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neocitybooty · 1 year ago

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I Choose You. [M]

Genre: Smut, Office AU, Multiple Partners, Fluff, Angst, M/F

Pairing: Jaehyun x Johnny x Original Character

Word Count: 4.1k

Warnings: Oral sex, Sub/Dom dynamics, bodily fluids, masturbation, vulgar language, choking, rough sex, multiple partners, unprotected sex

Summary: Carmella requested a transfer within her company and moved to the other side of the world. She soon realizes she bit off more than she can chew once she starts working at the home branch...

A/N: This update took way longer than expected omg. I don't spend as much time on here as I'd like to. But I guess that's also a good thing because spending time with my friends and family is something that I doooooo enjoy. Once it gets cold out, my updates will be much more frequent lol. I had the draft sitting for about a week because I kept getting distracted lol but now I am here!! Please enjoy and happy comeback season!! Fact Check era seems like it is going to be extremely promising~

P.S. I have some goodies in the vault... hint(s)?? mark, jeno, haechan, doyoung

Chapter 10.

“We could just put our names together and name her something like Jaela. I think that’s cute.” Jaehyun was settled in between Mela’s legs, surrounded by lavender suds in their stand alone bathtub.

“I don’t know how you have managed to convince yourself that I am pregnant with a girl.” Mela ran her fingers through Jaehyun’s wet hair as he hummed in satisfaction.

“If you aren’t….well.. I don’t mind if we keep trying.” Jaehyun turned around and kissed Mela slowly. He smiled after pulling away and bit his lip. “There’s nothing else I’d rather spend my time doing.”

“Baby, we need to put sex on hold until we talk.” Mela wrapped her arms around Jaehyun’s neck and rubbed her nose against his.

He groaned in disapproval. Despite his protest, he repositioned himself. “You want to talk in here?”

Mela waited for a bit and thought to herself before responding. Jaehyun loved baths and he’d be more likely to be cooperative if the conversation was paired with something he found enjoyable.

“Yes, let’s just stay in here.” Mela said, playing with Jaehyun’s wet locks. He rubbed her knee gently and hummed as he sunk deeper into the water.

“So you’ve already made it clear that you know I left to see Johnny last night.” Mela started.

“Is that why you were so determined to get me to bed?” Jaehyun asked calmly. “I thought you were genuinely just horny.”

“Don’t be like that.” Mela said but still giggled at Jaehyun’s tone.

“I’m sorry but please don’t make me out to be the irrational boyfriend.” Jaehyun said, surprisingly still calm. “I think I have a good reason to be just a tad bit upset.”

“Jae, I always enjoy you. Please, let’s move away from that.” Mela shook her head but Jaehyun couldn’t see.

“Fine. Continue.” Jaehyun laid back onto Mela’s chest, a clear attempt to mentally center himself again.

“Eun Bi.” Mela said.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Jaehyun responded almost immediately.

“Well, that’s quite the response.” Mela said.

“You went to see Johnny to get information that you could’ve gotten from me..” Jaehyun said slowly.

“No, that’s not exactly true. There is some information that slipped past you.” Mela said. “I have evidence too.”

Jaehyun sat up and turned around to face Mela. “Where is it?”

“Aht aht. Not so fast.” Mela said with a wag of her finger. “We talk first.”

Jaehyun looked at Mela from bottom to top. “You’re so lucky I am madly in love with you.” He then rolled his eyes. Mela giggled and laid Jaehyun back onto her chest.

“Remember when I told you the company should take background checks a little more seriously?” Mela started.

“How seriously do we need to really take them? It’s Korea.” Jaehyun retorted.

“Well….if you had taken the background checks a bit more seriously, you would’ve caught that you had a pair of siblings in the system.” Mela told Jaehyun, slowly circling his Adam’s apple with her pointer finger.

“Pardon?” Jaehyun said from below Mela.

“Jae. Eun Bi’s sister. She works or rather….worked right under you..” Mela told Jaehyun softly.

Jaehyun was silent.

“Hey.” Mela leaned forward to get a look at his face. Jaehyun still said nothing. He zoned out, seemingly deep in thought. After five more seconds of silence, he finally spoke. “She would talk about her sister often. She seemed to be very fond of her.” His voice was low and he started to circle Mela’s knee with his thumb.

“Seems you and Eun-bi were actually quite close…” Mela slowly said.

Jaehyun stayed silent.

“Baby, you need to talk to me.” Mela said.

“I thought she was pretty and I made some stupid choices.” Jaehyun shook his head softly. “I never meant for any of this to happen.”

“Tell me everything.” Mela stroked his dark brown locks, as she softly spoke in his ear.

“Promise you won't inflate this.” Jaehyun replied sternly.

Mela rolled her eyes and sighed. She knew she couldn’t confidently promise but she tried anyway.

“I promise.”

“We went out for drinks one night after work, like usual. I already had my eye on her for a few weeks. But we didn’t talk much outside of work.” Jaehyun stopped once he felt Mela’s breath hitch. “Hey, maybe I shouldn’t-”

“No, it’s fine. Please continue.” Mela reassured him.

“Well….I offered to take her home once everyone started leaving. We had sex in the car and then we had sex again one more time in my office about a week later. She started acting weird after that so I figured it’d be for the best for me to end things.” Jaehyun said.

“Weird in what way?” Mela asked curiously.

“She became…obsessive.” Jaehyun started. “She would follow me…..constantly called and left so many voicemails. In her mind, I was her boyfriend. I thought it was very odd. We didn’t know much about each other. My only conclusion was that she wanted to marry me and gain access to wealth.”

“Jae…” Mela started.

“Carmella….it’s not like she would’ve been the first.” Jaehyun said with a sniffle.

“I’m sorry.” Mela backed down.

“There’s no need to apologize.” Jaehyun started to rub Mela’s knee again as he continued his story. “She found out she was pregnant and things became exponentially worse. She threatened to share the story with the news. Harassed my parents for days on end. It was madness.”

“My goodness. Really?” Mela’s eyes widened at the details.

“Yes, really.” Jaehyun shifted his body and Mela moved with him. “I eventually pulled her into my office and told her to stop and that her attempts were futile. I would never agree to commit to someone like her. After that day, I guess she never came back to work. We got the news about her passing about 2 weeks after our conversation…”

Mela said nothing and let the silence consume the entire room.

Jaehyun also kept quiet as his head slightly hung in shame.

“I don’t want you to have a bad image of me. I’m not the same man that I was before.” Mela felt Jaehyun sink into her again.

Mela wrapped her arms around Jaehyun’s shoulders and kissed his cheek. “You don’t have to explain yourself to me. I’m sorry, we don’t need to talk about this any further. I can show you everything. C’mon.”

“Thank God, we are this close to turning into raisins.” Jaehyun groaned and Mela giggled as he stood and she looked at his wet ass cheeks.

Once he wrapped a towel around his waist, he grabbed another one and held it open for Mela to walk into. He kissed her temple as he wrapped the towel around her and inhaled deeply. “The most intoxicating woman I’ve ever met. Thank you for accepting me, baby. I love you so much.”

Mela felt the butterflies form in her stomach as she let the taller man enclose her into a tight embrace. “I love you, too.” She replied softly

“So this is it, huh?” Jaehyun ran his fingers through his hair as he reviewed the papers from the manila envelope. “Fuck.”

He stopped and stared at the stills pulled from the security cameras and shook his head. He turned the pages over and put everything back into the envelope.

“I’ll call the legal team first thing tomorrow morning.” Jaehyun said before pulling Mela onto his lap.

Mela laid down and settled on Jaehyun’s chest and he chuckled softly to himself.

“Um, what’s so funny.” Mela asked him.

“Guess you had a good reason for going to see Johnny. Now I don’t have to beat his ass.” Jaehyun responded, a hint of amusement lacing his words.

“Yeah he told me about your past. You two sure are something.”

“He is actually just a sore loser. I was chosen fair and square. Like always.” Jaehyun said nonchalantly.

“I really didn’t think your head could get any bigger but here we are.” Mela propped herself up on Jaehyun’s chest with widened eyes as he stared at her while she made her statement.

“Well…you chose me.” Jaehyun said softly. “I think that counts…for a lot.”

“I…” Mela started, but she stopped once she made eye contact with Jaehyun. She was set to laugh but quickly realized he wasn’t joking. He gazed at her with a subtle bite lip. Half- lidded eyes conveyed want. Mela wanted to speak but she couldn’t. And she didn’t need to. Jaehyun slowly and softly guided Mela’s head toward his face and kissed her. She opened her eyes once they separated but said nothing.

He smiled and wrapped his arms around Mela, his leg wrapping around her as well. She smiled into his chest as he rubbed his chin on the top of her head.

“Jae?” Mela finally said into his arm. “How long until we return to work?”

“Well I am going to be returning very soon…..As for you..” Jaehyun trailed off.

“What do you mean by that?” Mela sat up and moved away from Jaehyun.

“Carmella….” Jaehyun said calmly. “I know we haven’t discussed it yet, but…I think I am going to have the company hire someone else for your position.”

Mela stood from the couch and threw a pillow at Jaehyun. “How dare you?!”

Jaehyun sighed and stood from the couch, as well. He walked towards Mela and once he was within reach, he wrapped his arms around her waist loosely and looked into her eyes as he spoke. “I know this isn’t ideal for you but babe….please. I need you to just trust me. We will talk about it some more.”

“You don’t understand.” Mela said, her voice breaking.

“I promise… I do.” Jaehyun reassured her. “Please. Let’s not get into it now.”

Mela sighed. “I’m tired. I think I am going to head to bed.” She started to walk away and Jaehyun followed, falling slightly behind so he could hug her from behind as they walked together.

Jaehyun laid his head down at the same time as Mela and brought the comforter over them both.

“I understand you might be a bit upset with me.” He said in a low voice. “But could you at least let me hold you?”

Mela’s heart dropped. She hadn’t realized the message she sent Jaehyun once she pushed herself off and threw a pillow at him. He’d seen her upset on multiple occasions but this time…it was different.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and shifted closer to him. “I’m upset but not that upset.”

Strong arms wrapped around Mela and all she could smell was a musky but spicy scent as she closed her eyes and inhaled.

When she opened her eyes again, it was daytime.

Jaehyun was nowhere to be found, so Mela sent him a text and then started her day.

“Girl, we have been at this villa for almost three weeks now. I love the time with him but I wish this was under different circumstances…” Mela said to her friend as she plucked an eyebrow hair.

“You mean like… your honeymoon or something like that?” Kay’s voice rang from the iphone.

Mela sighed and put the tweezers on the bathroom counter.

“Now….you know that’s not what I meant.” Mela replied.

“Oh yeah. Of course, he’d bring you to some island his parents bought for him for his 16th birthday. We know this.” Kay said nonchalantly.

“Very funny.” Mela rolled her eyes.

“Who said I was joking? He has an island, Melz. This is a fact.” Kay’s tone didn’t change but Mela grabbed the phone so she could make eye contact with her friend through the screen.

“What are you saying?” She finally said.

“I just looked it up. He has an island!” Kay burst into laughter. “Girl how are you dating one of the wealthiest men in the country and you haven’t googled him. People with money ain’t got privacy. Their business is all over the internet.”

“I have googled him. I never saw anything about an island…” Mela looked around in thought.

“I just sent you the link.” Kay said after a few seconds.

Mela opened it and her eyes widened. Sure enough, there was an article about Jaehyun being gifted a remote island for his 21st birthday.

“Wow.” Mela stared at her phone screen, stunned.

“And apparently there weren’t even any locals so this is the most ethical shit I’ve seen from a rich person.” Kay sounded indifferent but still amused.

“I can’t believe this.” Mela said under her breath.

“What was that?” Kay caught something.

“Nothing. Um, I actually wanted to talk to you about something.” Mela attempted to change the topic, when she heard the door open. “Ohhhh. It’s gonna have to wait. I gotta go.”

“Daddy’s home.” Kay said and winked.

“Goodbye!” Mela said and then ended the Facetime call.

A few seconds later, Jaehyun appeared at the bathroom door. He was dressed as if he went to work. Dark gray three piece suit, and his hair slicked back.

“You’re finally up. You looked so peaceful and pretty this morning. I couldn’t bring myself to wake you.” He stepped into the bathroom and gently grabbed Mela’s waist, pulling her into him. He kissed her softly and stepped back to look at her.

“Good afternoon.” Mela said, smiling at her lover as he began to unbutton his suit.

“Seems like you were having quite the conversation with Kay.” He started to undo his tie.

“I did. And we discovered something.” Mela said.

Jaehyun tilted his head and made a sound of confusion. He started walking to the bedroom and looked over his shoulder to make sure Mela was following. “And what exactly was that?”

“You have an island?” Mela leaned against the doorframe.

Jaehyun stopped undressing and stared at Mela.

“Yes?” He looked confused and Mela scoffed.

“How am I just now finding out?” She asked Jaehyun.

“Well…you never asked.” Jaehyun shrugged his shoulders and started unbuttoning his shirt. “Yes, because I ask everyone I know if they own an island.” Mela said as she followed Jaehyun back to the bathroom.

“Well I am not everyone. I am your boyfriend.” Jaehyun was now naked. Mela averted her gaze so Jaehyun wouldn’t catch her staring at her. But she was too late.

“Just come join me instead of acting like you aren’t horny.” He smirked and turned the shower on.

“I already showered.” Mela said and rolled her eyes, although her face betrayed her and she slightly smiled.

Jaehyun walked to her and started to slip her dress straps down her shoulders and kissed her deeply.

“Well, you should’ve waited for me. It’s a hot day and we need to save water.” He said once he broke the kiss. Mela caved and stepped out of her dress as she followed Jaehyun into the shower. He let Mela get underneath the water and gazed at her as the water trickled onto her back.

“What?” Mela looked at him with a puzzled look.

“You’re so pretty.” He said with a smile. “Turn around for me. I’ll be gentle.”

Mela turned over and Jaehyun placed a hand on her hip as he lined his cock along her wet hole.

“Baby..” Mela whimpered.

“I know I know.” Jaehyun mumbled into her ear as he slowly slid in. “Your pussy feels so tight around me when I do this but I know how much you like it when I stretch you out.” He caught Mela when her knees gave out and started to thrust into her.

Mela moaned softly and put her hands against the shower door. She felt herself clench around Jaehyun and a gentle squeeze around her breast indicated that Jaehyun felt it too.

“You love the way I fill you up, don’t you?” He slid his arm up and wrapped his hand around Mela’s throat. He thrusted deeper as Mela felt herself come undone. She started to tremble as she rode out the orgasm.

“Fuck, baby. We just started.” Jaehyun breathed out, pulling out as Mela continued to tremble. He held her close to keep her from falling and quietly cooed into her ear. “You make this sooo fun.”

“More. More.” Mela said, urging Jaehyun to continue.

He moaned and lined up the tip again and pushed himself into her. Mela’s head dropped as she bit her lip, holding back a moan. Jaehyun’s groans danced around Mela’s ears and he smiled when she clenched around him again. He rolled his hips and relished in the moment as he let his fingers glide alongside Mela’s smooth backside. Deep strokes caused her to slightly raise onto the tip of her toes as she then grabbed onto Jaehyun’s arm for support.

Jaehyun held Mela tighter and slid his free hand between her legs and began to rub her clit. “Oh fuck.” She squeezed her eyes shut.

“Just want to make you feel good, baby.” He mumbled and pressed his cheek onto Mela’s as he continued to stimulate her throbbing clit. “Let’s try for one more.”

‘Yes, yes.” Mela was able to get out, gaining a small chuckle from Jaehyun.

“That’s my girl.” He said before pulling out almost completely and then plunging even deeper into her.

“Fuck!” Mela shook.

Jaehyun immediately softened his thrusts. “Oh baby, I’m sorry. I forgot. Gentle.”

“No, fuck me harder.” Mela whimpered.

Jaehyun smiled and kissed Mela’s as he plunged into her deep and hard, his fingers still working on her clit. He closed his eyes as he felt his climax growing near. A deep groan rumbled in his chest as he focused on his rhythm. Mela squeezed his arm as she quietly whimpered. The feeling of being overstimulated becoming maddening.

“Baby, I’m soooo close.” Jaehyun grabbed a breast again and squeezed it gently as he moaned in her ear.

“Me tooo…Oh shit.” Mela trembled and clenched around Jaehyun as her orgasm rumbled throughout her entire body. This triggered Jaehyun’s climax and he groaned in Mela’s ear as he sprayed her walls with his warm seed. He nearly toppled over but he was able to quickly regain his composure and Mela giggled as he slowly pulled out.

“Right. About that shower.” Jaehyun finally said, still panting softly. Mela was already reaching for the soap, with the bath sponge already in hand.

The funeral was short but meaningful. Jaehyun stole glances at Mela throughout to make sure she was okay but said nothing. The ceremony was small and intimate. This was Mela’s first Korean ceremony of any sort. There was an older couple crying at the front. Mela immediately knew it was Joo’s parents. Jaehyun spoke with them for a few minutes after the ceremony. Both of them hugged Jaehyun and to Mela’s surprise, they hugged her too. Their hugs were full of warmth and assurance. It felt as though she was hugging her own parents. After speaking with them, it was time to speak with Jaehyun’s parents.

“Mela, honey. How are you doing?” Jaehyun’s mother was the first to speak. “He hasn’t been bothering you too much, has he?” She pinched Jaehyun’s cheek after wrapping Mela in a warm embrace.

“We should’ve checked in earlier but things have been extremely busy. Please come by for dinner this weekend. I insist.” Jaehyun’s father said with a squeeze of Jaehyun’s shoulder.

“Yes, Father. We will make sure to stop by.” Jaehyun said with a smile. His parents beamed at the couple and they spoke for a little longer before parting ways.

Jaehyun was silent on the way home but he seemed to be in a relaxed mood.

When they reached the villa, Mela was unusually tired.

“Baby, I think I am going to lay my head down for a bit.” She said as she entered the house and slipped out of her shoes.

“Are you feeling okay? It’s pretty early.” Jaehyun said, putting his hand to Mela’s forehead.

“Yeah. I am just tired, that’s all.” She smiled and reassured him.

“Hmmm. Well okay.” Jaehyun said as he softly caressed her cheek as she laid onto the bed and then he pulled the covers over her.

She watched Jaehyun shuffle around the room as he changed and rearranged things. Before Mela knew it, she was fast asleep.

Hours later, she woke up and looked at the time. It read 5:27am. Realization quickly hit that she had just slept for 11 hours. Jaehyun was still fast asleep on his side of the bed, one leg out of the covers, and arms folded under his head.

Mela gagged and ran to the bathroom in confusion. She reached the toilet right as she began to vomit. She blinked back tears as she continued to throw up. Jaehyun woke up and quickly ran to the bathroom and was at the door within seconds. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and grabbed a pair of sweats and a t-shirt.

“Aw babe. I told you to go easy on the sushi.” He said, his voice still slightly groggy. “Let’s go to the hospital to get you some medicine and make sure you’re okay.” He finished dressing and walked over to Mela where she stayed kneeled in front of the toilet. She had stopped throwing up and grabbed a towel to wipe her mouth. Jaehyun softly rubbed Mela’s back and helped her up.

“Do you think you can do a ten minute drive or should we bring a plastic bag or bucket?” He said softly, while grabbing another small towel into his free hand.

Mela took a moment to respond but she finally said, “Bucket.”

Jaehyun nodded and started to guide her out of the room and to the front door. He stopped to grab a pail from underneath the kitchen sink and they both exited the villa.

On the way to the hospital, Mela threw up again. The duration wasn't as long as the first time but it was still enough to make Jaehyun worry.

The nurse at the front desk immediately stood straight as soon as she saw the couple enter.

“Oh my goodness, is everything ok?” She gasped once she saw Mela’s colorless face.

“My girlfriend isn’t feeling well. I just need to get her checked out and get any necessary medicine.” Jaehyun said, softly wrapping his arm around Mela’ shoulder.

“Yes, please follow me and I will alert a doctor.” They followed the nurse to a room and Mela immediately laid on the bed.

“I feel light-headed.” She told Jaehyun in English.

“Can we get some water, please?” Jaehyun translated for the nurse. She nodded and quickly scurried out of the room.

A few minutes passed before the doctor walked into the room with a clipboard and cup of water.

“Hello, I’m Dr. Moon. I’ll be taking care of you tonight.” He said in English, with a warm smile as he handed the cup to Mela. She took it and gave a hoarse “Thank you.”

“I don’t think she will be able to talk much.” Dr. Moon said, turning to Jaehyun. “Can you tell me what is wrong?

“Well, she slept for over 8 hours, which is really unlike her. Our day wasn’t busy. And then she woke up about thirty minutes ago and started throwing up. I thought it was the sushi, but now I am not so sure anymore.” Jaehyun told the doctor as Mela just watched, far too weak to contribute to the conversation.

“We will run some tests and see what we find.” The doctor nodded as he wrote notes on the paper on his clipboard.

About an hour later, Dr. Moon finally returned and he had a smile on his face.

“Oh how fun it is to be young and love.” He said, looking at Mela and Jaehyun.

They both looked at each other and then at the doctor.

“This isn’t a result of bad sushi.” Dr. Moon started. “ You, my dear, are about two months pregnant.”

Jaehyun’s mouth dropped and he brought a hand to cover it. Mela looked at Dr. Moon and then to Jaehyun.

“Pregnant?!?!” Mela and Jaehyun asked in unison.

Chapter 1

#kpop smut #nct smut #nct fanfic #jaehyun fanfic #johnny suh smut #nct 127 smut #nct 127 #nct 127 scenarios #kpop au #kpop fanfiction

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hydralisk98 · 1 year ago

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Just in case I forget. (Lost a draft over it once again... might edit later)

I own design #2 & #7, aka the Sage blood and the Sienna blood. Could become very handy quite fast.

Also, here is my latest commissioned fantroll from my September 15th 2020's backup. Not sure if I got it before then but as it was hosted on Imgur and probably got forgotten there due to the artist no longer being active (at least for commissions) since that timestamp, would be also lost if it wasn't for my smartphone photo album on adoptables... And yes, each of them needs some adjustments to account at least somewhat towards bodily gender history and extended zodiac dynamics.

Part1

Your name is KAPROS MONTOC and YOU'RE VERY EXCITED. On a whim, you decided to explore an abandoned give that was on your way into town. At first, you didn't find anything, but eventually you discovered a pile of RETRO TECHNOLOGY. Now that you've finished bringing all the retro tech home, you're now going through your LOOT. None of it seems particularly rare, but you did get to finish your set of A2 RAVENAIR HUSKTOPS. Under your pile of loot, you have various ZOMBIE MOVIES scattered across your hive. You think it's a bit silly, but you love to imagine yourself inside the movies, thinking of what you would do. When you finally decide to go outside, you love to play PAINTBALL with your friends, through you're not very good. You blame it on your paintball visor, but actually just have TERRIBLE AIM. Your trolltag is computerBoy 4nd you c4n b3 4 bi7 h4rd 7o und3r274ndddddddd bu7 you 7ry 7o b3 chi11 :-]

Part2

Theme: Retrocomputing Name: Kapros Montoc Name explanation: Kapros is based on Kaypros, a retrocomputing computer company. Montoc is based on the Macintosh, one of the most popular retrocomputing computers. Gender: Male World: Alternia Age: 7 Sweeps [about 15 human years] Alignment: Neutral Good Dreamer Type: Prospit Strife Specibus: Cablekind Fetch Modus: Array - All captchalogued items are stored in a singular list and converted to binary, To access an item, he has to type in the integer associated with the item. His fetch modus is very slow and hasn't been updated, making it very easy to hack and causing frequent glitches. God Tier: Rogue of Mind Blood Color: Olive [#5B7C00 R: 91 G: 124 B: 0] Psionics: None Symbol: Power Button

Part3

Lusus: A quadrupedal furry animal slightly larger than a small dog that looks like a cross between a cat and a squirrel. He has a large fluffy tail that expands further when scared. His mouth has some flat teeth with two canines that continuously grow. To keep his teeth from growing too much, he chews on wires, handles and anything else he can, despite having many chew toys. When scared, he can send a shock though someone who touches him. Named Catdad. Hive: Lives on the top floor of a communal give stem. His hive is quite messy and colorful, with magazines and comic books splayed across the floor. The walls are painted grey, but covered in neon posters and paint stains. His floor is covered in a rug patterned after a cult classic zombie movie. His lusus sleeps on a small bed next to his computer desk. When necessary, he shovels the objects on his floor into his closet and shuts the door. Ancestor: The Operator

Part4

Trolltag: computerBoy [CB] Land: Land of Cogs and Rust [LOCAR] Quest: The land is made of cogs and steampunk machines that keep the planet running smoothly. Recently, the cogs have started to rust and the machines are beginning to fail, leaving the land stopped and the consorts stranded. The emotions have clouded the consort's abilities, making it so they cannot solve the problem on their own. Kapros must help fix the clockwork system and assist the consorts to set aside their emotions and distribute their intelligence and emotions. Once the cycle is reestablished, his quest bed and denizen become available. Denizen: Metis

Part5

Trickster: Cotton Candy Ice Cream Death: Accidentally impaled himself on a fence post. Personality: Very relaxed and mellow, rarely getting upset. He's very personable and social, spending most of his time with others. Does his best to be flexible and upbeat. Overly trusting to the point of being gullible. Afraid of upsetting others, leading to him being cowardly. Slightly forgetful and can be indecisive if he believes the decisions might affect others. Very quiet with strangers but very talkative with his friends. Hemoloyalty: Largely indifferent to the hemospectrum, but is very wary around mutants and seadwellers Interests: Retrocomputing, zombie movies, and paintball.

Part6

Typing Quirk: 4yyyyy :-] k33p2 hi2 23n73nc32 2imp13 u232 4 1o7 of 13372p34k no punct7u47ion or c4pi741iz47ion 1ik32 7o 2p4m 3mo7icon2 X-D v3ry chi11 ;-) 23nd2 4 1o7 of m3224g32 1ik3 4 1o7 m3224g32 >_> Other: Chews gum near-constantly Has a small neck tic

Also, this specific video rocks, and it inspires me quite to make my very own MS-Paint adventures content, really! (Especially over the hemospectrum, the feedback format, the worldbuilding and some of the alchemy)

youtube

#maskoch #somewhat connected to 16^12 paracosm by extended zodiac spectrum paradigm #homestuck #homestuck fantrolls #ms paint adventures fandom

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redorich · 3 years ago

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May I request the aftermath of Cleo learning about the magic restrictions please and thank you.

The unfortunate thing about the Dream SMP is that there is no such thing as neutral ground. Everyone's in a faction, and everyone's got beef with everyone else. The only "neutral ground" is the unsettled wilds. When Philza reports this back to Cleo, who reports it back to Xisuma, Cleo wears a put-upon look and says that her and Joe's castle will do just fine, thank you, so stop worrying about it.

The day of the meeting comes, and though Philza is hesitant to return to the castle that scared Techno half to death and activated Ranboo's main character energy, he didn't spend all that time with Cleo handing out the invitations for nothing. Cleo herself won't be present, but her partner in crime Joe will be.

Inside the castle, past the courtyard teeming with armor stand faux-life, there is a meeting room with a table. There are exits on each of the four walls, so no one feels trapped, and the table is circular so that no one feels less important than anyone else. It's all a very Socratic setup.

At the far end of the room, where the head of the table would be were it rectangular, Xisuma sits calm as can be despite the powder keg of important people with grudges he's invited into his presence. On his right is Joe, whose eyes are lit up bright white, though he's still wearing his glasses. To Xisuma's left is Grian, and to Grian's left is Doc. Continuing around the table, next sits Eret representing the Pride Palace and, to a lesser extent, the Dream SMP as a whole. After them, the next person is Philza representing the Syndicate, then Bad representing the Eggpire.

Given the antagonistic nature of the Eggpire, Bad's neighbors have been chosen very carefully; on his other side sits Ghostbur representing L'Manberg. (Philza had awkwardly told Cleo that inviting a L'Manberg representative wasn't necessary, since the place was gone, but she insisted that it was "the principle of the matter". Ghostbur seems happy enough to be invited, anyway.)

