#he was talkative and friendly when his first wife was still alive
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
slankyyy-vs-the-world · 12 days ago
Text
Tumblr media
The average Matthias Raoul Gautier fan experience
7 notes · View notes
juletheghoul · 2 years ago
Text
friendly neighbourhood handyman
Tumblr media
Gif by @manny-jacinto
Authors note: I just want to live in a world where Joel and Sarah are alive and well. So I wrote it, please enjoy being Joel's neighbour! (Thanks to my bestie @wheresarizona for encouraging me and to my literal wife @foli-vora for being the bestest cheerleader)
Pairing: Young Joel Miller x F!Reader
Word count: 4.3k
Warnings: 18+ no minors, piv sex, dirty talk, creampie, oral (both m & f receiving) let me know if I missed any!
Masterlist
---
It was the dog that led you to him, running out the door once you’d pulled it open, powerless to do anything but yell with your first big run of groceries in your arms. 
“Goddamn it, Tucker!” You all but tossed the groceries inside the house, hoping against hope that the carton of eggs was still intact as you ran towards your dog. Luckily he’d stopped at the house opposite, jumping up onto a dark haired man standing outside his truck. 
“Oh god I’m so sorry! Tucker, get over here!” The man was smiling at the dog, thankfully. A young girl came out, no doubt to investigate the noise. 
“Oh!” She squealed happily, “Hi there!” The dog moved from the man to the girl, jumping up rudely, trying to lick her face. 
“He doesn’t bite! I’m so sorry.” You finally made it over to where his tail was wagging wildly. “Tucker, Jesus Christ, get over here.” You gently pulled him away, catching your breath while staring daggers at the dog. He was nonplussed. 
“He’s so cute!” The young girl came over to pet him where he stood beside you, “Hi Tucker.” His tongue lolled, ecstatic at the attention. 
“You’re alright.” The man finished up behind the truck and walked towards you, he was tall and broad, dark eyes to match his dark hair. He was very handsome. “You just move in?” He scanned behind you.
“Yes, moved in last night.” You smiled, introducing yourself to him. “It’s nice to meet you-“
“Joel.” He shook your outstretched hand, shocking you with how warm his grip was. “My daughter, Sarah.” He gestured to the girl petting the dog at your side. 
“Hi!” She smiled, giving the dog some more love before moving away. He fiddles with the keys in his hand. “Come on Sarah, we’ll be late.” He nodded his head, signaling he couldn’t stay. “I know that house. Garcias used to live there, they had some trouble with the deck if I recall. You have any issues, come see me. I’ll fix it up for you.” He smiled before getting into his truck, letting you walk your unruly dog back to your house. 
It was hard not to look out for him after that. Not failing to notice the lack of a wedding ring. 
From then on every rumble of a truck crawling down the street made you glance out the window. Whenever it was him getting home you’d stare, lip caught between your teeth as you watched him make his way into the house. He always had a quick word for whichever neighbour was out, always a gorgeous smile on his lips. 
You thought about taking him up on his offer, about asking him to help with projects around the house, but then what? What if he had a relationship? How could you find out?
The answer came a few days later while you were out on the front lawn, tackling the disaster that was your garden bed. Denise, the friendly woman next door, had come over to say hello. She was commenting on your flowers when Joel’s telltale truck rumbled towards you. 
You tried not to stare, tried to keep your eyes on Denise, keep your attention on the words she spoke but he caught her attention as well.
“Hey, have you met Joel yet? Joel!” She called him over and it made your stomach drop off a cliff. Your blood buzzes with giddy excitement, reducing you to a schoolgirl with a crush. You couldn’t help but smile at him as he walked over. Tucker was tied to the porch with a long leash to stop him from running out into the street again, and he’d been laying in a patch of sun calmly but that went out the window once he noticed Joel walking over. He bounded over to him and was greeted with a friendly welcome. 
“Hey boy, you behavin’?” He patted him firmly on the flank before reaching you both, “Yes, dog made sure we met.” He smiled. “How’s that deck treatin’ you?” He had a squinty smile on his handsome face. One of Denise’s kids came out then and practically dragged her away, leaving the two of you alone. 
“It’s seen better days, whole house has really.” You turned to look at the house from his perspective. “I take it you're a carpenter?” He moved to stand beside you, both of you facing the house. 
“My brother and I work construction, but I know enough to get by. What’s wrong inside?” 
“Well, the banister is loose, wobbly when you go up the stairs. Couple of loose floorboards and the bathroom could use a new sink. Aside from that-” 
“New coat of paint on the outside wouldn’t hurt either.” He was frowning at the exterior. “You all alone in there?” He turned to face you, “Aside from the dog I mean, anyone to help out?” 
You shook your head no. 
“Just Tucker and I, what about you? Just you and Sarah over there?” You gestured towards his home. Probing. 
“Just us, and occasionally Tommy. My brother.” He pulled the phone out of his pocket to check the time, “Can I take a look at your stairs? Sounds dangerous.” 
“Sure–come in.” Your heart raced as you walked up the porch steps, opening the door for him, making sure to untie Tucker and let him in with you.
He made his way in, wiping his boots off as best he could on your welcome mat, Tucker rushed past you both and made his way over to his favourite spot. 
You definitely hadn’t planned on having visitors. 
“Don’t judge me–I’m almost done unpacking.” There were still a few boxes littering the almost set up living room. Shelves that were halfway filled. Books scattered on the floor. 
“Oh don’t sweat it. You should see the way my place gets sometimes.” He smiled, making his way towards the stairs. “Okay, let's see what we’re workin’ with.” He curled his fingers around the banister and gave it a firm shake, swearing under his breath when it almost came off in his hands. “Okay that is really unsafe. Give me a sec and I’ll grab my tools.” He turned to head for the door. “I can’t fix everything tonight, I have to get dinner started but I can do this.” 
“Oh, please if you’re in a hurry it’s okay!” You rushed out after him. “Really, it’s okay–” 
“No it isn’t, I'll be right back.” He jogged quickly across the cul de sac, reaching into his truck for his tool belt and what looked like a drill. “Okay, I’m going to tighten this up and make it safe, and then later on if you want to replace it or update it or what have you, we can do it.” The way he said we almost let you believe that you were an item, and it thrilled you. 
“You’re too kind Joel, really.” You watched him with hearts in your eyes, eating up the sight of him working away, the way his arms flexed when he pushed on the drill to tighten up some loose screws, when he put a few new ones in. It was a warm day, and you could see the evidence of it as a drop of perspiration rolled down the back of his neck, down past the collar of his shirt. All of him a taunt. 
“Okay–I think we’re in business.” He was up and testing the bannister faster than you would have liked, testing it and smiling, happy with his handiwork. “You free tomorrow?” He was tucking his drill into a loop on his belt. 
“Yes, I get home just after four.” You fiddled with hem of your shirt, your hands itching to circle around his neck. 
Jesus woman, get a hold of yourself. 
“Perfect, I’ll get Sarah to go next door–” He caught you staring at his arms, your lip between your teeth, every dirty thought you’d had about him no doubt plain on your face. You looked at the bannister quickly, too quickly. “...Okay if I just park in your driveway?” He crossed his arms and leaned against the door frame. You could almost hear the smile on his lips along with the pounding of your heart in your ears. 
“Uh, yeah. No problem.” You smiled big. You tried to glance at him quickly but he held your gaze, his head swiveling when you moved. 
“Well okay then.” He smiled big, his dimple the cherry on top. “I’ll see you tomorrow then?” He winked and then left. Tucker let out a sigh as the screen door banged behind him. 
“Tell me about it boy.” You spoke to the dog, watching Joel as he walked away. 
You’d gotten home early, and spent it tidying up the living room, hoping to have it all cleared away by the time Joel came over. 
You’d just managed to put away the last few things and change into something a bit nicer than work clothes when his truck rumbled down the street. Tucker bolted to the screen door, barking happily as Joel unloaded his things. 
“Hey boy.” Joel put down his toolbox and shut the screen door, making sure Tucker didn’t get out. “How you keepin’? He gave the dog those flank pats he loved, moving up to scratch behind his ears.
“Thanks again for doing this Joel-” He looked up at you with something like surprise. 
Was the dress too much?
He smiled wide, giving you a not so subtle onceover. 
“It’s no trouble at all.” He straightened up, running a hand through his hair. “Let's see if we can straighten this place out.” You couldn’t help but smile back, his dark eyes lively with something that looked like mischief. 
He did a walk through of the house, noting the things that needed repairing and once he had assembled the mental list he got to work.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” Tucker was standing near his bowl, pawing at it to get your attention. “I have beer, water, could make a pot of coffee.”
“Coffee would be great, if you make some for yourself. Don’t just make a pot for me.” You heard tools being set down, the general rummaging noises of a handyman. 
“I could have some coffee.” You set about making it, pouring a pot full of water into Tucker's bowl, and then into the machine before adding the filter and the grounds. It was nice to have something to do instead of standing there gawking at him, 
“So—how are you likin’ the neighbourhood?” His voice carried, deep and friendly. 
“It’s great, nice and quiet.” You called back, reaching for a couple of mugs. 
“And the neighbours?” There was something in his voice, something playful.
“They’re alright.” He laughs before you hear drilling sounds.
When the coffee was ready you poured two cups, and fixed yours the way you liked it. 
“How do you take your coffee?” You called out.
“Just black please darlin’.” Your heart raced at the endearment, making you smile privately before heading towards him. “Thank you kindly, this smells amazing.” He took a greedy sip, seemingly unbothered by the temperature and let out a deep groan. 
“Good?” Pride swelled in your chest to see him enjoy it so much, thankful now that you’d remembered to buy coffee on your first grocery run.
“Fantastic. I can never get it to taste this good. Might knock on your door before work.” He set the mug down after gulping down almost half the cup. You laughed, enjoying your own a little bit more now. 
The sun was making its way down as he worked, patching up all the little problem areas of your home. Sanding the edges off so to speak. He talked a lot, asking questions about you, about Tucker, about family and spilling about his in turn. He was so easy to talk to, his voice easy to get lost in and more than once you got the sense that the conversation was a little more flirty than you’d expected it to be. 
He’d catch you staring at his neck, his arms or his mouth and smile to himself. You’d turn and catch him staring at your legs, at your ass but mostly, his eyes drifted down—to your cleavage. 
Eventually the chit-chat stopped, the only sounds were the sounds of his tools, the jingle of Tucker’s collar, cicadas outside. There was something else though, an energy, a vibe flowing between the two of you, shy smiles were exchanged, his hand brushed softly against yours when he handed you the empty mug. He laughed softly to himself after catching you staring yet again. 
“Darlin’, are you givin’ me the eyes?” His tone was playful and you felt your face heat up under the intensity of his gaze. 
“Maybe.” You played with the hem of your dress. “What if I was?” Your ears were burning, the words almost getting caught in your throat. 
“Well,” He turned to face you, hands on his hips, “I’d have to say I’m givin’ you the eyes right back.” Your heart kicked it into overdrive, brain buzzing with giddiness. “I’d have to confess that I’ve been thinkin’ about what you’d think about me kissin’ you.” He took a tentative step closer, his tools forgotten on the ground. 
“I’d be very agreeable to that.” Your voice was steady despite the adrenaline flooding your veins. 
He closed the gap, his big hands landed on your hips and then he went for it. Pressing his lips softly against yours. 
The kiss was lovely and chaste, until it wasn’t. 
Your hands rested on the arms you’d been staring at, sliding up up up past his shoulders, finally curling through the soft waves on the back of his head. He smelled like clean laundry, mixed with something citrusy, something spicy. Mouthwatering.
He pulled you closer, pulling a surprised gasp from somewhere in your throat. His tongue slid along your bottom lip, begging for entrance that you readily gave. 
It was his turn to groan, your fingers tugging at his hair, pressing yourself closer. 
He pulled away after a moment, coming in again to press more kisses to your lips, feather soft and devastating. He pressed his forehead against yours, the both of you catching your breath. He had lit a fire in your belly, awakened a heartbeat in your cunt and made it weep for him.
“Would you think less of me if I took you to bed?” You watched your own hands as you said the words, holding them against his chest, bringing them down slowly and savoring the solid feel of him beneath them.
“I’d love to–” A trilling noise sounded from his pocket and he answered it with an apologetic frown. “Yes baby girl, what’s wrong?” He stepped away for a moment, sighing quietly and hanging up quickly before coming back towards you.
“Dad duty?” You kept your voice neutral, ignoring the way your panties stuck to your body. 
“Dad duty, but–would you be okay with me comin’ back after I put the kiddo to bed?” 
“Of course, I’ll be waiting.” You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him down for another kiss, licking into his mouth before pulling away. “Don’t forget about me.” You smiled sweetly. 
“Keep the door unlocked, this kid is going to bed in record time.” He pressed another quick kiss, and gave your ass a sharp swat that had you squealing into his mouth. He hurriedly gathered his tools and left. Tucker barked excitedly when the screen door slammed behind him. You couldn’t help but laugh as he practically ran home.
-
Hours passed and the blood settled down from an unbearable heat, to a slow simmer. Tucker retreated to his bed, the last few remaining chores were completed by the time the sun had fully set. With nothing to do but wait, you took a nice, long shower. You fantasized about him surprising you while the cool water flowed over your heated skin, butterflies in your stomach fluttering wildly at the thought of his hands on you again, moving down your arms and over your hips, sliding between your thighs to find you wet and wanting. 
The shower ended without any surprises, which left you to dry off and enjoy the still of the night around you. A soft breeze blew through the open window, the cicadas were singing loud as ever and with a growing sense of doubt you saw that the hour was getting late. Maybe he’d fallen asleep. Maybe he’d been so tired from all the little projects he’d done, not to mention his full time job, and the kid he took care of–
There was a quiet tap on the door that had Tucker’s collar jingling. Your heart raced as you all but sprinted to the front door. 
“Good christ woman.” He was staring at your nightie, “You tryna kill me?” made his way in, careful not to trip over the dog on his quest to lay his hands on you. 
“You like my nightgown?” It was simple, but it complimented you nicely. 
“Like?” He shut the door with his foot before pulling you into his arms, his mouth finding yours with an urgency that made you groan. “Darlin’ I love it.” His facial hair tickled the sensitive skin of your neck when he kissed you there, making a shiver run down your spine. Your hands were restless, moving to feel as much of him as you could. The muscles in his arms flex under your palms when you slide them towards his neck, the skin of his back was warm and he all but purred when you scratched at it lovingly. 
Your confidence grew with every press of his lips. 
“I want you in my mouth Joel–” He surged up to capture your mouth, his tongue obscene, making you ache with arousal. 
“That so?” He herded you up the stairs, the two of you giggling as you made your way into your room. “What else do you want honey?” You pulled his shirt up and off tossing it onto the floor with a grin. 
“I want you to show me how much you like my nightgown.” You bit your lip, pulling him by his waistband towards your bed, you sit close to the edge and look up at him through your eyelashes. His desire for you was obvious. Hard and heavy and tenting out the front of his sweats. 
“Go on Honey, open up that pretty mouth of yours.” He pulled the front of his sweats down and your eyes widened at the sight of him.
“Yes sir.” You do as he says, opening your mouth and sticking your tongue out, your hands moving to pull him closer. He groans at the sight of you there and takes his cock in hand, taps it against your tongue a few times and you can’t help but moan at the salty taste of his arousal beading on the reddened tip of him. 
You move one of your hands to hold onto it, noting with nervous excitement at the size of him. He moans when you place open mouthed kisses to the sensitive underside, moving to the base to give him a wide lick all the way to the tip. Repeating it until he whines. 
“Come on sugar, stop teasin’ me.” He reaches down to put the straps of your nightie down, palming your breast before holding onto the hinge of your jaw, guiding your movements gently. “Can you take me a little deeper?” You nod around the tip of him, hollowing your cheeks and taking him as deep into your mouth as you can, swallowing around where he's hitting the back of your throat. He groans deep in his chest when you keep him there, eyes watering, spit spilling around the girth of him, gagging and sputtering. 
