keep going,” Suki whispered. 

They continued to edge around the platform together, and Y/N winced as she saw a bolt being fired, and after it caught hold of the cooler it began hauling them back in. 

“Looks like we made the right choice by staying,” Y/N murmured. 

“The gondola’s moving,” Sokka interrupted, and they picked up the pace as they finally reached the edge of the yard. They had a view of the gondola as it finally landed after what felt like an eternity, and they all fell silent, waiting with bated breath. “This is it. If my dad’s not here, then we risked everything for nothing.” 

“We had to,” Suki said, and she squeezed Sokka’s hand. Y/N nodded. 

The doors were opened by one of the guards, and prisoners began filing out. After the first man, Zuko looked over at Sokka. 

“Is that him?” 

Sokka scoffed. “My dad doesn’t have a nose ring.” 

Prisoners continued to walk off the gondola until there were no more left, but not a single one of them looked like Sokka. 

“Is… is that it?” Sokka shook his head. “No— no, that can’t be it. Where is he?” 

“I’m so sorry,” Suki said quietly. 

Sokka screwed his eyes shut as he let himself fall back against the wall. “He’s not here.” 

But then a guard spoke up. 

“Hey, you! Get off the gondola.” 

Sokka’s eyes shot open, and their attention immediately went to the gondola. A man walked out after another moment—his dark brown hair was tied into the same kind of wolf tail Sokka had and Y/N saw every day back in the Northern Tribe, and two braided strands moved in the slight breeze. Sokka let out a haggard breath of relief as his eyes widened, full of hope, and Y/N knew immediately.  

“That’s him,” he whispered. “Dad.” 

-

They were able to sneak their way back without detection by melting back into the crowd of prisoners in the yard, Sokka joining the guards a few minutes after they made themselves scarce. There was a renewed energy in their group, knowing that Sokka’s father was there. It wasn’t all for nothing. 

Zuko, however, wasn’t doing too great at the moment. 

“Mai,” he breathed, his eyes wide as he stared at the girl he had left behind in the Fire Nation. Whereas he was used to seeing her completely emotionless, there was a hardened glint in her eye. It, to be completely honest, terrified him. 

“How did you know I was here?” he asked. 

“Because I know you so well,” she said. 

Zuko frowned. “But, how—” 

“The warden’s my uncle, you idiot,” Mai interrupted as she glanced off to the side. It was hard seeing her like this, seeing her here—now that he’d been reunited with Y/N, it only served to make things more complicated. “He sent a messenger hawk telling me you were here, and Azula intercepted it. You’re lucky I’m the one talking to you now instead of her.” 

Zuko stilled. “Azula’s here?” 

She rolled her eyes. “Of course she is. When you betrayed the whole country, you betrayed her, too. You have a lot to answer for, Zuko.” Mai took a roll of paper out of the folds of her robes and let it unravel in front of him—it was the letter that he wrote her before he left to go join the Avatar. “I guess I don’t know you at all. I mean, all I get is a letter?” She scoffed. “You could’ve at least looked me in the eyes when you ripped out my heart.” 

Zuko felt guilty, hoping that Mai felt the same way about him that he did about her. He loved her—of course he did, she was one of his only friends in the Fire Nation after Y/N had been forced to leave, and they grew closer than ever—but he’d come to realize it was solely platonic. He had no choice but to leave the Fire Nation, but maybe he could’ve broken the news in a lighter way to the girl who’d been by his side since he returned home. 

“I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I… I didn’t want to hurt you. I didn’t mean—” 

“You didn’t mean to what?” Mai interrupted, and he winced. She opened up the scroll with her other hand and walked behind him as she read. “‘Dear Mai, I’m sorry that you have to find out this way, but I’m leaving.’ You might as well have added, good luck dealing with the wrath of my sister alone, hopefully she doesn’t blame you for the fact that I’m gone!” The paper snapped as she shut it and shoved it back into her tunic. “You don’t ever think about anyone other than yourself.” 

“This isn’t about you!” Zuko snapped. “It’s not even about me, Mai! I left the Fire Nation to help the Avatar learn firebending because it’s my destiny to help him on his journey—I did this to save the world, not because I thought it would be fun to— to annoy you. I’m trying to stop my father from hurting anyone else.” He sat up from his hunched over position and looked right at Mai. “You of all people should understand that.” 