On Ghostbur's left, Sam attends on Dream's behalf. Obviously, no one is going to invite Dream, and as Dream's would-be warden, Sam was nominated to attend in his stead. Next to Sam there's an empty chair for George; Philza and Puffy both warned the Hermits that George was allergic to "lore", whatever that meant, but his place at the table was set nevertheless.

The last person to fill in the table is Tubbo, representing Snowchester. He quietly expresses to Sam that he's wary about how few Hermits there are in proportion to the number of Dream SMP citizens. Sam shrugs, and murmurs back to Tubbo that there's probably more Hermits hiding somewhere nearby. After all, isn't that what the Hermits do?

Xisuma claps his hands together once in a polite bid for everyone's attention. They settle down slowly, and once they do, he stands.

"Right, everyone-- thank you all for coming. Let's get right into it, shall we?" He smiles, though it's hard to see beneath the helmet. "With some help from Puffy and Philza, my friends and I were able to figure out why we were trapped in your server."

Sam crosses his arms. He doesn't give much of a shit about the Hermits, he tells himself, unless they have something to do with Dream-- Sam's greatest failure. (It's a lie. He looks at Doc, the only other creeper-person he's ever met-- the first creeper-person, who fought a god and won the right to live for all mob hybrids who came after him. Doc, whose eyes are fixed solely on Xisuma.)

Clearing his throat to cover up the moment of weakness, Sam speaks up. "That's great and all, but why do we care? No one was living in L'Manberg anyway; it was practically free real estate."

The callous words net Sam a glare from Tubbo and a hurt look from Ghostbur. Before either can protest, Xisuma cuts in smoothly.

"It's an issue with your server," he says, "one that Dream should have fixed. It's the reason for this meeting, actually; if there was a responsible admin in the server, I would have just told them. First, a history lesson-- Doc, if you please?"

Doc nods somberly, savoring the opportunity to ham it up a bit. "For those of you who don't know, there are three Eras. The first is the beginning of time, when Mojang created the world as we know it. Players had infinite respawns, the world was less advanced, and redstone had just been created."

"Don't you think you're going a little too far back in history?" Bad asks skeptically.

"He's getting there," Eret defends.

Doc picks up where he left off. "In the Mojang pantheon, there was a god named Notch who wanted to expand the world's horizons, to give them new biomes and mechanics and blocks they'd never seen before... but you can't make something out of nothing. He needed magic to make his big updates a reality, and he stole it from the players behind the other gods' backs."

Ghostbur gasps, horrified. "He stole magic?"

"And so the gods killed him and gave the magic back, end of story," Sam snaps, then instantly regrets it. He's too on edge.

Thankfully, Doc either doesn't mind it or doesn't notice. "Not quite," he says. "When Notch took the magic from players, they lost the ability to respawn at all, marking the beginning of Era Two-- the Hardcore Era. When the gods found out, they were angry at Notch, so they exiled him to the Void. They tried to give players back their magic, but Notch had already taken too much, and servers and updates kept needing more and more... That's how Era Three started. It's the one you live in now, with the three life system."

"So... why does this matter?" Tubbo asks. "I mean, what does this have to do with why you're stuck in our server?"

"There's a parasite on your server, eating up all the magic," Xisuma says carefully. "Your server needed extra magic to keep up, so when we went through the infinity portal it grabbed us. As a group comprised mostly of Era One players, we have the magic that the server needs to compensate for the parasite."

Most of the Dream SMP citizens look either nauseous or extremely worried at the thought of a parasite. With a furrowed brow and a chewed lip, Eret breaks the silence.

"Do you know who it is?"

They all look around the table with wary gimlet eyes, attempting to suss out the imposter among them.

"A parasite..." Sam snorts derisively. "Sounds like that damn egg."

"Language," Bad snaps, but doesn't resort to violence.

"No no, he's got a point," Grian speaks for the first time. He'd been told to stay silent, but he's not a man who will ever pass up an opportunity to meme.

Bad's face falls, and he takes on a placating tone in an attempt to persuade the Hermits to his side. "Hey, don't be like that, the Egg's never done anything wrong!"

Sam's eyebrows raise practically to the ceiling. He looks at Bad in disbelief. "Never done anything wrong?" he says. "Remember when you--"

"That was me, not the Egg," Bad cuts in with a nervous laugh.

"You tried to kill Puffy over it, then killed Foolish instead," Philza says solely because he wants the Hermits to be mad about the Egg.

"Hm," Joe hums to himself. Up until this point the man everyone knows as Herobrine has been quiet, fading into the background, but now that he's made his presence known they can't help but be wary.

He drums his fingers on the table. "Yeah, I think we need some backup. False, Iskall?"

"On it," Doc grumbles, and reaches under the table to flip a couple trapdoors.

Out of nowhere, as though they'd ender pearled in, a blonde woman and a cyborg man appear behind the Hermits' end of the table. Bad stands up suddenly, knocking his chair backward, but Doc presses another button and all four entrances to the room are shut by pistons.

The woman, False, vaults herself over the table with nothing but upper body strength and tackles Bad to the floor. While the demon is still stunned, Iskall dashes around the circumference of the table to flank him. Doc once again presses a button and the floor opens up to reveal a secret staircase, which False and Iskall drag Bad down kicking and screaming. Once they disappear into the depths of the basement, the floor closes back up and the doors reopen like nothing ever happened.

"Well," Xisuma says with a small smile, lacing his fingers together as he addresses the group.

They stare back at him in horror.

He clears his throat awkwardly. "So, with the removal of the Egg, your server will stabilize and we Hermits will be able to leave you in peace..."

"I'm sensing a but," Eret says tentatively. They take off their sunglasses with a minute sigh, reminding themself that it's because of these Hermits that their curse was removed, that they can take off their sunglasses and have gray eyes again.

Taking a deep breath, Xisuma speaks. "We think we have a way to fix the three-life system."

#mcyt #hc x dsmp #hermit canyon au #zombiecleo #philza #xisuma #joe hills #grian #docm77 #eret #badboyhalo #ghostbur #awesamdude #tubbo #falsesymmetry #iskall85 #me.cpp #me.txt

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five-rivers · 4 years ago

Note

So first, I just want to say that I love Mortified, especially the arcs involving Ereshkigal and Innana. The whole thing is absolutely incredible, and I'm always thrilled to see an update. Second, I was rather hoping to offer you a prompt I've had swirling about my head. What if there is some sort of research facility exploring "that which is unknown and previously thought to be impossible" (i.e. magic but they don't call it that because people don't really know about magic and ghosts in this AU) and Danny's class is invited to go on a field trip there. At first, everything is normal, but just after the class leaves the researchers realize that their instruments show that some sort of Eldritch Horror is nearby and they start freaking out, but it's just Danny. I don't know where else this would go though.

Mr. Lancer chewed on the end of his pen. It was a disgusting habit, he knew, but he could never quite get himself to kick it, especially when he had a problem to confront.

Said problem was, presently, that enough of his students had expressed an interest in careers in ectology and paranormal science that he really had to give them a relevant field trip. Unfortunately, there were very few reputable options for such a field trip. The Fentons were unsafe, Axion Labs refused to give tours, the GIW were essentially a government sponsored hate group. Most other ‘ghost hunting agencies’ were outright scams.

But there had to be something nearby. Or at least in the state. Maybe not something that explicitly or solely dealt with ghosts, but something.

Maybe...

Oh!

He shifted to sit straighter in his chair. That would work. He started typing an email.

“We got a what?” repeated Johannsson.

“A field trip request,” repeated Deer.

“Like... from a school?” asked Johannsson, cautiously.

“A high school,” confirmed Deer, sounding rather stunned.

“Do they... know what we do here?”

“Evidently,” said Deer.

“Like, they know we research magic and telepathy and stuff.”

“Yes.”

“And astral projection, higher-dimensional beings, alternate universes, that kind of thing? Fringe science?”

“He says the junior class is interested in the ‘paranormal sciences.’”

“Wow,” said Johannsson, finally bringing his coffee up to his mouth and sipping at it cautiously. “Where,” he started, “where are they from?”

“Um,” said Deer, peering at her computer screen. “Casper High. One sec.” She started typing. “It’s in Amity Park? Do you think it’s a joke?”

“Ah,” said Johannsson. “No, that tracks, actually, if it’s Amity Park. We’ve got some weird readings on file from there, if you look it up.”

“It’s close,” said Deer. “If we get readings, why don’t we have a presence there?”

“Another agency called dibs first,” said Johannsson. “We have enough trouble. No need to step on toes.”

Deer looked up at Johannsson incredulously. “We fight eldritch abominations from the edge of reality,” she said. “Is the boss really worried about stepping on toes?”

“Hey, that’s how we get funding,” said Johannsson, shrugging. “We don’t want to end up like MKUltra.”

“MKUltra was a scam, Steve. And also mostly illegal.”

“Yeah?”

Deer shrugged. “Anyway, should I send this on, or...?”

“Yeah, go ahead. The boss will probably get a kick out of it, if nothing else.”

“I would not have told the boss about this if I knew I’d be the one babysitting a bunch of teenagers,” said Deer through a clenched smile. She jerked on the hem of her blouse, not used to the more formal clothes she was wearing on this momentous occasion.

“Yeah,” said Johannsson, “but it isn’t like we get a lot of people coming into this profession for this profession. And they’re kids. So be nice.”

“I’m always nice,” grumbled Deer.

“Well, look like it,” said Johannsson, elbowing her. He caught sight of the yellow school bus. “Here they come now.”

They waited until most of the students had gotten off the bus to approach.

“Hi,” said Johannsson, “you must be Mr. Lancer.”

“That’s me,” said the rather frazzled-looking teacher. “Come on kids, let’s get settled down. Listen to our guides. Let them introduce themselves.”

“Yeah, hey,” said Johannsson, waving. “Welcome to the Edge Institute, where we study that which is unknown and often thought to be impossible.”

“Hi,” said Deer, frowning at one group of students in particular. Johannsson followed her eyes.

The trio in question didn’t seem particularly out of the ordinary. Except... Well, there was a reason Deer worked here.

“I’m Steve Johannsson,” he said, getting back on track. “This is Sylvia Deer. We mostly work in report processing and assessment, but that brings us into contact with all our other departments, so we’re more than suited to show you around.”

Sylvia put her thumbs up. “Yep,” she said.

“Most of what we work with isn’t terribly dangerous, however, there are exceptions to that rule, and we have some classified projects, so don’t wander off. Stay within view of us at all times.”

“What if we need to use the bathroom?” asked a student.

“Well, that’s different,” admitted Johannsson. “We’ve got a couple scheduled stops, so make sure you go at those times. Other than that, don’t go through any doors we don’t open for you and don’t touch anything without asking first. Got it?”

There was a soft murmur of assent.

“Come on, kids,” said Mr. Lancer, clapping, “he asked a question.”

The murmur became slightly more unanimous.

“Right,” said Deer. She jerked her head towards the building. “Let’s go.”

“Anyway,” said Johannsson, “this is reception, which is the only part of the building freely open to the general public. If you do need to go to the bathroom, they’re right there. We’re going to hang out here for a few minutes, get everyone taken care of.”

Most of the students made their way to the restrooms immediately, however, that one trio stayed put.

“Hey,” said the smallest of the group, “do you guys hear that?”

“Hear what?” asked Johannsson.

“Um,” said the boy, slightly rocking forward on the balls of his feet, “there’s, like, an alarm or a siren going off? It’s really faint, but is everything okay?”

“We’d get a text,” said Deer. “Not to mention an announcement on the PA system.”

“And the radios,” said Johannsson, tapping his.

“Right,” said Deer, nodding. “Maybe you have tinnitus or something?”

“Isn’t that recurrent, though?” asked Johannsson. “He’d know if he had it.”

“I do not have tinnitus,” said the boy, firmly. “I really think there’s an alarm going off. Or maybe someone has a mosquito ringtone. Gosh, I hate those...”

Johannsson glanced at Deer and noted that she, once again, was staring at the children rather intensely. Mostly at the boy, but that made sense since he was the one speaking.

“Danny has good hearing,” said the girl, who was decked out in an array of gothic and mystic symbols. One which, on closer inspection, would probably be fairly effective at passive protection.

Johannsson wondered if that was the result of research, intuition, or sheer luck.

Perhaps that was why Deer was looking at them like that?

“Maybe I’m just imagining it,” said Danny, shaking his head. “Let’s go to the bathrooms. There’s probably a line by now.”

Once the kids were gone, and Johannsson and Deer were more or less alone in the entry hall, Johannsson turned to Deer. “Think we should call Detection?”

“Yeah,” said Deer, pulling out her phone. “There’s something not right, here.”

“Maybe he’s a sensitive?” suggested Johannsson. “He could be picking up a project.”

“Or maybe he’s like you and he’ll break every piece of tech invented in the last twenty-five years as soon as he touches it. Or he was cursed by a goddess, like Vicky in Containment. Or maybe he just has tinnitus and is in denial. I still don’t like this.” She finished dialing Detection and brought the phone to her ear. “Hey, I-” She pulled the phone away, glared at it and cautiously brought it back. “What’s going on? An incursion? Then why aren’t we on lockdown?”

Johannsson’s blood ran cold. “An incursion? How big?”

Deer held up a hand. “That doesn’t- You know we can’t detect everything! It doesn’t matter if nothing else gets triggered, the protocol is lockdown until we can determine- If you had done your job, the kids would still be on the damn bus!”

At this point, Deer’s shouts had drawn the attention and worry of Mr. Lancer and several of the students who had emerged from the bathrooms.

“Is everything alright?” asked the man.

Johannsson glanced at Deer. “No,” he decided, just before the security shutters slammed down and the emergency lighting came on. “I’m really sorry,” he said, “but it seems like some of our colleagues were overly excited about your tour and didn’t, er, follow proper procedure following a, uh, event. So-”

The PA system stuttered into life. “Attention. A level seven entity has been detected. All nonessential personnel, please proceed to the nearest shelter. Repeat-”

“Seven?” echoed Johannsson, starting to sweat. “Seven?”

“It’s probably a false alarm,” said Deer, putting away her phone and smiling in the way only people who feel very ill do. “None of the other incursion detectors went off. No radiation associated with dimensional breaks or anything. We should still get everyone to a shelter. Maybe you can round up everyone from the bathrooms?”

“Right,” said Mr. Lancer, who was enviably calm.

“Is an entity like a ghost or something?” asked one of the kids, who clearly weren’t grasping the gravity of the situation. “How strong is a seven?”

Level seven entities couldn’t be described in terms of strength alone. They were eldritch, uncaring gods that tore at the fabric of reality with their very presence, creatures that had no business being on the material plane. They shed bright magic and dark science in their wake, leaving those unfortunate enough to see them grappling with madness that was not.

He really wanted to know what was happening in Amity Park (ghosts?) that made these people so blasé about the alarms, flashing lights, and security shutters.

Wait a second.

He unclipped his radio from his belt. “This is Johannsson, calling detection. Can you describe the signal to me? Over.”

The radio crackled. “Slowly rising over the last thirty minutes, peaking and plateauing in the last ten. Why? Do you have something? Over.”

The bus had arrived ten minutes ago. Johannsson closed his eyes. “Maybe. Will inform. Over and out.”

He looked over at the bathroom where Danny and his two friends were emerging. Danny had his hands pressed over his ears. Whenever the overhead lights flashed off, the boys eyes reflected green. Just for a second.

Yeah. Johannsson had something. The question was, what was he going to do about it?

#danny phantom #not quite your prompt but...#close?#ask #answer #prompt #prompt fill

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multi-fandom-inserts · 4 years ago

Text

Show Me Going

Rosa Diaz x Female Reader (If this offends you, don’t read, simple as.)

This is set during the active shooter episode, I’ve changed a few details but just a warning if this subject is a trigger. ENJOY.

Masterlist.

XXX

“Come on Y/N, just a few more bits to fill in.” you mutter encouragingly to yourself, leaning back on your chair stretching out your back and fingers before rubbing your temples furiously in a desperate attempt to refocus on the computer screen in front of you but it was no luck, the new system the IT department had put in place took twice as long for warrants to be processed and approved as well as evidence to be categorised and assigned to cases which meant they take longer than average to fill out.

The atmosphere in the precinct was tense, the usually loud room with buzzing energy and laughter had fallen silent with nothing but the echoing noises of fingers tapping on keyboards, coffee being drunk and the constant noise of the printer working in overdrive to keep up with the demands drowned out the frustrated groans made by your co-workers.

Everyone had fallen into their own miniature slums, Amy had reverted back to “secret” smoking and chewing the ends of her pens violently – which has caused more than one ink explosion – Terry was working in overdrive to keep everyone in upbeats spirits, running himself into the ground in the process, whilst Charles focused all his energy into waiting hand-and-foot on Jake who had managed to hurt himself more times in the last few weeks than his entire career in the police force and had been ordered to desk duty sorting through old case files as well as the odd open case that crept up, the boredom of which had now caused him to become even more childish and irritating – something the Nine-Nine didn't know was possible – and was currently entertaining himself by creating paper-areoplanes and throwing them around the bullpen.

“Here you go, Y/N.” spoke a voice that snapped you out of your day dream and made the hairs on the back of your neck stand to attention.

Turning your head to the left, you see Rose Diaz, holding two brown take-out cups. She hands one over to you with a smile, you notice your name was written neatly on the side as you take the cup from her with a thank you; the detective watched you as you take a curious slip, she hadn't asked if you wanted a drink but as you let the delicious warm liquid of caramel Mocca fill your mouth, you hum intently.

It seemed like everyone was suffering except Rosa, and you could feel Jakes curious eyes settle on the pair of you as he listened and watched intently as the pair of you interacted. “When you've got a spare minute, could you help me search for some evidence on our case?” Rosa then asks, rather abruptly, also noticing Jakes eyes on the two of you, but from the side she manages to give you a half smile that wouldn't be seen by the prying detective.

You smiled back at her sweetly, “Yeah of course, let me just finish up the warrant requests and I'll be right with you.”

Rosa gave you a short nod and turned back to walk to her desk situated behind Charles who was sat in front of you typing away madly on his computer, from beside you, you could still feel Jakes hawk-like-eyes on you, one eyebrow raised and a stupid childish smile on his face.

“Is there something you wanted Peralta?” you ask in a short tone.

He snapped out of his trance and shook his head quickly, “Nope, Y/L/N. Nothing.” he stuttered, turning back to his computer; chuckling quietly to yourself, you turn back to your computer.

XXX

Twenty minutes later, you huff in annoyance and push yourself away from the desk, abandoning the warrant that won't process in a efficient amount of time and head for the Evidence Room, Rosa had disappeared from her desk ten minutes ago with a blue case file so you assumed she was in there but as you open the door; all the lights are turned off in the enclosed room; stepping in cautiously whilst attempting to feel for the light switch, the door shuts behind you, engulfing you in pitch black.

“Ah shit.” you hiss to yourself, turning swiftly to feel for the door handle but there was no luck, “I knew I should of listened to my mum when she said eat more carrots.”

Suddenly, a hand clamps down over your mouth from behind, muffling your squeak in surprise, instinctively you grab the wrist of your attacker, twisting your body and the arm around putting them into an arm-lock, pushing them against the chain link fence of the airlock.

“I taught you so well,” the familiar feminine voice whispers, immediately you let go of the figure in front of you allowing them to easily turn the main light on, sure enough, you were face-to-face with the beautiful chocolate brown eye of Rosa, who wore a huge shit-eating smirk on her face with pride. You roll your eyes and shove her playfully.

“You scared the shit out of me!” you whisper in fake annoyance, unable to stop the goofy smile creeping onto your face.

Rosa chuckles, taking your hand and pulling you closer, placing a gentle her lips on yours and lingering for a moment before separating, “We agreed we wouldn't do this at work,” you grumble, pulling her in for another kiss, this one more passionately as your tongue glides across her lower lip, asking for access as you deepen the kiss.

Rosa moans into the kiss before pulling your lips apart and hugging you tightly, “I know, but I couldn't sit there and watch you all stressed out and anxious anymore.”

Smiling, you rest your head on the front of her shoulder, inhaling deeply taking in the familiar smell of her perfume, motorbike oil and the leather jacket she wears religiously, “You know they'll figure out we are dating eventually, Jake seems to be on the trail.” you say to her.

You can feel her nod, “Yeah honey I know – but don't worry about that for now, we'll tell them when we are ready.” she assures you, squeezing you tightly before releasing you, “Why don't you get out of here for bit? Go get some food and fresh air.”

“But we are busy with this case?” you ask her.

The detective smiles, rolling her eyes gently as she cups your chin in her hand, “Go, get out of here... before I get my taser and chase you ouy.” she playfully threatens, kissing you one last time.

XXX

You would never tell her to her face – but Rosa was right, getting away from work and some fresh air is exactly what you needed.

A short drive from work was a small café hidden amongst the busseling city, taking a seat outside you sip on your tea in-between eating your chocolate croissant. Breathing a sign of relief as you watch the city move around you, strangers going about their daily lives, going to work, seeing family, spending the day with loved ones. It causes a sinking feeling in your stomach, Rosa and yourself weren't out in the open with your relationship, you both have witnessed Captain Holt receive abuse because of his sexuality and neither yourself or Rosa were ready to face that in the work place let alone in your personal life.

And sadly, the sinking feeling doesn't stop there, as your radio crackles to life with a message no one in law enforcement wants to hear.

XXX

After you left, Rosa stayed in the Evidence Locker for a while as she really did have some evidence to find relating to the case the two of you were working on, but thanks to the new filing system and the lack of Evidence Attendant workers, it took twice as long to fins what she needed and when Rosa entered back into the bull-pen, evidence in hand, she is greeted with the sight of everyone crowded around Gina's desk with their backs to her.

“What's going on?” Rosa asks but is responded to with sharp, loud hushes.

She's taken aback but then she hears the buzzing static noise of a radio, quickly Rosa joins the half circle around the radio and listens carefully, “There's an active shooter in a hotel in Brooklyn Heights.” Holt tells Rosa, her heart sinks and the rest of the team takes a sharp inhale at the confirmation from their Captain.

“Requesting additional units.” a female voice speaks over the radio.

“Multiple causalities, ESU is en-route and nearby officers are responding to the scene right now.” Holt tells the squad keeping them updated.

Rosa's hands ball into fists, whitening the knuckles as her hands begin to sweat. Jake bits his lip as Amy chews her pen.

“Multiple shots fires, please be aware civilians running from scene and are on the streets.” Dispatch informs.

Charles takes a deep breath and holds it until it hurts before breathing out slowly as Terry flares his nostrils.

“Johnson, 2938, show me going” a male voice speaks over the radio.

“2938, I have you going.” Dispatch confirms.

“Gilbert, 9825, show me going.” another male speaks.

“9823, I have you going.” Dispatch confirms.

“What are they saying?” Gina asks – who had begun to pick at her nail polish – looking up at Captain Holt from her desk.

“Show me going and their badge number, they are telling Dispatch that they are close by and responding.” Holt explains calmly.

“Y/L/N, 2103, show me going.”

Everyone around Gina's desk freezes, the one line was spoken so quickly no one wanted to believe they heard it, until Dispatch confirms.

“2103, I have you going.”

“Y/L/N! As in our Y/N!” Charles shrieks worriedly.

“That's her badge number.” Jake then confirms, looking up at Rosa who looked over to him, the colour in her face had drained, her jaw hung loose in disbelief as her balled up hands began to shake. The squads eyes dart from one person to the next, everyone slowly coming to terms with what they had just heard.

“She's there.” Amy said quietly to herself, but in the silence atmosphere it echoed loudly.

Rosa swallows thickly, her heart beating a million miles an hour, echoing in her head making it pound, palms sweating with an uneasy lump forming in her throat choking her. Without a word, the detective turned sharply on her heels and took off in a fast, brisk walk towards the bathroom down the corridor, bile climbed her throat as her vision starts to blur at the edges.

Locking the main door to the bathroom, Rosa breaks into a sprint for the toilet, barely making it in time before her lunch made a reappearance. For twenty minutes, she stares into the toilet bowl eventually gaining the strength to push herself back up, flushing the toilet and heading over to the sink, gripping the edge of the sink with all her strength, running the water to mask the thick and fast tears that fell from her eyes.

A million thoughts rushed through the detectives head, was Y/N safe? Where was she in the hotel? Is she hurt?

Just as Rosa begins to panic, a loud knock echoes on the bathroom door, followed by Jakes voice.

“Rosa? Are you okay?”

Taking a deep breath, the detective tries to calm herself enough to respond, “Yeah, I'm fine.” she manages before a wave of new tears form.

Jake doesn't believe her, through their training at the academy and multiple cases together, Jake has learnt to read the seemingly emotionally unavailable woman pretty well; and he knows better than to push her as he hears the unevenness of her voice and attempted hidden sniffles.

“Captain is holding an emergency meeting in the Briefing Room in five minutes,” Jake then speaks, not wanting to push her.

Rosa nods as if he can see her, looking at her blood shot eyes, blotchy skin and pale complexion, “Okay, I’ll be out in a minute.” she responds.

Jake doesn't respond, instead he waits. Rosa washes her face with cold water, tries her tears and swallows her emotions as best as she can, unlocking the door she steps out and Jake engulfs her in a bear hug – something they never do often – but as Jake waits for Rosa to shove him away, instead she wraps her arms around him and returns the hug gratefully.

“Thank you buddy.” she mumbles, letting go.

Jake smiles softly at her before turning to walk towards the Briefing Room.

Holt and Terry stand at the front of the room, Jake by Charles, Amy and Rosa on their own tables and Gina stood in the corner. The tension is the room was thick, worry and anxiousness radiated off everyone, even Captain Holt had a nervousness about himself.

“A Captain at the 9-7 has given us a brief update, there's two possible three shooters in Brooklyn Heights – ” Holt started but Jake swiftly interrupted.

“Any casualties?”

“Three head, many wounded – all civilians.” Holt speaks. “ESU is on scene and the area is being locked down, it's a zoo out there, we have been ordered to stay here on alert but not to respond.”

“That's crazy!” Amy yells.

The room is taken aback by her outburst but Holt doesn't seem fazed, “I know you're all worried about Y/N, but she is not alone, she is part of a massive NYPD response. I promise I will keep you updated as the situation develops, in the meantime, you all have jobs to do. Dismissed.”

The room clears out, Rosa lingers as Jake and Amy talk.

“She'll be okay, Ams.” Jake comforts her.

Amy smiles through gritted teeth, touching her boyfriends shoulder, “I know. I love you.” she says.

“I love you too.” Jake smiles happily.

That's when it hit Rosa like a bus.

A realisation she never thought she'd have.

A feeling she never thought she'd feel.

She loves you.

XXX

Three Hours Later...

The echoing sound of gunshots rung in your ears, sending glass sparing over you and the officer you are paired with. The heavy bulletproof vest you wear constricts your chest more than the heavy sinking feeling of anxiety that sits in the pit of your stomach, when suddenly an officer in the squad next to yours yells in pain, turning swiftly you see a brief sight of red blood.

“Move! Move! Move!” you yell to your team as more bullets fly through the air.

“Squad Beta-Nine to Dispatch, we are pinned down.” a male next to you speaks over the radio, “Multiple shooters on west side, seventh window up. Do you have a clear shot?”

Your heart beat echoes in your head, white noise takes over blurring out everything else, holding your gun close you check the bullets, secure your vest and helmet. As the bullets hit the wall you're all barricaded behind, you close your eyes and all you see is her – Rosa, with that stupid smirk she wears, her leather jacket she lets you wear when you get cold, the helmet she hands you when she forces you on the back of her bike.

Oh my god, you suddenly think, your eyes bursting open, “I love her.” you whisper to yourself.

XXX

“GUYS!” Charles screams – despite everyone in the squad being in a two metre radius of him.

“What is it?” Rosa asks, her voice strained.

Everyone gathers round Charles as he twitches from foot-to-foot, unable to stand still, “They just took three shooters into custody. Officers got injured in the action, they don't say how many or who they are.” he tells everyone, a small weight is lifted from everyone but tension still runs through them.