“Jesus christ woman.” He says it like he’s in pain and you preen. “Fuck, fuck that’s good.” His thumb presses softly into the plump apple of your cheek, angling your mouth the way he wants it. 
You know you must look a mess, spit dripping down your chin and onto your chest, tears streaming down your face and yet still, Joel is looking down at you like the sun shines out of your ass. 
“Keep this up and I’m gonna fill your mouth.” The words come out strained and despite how much you love having him like this, the ache between your legs is growing unbearable so you give it one final kiss and pull away. 
“My turn.” He pulls the rest of everything off, smiling wide as you scoot back onto your bed, your nipples tightening almost painfully. “God I bet you taste good huh?” He kisses your knee, swearing under his breath at the site of the wet spot between your legs. He curls his fingers around the waistband of your panties and you lift your hips to help him pull them off, his big hands parting your thighs the minute they’re sliding off your ankles. 
“Look at that.” You rest on your elbows watching him get comfortable between your spread legs. “Been thinkin’ about this since the first day I saw you.” He presses a kiss to your mound, then your thigh, sinking his teeth into the meat of it before he nudges at your plump little clit with the tip of his nose. 
You thread your fingers through the dark waves of his hair, smoothing out his eyebrow with the pad of your thumb. 
“Come on baby, who’s teasing who now?” You wiggle your hips a bit, trying to get closer and he laughs, drunk on your excitement.
He dives in, wide licks from the rim of your opening up to the sensitive bundle of nerves. He groans, moving down, sliding his tongue as deep as he can to drink you down straight from the source. 
You watch him through the haze of arousal, breathing hard as he sucks your clit into his mouth, eyes closed in his unabashed enjoyment of the act. His hands squeeze your thighs for a moment before they slide up to pluck at your nipples while he devours you. 
It spreads through your belly like a wildfire, the pleasure building and building until your hips are chasing his tongue, grinding onto his face, your whole body a string being tightened until it finally snaps. 
You shudder, falling back onto the bed, your body practically bowing under the intensity of your climax. 
He presses another kiss to your mound before he crawls up and slots himself in the cradle of your thighs, his cock hot and heavy pressed up against your cunt.
His kiss now is aggressive, all teeth and tongues, breathing hard while he grinds against you—his cock slotting itself between the lips of your sex. Coating himself in you.
You reach down between your legs and line him up, pulling his hips in slowly while his mouth is pressed against yours, both of you sharing a moan when you pull him flush against you. 
“Good god Joel, you’re splitting me open.” You wrap your arms around his neck, biting at his lip and relishing the rumbly groan your comment garners. “So fucking big.” You love how wrecked he is to hear it, so you keep telling him. “Need to be really wet to be able to take you baby—“ he starts off with shallow thrusts, short jabs that make you pant into his mouth. “Hear how fucking wet you made me?” You barely get the words out before his tongue is in your mouth again. 
He slides one knee up for leverage, slipping his forearm under your thigh to hold you open for him and it knocks the thoughts right out of your head. Your mind blanks with every punch of cock and your arms cling to his neck for dear life. 
“Touch yourself baby, need you to come for me.” He looks down, watching the place where you’re joined and you hurry to obey, sticking your fingers into your mouth before bringing them to your clit and he shuts his eyes tight, sweat gathering in his hairline and yours, a thin sheen of it covering you both., 
It only takes a few perfect circles and you're clenching around him with a scream. Your legs try to close automatically but he keeps them open, fucks you through your orgasm until his rhythm stutters. 
“Inside Joel, I wanna feel it—“ he groans, seizing up for a moment before he grinds in deep, filling you to the brim. 
“Fuck.” He collapses onto you, his face buried into your neck while you both catch your breath and it’s only now that you notice your nightie is still around your middle like a belt. You ignore it though, instead focusing on the warm weight of him, comforting and solid on top of you. 
He lifts his head, a blissed out mischievous grin on his face.
“You know, if you didn’t have the money to pay for my handyman services we coulda worked something out—“ you slap his shoulder playfully and he laughs full-throated. The sound is almost more exciting than anything thus far. 
“You’re hilarious.” You push his hair back away from his forehead, smiling to yourself. “A regular comedian, this guy.” 
“I try—“ he pulls out with a hiss, “—you busy this weekend?” He pulls you close, finally divesting you of the nightgown turned belt. 
“Nothing planned yet, why? Are you planning on asking me out?”
“Was thinkin’ about it. Would you say yes?” He skims his nose along your neck, raising goosebumps in his wake.
“Yes. Yes I believe I would.”
Tag list: @frannyzooey @greeneyedblondie44 @lola4pedro @ezrasbirdie @221bshrlocked @artsymaddie @supernaturalgirl20 @sleep-tight1 @sherala007 @marydjarin @cannedsoupsucks @thirstworldproblemss @ilikechocolatemilkh @freeshavocadoooo @hrk-fic-recs @maxwell--lord @princessxkenobi @the-feckless-wonder @kirsteng42 @thisshipwillsail316 @feministfanboi @dihra-vesa @stevie75 @readsalot73 @pedrostories @tobealostwanderer @mandocrasis @elegantduckturtle @diogodxlot @alczysz17 @evyiione @absurdthirst @beskarboobs @andruxx @littlemissoblivious @1800-fight-me @maievdenoir @gracie7209 @omlwhatamidoinghere @magikfanatic @frankiecatfish @mrs-ghuleh @pedritoispunk @studythoreauly @missswriter @pintsizemama @mswarriorbabe80 @a-trial-run-on-paper @la-le-lu @chickadee-djarin @dobbyjen @rosiefridayrogersunday @ajeff855 @johnsrevelation @the-witty-pen-name @zombiesnips-blog @quica-quica-quica @sarahjkl82-blog @fan-of-encouragement @queenofthecloudss @deadhumourist @felicisimor @sophiefatale2495 @toomanystoriessolittletime @what-iwish-you-knew @pedrostories @athalien @bi-thewayy @literallydontlook @pedrosbrat @gamingaquarius @localddreamers @luxmundee @iamafadedmoon @nakhudanyx @littlemisspascal @grogusmum @recklessworry @heyitmelexie @killyspinacoladas @gothicxbarbie @evildxad @dragonslarimar @spideysimpossiblegirl @chemtrail-mix @maievdenoir @breezythesimp @altarsw @artooies-scream @staygolddindjarin @softsweetedbeauty @littlemisspascal @yuiopiklmn @squidwell @allthatsleftbehind @just-blogging-around @bbyanarchist @girlofchaos @maddiedrmr @frasmotic @acourtofsnakes @buckybarneshairpullingkink @astoryisaloveaffair @harriedandharassed @swtaura @send-me-to-valhalla @shirks-all-responsibilities @androah @alwaysachorusgirl @dindjarinsmut @captain-jebi @gallowsjoker @oliviajdjarin @actuallyanita @tusk89 @dadbodfanatic-x @naiomiwinchester @blazedprince
4K notes · View notes
tetsunabouquet · 10 months ago
Note
Hey! How are you? :) I have a very specific scenario lmao bear with me. I work as a Disney princess (Aurora, sleeping beauty) in my local themepark, I spend time with children, answer any questions if they have any, read them book, sing my songs. If there is a birthday party in correlation with Disney I get invited and stuff. I was wondering if you could write how gom's would react to an s/o with a job like this, their reaction with the s/o spending too much time with the assigned prince actors and stuff. This is so horribly cringe omg but I love your writing and wanna see how you demonstrate this! Thanks for reading :)
A/N: Again, than you so much for this request, I cannot express how much I loved writing this.
Tumblr media
Akashi
-Considering he has two personalities, it obviously depends on the personality how he reacts to it. -Original Akashi actually is pleasantly surprised and quite interested. I think he really digs a s/o that is wonderful with children. -He is amazed at the way you can remain calm and cheerful even when the kids are acting like complete brats. -Honestly just seeing you on the job is enough to convince Akashi you are marriage material. Your ability to play a role, your warmth that never seems to waver despite how bad some of the kids can be sometimes, it convinces him you are the perfect wife for the Akashi household and as warm as a mother as his own was. -Which is why he actually likes watching you on the job. -He isn't envious of the actors who come and play your prince in a possessive kind of manner, but he always wonders what it would be like to play the part of Prince himself. He often likes to imagine himself playing the part, and sweeping you off your feet in front of the kids. -As for Akashi's emperor persona on the other hand, things are naturally different. -For one, this one can be quite clingy and possessive and he has threatened the life of the prince actors at least once per person. -He's not afraid to make a brat cry so honestly one should tell him to stay away. -But no one ever does, because they know Akashi won't listen. -However, this version of Akashi is the likeliest out of everyone to force your boss to pay you well, and your boss honestly worships you afterwards as your boss feels like the only reason their family is still alive is your grace.
Tumblr media
Kise
-At first, he doesn't knows wether he should be happy you are the center of attention for once, or wether he should feel envious he's not everyone's sun at the moment. -Kise actually is wonderful with the kids and gets along great with them. You muse it must be his childish side and his ability to be friendly and charming. -Kise, as a model, does have a little understanding of what it is to be in the entertainment industry and the two of you often talk about your jobs and vision for the future together. -As a model, he isn't jealous of the prince actors either. He also has to do a shoot with female models sometimes, so he understands that its business. -Eventually, he actually gets curious and wants to try out as a prince actor himself, because he's good with kids and he honestly wants to see what its like sometimes. -He didn't last long though. His fangirls quickly got wind of it and booked him so many times for parties, that he had to quit.
Tumblr media
Muraskibara
-Nobody was surprised about your job, after all, Murasakibara can be like a toddler himself so the fact you are trained to handle them honestly made his teammates think something along the lines of, 'So that's why she's so great with him'. -He honestly shouldn't be taken to visit you at your job because Murasakibara isn't afraid to go after the kids who steal his candy. His murderous look is enough to have any parent present fear for their kids. -Murasakibara doesn't really cares for the prince actors, but he's annoyed with how much time they and your job requires. He genuinely wants you to be around him 24/7. -However Murasakibara always tries to comfort you in his own ways when he notices you have had a rough day on the job. He can be a surprisingly good listener. -He has his own sweet but weird idea of being romantic. For one, whenever it is December he will buy Disney princess themed chocolate calendars because Aurora was on it.
Tumblr media
Aomine
-Honestly his first reaction is some kind of flirtatious comment that should be categorized in the 'horrible pick-up line' section of flirting. You end up laughing at it and thinking he looks so cute when he gets redfaced. -Will not hold back his tongue when a brat is acting up, but if the kid bursts out in tears he gets so apologetic that you think he's only ever looked that sincere whenever he hurts you or Momoi. -He can actually be act like a friendly older brother to the good behaved kids, and you secretly think its the cutest thing ever. -Aomine gets quite jealous in regards to the prince actors. He will try to act nice enough when there are kids around, but if its just you hanging out with your co-workers, then he honestly wants to be there so he can keep an eye on the young men around you. -He's not afraid to throw punches at them if they ever dare to make a move on you. -But leave it to Momoi to have a plan to convince you Aomine is your one and only prince. You honestly could not believe him when he showed up on your doorstep in perfect cosplay, but you were enarmored with the gesture for sure.
Tumblr media
Midorima
-Is totally flabbergasted when he learns about our job. Honestly, his reaction is the most comical. -Though he actually does expresses interest and always asks you how your day at work was. -Whilst Takao and Midorima occasionally visit you on the job, Midorima is too busy just appreciating how pretty you look to pay the prince actors some attention. As long as they are nice too you, Midorima is cool with it. -Midorima does worry they are underpaying you sometimes. -Because you have to be good with kids on the job, he actually dares to open up with you about his little sister and any fight or worries he has regarding her (he's too prideful to ask Takao for advice). -His sister adores your job more then he does, which is why he booked you and the other princesses at the park for her birthday. She was so happy seeing 'Nee-Chan' and everyone else dressed up like real princesses for her party and actually dressed up as a tiny Aurora herself to match you. Midorima honestly was melting at how cute the two of you were from a distance, where he took many and many photos.
76 notes · View notes
rickmymanrick · 7 months ago
Text
one rule | chapter six
[rick grimes x original female character slowburn]
series masterlist
summary: rick confides in daphne, for reasons unknown to her. as she offers him counsel, daphne is also grappling with conflicting feelings of her own.
notes: if you're disappointed by this reaction, this is a friendly reminder that season 1 rick was mr moral high ground. but trust me when i say there WILL be a catalyst for rick's entire wrath and fury. this is just one step closer to that. do not fear, rick will be kicking shane's ass very soon :) also, the pacing is so bad in this, i might rewrite this whole chapter soon. but feel free to comment, i love talking to you all!
Tumblr media
I froze. In fact, I think all three of us did and I realized with a jolt how out of my depth I was here. This had nothing to do with me and of course, here I was, in the smack dab middle of it.
Daryl scoffed one more time and then trudged into the woods, mumbling all sorts of things. I stared after him until he disappeared within the trees. His words dawned on me and my eyes slowly traveled over to Shane.
Sure, Rick's sudden appearance had served as a nice distraction from the big glaring problem I had waiting here for me if I got back alive, but reality had to be faced eventually. My inner conflict since last night had been tearing me from the inside-out, as I tried to figure out my feelings for Shane Walsh. After all, he has been generously kind to me in all the years I've known him, albeit flirty but in a respectful way. He didn't cross any lines I'd deemed uncrossable and I wouldn't deny that his concern and priority over my well-being filled me with sensation far beyond gratitude.
The kiss caught me off guard. But now this bucket of ice cold water had been dumped over my head. Just as I began to entertain the idea of harboring romantic feelings for him.
His words from last night echoed in the back of my mind.
"For what it's worth, it's always been you."
Something inexplicable gripped at my throat. But I stayed as silent as possible. Watching these two was like a ticking bomb, any second away from detonating.
Shane stared at Rick with a troubled expression, his foot twisting into the dirt uncomfortably.
I knew in an instant Daryl Dixon did not lie.
Did he know this was my usual spot to gather berries and other edible plants? With his tracking abilities, I wouldn't doubt it, despite not talking to the man much but...
Of all the miles that surrounded our camp, why stretch out the smug admission of a hidden truth, a treacherous affair, until this very spot, just steps away from where I was crouched in the bush, picking for blueberries?
I reprimanded myself at the thought. Why would Daryl Dixon care about my knowing of Shane's personal escapades?
"She..." Shane started quite hesitantly. "Lori... she thought you were dead, man."
"Did you?"
Shane scoffed as if the accusation baffled him. "You heard 'em. I... I tried, Rick. I saw you every chance I got. The day it all went down— I didn't have a damn clue what was going on. Screams from left to right, the military raining fire on anyone who was still breathing. Hell, I tried to get you out of there, man! But it couldn't be the two of us dead because you still had a wife and a child out there! And if I couldn't save you, I could damn well save them!" He was unexpectedly set off, angrier than he should've been. "And let me tell you somethin', I did it for you. I did it for my brother. L-Lori, we were comforting each other in the only way we knew how—"
"I thought you were gone."
His partner's face was crestfallen. His lips parted like the shock was threatening to sink him under, his eyes glazed over from the betrayal.
"After I woke up in that hospital bed, when I saw what the world had become. The first thing I thought about was Carl and Lori. And then you. Our unit. For a moment, I thought you were all dead—"
Rick choked up and Shane's face morphed into something reminiscent of guilt. I couldn't quite tell though. I'd like to think that after years, I knew this man. But now he was completely unreadable.
Running a hand over his face, down his glistening eyes, Rick squared his stance and stared his longest friend in the eye.
"Our marriage... fell apart a long time ago," he shook his head and clenched his jaw. "But that doesn't make this okay."
There was a long moment of tense silence and I didn't realize I was holding my breath until my chest began to burn. I tried to control the air releasing from my lungs.
"I appreciate what you did. Saving 'em. I owe you everythin' but—" Rick cut himself off, glaring at the grass between them. He seemed to be saying these words through his teeth, forcing himself to say them. His hand began to flex angrily and his feet kicked the dirt beneath them in warning.
I stared at them with a mix of emotions.