“You don’t get to use that line on me,” she fumed. Mai might not have been a bender, but there was a lot of fire simmering just beneath the surface. “It really makes me feel better, knowing that you actually couldn’t have cared less about me.” Her expression sobered slightly and she turned away. “You just wrote a letter and left—I had to fix the mess that you made.” 

“What was I supposed to do?” he defended. “You’re best friends with Azula—you probably would’ve told her what I was planning to do and gotten me thrown in jail.” 

Mai’s eyes flashed with anger. “You can’t seriously believe that.” 

“Why wouldn’t I?” Zuko marveled. “You’ve been attached to her side for as long as I can remember. I mean, you’re here now with her. It’s not that hard to think you’d turn me in.” 

“You really don’t know anything about me,” she murmured.

That caught him off guard. “What?” 

Mai didn’t have the chance to answer him as a guard stopped in front of the cell. “Ma’am, there’s a riot going on. I’m here to protect you.” 

A riot—that must’ve been the distraction Sokka mentioned. It was now or never for him to get out of here; if he didn’t, Zuko was sure his next visitor would be his sister, there to take him back to the Fire Nation in chains. That wasn’t really an option. 

Mai looked over at the guard, her expression once again impassive. “I don’t need any protection.” 

Zuko chuckled. “Believe me; she doesn’t.” 

“I’m sorry, I’m under direct orders from your uncle to make sure nothing happens.” The guard began walking into the cell, and Zuko took it as his chance. 

He shot a blast of fire at the guard’s feet and ran past him and Mai in their shock, and he shut the door just as Mai slammed her fists against the metal. 

“What are you doing?” she yelled. For maybe the third time in Zuko’s life, her eyes were filled with nothing but pure emotion—hatred, anger, confusion, he didn’t know. All he knew was that he had to get to the yard. 

“I’m sorry, Mai,” he murmured. “You’ll understand someday.” 

And Zuko ran. 

-

Once again, Y/N was left to wait in her cell for Sokka. Before they dispersed in the courtyard, he told them he would find his dad first and then get back to them when he figured out a plan. It was tedious, but she didn’t mind it—after today, she would never see the inside of this cell again. 

The door finally slid open, and though she tensed out of instinct at the guard uniform, it dissolved when he opened his visor. 

“Did you find him?” she asked. 

Sokka nodded and smiled. “Yeah. I found my dad and we talked—we have another plan, but… it’s risky.” 

“We don’t have many options that wouldn’t be risky,” she said. “Let’s hear it.” 

“We’re escaping today,” Sokka said, “but… we’re using the gondola.” 

Y/N frowned. “The gondola? How?” 

“We’ll commandeer it, and we’ll take a hostage with us to make sure we can get across without them cutting the line."

She frowned. “It’ll never work. There’s too many guards around the station.” 

“That’s exactly what Suki said!” Sokka exclaimed. “Spirits, we need to get you two out of here—you’ve been spending way too much time together.” 

Y/N smiled. “Keep going with the plan, buddy.” 

“Right,” he nodded. “My dad figured that out—we’ll cause a distraction, a prison riot, so the guards will be occupied and we’ll be able to make it.”

“Even if we can get to the gondola, we’ll never make it across the lake,” Y/N said. “The warden prides himself on being in charge of an inescapable prison so much that he puts it in every speech—he’ll tell them to cut the line no matter what, and then we’re screwed.” 

Sokka grinned. “That’s the thing. We’re gonna take the warden as our prisoner—that way, they’ll have to let us across, and they’ll be too scared to even risk cutting the line.” 

“That is… an insane plan. But I think it might be our only shot.” She chuckled as she shook her head. “You certainly haven’t lost your spark as the plan guy.” 

He laughed. “Like I could ever lose that spark.” 

-

When Y/N’s cell door slid open, she could hardly believe it. Yeah, she trusted Sokka, but this was the beginning of the end. She was really going to get out of this dreaded place—she was going to see Toph, Aang, Katara again. The promise of seeing her friends again was enough to push her through anything this escape would take. 