“Call Y/N.” Jake turns to Rosa, pointing at the phone in her pocket.

Amy raises her eyebrow, curious as to why Rosa would call Y/N when she was her best friend, but before the Sergeant had a chance to ask, Rosa already had her phone to her ear, the ring tone rhythmically humming away. “Her phone is off.” Rosa mutters.

“Fuck.” Holt lets slip.

Jakes eyes widen but now is not the time to react to the Captains potty mouth, no matter how incredible of a moment it was.

Forty-Five Minutes Later...

The bull-pen was silent. No one spoke. No one worked. Everyone sat at their desks, anxious, scared and on edge.

“Listen up,” Holt's voice shatters the void, “I don't have the names of the injured officers, but is Y/N is unharmed, she should be contacting us shortly. Or, if her phone is dead, she might be walking out of the elevator at any moment.”

And almost as if by magic, the elevator ping’s and the door slides open... revealing... Scully holding a meatball sub.

“AH COME ON!” Rosa screams so loud it causes Scully to jump out of his skin, throwing the meatball sub all over the floor spilling the sauce, meat and bread all over the floor.

From the corner, you let out a laugh, “Damn it Rosa, that looked like a good sandwich.” you speak.

The entire room jumped to attention, all smiling, calling your name but before you got a chance to respond to everyone who moved to hug you, Rosa barged through the crowd, sending Jake and Charles flying into the nearby desks as she grabbed your face tightly and kissed you.

The entire room erupted in gasps as you returned the kiss, wrapping your arms around her neck, and when you both pulled apart, everyone in the bull-pen was staring at you, you took Rosa's hand in yours as you faced your boss, co-workers and friends, Jake and Holt had a huge grin on their faces – as did Gina, who insisted on slow clapping – Amy and Terry looked shocked as Charles looked like he was about to faint.

“So I guess the cats out of the bag.” You said with a laugh.

“We are all very happy for you.” Holt said, a soft smile settled on his usually emotionless expression.

The entire squad nodded in confirmation. “I knew you'd been happier for a reason.” Terry winked, punching Rosa's shoulder playfully.

Everyone laughed, it felt incredible not to hide it, the weight from your chest disappeared and you felt out of this world. Rosa squeezed your hand gently. “Y/N why don't you head home and get some rest, it's been a long and stressful day for you.” Holt says, you nod with a small smile, and head over to your desk to collect your things, “Oh, Detective, Take Diaz with you. The two of you deserve a afternoon off.”

“Thank you, Captain.” Rosa says, grabbing your hand again as the pair of you say your goodbyes and leave the precinct.

As the two of you step out into the fresh air, Rosa pulls you into a tight hug, her shoulder quiver slightly, “Hey, babe, I'm okay, I'm back with you.” you assure her, rubbing her back gently.

Rosa pulls away, her arms still wrapped around your waist, resting her forehead on yours, “I love you.” she whispers.

A large grin breaks onto your face, “I love you too.”

#rosa diaz x reader #rosa diaz x female reader #brooklynn nine nine x reader #brooklyn nine nine #rosa diaz imagine #reader insert

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seanfalco · 3 years ago

Text

Repeat Offenders | 06. Dinner with Mike

[gif credit — @/santacarlahorrorshow]

Nathan Young x f!Reader

Word Count: 5.8k Warnings: Not much this chapter, just the usual: language, mention of blood, mild sexual content a/n: Woo, it’s been a while since the last update, hope you guys are still excited for this fic.

[ Sequel to Bad Kids ] [ MASTERLIST ]

“How many times do I hafta apologize?” Nathan griped as you stepped off the plane and back into London City airport.

“At least once more,” you grumbled under your breath, not even turning to look at him.

“C’mon [y/n], I’m sorry, okay?” Nathan cried, letting his arms drop heavily to his sides. When you still didn’t spare him so much as a glance, he quickly stepped ahead of you, blocking your path and catching your shoulders with his hands, forcing you to stop.

“Will y’just— look at me!” he exclaimed exasperatedly. “It wasn’t my fault, okay?”

He knew instantly that that was the wrong thing to say as soon as your brows furrowed deeper.

“Nathan, can we not talk about this right now?” you hissed wearily, pinching the bridge of your nose as people streamed past you, giving the pair of you curious looks.

“Wha— why not?” he asked, pleading with you with those large green puppy dog eyes he knew usually got him anything he wanted, and you sighed.

“Because we’re in the middle of the airport and I’m tired and hungry, and I really want a shower.”

At your words, Nathan’s grasp on your shoulders loosened and he ducked his shaggy head sheepishly. After the whole ordeal he’d put you through in the past forty eight hours, you had a right to be upset. The rest of your relaxing vacation had been spent bailing his sweet ass out of the American prison system—not exactly the way you’d hoped to spend your last days in Vegas.

Luckily you’d been able to guilt Nikki into giving up her winnings to pay for Nathan’s bail, reminding her if it weren’t for you she’d be dead right about now. That had swayed her, but she hadn’t been happy about it, not that you really gave a rat’s ass about what she thought anyway. By now however, Nathan was probably wanted by the state of Nevada for skipping out on bail and leaving the country before his court date, but if you had it your way, you’d probably never go back to Vegas anyway.

The rest of the cab ride home was wrought with tense silence, Nathan chewing his lip and glancing back over at you every few minutes, looking as if he wanted to say something, but thinking better of it.

You never thought you’d be so happy to return to your dingy little flat, but as soon as you entered, the smell hit you.

“Oh, my God, what is that?” you exclaimed, clapping your hand over your nose and mouth, the stench nearly making you gag, and Nathan blanched.

“Shit…” he hissed, the word drawing your gaze and you narrowed your eyes. “I might’ve… forgotten t’take the trash out before we left,” Nathan admitted, grimacing, as if waiting for you to explode. Taking a deep breath, you merely pushed past him back to the bedroom, emptying your bag into the hamper and starting the water in the shower.

“[y/n]?” Nathan called, watching you through the open door. “Are y’mad?” he asked hesitantly, flinching as you looked at him.

“Why would I be mad?” you asked flatly, and Nathan blanched further. “I’m gunna take a shower. I hope it doesn’t still smell like death when I get out,” you added pointedly, pulling your shirt over your head.

“Right, yeah, I’ll get it sorted!” Nathan exclaimed, his gaze following you for a moment, wishing he could be showering with you instead.

——

As [y/n] disappeared into the bathroom, Nathan finally tore his eyes away and headed back out to the kitchen. Pulling the overflowing bin out, he pinched his nose, holding his breath after nearly retching at the full force of the smell, the odor dizzying in its intensity.

“Oh fuck, that’s terrible,” he muttered, gagging even with his nose plugged, quickly hauling the bag out to the trash chute.

By the time he returned, the shower was already off. “Shit shit shit,” Nathan muttered under his breath, not exactly wanting to let [y/n] down. Maybe if he fixed his mess and made her some dinner he’d be out of the dog house, hoping for a little make up shag. It was always kinda hot when she was a little pissy; she tended to be a little rougher, and Nathan couldn’t help but admit he liked that.

Opening the windows to air out the trash smell he desperately looked for the can of air freshener, before realizing he could just use his power, snapping his fingers and making it smell like a fresh field of wildflowers as soon as [y/n] walked out of the bathroom, towel wrapped round her.

“How’s that?” Nathan asked, flopping down onto the bed as [y/n] looked through the dresser. “Smell better?” he tried again when she didn’t answer. “I told yeh I’d get it sorted,” he boasted, watching her change.

“Yep,” [y/n] finally replied, turning away from him as she let the towel fall.

“That’s it? One word?” Nathan yelped, pushing himself up exasperatedly. “C’mon [y/n],” he whined. “Y’can’t be mad at me forever!”

Sighing, [y/n] turned to look at him, half dressed. “I think I’m allowed to be a little pissed off still,” she countered. “The romantic, relaxing vacation I was promised became none of those things and I’m frustrated, okay?”

“I didn’t mean for that t’happen!” Nathan cried, reaching for her, taking her hands in his. “I’m sorry, okay! I fucked up! What d’you want me t’say?”

For a moment he thought she was gunna pull away from him, but she didn’t. That didn’t make his stomach stop churning, however, as he waited for a response.

“I know. I know you didn’t do any of that on purpose,” [y/n] huffed. “But that’s not an excuse. Just because you didn’t mean for it t’happen doesn’t just erase the fact that it did.”

Nathan flinched, knowing she had a point.

“Just tell me what I hafta do t’fix it!”

“I just need some time t’calm down, Nathan,” [y/n] exclaimed with a sigh. “I’m so tired. And I don’t wanna argue anymore.”

“Okay. Okay, I can do that,” he insisted, shaking his head. “You lay down… and I’ll find us somethin’ to eat,” he exclaimed, holding his hands up. All he wanted was to make thing go back to normal.

That was th’reason y’took that trip in the first place, remember? Nathan thought sourly as he left the room so [y/n] could get some rest.

Was this how the rest of their relationship was destined to go? Him trying to make up for something stupid he’d done, only to make things even worse?

Standing in front of the fridge, Nathan found he wasn’t really hungry anymore, too worried to even think about eating.

What if after everything they’d been through [y/n] still broke up with him?

——

The next day you woke with a start and quickly looked around. Luckily, you didn’t have to work, or you’d have been late, the clock next to the bed reading almost noon. “Jesus, how long did I sleep?” you muttered, unable to remember exactly how early it’d been when you’d dozed off. You recalled taking a shower and then laying down after Nathan—shit, Nathan!

He wasn’t in bed. That wasn’t normal. He probably thought you were still pissed at him, you thought, quickly getting up to search for him. Were you still pissed at him? you wondered, finding your temper had cooled somewhat.

However, upon stepping into the kitchen your frustration returned tenfold.

“Nathan, what th’fuck are you doing?” you exclaimed, gaping at the counter, covered with dirty dishes, batter, and eggshells.

“Oh! [y/n], you’re awake!” he yelped, springing to face you. “I was… makin’ breakfast… er, well, breakfast for lunch, and I got a little carried away, but I’ll clean it up, I promise!” he exclaimed hastily, under your unimpressed stare.

“See, look!” he said, waving his hand with a flourish, the mess magically disappearing. “No harm done. Am I a genius, or am I a genius?”

Moving toward the counter, you inspected it, your arms crossed over your chest. “I dunno, seems a little like cheatin’ to me,” you muttered, Nathan’s mouth dropping.

“Cheating?” Nathan cried. “Aw, c’mon [y/n], we have these powers for a reason! We’re supposed t’use ‘em,” he argued, though you still looked doubtful. “Speakin of powers—” Nathan quickly continued, handing you a plate of slightly burnt pancakes. “I’ve been thinkin’ about my magic act.”

“Magic act?” you asked as you sat down, pouring syrup over your pancakes, hoping enough of it would make them edible.

“Yeah!” Nathan exclaimed excitedly. “I wasn’t lyin’ when I told yeh I always wanted t’be a magician. I’m tellin’ yeh, this is our ticket to th’big time. We’ll be rakin’ in th’cash!”

Though you were still annoyed with him, he looked so excited about this that you didn’t have the heart to tease him, even if you were unsure if his idea would be as profitable as he seemed to think. Tilting your head, you signaled him to continue, taking a bite of your pancakes. Despite the burnt crispy edges, they weren’t half bad.

“So, for my stage name, I was thinkin’ The Great Nathan-o… Th’Great… Nathanan-o…” he paused to frown, clearly deep in thought, his mouth making a confused looking “o” shape as if he were trying to somehow make it work before he waved the thought away. “Well, it’s a work in progress, I’ll think of somethin’,” he exclaimed dismissively.

“What sort of tricks would you be doing?” you asked, getting up to find something to drink.

“Oh, y’know the usual, except flashier! I already know I can pull a rabbit out of my arse, though it’s not exactly pleasant, and the casino guards weren’t all that impressed,” Nathan muttered as you listened, slightly horrified.

Noticing the look on your face, he frowned. “I probably won’t do that one, but c’mon [y/n], won’t you be my sexy assistant?” he asked, taking your hands to gaze at you imploringly, the look in his emerald eyes chipping away at your anger even more.

“What exactly would that entail?” you asked warily.

“Oh, you know, handin’ me things, lookin’ sexy, occasionally lettin’ me saw yeh in half or makin’ yeh disappear, sexily,” he answered.

“Uh huh, and lemme guess, sexy costume?”

“Now you’re gettin’ it,” Nathan exclaimed, snapping his finger. “One of those glittery leotards, or a two piece suit, t’show off your best assets,” he mused, running his eyes over you as if imagining it, a goofy grin tugging at his lips.

“Alright…” you answered after a long moment. “But I want to have a say in what sort of tricks you do.”

“It’s a done deal!” Nathan exclaimed excitedly, and you couldn’t help the flicker of fondness that gripped you despite your lingering anger at him. You liked seeing Nathan almost giddy over something.

“Plus, if we get popular enough, maybe you could quit your jobs,” he offered.

You were doubtful of that, but you found it sweet anyway.

Before you could speak, Nathan’s cell phone vibrated on the table with a message and he picked it up. “Kelly wants t’know if we’re comin’ to the pub later,” he said, looking hopefully up at you.

You hadn’t exactly been planning on going out today, but you figured why not, a drink didn’t sound half bad.

“Yeah alright. Tell her we’ll meet them there.”

——

By the time you got to the pub, everyone was already there, gathered around the bar while Curtis stood behind it.

“Hey, you made it!” Alisha exclaimed as you took the stool next to her. “You guys okay?” Simon asked, glancing between the two of you, no doubt sensing the leftover tension still lingering.

“Yeah, we’re grand. Peachy creamy,” Nathan exclaimed, a hint defensively. “Why wouldn’t we be?”

Kelly gave him a flat stare. “I dunno, probably because you got arrested in Vegas and [y/n] had to bail your ass out.”

“Garson!” a voice called, interrupting Nathan’s comeback.

“Are you talking to me?” Curtis asked as a tall fellow ambled to the bar, flanked by two girls.

“Yeah, it’s French,” the guy exclaimed and you noticed Alisha shift uncomfortably in her seat as she glanced at the bloke before looking away quickly, focusing on the glass in front of her.

When Curtis didn’t respond further the guy snorted an awkward laugh. “Not a fan of the French? Yeah, me either. I’ll have three pints of lager,” he ordered, sliding over a couple crumpled bills.

The longer he stood at the bar, the more uncomfortable Alisha appeared to be and you frowned, torn between wanting to ask her what was wrong and not wanting to call attention to her if she was trying to avoid this fellow for some reason.

Simon, however, didn’t seem to realize the source of her discomfort and leaned in, asking her what was wrong.

“Nothin, can we go, I’m just knackered,” Alisha murmured, glancing up and catching the guy watching her before she slipped off the bar stool.

“Hey, but we just got here!” Nathan cried, watching Simon and Kelly follow Alisha.

“Sorry man, maybe another time,” Simon murmured, patting Nathan on the shoulder, leaving the two of you at the bar with Curtis.

“Well, I still want a drink,” Nathan exclaimed, turning back to Curtis who rolled his eyes.

“You can pay for them, right?” he asked.

“Yes, we can pay,” you grumbled, handing him the money before he’d even think of pouring your beers.

“D’you wanna sit at a booth?” Nathan asked, noticing the sour twist to your lips.

“Yeah, sure,” you muttered, slipping off the stool to find an empty table, Nathan sliding in next to you, resting his arm behind your head.

“C’mon [y/n], y’still mad?” he asked, letting out an exasperated sigh.

“Yeah, I’m still mad,” you muttered, taking a sip of your drink, trying not to look directly at Nathan’s face, knowing the effect his pleading eyes usually had on you. Instead, you noticed the bloke that had seemed to make Alisha so uncomfortable, who had come in with two young women, now seemed to be snogging the one while the other was nowhere to be found.

“What can I do t’fix it?” Nathan asked, trying to catch your eye. “I hate this!” he exclaimed.

Your lips twisting further, you brought your glass to your lips, drinking deeply as you noticed the other girl slip back in from outside and notice what was going on in the booth across from you, the two she’d come in with really going at it, Curtis having come over to take away an empty bottle from their table.

Setting your half empty drink down, there was a split second where you swore you felt the familiar tingle in your bones whenever a new power was being used nearby, but you blinked and suddenly the girl was gone and the obnoxious bloke from earlier reached back to touch his head, Curtis standing over him with a broken bottle in his hand.

“Is that blood?” the girl with the bloke exclaimed.

“You—you bottled me!” the guy cried, looking up at Curtis who just then seemed to notice the broken bottle in his hand.

“What are you talking about?” Curtis asked, his eyes darting around the room frantically, confusion on his face. Finally he looked to you and Nathan helplessly. “I didn’t do anything!”

“Jesus, Curtis, what you go and do that for?” Nathan laughed, finding the situation funny.

“I didn’t--!” he cried. “[y/n], did you see me?” he asked as you pushed Nathan out of the booth, still laughing, having enough.

“No, I didn’t see you do it,” you replied, shaking your head. “I felt someone with a power right before it happened though…” you muttered, remembering the look on the blonde girl’s face as she’d seen the two snogging.

Heading for the door, you told yourself this wasn’t your problem. You’d had enough playing hero during community service and you were done with that now. You just wanted to go back to your life and—

“[y/n]!” Nathan exclaimed, chasing after you, grabbing your sleeve as he burst out of the door. “Where you goin’?”

“I dunno, home,” you exclaimed.

“[y/n],” he whined, pulling you closer. “Are you really gunna stay mad at me forever?”

“Maybe,” you retorted, faltering as you saw the look on his face, unable to escape his eyes this time. “...No,” you finally answered and a small grin cracked Nathan’s face.

“Ah, there we go,” he murmured, leaning in closer. “You can’t stay mad at this face for long,” he teased, caging you in.

“Don’t get cocky, you’ll ruin it,” you muttered, anticipation filling you as his lips hovered over yours.

Suddenly his phone rang and he winced, pulling away to answer his phone. “Hold that thought,” he murmured, his eyes watching your lips as he brought the phone to his ear, not bothering to see who was calling.

“Dad?” he exclaimed in surprise and your own brows rose. “What, tonight?”’ he asked in a strangled voice. “Hold on.”

Pulling the phone from his ear he looked at you. “My dad wants us t’come over for dinner tonight,” he explained, still looking as if he couldn’t believe it.

“Do you want to go?” you asked, the rest of your residual anger bleeding away as you watched the conflicted look on his face.

“Not really, but…” he shook his head with a sigh, bringing the phone back to his ear. “Yeah, alright, we’ll be there. What time?”

You could’ve sworn he was about to tell his dad to fuck off, his actual response shocking you.

As soon as he hung up he frowned at you. “I s’pose you’re mad at me now for sayin’ we’ll go…”

Cutting him off, you pulled him to you by the front of his shirt, pressing your lips to his. “No, I’m not mad,” you murmured, kissing him again.

“You sure?” he asked, pressing you back against the wall behind you.

“I’m sure. I’m done being cross with you. I don’t really like it,” you admitted, the rest of your words falling away as he snogged you.

——

“You ready?” you asked, giving Nathan’s hand a squeeze. It seemed to pull him from his thoughts and he flashed you a confident grin that you were fairly certain was forced.

“Course, it’s just dinner, right? How much of an arse could he be?” Nathan exclaimed, though his face contorted doubtfully.

“At least he’s makin’ an effort,” you offered with a grimace, wishing your own dad would.

“Right. Course,” Nathan agreed with a nod.

“We can leave any time,” you reminded him and he nodded again.

“Yeah. Yeah, I know,” he muttered, ringing the bell.

“Ah, Nathan, you-you’re here,” Mike Young exclaimed as he pulled the door open, a hint of surprise in his tone that made it seem like he was doubtful that you’d even show up. “And you must be [y/n],” he said, turning his attention on you before holding open the door wider, ushering the pair of you to enter. “Come-come on in.”

Following Nathan in, you looked around. It was definitely a bachelor pad, but it was surprisingly neat, and you half wondered if he had a housekeeper.

“I uhm, I hope you like curry,” Mike said as he shut the door behind you.

It was easy to see he was just as nervous as his son.

“Curry?” Nathan exclaimed incredulously. “Don’t tell me you actually made it?”

“Is that so hard to believe?” his dad asked, following you toward the table.

“A little, yeah,” Nathan scoffed, plopping into the chair next to yours. “I can’t recall a single time yeh ever made me anything t’eat as a child,” he pointed out.

“That’s ridiculous! I made you things—!”

“Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches don’t count!” Nathan cried, both men looking ready to continue arguing when you quickly cut in.

“Well, this looks lovely,” you exclaimed and Mike seemed to remember himself, clearing his throat apologetically.

“Thank you. I wasn’t sure if you were keen on spicy foods, so I kept it on th’mild side,” he explained, picking up his fork while Nathan picked at his plate doubtfully.

“You really made this?” he demanded again, spearing a chunk of meat to inspect. “Y’sure you didn’t just order takeaway and dish it up like it's homemade?” he asked, cocking a skeptical eyebrow at his dad.

“Yes, I really made it,” Mike snapped, throwing his son a look that was a mixture of barely concealed amusement and exasperation. A look you were familiar with because you’ve worn it plenty of times yourself around your boyfriend. “Believe it or not, I know how t’cook!”

Nathan rolled his eyes, but finally took an experimental bite, grunting in response. You knew he’d rather die than admit to his dad that his cooking was actually good. You, however, had no such qualms and wanted to try to smooth things over.

“It tastes great, Mike. Maybe we should take some cooking classes or something, Nathan,” you teased, reaching for your water glass to hide your grin as Nathan made a face at you in return.

Silence fell while you ate, and you could tell Mike was trying to think of something to talk about to fill the awkward silence, since Nathan seemed more than content to let it continue.

“Okay, I gotta ask, what’s a good lookin’ young thing like you see in my son?” Mike asked jokingly, and Nathan’s mouth fell open.

“Gee, thanks Dad!” he scoffed, his brows furrowing.

“I mean, c’mon, she’s a little outta your league, boy,” he teased, flashing you an amused grin that you had to bite your lip to keep from returning, especially with the polexed look on your boyfriend’s face.

“Hey now, lest we forget, I’m beautiful, okay? I have th’face of an angel! She can’t get enough of this!” Nathan exclaimed, gesturing to his face, clearly agitated.

“You know I’m only joking, right?” Mike exclaimed and Nathan rolled his eyes again. “So,” Mike continued, clearing his throat as he turned his eyes on you. “Where did th’two of you meet?” he asked, only slightly awkwardly.

“Oh, so we’re playin’ twenty fuckin’ questions now, are we?” Nathan exclaimed, cutting in.

“That’s usually what happens when y’bring your girlfriend over t’meet your parents,” Mike replied, lifting an eyebrow at his son.

“Yeah okay, well if that’s how it’s goin’ down, I’m gunna need somethin’ stronger than this,” Nathan muttered, pushing up and heading to the fridge.

“Don’t be a prick, Nathan, bring me and your girl one too, at least,” Mike called after him.

Nathan muttered to himself as he rummaged through the fridge, bringing over several bottles.

“So, where was I?” Mike asked, cracking open the lager Nathan had shoved in front of him. “Ah, that’s right… where’d you meet?”

“Actually, we met during community service,” you answered, taking a sip of your own beer, your eyes seeking Nathan.

For a moment Mike looked between the two of you before letting out a chuckle. “Why am I not surprised,” he laughed, while Nathan’s mouth fell open, as if ready to make a sharp comeback. Mike, however, cut him off with a wave of his hand. “Must be pretty serious if you’re subjecting her to me,” he said, taking Nathan off guard.

“Yeah, it is serious,” Nathan insisted, glancing over at you for a brief second. “We have a flat together!” he exclaimed and the pride that filled his voice tugged at your heart.

“No shit?” Mike countered, surprise flitting across his face.

“Yeah, no shit! What’s that supposed t’mean?” Nathan demanded and you slipped your hand beneath the table to rest reassuringly atop his leg, hoping to calm him.

“I’m just… surprised, is all,” Mike shrugged. “You have a steady job then? I hope you’re not just bumming off your girlfriend,” he challenged and you nearly opened your mouth to answer before Nathan cut you off.

“Yes! Sort of…” he exclaimed, bristling further.

“Sort of?” his father chuckled, sitting back in his chair. “Looks like nothin’s changed. You’re still as responsible as ever,” he taunted.

“Oh, y’mean like you were?”

The room went quiet and you looked between the two Young men anxiously. Just as you’d feared, the playful teased had crossed a line and struck a nerve, leaving Nathan glaring at his dad.

“I did th’best I could—” Mike began before Nathan cut him off again.

“Yeah well, your best was shite, wasn’t it?” he exclaimed heatedly. “Even when you were there, y’weren’t really. Too busy drinkin’ and sleepin’ round on mum! I’m not gunna make th’same mistakes you did!” he cried, pointing angrily to get his point across as he pushed his chair back, springing to his feet.

“I knew this was a stupid idea!” he grumbled, storming toward the door.

“Nathan!” you exclaimed, half standing to follow, but he was already out the door. Looking over, you found Mike resting his head in his hands before sitting up, dragging them down his face.

“That went about as well as I expected it to,” he grumbled, finally seeming to notice you were still there. “I’m sorry you had t’see that,” he muttered, reaching for his drink with a sigh. “I’m sure Nathan’s probably told you all about what a shite dad I am… and he wouldn’t be wrong.”

That took you by surprise, you hadn’t expected him to own up to it.

Shaking his head, he stared sadly down at his plate. “I regret it y’know. If I could go back and be better… make it right, I would. I don’t blame him for hatin’ me, I just wish I knew how to...“ shaking his head again, he trailed off.

“Fix things?” you supplied and he answered with a grunt. “It’s not gunna happen overnight. Nathan has a lot of anger… and he’s afraid.”

“Afraid?” Mike asked, confused, his thick brows so like Nathan’s drawing down.

“Of trusting you and getting hurt again,” you explained, your heart going out to him. You knew all too well about that sort of betrayal. “You’re both proud… and stubborn, but admitting to your mistakes is a good step. I’m gunna go check on him.”

Mike nodded distractedly as you got up, heading to the door. Out on the balcony you peered down, searching for your boyfriend. After a moment you found him across the street, sitting on a picnic bench.

“Hey,” you murmured as you came down, stopping in front of him.

“Hey,” he replied after a second, his eyes flicking up to you.

“You okay?” you asked hesitantly.

“I dunno… kinda? Not really…” he answered with a shrug. “I don’t wanna be like him,” Nathan murmured and you sat next to him on the picnic bench, slipping your hand in his and he gave a start, looking up at you. “I’ve never… had this,” he said, trailing off, fighting with himself — afraid to open up and yet desperate to.

“This?” you asked softly.

“Y’know, this,” he said, gesturing between himself and you. “Like a serious— a serious relationship?” he clarified, his eyes quickly darting away. “I mean, I’ve slept around… a lot, had a couple flings, but they never lasted long, but you…” he sighed, and you gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, encouraging him to continue. “You’re different. You actually give a shit about me. Y’make me feel like I’m not… a complete fuckup.”

Nathan winced, finally working up the nerve to look up at you, and you met his gaze with a soft smile before turning and taking his face between your hands. “You said it yourself once. We’re supposed to fuck up, make mistakes, live our lives. I mean, look at me. We’ve all fucked up, but that does not make you a fuckup,” you insisted.

“Yeah, but I don’t wanna fuck up when it comes t’you,” Nathan exclaimed, slipping his hands over yours, pulling them from his face. “I already almost lost you once. I don’t wanna be like my arse of a father. Th’way he treated my mum… he was always cheatin’ on her, and when he was around, he wasn’t really, y’know? Or he was a total prick. I don’t wanna be like that!” he cried.

“You won’t be,” you countered firmly, but Nathan shook his head.

“How d’you know that?” Before you could respond, he continued, biting his lip as he pulled away. “I-I heard yeh, that night in Vegas, when you were talkin’ t’Barry… Simon,” he corrected and your brows rose, trying to remember what exactly you’d said.