One was a man that had changed my life forever, taught me how to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where I should've died. He cared for me, never shied away from making it clear that I was his priority. And maybe I was too blinded by the attention to see that there was something going on between him and Lori. That she was also carelessly pushed to the side in the weeks we'd been forming a new life together. And to know that she'd been having sex with him all along, I could only hope that she didn't have actual feelings for him, because it would explain the strange looks I had been catching from her, and my guilt would only increase tenfold.
And on the other hand was her husband, a man I have been pining over since the moment I laid eyes on him in the precinct.
Rick Grimes had an instant hold over me, no matter how minuscule or undetectable it had gotten over the years, and no matter what, he had always truly been the most gorgeous man I've known inside and out.
What does that say about me? Lusting after my friend's husband and then fucking around with the feelings of her goddamn side piece.
I suddenly became nauseous.
"I get it, man. I'll go back to the camp," said Shane after a long stretch of silence. I kept my eyes on Rick, unable to look at Shane with the turmoil brewing inside me. A simmering anger was twisting my insides at the mere sound of his voice.
"Uh— yeah, yeah," Rick mumbled distractedly, not bothering to even look up, fists clenching and unclenching by his sides.
A pair of footsteps stomped away, crunching along the grass until the only thing that could be heard was the chirps of the nearby insects.
As soon as Shane disappeared within the trees, Rick spun around to send his fist flying into a tree, a muffled yell leaving his pressed lips. He was beyond angry, tears lining his lash line, face turning red. I stared with wide eyes, trying not to make a single sound.
I felt incredibly bad for him. I couldn't imagine fighting tooth and nail to make it back to your wife just to find that she had moved on to your best friend so quickly. That although their marriage had already been suffering, she had chosen to sleep with the man he trusted more than anyone else.
Something wet touched my hand. I uncurled my fist to find a handful of crushed blueberries.
"How long you been there?"
I jolted up in surprise, my curls tangled into the bush and the pouch of berries slipped out of my other hand.
"I was here first," I replied defensively, still hidden in the bush.
Rick didn't say anything, just peered past the leaves as if he couldn't quite spot me. But somehow he knew I was there, his chest rising and falling rapidly.
"You were," he eventually said, slowly. "I saw you just before Daryl left."
Relief flooded through me. I slowly untangled myself from the branches, stepping out into the path with tinged cheeks. "I was picking berries. Found the patch a few weeks ago."
His cheeks were flushed, his hands shaking very slightly by his side.
"I can leave you alone," I said after some silence. "I'll go back to camp—"
"No." Rick said firmly, meeting my eye very briefly before glaring back down at the ground.
I halted my escape. "Oh, um, okay."
The awkwardness was threatening to eat me alive. I shifted on my feet, wondering where to look and what to do with my hands.
"Do you..." I eagerly looked up at Rick, glad one of us was talking. "Did you know?"
I studied him. Really, there should be no reason for him to be upset with me too, but I braced myself for his wrath anyway. He'd spared Shane because they were partners, but we were nothing. As much as it bothered me, Rick and I didn't owe each other an ounce of respect in this new world.
"No," I told him honestly. A surge of anger towards Shane rushed through me again. My cheeks felt hot.
"I keep wondering... if I have the right to even be upset. I wasn't a good husband to her, I know this, and you're the last person I should be telling this to but—"
The last person? Should I be offended or something? I decide now wasn't the best time to press for details. "It's fine. I know this can't be easy for you. To wake up to... this."
Rick scoffed a little, but not in a rude way. It was as if I'd said something outlandish and absurd.
"I woke up and the hardest part was done. Seeing the world change— changing with it— becoming the leader of a group you have no responsibilities or ties to. You, you did the hard part."
"Oh— did Shane—?"
"Shane didn't hafta tell me nothin'. Lori and I talked last night. She told me everything that happened since the day I got shot," explained Rick solemnly.
I cringed at the thought of them spending time alone last night. Not that it was crazy to imagine; they were still married.
"I guess I have a lot to be thanking you for," Rick looked up at me with an intense sincerity in his gaze. I tried not to squirm under the pressure of it. He continued. "You saved my family. That is something I will never be able to repay."
He stepped forward and laid a large hand on my shoulder. I could feel some heat rush to my ears. "You have my gratitude."
"Carl's a great kid. And Lori's my friend. I would do it a million times over," I told him truthfully.
He stared at me for a few moments, his hand still holding my shoulder as his eyes scanned every bit of my face. Sighing, he stepped away and brought himself to the ground carefully, sitting with his knees bent and leaning an elbow against them thoughtfully.
It was silent again, but it didn't feel as awkward as before so I sat next to him and began to wash the berries off with the bottle of water I'd brought with me from camp.
"What... what do I do?"
My head shot over to stare at him. "You're asking me."
I didn't state it as a question, more as a statement of shock, thinking about how ironic it was that the fate of a marriage I had once upon a time envied was now partly in my hands. The guilt was still there, painfully tugging at my heartstrings.
Rick shrugged and made a show of looking around at the empty trees around us.
"I can't really tell you what to do, Rick."
"What I really wanna do is break his jaw in. Watch him choke on his teeth."
I'm surprised at the restraint it took for him to not send his fist flying in the first place. I was fully prepared to watch Shane's ass get beat.
"He deserves it," I instigated slightly. I couldn't possibly be as angry as he was but I understood. Shane does deserve a good punch.
He sighed and shook his head at the ground.
"I don't know how to go on. How to look him in the face—" he scowled. "We were brothers. He was my best friend. He knew." Rick snapped.
"He knew...?"
"He was the one person I confided in. I told him about Lori and I. I told him when things started going south. I never thought in a million years I'd have to worry." He spat, shaking his head angrily.
I felt some of that bitterness surge in me as well. I felt completely and utterly deceived by the same goddamn person.
"We never do," I projected a bit. I couldn't help it, the anger was swelling in me as well. Just the thought of Shane's stupid face made me want to punch something. "They fill our heads with all these stupid promises and reassurances just to stab you right in the back anyway."
Am I being overdramatic? Most likely. Hell, I probably deserved this. I led Shane on for so long, I couldn't be mad that he moved on to someone else. I just couldn't understand why he'd said the things he did last night. The kiss.
I've never been more goddamn confused in my life.
It was quiet for a few minutes, my last comment brewing in the silence but I didn't think Rick would pay much mind to it. He had bigger problems of his own.
"Carl— he's so young..." he said idly as if it had just occurred to him.
Too young for a divorce was what he meant.
I couldn't disagree with that. There's no age that seeing your parents separate becomes easier to deal with. But he's not the same nine-year-old Rick had known before he got shot.
"Rick, the world isn't the same anymore. It doesn't excuse Lori's actions or Shane's, but all of that doesn't matter so much when you're trying to keep yourself from getting eaten by dead cannibals. I can't tell you what to do but in the grand scheme of things, I think Carl will learn to understand."
I didn't know whether this brought him any comfort because he seemed to have nothing else to say on the matter. Maybe I was too straightforward, after all Carl was his kid at the end of the day. Despite how much I'd grown to care for him...
"I've been thinking about the man we left behind."
I looked over at him in shock. It was the last thing I'd been expecting him to bring up. But as soon as I looked at his blue eyes, I could almost see the plans he was concocting.
He wanted to go after him.
"You can't be serious," I scoffed. I'd been pushing aside my own thoughts about Merle Dixon. Just one more thing to add to my consciousness. As much of a dickhead as he was, we'd left a human being for dead.
"It isn't right. Leaving him up there to die," insisted Rick.
"He would do the same to any of us," I argued. "You just escaped the city. Survived alone against all odds. You're willing risk that for a douchebag like Merle?"
I observed the incredulous look on his face with disdain. It's different for him. He was just introduced to this new fucked up reality. He still has hope that we can be the heroes of this story-- that we can afford to care about anyone but ourselves.
"This-- what we have here-- this is what we focus on. It's unfortunate but Merle dug his own grave. It isn't worth risking your life, Rick."
I hated the way he was looking at me but I steeled myself. He'd learn soon enough. Men like Merle weren't worth compromising your safety for. It was every man for himself in the old world, and even more so in the new one.
I shoved every silly feeling I've had for Rick to the side and gave him a stern look back. I willed myself not to care about the disgust on his face because soon enough, he'd understand.
He'd understand what we've done to keep his wife and son alive.
Rick opened his mouth and I braced myself, ready to hear something along the lines of me being a murderer and a split second thought ran through my head.
Shane would agree with me.
A blood curdling scream cut through the dense silence.
"MOM! DAD!"
I was up before I could even process it, tearing through the woods with Rick at my heels.
"CARL!" Rick and I yelled in unison. I gripped the pistol Shane had given me tight, not caring if my face was torn up by the stray branches I ran against, heart pounding in my chest as I willed my legs to move faster than they ever have.
"Here!" I tossed a knife back to Rick as I pushed ahead of him, beating him in speed by a milestone.
"MAMA! MOMMY!" A high-pitched voice screamed.
Finally, I stumbled upon where Sophia and Carl were huddled. Making a beeline towards the kids, despite the walker that stood yards away.
I grabbed them by the shoulders, looking them up and down frantically. Trying to find a bite, a scratch, anything.
A body came slamming into mine and I suddenly heard their screams, the rest of the group had been searching as well.
Lori grabbed her son frantically, snatching him from my grasp and patting his arms down in a panic. "Carl! Nothing bit you, nothing scratched you?"
"No, I'm fine," Carl shook his head.
Jacqui came running out of nowhere.
"Soph?" The small blonde girl shook her head frantically before sprinting in the direction of camp, no doubt searching for her mother.
"She wasn't bit. We're both okay." Carl reassured.
I gripped my pistol and set my sights on the walker. It was feasting on a deer, crouched over and ripping its neck to shreds. I grimaced, inching forward with Rick and Glenn at my side.
Shane made brief eye contact with me before the walker suddenly straightened up and whipped around.
Rick wasted no time, slashing its face with the knife I'd handed him. Shane used the end of his rifle and Glenn started beating the damn thing with a stick. Even Morales had a turn before Dale swung his axe and chopped its head off clean.
It was silent as we all stared at the mess of guts and blood in shock.
"That's the first one we've had up here. They never come this far up the mountain," said Dale shakily.
"Well, they're running out of food in the city. That's what," replied Jim, another survivor who was normally a man of few words.
A branch snapped and we all raised our weapons, my safety turning off once more.
I curled my finger around the trigger as the steps got closer.
"Oh, Jesus," Dale sighed in relief as Daryl came stomping out from between the bushes. I lowered my gun and shook my head.
"Son of a bitch! That's my deer! Look at it. All gnawed on by this filthy—" Daryl kicked the headless walker angrily.
"—disease-bearing—"
Kick.
"—motherless—"
Another kick.
"—poxy bastard!"
"Calm down, son. That's not helping."
"What do you know about it, old man?" Daryl sneered at Dale, getting in his face. "Why don't you take that stupid hat and go back to 'on golden pond?' If it wasn't for you idiots running it off earlier, I would've taken it back to camp. Maybe I can cut around this chewed up part. Take some for the road."
"Wouldn't risk that," Shane sighed.
"That's a damn shame," Daryl said, giving Shane a nasty glare before raising his bow and shooting an arrow into the walker's reanimated head.
Huffing, he shoulder-checked Glenn as he passed by, ripping the arrow out with a squelch.
I couldn't blame him for being angry. As much of an asshole as Merle was, he was still Daryl's family.
Glenn rubbed his shoulder and rolled his eyes.
"Daryl!" Rick rushed after him, disappearing into the trees with my knife. I was briefly confused until I remembered where our last conversation left off.
"God help us all," I smacked a hand on my forehead and began to make my way back to camp. Slowly so I wouldn't catch up to Daryl and Rick.
"Hold up, Daph," Glenn caught up to me with a huff. "Were you ever going to tell me about Rick being the Rick?"
"What?"
Glenn glanced behind us. Likely looking for Shane.
"Rick Grimes? Like super hot hip-swaying coworker Grimes? I'm fucking offended, Daph."
"Do you want everyone to hear you?" I whispered harshly, scanning the woods to make sure Rick or Shane weren't lurking about.
"I can't believe you didn't tell me!"
"Sorry, it wasn't really at the forefront of my mind yesterday. I was more thinking about all the dead people trying to eat us."
"What are the freaking odds?" Glenn marveled. "Out of all people, he runs into us. You know, anybody else would've left him for dead."
"Yes, you're a goddamn hero, Glenn."
"Damn right I am. Saved your man from certain death."
My eyes widened comically and I whacked him in the side. "He's not my man. Don't say shit like that around Shane or Lori."
"Of course not. I'm not crazy. You see 'em around here?"
"I dunno. Shane has eyes and ears everywhere."
"True," Glenn nodded, staring at his feet as we walked. Suddenly, he stopped.
"What's up with you two? You've been weird since yesterday morning."
Fuck. I knew it wouldn't slip past him. Glenn knew me too well for this to just slide and the only reason I'd been keeping it from him was because of how selfish and ashamed I felt.
"Don't judge me, okay?"
His eyebrows pinched together in confusion. "Okay?"
I seized his sleeve and took us a little ways off the trail, closer to the blueberry patch. Speaking of which, I left all of the ones I'd collected in the dust. Goddamnit.
"Um— two nights ago, Shane and I... well, we kissed."
His jaw dropped slightly.
"He kissed me." I defended quickly, before Glenn could give me a judgmental look.
"Did you want it?" He asked carefully.
"Yes— well, no— I don't know."
Glenn narrowed his gaze, sending a glance in the direction of camp. His cheeks tinted red and he shifted uncomfortably.
"He didn't force himself onto me, if that's what you think." I said quickly, recognizing the signs of Glenn's impending anger.
His chest fell in relief.
"I just... I screwed up, Glenn. I led him on. I let him kiss me and I kissed him back. I didn't even know if I wanted it. And then Rick of all people shows up! The one person I was holding out hope for. I'm not a homewrecker but I am delusional."
Glenn stayed silent so I continued with a sigh.
"I should've given Shane a chance before the world went to shit. But I didn't and now everything is so much more complicated... he, um, he told me there's no one else."
"Damn."
I closed my eyes frustratingly. "I know."
"That's clearly a lie."
I gave him a side-eyed glare. "I know."
Glenn pursed his lips awkwardly and looked away.
"How long have you known?" I asked with a sigh. Wouldn't be surprised if I was the last one to find out.
"Not long. I stumbled upon them in the woods the other day. I can't get the image out of my head, I think I'm scarred for life." He grimaced. "I would've told you if I knew he was trying to make a move."
"It's fine," I began to walk back over to the path again. "You couldn't have known. It happened late at night and I was wallowing in self-pity yesterday."
I stomped on the fallen leaves, trying to release some of the pent-up frustration before getting back.
"It's just... I told him it'd take time but I was willing to give us a try. All this time I've felt guilty for even missing that part of my life when Lori was still grieving her husband. Just to find out her and Shane are having sex this whole time."
Glenn readjusted his cap. "Gotta wonder if this started now or before."
That's a good point.
I wasn't a good husband to her, Rick had said to me earlier.
I don't know anything about their lives from before. I only knew Rick at a professional level. And whatever Shane would tell me when he was trying to chat me up every other day at work.
I can't really judge Rick or Lori. She thought he was dead and Rick... well, I don't know what he meant by not being a good husband.
This was truly a mess I had no part in.
"I'm taking myself out of this equation. I have enough on my plate for me to worry about this love triangle."
"More like a rectangle."
I gave him a confused look.
"You like Rick. Rick likes Lori. Lori like Shane. Shane likes you and Lori?"
God, I love and hate his out-of-pocket comments sometimes. But Glenn keeps it real. I gotta respect that.
Rick likes Lori.
Well technically, Rick should love Lori and he probably does. She's the mother of his child and I can't pretend to know everything about their relationship, but if what Rick said earlier was true, there wasn't much of a relationship anymore.
"I could really use some vodka," I groaned, feeling a headache forming between my eyes.
"Same," Glenn said sadly as we approached camp.
Everyone had resumed to their usual activities. Lori and Carl were nowhere to be found but I assumed they were in their tent or the RV. Carol was folding clothes with little Sophia at her feet.