She joined the flow of prisoners into the courtyard—they had all been released, not just in blocks, so it was easy to blend in. Y/N kept her eyes peeled, and she eventually caught sight of Sokka, his dad, and Suki. 

“You guys made it,” she breathed as she came to a stop in the loose circle, and then she looked up at Sokka’s dad, her eyes widening slightly. “Um, it’s nice to meet you, sir.” 

He smiled. “There’s no need to call me sir—a friend of Sokka’s is a friend of mine. I’m Hakoda.” His eyes fell on the beads in her hair and his smile grew. “Another member of the Water Tribe? Looks like this place can’t keep any of us locked up.” 

She grinned—she definitely saw where Sokka got it all from. “I’m Y/N—I’m from the Northern Tribe. I guess they really can’t.” 

“As fun as it is introducing you to my dad, we’re in the middle of something,” Sokka said pointedly. Y/N just smiled and nodded, letting him continue. “We’re trying to start a prison riot, but apparently the bad guys in here are actually… learning to control their anger. It’s weird. Do you know what to do?” 

Y/N shook her head. “I’ve only managed to get in fights by being really unlucky. Have you tried… yelling?” 

It was at that moment that a gruff voice rang out behind them, a big hand slamming down on Sokka’s shoulder. 

“Hey, you! You’re lucky I didn’t rat you out!” Chit Sang glared down at Sokka, but then he smiled a bit. “My generosity comes with a price, though—I know you’re planning another escape attempt, and I want in.” 

“Can you start a riot?” Y/N spoke up. 

He nodded. “Easily.” 

“Do it, and you’re in,” she said. 

Chit Sang walked forward and grabbed a prisoner by his cuff, lifting him up over his head as he yelled out to the whole yard. “Hey! Riot!” 

To Y/N’s surprise, it actually worked. The prisoners immediately dissolved into chaos, fighting one another, shooting off blasts of fire, and just generally creating a mess as dust from the ruckus created large clouds all over. It was the perfect distraction. 

Hakoda’s eyebrows shot up. “Impressive.” 

They all took refuge by one of the walls, and Y/N looked at Sokka. “We have to get the warden now, right?” 

“Yeah, but—” he looked around anxiously— “we can’t leave without Zuko. What is taking him so long?” 

She resisted the urge to say they could leave him here, but it was imperfect timing, because Zuko showed up right as they mentioned him, fighting off a guard on the way before he settled into their circle. It was a shame.

“Zuko!” Sokka exclaimed. “You’re finally here! Now we can grab the warden and get to the gondolas.”  

“How do we do that?” he asked. 

“I, uh… I’m not sure.” 

Zuko groaned. “I thought you thought this through!” 

“And I thought you told me it’s okay not to think everything through!” 

“Maybe not everything, but don’t you think this is important?” 

“Hey,” Chit Sang spoke up, and he gestured over with his hand, “looks like your girlfriends are taking care of it.” 

When Sokka and Zuko looked where he was pointing, they were both shocked. 

Y/N and Suki ran through the crowd together, effortlessly dodging between the rioting prisoners. When they reached the wall, Y/N laced her fingers together and gave Suki a boost up. She grabbed onto makeshift handholds and footholds from deep grooves and missing pieces of metal in the wall, and when she was secure she reached down for Y/N. She jumped and grabbed one of her hands, and Suki grunted as she pulled her up just enough for her to get her hands on the wall as well. They began scaling it together, moving faster once they found easier purchase on the balcony railings. 

Suki hopped over the rail and Y/N slid under, and together they ran down the pathway. Suki took down the first guard as she kicked him against the wall, but then three more came around the corner poised to fight. 

“Get the warden!” Suki yelled at her. “I’ll take care of them!” 

She nodded and got back up on the railing, the extra height giving her enough air to grab onto the ridge of the arched doorway and continue to climb. She hopped over the railing, and sure enough, the warden was standing at the end of the pathway with a single guard in front of him. 

Y/N used her momentum to slide through the guard’s legs, landing right in front of the warden as she popped up. He tried to throw a punch but she caught his wrist and held it tight, the way Suki had taught her, and allowed herself a smug smile. 

“You wouldn’t dare,” he growled. 