“You’re afraid I’m not serious about us, but-but you’re the only thing I’m serious about, and I don’t just wanna marry you because of the Marnie thing, or-or because we were in Vegas and it was exciting, I wanna marry you because I love you, [y/n]. You’re my best friend, and I wanna spend th’rest of my freakishly long life with you. And you’d hafta be pretty damn serious about someone if you wanna spend eternity with them,” he pointed out.

For a moment you didn’t know how to respond, too overwhelmed with affection for your voice to work.

“What-what if you change your mind?” you whispered, staring into his eyes. “What if you find someone better?”

“Nope, impossible. There is no one better,” Nathan countered with a grin, watching you hopefully before taking a deep breath and slipping off the picnic table to kneel in front of you, producing a real ring out of thin air and holding it out to you.

“I know it’s not like we’re short on time or anythin’, and if you wanna wait, or make it like a long engagement or whatever, I’m fine with that, but maybe we could still, I dunno, make a promise or somethin’?” Nathan babbled nervously. He looked like he was going to keep going when you finally cut him off, pressing your lips to his.

“Yes.”

“What?” he asked breathlessly, blinking at you as if stunned.

“I said yes,” you repeated, a grin pulling at your lip. “I wanna be with you too, Nathan. And we’ll figure it out, but what I do know is that I wanna be with you.”

Nathan let out an incredulous laugh, fumbling to slip the ring on your finger before you were in his arms, kissing him like your life depended on it, Nathan eagerly returning your affection.

“I love you,” you whispered against his lips as you pulled back just enough to gasp a breath, Nathan grinning at you, his eyes flicking to yours, damp with unshed tears.

“I love yeh too, [y/n],” he exclaimed, pulling you back to him, his hand slipping behind your neck.

Finally breaking the kiss, both panting and grinning like giddy idiots, you bit your swollen bottom lip, collapsing against his chest.

“Can we go home now so I can shag my fiance?” Nathan asked breathlessly.

“That sounds nice,” you murmured, catching yourself staring at the ring on your finger. “But…”

“But?” Nathan yelped, pulling back to look at you in alarm. “Don’t tell me you think we should go back up there,” he exclaimed incredulously. “I’m not apologizin’ to that wanker!”

“You don’t have to,” you assured him, resting your hands on his shoulders. “Actually, I have a feeling he wants to apologize to you.” Nathan looked at you doubtfully, but finally he huffed an exasperated sigh. “Alright,” he exclaimed, throwing his hands up. “But let’s make it quick, okay? I really wanna get you home.”

Grinning at him, you nodded. “Deal.”

——

When the pair of you showed back up at Mike Young’s door he looked surprised to see you back.

“I didn’t think you’d come back,” he admitted, gaping at the two of you in the doorway.

“Yeah well, y’can thank [y/n] for that, I wanted to go home,” Nathan replied with a shrug, though the conflicted look he wore gave him away.

Mike snorted in amusement, his eyes not leaving his son. “Well, thank God for [y/n]. You snagged yourself a good one,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

“Yeah, yeah I’m lucky,” Nathan murmured, glancing your way.

“Look, I’m uh, I’m sorry for—”

“For bein’ such an arsehole?” Nathan supplied and his dad huffed another laugh.

“Yeah, for that. Th’whole reason I invited you over was t’try and… I dunno, mend… us. But I managed t’fuck that up too.”

Nathan shrugged. “We all fuck up sometimes,” he muttered, his words taking his dad aback, Mike gaping at him until Nathan cleared his throat. “Y’got any dessert? I’m still hungry.”

An incredulous grin crossed Mike’s face and he stepped aside to let you both back in. “Yeah, I think we can rustle up something.”

——

“I’m proud of you,” you said as you walked back to your flat, a couple hours later, leaning against Nathan’s side.

Glancing over at you, he snorted. “For what? I didn’t do anything.”

“You gave him a chance when you didn’t have to,” you replied and he shrugged.

“Yeah well, at least he’s tryin’.”

You tried not to think of your own father, the thought stinging.

“That still doesn’t mean you owe him anything,” you pointed out.

Again, Nathan shrugged. “I know it's not gunna change what happened when I was a kid, but maybe we can, I dunno, have a better father-son relationship goin’ forward. That’s what Jamie wanted for us, so…” he trailed off with a sigh, tightening his arm around you.

“Enough about him,” he said after a moment, shooting you a mischievous grin. “I’d rather think about all the stuff I’m gunna do t’you once we get home,” he exclaimed excitedly, a thrill running through you as well at his words.

“Oh yeah? LIke what?” you wondered, eyeing him coyly.

“Nope, you’ll hafta find out when we get there,” he taunted, barely getting the words out before you grabbed his hand and took off running, your building not far, Nathan’s breathless laughter following you, echoing in the night air, and soon you were fumbling with your keys in the door.

Once the door shut behind you, Nathan’s mouth was on yours, backing you insistently toward the bedroom.

“Cool it, tiger,” you laughed as your legs hit the edge of the bed and you toppled backwards.

“Oh no, baby, there is no cooling this,” he taunted, kissing you hungrily as he slipped your boot off. “I’m a hardened criminal now, [y/n], after all. I’ve been t’prison and everything,” he exclaimed with a smirk, losing your other boot and kissing his way up your leg til he reached the hem of your skirt.

“Hardened, huh?” you mused, glancing down at his crotch before your eyes flicked back up to his, your brows raising innocently.

“Give me a sec and I will be,” he drawled, reaching under your skirt to pull your knickers down, tossing them over his shoulder.

Throwing your head back, you laughed delightedly. “Okay, okay, why don’t you come down here and ravish your fiance?”

“Gladly.”

#nathan young #misfits #nathan young x reader #misfits fanfic #robert sheehan character fic #my writing #fic: repeat offenders #bad kids'verse

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anagentinwriting · 4 years ago

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Lifeline - Part 10

Summary: (First Responders!AU) Moving to Los Angeles and living with your brother, Thor, was never part of your plan nor was being a 9-1-1 dispatcher, but plans change when you are faced with your own emergencies. In your case, it was leaving behind a relationship that wasn’t as perfect as it seemed. Will this be the fresh start you were hoping for or will your past find a way to catch up with you?

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Odinson!Sister Reader

Word Count: 3800+

Warnings: Angst, fluff, language

Lifeline Masterlist / Main Masterlist

Thor walked up to the gate to your condo to find a couple of guys installing a camera and a gate lock mechanism. “Hello, gentlemen. Who are you, and what are you doing to my sister’s gate?” Thor asked, crossing his arms across his chest.

“Whoa, big guy.” The guy on the ladder held up his hands. “I’m Dave, and he’s Kurt. We’re from X-Con Security Consultants--” he pointed to his shirt with the name stitched on it “--and we’re installing a new security system update for Ms. Hill.”

“The lady asked for an installation, and we do it,” Kurt mentioned with a Russian accent.

“Huh, okay then, as you were, gentlemen.” He nodded, continuing through the gate and going to your front door.

You were making a batch of your mom’s cookies when you heard an unexpected knock at the door. Setting down your cookie scoop, you wiped your hands clean to answer it. “Hey, Thor. Whatcha doing here? Thought you had a shift today.”

“I do, an overnight shift,” He pointed over his shoulder. “Why are their strange men at your front gate?”

“You’re one to talk, ladies man,” you scoffed, rolling your eyes. You turned away from the door, allowing him to come in as you returned to the kitchen. “If memory serves me right, you had plenty of strange women over at strange hours of the day.”

“Come on, they were my friends,” Thor reasoned, following you to your kitchen. “I love women, but you know, not in a creepy way.”

“Fine, if you must know, I mentioned to Maria about updating the front gate’s security system with a code and buzzer mechanism, and she thought it was a good investment for the property. The other tenants thought it was a great idea, too, so we're all going to pitch in and help pay for the upgrades. Plus, it will help me sleep better at night.”

“Oh, so it’s an investment. It’s not because you almost hit Steve with the bat the other day.” You averted your eyes to the cookie dough bowl, chewing on your bottom lip. “This is what I didn’t want to happen, YN. I knew you would move out, and you wouldn’t feel safe and…”

“I know, Thor,” you interrupted him, your eyes connecting with his. “But, it’s going to take time for me to adjust and feel safe. This new gate code system will just help me sleep better at night because I will know who is here before I let them in.”

Thor nodded, keeping a watchful eye on you. “I understand, but why didn’t you tell me Billy contacted you?”

“I can’t rely on you every time,” You sighed, shrugging your shoulders. “I have to learn how to fight my own battles again, and you have to be able to trust me.”

“I DO!” He raised his voice, making you flinch, then he immediately dropped his voice. “It’s Billy I don’t trust, and if he thinks he can hurt you, again, he’s got another thing coming.”

“I know, I know.” You shake your head, pinching the bridge of your nose.

“I just want you to know you're not alone here. You have me, Nat, Carol, and everyone else at the station.” He reached out, giving your shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “You have improved so much since you arrived, and I don't want to see you revert back to your old ways. You have no idea how proud of you I am, and I trust you with whatever you decide to do. I want you to know I’m here for you.” You nodded with a small smile. “On another note, I’m glad you finally talked to someone about Billy.”

“You mean Steve.” You eyed him over, not missing the side grin appearing on his face. “Why did he tell you about what happened?”

“He was worried about you and thought I should be aware of what occurred,” Thor replied, scratching his head. “When we work these long shifts together, we learn many things about each other; Stories are told, secrets are shared, and we learn to trust one another. Although he never did say why he stopped by that night?”

“He gave me a housewarming present.”

“Is that what they call it these days?” He winked with a carefree smile on his face.

“Oh my god, STOP.” You felt your cheeks grow warm, throwing a ball of cookie dough at him. He caught it, chuckling and popped it in his mouth.

“You should see your face right now. All flushed and agitated.” He motioned to his face as you covered yours in your hands. “Your hands aren’t stopping that blush color coming through on your face. If I didn’t know any better, I would think you got a sun-burn, but let’s get to the real reason, you have a crush on Steve.”

You removed your hands from your face, staring him down. “Okay, sure…maybe I do. He’s a great guy with a caring personality but…but I’m not ready for a serious relationship.”

“Neither is he, that’s why you two are perfect for one another,” he grinned, making you shake your head.

_____

Steve startled awake from something crashing to the floor in the communal kitchen. He sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes, and let out a long yawn. The last twelve hours have been a blur from the restaurant fire to a car accident to an ax-throwing competition. It felt like call after call came in with little to no recovery time in between. Steve glanced at his watch as he sat up and pulled on his boots. He sighed, realizing he only got about four hours of sleep, but lack of sleep comes with the territory. He ran his hands through his hair, walking into the kitchen, taking a seat at one of the stools by the island.

“You’re up early,” Carol commented, sweeping up a broken dish.

“A crashing sound startled me awake,” he smirked, forcing her to roll her eyes.

Carol dumped the remnants of the ceramic dish in the garbage before grabbing two coffee mugs from the cabinet. She poured coffee into each of them and handed one to Steve. Steve nodded to her as a thank you and blew the steam off the top of the hot liquid. “Did you want a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or oatmeal with some peanut butter to go with your coffee?”

“Excuse me?”

“Oh please, don’t act all innocent. I know you’re the one who’s been eating Sam’s peanut butter, not Bucky.” Carol narrowed her eyes at him, and he raised his hands in surrender.

“Guilty,” he smirked. “It’s so good, though, especially in oatmeal. I’m still surprised they haven’t figured it out yet.”

“Those two share a deep tolerable dislike for each other that even I can’t explain how it works. They get along but don’t get along, but somehow work really well together. It shouldn’t work, but it works. I don’t know; it still baffles me. I’m sure if you confessed, Sam would think you were only covering for Bucky anyways.” She shook her head, and Steve nodded his head in agreement.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from those two,” Steve chuckled, taking a sip of his coffee.

“YN told you, didn’t she?”

“Told me what?”

“I might have overheard you and Thor talking about it, but she told you about Billy the douche?”

“Oh...um...yeah.” He shrugged. “I went to her house after she got a call from said douche, and she almost hit me with a bat.”

“Good,” Carol chirped as Steve snapped his head to her. “Well, not good she almost hit you, but good that he doesn’t have that control over her anymore.”

“I agree.” He stared down at the contents in his mug. “Billy sounds like a real piece of work.”

She hummed in agreement. “I know you’re a good guy, but I want you to know if you hurt her, I’ll kick your ass.”

“Oh, trust me, I would never hurt her like that, but I’m not ready for a relationship.”

Carol smirked at his response, remembering you saying this whenever she tried to find you a new man. “What? Don't you like her?”

“No, no, it’s not like that at all. She’s…she’s great. It’s just…” Steve fumbled over his words.

“Oh, he hesitated,” Sam added, taking the stool next to Steve. Steve glanced at him, seeing a huge, gap-tooth smile on his face. “He’s into her.”

“It’s not that I’m not, it’s just that I have been through some things, and I know she has been through some things, very recently. I don’t want to push her if she’s not ready.”

“Well, you’re getting pushed into the friend zone, Steve,” Bucky added, taking the other stool next to him.

“Come on, don't say that...it's just...it's…”

“Called the friend zone,” Sam finished for Steve.

“Okay, fine, then why am I planning on hanging out with her later.”

“Keyword is hangout as in not a date so…” Bucky dragged on.

“Friend zoned,” Sam and Bucky said in unison.

Steve shakes his head, letting out a big sigh. “You two are unbelievable, but at least you two finally agree on something.” Sam and Bucky both looked at each other with a slight shrug and nod.

“Who are we speaking about,” Thor asked, patting Steve on the back.

“YN,” Carol smiled, forcing Steve’s eyes to meet hers.

“It’s not what you think. We were…”

“Steve wants to ask her out on a date,” Sam added, getting off the stool and walking over to the cabinet where his peanut butter was.

“Is that right? You--” he gestured to Steve with a slight smirk on his lips “--you want to date my sister.” Thor shook his head, letting out a soft chuckle, grabbing a mug from the cabinet and filling it up. “I like you, Steve, I do, and out of all these morons, I find you are the most suitable to date her. I think Loki may even approve of you, too, but he may be skeptical of you. He might even mock you upon meeting you, but he means well.”

“Thanks, but I wasn’t asking for your permission to do anything.”

“OOOOH, Thor, are you going to let him talk to you like that,” Sam hollered, pulling his peanut butter from the cabinet and unscrewing the lid.

“I didn’t mean it to come out like that.”

“Sure you didn’t,” Thor joked with a carefree smile. “Sure you didn’t,” he stated more seriously this time, eyeing Steve over, taking a sip of his coffee.

“GODDAMMIT, BUCKY! Why do you always eat my peanut butter? It wasn’t this empty the last time I opened it,” Sam shouted, giving Bucky a stern look as Carol shot Steve an all-knowing smirk.

_____

You stepped into Jabari Tribe Training Center, hearing the whirls of the jump ropes hitting the mats and the punches hitting the heavy bags. Everything in this gym was nerve-racking to you at first, but now it excited you. This gym was a little more run-down than most and could be unpleasant to some, but you found the dedicated atmosphere inspiring.

You went to the locker room to get ready for your session, feeling your stomach tingling with nerves. Val had a last-minute schedule change at the station, so she wouldn’t be training you today; instead, she scheduled you with M’Baku, who in the ring was known as the Great Gorilla. You’ve watched him coach a few athletes, and he was intimidating. He stood tall and broad, and he’d always do his signature gorilla bark to get himself or his trainees fired up. He was a scary dude! Val knew your movements and boundaries, but this guy wouldn’t, and you weren’t sure how this session was going to go.

You grabbed your boxing gloves and walked out to find M’Baku by the ring talking to one of his athletes. “Hey, M’Baku, I’m YN. Val mentioned you would be helping me with my session today.”

He looked at you with a stern glare and nodded to his trainee that they were finished. He looked back at you with a snarl on his lip before a smile broke out across his face. “Yes, you were told right. She told me about where you are, and I will say it’s impressive since you only started a few weeks ago.”

“Oh...um, thanks,” you smiled, feeling a warmth rush to your cheeks.

“Ready?” You nodded. “Okay, we will do some warm-up exercises, hit the heavy bag, ring work, stretch it out, and call it a day. Does that work for you?”

“Sounds great.”

“And if there is something you are not comfortable doing, or you don’t know what something is just ask. I won’t bite...hard.” He let out a deep chuckle, making you crack a smile.

“I will.”

“Let’s get started.”

It was a quick warm-up with some basic stretches, squats, jump ropes, and rowing. There were a few stretches you didn’t know what they were, and M’Baku showed you what to do and explained what muscles it was stretching. He couldn’t stress enough how stretching and warming up helped reduce injury and how it would improve your recovery time. M’Baku was knowledgeable, and you could tell he loved what he did.

Every time you worked on the heavy bag, it intimidated you because it was a constant mind game with yourself. You had to think about every punch you threw, making sure to hit it with your knuckles; otherwise, you could sprain your wrist, or worse, break it. You had to move around the bag with quick feet while throwing jabs, hooks, and uppercut punches. It wasn’t a natural feeling you had with the bag like many others did; this is why you preferred sparring in the ring.

You could feel his eyes watching you as you hit the bag with your straight and hook punches. The bag moved slightly as you switched positions and hit the bag from a different angle.

“Okay, stop,” M’Baku called out, and you dropped your hands to your side. “I am not getting anything from you. You’re too quiet, stiff. Loosen up, girl, let out a grunt, roar, or better yet, bark. Do the…do the gorilla bark.” He raises his eyebrows at you, and you shake your head.

“I’m not doing the gorilla bark,” you whizzed with your hands on your hips, taking deep breaths. He stared at you, narrowing his eyes before he started barking. “Still not doing it.” He stepped closer to you, barking louder as he walked circles around you. You rolled your eyes, taking a deep breath, and finally let out a bark.

His face broke into a smile, and he nodded. “Thata girl. Now get into it, have fun with it, don’t be so tense, loosen up, and jump around. I’ll demonstrate.”

He takes his position at the bag, tapping it with his glove before doing a set of punches. It was almost like watching a dance. As it swayed, he would be quick and move and then attack with a series of different shots. He looked so relaxed that it didn’t even seem like he had to think about it. It was like second nature to him.

“Alright, your turn,” He breathed, looking back at you.

You shake your head. “I got tired just watching you. You make it look so natural and easy.”

“It comes with practice, and it doesn’t help you're scared of the bag.” You nodded, giving him a half shrug. “Don’t be scared. Being scared only makes you feel weaker, so you won’t give it your all. Think of it like--” he paused, thinking “--taking a call at dispatch. If you’re afraid, you’ll overthink the situation and make a mistake. If you’re confident and think fast on your feet, it will lead to a better outcome. The more confident you are with yourself, the stronger you will become. Understand?”

“Yes,” you replied with a nod. “Thank you, I needed to hear that.”

Sparring in the ring was your favorite. It was the chance to learn how your opponent moved and how to throw a hard punch. With Val, you knew how she moved in the ring and could time when to throw a punch. With M’Baku, you didn’t know what to expect.

“We are not going to spare,” M’Baku stated as you both got into the ring. He had punching mitts on, and you had your boxing gloves on. “You’re not ready for this,” he chuckled, motioning to himself as you smirked in his direction. “We will do combo drills with your punching technique, watch your stance, and I'll give you a few pointers. I might even show you a few moves, so when you spare with Val again, she’ll wonder where you learned them.”

“I’m ready.”

You throw a few punches at his mitts. “You’re doing something wrong. Do you know what it is?”

“Am I lifting my feet?” You heaved, wiping the sweat off your forehead.

“So you do know,” he smirked, dropping his hands.

“Val is always on me about that.”

“Do you know why she wants you to keep your feet planted?”

“It keeps me more grounded and gives me better balance. It also helps me hit my opponent harder. If I don’t plant my feet, I will be off-balance making me more vulnerable to my opponent's punches.”

“Good, yes. I’m glad my coaches are teaching their trainees.” He let out a deep chuckle. “Also, remember to breathe as you throw your punches. The worst thing you can do is forget to breathe.” You nodded.

After a few more rounds of drills and a lot of great advice from M’Baku, he ended the session. You went to the side of the ring to get a drink of water.

“YN, is there a reason you wanted to learn to box or did you wake up one morning and go, ‘I want to fight.’” He asked with curiosity in his eyes.

You chuckled. “No, not really. I wanted to try something new for once instead of doing the same boring workouts. A friend of mine mentioned Val’s self-defense class, so I tried it out, and it was fun. Then, I asked her about boxing, I was sort of curious about it, and she offered to train me. Plus, it’s a good workout.”

“It is a great workout,” he chuckled. “Val is a wonderful coach and does a great job teaching that class. I’m glad you gave boxing a chance, and you like it so far.”

“It’s been fun,” you smiled with a nod. “And thanks for coaching me today.”

“Anytime,” he said, waving it off.

M’Baku's other client showed up, so he told you what stretches to do to cool down and to drink plenty of water. Good hydration leads to better recovery. It was really different working out with M’Baku, but it was a good different. He came off as intimidating and cold, but he was the complete opposite. He was knowledgeable and helpful, and you couldn’t wait for your next session with Val to show her the moves he taught you.

______

“Anyone have any exciting plans for the evening?” Thor asked, unloading the duffle bags from one of the hatches of the truck.

“Have a drink or two, and fall asleep on the couch,” Val stated, patting him on the back and walking over to restock the ambulance.

“Going to dinner with my girl,” Bucky winked with a smile on his face.

“When are we finally going to get to meet this woman? I would like to have a conversation with her about what she sees in you.” Sam joked from the ambulance, earning an eye roll from Bucky.

“Why don’t you ask her yourself.” Bucky pointed to the door, forcing Sam to get out of the back of the ambulance and see Nat at the door.

“Good one, Bucky, but I’m being serious. When do we get to meet her,” Sam questioned, looking back at him. Bucky shook his head as Nat went over to Bucky and kissed him on the lips.

“Does that clear everything up, boys and girls? Bucky and I are dating.”

Steve smiled at them and got back to work reorganizing the hatches while Thor nodded, giving them a thumbs up.

“How...wait...when did this happen?” Sam narrowed his eyes at them.

“We have been dating for a couple of months now,” Bucky smiled down at Nat beside him.

“Way to go, Buck. Didn’t know you had it in you to handle her,” Val saluted him from the back of the ambulance.

“Nat, what the heck? I thought we shared a common enemy.”

“Sorry, Sam.” She shrugged with a tight smile.

“And here I thought you two were going to keep it a secret,” Steve hinted.

“Wait, you knew?”

“Yeah. It’s kind of old news these two.”

“Congratulations, but can everyone get back to work, so we can head home,” Carol redirected everyone, earning mumbled replies.

______

You laid on the couch, turning a page in your book, when there was a buzzing sound at your front door, signaling someone was at the front gate for you. You got off the couch and looked at the new little monitor installed by the door to see Steve waving at the camera. You smiled, buzzing him in. You quickly glanced down at your worn-out t-shirt that had a few holes in it and decided to run up the stairs to find a sweater to cover it up. You were a hot mess, but you didn’t want to look like a hot mess. He knocked on the door as you came down the stairs to answer it.

“Hey, Steve! What's up?”

“I was in the neighborhood, and Thor told me about the security upgrade, so thought I'd check it out.”

“I didn't know you were into security systems,” you smirked, crossing your arms across your chest, leaning against the door frame.

“Oh yeah,” he huffed out, nodding his head. “I am very tech-savvy; whenever I don’t know something, I just Ask Jeeves.”

“Wait, Ask Jeeves?” You narrowed your eyes and burst out laughing. “That search engine with the Butler?” He nodded with a slight shrug, putting his hands in his front pockets. “That’s still around? Isn’t it ancient!”

“Is it?” He chuckled, his signature smirk tugging at his lips. “I’ve used it since high school, but I think the butler retired because it's called Ask now.”

You shook your head, laughing at his subtleness. You glanced over your shoulder at the blank tv screen and back at Steve, biting your lip. “I was actually gonna watch a movie if you wanted to join me.”

“Ahh--” he shifted back and forth on his heels “--yeah, sounds fun.” You nodded, opening the door and inviting him in.

____

Thanks for reading part 10! Looks like her and Steve are finally having a little date/hangout night?! Do you think Steve is getting friend zoned like Bucky and Sam suspect, or do you think he will finally make a move? Or will it be her? I thought it would be funny to throw in that old search engine, Ask Jeeves, some may remember it, some might not have any idea what it is. But I thought it would be a funny throwback and a joke about Steve's age! It's like using map quest and printing out directions instead of using the GPS these days! 😂😂 And what about Thor showing up and being the supportive brother after finding out what happened. He is definitely trying to be better, and he still has no problem teasing her a little bit! Haha! We also found out who the real peanut butter thief was, thanks to Carol for being the observant one! Haha! And isn’t M’Baku the best!! Anyways, comments, likes, and reblogs always welcome. Thanks again!

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harryhandstan · 4 years ago

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gotta get better

gif credit

This concept has been in my head for a while now and it took me like a month to write and edit and just get it all out! I had surgery two years ago today and it was one of the most emotional, stressful experiences of my life simply bc I’m just a big baby lol. This is just something to celebrate that day and the fact that I’m still so happy it’s all over! Fluffy af as usual cause that’s all I know how to write. :)

Thankful to @bfharry and @bopbopstyles for not only inspiring me with their amazing writing but pushing me towards finishing this and reaching (even going over) my personal 5k goal! I appreciate you both so much!!

I recently saw a post about tagging triggers properly so I’m gonna do it that way but if I do it wrong or it doesn’t work PLEASE let me know and I will fix it immediately (just want to be sure all my bases are covered)

// needles tw, pills tw (prescription), anxiety tw // (if I missed anything I should’ve tagged please please let me know!!) and I’m sure there are some medical inaccuracies bc that whole day is kind of a blur for me haha

as always likes/rbs/comments are welcome but absolutely not necessary :)

final word count: 7.1k

"Y'nervous, angel?"

"Hmm?"

"Bout to chew your finger off. I know there can't be much of a nail left."

Your hand drops back to your lap. You hadn't even realized you were doing it. A bad habit of the nervous child you thought you'd long forgotten. He offers his left hand and you accept it, thumb swiping over the cross painted across his skin. He knows it's one of your favorites and you're thankful for the comfort. You don't know how many times he'd teased you about how you would eventually rub it off one day and he'd have to get it redone.

"S'a routine surgery, I bet they do them all day. You're gonna be fine."

You'd been over all this a thousand times before. Harry had to ban you from looking up the procedure online at one point. You became obsessive with worry. What if you're still awake when they cut into you and you can't talk? What if you feel everything and can't tell anyone? What if you don't wake up? He had shot down every one of your horrifying theories.

"How much longer before they take me back?"

"Nurse said it would be about 10 minutes when we checked in. Shouldn't be too much longer. Want me to check the board again?"

Checking in had only consisted of a nurse taking your name and giving you your bracelet for the day with an ID number. The number would help Harry stay updated on where you were throughout the whole process. The "board" was simply a tv mounted to the wall that frequently cycled through each patient's last name and ID number.

"No, no," You cling to his sleeve like a desperate child, "Don't leave again. She said they wouldn't update anything until I went back anyway."

Harry had left you only briefly when you first arrived. Hands in his pockets, wandering around like a lost child around the big, open expanse of the waiting room. He stayed where you could see him and the whole time you had anxiously chewed your bottom lip until he returned. You hated it, but you knew he was just as nervous as you. So you let him have that moment. To check his surroundings and release some of the nerves so he could come back to you, calm and cool as always.

When the nurse does call your name, you almost jump out of your skin. You freeze, unable to move. Harry stands and flashes the nurse a quick smile before turning back to you and offering his hand.

You shake your head, "I can't do this, H. I feel like I'm gonna throw up if I move."

"You're not, promise. Remember those breathing exercises we practiced? Do those. C'mon..deep breath in. Pause. Slowly let it out. Do it while we walk."

Slow deep breath in. Pause. Slowly let it out.

You remember how silly you felt the first time you did it. How it made you giggle at first. This is never going to work. But eventually it did. Anytime you got upset or started to overthink about this day, Harry made you stop whatever you were doing and sit down. Breathe.