I did a double-take when I saw Rick and Shane speaking to the side. I could faintly hear their conversation.
"So that's it, huh? To hell with everybody else? What about Lori?"
"Don't talk to me about her. I'm not saying to hell with anybody. Especially not to my son." Rick said firmly, buttoning up his sheriff's uniform. He started walking past his former partner.
"Tell them that."
Rick whipped around, an unreadable expression on his face as he stared back at his friend.
"They know. You'd best leave me alone. It's in your best interest. This ain't got nothing to do with you."
I started walking over, feeling a fight begin to stir up. Shane didn't look like he was deterred by Rick's unapproachable attitude and there's no way Rick wasn't still upset about his best friend's actions.
"Well, look, I--I don't, okay, Rick? So could you just throw me a bone here, man? Could you just tell me why? Why would you risk your life for a douchebag like Merle Dixon?"
"Hey, choose your words more carefully," threatened Daryl, who was standing nearby.
"No, I did. Douchebag's what I meant."
"You have something in common then," said Rick jarringly. I was taken aback, not expecting that type of insult to fly out of Officer Grimes' mouth. He was always the passive one.
Glenn chortled next to me.
Shane took it unflinchingly. "Merle Dixon-- that guy wouldn't give you a glass of water if you were dying of thirst, man."
"What he would or wouldn't do doesn't interest me. I can't let a man die of thirst. Me. Thirst and exposure. We left him like an animal caught in a trap. That's no way for anything to die, let alone a human being. I don't recall asking for your opinion either."
"So you and Daryl? That's your big plan?" Lori asked, more at ease than I would've expected given the tense circumstances.
I observed her easy posture, other than the frustration she was likely feeling over the fact that her husband was trying to go on a damn suicide mission. I watched as her eyes subtly traveled from Rick to Shane. Then I realized Shane must not have told her a damn thing.
Rick looked at her with hardened eyes. And then switched his gaze over to—
Glenn groaned. "Oh, come on."
There's no way in hell.
"You wanna drag someone else on this suicide mission?" I interjected exasperatedly. I gave Rick my nastiest glare, unable to believe his audacity.
"You're really okay with letting a man die?"
"It's like I said before. He'd do the same to any of us," I lowered my voice and stepped closer to Rick, eyeing Daryl's angry pacing over his shoulder. "He was going to get himself killed eventually. And he would've dragged us all down with him."
I'm not evil. I'm not. I just don't want to see Rick die.
Rick stared at me for a moment before setting his attention onto Glenn.
"You know the way," I scoffed as he ignored me completely. "You've been there before. In and out, no problem. You said so yourself."
Glenn took his cap off and started rubbing his head-- a nervous tick of his.
I've never felt so angry with anyone. Knowing he was asking this of Glenn. Asking him to risk his life once more when he already had just to save Rick's skin.
"It's not fair of me to ask. I know that." Rick glanced over to me apologetically. I guess he isn't deaf. "But I'd feel a lot better if you came along."
"That's just great." Shane scowled, stepping closer to me. "Now you're gonna risk three men, huh?"
"Four," said T-Dog from the edge of camp.
Daryl scoffed. "My day just gets better and better, don't it?"
"Be grateful anyone's willing to save that dick," I bristled.
"Yeah, you see anybody else stepping up to save your brother's cracker ass?"
"Why you?" Daryl asked T-Dog.
"You wouldn't even begin to understand. You don't speak my language."
"That's four," said Dale exasperatedly.
"That's not just four. You're putting every single one of us at risk. Just know that, Rick. Come on. You saw that walker. It was here, it was in camp."
Despite it all, Shane and I usually saw eye to eye on most things. We weren't afraid to make hard decisions to keep the camp safe. The first week or so when it was just the five of us, Shane and I would stay up late into the early hours of the morning. Talking about our limits— what we were willing to do to make sure our loved ones stayed alive. Even if prioritizing our safety meant leaving others behind.
It's why I still can't believe Ed Peletier is still a good-for-nothing member of our camp. After his and Shane's scuffle, I was certain Shane and I would find a way to get rid of him. Whereas douchebag volatile Merle contributed brawn and hunting game, Ed contributed nothing.
"They're moving out the city. They come here, they get to camp-- we need every able body we got. We need 'em here. We need 'em to protect camp." Shane emphasized.
"You went through hell to find us," added Lori. "You just got here and you're gonna turn around and leave?"
"Dad, I don't want you to go." Carl pleaded.
"Shane is right. Merle Dixon? He's not worth even one of your lives! Tell me. Make me understand." Lori said angrily, standing up.
Rick sighed and crouched in front of Carl, making a point to speak mostly to him. "I owe a debt to a man I met and his little boy. If they hadn't taken me in, I'd have died. It's because of them that I made it back to you at all. They said they'd follow me to Atlanta. They'll walk into the same trap I did if I don't warn him."
"What's stopping you?" Lori asked from the side.
"The walkie-talkie. I dropped it in the tank I hid in," Rick looked back at Glenn and I. "He's got the other one. Our plan was to connect when they got closer."
"I feel for them. I really do but I can't listen to this shit any longer," I hissed quietly at Glenn before stomping away towards our tent.
Footsteps crunched behind me and I knew he was following me. I slipped off my shoes and threw myself onto my sleeping bag, irritated beyond belief. The second Rick mentioned the walkie he'd left behind, it reminded me of what I had left behind too— the medicine. A shit ton of it. Stuff that we'd need eventually and the vitamins the kids were so desperately lacking.
Goddamnit. Carl was one of my weakest spots. I'd grown to care for him immensely, more than I expected. His now-hallowed cheeks stabbed at my heart.
I watched as Glenn gathered his gun I'd given him from the bag I retrieved for Rick yesterday and the CB.
"You're going."
"He'll die if I don't. He's gonna go with or without me," Glenn sighed.
I stood up and pocketed my pistol. "Then I'm going too."
"What? Weren't you against this whole plan? Number one Merle hater?"
I shoved my shoes back onto my feet. "That's before you decided you were going to put your life on the line too. And I still hate that fucker. I'm not doing it for him. I'm doing it for you."
"You don't have to," Glenn grabbed my arm, halting my exit. "You should stay here."
I shot him an incredulous look. "While you go out there and risk your life?" I lowered my voice so that no one else could eavesdrop. "None of these people mean as much to me as you do. I know this is what you do but if there's any way I can help, I need to be there. Besides, I'm going back for the medicine. We're running low."
With that, I freed my arm and left our tent, beelining for the truck where Daryl was loading his bow and arrows into. I got into the passenger's seat, ignoring Shane as he threw yet another fit at the sight of me. Slamming the door shut, I groaned and closed my eyes, throwing my head back as I wondered why we were all willingly putting ourselves in danger once more.
"Yer comin' too?"
I opened an eye and peeked at Daryl through the side mirror. He was crouched behind my seat, busy with his arrows.
"Clearly."
His lip curled and he shook his head.
I couldn't give less of a fuck if he was mad. He could get over it.
The driver's seat opened and Glenn got in, readjusting his cap and giving me a glance. "Thanks," he whispered.
My anger dissipated a little and I gave him a tiny smile, knowing both of us felt a lot better going into the lion's den together. That smile quickly fell when a foot appeared between us, slamming into the wheel twice.
"Come on!" Daryl hollered, honking the horn obnoxiously.
"Don't do that. There might be other walkers close by, you idiot," I seethed.
He ignored me. "Let's go!"
Tumblr media
taglist: @lovelyygirl8 @aleemendoza2425-blog
let me know if you'd like to be added/removed from the taglist!
series masterlist!
38 notes · View notes
the-mandawhor1an · 6 months ago
Text
6 months later...
TLDR: it's Zaddy's and my RP 'anniversary'; artworks; Wolke being emotional about her Tumblr experience; and a fluffy one shot/drabble at the end of the WAY TOO LONG POST
I've alluded to it before, I've commissioned some artwork of the two lovebirbs and they just so happened to get finished this week. Huge thanks to @kenobiwanx for making the two come alive 😭 I can NOT stop staring at them.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
LOOK AT THEM 😭😭😭
Yes these are spoilers for upcoming events but I just 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
@zaddymandalorian Überraschung!
Tumblr media
Back to the actual point *wipes tears off her face*
Let's set the scene...
My dearest Zaddy and I reconnected in November of 2023 as I had been on a work trip at that time and I needed someone to talk to. We'd been talking on and off for the last months, mostly smalltalk and sometimes me complaining about stuff. Worth mentioning is also that I sent her my Maia fanfic back in June. First person to read it besides myself. I've known Zaddy since spring of 2016 ish (which also means I've known her longer than my husband – fun fact) so I felt comfortable with her reading my extremely self-indulgent shit. Everyone needs friends like that ♥
We mused about the roleplays we lost to forum admins being ruthless in their inactive-thread-deletion efforts every 4 months. We had barely started a Witcher RP and I'm sure it would've been awesome if we had continued. We literally stopped 7 ish posts in so nothing had happened really. – Why was it inactive? Well I took a 14 month roleplay hiatus due to me being chronically fatigued. The joys of working a stressful job and being severly anemic. Oops.
I tested the waters and made an offhand comment about maybe giving in and asking her to plot something with me.
This is a very convincing re-enactment of what happened: (translated because we're German potaters)
Tumblr media
Well... and that's when the fun began
I, being a total Pedro fangirlie, asked if we wanted to just take the synopsis of my fic and run with that. She agreed, I was happy, she was happy.
So it's been 6 months.
OH. MY. GOD.
I did not think I had it in me to be consistently posting daily for 6 months. We've laughed, we've cried, we've lost sleep over it. We've grinned into our phone screens like maniacs at work and luckily no one asked
And now, 260k words later, I'm still in love with the babies. In fact I'd say I love the little blorbs even more now. Maia has a face, she has outfits (multiple!) she has a family and a story (that's only about 1/3 written so whew we might make it to a million)
Of course I also love Zaddy very much (and I will keep lovebombing your ass, bitch 🖤💜)
Tumblr media
You know what, fuck it, I'm mentioning more people. Buckle up! Wolke spreads some love!
@immarocketman for being the first person on Tumblr that I kind of clicked with because we share a love for Pedro and the color purple 💜
@roughdaysandart for 1) allowing me insight in her creative process making a Fanfic comic and b) doodling Maia basically as soon as she made an appearance in text form 💜
The moots: @thefrogdalorian @djarins-cyare @djarins-wife @pedroswife69 for interacting with me, commenting on my posts and being real cute in general 💜
Everyone that ever interacted with me on here has been nothing but friendly, I feel extremely welcome over here. Everyone who liked/reblogged or commented on my posts, thank you so much. 💕💕💕💕💕💕
Now that the sappy whining is over, who wants to read something actually interesting?
In spirit of me being overbearingly loving, I've typed up a bit of fluff from the lovesick fools™ of Clan Mudhorn. Unbeta'd.
Tumblr media
It was early in the morning, the sun barely over the horizon and engulfing the room in warm orange light, when Din awoke, a soft and warm body nestled into his side. She let out the softest little hum when he buried his face in her hair, wrapping his arms around her to hold her close.
"Sleep," he purred into her hair, placing a kiss on her forehead when her face turned towards him. Again, with a quiet hum, she buried her face in the crook of his neck. "How am I supposed to sleep when my husband has his hands all over me?"
"I'm sorry," he apologized and gently stroked her hair. "Why are you awake anyway?" she asked, finally raising her head so her sleepy, green eyes looked into his. "Hey mesh'la," he greeted her with a smile, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. "I don't know. I guess the sun woke me up, it's too bright in here." He sighed. "I miss the hut on Nevarro, it was always dark in there." "Come on, it's not that bad here. We needed more space anyway."
She pulled away from him, rolling over so she was on her stomach, hugging the pillow underneath her to get a better look at her everything. "Is the sun too strong, my warrior king?" a grin crept onto her lips as her eyes blinked slowly. Clearly this was way too early for her liking. To be fair, last night went on for longer than anticipated. "Are the little troublemakers awake yet?" She raised her head and turned to face the door. For now it seemed peaceful and quiet in the adjacent rooms.
Knowing well she would rise from the bed to check if he didn't stop her, Din hoisted himself over her body, practically pressing her into the mattress with his body weight. "You're not getting up to check on the kids now, cyar'ika," he muttered, peppering kisses along her shoulder. A chuckle escaped her lips as she rotated her head so she could see him in her peripheral.
She was so glad the mattress was soft enough to just give in under the weight, forming a perfectly human-shaped dent to make way for her body. "Whatever you say, great Mand'alor." For just a second she could feel him grind his pelvis into her butt.
He kept on pressing kisses on her neck, her shoulders, slowly crawling down her spine, kissing every little scar he found on his descent. "You really have to stop saying it like that." "Like what?" "With the bedroom-voice." He stopped to crawl back up to her head and leaned forward, giving her the chance to look into his face. His eyes were darkened, one of his eyebrows twitching upward.
"You're insatiable," she laughed, shaking her head. He slowly lifted off of her, immediately wrapped both arms around her and pulled her onto his chest. "That's your fault, my love." His voice was warm and silky, the vibration in his chest making her shudder. "My fault?" "You're just too beautiful so I can't keep my eyes or my hands off of you for long." "Di'kut" "Gar di'kut, forever." "Forever is a long time," she said softly and ran her fingers through his hair.
"And I'll be happy to spend every minute with you. I love you so much" he took her hand in his and softly kissed her knuckles. She sighed and watched him kiss every finger, eyeing her intently. She was mesmerized by his eyes, almost hypnotized by the dark brown, with the orange light surrounding them it reminded her of embers, glowing and warm.
Forever was a long time and although it didn't feel like it, time was progressing, evident by the threads of silver that sparkled in his dark brown curls. And although she felt like she herself was showing signs of ageing, he always told her she was as beautiful as the day he met her. "I love you more, mesh'la," she replied and rested her hand on his cheek.
"You and the kids are everything to me. I would die for you," he mused, closing his eyes as her finger brushed over his beard toward his lips. Her movements halted and the dark brown eyes reopened, scanning her features for signs of her sudden stop. The small crease on her forehead was enough for him to know exactly what was troubling her.
"Look at me," he pleaded with her, cupping her cheek in one of his hands now. "I know that look on your face. I would doesn't mean I will. Stop thinking about it. I'm here and so are you." Her hand slowly retreated to rest atop of his, thumb brushing over his warm and tanned skin. "Thanks to you, I am. You've saved my life once, I hope you don't have to do it a second time." She smiled warmly and nestled her face further into his hand.
Din grumbled and pulled her face closer, peppering it with kisses wherever he could reach. "I've saved your life twice. But it doesn't matter, you've given me more than I could ever imagine. I have a family now. And the most amazing wife in the galaxy." "I love you." "Until the end of space and time."
Both flinched when they heard a noise outside the bedroom. Instantly both heads were turned to the door, listening for more noises. One of the kids must've woken up, maybe their voices were too loud.
"Any guesses?" Din asked his wife, once again burying his face in her hair. "My gut tells me it's your mini-version," she suapected, turning her head to kiss him gently. "Your gut? Or your Jedi magic?"
Din rose from the bed, stretching his muscles in the morning sun, stared at by his better half. "And you say I'm insatiable." A sly grin appeared on his lips as he put on a shirt, his shoulders and bicep stretching the fabric just enough to make her hum. "The faster you check on the troublemakers the sooner you can come back to bed. Hurry, I'm not done with you."
She didn't have to tell him twice.
Tumblr media
Translations:
mesh'la - beautiful
cyar'ika - darling
di'kut - idiot
gar di'kut - your idiot
25 notes · View notes
rzyraffek · 2 years ago
Text
Tumblr media
Fallout4 characters with teen!sole
Bestie you are litteraly describing one of my oc's! Of course its purley platonic😊 teen!sole is also from valut and was in fidge for last 200years. I refer to them as 'kid' bcs thats how some of characters would probably treat them anyways. Also its a screenshot vuz I accidentally deleted the ask and luckily had some sort of proof
Maccready
The only guy here with any expirence with kids
Dad vibe
Type of guy who says "We need to cut it off" after Sole tells him their hand hurts
Will teach them how to shoot, hunt ect
Also scold them every time they talk with any shady people??? Like he really doesnt want them to end up like him with whole 'gunners incident'
He thinks that Sole would get along with Duncan well!