Y/N stared at the man who was responsible for her months of imprisonment, and she couldn’t help but huff a laugh. “Try me.” 

She yanked his arm down and twisted him around, untying the cord cinched around her waist to bind his wrists together. She then pulled down his headband to gag him, letting out her first sigh of relief since the whole plan had begun. 

“Nice work.” She turned around to see Suki catching up to her with a huge smile on her face, the guard from before knocked out on the ground. “Looks like all those makeshift lessons in the courtyard worked out, huh?” 

Y/N grinned. “I guess they did.” 

She slammed the warden against the wall and tightened his bonds, unable to resist mocking him. “Sorry, warden,” she taunted. “Looks like you’re our prisoner now.” 

Behind her, the rest of the guys were finally catching up, their heads hung as they sucked in deep breaths. 

“Took you long enough to join us!” Y/N called, and she gestured to the warden with her head. “I got our hostage.” 

Hakoda shook his head as he looked at them, a proud smile on his face despite being completely out of breath.  “Those are some girls.” 

Sokka and Zuko both spoke in unison. “Tell me about it.” 

-

Chit Sang hauled the warden over his shoulder and they started on the final leg of their sprint. All they had to do was get to the gondola, and they would be home free. 

“We’re almost there!” Y/N yelled, but she had just glanced back at the rest of the group to say it when she heard the sound of fire blasts, her head snapping back to see the guards firebending at her. 

She didn’t even have the chance to move before Zuko shoved her out of the way, jumping in front of them—in front of her—to block the firebending. His movements were smoother, more fluid than the last time she’d seen him bend. Apparently his trip with Aang had done him some good. 

Y/N shook her head. Now wasn’t the time to think about his bending, of all things. Just because he saved her once didn’t make up for anything else. 

“Back off!” Zuko yelled, taking up a defensive position as more guards ran over. He pointed at Chit Sang and the man over his shoulder. “We’ve got the warden!” The guards paused for a moment, but then they cleared the way. “Let’s go!” 

They cautiously walked through all the guards, poised for a fight in case one of them broke, but once they got through them all they began their run again. Suki was the first to make it to the gondola, and she slid the door open. “Everyone in!” 

Y/N filed in after Sokka, but she looked out the window and saw that Zuko was starting the gondola—what in Kuruk’s name was he doing? 

But then he broke the lever off after a few kicks, and he sprinted to the edge of the railing. Zuko jumped, and he was just barely able to make it as Sokka caught his arm and pulled him in through the window. 

“What was that?” she scoffed. 

Zuko shifted under her scrutiny. “I was making it so they couldn’t follow us.” 

“That wasn’t your best idea, genius,” she muttered. “You nearly got left behind.” 

Sokka and Zuko met each other’s eyes, both with the same thought. Sokka covered it up with a cough and patted him on the shoulder. “Way to think ahead.” 

“This is it,” Suki smiled, nudging Y/N’s shoulder. “We’re actually getting out of here.” 

“Wait,” Hakoda interrupted, “who’s that?” 

Y/N, Suki, Sokka, and Zuko all moved to the window to look where he pointed, and she felt her heart drop. 

“Azula,” she whispered. 

“That’s a problem,” Zuko said. “It’s my sister and her friend—Mai said she was here, but now that she’s really here…” He shook his head. “I hope you all are ready for a fight, because that’s the only way we’re getting out of here.” 

Ty Lee hopped onto the cable lines and began running across them with impossible grace, while Azula propelled herself up to them with fire. They were closing in fast. 

“Oh boy,” Sokka lamented. “Guess we’ve got no choice, huh?” 

“I don’t mind,” Suki said, cracking her knuckles. “This is a rematch I’ve been waiting for.” 

“Me too,” Y/N murmured. After all, Azula was the reason why she was here. She willingly signed her death warrant. A rematch was a long time coming. 

“Dad, Chit Sang, stay down here,” Sokka said. “We’ll take care of this.” 

Hakoda nodded. “Be careful, son.” 

The four of them climbed up to the top of the gondola, making it there just as Azula and Ty Lee landed, Suki and Sokka on the side of the chi-blocker leaving Zuko and Y/N to deal with the princess. 