It was a little difficult to do while walking. Your body wanted to pause your steps when your breath paused, but Harry tugged you along, you almost hiding behind him until you made it through a set of heavy wooden doors to a small space with a hospital bed and a curtain drawn in front of it.

The IV had had been your biggest dread, the fear overriding any logic that it was something you needed, instead of something the nurses decided to do simply to torture you.

Your face twists into a wince of pain when the needle goes into your vein, Harry standing over you, his face a mirror of your own as you squeeze his hand. When the nurse pulls away with a triumphant "all done!" you flash a look of surprise between your arm and Harry.

"Not that bad, eh? Think ya overreacted a bit about how bad that was gonna be?" He raises his eyebrows, waiting for you to shoot him a nasty look for teasing you.

"Maybe a little." You pinch your index finger and thumb together, indicating a minimal amount.

"Tiny bit more, babe," Another nurse appears from around the curtain and he laughs before speaking to her, "it's all she's worried about all morning."

"Honestly that's everyone's least favorite part. The rest of the day should be aces if you can handle that!"

Harry settles himself into a chair while the nurse goes through a myriad of questions. Any other surgeries? Allergies to medications you know of? Do you smoke? Drink?

Harry snorts when you say no to drinking, but quickly clasps his hand over his mouth when the nurse's head snaps to look between you and him.

"The occasional drink is fine, no worries. Nothing this morning though, right?"

"No, ma'am."

Your eyes meet his, a mischievous grin still plastered across his face. He mumbles a quick "sorry" while you try to pull your concentration back towards the nurse and the remainder of her questions.

"Alright, time for the good stuff," she passes you a small clear cup with two white pills, "First one is just something to keep you calm and relaxed, second one is to prevent any pain after the procedure. They'll give you something to make you sleepy when you get to the OR, but this might make you a bit loopy for now."

"This should be fun." Harry claps his hand in front of him, rubbing them together quickly. He leans forward in his chair, as if ready for a show.

"Yeah? Is she a happy drunk?"

Harry had only ever experienced you high on any sort of prescription medication once, almost a year ago when you went on a girl's trip with your best friend and twisted your ankle in an attempt to make it back to her car after dinner out one night. You calling him from an unknown ER in the middle of the night had terrified him enough to start packing a bag to fly to you before your best friend could grab your phone and assure him you were fine and she would put you on a plane home to him in two days as planned. He had teased you endlessly when he picked you up from the airport and for the next few days afterwards as you limped around on a bruised, ACE bandage wrapped foot.

But after too many wine drunk nights to count, he had enough stories to humiliate you with and the thought of any one of them being told now had you sinking further into the hospital bed.

"You could say that. Last time she.." His voice trails off at the sight of your eyes, wide as saucers, begging him to stop.

The nurse grins, her face kind and sympathetic to your silent cry for help.

"We're a little behind schedule this morning so it may be about 20 minutes before they come transport you, okay?" You nod, the effects of the sedative already working its way through your system, "Keep an eye on her? Make sure she behaves?"

"Yeah, I got her. We'll be fine, thank you so much." He's closer now, standing next to you again, a hand sliding up your arm to settle on your shoulder. You manage a thumbs up and a sleepy "thank you" as an affirmation that you appreciate all she's done for you.

"You're more than welcome. You'll have a different set of nurses in recovery but if you need anything until they come get you, just let me know, alright?"

"We will, thanks." His thumb ghosts across the front of your collarbone, the lightest of touches to soothe you, his eyes still focused on the nurse.

"Good luck! You're gonna do just fine, I promise."

The second she's around the curtain, Harry nudges you lightly, "Scoot."

"Huh? What do you mean..Harry, there's not enough room for you in this bed." Your head feels too light to deal with his nonsense now.

"Yeah there is if you scoot. C'mon. Hurry before we get caught. M’supposed to be keeping an eye on you, remember? Gotta make sure you don't fall outta the bed."

He's already wedged himself next to you, trying to make his tall frame fit into the limited space.

You move over as much as you can, the rail of the bed poking into your hip.

He tucks one arm behind your head, the other one thrown behind his own as a cushion.

"You feel more relaxed now, lovie?"

You scrunch down in the bed, just enough that you can tuck your head under his other arm, "A little. I don't feel sleepy enough though," Your eyes dart up, seeking the comfort of his face, "I'm scared, H."

"I know you are, baby," the hand behind your head shifts to cup around your arm, pulling you closer, "Just pretend you're home with me and we're taking a nice little nap together, yeah?"

"But you won't be there with me, not really."

"I'll be there when you wake up though. First thing you'll see when you open your eyes, promise." He runs a finger along the curve of your nose, "Close your eyes. Try to sleep, hmm?"

You shake your head, turning towards him to hide your face in his side, inhaling his scent.

"Want me to turn the light off? Would that help?"

"No," You toss the arm that isn't trapped between you two over him, holding tightly to his shirt, "Stay."

"Alright, then. We'll just wait," He tilts his head to rest closer to yours, "Have you thought about what you want to eat after?"

"Not really. M'too nervous to think about food."

"We'll think of something good. Whatever you want."

"You're gonna get us in trouble, better scoot back to your corner like a good boy." Your words come out unintentionally slurred and you weakly push yourself up and away from him as he slides off. He doesn't sit though, just stands near you, an anxious look flashing across his features.

"Hey, c'mere. Gonna be fine, routine surgery, remember?" You stretch your arms out to him, a plea to be near his warmth again.

He sits on the edge of the bed, facing you. You tug lightly at the sleeve of his cardigan, a feeble attempt to pull him closer. He indulges you, his brow still creased with distress.

"Know ya gonna be fine, just hate you have to go through it at all. Wish I could take it from you without all this." He gestures to the IV he knows you despise so much.

"You have helped take it from me. All the sleepless nights you spent up with me, holding my hair back when I got sick. All the days after when I was too drained to get out of bed. You were there for as much of it as you could be. And you pushed me to go see the surgeon in the first place. You've helped me more than you give yourself credit for."

His fingers intertwine in yours, the pad of his thumb soothing over the front of your hand.

"Make sure you keep my phone with you, my mom will probably call you every 30 minutes for updates." A yawn stretches across your face, "She has your number too, bullied me into giving it to her last week when I called to tell her about the surgery."

He nods, patting his pocket to make sure both phones are still nestled there together.

Another yawn threatens to escape and you muffle it this time, more content to fight sleep to stare at Harry; his hair a perfect mess of curls under the harsh brightness of the hospital lighting. His face is more relaxed now, his eyes still focused on your fingers tangled together. He catches you, your eyes glazed over, too heavy and threatening to close.

"Darling, please close your eyes. I can see how tired you are," His fingertips sweep delicately over your nose again, as if he was lulling a baby to sleep, "You don't have to stay awake for me."

"Closing my eyes for just a second, alright? Not because you told me to though. I want to. Wake me up in 2 hours, don't wanna sleep too long."

Your eyes are already drifting closed, the last thing you hear is a chuckle; effortless, light as air, "I will, promise."

Soft kisses pressed across your face, "Sweet dreams, love."

His voice is the first you hear as you wake up in the dimly lit recovery room. Well, really it was more like a big cubicle, another space with a curtain drawn in front of it. Even with the floaty, dreamy feeling flowing through your system, you can still detect the worry in his voice.

"Harry?" It takes your mind a minute to catch up and process where you are and what had happened.

Oh yeah. Surgery day. No more annoying gallbladder. No more sleepless nights. Freedom to eat what you want and not be haunted by nausea and sickness from what you ate.

"How are you feeling? Any pain?" Suddenly a nurse in bright blue scrubs is there, way too animated and loud at the moment, "Pain scale 1-10?"

"I don't have any pain. Zero." You're aware of how high you sound and a giggle escapes through the haze. That earns you a smile from Harry, one that lights up his whole face and makes his dimples shine through.

"Awesome! Well then as soon as you're good and awake we're gonna get this IV out and go over some paperwork for both of you to sign. I want you to drink something for me too, so what would you like?"

You request a ginger ale and as soon as the nurse leaves to retrieve it for you, Harry scoots the chair he's sitting in as close to the bed as possible.

"How long was I out?"

"Couple of hours," He absentmindedly fixes your hair, looping various curls back around to their respective places, "Took a little longer than expected, you had a small infection so they had to make sure it hadn't spread."

"How much longer?"

"Long enough you had us all slightly worried." His hand trails down your cheek to cup your chin gently, urging you to look at him, "You sure you're not in pain? Now's not the time to do that stubbornly brave thing you do where you pretend nothing's wrong."

"I feel fine, really. Just a little tired, ready to go home."

He studies your face, trying to find any trace of dishonesty. When he's satisfied you're being truthful, he stands and extracts your phone from his pocket.

"Already talked to ya mum, but your co-workers were all texting you, asking how you were. Figured you'd want to handle that yourself, didn't know how much detail you would want to give them."

"Did you give my mother all the details? Infection and everything?"

"Um, no. I knew better than to do that. Promised her you would call when I got you settled at home."

"You promised or she demanded?"

"Okay..she politely asked that you call her when we get home."

"That sounds more like her." You roll your eyes, pushing yourself so you're sitting more upright in the bed.

"She just worries about you." He adjusts the pillow behind you, fluffing and tucking it where you direct it, against your lower back.

"I know. I'll FaceTime her when we get home to prove I'm alive."

"It's been a while since we've seen them, maybe we should plan a visit?" He plops himself back in the chair, leaning back as far as he can go; hands behind his head, eyes closed. You'd both gotten very little sleep the night before, you were too anxious and he was too gracious to let you suffer alone.

"Oh please, I'm lucky I even got time off to do this. My boss would never allow another break so soon."

"Maybe for the holidays?"

"Maybe..but only if you can go with me, you know they love you more than me by now anyway."

"They do not," He peeks one eye open at you, "They love us both equally."

You shoot a quick text to your co-workers, using the group chat between the few of you to make it easier.

I'm out! Feeling okay for now but that might change later lol

The nurse is back, apologizing for taking so long, "We've been so behind all day, it's crazy busy. I had to wait for your doctor to sign off on your release." She hands you a can of ginger ale, white bendy straw already poised and ready for you.

"Just need you to sign here," She holds a clipboard and a pen out to you and you balance the can dangerously in one hand while you scribble something that resembles your signature. Close enough. She gestures for you to pass the clipboard to Harry, "His signature goes under yours, just says he's responsible for you for the next few hours until everything wears off."

"This means I'm the boss, right?" He leans over to grab the board, a wink thrown in your direction. He's enjoying himself way too much at the thought of being in control of you for the next few hours. Smug son of a bitch.

She takes the clipboard back and pulls off a yellow sheet of paper, "This is just your copy of what you signed, and also has post op instructions for your bandages. Your prescription's been sent to the pharmacy, and there's a brief summary of pain management information on the bottom there just in case you need it."

"Thank you." You transfer it right to Harry's waiting hand, knowing he'll be the one surveying every word, making sure you follow everything to the letter.

"I know you mentioned earlier having a little bit of a drive home, so probably once you get her some food and pick up her prescriptions, it'll be time for another round of meds. Okay?" She turns to you again, "I know it sounds silly, but one of the most important things after this particular surgery is lots of walking. Otherwise you'll be miserable. Rest for a while when you get home, then get up every 10 minutes or so until bedtime. Don't let her skip that part, alright? Very important."

"I heard you weren't a big fan of this thing," She nods towards the IV in your right forearm, "So this'll probably be the best part of this whole process for you. We'll get this out and then you can get changed and we'll get someone to wheel you down and out of here, alright? Don't look and you won't even know when it's gone."

"Hey, think about what you want to eat, huh? Your first freedom meal. Yay!" He slips his hand into your left, raising your connected hands victoriously. You didn't think it was possible for you to love him anymore until this moment. The way he could so easily erase your fear was one of his many gifts you adored him for, "What are we having, babe?"

You don't even hesitate before answering, "Pizza, from Milano's. It's my favorite, other than that one place in Italy you took me to. Please? Oh and one of their salads, with the little bread knots on the side!"

He glances at the nurse, awaiting a reprimand for your meal choice.

"As your nurse, I feel I should remind you that while you can have anything you feel like eating, we usually recommend something small and light at first. Broth or soup with some toast, maybe. The salad may be fine, but the pizza might be a little heavy. Taking it slow would be best. But everyone is different."

"So..just cheese then? Maybe some mushrooms?"

You let your head fall back against the pillow, a foggy haze settling over you, "Plain cheese, no mushrooms."

"Alright, sounds good. Why don't I go call it in and pull the car around? Meet you out front?" He leans closer, a quick peck to your cheek before pulling his hand loose from yours and turning to leave.

"Hey, wait," You attempt to tug at his wrist, but fail, your brain still set to slow-motion. He takes pity on you and returns to your side, "Let's eat there. It's in the mall so we can window shop after we eat."

"You sure? You still seem a bit tipsy, honey."

You don't feel tipsy. Just tired, and hungry. Very hungry. As if on cue, your stomach makes a remarkably loud noise; an objection at not being fed for the past 12 hours.

"Alright, alright, calm down. " You let out an embarrassed groan when you realize he's talking to your stomach, "We'll eat there."

He kisses you again, closer to your mouth, "Missed."

"I did, huh?" He chuckles, close enough to your face now your noses are almost touching, "Let's try again."

This time his lips meet yours and you know he missed on purpose the first time by how amused he looks when he pulls away.

"One more for luck?" You can't resist letting the back of your hand wander over his face, before resting the palm of your hand against his cheek.

"I think I can handle that," He smiles before landing another quick peck to your lips, "Be good for the nurse while I'm gone. I'll have the getaway car ready in 10, yeah?"

You're certain Harry would have fed you if you would have let him, right here in the mall food court in front of everyone. But you refuse, insisting even, on carrying your own tray to the table. He chuckles when you pull your phone out of your sweater pocket to take a picture of your food, quickly uploading it to Facebook.

He watches you closely as you take the first bite, even pulling his own phone out to sneak a photo of you when you temporarily close your eyes to appreciate the indulgence of being able to eat one of your favorite foods again; free from that anxious feeling of whether or not it would settle right with your body later. You open your eyes the very moment after he captured the image.

"Harry!"

"You just looked so happy! I couldn't help it. You know I'll never post it anyway. Snagged a few of you earlier in your little blue cap they made you wear too." He flips back through to show you. You try to snatch the phone away, but he's too quick to pull his hand back and stash his phone in his pocket.

"When??"

"After you fell asleep, right before they came to take you back."

He takes a bite from his own generous slice of pizza in front of him before gesturing to your tray, "How is it?"

"Amazing. Even better than before, if possible."

His smile is bright, loving the satisfaction of seeing you actually enjoy food again.

Your plan to walk around the mall was cut short, you could barely make it through one store without yawning. You cling to Harry most of the way back to the car, his arm securely wrapped around you to keep you steady.

You doze off on the drive home, and when your eyes flutter open you find him opening the passenger door, offering a hand to help lift you out of the car and up the stairs into the house. Your foot stumbles on the first step, failing to make contact and you almost fall back.

"Easy," He giggles, an arm thrown behind your back to catch you before encouraging softly, "Try again."

When he's confident you're stable enough on your feet, he lets go to unlock the door.

You're greeted by a bouquet of flowers, a colorful arrangement of roses and lilies from Harry's band mates. You immediately recognize Sarah's handwriting on the card and make a mental note to shoot everyone a thank you text later. You don't know if it's the medication still in your system, the exhaustion of the day, or the overwhelming amount of love that makes you teary eyed.

Harry stands behind you as you admire the flowers and the card, arms curving around to hug you, careful of the large bandage on your upper abdomen and the two smaller steri-strips on your right side.

"How did they know pink roses were my favorite?"

"They love you, peach." He rests his chin on your shoulder, "Besides, you've only mentioned growing up with a pink rose bush in your Nanna's garden about a hundred times."

"I always loved it. Still do."

Your mind travels back to your earliest memories spent there; summers when you practically lived at the small house on the hill. Helping pick tomatoes and peppers from the garden, too warm afternoons spent with a book in your lap under the shade of a peach tree, your grandfather's corny jokes and loving smile. Your Nanna's too generous portions of food contributing to the few extra curves you still carried with you to this day.

You don't even notice the tears at first. They slip down your cheeks and land on his arm. Once you realize, you try to quickly wipe them away, but Harry sees.

"Hey..c'mon, I think your high's wearing off a bit, bub. Pajamas, meds, nap. Sound good?" He turns you to face him, using the sleeve of his shirt to brush away any tears that still linger at the corner of your eyes.

"What time is it?"

"Almost 3..why?"

"No nap. I'll never sleep tonight, and you know how grumpy I get when my sleep schedule is thrown off." Even with your declaration of not wanting a nap, you can't help but rub your eyes, a weak attempt to keep yourself awake. Any resolve Harry had to try to convince you to nap melts away. A smirk on his face, he knows you'll eventually crash later, most likely on his chest or in his arms. He's content to let you be stubborn for now.

"Okay, then. New plan. Pajamas, meds, movie. Better?"

"Better. You get everything ready and pick the movie while I change?"

"You don't wanna pick the movie?"

You wave him off, already shuffling towards the bedroom, "You're the boss today, remember?"

You take your time gathering what you need to get cozy for the rest of the day, selecting an oversized, well-worn tie dye t-shirt and leggings from your dresser. You even take a moment to dip into Harry's extensive sweatshirt collection, grabbing your favorite one. It's amazingly soft and still smells of him, a faint scent of his cologne and well..just Harry. You couldn't imagine anything more comforting.

In your pursuit to feel more lucid, you venture into the bathroom, taking a moment to wash your face. The cool water instantly refreshes you and pushes you closer to feeling like yourself again. Wanting your hair out of your face, you pluck a scrunchy from your shared collection of hair accessories. You quickly recognize that your arms still have that too heavy feeling of unconsciousness and after a few attempts to gather your curls into some sort of up-do, you give up and loop the accessory around your wrist to try again later.

Harry senses your frustration when you find him in the kitchen, two small green pill bottles sitting on the counter in front of him. He's already filled your favorite cup with ice water, and you gratefully take it and drink from it.

"What's wrong?" His brow creases with concern and you feel guilty for making him worry over something so silly.

"Nothing..just wanted my hair up out of my face but my arms wouldn't cooperate." You try to laugh it off to put him more at ease, "It's not a big deal."

You know it's only the weariness of the day still making you feel so emotional, clear-headed you would not be upset over something so small.

"Here. Let me try." He slides the scrunchy from your wrist and pulls you closer to him, moving behind you to gently work long fingers through your hair, gathering it all in a loose ponytail on top of your head before securing it around a few times with the scrunchy.

You let your shoulders drop with a deep sigh when he's done, it was such a simple thing, but it made you feel so much lighter. He spins you around to face him, a charming gleam of pride at his handiwork adorning his face, "Too tight?"

"No. Much better. Thank you, Harry. You take such good care of me always, but today..I don't know what I would've done without you. I made such a big fuss and probably made you miserable with all of my worrying." You're suddenly very aware that you are rambling, but when you catch a glimpse of his face, his smile is wide. So bright that the skin around his eyes is crinkling.

He leans towards you, lips stopping whatever words may have come next, arms wrapping around you to pull you closer in a soft, warm embrace. When he pulls away, his eyes bore right into yours, and your heart swells with more love than you could ever imagine having for one person. But he wasn't just any person. He was your person, your whole word staring back at you.

"I'm SO proud of you. You've been so strong today, always knew you had that strength in you, but seeing you take that leap of faith..doing something you knew you should despite your fear, that's all you, love. I can't take any credit for that. You've made me anything but miserable, trust me."

His face is still close enough to yours that you nudge forward, pressing your forehead to his, a silent appreciation of his affection.

"Any pain yet?" He pulls back, a thumb across your cheek, eyes still locked on yours.

"My head kind of hurts? And I still just feel kind of..drunk."

"You have always been a bit of a lightweight, babe. And a thief too, I see. S'that my sweatshirt?"

"Have not!" You swat playfully at his arm, "Maybe. Is that my hair clip in your hair?"

"Possibly." His eyes dart up to the swoop of curls on top of his head, a black plastic clip twisting it back and away from his face.

"Guess we're even then."

"S'pose we are." He tries to keep his eyes narrowed in a mock attempt of annoyance, but it quickly fades into laughter.

You decide against FaceTiming your family, hoping that hearing your voice will be enough. It seems to satisfy them at least for the rest of the day. You assure them that Harry is taking very good care of you and that everything went as smooth as could be expected.

He raises one eyebrow at you as you hang up, "As smooth as expected, huh? You aren't going to tell them the truth?"

"What's to tell? I had an infection and now it's gone. I'm fine, there's no sense in worrying them. We can give them the full story later."

He shrugs, fingers working to open one of the green pill bottles before passing one of the white pills to you, "For your headache, lovie. There's something here for nausea too if you need it. M'worried the pizza might've been too much. Maybe you should take one of these..just in case?"

"Harry, I promise I will tell you if I feel anything other than fine." Your hand runs from his shoulder down his bicep, squeezing gently, "Besides, I cannot take a whole one of those. If you think I'm a lightweight now..I'll sleep for the whole week if I take that."

He slips the bottle in his pocket, pulling you in to press a kiss to the top of your head, "We'll keep it close just in case, okay?"

"Sounds good," Your hand trails back up to his neck to work fingers through his hair, "Hey, thought we were watching a movie? What'd you pick?"

"Thought we could decide together. C'mon, let's get you comfy in bed."

"Ever the gentleman, always trying to get me in your bed."

"Hey! I am a perfect gentleman, thank you very much," He chuckles, a hand coming to rest on the small of your back, "Just thought you'd be more comfortable, you can prop up and stretch your feet out."

You let him tug you along for the second time today, thankful it's the luxury of your shared bed you get to settle into this time. He tucks you in softly, propping pillows behind your back and head.

"Comfy? Need anything else?"

"No, just need you to quit babying me so much and relax with me for a bit."

"Since when am I not allowed to baby you?"

You roll your eyes, "Never said you weren't allowed. Just want you to stop worrying so much, that's all."

"Good. Cause y'are my baby," No matter how many times you'd heard him say it before, it never failed to make you blush, "Do anything for you, y'know that, right?"

"I know," You look down at your hands, trying to slow your racing heart, "You never let me forget."

"Hey," He pokes your cheek, pulling your gaze back up to him, "I love you."

"I love you more, H."

He kisses your forehead, "Impossible. I love you most."

The reference to one of your favorite movies has you smiling at him, that dreamy feeling falling over you again, "Can we watch Tangled?"

"Sure, princess."

He sinks next to you, head propped up on your shoulder, navigating easily through Disney+ to find your requested movie.

Your eyes drift closed right about the time the lanterns are being released in the sky, a moment that normally leaves your face wet with tears, the soft vibrations of Harry humming along the perfect lullaby to push you further into your dream.

He wakes you later in the evening.

"Dinner's on the table if you want to join me."

"Time's it?" Your voice is still heavy with sleep.

"7. You were sleeping so deeply I didn't want to wake you, thought your body could use the extra sleep today."

"Yeah. It was nice, thank you." You stretch your arms forward, reaching for his hands to help pull you up.

"How do you feel?"

"A little sore. More sober, for sure."

Dinner is simple; a bowl of plain broth, salad, and toast. Exactly what the nurse suggested earlier. There's even a warm mug of tea waiting for you.

"With honey for my honey," He's so proud of his cheesy expression of love you cannot help but smile.

You look at him curiously when he sits next to you, the same boring meal set out for himself.

"Harry..you can eat what you want, babe. Seriously you've done enough today, more than enough to be supportive. It wouldn't hurt my feelings if you made yourself something different."

"Nah. S'fine. We're in this together, yeah?"

You raise your eyebrows at him playfully, "Did you have an organ snatched from your body today?"

"No, I didn't." He laughs, "I just meant food wise, love. It's vegetable broth, by the way, hope that's alright."

"It's perfect."

You nudge him lightly, an elbow to his side, shifting closer to ask for a kiss. He meets you the rest of the way, lips planted firmly on yours. When you don't pull away, he quickly adds another.

After dinner is done and you have another round of meds, the two of you end up in an awkward ball of cuddles on the couch. Harry flips through the channels on the tv before finding a show you both agree on.

But you're too restless, unable to find a position comfortable enough for you. You shift a few times, finally giving up and letting out a frustrated groan before tossing the blanket off the both of you and springing up and off the couch.

Harry doesn't panic, just grabs your hand before you can get too far away or lose your balance, keeping his voice low when he asks, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing hurts. I just can't get comfortable, and I don't feel right."

"What doesn't feel right, angel? Explain."

"I don't feel like myself. I don't know how to explain it. Just feel off."

He sees you're on the verge of tears and ascends from his spot on the couch, arms quickly enveloping you before placing a finger under your chin to pull your face up to look at him.

"It's probably gonna take a day or so to adjust, baby. Yes it was a minor surgery but it was a major change to your body." He's bending now to look right into your eyes, searching them, "How can we fix it tonight, hmm? What do you need?"

Tears are free flowing, falling on the front of your t-shirt and down to the floor.

"Take your time. Breathe." A large hand smoothing warm circles firmly across your back; a balm for your restless spirit.

You pause, deep breath in before slowly letting it out, "I think I just need to move around for a bit."

"Let's go for a walk, eh? A quick one and then back to bed. Your mind needs more rest. How's that sound?" He taps your forehead softly.

"Okay, yeah." You nod your head, an approval of his plan.

"Don't worry about it, okay? Everything's gonna be fine. You're gonna be fine."

You nod again, scared your voice will break if you try to speak. He knew that those words held a lot of weight for you, he'd repeated them often throughout this whole process and to hear them now was a reminder of how safe you were. That with him, you would always be safe and loved.

Being dark outside meant you gracelessly padding through the house, up and down the hallway a few times and back to the living room. Harry stays close, encouraging you along with little claps and kisses to motivate you. When your stomach starts to feel uneasy, he urges you once again to take something for nausea. You agree to take a half a pill, knowing it'll help you sleep.

Despite the nap you had earlier and only being awake for a couple of hours, it doesn't take much convincing for you to settle back into bed.

"Harry?"

"Hmm?"

He's already reclined next to you, book in hand, the soft light from the lamp illuminating one side of his face. You're smushed against him, drifting between that sweet space of almost asleep and wanting to stay awake to enjoy any spare moment you get with him. His hand working through your hair helps push you towards the former of the two.

"I'm sorry to be such a burden today," Your words are slurring together but you continue on, just needing to get your thoughts out before he can stop you, "I don't deserve you and I shouldn't have overreacted so much about something so simple."

"Hey, none of that now," He lays the book on the nightstand, careful to save his place for later before pulling you closer to him, "You were not, nor have you ever been a burden to me. Just because you needed a little extra help today does not mean you aren't deserving of me or my love. You will never have to earn that. It's yours, always has been, will be as long as you decide to keep me around."

"Thank you. For all of it. I'll always want you."

"Always? Y'might change your mind someday, angel."

"I won't. Promise."

"Yeah? Me either."

A kiss laid delicately to the top of your head has your eyes dangerously close to falling shut again before another thought navigates its way through your mind and out of your mouth before you can stop it.

"H..what am I gonna do with a full week off from work?"

"Let me take care of you?"

And that's exactly what he does.

Mornings spent sleeping in, late breakfasts made together and afternoon walks. Evenings consisting of the two of you preparing dinner together or ordering takeout from some of the forbidden places you couldn't eat from before. Mugs of herbal tea before early bedtimes, you sweetly falling asleep to the sound of his voice reading to you most nights.

But his favorite part was that the scent of lavender was no longer cursed for you. Some nights before your surgery, when you simply could not fall asleep the pain was so unbearable, you would fill the tub with hot water and lavender scented bubbles to try to calm yourself enough to be able to drift off afterwards. It never worked, the heat always doing more harm than good. Harry would always be waiting for you, open arms and a soft towel to wrap you in.

So the smell became one you hated, memories of sleepless nights and nausea. But now you were free to use it again for what you always loved it for before it was cursed. In your body wash, lotion, even your laundry detergent; spreading the scent all over your shared space in as many ways as you could.