If Sole calls him 'dad' mans gotta be so happy
Deacon
Secretly worried about their saftey, like Commonwealth is dangerous place for trained adults, and for kids ESPECIALLY ones who have no knowlage about defence or weapons
But he never shows his worries, just hangs around being cool dude he is😎😎
Rich cousin/uncle vibe
You like this cool hat you saw like week ago? Boom see it apear inside your closed 2days later
His love language (quick remidner that love also can be platonic🙄😎) is giving them little gifts when they don't see him or leaving notes with remiders on them ^^
Quick reminder that he and his wife wanted to have kids! So yeah Sole makes him wonder if thats how it feels to have kids tbh
If Sole calls him 'dad' bro will freeze and panic, probably pretending that he thought that was a joke but he's sweating so hard rn
Hancock
Wtf a child? Here?
Bestie you really shouldn't be here
If Sole is in this cringy teen phase when they do drugs/cigarettes, watch him say stuff like "drugs=bad" meanwhile taking some mentats
Your friendly local drug dealer vibe
Dude gonna teach them how to manipulate assholes, trow knifes, gaslight and still look stylish
If Sole ever tells him about their parents he will be angry, like ??? Why would anyone do anything to a kid???
He will litteraly pay fahrenheit to watch them when he's busy
Preson
"Fire, pretty sky and a lot of storytelling in middle of nowhere" vibe
Im 100% sure he knows how to play on guitar and will try to teach them
He will try to act mature and lead them to the right path but he won't try to be their "new perent" unless Sole is clear that they see him as father figure, he will never even bring this up.
When they call him 'dad' mans will be the happiest minuteman in history. Also if kid will even mention their past caretakers he will just tell them to forget about them cuz they aren't coming back and they are never going to hurt Sole anymore
Gage
How on earth some kid killed Colter? No one knows but Gage is impressed.
He gets annoyed by lack of knowlage and skills, ye ye he gets that they are like 13 or something but come on hes not going to do anything for them. Huh what do you mean you are from valut? Before the war?? Damn kid and im happy to be alive. Stop lying
*sighs* "jesus boss let me do it"
Older brother vibes.
"How many times i have to tell you, dont hang out with pack members they have bad influence on you AND do not even think about going near Nisha"
He needs to learn ALOT he dumped his family and even if he had younger siblings he never really took care of anyone, never, so yeah it is challenging
If Sole somehow calls him 'dad' they were probably incredibly tired or something very emotional happened. No matter how it happend Gage will ignore it and later overthink when Sole wont be around, like ??? Me??? Gee what kind of parental figure this kid had?? Should I check on them more often??
Danse
Uhh erm a child ee greeting?
Akward
At first he sees Sole as lil civilan and just tells them where to find nearest safe place/diamond city cuz hes very very busy and cant take care of child while on duty. If kid hangs around more he will probably warm up
Of course he will ask about their parents but when Sole tells him some upsetting stuff he won't ask again, he won't tell them to go home either. He will just idk let them vibe
I can imagine Sole just tagging along his missions by just begging him to hang out with them constantly. They quickly get along. Very lonley soldier and kid who lost everyone.
One of those 'depressed dude adopts random child he found in middle of knowhere' prompt
When Sole calls him 'dad' he gonna get emotional fr fr pls civilan he's on duty he cant cry rn 😭
Yall I loved writting for gage i might do part 2 with Gage just trying to figure out how kids work. Also another pole cuz I still have no clue how to delete those on phone. And as always, I used x reader tags ONLY to reach bigger audience 🦊
355 notes · View notes
cal-daisies-and-briars · 2 months ago
Note
🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟🧟
Eddie time! 129 for 🧟:
---
Eddie quickly learns that, though there are many similarities between Maddie and her little brother, there is one considerable difference. At least when it comes to long drives. Maddie and Buck are both kind and brave and gentle. Lionhearted type people, to be sure. They’re both well-spoken and intelligent. Friendly. Except, whereas Maddie was perfectly fine letting long stretches of time pass in relative silence, Buck cannot seem to accomplish this. He likes to talk. A lot. 
It’s not that Eddie has a problem with chatty people. He doesn’t. Shannon was really chatty, back when they got along. Eddie tends to not know how to fill silences, even when he should, with anyone but his son. So having someone who seems to be very adept at it is generally a good thing. And really, it would be. Eddie might appreciate it, any other day. Just today? So soon after leaving his kid and so close to finding or not finding Shannon?  Today, Eddie just doesn’t have the necessary social energy or focus to respond properly. And it’s making him feel sort of rude.
“I haven’t been to Los Angeles since I moved back here from Peru,” Buck starts their drive by explaining. 
“Peru?” Eddie blinks, confused. He’s only half-listening.
“Yes!” Buck explains. “I spent half a year working at a resort in Peru. Like an all-inclusive. Mostly attracted college-age party crowds, you know?”
Not really. Eddie had a kid before his nineteenth birthday. The closest to a party vacation he got was the fact that there was a beer festival happening an hour away from the military hospital in Germany where he recovered from being shot. 
He doesn’t say this.
“Right,” he mumbles instead.
“So, yeah, anyway, I moved here from Peru, and got the flight from Lima to LAX, and that was literally the last time I was in Los Angeles.” Buck continues with his story. “I always told myself I’d go more but between the fire academy and working and dating, I never did anything touristy.” 
“Life sure gets busy,” Eddie mumbles affirmatively.
“Yep! And then the world ends.”
It’s easy to say that. That the world has ended. And in a lot of the ways that matter, it feels like it really has. But maybe the scariest part is that it hasn’t. Not entirely. The scariest part is that there’s just enough left that Eddie and everyone else still alive and not a fucking zombie can’t throw in the towel. There’s way too much to keep fighting for. 
“So, what about you, man?” Buck asks.
“Me?” Eddie asks.
“You been to L.A. before or is this gonna be your first time?”
Right. That’s what they’d been talking about. Or, rather, that’s what Buck had been talking about. Sort of. 
“Yeah, I’ve been,” Eddie answers. “My Tia… Pepa. She lives… Lived…”
He takes a struggled breath at the thought of referring to any of them in the past tense. 
“My Tia and her kids lived out here and my Abuela moved out when I was fifteen or sixteen,” Eddie continues. “We visited.”
Buck graciously skirts over the fact that Eddie has just struggled to mention the family he’s lost.
“Oh, hey, that’s cool,” he says instead. “So you’ve done the touristy stuff?”
“Mhm,” Eddie confirms. “Some of it.”
His lack of elaboration seems to disappoint Buck a little. 
Eddie finds that he does not like that muted, disappointed look. It makes him want to scramble to bring his easy smile back. Shoot. Now is not the time for a crush. Not that there ever has been a good time for it. Slowing down and letting himself feel anything would confirm what Eddie’s quite sure he already knows. What he has probably always known, on some level. 
He’s gay. 
He’s gay and he’s searching for his estranged wife with the very handsome, very talkative brother of the woman he’s entrusted his son to. 
Yeah, not a good time for a crush. Like, at all. 
And yet he finds himself talking to mollify Buck anyway.
“I liked Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon,” Eddie says. “I like hiking.”
Buck lights up again. Eddie finds it stupidly endearing.
“I like hiking, too!” He exclaims. This turns into a full story about a hiking trip through the Shenandoah Valley when he lived in Virginia. Seems like this guy has lived everywhere. 
Eddie sits back and listens as he talks, eventually finding the raspy, excited lilt of his voice comforting. He finds himself wondering, perhaps stupidly, if in another life, they might be the sort of people who are well-suited for one another. Someone to hike and be active with. Someone to fill his silences. 
Eddie blinks the thought away. It’s useless. Right now, he has to focus on the road ahead of him, not the road he never got to take. 
▪️▪️▪️
It’s a two hour and twenty minute drive from Sunport to Los Angeles in theory. Eddie thinks. He doesn’t actually know for certain. It’s about two hours from Santa Barbara and he tacked on the twenty minutes. He doesn’t have Google Maps anymore. And he doesn’t know how long it will take to reach Shannon’s last known address in the city. This is all just a fuck ton of guess work, really. 
In practice, it takes them longer. They make it past Ventura, driving the same way he and Maddie had come, without an issue. It’s once they’re on a new route towards the city that things start getting complicated. 
First, the bridge over the Santa Clara River is out on the 101. Eddie’s not sure how this happened. It has not been long enough for the structure to naturally decay. It looks sort of… Blown up? Like someone intentionally destroyed it. They have to circle back and head northeast until they find another option. 
Not long after that, before they even reach Camarillo, there’s a transport truck overturned on the highway. Normally Eddie would just drive on the grass around it, but they’re on a steep hill. One one side of the road, the ground juts out above them. On the other side, it drops off after a guard rail. They’re sort of fucked. 
“This is ridiculous,” Eddie complains as they turn back around.
“Haven’t you driven all over?’ Buck asks. 
“Just from Texas,” Eddie says.
“So haven’t you seen way worse?” Buck asks. “Maddie says you were attacked by lions.”
Eddie shudders at the memory.
11 notes · View notes
jumpywhumpywriter · 29 days ago
Text
Living Weapon Whumpee *BONUS* Scene part 14
Warnings: forced living weapon/fighter, aftermath of being a weapon/semi-retired weapon, lost family, fractured memories, rejection
She could worry about what to do with all this new knowledge later - and decide if she wanted to confront Weapon about it.
-------------------------------------------------------
Whumpee awoke later than everyone else despite the sun shining in his face, and found himself alone in the sleeping quarters. He sat up with a grunt, stretching the stiffness out of sore muscles. His body ached after his outburst yesterday, nerves protesting as he stood up and headed toward the dining area.
Everyone who spotted him on the way mysteriously vanished or ducked out of sight -- news of what happened yesterday must have spread fast, and no one wanted to risk crossing him in a bad mood. He was used to being met with fear by now, but it still bothered him, because no matter how hard he tried to fit in and prove he meant no harm -- all it would take is one outburst, one tiny flicker of anger from him to send everyone diving for cover, scattering like mice. The image that the soldiers weren't afraid of him anymore was always an illusion.
Even Max looked a bit wary when Whumpee grabbed his meal and came to sit next to him at the table in the corner of the room -- furthest away from everyone else. No one else but Max and occasionally Jake ever sat with him to talk or engage in friendly conversation. But it was better than nothing, he always told himself.
The atmosphere of the dining area had instantly shifted the moment Whumpee showed up, but he didn't meet any of the gazes he knew were on him as he dug into his meal.
Whumpee and Max ate in uncomfortable silence, before Max cautiously cleared his throat to catch Whumpee's attention.
Whumpee raised an eyebrow, silently showing he was listening.
Max leaned back in his chair, staring at his half-finished plate to avoid eye contact. "Are you... feeling any better than yesterday?" He hesitantly asked, voice low and quiet to prevent anyone from overhearing.
"...Barely," Whumpee muttered under his breath, thinking back to his conversation with Flint that night. It had given him a new perspective, and a lot to reflect on.
Max scratched the back of his head, glancing sideways at him. "Are you... planning to try and talk to her?"
Whumpee knew who he was referring to, and his chest seized with phantom pain. He'd been trying not to think too hard about it.
"--Sorry," Max hastily apologized when he noticed him stiffen. "I didn't mean to pressure you or--"
"--Relax," Whumpee said flatly, "I'm not mad at you. I'm just... working through a lot, and not sure what to do. I do want to speak with Miranda, if only to explain myself... but I'm unsure how she'll react, and I don't want to scare her more than she already is. I don't want to ruin my one chance at possibly making things better." He bowed his head with a heavy sigh. "...She only knows me as Weapon. And Weapon kills and destroys everything he touches."
"Not true," Max chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "You did a pretty fine job of saving us when Reed betrayed our team," he pointed out. "I wouldn't even be alive right now if not for you. If you had chosen to leave me behind when I was shot..." He gestured at the permanent round bullet scar on his leg. "...I wouldn't be here. You didn't destroy the team, despite everyone thinking you would."
"Does 'everyone' include you too?" Whumpee grumbled.
Max's smile wavered. "I did have my doubts at first, but I was one of the first of our team to trust you. And you proved that trust wasn't ill-placed." He shrugged. "I know the situation with your wife seems hopeless, but... You'll drive yourself mad thinking about all the 'what ifs'. All you can do is try, and see how it plays out. You both deserve to have answers. And that will only come if you take time to talk."
"But what if she's still terrified of me?" Whumpee growled.
Max gave him a cocky grin. "What did I just say about 'what ifs'?" He teased lightheartedly. "But if you need hope, look around you. Everyone here used to be scared to death of you. Some still are, but... there's others like me who are learning how to live alongside you, as allies. It will take time, but... you need to give Miranda a chance to accept the new you. Or you'll never feel whole."
But what if she never accepts me? What if she will hate and despise me forever? Whumpee's thoughts echoed. I'm a literal monster... and monsters don't deserve to be loved. What if I deserve this pain, as payment for all the blood on my hands?
But Whumpee forced a strained smile on his face, despite the war raging inside him as he stood up from his seat. "Thank you," he said to Max, and walked off to speak with Flint. Both for advice… and permission.
⏪️ Back Next ⏩️
Masterlist
@scoundrelwithboba @lumpofsand @isikedmyself878 @iamheretohurt @fleur-a-whump
@ay5ksal @otterfrost @sausages-things @i-don't-know-sal @togzy
@whump-till-ya-jump @cravesunconditionallove @whumpwritinglover222 @silly-scroimblo-skrunkl @cepheusgalaxy
@dragongodryss @theforeverdyingperson
9 notes · View notes
tragical-romance-and-all · 1 month ago
Text
Bruised Fruit
march x farmer | FOM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
synopsis:
When a new farmer moves in she unexpectedly becomes intertwined with the local blacksmith. Both carry baggage that they can unpack together.
romance - slow burn
word count: ~1500
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This all started when I overheard two of the regulars at Three Horses Tavern talking about the farm up for grabs in Mistria. Apparently, word had been sent to the guild that the town was in disarray after the most recent earthquake. In exchange for helping around town, they were giving the deed to a house and plot of farmland. It seemed like a dream, this is all I’ve ever wanted, a home…
 And even better, everyone I spoke to about this endeavor sounded disinterested, as if it really wasn’t all that good of a deal. I figured we all have different goals at the end of the day. Besides, I know this is meant for me. It feels like something is calling me there. I felt even more cemented in this when I met the  Baron’s kin Adeline and Eiland. They were very welcoming and friendly, showing me around town. 
Now I’m just lying in my bed, in my house. My house. This is so cool! Today everything feels right. Tomorrow I will get the first round of crops in the ground. I shut my eyes and drift off into a blissful sleep. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I wake up to the sound of wind chimes and birds being shrewdly overpowered by my alarm clock. 6:00 a.m. sounded like a reasonable start last night but this morning I’m having second thoughts. Yet I still force myself up, feeling a bit more alive once I turn off the alarm and am greeted with the pleasant sounds of mornings in Mistria. I take a deep breath facing the window and I think to myself, “This is it, this is the fresh start that will stick.”
I get dressed wearing a white short-sleeved shirt, it’s soft against my skin. I pull on baggy overalls and a pair of socks. Pulling my hair from the front of my face I notice my roots could use some touching up. I had dyed my hair a deep purple a few weeks ago and my roots are growing faster than I expected. I’ll have to find out if the market in town sells hair dye. I tie my boots and head outside.
I had peaked in the tool shed next to the house yesterday, but now that I am really looking at these tools I see that they are not in the peak condition I had hoped for. For the most part, things were worn but still usable. Unfortunately, I quickly discovered the watering can has a quarter-sized hole near the spout on the bottom. Not to worry Eiland said something yesterday about the blacksmith carrying tools in his shop, I can check after I pick up the seeds. I grab the shovel and hoe and start my way towards town. 
After crossing the river, I see a cute cottage to my right. Just behind the fence shiny blonde hair and a bright smile greet me, “Hi you must be the new farmer! I’m Celine, it’s so nice to meet you!” 