“How lovely to see you both again,” she said mockingly. “It’s just like our childhood all over again, isn’t it?” 

Once again, Y/N wished she had her waterbending—she nearly went to flip open the cap of her waterskin before remembering she had neither the container nor her bending. It was frustrating beyond belief—especially when her enemy was one of the best firebenders in the world and their arena was a shaky gondola a hundred meters above a boiling lake. 

So instead she eased into a grounded stance, the way Suki had taught her, and put her fists up. “Let’s skip the pleasantries.” 

Azula smiled, sickeningly sweet with a glint of danger in her eye. “Gladly.” 

She shot a blast of fire at them and Zuko blocked it, giving Y/N a chance to lunge forward and take a swing. Azula caught her wrist and twisted her arm, but she tore free and kicked her in the chest. Azula stumbled backwards, right on the edge of the gondola—Y/N was about to make a move, but Zuko’s voice stopped her in her tracks. 

“Move!” he shouted, and when Y/N backed out of the way Zuko shot fire at her with both fists. Azula regained her balance at just the right moment and dispersed both blasts by moving her palms in a circle. 

Y/N didn’t wait for Zuko—she was on Azula as soon as the fire cleared, kicking and swinging with all of her might. Her attacks were anything but clean, but it was a constant onslaught of attacks, and she could tell by the way Azula blocked them that she wasn’t as skilled at hand to hand combat as she was at firebending. 

Everything was coming back to her, fueling the anger inside of her—from the cruel jabs at her when she was still a servant in the palace, to killing Aang, to sending her to the Boiling Rock to die. Red colored her vision, and it was what made her swing a little too hard allowing Azula to catch her off guard and knock her down. 

Y/N fell hard, her head slamming into the edge of the gondola’s roof. The top half of her head hung over the open air, and she was just able to haul herself into a sitting position to avoid the certain death that a free fall would provide—now, as Azula stalked towards her, she was only facing almost certain death. 

“I should’ve killed you back in the prisons when I had the chance,” she snarled, and she raised her fist. 

“Yeah,” Y/N grit out, “you really should have.” 

Before Azula got the chance to turn her to ashes, Zuko shot a huge blast of fire at her, knocking her off balance and forcing her back on the defensive. Y/N scrambled away from the edge, her vision still slightly blurred from her fall, but her heart was beating again. That was far too close for comfort. 

“Get away from her,” he growled, and Azula just laughed. 

“Even after all this, you still can’t let go of her. You really are pathetic, Zuko.” 

Even from the ground Y/N could see the fire blazing in Zuko’s eyes, offset completely by the mirth in Azula’s. She saw this as a game—nothing more. 

Suddenly, the gondola swung back and forth, tossing everyone off balance. Y/N grabbed onto one of the metal plates and held on for dear life—in the corner of her vision, she saw Sokka nearly fall off, just barely saved by Zuko catching his hand. 

Ty Lee, from her vantage point at the top of the metal support, yelled down at Azula. “They’re about to cut the line!” 

“Then it’s time to leave,” she said decisively. “Goodbye, Zuko.” 

She blasted herself up with fire as Ty Lee backflipped across to the other gondola, and Y/N was finally granted a moment of respite. Even if they were about to fall to their boiling hot deaths. 

A hand was extended in her vision and she took it without thinking, wincing a little bit as she stood up. 

“Thanks,” she murmured, lifting her free hand to her head. There was no blood, but she wagered she would have a nasty bruise where her head had slammed against the hard edge. 

“Are you okay?” It was Zuko that asked the question, and Zuko that helped her up. She ripped her hand out of his immediately, suddenly more than okay to walk on her own. 

“I’m fine,” she grumbled. 

“You did a good job against Azula,” he said. “We fought really well together.” 

Y/N ignored his attempt at conversation, focusing on the more imminent threat as she swung back into the gondola through the window. Sokka and Suki were already there, and Zuko followed shortly after her. 

“They’re cutting the line,” he said. “The gondola’s about to go.” 

Hakoda blew out a loose sigh. “I hope this thing floats.” 

But the gondola kept moving—no falling to their deaths at all. Y/N squinted as she moved to the window, able to see a distant fight happening but not able to distinguish anything in particular. “What’s going on?” 