He even mentions it one night after dinner, when the two of you are pressed impossibly close together on the couch. His nose buried into your neck, inhaling deeply, pulling away to announce, "You smell like you again, love. Missed it so much." He burrows back in, placing kisses from your neck to your shoulder, ignoring your giggles and protests of how much it tickles.

A week later, the alarm wakes you sooner than you've become accustomed to, reminding you of your return to work. Harry's arm thrown over your waist pulls you closer as you try to leave the bed, a sleepy "Don't go." mumbled in your ear.

You do your best to peel yourself away from him, admitting silently to yourself how much harder it is for you to leave the warmth of your bed as it is for him to let you go.

2 years later, you have a scar you swear didn't heal right, and a man who loves you even more because of it.

#harry styles imagine #harry x reader #my writing #so happy this is finally done and being posted!#soooooo many times I almost just deleted it bc I didn't know how to feel about it #but anyway hope y'all enjoy!

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ahopelessromantic · 4 years ago

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Pizza Guys and Drug Dealers ➳ S. Reid

Pairing: Spencer x Reader

Word count: 1,2k

Warnings: none

Spencer starts disappearing after work, so naturally, the team starts to get worried.

“Reid, you up for a burger?“ Distractedly, Spencer looked up from his desk. “Huh?”, he asked, then shook his head once he understood the question. “Oh sorry, no. I gotta go.” Before anyone could even say anything else, he was out of the bullpen, leaving behind a very confused team. “Not to sound mean or anything, but since when does pretty boy have somewhere to be in the evenings?” JJ shrugged. “No idea. Maybe another cinema festival?”

“There you are.” You sighed with a wide smile upon seeing Spencer standing in front of your door. He pulled you into a long kiss that sent shivers down your spine. “I missed you.” He mumbled quietly after pulling away, leaning his forehead against yours. You grinned and kissed him again while closing your apartment door behind the two of you. “I missed you more. That’s why you have to make a very important decision now, Doctor Reid. Do you want to eat dinner first or”, you cleared your throat, “Check out the bedroom?” He looked at you with a glint of mischief in his eyes. “I think I’ll go with the latter.” “Oh really?” You returned his gaze with a smirk that resembled the one on his face. “How surprising.”

Nights like these were amazing. Spencer was as much of an amazing partner in bed as out of it, and there was nothing you loved more than giggly post-sex cuddles on your couch. Each of you had a reheated plate of food in your laps, more feeding each other than anything else. Spencer was counting down fun facts about the most random of topics and all you could do was laugh, basking in his presence. He had been an unexpected addition to your life, one that had taken you by storm and captured your heart before you had even had the time to look for your head. You had stumbled into Spencer at the museum you worked at, and from then on he had come there every week until he had mustered up the courage to ask you out. Four weeks of amazing dates later you had asked him to be your boyfriend, and ever since then the two of you were going strong. It was hard sometimes, the worries you had to go through every time he was away on a case, but he always made it up to you by showing up at your doorstep with a souvenir from whatever city he had been in. The whirlwind that had been the start of your relationship was beginning to calm down, but the feelings you had for him weren’t disappearing. With each passing day, a bigger part of you was starting to get convinced that he was the one.

“Spencer, do you think you could take some of my paperwork today?” Emily asked as nicely as possible even though she already knew that he normally loved some extra paperwork. But no, today, for the first time since she had started working at the BAU, Reid looked at her with an apologetic expression. “Sorry, I can’t. I have to, uh… go water my plants.” And with that he was gone, leaving behind a confused team once more. “Okay, can anyone of you remember the last time they saw Reid outside of working hours?” Prentiss asked and only got shaking heads as a response. “Nope.”, Morgan said, crossing his arms. “He has been kind of distant, hasn’t he? Normally he’s the last of us to have any plans.” “I’m only surprised it took us this long to realise. When was the last time he came out with us for a drink?” JJ widened her eyes. “Months? Honestly feels like a year.” “Okay, all of you, into the conference room. I wanna know what he’s up to.” All of them agreed immediately, Garcia joining them not even five minutes later. “Babygirl, can you see where he’s always off to?” Penelope returned her best friends gaze with a conflicted look. “Of course I can. But I feel bad about tracking him, don’t you guys?” “Pen, what if he’s doing drugs again? I already feel bad about not noticing his behaviour much earlier.” Emily mused. “Alright.”, the analyst sighed. “But if he finds out, it wasn’t me okay?” Within just a few clicks Garcia had found an address. “This is where he goes the most besides his own apartment. Do with that information what you want, I’m out.” Morgan typed in the address on his phone. “Looks like it’s an apartment building.” JJ nodded, chewing on her lower lip. “Okay, I think only one of us should go. So he doesn’t feel like we’re ambushing him, right?” “Makes sense.”, Emily agreed. “Alright, you guys go home. I’ll go there and update you tomorrow.” Morgan nodded at all of them as a goodbye and left for the garage. After typing the address into his navigation system he got going, a weird feeling rising in his stomach. What if Reid really was doing something stupid again? But then again, he hadn’t been acting any differently during work, just always left as soon as he could. Arrived in front of the apartment building he took a deep breath, trying to hype himself up. Garcia had been able to find out which apartment he went to from his phone data, and once he found it, he rang the doorbell. He had expected many things, a drug dealer, a psychiatrist maybe, but what he really hadn’t been expecting was coming face to face with a girl dressed in nothing but an oversized shirt. You squinted, mustering the man in front of you. “You don’t look like the pizza guy.” He looked just as clueless as you. “And you don’t look like a drug dealer.” “What?!” You gasped, only now starting to feel uncomfortable in your basically undressed state. “Of course I’m not a drug dealer!” You hissed. You watched him scan you from head to toes again, realisation suddenly dawning on the man’s features. “Wait, is that Spencer’s shirt?” You only felt more confused by the minute. “Uh… yeah?” A bride grin grew across the stranger’s face. “Oh man, I am so sorry to barge in here like that. I’m Derek Morgan.” Still absolutely not knowing what the hell was going on you shook his hand. Thankfully, in that moment, Spencer had decided to join you at your doorstep. “Honey, what’s taking so long with the-“ He stopped in his tracks upon seeing the man. “Morgan?! What are you doing here?” Morgan just chuckled and shook his head. “Just checking in, I’m leaving already. But you have some explaining to do tomorrow, my man.” Still chuckling the stranger disappeared down the hallway, leaving the two of you alone again. You looked between the still open door and your boyfriend. “Spence, what just happened?” He buried his face in his hands. “That was Derek Morgan, one of my co-workers.” You felt your chin drop. Holy shit, this was absolutely not how you had planned to meet any of his team members. And of course, it was only now that you recalled one of his co-workers being named Morgan. “They’re never going to let me live this down.” Spencer whined, a blush spreading across his cheeks. You chuckled and placed your hand on his back. “But hey, at least I wasn’t a drug dealer, right?” He sent you a murderous glance, and you laughed. You couldn’t wait for him to get back from work tomorrow.

#requested #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid #spencer x reader #mgg #Matthew gray gubler #Matthew gray gubler x reader #BAU #BAU Team #BAU x Reader #derek morgan #criminal minds #criminal minds oneshot

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hidden-otaku-stuff · 4 years ago

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Different but the Same (pt. 13)

tw: dubcon, fighting, mentions of blood, possessiveness

Word count: 4.5k

Rating: R18+/M

Omegaverse AU, Rating: 18+/M

Pairings: Iwaizumi x fem!reader, Ushijima x fem!reader

Summary: An unexpected encounter at the Inter-High tournament tossed you into a whirlwind. Being tugged between two males, two different packs, who will reign supreme in this battle for your heart?

AN: This was scheduled to post because I’m at work! Masterlist and all other links will be updated when I get off work :)

This chapter will be told in 3 different POVs with time-jumps. Please let me know if it’s confusing!

Masterlist | prev | next

ch. 13: Instincts

Monday

“Ushijima-san? Are you okay?” A soft knock on his dorm door. Loud grunting and growls came from inside. The sound of something falling to the floor distracted her.

“I’m okay, (Name). Please leave me be.”

She pressed her ear to the door, hearing the noises getting louder. “Are you sure? Coach Washijo was worried about you so he sent me to check.” The coach also had a weird look on his face as he’d sent her on her way, saying that he’d excuse her from practice for the next week or so.

“Please, you need to leave.” Her eyes widened, it sounded like he was in pain. Ignoring the rising sense of apprehension, she opened the door just a crack only to be hit with a wall of pheromones. She stumbled back, her eyes watering as she took it all in. A sudden tug on her wrist and the door slammed as she was pushed against it, formerly olive eyes turned black freezing her in her tracks. “Don’t you know not to visit a rutting Alpha, Omega? Especially one that you’re not bonded to?” She gasped, mentally kicking herself in the ass. She’d smelt his potent scent down the hall, but she didn’t even think twice about it, just assuming that since he lived here the scent would be more pervasive just like how Iwaizumi’s scent permeated her entire apartment. The dorms were built so that scents couldn’t leak out, but being that Ushijima was an Apex Alpha, his scent was stronger than most. Her scent washed over him and he groaned, straining to hold his Alpha back. “I can’t hold him back anymore, please leave now before I do something that we both don’t want.”

A gulp as she took in the sweat that dripped down his forehead. As much as she wanted to obey, internally yelling at herself to turn around and walk out, she couldn’t. Her Omega senses were overtaking her, and with horror, she realized that her heat was being artificially triggered. A soft whine left her lips as she trembled against him, her legs slightly parting as she felt a wetness begin to coat her thighs. His eyes snapped open, focusing on her scent as it changed, a snarl leaving his lips. “I-I think my heat is starting,” she whimpered, and that was all it took before Ushijima’s bulge was pressed against her core.

“Omega, why do you always find yourself in this position?” He grunted, face dipping down to her neck, letting his tongue trace the skin there. “I don’t want to take advantage of you.” He punched the wall, leaving an indent as he pushed himself away from her the best he could. After stumbling back a few steps, he surveyed her. Her lips trembled, eyes beginning to fog up again as she got swept up in his scent.

“I’m the Omega for Shiratorizawa, right?” Her eyes opened, glowing slightly in the darkness of the room. The blinds were shut and the only light was from a desk-lamp. She slipped into a seductive tone as she took a cautious step forward. “That means I need to take care of my Alphas.” Her hand reached out to touch Ushijima on his bare chest as he grabbed at her wrist, squeezing it so that she didn’t go further. “I can help you through your rut. Didn’t you say something about being yours?”

With that, the already dwindling thread of self-control snapped and he yanked her towards him, pulling her into an aggressive kiss.

“By the end of tonight, you’ll forget ever having a different mate,” he promised her, before attacking her lips again. She moaned at the contact, feeling his teeth nip at hers as she let him into her mouth. The warm muscle invaded the cavity, tangling with hers before running against her lips again. His body shivered against hers.

*****

Earlier that day…

“Do you have everything?” Iwaizumi asked, squatting by the door as he laced up his shoes.

“Yes, I’ll be fine, Haji,” (Name) rolled her eyes.

“I’m just checking!” Iwaizumi scowled, wrinkling his nose at her.

Her expression softened, “I love you too, Haji.” He rolls his eyes at her, standing up to his full height and pulling her into his arms. She hums as she rests her head against his chest, letting the male scent her. “I’ll see you after school, ok?”

“No practice today?” Iwaizumi asked, leaning back so that he could look down at her face.

She shook her head. “Not today. I have some school stuff to do.”

Iwaizumi nodded. “I’ll pick you up today, alright?”

(Name) perked up, grinning. It was rare that Iwaizumi had a chance to pick her up from school, especially considering how her time was taken up by the Shiratorizawa club-members. “Sounds perfect! I’ll see you then, Haji.”

As they left the apartment, a sense of dread filled Iwaizumi’s system. For some reason, he could tell that there was trouble brewing ahead.

All throughout the day, the pestering feelings of apprehension plagued Iwaizumi. He couldn’t focus on his classes, and at lunch, he had been so lost in thought that he completely missed his juice-box when he tried to put the straw into it.

His three closest friends exchanged looks. Mattsun cleared his throat. “Hey Iwaizumi, is something wrong?”

“Hmm?” Iwaizumi brought the straw to his lips, sucking on it before looking at the unopened box in his other hand. The male cursed, puncturing the box before taking a sip.

“All right, what the hell is bothering you?” Oikawa fixed his best friend with a hard glare.

Makki frowned, fingers drumming on the table anxiously. “Shouldn’t you be all excited or something? It’s (Name)’s birthday tomorrow, right?”

Iwaizumi huffed, nose wrinkled as he scowled. “Of course I’m excited.”

“Then what’s got you all out of sorts?” Makki asked, tilting his head.

“I just have this really bad feeling in my gut.” Iwaizumi frowned, eyes narrowing as he stared down at the juice-box.

Oikawa began to frown now as well.

Mattsun raised an eyebrow. “What type of bad feeling?”

“Something’s going to go wrong today, I just know it.”

“I’m sure it isn’t something major,” Makki laughed nervously, chewing his bottom lip.

“But what if it is?” Iwaizumi challenged, eyes darkening as he raised his face to look at the others. They remained silent, unable to argue with Iwaizumi. Each had dealt with their own Alphas instinct leading them, and it was rare for these feelings to lead them astray.

As the day progressed, Iwaizumi felt worse and worse, anxiety churning his stomach as his breaths shortened. Oikawa, being so familiar with Iwaizumi’s natural biology, grew more and more concerned as the minutes passed. Whatever plagued his best friend would not bode well for Oikawa or his pack - that much he knew.

Once classes had concluded, Iwaizumi felt a pressing urge to call (Name). It called for him, consuming his every nerve until his body was already dialing the number, pressing the phone to his ear.

Ring ring.

Dial-tone.

Iwaizumi’s brows furrowed. His pace quickened as he abandoned campus, ignoring the calls of his name behind him by Oikawa and the others.

Ring ring.

His feet pounded against the pavements as his exaggerated footsteps became a jog.

Another dial-tone.

Iwaizumi was sprinting towards Shiratorizawa, his heart clenching as he struggled to breathe.

His nose twitched, leading him to the all-too familiar source of his anxiety. Each movement felt slowed, as if he was racing through water as he stopped outside the Shiratorizawa volleyball gym. The words “rut” and “Omega-chan” echoed in his mind. His eyes went black as his Alpha took over, canines sharpening. All Iwaizumi could see was red.

The door tore open, a wave of strawberry and mountain filled the hall. “You just don’t learn, do you?” It was just as quickly slammed shut as the new Alpha surveyed the room.

His Omega was on the floor, kneeling in front of Ushijima as her mouth held his member. Ushijima’s hand was twisted in her hair, holding her tight against him as he let out a deep moan at her ministrations. Her light blue shirt was unbuttoned, breasts spilling out of it. The purple skirt was bunched up around her hips, panties torn and dangling in tatters. “You fucking bastard!” With that, his canines dropped.

There was a split-second where Ushijima pulled her off, pushing her out of harms’ way before Iwaizumi made contact. Her head crashed against the bunk bed as she stumbled backwards. The sound of fists on flesh echoed in the room loudly as both Alphas growled menacingly. They fell to the floor, wrestling as each tried to get the upper hand on the other. Just as quickly, they broke apart, still crouching in preparation for another brawl as they surveyed their opponent.

A snarl left Iwaizumi’s lips, blood dripping down them from the punch he took. Ushijima’s eye looked a bit swollen, but his canines glinted in the faint light, still dropped.

She squirmed, pulling the closest jacket around her shoulders as she tried to stand, wobbling.

A firm hand grasped her wrist, pulling her into a hard chest and the familiar scent of pine as her mate’s growls got louder. Another whimper escaped, and she barely had time to look up before a pain pierced her left gland.

At once the snarls and growls silenced as the pain eased into ecstasy, her legs trembling as she moaned. A tongue darted out, to soothe and lick away the blood that dripped down. “This is my Omega,” Iwaizumi growled, looking up and glaring at Ushijima. “Find your own.” She shivered, chills creeping up her spine at the possessive tone.

Another whimper escaped her as he gently kissed the new mark. He pulled away, looking her in the eyes, the hardness fading as he took her in. “I’m sorry for marking you like that ‘Mega,” he whispered, his lips grazing her forehead, blood smearing across it. “I was hoping that we’d be able to enjoy the weekend together before that happened.” A finger lightly traced it.

“S’okay,” she mumbled, slumping against him as a hand grasped her waist. “I love you Alpha.”

“I love you too.”

A sharp growl broke the temporary peace of the moment, the eye of the storm passing and throwing the group back into the hurricane. One second she was pressed against Iwaizumi, the next, she was stumbling away as a hulky figure leapt towards them. A crash, and she hit the wall this time. In a daze, she tried to steady herself only to be pulled up again and another sharp pain punctured her right side. A howl of pain and fury was all she heard as she screamed. The Omega collapsed onto the ground as the Alpha let her go, curling into a ball as the two engaged in combat again. The scents mixed with blood and strawberry. The door slammed open, and as new scents entered to overwhelm her, her eyes shut and she welcomed the cool of darkness.

Earlier…

He felt such a piercing pain in his heart that couldn’t be solved. He had started by abusing the punching bag that Tendou had in the corner of their dorm-room only to collapse onto the bed as wave after wave of heat and pain washed over him. He whimpered, moaning in discomfort as the sweat dripped down his brow.

Another wave of pain ricocheted through his body. He didn’t know what was going on, none of his ruts had ever hit him so aggressively, not even his first one.

Ushijima stumbled out of bed, nostrils flaring as he threw things out of his bag.

There!

He grabbed the towel, the sweet strawberry scent calling to him as it faintly lingered in the strands. Pressing it to his face, a groan left him. The scent was soothing, but it wasn’t nearly strong enough. Suddenly, he heard light footsteps down the hall as a scent grew stronger.

Once he had caught the sweet, sweet, strawberry scent approaching, he froze, nostrils flaring as he took in the intoxicating scent. His head snapped up as knuckles gently rapped against the door. “Ushijima-san?” He could feel the precum ruining his boxers at this point.

A staggered step towards the door before he forced himself backwards. He couldn’t lose control again, he couldn’t hurt her. But she’s my Omega, his Alpha crooned, basking in the scent as they locked in a struggle for dominance. To control the next actions they took. Mine, his Alpha growled internally.

Ushijima could barely hold himself back as he choked out a response. “I’m okay, (Name). Please leave me be.”

“Are you sure? Coach Washijo was worried about you so he sent me to check.” He couldn’t even listen to the words she was saying. Her worried tone was intoxicating.

Our Omega is so caring, his Alpha yipped, aggressively pushing towards the door again. Mine, mine, mine.

“Please, you need to leave.” He couldn’t bite back the quiver of pain in his voice. The inner Alpha had never struggled this fiercely against his control.

The door opened slightly, flooding his room with her scent. He heard her stumble back and he couldn’t resist reaching out to grab her wrist, electricity shooting through him at the contact.

As he yanked her in, the door slammed. Blown-out olive eyes pushed her against the door, shivering with delight at her shocked expression. “Don’t you know not to visit a rutting Alpha, Omega? Especially one that you’re not bonded to?” He spat, reminding his Alpha why he couldn’t have her.

She gasped.

Having her scent directly in front of him caused him to groan, eyes glowing at the strain from holding his Alpha back. “I can’t hold him back anymore, please leave now before I do something that we both don’t want.” He bit his own tongue at this, knowing that there was nothing more that he wanted than to have her in his embrace.

He heard her gulp as she surveyed him. Sweat continued to pour down his face. With another deep inhale, he realized that the scent was only getting sweeter. A shuddering moan escaped him as she suddenly whined underneath him. Ushijima could feel her trembling, felt the heat rising in her core as her legs parted. A snarl tore from his lips as he took in the scent of her slick. “I’m too close,” (Name) gasped. “I-I think my heat is starting.” The Omega whimpered, bending over slightly as she struggled to stand.

At her words, he involuntarily pressed his bulge against her.

Stifling the moan that threatened to overtake him, he bit his tongue to rasp, “Omega, why do you always find yourself in this position?” The soft (skin-tone) skin taunted him as his eyes focused on it. He nosed her neck as his tongue darted out to taste her. To trace the skin that his Alpha so desperately wanted to mark. A flashback to the first time he held her under him, and how guilty he had felt afterwards. She purred at the contact. “I don’t want to take advantage of you.”

Ushijima forced himself to punch the wall in an effort to stop himself. He barely noticed the indent that he left as his muscles tensed, pushing himself away. After stumbling back a few steps, he surveyed her. Ushijima could just barely see her eyes fogging up before she squeezed them shut.

“I’m the Omega for Shiratorizawa, right?” Her eyes opened, glowing slightly in the darkness of the room. His mouth suddenly felt very dry as he shivered at the seductive tone she used. She took a cautious step forward. “That means I need to take care of my Alphas.” Her hand reached out to touch Ushijima on the chest as he grabbed at her wrist, squeezing it so that she didn’t go further. It took all of his self-control not to claim her at that moment, his Alpha aggressively fighting each movement he took.

Claim her, his Alpha howled.

She purred at the contact. “I can help you through your rut. Didn’t you say something about being yours?” Just with those words, his Alpha went absolutely feral. Eager for another taste, he yanked her towards him as he pulled her into a searing kiss.

“By the end of tonight, you’ll forget ever having a different mate,” he promised her breathlessly, before attacking her lips again. She moaned at the contact, feeling his teeth nip at hers as she let him into her mouth. The warm muscle invaded the cavity, tangling with hers before running against her lips again. He shivered against her, he’d missed her flavour.

God she tasted so good, his eyes rolled back as his tongue dipped into her mouth.

After the first taste those months ago, he couldn’t resist getting closer to her. It was an addiction and the only relief was her. His tongue darted out to taste the skin on her neck, feeling her hot pants against his bare chest. A shiver coursed through him. If he didn’t stop soon, he was going to claim this Omega right here and now.

“Please, Ushijima-san, let me help.” Her soft whine pierced the tense air.

A snarl ripped from his lips. “You wanna help me, Omega? Address your Alpha properly.”

Her scent changed, dripping with need and desire.

“Let your Alpha take care of you again,” he cooed gently, his fingers digging into her hips. Electricity shot through him as their lips made contact again. Holding her trembling body to his, he was in heaven. A slight hint of pine drifted to his nose, bringing him out of his drunken stupor. He took a haggard breath, focusing only on her blown-out eyes. “Is this actually what you want?” He rasped, hands cupping her cheek, searching for something, anything, in her eyes.

A soft admission under her breath as she gulped, feeling the rush of blood flow to her cheeks. “Yes.”

With that, he pounced. Pressing her against the wall, his lips urgently found hers. His tongue ran across her bottom lip before he took it into his mouth, nipping at it. Fingers moved quicker than he could think as he tore open her uniform shirt. Buttons flew across the room as she moaned under him. The feeling of her flesh sent a fire racing through his blood. A hand slipped up her back, pulling her closer to him as he undid her bra. It slipped off of her shoulders as her breasts spilled out of the cups.

“Please Alpha,” she whined.

“Please what, Omega? Use your words.” A squeal escaped her as he felt another gush of slick against his knee.

“Please...can you touch me?”

“I’m already touching you.” His Alpha keened as he panted heavily, his scent filling the room and covering even her desperate heat-scent. His other hand slipped down, gently petting her over her clothed pussy. “Did you want me to do something about this?” A finger traced the covered folds. “You’re so wet, Omega.” He teased, licking his lips as he tucked his head into her chest. Teeth nipped at her breast before his tongue dragged over the stiffening peak. Her nails dug into his shoulder as she whimpered under the caress.

“Please,” she whispered. “Please finger me Alpha.”

At her words, he tore the offending piece of fabric apart. His fingers ghosted her folds before he drummed them lightly on her sensitive bud. At her yelp, he took it as an initiative to continue. With his thumb delicately circling, his index finger probed her entrance.

“So wet, is this all for me, ‘Mega?” He purred as he flicked her nipple with his tongue. A delicious moan was dragged from her lips as he slipped a finger in. His moan met hers.

God she was so fucking tight. He couldn’t wait to feel its silky caress on his cock. Nails dug into his shoulder as he slipped another finger in, scissoring them. His olive eyes were transfixed on his fingers as he thrust them in and out of her sopping cunt. He shivered with lust at the sight of her slick collecting on them.

“Wa-wait.” He froze, tearing his eyes up towards hers. A shaky hand reached out to paw at his boxers. “Wan-wanna make you feel good Alpha.”

Ushijima couldn’t resist the purr that escaped him. He withdrew his fingers from her, taking a few steps back to give her space. Boxers fell onto the floor as she got onto her knees, crawling towards him.

Swallowing at the sight, he held his breath as her soft fingers grasped onto his throbbing member. Hazy (e/c) eyes met his as her tongue gently ran along his length. She blinked with her doe-like eyes, as her hands began to stroke it. His cock twitched in her hands, causing a groan to escape him. Soft lips pressed against the weeping red tip as she gave kitten lips to its head. “Don’t tease Omega.”

At his command, her mouth wrapped around his dick. Rough hands found her hair as he pulled her against him, forcing more of his cock down her throat. Her mewls vibrated deliciously against him, causing him to squeeze his eyes shut.

He was so lost in the haze that he barely noticed the door opening. “You just don’t learn, do you?”

Olive eyes found the door as it slammed shut, the other Alpha standing in front of it and filling the room with his putrid pine scent. Just then, she deep-throated his cock and that caused his hand to yank her closer so that her face was pressed against his hip. “You fucking bastard!”

The light caught glistening white canines that drew Ushijima’s attention away from the Omega kneeling in front of him.

Protect Mate, his Alpha howled.

Yanking her off him by the hair, he pushed her towards his bed just as Iwaizumi reached him. A solid punch to his temple caused it to snap back and the larger Alpha stumbled.

The last bit of lust faded from his eyes only to be replaced by fury. He threw himself at Iwaizumi, clipping him in the chin. The faint tang of blood filled the air, followed by a fear scent that only drove his Alpha into overdrive.

Snarling, Ushijima jumped at Iwaizumi as they found themselves on the ground. Iwaizumi head-butted the larger Alpha in the face, causing him to growl in anger. They sprung apart, crouching as they surveyed their opponents.

They snarled at each other, freezing when the fear scent overtook their anger. Their heads snapped to the Omega who was stumbling as she attempted to cover herself up with Ushijima’s jacket. His heart warmed for a second before she disappeared into Iwaizumi’s chest. At this, his blood ran cold as a whimper escaped her and Iwaizumi’s white canines dug into her neck.

The bitter scent of blood thickened in the air, clinging to his nose. His Alpha howled in anguish as he stared in disbelief, hearing her moan in Iwaizumi’s arms as he licked the blood away. “This is my Omega,” Iwaizumi spat, looking up and glaring at Ushijima. “Find your own.”

The Omega shivered, her (e/c) eyes blinking up at her mate. Ushijima shook as another whimper escaped (Name), Iwaizumi’s lips pressing against the mark. They stared at each other with such loving eyes, Ushijima’s Alpha started to pace - snarling.

“I’m sorry for marking you like that ‘Mega,” soft words meant for her but Ushijima caught them. He could feel the rising anger start to overcome his senses at the tenderness Iwaizumi was demonstrating. Tenderness that Ushijima was supposed to shower her with. “I was hoping that we’d be able to enjoy our weekend together before that happened.”

“S’okay.” she mumbled, slumping against him as Iwaizumi grabbed at her waist. “I love you Alpha.” The words echoed in Ushijima’s mind as he transfixed on them.

“I love you too.”

At their love-felt words, something snapped inside him. Ushijima’s Alpha took full control, replacing his vision with red as he growled. He leapt towards the couple, throwing another punch at Iwaizumi.

Startled, Iwaizumi shoved the Omega towards the wall as he got thrown in the opposite direction.

Just as the Omega stumbled to her feet, Ushijima yanked her towards him. My Omega, his Alpha roared as canines broke skin.

In the background, he heard Iwaizumi’s anguished howl but he ignored it. He focused on savoring the taste of her, how she felt molded against him. The Omega collapsed onto the ground as the Apex Alpha let her go, curling into a ball as Iwaizumi jumped at the Apex Alpha. The mixed scent of strawberry and blood filled the air.

The door tore open.

“Holy fuck!”