“Hi, my name is Stella! I guess we’re kinda like neighbors.” I meet her with the same enthusiasm. It’s been a while since I’ve been around nice people. Celine goes on to tell me a little about herself. She grows flowers and makes beautiful bouquets out of them while also helping at her parent's shop. I share a little about myself but nothing too revealing. We wave goodbye and I continue into town. The market shop is quaint and exactly how I pictured it. 
“Welcome in! You must be the new farmer, we’re so happy to have a new face in town.” A jolly-faced man at the counter greeted me. He has the same bright smile as Celine. His friendly voice started again, “My name is Holt and that lovely woman over there stocking the shelves is my wife, Nora.” The woman turned around a waved at me and I reciprocated. 
“Hi Holt, my name is Stella and I actually just met Celine as well,” I said with a smile. He appeared to be elated at this, “Oh I just know you two will be fast friends in no time!” He practically shouted this and I let a giggle slip out. 
“You must be here for seeds though and not just chitchat, what can I get for you?” Holt’s customer service kicked back in and I had him help me pick out the best seeds for the spring. I got some turnip, potato, cabbage, and strawberry seeds. I let Holt know I would be back to get a cherry and lemon sapling later this week. I also asked about hair dye, Nora let me know they don’t typically carry it but if I ask Balor the merchant I met on my way into town yesterday, he should be able to get it. With everything loaded into my backpack, I left the market and walked north in the direction of the blacksmith. It was pretty nifty of Adeline to give me a map of town. “This is really helpful,” I thought to myself. 
I walk into the blacksmith, a little bell chimes at the top of the door. There is a subtle and unpleasant odor lingering in the air, a voice calls out from another room letting me know he’ll be right with me. The voice is rough but there’s a soothing quality to it. I turn to look at some of the merchandise while I wait. I can sit still but I must be looking at something new frequently. I hadn’t noticed the man the voice belonged to had approached me until I heard a scoff. I look up to see a young guy around my age. He has burgundy hair sitting messily atop his head with a headband tied around his forehead. I assume to catch the sweat, based off his muscular build I can tell he must be the blacksmith and not just some apprentice. 
“Oh, it’s you. The new savior farmer in town. That’s what everyone has been saying right?” His tone was cold and harsh. I could tell he already didn’t like me. He didn’t even know me, but then again that never stopped anyone before.
“I don’t know about anyone calling me that but my name is Stella and it’s nice t-” I try to get out quickly but as if he could sense my rapid onset anxiety he cut me off. “Listen, I know you just arrived, but I wouldn’t get to comfortable. You’re not gonna last around here.” 
I was taken aback by this, it’s as if he could see right through me. He knew my past present and future. He knew about all my failed attempts and of course, this one would be no different. At least he had the decency to warn me right? To give up before it goes too far. It always goes too far. 
I snap out of it when another, taller man joins us. I didn’t realize how tall until he stood next to us. He towered over both of us and the blacksmith already had some height on me. His intimidating stature was mellowed by his large grin and puppy dog eyes. 
“The names Olric, I hope my little brother March wasn’t being too rough with you,”
He put he hand up against his face, covering his mouth from March’s view and spoke as if his hand would block the sound as well. “Between you and me, it’s our fault. We didn’t socialize him right when he was younger and now he doesn’t know how to play nice. Don’t worry though he’s all bark and no bite.”
I could see March rolling his eyes but it didn’t stop me from letting out a laugh. In a more annoyed tone now March spoke again, “Whatever Olric. Anyway, new girl, Stella is it? Did you need something or did you just come in to bother us?”
I am reminded of the task at hand and share my plight of the leaking watering can. March pointed me to a shiny new copper can. I bought it despite it being the same cost as all the seeds I had just bought. But this is an investment after all. I walk home on a slightly different path than I came trying to become familiar with my surroundings. 
My mind drifts to what March had said, that I wouldn’t last here. What if he’s right? I don’t know how many more fresh starts I have left in me. What if other people in town agree with him? But Olric seemed so reassuring. Maybe it was just March, maybe he’s just a sour guy. He can’t really hate me, he doesn’t even know me. And I’m sure if he got to know me he would see that. I know I’ll just make sure I’m extra friendly when I see him. 
I smile to myself as I reach home again. Now to start the field
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for reading! It's been a while since I've written anything but March has me so inspired right now.
12 notes · View notes
untitledmemes · 1 year ago
Text
Blue Eye Samurai Prompts
Part II An assortment of prompts taken from the series Blue Eye Samurai on Netflix. Adjust as necessary to fit pronoun and/or descriptor. Reblog, please do not repost or add.
“ I can fix everything. ”
“ What choice do I have? ”
“ Now, get in and shut the door. ”
“ I'm not even good at what I thought I was great at. ”
“ I don't know you, and we have no dispute. ”
“ We come scorched by ire and affliction. ”
“ I wish to be great at something. ”
“ Still soft. ”
“ Killing it is a mercy. Do it already. ”
“ Is that an order? ”
“ So, if you might, my dear, dear friend, my trusted partner and clear equal, my right hand and both feet on land, fondest heart, spare a cup of concern towards our purpose and do it your fucking self. ”
“ If he dies, you die. ”
“ I didn't kill you when I easily could have. ”
“ The time to kill your enemy is when you can. ”
“ Whoa. Wait. Where are you going? ”
“ No one gets to kill you but me. ”
“ Fight within your confines, not against them. ”
“ I am not out here to learn a lesson. ”
“ Why'd you let me follow you, hm? ”
“ You need me because you're weak. ”
“ You think you can be great? ”
“ If he's walking in to meet certain death, I'll be there to keep him and death from getting too friendly. ”
“ It's called taking someone for a ride. ”
“ Don't be shocked. You're not a child anymore. You have to see things are they are. ”
“ You have been looking for me. ”
“ That's the law. No one would be the law. ”
“ I look your way and don't even see you. ”
“ What do you think they're doing? ”
“ I have no interest in being happy. Only satisfied. ”
“ Men like him like to talk so much, they eventually tell you how to destroy them. ”
“ I need a brothel. ”
“ I like when you slap them. ”
“ Nothing desired is peculiar. ”
“ Desire is beyond the need of my purpose. ”
“ Sex? An art? ”
“ Name your desire. ”
“ Women like me must be practical. ”
“ There can be no witnesses. ”
“ Don't exhaust the gods with your requests. Save something to when you need them. ”
“ This is boring. I'm bored. ”
“ He deserves better than you. ”
“ I'll tell you this, though. If this all goes my way, I will go ahead and take it for a sign that you tilted the wind to my back. ”
“ One thing to credit you is you are consistent. You're an idiot every day of your life. ”
“ No man can grasp sunlight, only worship fleeting rays. ”
“ Whatever clever insult comes next isn't as clever as you think. ”
“ What was his name? I can't remember. Anyway, he's dead now. ”
“ Women in our world don't have a single good option. ”
“ Do you have to stare? ”
“ I should have killed you. That was my mistake. I wanted to meet you first. ”
“ I thought you had to be something special. ”
“ Do you have a death wish? ”
“ I've been a captive my whole life. If I die today, I die free. ”
“ You must never do that again. ”
“ Being on your own, you could be like water. Impossible to catch. ”
“ I am nobody's wife. ”
“ I'm not a brute. ”
“ Too fast! You're going too fast! ”
“ Did you also lose your backbone when you lost your title? ”
“ How did this terrible creature come to be? ”
“ I never tire of your people's aversion to impoliteness. ”
“ Why set traps only to mash the rat yourself? ”
“ Sit, we have business. ”
“ Are you real? ”
“ I have a man to kill. ”
“ You came all this way... for me? ”
“ Are you still alive? ”
“ You promised we wouldn't be bored. ”
35 notes · View notes
legendaryfacecoffee2 · 2 months ago
Text
Tumblr media
Name: Ese
Age: 15
Birthday: 14th June
Sexuality: Pansexual
Basically the main character who as so many godamn mental health problems and had trama as well :) she is also autistic-. Her powers is not that much tbh, she only has three powers. Electric punch, Ice kick, and Heating head. (Don't mind the names lMAO-). She is just a normal human being who hates her life but then acknowledge it to be a bit better.
Tumblr media
Name: Noah
Age: 14
Birthday: 17th July
Sexuality: Aro/Ace
He is Ese's younger brother who thinks he's the main character lol- he has super speed powers (bc he took Ese's speed potion that Fungi made for her lMAO-) He is very ambitious and very energetic. He is best friends with Goodhand and Evilhand.
Tumblr media
Name: Fungi
Age: 14
Birthday: 30th August
Sexuality: Bisexual
She is not a human btw she is literally made out of fire (like her body and blood etc) she has a scarf bc Ese gave her bc she doesn't have a mouth (and when it's her birthday something bad happens but I will talk about that in another day ;) She is sweet and kind to everyone except from Olivia (I wouldn't say she is jealous of her but it's kinda the closest thing I could think). She was born with a curse since her birth but I will talk about that another day as well.
Tumblr media
Name: Olivia
Age: 15
Birthday: 25th June
Sexuality: Omnisexual
She is basically an ex princess (or prince idkkk) she Fungi's cousin and she is Ese's best friend and loves to spend time with Ese a lot 😏 (IN A FRIENDLY WAY BTW or maybe not 😏) with Ese even though Ese might or might not feel like it. (They might be lovers who knows👀) But she wants to make Ese see that she still have a lot to live for. She knew who Shadow is (That's because she met him before but in her other form which was a male called Oliver)
Tumblr media
Name: Olly
Age: 16
Birthday: 15th April
Sexuality: Aro/Ace
He basically an ex prince (or princess?? Idkk) and Olivia's big brother. He gets along with mostly everyone expect Ese and brainy (Olly is in good terms with Ese but doesn't trust her being with his sister. And he doesn't like brainy bc when they first met while Olly was in his other form which was female called Ollina uh.. Let's just say the teddy bear brainy made 7 civil food wars... Yeah... I know it's mad)
Tumblr media
Name: Brainy
Age: uhhh idk
Birthday: January 27th
Sexuality: Straight
He is an actual brain lol. He was a mini bear until a shadow accidentally shot a ray gun at him and turn him into a brain and now he is like this forever. He is Shadow's best friend and has a crush on Rennie and tries to flirt with her even though she doesn't understand what he is doing. (He lived in the same planet as Shadow did but he live in the other side of the world bc the world is split into two one side which was the the teddy bears and the other was the ghosts side. And he was a menace to bear society he made 7 civil food wars which Ollina had to be involved to stop it or else they could have added an 8th).
Tumblr media
Name: Shadow
Age: 15
Sexuality: Bisexual
Birthday: March 5th
He is basically a ghost who died from an incident and had to go to a different world bc his own got destroyed. He is brainy's best friend and Rennie's Niece. He was actually an human living with his Grandfather (The fearless warrior) until his (and brainy's) world self destructed itself and he couldn't make it out alive, but lucky he turned into a ghost and had a second chance to be in the physical world and met brainy (Brainy mannage to escape alive bc he built a ship before the explosion) And they both met and became best friends. What a good story lol
Tumblr media
Name: Rennie
Age: ???
Birthday: ???
Sexuality: Pansexual
I don't know what she is lol. But her father was a fearless warrior who tried to save other universes especially bc his wife got killed and wanted revenge. When she was a kid she got kidnapped but escaped luckily and had to live with her sisters until they went on separate ways (Yes she had three sisters, two older ones who I will talk about I'm another day and one younger one called Star who is also Shadow's mother, but unfortunately she and her husband got killed). Anyway she is calm and kindhearted (GUYS IF YOU THINK SHE IS DEPRESSED YOU ARE WRONG SHE HAD HER BANGS SINCE BIRTH). She has a crush on brainy even though she is clueless what romantic relationships are supposed to be like, she finds him adorable and sweet.
Tumblr media
Name: Goodhand & Evilhand
Age: ??? Idk like 1000 years old or something
Birthday: ????
Sexuality: Aro/Ace
These two are actually just floating gloves. But they are both different bc Goodhand's eyebrows are separated while Evilhand's is sticked together. These two are actually destroyers of universes and gets highly respected by most Gods (including Olivia and Olly) but they both love Noah as if he is like a father to them. (Evilhand might be Noah's favorite bc he doesn't hesitate to do anything to anyone who makes him or himself annoyed). They both have an army of hand that could they could call in a second, Evilhand has an advantage of physical and skillful power while Goodhand is more reliable on powers. (Btw Evilhand is honestly just kinda ruthless and Goodhand is not much better. Like bro Goodhand was named Goodhand bc he was good and destroying universes 💀).
Anyway this is only the half (I think of my ocs basically the hero's lol) I will introduce the others in another time! You can ask questions more about my ocs or the plot if you want ^^. (To be honest I wanted to make this as a TV show when I grow older.. I hope I could make this a bannger when I become an adult)
8 notes · View notes
gloryhrs · 2 years ago
Text
Tumblr media
━━ ⟡ 𝐉𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐘, retsu u.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
꒰ 𝐟𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫. → 𝐣𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬!𝐮𝐧𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚. → 𝐫𝐞𝐪 𝐛𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧! ꒱
♡ 𓈒 𓈒 ୨୧ 𝐔𝐍𝐎𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐀 was far from being a jealous woman at all. She wasn't who she used to be. She had complete confidence in her wife and knew she wasn't that foolish to ruin their marriage.
♡ 𓈒 𓈒 ୨୧ 𝐒𝐇𝐄 didn't mind that her wife was incredibly friendly, and energetic, and didn't have a single active brain cell in her head at all. She knew you had your eyes on her and her alone.
♡ 𓈒 𓈒 ୨୧ 𝐁𝐔𝐓 there are moments when she has to clear her throat or pull your sleeve a bit when someone has been talking to you for too long or becomes quite touchy with you. Of course, you have paid no attention to that. Considering you were quite an airhead to people’s ways of flirting.
♡ 𓈒 𓈒 ୨୧ 𝐈𝐓 was a quiet day in the Seireitei when you received the news that your best friend Gojo Satoru was visiting after being away for a year. You were so excited that you ran to your wife's office and laughed loudly with the envelop in your hand.
♡ 𓈒 𓈒 ୨୧ "𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐒𝐔! My sweet wife! I have really good news!" You barged into her office with an open envelope in your hand. Unohana smiled softly before pressing her finger on her lips in a discreet manner. She could sense you a mile away because of your distinctive laugh, not to mention the fact that you strike very hard when you're excited. Every time she sees you, she must keep you calm. Because of your lack of awareness, you didn't know you spoke loudly until everyone was able to hear you and your conversations.
♡ 𓈒 𓈒 ୨୧ 𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐄 you told her that Gojo was coming her smile remained, but attitude changed within a quick second. To be honest, she wasn't fond of Gojo. But she didn't hate the guy! She couldn't stand his arrogance + childlike behavior when he showed up. Not to mention the fact that whenever he comes, the first thing he does is leap into your arms and give your cheek a kiss. Friendly or not, she dislikes it.
♡ 𓈒 𓈒 ୨୧ "𝐌𝐑. Satoru? I look forward to seeing him also." She covered her aggravated expression with a smile. "Do you want me to make him dinner?" She spoke a bit sarcastically. She was happy to know that he was still alive and well but was unhappy at the fact . . . he was still alive and well. "Sure! Don’t forget to put tons of meat in it!" You kissed her cheek and ran out of the office. Unohana couldn’t help but deadpan at your clueless behavior. But you were her wife, and there was nothing she could do to change that.
♡ 𓈒 𓈒 ୨୧ 𝐅𝐎𝐑 the rest of the day you spoke about Gojo and how much fun you would have with him when he arrived. After mentioning his name for a third time, Unohana could no longer listen to you.
♡ 𓈒 𓈒 ୨୧ 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 completing her duties as captain, she walked to her shared bedroom with you. . . only to see the devil himself, Gojo Satoru. When she saw the way his arm was wrapped around your shoulder, she wanted to rip it off with her bare hands. How dare he make himself at home before she could even arrive? But she kept her distance and greeted him with a smile.