“Someone’s fighting the guards,” Sokka marveled. “Who is that?” 

Zuko’s eyes widened. “...It’s Mai.” 

Y/N frowned. “What in Kyoshi’s name is she doing helping us?” 

“I don’t know,” he murmured. 

The rest of the ride was smooth, and before she knew it they had arrived at the other side. They all ran out of the gondola, and Chit Sang tossed the warden back in. 

“Sorry, warden,” Hakoda said. “Your record is officially broken.” 

The rest of the group continued running away, but Y/N couldn’t help but stand there, looking at the prison from a distance. 

“What are you doing?” Sokka questioned urgently, and she turned her head to see him waiting for her. “We need to get out of here before our luck runs out.” 

“I know,” she murmured. “I just… can’t believe we did it.” 

Sokka smiled. “Well, you better believe it, because we did. And now we need to finish the job.” 

Y/N nodded and took Sokka’s extended hand, and the two of them ran to catch up to the rest of the group. 

“Well, we made it out,” Suki said, directing it at Sokka as the two of them came over the hill. “What now?” 

“My sister was on that island,” Zuko said. “That means she had to get here somehow.” 

Sokka’s eyes lit up, and together the three of them crested the volcano. Docked at a landing in the water was the most beautiful thing Y/N had ever seen. 

Zuko smiled as he pointed at the airship. “That’s how we’ll get out of here.” 

-

It was a careful but quick descent down the side of the volcano to reach the airship, and after some firebending from Zuko and navigating between him and Sokka, they were on their way. Y/N took the chance to settle on a cushioned seat, the comfort a luxury she had sorely missed. 

She could still hardly believe she was really free—the last time she was on an airship like this, it was to be transferred to the Boiling Rock. Months of her life had been stolen by the Fire Nation, and she couldn’t wait to see her friends again, to be around nature, to be free. 

Y/N let out a content sigh, and she looked up at the sound of footsteps. Sokka had turned the corner, a folded map in his hands that he quickly stuffed into the folds of his uniform. 

“How are you doing?” he asked. “I saw you take a nasty fall—are you okay?” 

“Yeah,” she nodded, “I’m fine. Once I get back to Katara and she heals it up, I’ll be good to go.” 

“That’s good. Maybe she can also, uh—” Sokka gestured at her black eye using his own face as a guide— “fix that up for you.” 

“Are you saying I don’t look like a super cool warrior with it?” she asked with mock disdain. 

Sokka laughed. “You look like a super cool warrior anyways. Y/N, you did amazing out there. The way you and Suki got the warden, your fighting against Azula—I’ve never seen you like that, except maybe when we fought through the whole Dai Li to talk to the Earth King.” 

She smiled grimly. “That’s what a couple months in this place does to you. Suki’s combat lessons in our yard time didn’t hurt.” 

Sokka went silent, and when Y/N looked over at him she saw that his face had fallen. “Sokka?” 

“I’m so sorry you had to go through all that,” he murmured. “The Fire Nation, and the Boiling Rock, and—” he glanced over his shoulder, “well, Zuko. I can’t even imagine what this has been like for you, and— and I’m sorry, Y/N.”

“You don’t have to do this, Sokka.” Y/N could hardly keep track of how many times Sokka had apologized to her, trying to absolve himself of a deep-rooted guilt that he didn’t deserve to have. “It’s not your fault, and I don’t blame you for it in any way. I mean— you’re the one that got me and Suki out!” 

“I just feel like I should’ve been able to protect you,” he murmured as he crossed his arms, “both of you, then you wouldn’t have been in here in the first place. But I couldn’t.” 

Her eyes softened and she patted the spot next to her. Sokka sat down after a moment’s hesitation, and she pulled up and folded one of her legs on the platform, allowing the other to hang off the side to sit more comfortably. 

“Since we’re baring our souls to each other here, I guess it’s my turn,” she said with a slight laugh before her expression sobered. “Sokka, the honest truth is that I… I honestly thought that I was going to die in there. Princess Azula was the only person that even knew I was at the Boiling Rock, and the way things were, as a weak, non-bending fifteen year old girl who was known for working with the Avatar…” Y/N shook her head. “Let’s just say the warden wouldn’t have been surprised if he suddenly had an empty cell.”