“Tendou, get Ushijima!” The red-haired middle blocker ran at Ushijima, knocking Iwaizumi away from him and pushing Ushijima against the wall. Ushijima’s eyes narrowed on the opposing Alpha over Tendou’s shoulders, still snarling. By this point, Iwaizumi was restrained by Shirabu and Soekawa. Kawanishi ran in to help hold Ushijima back. “(Name), are you okay?” Semi’s panicked voice filled the air as he cradled the Omega in his arms, drawing the raging Alphas attention to them.

“Fuck! (Nickname)!” Iwaizumi screamed, his fear scent now filling the room as he noticed the condition of his mate.

Ushijima took the time to scan his freshly marked mate.

Blood was still dripping out of her neck, bruises decorated her body and there were traces of blood that he had left on his forehead.

He almost snapped at the fact that his pack-mates were seeing his Omega so vulnerable, but he was more agitated that she was unconscious.

“(Name)!” Ushijima roared, doubling his efforts as he tried to free himself.

At this point, Semi stood up, holding the Omega in his arms. His brown eyes glowed in the darkness as he glared at them.

“Listen here, you stupid fucking Alphas. I’m going to take (Name) to the hospital now. You guys either stay here with the pack, or you calm the fuck down and come with me. If you can’t be civil, you aren’t coming.” Semi rarely used it, but his voice radiated his Alpha power—even though he knew it wouldn’t work on Ushijima. His glare intensified, silently asking them to argue.

Iwaizumi let out an irritated tch, as blood-stained canines withdrew. The Alpha scowled, “I’ll be civil.”

Ushijima squeezed his eyes shut, swallowing his reservations. “Please...I just want to protect my mate.”

His hoarse whisper shattered the tense silence. Semi sent his pack-mate a stiff nod, jerking it towards the door. He spun on his heels, sprinting down the hall towards the gates of the school. Ushijima ignored the look of hatred from Iwaizumi as he quickly followed.

“Hang in there, (Name). I’ll make sure you’re taken care of,” Semi whispered as he glanced down at the young Omega. She stirred, her face contorting to one of pain. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead. His footsteps quickened. He had to hurry, he couldn’t lose one of his best friends. Not like this.

*****

FUN FACTS:

There are no fun facts.

AN: So, who guessed this would happen? How are y’all feeling now? NGL I was really worried that this chapter wouldn’t read well with all the different perspective/time-jumps, so please let me know what you thought of it

Please feel free to flood my inbox with your comments/thoughts (notifications for comments always disappear so i wont be able to see them 🥺)

Taglist: @sawamooora @kriswu46 @pantasticalcat @shadowkunoichi @awuariyuh @4lfalfagarlic @kuroowh0r3 @sourapplex @pastelpuffbar @froyopet @michelepiekenma @gywjd0131 @aideen00 @loudpoetry23 @scrappydaisies @chrisrue15@aideen00 @mayor-chu-of-many-towns @ ephemeralninon @kinkymint @dabilove27 @sol-demure @dark-mermaid25 @otaku-explosion @fake-id-69 @zlatanakermann @killuaking @hxsxxk-180294 @uwukris @cheerysparkle @seiijixcia @atsunakaashi @shoyomeow @vicassa @newfriendjen @jubilee40 @kiritokunuwu

*Bolded names were unable to be tagged

Please contact me via ask or my inbox to join the ‘Different but the Same’ taglist! 💞 Check out this link for information about my taglists.

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tracybirds · 3 years ago

Text

I can officially switch the status of Being Known from “stuck” to “WIP” again :) It’s been over a year since the last update for various reasons but I’m very excited to go back to this one and provide a new chapter!

For those new to the story, this was prompted by @kenzie-running-free in March 2020 and slightly got out of hand 😅 I’ve never stopped thinking about it and I bit the bullet and deleted the entirety of Chapter Four a few days ago and let myself rewrite it from scratch.... and it WORKED!!! (use technique with caution... scariest thing I’ve ever done.....)

Anyway...

A ‘what-if’ story based on “The Man From TB5” where the Hood recognized John in the scene when he makes himself known (instead of John stuttering).... and then he gets kidnapped :)

[Part 1] | [Part 2] | [Part 3]

-----------

Darkness bled into John’s line of vision and he scrubbed desperately at his aching eyes. Time collapsed around him as he worked, the abruptly extinguished bulb the only hint of night. And every new day seemed to bring new weariness as he jolted awake by the sudden onslaught of light which interrupted the deepest part of sleep.

Just another tactic to keep him from gathering his wits together.

This morning, if it was morning, the brightly burning bulb was coupled with the scraping sound of a breakfast tray being shoved through the small slot that had been crudely and hastily carved in the door after he’d lain in wait and brought the tray down over one of the guard’s head. He’d left the man stunned on the floor and made it all the way to the end of the corridor before another guard had grabbed him from behind and thrown him bodily back into the room.

He’d woken to security footage of a fire ravaging a building, his own family on screen.

“They’re not looking for you,” sneered the Hood as he swept from the room.

No guards came in anymore.

Two days later, he’d been savagely poked in the eye when he’d tried to look through the new slot that had been hastily added to his door.

He spent hours every day, searching for a way to send out a message, or even create another receiver. Any link to the outside world would do. But it soon became apparent that the Hood had done one thing right in giving him access to an isolated system, keeping the holomonitor he’d been provided with separate even from his own devices.

One thing right among many.

John peered at the screen with his good eye, wincing at the torn skin that pulled over bruised muscle. His head spun as he stared at the endless commands, trying to replicate the spark of life no-one had ever found before EOS.

Not even him.

And that was the rub of it all.

John didn’t know, not after all his time studying EOS and her abilities, just how she’d been born of code and logical absolutes. How she could grow and change and evaluate her own mind in a way that not only seemed human, but was unquestionably so.

He glanced at the clock he’d created from scratch, counting the oscillations in the electrical current and spitting back a digital time at him. This ‘morning’ truly did correspond with the morning, and that meant the Hood would be paying him a visit for an update.

He wasn’t sure how much more time he could stall for until things got truly desperate.

How much time he had until he had to conclude that he was truly on his own.

* * *

“Scott, the floor’s unstable there!”

“I know what I’m doing, Alan.”

“Yes, but I have the numbers,” Alan replied, his voice cracking as he spoke. He spun the holo in his hands, checking and double checking the analysis that was running under his fingertips.

“Then the numbers are wrong.”

“They can’t be!”

“Alan,” said Scott, patiently. “I need you to check the parameters over again. I’m seeing two trapped vehicles, with no sign of ground stress, both much larger than me and more importantly containing passengers. I need to get them out of there.”

“Yes, but hang on–”

“There’s no time!”

Alan watched in horror as his big brother barrelled forwards. He crouched low as he ran, grabbing at nearby pylons for support. The ground heaved beneath his feet, but still Scott moved forwards steady and sure. Always with his eyes on the scared little boy in the back seat and a gentle smile on his face.

An alert ticked over into the red.

“Jump, Scott!” he yelled, watching the model floor cave in a split second before a real sinkhole opened beneath Scott’s feet.

“Alan, what’s happening up there?” came Virgil’s urgent voice, bound for home with Gordon from their own rescue.

Alan flipped the channel, realising in his hurry he’d accidentally broadcast his message to everyone.

“He’s fine,” he said, eyes still wide as he watched Scott shakily stand on the other side of the chasm. “The floor went.”

“What?”

“He’s fine, he’s fine!”

“Didn’t you run the simulation?”

“I did,” said Alan, pressing the heels of his hands against his eyes. “He wouldn’t listen.”

Silence fell over the space station.

“Hey Alan, can you pilot Thunderbird One over to us? Got my hands full here.”

Scott’s voice rang out loud and clear. Five clear thermal images were standing around him, including one in his arms.

Alan fumbled for the call button.

“F.A.B. Scott.”

“I’ll talk to him, Alan,” said Virgil. His eyes were focused beyond him, but Alan could read the quiet fury beneath the clear focus on his own piloting.

“I can’t do it, Virgil,” whispered Alan. “I must have done something wrong, there must have been something he could see that I couldn’t.”

“You’ve done nothing wrong,” interrupted Virgil.

“He never would have done this to…”

Alan’s voice failed him.

Twenty-two thousand miles below, Virgil choked back his own distress. Gordon was chewing at his lip, staring anxiously at Alan. He leaned forward so he was in view of the holo.

“Hey, Allie,” he said. “John’s gonna be okay. And he’ll be giving Scott hell for ignoring the modelling like that soon enough.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Absolutely, I do,” said Gordon, cracking a grin. “No way, John would let Scott get away with that crap. Not even if he had to haunt him for the rest of his life in ghostly fury to do it.”

“Is he wrapping up now?” asked Virgil, eyes still pinched.

Alan looked down at the display.

“Yeah, he’s on his way home.”

“Right. EOS?”

“Virgil?” Her quiet voice was sullen and more than a little distracted.

“Got room in your processors for another task?”

EOS’s lights flashed suddenly, and Alan’s blood ran cold at the sight. Three weeks he’d been stationed on board Thunderbird Five and he still found himself walking on eggshells around EOS. Her frustration at turning up nothing in the holonet that could lead them closer to John morphed quickly from long, silent sulks to short outbursts of flying bagels and spinning gravity rings. He’d never forgotten the sight of John floating limply like a rag doll that had been torn apart one too many times by a playful, thoughtless, destructive child.

An angry EOS felt too close to losing his brother for good.

“Will it help, John?”

“It’ll keep his brother alive, and that will make it more likely for us to find him.”

“What can I do?”

“Lock Scott out of his controls, Order TB2-5711FR. Make sure Alan gets to Tracy Island before him. Redirect all calls to local authorities in the first instance, follow Protocol 24.”

“I’m not leaving,” argued Alan. “Don’t pull me from duty, I can do better.”

“No arguments.”

Alan wilted, knowing he had no choice but to follow Virgil’s instructions.

“This is done, Virgil,” said EOS, blankly.

“Thank you, EOS,” said Virgil, his manner still stiff and terse. He shifted his gaze from the open ocean in front of him to Alan, his expression softening. “You haven’t done anything wrong, Alan. If Scott takes his life into his own hands, that’s not on you. But we can’t have him in the field like that, cutting corners to get back to finding John. So, we need you down here in his place.”

“You can’t pull Scott,” said Alan, his eyes wide. “What would… well, what would Scott say?”

“We’re doing him a favour,” remarked Gordon with a sarcastic twist of his lips that made a mockery of his usual grin. “He wants to find John, we all do, but if he’s willing to risk lives and rescues to do it then he should put his energy into searching and we shouldn’t stop him.”

Alan swallowed, his eyes filling with tears that he angrily swiped away.

“Does he think we’re not looking just as hard?” he asked. “We haven’t forgotten him. Have we?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Alan,” said Virgil, firmly. “John would have our heads before we put the possibility of finding him above the certainty of ignoring people who need our help.”

“So, we keep going out there,” agreed Gordon. “And when, when Allie, Kayo and Lady P and Parker find something, and they will, we’ll be right there without a moment to lose.”

“I just don’t want him to think we’ve forgotten him.”

“John’s too smart for that,” said Gordon. “Promise you, Allie.”

* * *

He’d worked it out. Every time he did something to anger the Hood, innocent people paid for it in blood. There was no point in harming him directly, not when what the Hood wanted was inside his mind, ripe for extraction. But his heart and spirit could be broken, as a video feed periodically forced itself over his work to make him watch. Earthquakes, landslides, tidal waves, anything that would get International Rescue on the scene and off his scent.

Senseless destruction and despair epidemic across the world because he couldn’t make an AI fast enough.

But senseless destruction that he could use.

There was no doubt in his mind that his family knew the natural disasters were anything but, he could see it in the determined fury in Scott’s face, in the tense draw of Virgil’s shoulders, in the sardonic mockery in Gordon’s smile as he quietly pocketed yet another piece of equipment.

He didn’t see Alan, and he thought of his baby brother up in space often. None of his brothers had any real idea of the full extent of his contribution, no matter how grateful they were for his guidance, and he hated to know Alan would be forced into that knowledge.

He also suspected that when Alan did spill the beans, he’d find his own rotations scrutinised with a lot more care.

Still, the limited glimpses of his brothers did nothing to discourage him, and he found himself contemplating a plan of escape well into the long, cold nights.

He needed more information.

He needed access to an external holonet connection. And the only way he’d get near one was with a working AI.

Or something that could pass for a few minutes as one.

#john tracy #alan tracy #all the bros are there but these are our main perspectives today #thunderbirds are go #sometimes i fic #i need to update ao3 again don't i.....

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annewritesfic · 4 years ago

Text

Happy Endings Don’t Exist

hey so i don’t really feel like making this like a full, normal, multichapter au but i really am attached to the tlc au (which @anythingbutwallflower helped a ton with because she’s amazing) and i kinda wanna post some of it so um yeah, here’s some

based off chapter 44 of scarlet by marissa meyer

(brief explanation of context at the end)

word count: 2660

triggers: mentions of guns, blood, scalpels, sleeping drugs, death, sacrifice, and murder

As the ship finally made it to neutral orbit, Chess sat back in the chair, rubbing her eyes and releasing a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. She gave herself just one moment to sit there, eyes closed, all the aches and pains of the last few days catching up to her, before turning around to face the others.

Kate Dalton was sitting cross-legged against a crate, eyes closed and both hands splayed against the floor, like she was bracing themself. Cairo was still unconscious, spread-eagle on her back, a smear of blood leading to the edge of the ramp. The strange woman was off to the side, also unconscious, laying on her side with her back to Chess, both braids messy and coming undone.

“I’m really glad you’re a pilot,” Kate said, eyes still closed. “Thank you.”

“Your ship does pretty good on its own,” Chess said awkwardly, hands in her lap.

“Thanks!” said the voice from before over the speaker. “I’m Reese. It’s great to meet you!”

Chess glanced up curiously.

Kate stood up and stretched, wincing a little. “Reese is an old friend of mine. She’s… she was an android, but now she’s the ship’s auto-control system until I can find a replacement body for her and a new system for the ship.”

Chess couldn’t think of an answer, so she said nothing. She stood up and limped over to Cairo, sinking to her knees at her side and settling a hand on Cairo’s head.

“She should be all right,” Kate said from behind her. “I think. I’ve never, um, stuck around long enough to see the after-effects of those darts, but…”

Chess bit her lip. “You said you had bandages?”

“Right, in the med bay. I’ll, um… I’ll go get them.” Kate left the room, leaving Chess alone with Cairo and the stranger, both of them unconscious.

Not for long, apparently, though, because the stranger began to stir, then sat up groggily, rubbing her eyes. “Ugh… whererewe?” she mumbled.

Chess almost answered, but then Kate came back, clutching some salve and gauze. “Oh, you’re awake,” Kate said. “I was hoping you’d stay knocked out for awhile. It was kinda nice without you running your mouth.” Despite their words, Chess could see from her expression that Kate was glad the stranger was okay. Kate tossed one tube of salve to the stranger, then handed Chess the other supplies and sat on one of the crates. Chess realized there was a scalpel in the mix and gave Kate a questioning look. “We need to cut out your ID chips, before someone realizes you’re with us and tracks them.”

Right. Of course. Chess pushed away the memory of finding her grandmother’s ID chip, neatly wrapped in cheesecloth, on the dresser, and picked up the scalpel, glad she was right-handed. Neither Kate, nor the stranger, offered to help.

The stranger pulled herself to her feet, but quickly stumbled onto another crate, eyeing Chess and Cairo suspiciously. “Got the wolf on board? You sure she won’t kill us in our sleep?”

Chess glared at her, beginning to clean and bandage the wounds on one of Cairo’s arms. “She’s not an animal.”

“You sure? ‘Cause I definitely heard her pack buddies howling.”

“I hate to agree with Farrah,” Kate put in, “I mean, really hate to agree with Farrah, but she’s right. How do we know she’s on our side?”

Chess started to answer, then hesitated. “You’ll see when she wakes up.”

“Now I feel much better,” Farrah muttered, dabbing a little bit of ointment on the spot where Kate’s tranquilizer dart had hit her.

Chess grit her teeth and kept bandaging Cairo’s wounds.

“Screen, on,” Kate said. The volume was off, but a news anchor appeared, eyes full of fear. The screen behind the anchor showed a man with a crazy grin, face streaked with blood, before the image was replaced with static. Chess tore her gaze away and bent to cut out Cairo’s ID chip, noticing a scar there - almost like it hadn’t been long since she’d received the chip in the first place.

“These attacks are happening in a ton of major cities,” Kate said softly.

Cairo groaned, drawing everyone’s attention to her. Out of the corner of her eye, Chess saw Farrah pick up her abandoned gun and cock it at Cairo’s head, but ignored her.

Chess set both of their ID chips aside and cupped Cairo’s face with one hand. “Are you okay?”

Cairo’s eyes took a moment to focus on her. “Chess?” The name was barely past her lips when she jerked away from Chess’s hand, turning away and vomiting.

“Aces, I’m glad that didn’t happen to me,” Farrah commented.

“Sorry,” Kate said. “I think that might be a side effect of the drugs in those darts.”

Cairo collapsed on her back, one hand over her eyes, then looked at Chess. The wildness from Paris was gone, and there was something familiar, even comforting in the way she looked at Chess. “You’re alive.”

Chess fidgeted with the zipper on her jacket, suddenly nervous. “Yeah, thanks to you.”

Farrah scoffed. “Thanks to her? I’m sorry, whose ship are you on again?”

“Shut up, Farrah,” Kate said shortly.

Cairo turned to look at Kate. “Where are we?”

“A cargo ship orbiting Earth.” Kate stared at a point on the wall behind Cairo, like they couldn’t meet her eyes. “I shot you with a tranquilizer dart. Sorry about that, but I kinda thought you were gonna kill her, so…”

“I sort of thought I was, too,” Cairo said, her voice hoarse. She studied Kate, her gaze catching on her metal hand. “I think my queen is looking for you.”

“And that's supposed to make me feel better?” Farrah demanded.

Chess put a hand on Cairo’s shoulder. “She’s better now. Aren’t you?”

Cairo shrugged Chess’s hand off. “You shouldn’t have brought me here. I’m only going to put you all in danger.”

Farrah released the safety on the gun.

“Don’t be stupid,” Chess said. “It’s not your fault.”

“Chess, if anything happened to you because of me-”

“Do you intend to harm anyone on this ship?” Kate interrupted.

Cairo blinked at her. “No, of course not.”

Nobody moved for three seconds, but then Kate relaxed. “She’s telling the truth.”

“Are you sure?” Farrah asked skeptically.

“Guys!” Reese interrupted. “Eva is going to make an announcement!”

The volume on the net screen turned on, and all four of them turned to face it as the image cut to the empress of the Eastern Commonwealth, onstage in the EC’s press room. She stood at the podium, her dress shirt a little rumpled, eyes red and tired. Kate anxiously started chewing the thumbnail on their human hand, eyes fixed to the screen.

“Kate has a bit of a crush on the empress,” Farrah stage-whispered.

“Don’t we all?” Reese sighed over the speakers. Man, what a personality… Chess didn’t know androids were ever like that.

"I've called this press conference on such short notice to address the attack on Earth that began three and a half hours ago," she said, her voice clear. "I am sure many of Earth's people are begging to know the answer to why this is happening." Eva paused and took a deep breath. "It was my fault."

Kate began to shake a bit. Cairo reached for Chess’s hand and squeezed.

"Many of you are aware that Queen Levana has been threatening war on our planet for nearly her entire rule. She chose to initiate these attacks now, because I have been unable to meet her clear expectations to adhere to a treaty between Luna and Earth. It is my responsibility to end these attacks and prevent a full-scale war as long as it is in my power to do so." Eva didn't look at any of the reporters, instead focusing her gaze on the back wall like she was ashamed of herself. "I have accepted a marriage alliance with Queen Levana of Luna."

"No!" Kate said, launching to their feet. "No!"

"In return," Eva continued, unaware of the effect her words had on the crewmembers of the Rampion, "Luna will withhold further attacks. The wedding will take place on the next full moon, the twenty fifth of September, and will be followed immediately by Queen Levana's coronation as empress of the Eastern Commonwealth. The removal of all Lunar soldiers from Earth will begin the following day, the twenty sixth of September."

"You fucking idiot!" Kate screamed at the screen. She grabbed the bandages sitting on a crate and hurled them at the screen. “No! You can’t fucking do that!”

"My cabinet will provide further updates in the coming days. I will be taking no questions tonight. Thank you." Despite Eva's words, the room filled with the reporters' incessant questions, but Eva ignored them and walked off the stage, holding her head high but looking like a defeated general.

"I fucking told her not to do it," Kate spat. “Levana murdered thousands of innocent people and now she's going to be the fucking empress?" They stepped on the two ID chips on the floor, grinding them to pieces among the blood. "And that won't satisfy her for long. She's going to use the Commonwealth as just a stepping stone to get to the rest of the world, and I told her that would happen, and she's still going through with the fucking marriage alliance! She's going to take control of the goddamn solar system and it'll be Eva's fault!” They sat back down on the crate, head in her hands, shaking.

Chess dropped Cairo’s hand and crossed her arms. “I think this seems more like your fault.”

Kate looked up at Chess with an unreadable expression. Farrah settled her chin on her hand, like she was watching an entertaining TV show, but her other hand kept the gun pointed at Cairo’s head.

“You know why she ordered those attacks,” Chess continued, standing up. “Because of you.”

Kate’s lips parted a little in surprise. “Your grandmother told you, didn’t she?”

“Yeah, she did, and it’s sickening that you let this happen in the first place!” Chess said, raising her voice just a little bit.

Kate jumped off the crate, both hands curled into fists, but didn’t make a move towards Chess. “What would you like me to do, then? Hand myself over? Sacrifice myself and cross my fingers it’ll satisfy her? If that’s what I had done, we would’ve ended up here anyway.”

“I don’t mean when you were arrested at the ball,” Chess spat. “I mean before that. Why haven’t you done anything to stop her? People are depending on you! And you did nothing for years!” She threw her hands in the air. “My grandmother sacrificed herself for you, and you’re running away and hiding like a goddamn coward.”

Farrah raised her hand. “Uh, I’m confused. What are we talking about?”

Chess turned on her. “Stop pointing that gun at her!”

Farrah tossed the gun aside and crossed her arms.

Chess looked back at Kate. “She doesn’t know, does she? You put her life in danger - all of our lives in danger - and she doesn’t know why!”

“It’s not that simple-”

“Isn’t it?”

“I haven’t even known for a week!” Kate shouted. “I found out when I was sitting in prison, waiting to be shipped off to Luna to be executed. So between breaking out of prison, running from the entire Commonwealth military, and saving your goddamn life, there hasn’t been a whole lot of time to overthrow an entire regime! So I’m sorry to disappoint you!” They leaned against the crate, head in her hands, breathing hard.

Chess’s mind whirling, trying to fit this new information into something that made sense. “How did you not know?”

“Because your grandmother shipped me off to New Beijing five years ago without bothering to tell me.”

“But-but that’s why you were at the ball, wasn’t it?”

Kate laughed bitterly, a sharp, angry sound, and looked up at Chess. “You really think I would’ve been stupid enough to face Levana if I’d known?” She paused. “Well, maybe… maybe for Eva. I don’t know. I didn’t know.”

“Oh.” Chess sank back to the floor, feeling oddly guilty.

Farrah waved her hand a little. “Um, I’m still confused.”

Kate sighed and looked at the ceiling. “I’m Princess Selene.”

Silence for a beat.

Farrah laughed, but nobody else did, and slowly the realization dawned on her face. “Really?”

“Really.”

Farrah’s eyes widened. “You’re Princess Selene. The crazy cyborg is Princess Selene.”

Kate glared at her. “Are you done?”

“I don’t compute,” Reese said slowly. Chess hid her surprise - she kept forgetting Reese was there.

“Yeah, me neither,” Farrah agreed. “Since when?”

“I should’ve told you,” Kate said. “But… but it was all so new, and I thought… maybe, if I could find Michelle Benoit, get some questions answered… I’m sorry.”

It was quiet for a moment.

“Is your gift intact?” Cairo asked.

“Yeah, but I’m still… still learning how to use it.” Kate sank to the floor and sat against the crate, and suddenly it hit Chess just how young they were - at sixteen, Kate was the youngest in this room by several years. Just a kid, really. And yet there was so much weight on her shoulders…

“She controlled one of the special ops,” Chess offered. “I saw them do it.”

Kate scoffed. “Yeah, barely.”

Cairo’s eyes widened. “You controlled one of the soldiers? While Jael was there?”

Kate fidgeted nervously. “Well, yeah, but it was awful. I barely got to him, and then I nearly passed out-”

“That’s why Levana wants you,” Cairo said, her expression amazed. “You are stronger than she is. Or at least you could be, with a little practice.”

Kate shook their head, hugging her knees. “That thaumaturge had seven soldiers under his control, and I could barely handle one. I’m not even close to being as strong as Levana.”

“You don’t understand,” Cairo said. “Each pack is controlled by a thaumaturge, who controls when the animal instincts the genetic manipulation gave us take control. We’ve all had the physical modifications, but really, it all comes back to a thaumaturge. A normal Lunar citizen couldn’t hope of controlling us, and even the thaumaturges, who could control hundreds of people at once, can only handle up to fifteen. That’s why the special op packs are kept so small.” She grinned. “And you took one away from a thaumaturge on your first try? With no training or anything? Her Majesty might have cause to be afraid of you, Princess.”

Kate glared at Cairo. “Don’t call me that.”

Cairo raised an eyebrow. “Assuming, of course, that you do want to fight her. Which I think you do, judging by your response to your empress’s announcement.”

Kate automatically glanced at the screen, which was now replaying Eva’s announcement, although Reese had muted the volume. “I don’t know. I don’t know how to be a leader, or-”

“But you can stop her,” Chess interrupted. “So many people think you can. My grandmother sacrificed herself for this, and I won’t let that be wasted.”

“And if you really are who you claim to be, that makes you my true queen,” Cairo added. “So you have my loyalty.”

“I don’t want your fucking loyalty.”

“Then what do you want?” Chess asked, trying and probably failing to be gentle.

Kate squeezed their eyes shut, then opened them and glared at the both of them. “I want some time alone to think, without you guys chattering in my ear!” They kicked off her boots and stormed out of the room, her metal foot clanging against the floor with every other step.

Farrah sighed. “I know, I know. They seem a bit…” She crossed her eyes and twirled her fingers around her ears. “But I promise, once you get to know her, it’s all part of their charm.”

ok so a bit of context:

after the fourth world war, there are six nations at peace on earth, plus a kingdom on the moon, called luna. luna has had rocky relations with earth for hundreds of years. the heir to the throne was supposed to be princess selene, but in order to keep her hold on the throne, queen levana tried to kill the princess at just three years old. selene survived and was brought to earth to be kept safe, and is kate dalton, a cyborg mechanic from new beijing. the eastern commonwealth is ruled by the young empress eva, who very recently took the throne after the death of her mother. farrah thorne is an escaped convict who helped kate break out of prison after the ball, when kate tried to stop eva from entering the marriage alliance with levana but failed and was arrested. selene was sheltered for eight years by chess’s grandmother, michelle benoit. and cairo is one of levana’s special ops, and her genetics were split with those of a wolf, giving her special abilities. all lunars have what they call their “gift,” their ability to manipulate biolectricity and control people/make them see something that’s not there/make their appearances different, but the gift only works face to face. and... yeah, feel free to shoot me an ask on my main, @i-don-t-even-care, if you have any other questions!!!!!!!

#we are the tigers #kate dalton #farrah watt #chess watt #cairo adekoya #reese watt #chai #kateva #blood tw #death tw #injury tw #murder tw #gun tw #ask to tag #the lunar chronicles

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davidmann95 · 4 years ago

Note

So... Crossover #1: any thoughts?

Anonymous said: You seemed not to think much of Crossover #1 on Twitter. Your full thoughts?

wcwit said: So Cates' Crossover #1, best bad comic of the year or just regular pretentious trash?