♡ 𓈒 𓈒 ୨୧ "𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 back Mr. Satoru. It's great to see you back." Unohana gave a handshake to the man with white hair and hung her captain's coat. "No need of formalities! You can just call me Gojo!" He waved his hand around while the other one continued to rest on your shoulder. "Retsu! Come sit with us, we are playing this game that Gojo brought!" You patted the seat next to you. "Give me a minute dear, I must go change." She pointed her forefinger at you and vanished in the next room. Once she closes the door, her smile fades completely, once Gojo is gone, she's going to have an incredibly long talk with you.
♡ 𓈒 𓈒 ୨୧ 𝐅𝐎𝐑 the rest of the night Unohana put the same smile on her face to prevent herself from tearing Gojo to pieces.
♡ 𓈒 𓈒 ୨୧ "𝐒𝐄𝐄 you you later, Gojo!" You put your hands around your mouth and waved to your best friend who waved. "See you later N/n! I’ll come back soon!" He returned the gestured and disappeared into the night. Unohana breathed relief and began to clean up the mess you made. You frowned at your wife as she seemed agitated about something, you never saw her upset. "The words you said made Unohana stop in his tracks. "What have you sorry about, dear?" She laid the bowls on the table and sat down beside you, the sad look on your face made her heart ache. What were you apologizing for? She was never mad at you.
"I never knew Gojo bothered you." You scratched the back of your head, throughout the day you sensed a change in his mood, and you assume it was because of Gojo. "Oh . . . He wasn't bothering me at all. I was just being jealous again." She fondles your cheek to lighten up your saddened mood. She never liked to see you sad, especially when it was her fault. "No, if you felt like he was doing something to make you act like this, then I would speak to him." You played with your hands, ensuring that your wife being comfortable was more important than Gojo. "Ah really? I really appreciate that darling. I love you." She leaned forward and pressed her cold lips on yours. "I love you too! If something irritating you then you can always talk to me!" You gave her a cheeky smile and tackled her face with multiple kisses. Maybe you did have a few active brain cells up there.
Tumblr media
© gloryhrs, 050423. // notes and reblogs are appreciated! (≧∇≦) /
Tumblr media
107 notes · View notes
imnotoverlyobsessive · 2 years ago
Text
Tumblr media
Moodboard by the incredible @softhecreator
Mr. Chalamet
chapter two: more than friendly
AO3 info one two three four five six seven eight nine ten eleven epilogue
All my work is 18+.
I fell apart when I got home inside my bed. I can’t think, can’t speak; I can’t move, can’t breathe. This is a white heart heat when you get next to me. When I’m around you, it’s like waking up the dead. My back’s against the wall, oh oh, and I’m feeling the pressure. Yes, I’m about to fall, oh oh. What I’m feeling, it’s torture. It’s unavoidable. You are a magnet, it’s unavoidable. I am metallic, so do what you do, do what you do to me.- Neon Trees, Unavoidable
It may have been strange, but Mr. Chalamet was Lea’s first male friend. If one could call one’s friend’s dad one’s own friend, that is. Which he certainly acted like one with her.
He was so nice. So ridiculously nice. He’d finished filming recently, so he’d be home for awhile, he had told her.
She spent a great deal of time over at their house, which, realistically speaking, who could blame her, really? It had a movie theater, for god’s sake.
Lea had become strangely comfortable with Mr. Chalamet, too. He was always so kind to her. And he was funny. Elle was forever teasing him for his jokes, but Lea thought they were hilarious. He seemed to revel in making her laugh, always smiling when he managed it. They’d become texting buddies (he’d offered to give her his motherfucking phone number), and he’d even invited her to follow his finsta and Snapchat, frequently sending her pictures and videos on the latter— sometimes in a group, sometimes just for her. He texted her memes and asked her how school was going. He expressed concerns about his job. They were friends, and it was weird.
She stared at him sometimes. She couldn’t help it. In her defense, though, he was so attractive it was downright obscene. He was a walking, talking orgasm, basically. 
But one evening, he did something… so ridiculously, unbelievably sweet.
Lea had fallen asleep on the couch after a movie, and he had carried her up to the guest bedroom she slept in whenever she visited. He’d even tucked her in. He’d stayed for nearly thirty seconds—she had counted—before walking away. Her counting had pulled her almost entirely back to sleep, and his actions had fueled her dreams that night. She dreamt of him getting in bed next to her and holding her close.
It was after this that she sat down and made a list. 
List Of Reasons Why I Absolutely Cannot Fall In Love With Timothée Chalamet 
1. He’s married. 
2. His wife is Lourdes Leon, Madonna’s daughter.
3. He’s sixteen years older than me. 
4. I’m friends with his daughter.
5. His daughter (my friend!) has been alive for almost the same number of years he is older than I am.
6. He’s a huge celebrity. I am a nobody.
7. He clearly likes skinny girls. I am fat. He must think I'm disgusting. 
8. He sees me as a kid, not a woman. He will never see me as a woman. 
9. Even if he did, though, he still has to kiss and pretend to have sex with other women for work. He has to pretend to be in love with them. I’m jealous just thinking about it. 
10. He’d never want me. Not in a million years. 
And that was that. She put it from her mind. 
Or tried to, anyway. It didn’t work. By the end of the semester, she knew it for certain: she was falling in love with him. It was inevitable. Perhaps it always had been. 
So Lea did the only thing she could think of to do. As soon as the new semester started up and she and Elle were in Cinema Studies 2—this time they’d been able to request they be partners, although Lea hadn’t been able to think of a good excuse not to, plus she didn’t want to hurt her friend’s feelings—, she avoided him like he had rabies and was likely to infect her if she got too close. She wouldn’t spend the night anymore, and she didn’t watch movies with him anymore. He would sometimes come in and sit down while she and Elle watched a movie, but Lea was always sure to leave immediately. She was terrified that being around him, looking at him, hearing his voice— all of it would make her feelings so much worse.
Her twentieth birthday had come and gone, and he texted her for it. She thanked him, but otherwise didn’t speak to him hardly at all. And yet she daydreamed sometimes about what it would be like if he wanted her, too. If he wasn’t with someone else, if she wasn’t too young for him, no good for him. If he saw her the way she saw him.
Elle slept over at her and Sam’s apartment one evening.
“You’ve been sadder lately,” Elle said quietly into the darkness of Lea’s bedroom. “Are you okay?”
Lea hadn’t intended to fill Elle in on this particular development, but, well. The younger girl was too perceptive, and she knew her friend’s mannerisms too well by that point not to pick up on the change.
“I’m fine,” Lea assured her, “I just…” she trailed off with a sigh. “I like someone. A lot.”
“Ommigod!” Elle squealed, shooting bolt upright from her sleeping bag on the floor. “Who is he?!”
Lea was silent for a moment. “Someone unavailable,” she finally confessed, her voice quiet. “Someone who wouldn’t look twice at me in a million years.”
“Unavailable how?”
“He’s married,” Lea explained.
“Ohhhhhhhh,” Elle said. “Yeah, that would pose a problem. What’re you gonna do?”
“Nothing,” Lea said quickly. “I’m just gonna avoid him so it doesn’t get worse.”
“Why avoid him?”
“He’s really nice to me,” Lea admitted. “It sucks ‘cause I like hanging out with him, but if I keep doing it, I’m gonna end up falling in love with him, I think, and I don’t want to. He’s really smart, so he’d probably figure it out or something, and I don’t want him to be uncomfortable. I don’t want to make things weird.”
“You know what you should do,” Elle started, “is ask my dad for advice. He’s really insightful.”
“I know,” Lea agreed, “but I don’t wanna ask him, really. It’d be weird.”
“Why would it be weird?” Elle asked in surprise.
Because it’s him I’m falling for, she thought. What she said, however, was, “I don’t talk to, y’know. Guys. Especially not about feelings and whatnot.”
“He’s not a guy,” Elle laughed. “He’s my dad.”
“He’s still a guy, dude.”
“If you say so.”
“You won’t, uh…” Lea gulped nervously. “You won’t tell him, will you?” She quickly amended with, “Or— or anybody else, I mean?”
“Nah,” Elle assured her. “Of course not. Not unless you want me to. I do really think my dad could help, though. He gives great advice.“
Lea stared at the ceiling even though she couldn’t see anything.
“I’m sure he does.”
Tumblr media
They were cramming for school, which, for Cinema Studies, meant their final project. Lea was subsequently over at their house a great deal.
It was Friday evening, and they’d just eaten a very late dinner. Mr. Chalamet had made it. Which, yeah, he could cook. Swoon.
“I’m gonna take a shower and pass out,” Elle decided. “Lea, are you staying or going home?”
“I should head home,” she said immediately. Perhaps a bit too quickly, in fact. 
“In this rain?” Mr. Chalamet asked as Elle walked off. “Are you sure?”
“Uh… yeah,” she gulped anxiously, not looking at him. This was made easier when her phone buzzed as a completely irrelevant notification came through. “Oh, my ride's here.” She didn’t have a ride, but he didn’t have to know that.
“Do you have an umbrella?” he asked. 
“Yeah,” she lied. “My purse is waterproof, too, so.” That, at least, was true. Her phone and wallet would be safe, even in the rain. It was fine.
Mr. Chalamet seemed skeptical, but let her leave without further questions.
Lea didn’t have a ride, though. She didn’t even have a raincoat. This was unfortunate, because she had to walk all the way off the Chalamet estate to the street and down to the subway.
Her hair was soaked (as was the rest of her) within minutes, and she knew she’d have a hell of a time stopping the frizz when she got home. She wondered what time it was. When she’d left, it had been just after eleven, what with how late she and Elle had been working. Mr. Chalamet had looked so gorgeous that evening that it had actually been painful to look at him. And he was so kind, making dinner for her and Elle, wanting to make sure she got home safely. 
She was musing about it as she walked down the sidewalk not far from the Chalamets’, a car she recognized all too well pulling up against the curb. 
She glanced at it, and, to her horror, Mr. Chalamet himself had cracked the window so he could speak to her without the rain getting in.
“Lea?” he asked, concern lacing his voice. “What’re you doing here?”
“I’m, uh…” She gulped anxiously. “I’m going to the subway.”
“I thought you said you had a ride.”
“They had to cancel last minute,” she quickly lied. 
He pursed his lips. “Uh huh. Okay, I’ll take you home. C’mon.”
Lea’s eyes widened, and she shook her head rapidly. “N— no thank you,” she stuttered. “I’m fine taking the subway.”
“Not in this rain,” Mr. Chalamet insisted, “and definitely not this late at night. Get in the car.”
“No, really,” she assured him, “I’m fine. But thank you.”
“Lea,” he started, his voice slow and deliberate, “I am not letting you walk around the city alone in the rain at 11:45 at night. No way in hell.” When she hesitated further, contemplating how to refuse him in a way he’d accept, he added, “Get. In. The. Fucking. Car.”
She did. 
He started down the road, and she stared out the window, watching rain. His car smelled like him, and with him so close to her…
Well. She just needed to pretend she was somewhere else.
“You didn’t have a ride home, did you?” Mr. Chalamet asked, sounding displeased. “Or an umbrella, apparently.”
She didn’t respond. He’d made her get in the car, and she couldn’t bear to talk to him. She was soaking wet, and somehow, that made her feel exposed. Vulnerable. Her mom had been vulnerable to her dad. That was why he’d been able to beat her. It was why she no longer had a dad, why she’d never grown up around boys. There was no danger of that with Mr. Chalamet for a whole host of reasons, of course, but the point was, vulnerability led to disaster. 
“Why did you lie to me, Lea?” he asked instead. “I get the feeling you’ve been lying to me, not to mention avoiding me. Why?”
She tensed. He was going to make things even more difficult for her, wasn’t he?
When she didn’t answer, didn’t even look at him, he let out a sigh of frustration. “Fine.”
All of a sudden, they had turned around and were going the opposite direction of her apartment.
Trying to figure out what he was trying to pull, Lea finally turned to look at him. “My apartment is the other way,” she pointed out.
“I know.” His fingers were tight on the steering wheel. 
He didn’t say anything else, and next thing she knew, they were in front of his house again. He got out, opening an umbrella as he did so. She flinched as the rain started to hit her skin again.
He rushed around to the other side to hold the umbrella over them both. Normally, she’d have smiled up at him and thanked him. This time, though, she marched right past him.
He hurried after her, and soon enough, she was dripping onto his fancy marble floors.
“What is with you?” Mr. Chalamet demanded.
She didn’t answer. She was gonna wait until she was dry enough to not damage her phone, and then she was gonna call an Uber.
“Alright then,” he decided, dropping his keys on the entryway table and grabbing her hand. “C’mon.”
“What—“ she started, thrown off by this turn of events.
“Do not argue with me, Lea,” he said sharply. “I’m not in the mood.”
Mr. Chalamet never got upset. She had never seen him snap or lose his temper, not once. It was… startling, to say the least. So she followed him, allowing him to pull her up the stairs and… into his bedroom?
They walked beneath an archway and then through a set of painted French doors, and then they were in his room. It was huge— vaulted ceilings, a TV above a carved fireplace, a sunroom in the corner that was separated from the rest of the bedroom by columns, a king sized bed with the covers unmade. 
That’s where he sleeps, she thought in a daze. He sleeps there. He sleeps there.
They passed a cabinet and counter with a mini fridge and coffee machine before going through another set of French doors and past a large, elaborate vanity that was built into the wall. He let go of her hand once they were between two huge walk-in closets, and he strode into the one on the right. Within a few seconds, he had re-emerged carrying a long-sleeve shirt and pair of sweatpants.
Mr. Chalamet grabbed her hand again and pulled her through a third set of French doors. “Stay there,” he commanded sharply as he let go of her hand again to rifle through some sort of small closet that was built into the wall. 
As he did, she took in the bathroom she now stood in. Marble floors, a huge walk-in shower with a seat—also made of marble, and with a large circular mirror inside—a large double vanity, columns around the ginormous tub that was more of a jacuzzi, all elaborately carved. There was even a fireplace with a mirror—and fuck, a small statue in front of the mirror—and a set of doors to a balcony with a table and chair set.
He marched past her and plopped the clothes as well towels he’d retrieved onto a long stool that sat in front of the tub. “Shower,” he ordered, “or take a bath. I don’t care. Just get out of those wet clothes and warm up. I’ll be outside until you’re done.”
“I… I need to brush my hair whenever I bathe,” she told him, her voice soft and hesitant. “It frizzes up really bad if I don’t.”
“I know.” He pointed at the shower seat. “I have curly hair, too, you realize. There’s a brush in the shower for that exact reason. You can use it.”
Lea nodded. He left then, closing the doors behind him. She hastened to lock them, looking around the room anxiously.
She showered, noting that the conditioner—which must’ve been obscenely expensive—was for curly hair. Did he have trouble taming his, too?
The towels were soft, and the clothes were warm. She squeezed out her bra and panties, not wanting him to see them, or see her without a bra.
When she exited the bathroom, Mr. Chalamet was sitting in a chair by the fireplace. She crossed her arms over her stomach, curling her toes in the sweatpants (they fell well past her feet and were essentially socks).
His lips quirked slightly when he saw her. “Feel better?” She stared at her feet in silence, and he sighed. “C’mon,” he told her, “we should sit in the living room.”
Lea didn’t see why, but she wasn’t about to argue with him. She didn’t understand his need to take care of her, really. Must’ve been a dad thing. 
Further confirmation he sees you as a child, she told herself glumly. I told you he’d never see you as anything but that. It seems like he sees you as a daughter, even. Ugh.
She let him take her downstairs and into the living room, and she was soon sitting on the couch with him in a chair across from her. She stared up at the balcony behind him; the chandelier and vaulted ceilings, elaborately carved like the rest of the house.
“You’ve been avoiding me,” he finally said. It wasn’t a question. It was a statement of fact. “You’ve been lying to me, too. Tell me why.”
She stared at her hands in her lap, where her fingertips were peeking through the hemline of the sleeves off the shirt he’d given her. “With all due respect, Mr. Chalamet, what I do is none of your business.”
“I thought we were friends,” he told her quietly, a smile in his voice.