Sokka’s face fell even further, and she took his hand in an effort to lift his spirits. “But I’m not dead,” she said earnestly, “and that’s because of you. Sokka, you risked everything to get us out—you came for your father, and you ended up saving him and Suki and me. You’re a hero, and you should feel like one!”

Y/N squeezed his hand, trying to get all of her emotions across in a simple action. “I love you, Sokka, really. You’re the brother I never had, and I can’t imagine living without you now. So thank you.” She smiled. “I owe you everything. I owe you my life.”

Sokka stared at her with slightly wide eyes for a moment before he moved forward and pulled her into a hug. 

“I know I already said this, but I’m never letting you out of my sight again,” he whispered. “And I think Katara will join me.”

Y/N laughed a bit. “You’re gonna get tired of me before I even think about going somewhere. I’ve been away from you all for way too long.”

Sokka pulled away, his blue eyes shimmering with tears but a grateful smile showing how he really felt. 

“I love you too,” he said. “I’m so glad we found you.”

“So am I,” she whispered. “So am I.”

-

After talking with Suki and Sokka some more and very pointedly avoiding Zuko, Y/N dozed off. The events of the past two days had left her exhausted, and now that she didn’t have to constantly have her guard up, her body practically demanded a break. 

She was woken up when she heard Sokka shouting something about landing, and she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she sat up. Normally she would’ve gotten a knot in her back or shoulders from sleeping on the barely padded bed—the airships had small rooms for the guards for overnight trips, and they each chose their own—but after spending so many nights sleeping on concrete, her body had adjusted accordingly. Besides, this bed had a mattress, however thin it might’ve been. After the Boiling Rock, it was the height of luxury. 

She pushed the door open and wandered into the main room, where she saw that the loading deck was open. She could hear Sokka and Zuko talking, while Suki, Hakoda, and Chit Sang waited a few meters behind them. 

“Sokka’s explaining it all to them,” Suki whispered as she stopped next to her. “So they don’t freak out about the giant Fire Nation airship.” 

“Smart,” she said, nodding sagely. 

“—I caught the best meat of all; the meat of friendship and fatherhood.” 

Sokka turned his head and gestured for them to come out, and when Y/N saw her friends she nearly burst into tears. 

Aang had gotten taller since the last time she’d seen him, and he carried himself completely differently. From what Sokka said, he was in the process of mastering firebending—maybe that was why he looked so confident. He was also alive, which meant that a flurry of her worst fears dissolved, lifting a huge weight off her shoulders in the process. 

Toph looked the same, and she was almost thankful for it. She’d always been a grounding presence for Y/N, mirroring her element, and knowing that she hadn’t missed everything made her feel slightly better about it all. 

Katara’s hair was down and her outfit was new, but she had a different air about her, a steelier glint in her eye. But when she saw her father and Y/N, it completely disappeared as they widened in surprise. 

“Dad?” she gasped, her eyes already starting to glimmer with tears. She ran over to him, embracing him tightly as she buried her face in his chest. 

“Hi, Katara,” he smiled, patting her on the back as he pulled her in closer. “It’s so good to see you again.” 

She picked her head up and looked at Y/N, shaking her head in disbelief. “And— and Y/N? You’re alive, a-and you’re here! This is like a dream!” 

Y/N grinned. “I feel— woah!” 

It was her turn to get attacked with love, and she fully welcomed it as her and Katara hugged each other so tight the other could barely breathe. “I feel the same,” she managed to get out, and she closed her eyes in contentment. She had missed them all so much. 

“How did you do this?” she asked, looking over at Sokka. “How are you all here? Where did you go?” 

Sokka smiled bashfully at her, scratching his neck. “We… kind of went to a Fire Nation prison and broke them all out.” 

A laugh bubbled out of Katara, and she let go of Y/N to pull Sokka and her dad into a group hug. “Of course you did.” 

And as Y/N looked at the three of them, then Aang absolutely beaming and Toph’s own smile at the ground, she couldn’t help the tears that welled up in her eyes. But this time, they were tears of joy. 

She was finally home.

-

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