An incidental note upfront: What you’re seeing there is the apparently SUPER-RARE SECRET VARIANT COVER I unwittingly picked up at the store - at first glance indistinguishable from the standard cover, the kid getting four-color-fucked by mysterious comic book rays is in fact themselves reading a variant cover of the book, rather than the main cover again in an infinite painting-within-a-painting sort of deal that’s the standard.

So I wasn’t gonna get this: my initial post on the comic and what an obviously awful idea it was back when we only knew half the premise and it was known as Pray The Capes Away actually got some out-of-nowhere traction recently, and I’ve grown rapidly tired of Cates’ Marvel work. Even learning that it was going to be Image’s biggest debut in decades - Jesus fuck, how and why - mostly just made me wish it was Commanders in Crisis getting those kinds of numbers. But Sean Dillon/@deathchrist2000 and Ritesh Babu both got early looks at it and assured me that I, specifically, needed to see the last page, so in I dove. I’ll be posting my reaction to the last page below because I recorded it for their amusement, and below that I’ll talk about said last page. It may surprise you, however, that that wasn’t my main takeaway from the issue.

Let’s accentuate the positive first! This book is gorgeous. Geoff Shaw was terrific back with Thanos Wins, but this is an incredible stylistic level-up aided and abetted by Dee Cunniffe’s colors: it’s rote as hell to say “They mix the elevated and the mundane so well!”, but even beyond the obvious ben-day dots stuff there’s such a tangible sense that the comic book beings don’t belong here, that they’re of higher, misty, platonic stuff and we squishy non-paper-people inevitably crumble and break and bleed in their wake, communicating that big idea so much more powerfully than the actual loads of text on the subject. And if we’re talking good things, I’ll concede it’s possible that there could be subtleties that play out in more interesting ways as it goes on, and that not everything is meant to be taken at face value: a smart friend who actually did like it mentioned being interested in it as clumsy but potentially effective exploration of ‘what if the fun hobby you had inadvertently became contaminated and stigmatized by forces beyond your control?’ In a post-Comicsgate world where we recently ended up inches away from the Superman logo almost certainly becoming a fascist propaganda symbol ala the Punisher skull for at least a generation, that’s a defensible lens to view this book through.

For all Donny Cates’ legitimate talents however, I don’t think an expectation of subtlety is gonna work out with this one.

Okay first off getting into the rest of it the main characters’ name is Ellipsis because “Those three little dots...they can become anything”, so there’s that. More importantly, in the world of this story where comic fans face social oppression after superpeople materialize and fuck up Colorado, they face EVERY KIND OF OPPRESSION: there are clear parallels drawn in here to the violence and harassment faced by people persecuted for their religion, people seeking abortions, queer people, and people of color; this motherfucker even drops a “hates and fears” to let us know comic collecting basically makes you one of the goddamn X-Men. Which in theory could be a purely misjudged allegory rather than stemming from actual, obscenely inflated to the point of disgusting fears of ‘nerd oppression’, except that the book literally opens with a quote from Wertham. If Cates didn’t want to make the message “Hating comics? That’s bad. Like, racism bad”, he utterly, grotesquely failed by inextricably intermingling imagery of real-world bigotry with systemic, deluded fanboy paranoia, at least as of this first issue that’s supposed to meaningfully convey the premise. As a queer dude I think I’m somewhat in my lane to say it’s too blunt and broad and dopey to be particularly offensive, but the co-opting of oppression is what this is rooted in.

The idea of ‘comics good no matter what people think, ain’t it?’ extends to the last traditional local comic store standing in this world: much as superheroes are the primary cause of suffering in this world but the point of the story is still supposed to reveal the beauty in them, part of this is that the comics community isn’t perfect but it sure is great. Which is expressed here via Ellie’s boss Otto, a loveable asshole who yells at people coming in trying to sell the wrong kind of comics to fuck off, but at heart is we’re supposed to understand a good enough dude that the shop he runs is “the only home a lot of (the benighted nerds) have left” (because I guess in this alternate universe the physical stores are still the main hub through which comics fans talk with one another?).

So here’s a story of my very own! That’s me in 2013, it must’ve been some kind of special day because I’m wearing a shirt with a button. I’d at that point only frequented one of what would be my thus far four regular comic shops. The first was a great place, and while to say I had a sense of community there would be overstating it a bit, I was on really good terms with the owner and we regularly chatted when we had the time. When I left for college my store there wasn’t as well-stocked, and for some damn reason all variant covers were double-price, but I got along really well with the owner there too. The third I wasn’t so lucky; the guy regularly behind the desk was never overtly hostile, but clearly wanted to wring my neck every time I asked when a missing comic might get in or if I could update my pull list, and given I’m in the ‘ideal’ demographic for being a comic book store regular and was dropping a solid lump of money there every week, I wonder how others were treated there (the store nearly went under, was saved on the last day of operation by another store that wanted to incorporate it as part of its franchise, then shortly afterwards DID go under and is now I believe a beef jerky place). My current store is fine, I didn’t chat much with the folks behind the counter even before we all had medical incentive to get in and out of places fairly quickly but it almost always has what I’m looking for.

Just because those were my regular stores of course doesn’t mean those are the only ones I’ve ever gone to. About a year before that picture was taken - it’s the closest I could find - when I was 17 my store didn’t have something or another I was looking for, so I head across town to see if another place I had looked up had it. This other place didn’t have what I was looking for either, though I distinctly remember picking up a few issues of Hickman’s FF while I was there since I had foolishly fallen off, hence my remembering the year. I bought a couple issues, but hung around for a bit looking to see if I might grab something else out of a dollar box, setting my comics down. Without realizing it, I’d set my books down on top of another issue, and when I decided I wasn’t getting anything else, I just picked that up along with the rest of the pile and was about to walk out before the owner stopped me. He explained what I had done though assumed it had been deliberate, and because I was a good-hearted little geek I even recall thinking “Well, he’s gonna chew me out, but I guess I deserve it. I’ll try and take this to heart as a learning experience.”

Then he pulled up his shirt a little to show me the gun on his belt. He pointed at the security camera monitors at his desk, and explained to me that if I ever did something like that again, he would have it on tape, and he would pull that gun on me and hold me there while he called the cops.

As it turned out, the comic was free.

The whole thing was so sudden and bizarre and unexpected I didn’t actually freak out until the drive home. It wasn’t until weeks or maybe months later that I managed to tell my dad about the experience, because I *had* nearly stolen a (free) comic and my guilt was mixed in with my nerves and I guess I was somehow too close to register just how disproportionate his response was. It wasn’t until now, nearly a decade later and thinking about it for the first time in a long time as I write this, that I wondered if that might have gone differently - especially living in the midwest - if I hadn’t been a white, squeaky-voiced 17-year-old.

So, minor spoiler, when our cantankerous but well-meaning LCS owner yells to call the cops and grabs and yells at a small kid for pocketing a comic (and later displays fantasy racism towards said kid), I am not filled with nostalgic love for the brotherly safe space that is comic book stores, where this guy while not meant to be seen as perfect is still framed in part as a charming, witty representation of Why We Love These Places, And This Community, And This Genre, And This Medium. Cates is clearly drawing on real time at his local stores, but he equally clearly has a very different takeaway from those experiences than me. And I am, again, in a demographic - white, cis-male, abled, bi but more interested in women, disposable income, a lifelong collector - that the industry and a lot of the guys who sell it to us contort themselves around catering to, even if I had a single very negative experience and later an ongoing low-key uncomfortable one to help disabuse me of any notions of the purity of the dork community. In the world of Crossover as of #1, toxicity is intertwined, deliberately or not on the part of the creators, with what we love on the cosmic and small business scales alike, but at least in the latter case it’s the whole picture that’s beautiful, not any single kernel that needs to be worked on to be dug up.

So underneath is my video reaction to the last page of Crossover #1. Very minor spoilers because I mutter the last two words of the comic to myself, but under the video I discuss said final page and some other scattered thoughts. Whether you read that or not, my takeaway is this: I’m fascinated with wherever the hell this thing is going, I’m glad my dad liked it well enough to want to keep getting it because now I’ll get to see where it heads, but my first impression is that this is at heart meant as cheapass Oscar-bait for people who only read Batman. It’s big and high-concept but also small and intimate! It’s meta and about how great you, the reader are for your consumption, especially the consumption of this! It’s going to be in large part about a forbidden love between a couple divided across impermeable social lines (a couple where they’re a seemingly straight white man and woman, but one likes comics)! Maybe it’ll become Not That, and I’m sure it’ll do at least something interesting along the way because Cates has done good stuff before and there are some inherently interesting big ideas for him to play with here, but for the love of god if you’re thinking about getting this buy Commanders in Crisis too or instead, it’s another new book out of Image about superheroes dealing with the collapse of the multiverse but that one is really fucking good.

So the final page splash reveal is that when the comic book child discovered in here got out of Colorado, which has had an impenetrable energy shield erected around it by one of the heroes for years, she and others were ferried out of there...by Superman, as the narration declares that “This is a story...about hope.” They don’t say the word, but she sketches her savior, Ellie and Otto freak out and go “Is that---” when they see it, and on that last page we see that while a crude drawing it isn’t a rough analogue character, it’s a guy with a cape and trunks with an S on his chest. Surprisingly, I don’t have much to say: it’s just another blunt signifier that superheroes rule and are the best, paired with the most utterly devalued notion as of late of what makes Superman special in ‘hope’. I mean, I’m perversely excited to see whether this is building the entire series on a hook it can never deliver on, or if Cates actually has talked DC into an intercompany crossover; believable given they’ve done a bunch of those over the last several years, and why else would Mark Waid be supervising as ‘story editor’ on this? I guess it’ll shake out one way or another with #6 given Cates has said it “has one of the more epic and — I would argue historic — sequences in comic book history in it.” But I’m far less convinced this is gonna truly go into the meaty question of “What does Superman mean and what makes him unique in this world where superheroes in general are indisputably either failures or monstrous bastards given the scale of destruction their presence has brought about, and he himself failed to stop that?” than as some kind of holy grail of how great superheroes are despite how dang violent they’ve gotten these days for the crew to chase after, whatever additional twist will surely be placed upon it. At least he’s kinda helping an immigrant kid get over a wall, if that’s deliberate?

Random final thoughts:

* If I wrote the opening essay and turned it in in a college course, I would be expelled for plagiarizing Grant Morrison. This is not a joke.

* If mainstream American superhero comics ended January 2017 in this universe, its own last ‘crossover’ was Civil War II, which is hilarious.

* God, please tell me if it takes the dive after all that this isn’t somehow tied into whatever Waid’s Superman project is.

* I wouldn’t normally crap on issues with the finer details of worldbuilding, but A. This is rooted in a nominally ‘real’ world playing by recognizable rules, B. I’m ragging on this anyway so what’s the harm, and C. It’s really obvious. So: Why is one of the racists against the superheroes the guy who loves superheroes so much he’s the last holdout in the entire world still selling comic books about them? How does this modestly-sized shop exist long-term with apparently a significant regular customer base if there are no new comics or even reprints to restock with, ever? Who’s buying the serialized cop/cowboy comics that the U.S. government apparently created pretty much overnight (nobody, it’s just another Wertham dig)?

* The solicit for issue #3 proclaims “Don't miss this one, folks. If you do, it just might drive you...mad.”, so now I fear some kind of Ultra Comics riff.

* “Kids love chains” is the most metal-ass quote of all time and I hate that it’s being wasted as an arc title on this book.

#Donny Cates #Geoff Shaw #Dee Cunniffe #John J. Hill #Mark Waid #Me #Superman #Opinion

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migeviellardi · 3 years ago

Text

Out Of Comfort

Rottmnt Donnie Centric Fanfic

Genre : Adventure, Action, Humour, Hurt/Comfort

Summary : Silver has gone to the part where he made Donnie involve in some slightly criminal-related work. Will Donnie regret his decision to ever trust him? Or will his life ends miserably knowing that he should’ve just headed home and not taking any part of Silver’s plan?

Chapter 4 Help Wanted

Run-on-the-mill Pizza place can be a good place to vent for some reason, he always felt better having to just sit down, ordering food, and let go of his thoughts away. The weight lifted off from his chest immensely or is it just that his wisp is his Gram-Gram, sitting on his shoulder to keep him company?

Donnie can’t help smile to see her there, she smiled every he looked at her. It gives him warmth, knowing that he wasn’t entirely alone. At least now he felt a lot better that he took joy to eat his pizza to satisfy his hunger.

“Grrrr!!” Donnie jumped hearing a growl from the person sitting in front of him. The stranger who called himself Silver, glaring at his phone. His finger tapping hard on the screen. Donnie chewed away as he watched the men frustrated himself with his phone.

Silver gritted his teeth, “Stupid, son of a-” he screamed and threw away his phone. Donnie was surprised to see his phone flew away out of sight. Sia flew after the phone. Silver sighed while shaking his head, he chomps on the pizza he ordered.

“Is-is everything, okay?” Donnie asked.

“It’s not your concern, kid.” Sia flew back with the phone and put it in his hand. Silver saw the phone and frowned at Sia, who scolded him. Donnie saw the wisp flailing angrily at him. Silver shook in disbelief, putting the phone on the table.

Donnie stared at the object. It seems like it just got bought, looks all sleek and new with its black with blue stripes background.

“What’s wrong with it?”

“Just some troubles, like many.” he chowed down the pizza, mozzarella cheese melted to his mouth. Donnie can slightly see that the guy somehow had fangs. Until then he realized that he also had a pair of small brown horns. They’re obscured by his unruly hair, which makes him wonder what kind of guy he is.

“Can I take a look on your phone?” he asked. Silver stared at him. He paused for a bit, thinking if he should listen to the kid.

He sighed and give the kid his phone. Donnie carefully took it and began his inspections. He turns on the phone and found the thing had a hard time finishing the intro. Once Donnie had access to the content, he took his time checking every system, apps, and settings.

Silver rests his head on his hand, watching the kid gone all quiet, eyes fixated on the screen. He can see the kid in full concentration on what he’s doing, so he didn’t bother to ask anything.

“Is it okay if I upgrade them a bit?” Donnie offered. Silver raised his eyebrow. The word ‘upgrade’ intrigues and astonished him. Can the kid really upgrade his phone? The kid seems serious about what he said. Although, is it a good idea to let a kid messes with his phone?

But Silver is more curious than worry. Silver gives him a nod. Donnie looked around for Hueso. The skeleton saw the turtle waved at him. He approached him, “If you looking for your coffee, it still in a brewing state.”

“Oh, okay. But also, do you still have my toolbox here?”

“The one that you keep forgetting to bring back with you and instead of you taking it insisting to let me store it for you?” Hueso said in a nonchalant look. Donnie grinned nervously. He sighed, “I’ll go and get it for you.” he walks towards his office.

Donnie went back to the phone in his hand. Silver just watched in quiet, finishing his meal. A waiter with six arms came and put a mug of coffee at Donnie’s side. He quickly took a sip and continue his inspecting.

Hueso came back with a purple toolbox, he put it next to the mug and went off to do his business. The table shook as the toolbox was set down, how many tools the kid have in that thing?

Donnie put his mug to his other side. He pushed a button on the box and attracted all the tools held by small robot arms. Silver was shocked by the sheer amount of tools that came out of it.

Donnie opened the phone’s casing. Pulled down his goggles, he types something in his tech bracelet and the robot arms helping him out to do some tinkering. Silver blinked, he observes the kid doing something to his phone.

He watched the three-fingered hands deftly moves between each tool, once seeing his hand reaching something inside the box and implanting it onto the phone. He waited for the kid to finish as it seems the kid doesn’t want to be bothered while doing his work.

Finally, Donnie plopped back the casing. The toolbox retracted back all the tools, back to its former form. Donnie turned on the phone and give it back to Silver. He took his phone and take a look at it.

“I upgrade the memory storage, which now can hold 200 GB. It’s the biggest one I can get other than stealing it. I upgraded the ram storage, the system processor, the cache settings. Updated further the anti-virus with my own coding, also put a tiny Donnie-blocker to keep off all kinds of mal-ware, aaand installing a new set of cameras for further perfection on either photo or video making ability. Oh, and I give you some unlimited access to the internet. Your Welcome and Thank you!” he smiled with pride and joy.

Silver nodded in amazement. He explored his phone further and he can already felt the significant difference from before. No lagging, quick accessing, one-second loading. Whatever the kid has done, it did wonders for his phone. “Well, I gotta say, Kid. I’m impressed.” he praised.

Donnie flinched by the appraisal from him. He smiled broadly with tears of joy. How long has he been dreaming for an adult’s appraisals and approvals? Too long perhaps that he can’t contain his smile. Which made Silver cringe at him. Hueso walked past them and saw Donnie glittering in happiness.

“Did you praised him?” he asked.

“Is that a bad thing?”

“No. Just brace yourself, that’s all.” he added, leaving them alone. Silver pinched his nose-bridge.

###

Silver walks along the Hidden City’s streets with his new modified phone in his hand. The first thing he finds is that the kid had put thousands of songs on the music list. He’s really intrigued with the titles of each of them, noted to himself that he should give them a try.

“So, where are you going?”

He sighed, he nearly forgot that the said kid still on his tail.

Silver : Why don’t you just go home, kid?

Donnie : First of all, I am not a kid. I’m 16.

Silver : And, I’m 28. So you’re a kid to me.

Donnie : Scoff! I am a teenager, thank you very much! *arm-crossed*

Silver : Why are you saying ‘scoff’ out loud?

Donnie : And, second, I’m not ready to go home, yet.

Silver : Why not?

Donnie : Well, even though I’ve been here for an hour and fifty-one minutes, but I just got here.

Silver : And, now, you can go home.

Donnie stopped in his track. Silver noticed the lack of sound of the kid’s footsteps, he turned around at Donnie who clearly unhappy, avoiding eye contact.

“I just won’t, alright? You won’t understand.” he shoved his hands in his pockets. Silver raised an eyebrow, the kid still refused to look at him.

He sure didn’t understand what the kid’s deal is that he doesn’t want to go home. But it’s not like Silver would want to be part of it, especially if it’s a personal matter. He rolled his eyes and continued his walk, eyes fixated on the screen until he heard the kid’s footsteps following him again.

He peered his head back to the kid. Donnie saw him staring and froze. Silver stares nonchalantly. Donnie frowned, looking away dejected. He can still sense being stared.

“Okay, FINE. I’ll go! Stop staring at me like that!” Donnie quickly turned around, grumbling in his hood. Silver watched the kid's leaves, the kid’s wisp flew close to his head, caressing him.

He wasn’t sure if he was supposed to feel bad, he knows the kid can take care of himself, as long as he stops spacing out. Sia stares at him, unimpressed, which triggered Silver in the way.

“What?” he flatly asked. Sia scolded her living friend, squeaking away like no tomorrow. “The last thing I want other than being stranded here is becoming a babysitter. Okay?”

Sia pouts, she crossed her arms and look away. Silver rolled his eyes, he doesn’t need this right now. “Uuuugh!!! HEY, KID!”

Donnie quickly turns his head. Silver sighed, there’s no turning back now. “Come on, there’s a place that I wanna go. You can help out there if you want.” he walks away.

He didn’t need to wait or looking back to know that kid accepted his offer when he heard a running coming from behind. Donnie joined him on his side, keeping it quiet, in case if the man changes his mind.

He has a lot of questions, but putting them off the table. Keeping it cool as he observed the guy scrolling through his phone. Donnie shoves his hands, trying to obscure his fingers fidgeting restlessly. He’s giddy for some reason, he doesn’t know why.

What he should do is be cautious, especially when you’re meeting a stranger. But so far, the stranger had been kind to him, despite all the snarkiness.

He saved his life from a falling boulder which he still doesn’t understand why it’s there. He responsibly trying to make him feel better in case he was shaken from the near-death experience--which he got to be honest, that he was, only a little. And, he let him tinker his phone and upgraded it, and not to mention, appraisal--legitness--for his work.

He can’t help but smile with that thought, this Silver guy sure is an interesting one. He learned that souls can leave a part of their own, remnants of their memories, and formed into these little ghosts called Wisps.

The concept of this little entity really intrigues him, and now that he knows that he has a Wisp of his own, which is none other than his Gram-Gram. And, that hits him,

Donnie : About the Wisps...

Silver : Hm?

Donnie : Gram-Gram is a part of a family, my family. And, I’m sure that she also loves my brothers. Right?

Silver : Put it this way, you have how many people in one family, and there’s one who passes away and that person loves every single one of them. If a wisp wanted to go back to their loved ones, and there are many, so they’ll follow them all.

Donnie : How?

Silver : The explanatory still confuses me, but a wisp can actually exist more than once in the living. For example, if your wisp is following you now, they also follow the others. Like,...ugh, putting it simply, they can be in two or more places at the same time.

Donnie : That’s......mildly confusing.

Silver : You tell me.

Donnie : Wait, so...if my Wisp actually exists somewhere else and following my family, that means, she’s also there.

Silver : So?

Donnie : So, that means, if I can speak her language, she can help pinpoint their locations, etcetera.

Silver : .....

Donnie : .....

Silver : Huh, I haven’t thought of that.

Donnie : Really?

Silver : But to be fair, not all wisps had the same case. For example, Sia right here.

Donnie : That also hits me, who is she to you?

Silver stopped, Donnie flinched at him. Silver stares blankly at the phone, although he is sure that he wasn’t staring at it. He was getting worried about how the guy didn’t say anything. He figured it actually hurts him, being asked that question.

Donnie guiltily looked away, rubbing his arm. “Sorry.” He apologized. Sia the wisp turned sad, followed by Karai.

Then, he flinched when he felt his head being patted. He meets Silver’s eyes, he didn’t smile but he’s certainly caressing. Silver let go of his hand and continue his walking. Donnie blinked, trying to process what he just did. He rubbed his head, still confused and took off to catch up.

Silver took a right and went up a stair. Donnie paused to see that he was heading towards what looks like a Museum, Yokai’s Museum. Silver went inside, not waiting around for him. Donnie ran in, until, “OOF!!!” he bumps real hard into a large hand and fell back.

“Oww!” he rubs his head. A troll-like yokai with massively oversize hands stood guard at the entrance.

“Buy ticket first! Only ten dollars!” he said with a deep croaky voice. Silver showed up from the Museum.

“Go get yourself a ticket, kid! I’m only paying for your food.” he disappeared into the building. Donnie stood up peevishly, raising his shoulders. He sighed, reached out a ten-dollar from his wallet.

The Museum looks somewhat bigger than the outside. On the way in, Donnie picked up a pamphlet from its racks. The Museum contains artworks like statues, paintings, carvings, etc. Even some historical objects and artifacts.

Donnie curiously looked in every direction. Never in his life went to a Museum legally and full of people and bright lights. Last time he has been in a Museum, he had to fight a psychotic hypo and the Foot-clans, breaking every content within.

Donnie scurries along through to find Silver, he isn’t in the Gallery, which now leads him to the Artifact Room. Donnie peeked into the hallway, he didn’t see him yet. He went further as he took his time sightseeing until he stumbled upon a large circular room.

The room was littered with weird, wacky, and interesting artifacts floats on pedestals. And without Donnie’s goggles, he can still see that some of them had mystic powers lingers within. He assuming they all real artifacts that are no longer in use, despite that some still have little powers to spare.

He found Silver stands and observe a floating crescent-like object. Donnie stood beside him, looking at the name on the info board. Rubbing his chin as he translates the language, “Obliath of Secrecy.”

“It’s an artifact that once used to conceal a massive gate that prevents Oble Troll from entering a farm patch for the early season of Fire Cabbage Festival, thirty years ago. Created by an old fairy farmer who lives with the farm patches.” Silver explains. Donnie looked at him astonished.

“You know about artifacts?”

“No, it says so in this info board.” he points at the board he just read.

“O-oh...”

“Anyway, we’re not here for sightseeing.” he said, “Come.”

Donnie raised his eyebrow, he looked at Karai, she shook her head, not knowing what it means. Donnie shrugged and followed the men.

As Donnie follows, he saw Silver talk to a tiger yokai from afar. Donnie paused for a moment, he observes as Silver received some kind of a key from the yokai and quickly put them in his inner pocket. As the yokai leaves, Silver turned to Donnie and gesturing him to follow.

Donnie became suspicious, still, he does what he’s told. He approached Silver who’s standing near a big sarcophagus. He looked around, to make sure nobody’s looking and opened the coffin. “Get in.”

“Why?”

“Just do it.” And, Donnie did. Silver followed and closed the coffin, hiding the two inside.

###

Silver slowly opens the sarcophagus slightly, peeking out to the now dark Artifact Room. Sia emerged from the coffin, looking around as she flew away. She went back and nodded, Silver opens the coffin entirely, letting Donnie and himself out.

Donnie gingerly looks around, unsure of what will they be doing.

“What are we doing?” he asked, only to be shushed by Silver. Silver promptly stealth walking into the empty room. Donnie follows without difficulty as he was trained to be stealthy. Silver leads them both to a turn left to the sarcophagus that leads to a storage room. Silver stopped, assessing the situation.

“What are we doing here?!” Donnie whispered. Silver ignores him and lets Sia come forth first. She flew ahead towards the door until she passed an invisible barrier that reanimated as she came through. Donnie was amazed by the presence of the invisible wall.

Silver waited to make sure it didn’t trigger any kind of alarm, which it didn’t. He comes close to the barrier, putting his palm onto it. It was solid, as it should be. Donnie looked around to make sure they were alone, getting more worried about this whole situation.

Silver took a breath in and out, he casts an energy flow onto his hand, the bluish energy glows stunningly in the dark. Donnie watched in awe from a couple of feet away. It then formed itself into a long energy stream, condensed into a sword-like structure.

Donnie was surprised by the guy’s capability, it looks different than any mystic weapons he saw. Silver slashed the barrier right down the middle, then proceed to slice the bottom frame. The sword disappeared, Silver opened the barrier like it was a curtain. He gesturing Donnie to get in first.

“Can you please tell me what’s going on?!” he protested in a whisper.

“I’ll tell you when we get inside. Move!” Donnie opened his mouth to speak, “Kid, you’ve gone far to follow me here. And I don’t mind at all that you bail right this second. Your choice.”

Despite him whispering, Silver’s voice was sharp and stern, giving massive goosebumps towards Donnie’s shell. A strike of fear suddenly picking up, Donnie momentarily having a staring contest with the guy.

He could bail, but he needs to know what this guy’s doing. If he’s doing something bad, it’s his job as a Hamato to stop him. He can’t let it slide, he needs to know what’s going on. He stepped into the barrier, no turning back now.

He stopped at the door, Silver came up and use the key on the door. The storage filled with unshowcased artifacts organized in some ways. Silver carefully closed the door behind him and locked it, Donnie took a moment to look around.

He has seen some of these artifacts in Draxum’s research notes. Few of them extremely foreign.

“THOOOONG!!!!”

Donnie jumped at the sound from behind him. Silver cast some kind of barrier in bluish and white streams of energy. Suddenly, he toppled over, lying on his side. Donnie jerked up and ran at him. His breathing is normal and his pulse is steady but the guy had fallen unconscious.

“Silver?” he patted his cheeks, hoping to wake him up. Silver let out a groan. Donnie helped him to sit, leaning him to a wall. “What happened? You okay?”

“I might...have put....too many in....one go.” he said, sounding really exhausted. Donnie looked at the barrier. It looks very sturdy, not sure how many he actually put in one spot. Donnie turned back to him.

“But, you’re okay, right?

“Yeah, just....a little tired.” he hoists himself up, pushing up against the wall to get back to his feet. Donnie ducked under his arm, helping him walk around the storage room. Silver leads them further inside, Sia flew right ahead. She pinpoints the directions around the many crates filled with artifacts, to where they should go and they follow.

Until they reached a large pedestal with an object that floats right in the middle. Silver let his arm go from Donnie. “There it is.”

The artifact shape is a trapezoid, with carvings all over its dark plum coloring. The object felt different than the others, felt threatening in some ways. Donnie frowned by the sight of it as Silver approached the thing. He held his hand out to it.

“Wait, what are you doing?”

“What does it look like?” he said, “I’m stealing it.”

A paused for a moment.

“Wait, WHAT?!”

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