She exhaled sharply. “You’re my friend’s dad.”
“That doesn’t mean we can’t be friends also,” he insisted. “I see you as a friend. Don’t you see me as one, too?”
She crossed her arms over her stomach protectively. Maybe she wouldn’t spill her guts, pour her heart out to him, if she could hold herself together. “I dunno,” she sighed. “It’s… weird.”
He stood, and she watched his sock-clad feet come into view before the couch dipped beneath his weight. He was close, but not close enough to appear more than friendly. “Why is it weird?” he asked her, his voice gentle. Kind. He was always so goddamn nice.
Finally, the prickling of his gaze on her skin was too much. She looked up at him, into his eyes, and…
And she couldn’t take it, couldn’t keep it in. She burst into tears, the emotions bursting out of her like water from a collapsed dam.
Cupping her face with her hands so he wouldn’t see her cry, Lea sobbed as quietly as she could until she felt herself pulled towards him and warm arms around her. 
“Shh,” he hushed softly, rubbing her back as she wept. “It’s alright. I’ve got you, Lea. It’s okay.” 
She couldn’t stop herself from burying her face in his shoulder. It felt so good to be held by him, to have his arms around her. It was everything she’d ever dreamed of except better, a billion times better.
Lea cried for a few more minutes before coming back to herself. As soon as she did, she put her hands on his shoulders and pushed away from him. Or tried to, anyway. She couldn’t get very far with his arms still around her. “Sorry,” she muttered, still trying to pull away. “I didn’t mean to.”
“Hey,” Mr. Chalamet said gently, cupping her cheek and lifting her face up towards him so she couldn’t help but look at him, “it’s alright. Really. I want to be there for you, sweetheart.”
“You shouldn’t call me that,” she breathed, certain that he shouldn’t call her such things because of the way it made her stomach flutter.
He stroked her cheek with his thumb. “It’s what you are to me.”
“I shouldn’t be.” She assumed he saw her as a daughter, and, well, he should see her platonically, of course, but she couldn’t bear for him to look at her the way a father looked at his daughter. She’d rather he look at her as a friend, no matter how painful that was. Or, hell, even a stranger was better than his daughter. Better than a child.
“But you are,” he murmured. His gaze found her lips, and she stopped breathing. “You’re probably right. You probably shouldn’t be. But you are, and I don’t care anymore. Push me away, slap me if you have to, but I can’t stop myself. I want this with you too badly. I’m sorry.”
“What are you—“ She didn’t even get to finish her question before his lips were on hers.
Lea was frozen. Her lungs wouldn’t work, couldn’t work. And then her brain processed what was happening. He was kissing her. Mr. Chalamet was kissing her, his lips moving gently over hers, his hand migrating from her cheek into her wet hair. 
She whimpered softly, closing her eyes and shifting closer to him. He groaned when he felt her respond, clenching his hand in her hair, his arm tightening around her waist. Their kiss deepened, becoming desperate and hungry, and he sucked her tongue into his mouth, moaning as he did so.
She knew it was wrong, knew he was no good for her, that she was no good for him, but she couldn’t stop herself, couldn’t help how desperately she needed him.
She slid her hands up from his shoulders into his hair and tried to move her lips over his the way he was doing with her, and he moaned again, trailing kisses over her jaw and down her throat. “You’re so beautiful,” Mr. Chalamet said against her skin. “God, why didn’t you push me away? You should hate me now. You should find me repulsive, think I’m a gross old man—“
“A what?” she laughed breathlessly. “Are you serious?”
“I’m way too old to want you this way.” He slid his hand down to the base of her spine, almost on her ass, but not quite. She wondered if he wanted to touch her there. She wished he would. She wished he’d touch her everywhere. “I shouldn’t look at you the way I do.”
“How do you look at me?” Lea asked breathily as he continued to kiss her neck. “I thought you saw me as a child.”
He chuckled a bit, the hand on her back bunching up in the fabric of the shirt she wore. “But you’re not one, are you?” he breathed. “You’re a fully grown woman.” His fingers slipped beneath the hemline of the shirt, brushing against the bare skin of her lower back. “God, are you ever.”
“What do you mean?” she asked, having a theory she couldn’t quite voice and hoping she was right.
“You’re of age,” Mr. Chalamet began, “and your body is…” he trailed off momentarily before clearing his throat. “Well. You’re an adult, and you look it.”
“You like the way I look?” she asked hesitantly.
“Fuck yes I do,” he growled. “I don’t wanna freak you out, but you are insanely sexy. Kiss me again, sweetheart. Please.”
“If that’s what you want,” she breathed, pressing her mouth to his again.
“I’ve spent a lot of time imagining this,” Mr. Chalamet confessed. “Thinking about your lips on mine.”
“You— you have?”
“God, yes.” He pulled her closer by the waist. “I can’t get you out of my head. Ever since I first saw you, I wanted to know what you’d taste like, what you’d feel like. What sounds you’d make if I touched you the way I really want to.”
“How do you want to touch me?” she wanted to know. “I… I’ve never… I mean, that was my first kiss, so…”
“It was?” he asked, sounding surprised. “I can’t believe I got to have that. But— I want to touch you however you'll let me. I want things with you—I want to do things to you—that might scare you, and that’s the last thing I want, is to scare you off.”
“You could never scare me off,” she assured him. “Please tell me how you see me. I want to know.”
“Like a fucking goddess,” he growled, kissing her neck again. “Aphrodite come to Earth. I’d worship you if you let me.”
Lea wrapped her arms around his neck, wanting to be closer to him, impossibly closer. “Mr. Chalamet, I—“
“Use my name, darling,” he interjected, running his hands up and down her sides, almost brushing her breasts. “I want to hear you say it. I want to hear you moan it.”
She hesitated, but he was kissing her neck, and it felt so good. He felt so good. “Timothée,” she exhaled softly.
“Fuck,” he groaned, sucking her skin gently, not quite hard enough to leave a mark. “Again, angel. Please. Say it again.”
“Oh, Timothée—“
“I wanna hold you,” he gasped. “I wanna touch you, feel your skin against mine—“
“Yes,” Lea whimpered. “Yes, Timothée, please touch me, I want that, I want that so bad—“
“Fuckin’ love hearing you say my name, baby,” he growled. “Never call me Mr. Chalamet again, you got that?”
“Whatever you want,” she promised, kissing him hungrily.
“This is why you’ve been lying to me, isn’t it?” Mr. Chalamet—no, Timothée, he wanted her to call him Timothée—asked. “Why you’ve been avoiding me, won’t look at me.”
She buried her face in his neck in response. “I’m sorry. I never meant to feel this way about you. It was an accident.”
“I didn’t mean to feel this way about you, either,” he confessed, “but that doesn’t mean I’m not happy I do, that you feel the same way about me.”
“I tried to hide it,” Lea admitted, “but I’ve never liked anybody before, so I don’t think I was very good at it.”
“No,” he chuckled with a slight shake of his head. “No, you weren’t. I suspected—or hoped, rather—that that was what was going on, but I wasn’t sure. I’m so glad I was right.” After a moment, he said, “Kiss me again, Lea. I need you to kiss me again.”
She was leaning in to do just that when there were footsteps on the stairs. Jumping away from him like a kid caught with their hand in a cookie jar, she panted heavily.
“What’re you guys doing?” Elle asked when she saw them.
There was silence for a few tense beats. “I was just about to take Lea home,” Tim—she got to think of him as that now!—finally said. “She’s not feeling well.”
“Oh, shit,” Elle muttered. “You okay? Why’re you wearing Dad’s clothes?”
“She got sick while still wearing her clothes,” he explained. “Do you need something?”
“Just a snack,” Elle said, strolling towards the kitchen. “See you later, Lea. Hope you feel better.”
“T— thanks,” Lea stuttered back, feeling very much like she’d just committed treasonous levels of betrayal.
“C’mon,” Tim told her gently, pulling her up and leading her towards the door.
She was in a daze on the drive to her apartment, trying to process what had happened.
He’d kissed her. He’d told her he liked her, wanted her, couldn’t stop thinking about her.
What the fuck?
He stopped in front of her building, pulling off to the curb. “The rain has stopped enough for you to walk in without an umbrella,” he observed.
“Yeah,” she agreed softly, staring at her hands in her lap. “Thanks for driving me home, Mr. Chalamet.”
“Why are you calling me that again?” he wanted to know. “I thought we agreed you wouldn’t anymore, now that we’re…” he trailed off.
Lea clutched the fabric of the sweatpants he’d given her. “We can’t do that again,” she informed him shakily. “I’m sorry. We can’t. I’ll see you later.”
He objected, saying her name, but she was already getting out of the car.
She curled up in a ball when she got to bed, crying until her eyes were raw.
Tumblr media
Aaaaaaaa I’m sorry I’m sorry I promise it has a happy ending
Tag list: @ellamaianderson @shika1200 @blackqueenstarseed1 @gatoenlaciudad @esmaada @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @softhecreator @timolaurence @timmymyluv @oddlyenoughiamweird @leecrunchybones @s-we-e-t-t-ea @almostg @vampire-reanimator @leespparker @bubblebuttwade @glizzymcguirex @starberry-cake
To be added, please ask 💗
40 notes · View notes
glass-onion-soup · 2 years ago
Text
Tumblr media
I have a few reasons for thinking this: 1. Paul's increasing positivity about it the further out he gets from actually having to deal with alive!John ("frightening phone calls, glad those aren't in my life anymore"). 2. Decades of confusion and anguish that John never liked him at all. 3. There's this recurring theme that crops up in his music after John dies... (not that these lyrics are literally about John, but in the sense that this is a general sentiment added to his emotional vocabulary after John died)(I do think a few of these are about John tho').
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
4. The fact that 'Here Today' is defensive in a similar genre ("well, you didn't give me a single inch on this front, but I'm gonna view our history positively anyway!!!!!")
Tumblr media
5. Defensiveness in general and still fighting perceived rivalries with John years after his death (commissioned in the 90's not just a biography, but a biog aimed to set the record straight on who brought avant garde to the band). 6. On the day of, Paul said "remind me never to fall out with anyone again". Within ten years this changed to "it's so sad George never made up from falling out with John before he died like I did." 7. That George had to tell Paul to stop fighting Yoko basically on his deathbed, and that Paul's entire perception of his and John's relationship could still be warped, controlled and filtered entirely by Yoko despite them having "made up". 8. Vagueness and repetitive paucity re: his and John's cross-ocean post-75 correspondence. Okay yeah, he and John could small talk about their children and baking hobbies without yelling at each other, but did they actually resolve any of the issues that put barriers up between them in the first place, let alone scale the walls erected during their break up? 9. Paul sounds extremely not even a little bit resolved re: his relationship with John in the infamous off the record convo with Hunter Davies. I take his attitude here - when he was in the thick of the emotional storm almost immediately after the event - over things said to the press 10-40 years later.
And I don't think it's lying at all. It's a completely normal function of human psychology to re-frame traumatic or unresolved events more positively or soberly the further you get away from them, otherwise we'd all go completely insane. Paul wasn't really allowed to process his anger at and grief over John without the fantastical abstraction "St John" marketing construct, or having Yoko jump down his throat, so there isn't really any mental recourse left except to tell himself that they were "okay in the end". Also: even if he were fully conscious that they didn't make up and just sort of tells this pat story in interviews to avoid talking about it, that's also not lying??? Refusing to air your dirtiest laundry in public isn't lying, the press and fans aren't entitled to shit. If I were Paul I would say even less than he has (I say, spending all day thinking deeply invasive thoughts about this man's inner psychology; but see, I do it on tumblr under an anon identity lmao). I think his headspace is more likely the former than the latter, but I wouldn't define either of these as lying.
But I also think where you stand on this issue depends on what you mean by "make up". If you mean they were able to be friendly and polite with each other, then yes: they made up. If you mean "did they exhume the skeletons in their closet as to be able to move on a form a new kind of honest, intimate friendship", then I think the answer is definitively no. It's not unusual to have more formalized, shallow relationships with your teen-hood friends as an adult, esp for someone like Paul who has a very traditionally male attitude of saving all his emotional intimacy for The Wife/Girlfriend and one or two close confidantes, but I think it's clear from the way Paul has struggled with parsing and accepting John's death for about forty years indicates that "formal small talk relationship in which the wounds are efficiently ignored or suppressed" is not what he was hoping to have with John going forward.
51 notes · View notes
helenarasmussen87 · 2 years ago
Text
Sasuke and Naruto thoughts
I've been re-reading the series and I also got some of the novels so I'm just rambling about Naruto so just putting that under the cut.
I was talking to a friend about how Naruto and Sasuke are the true love story of the original and how it was choreographed and telegraphed no matter what. Sasuke knew he loved Naruto earlier, because Naruto needed to grow in that area and the last fight was their realisation.
I've read meta explaining this and maybe it's my background (I teach English and Literature) and the points are well thought out and make sense. But for the het ships, I just can't find compelling points unless it is a retcon, or things like the Retsuden novels.
And I am in the process of reading them and...Yikes. Especially Sasuke's story...which sadly reads like a fanfic of someone who didn't get what they wanted, so they're going to impose their own version and push for it being canon.
I guess what kind of scratched at my brain was that even in fanfiction, you still work from the canon motivatios and then go to town. At least, that's how I view it and you build it up from there.
Sasuke doesn't feel *real* in Retsuden. Yes, people can change, but with both Sasuke and Naruto...They are twin flames. Whether they meet up at the Shag Shack once every two weeks while they take care of the village is beside the point. They both come first in each other's lives.
(And it is heavily implied even in the new canon that's always the case. I think Sarada and Boruto have stated this in so many words. And their wives know, but they want their men (prizes, status symbols), so they adhere to this, even though everyone is pretty miserable no matter what way you paint it)
But all of Sasuke's actions, like the ring and being all over Sakura don't work due to what we see of him before. There's no building up to him getting to that point. He has a thing with Naruto because they grow together. Sakura and Sasuke don't. Naruto and Hinata don't.
There's never this separation between them, like in other media where the partners establish they're done with each other. Or not.
And it reminded me of the 2003 Battlestar Galactica, where despite Starbuck and Adama trying to leave each other, and marrying other people...The tie was always strong between them. No one ever loved them like they loved each other.
Lee Adama's wife knew this and tried and he did too. Starbuck and her husband too.
Adama and Starbuck basically show everyone how strong that tie is when they get into a ring and end up going from a friendly boxing match, to them beating each other bloody and then both acknowledging what is between them.
And I immediately thought of Valley of the End. Because it was exactly that.
There is no real defining moment for the het couples in Naruto like that. It's all very "Yes, well get the epilogue cleaned up" and go on to the sequel.
Like no other scene with the canon couples lived up to that intensity and that love. Both declarations of love were ignored. Domestic life is distant and cold and there's no real connection. Like when Sakura buys flowers for when Sasuke comes home as if to erase all of his absences. Or how Naruto falls asleep watching a romance with Hinata and his son is there playing video games...together, yet apart.
Yet we get time and time again, proof that Naruto and Sasuke's connection that is still thriviing despite the burdens they each shoulder. They are connected and meet frequently and still just come alive when they are together.
They parent each other's kids! Naruto mentors Sarada and Boruto is Sasuke's apprentice. Talk about setting up the blended family here.
So that's why the Retsuden was so jarring because one, Sasuke went on a mission to help heal Naruto's illness. That was his main reason. The other stuff is so discordant with what we've been presented with.
And it's mostly in this one, since the last Sasuke novel emphasized how much Sasuke valued Naruto over everything. The about face is not set up for showing that. Or for him to play happy families and be some sort of prize for Sakura to show off.
I thought about it and I know this is why I am annoyed. It's not the story, but the poor story telling and shoving elements which do not belong in it and sell it as a love story.
It is worrisome because these couples are the textbook example of "We married young and now that the flush is gone and reality set in...We have nothing in common. And we're staying together for the kids"
Whereas Naruto and Sasuke grew into their relationship and that's why them being apart doesn't matter. That thread is always there and that's why they work as lovers and a couple when these other ones don't.
Temari and Shikmaru, Ino and Sai, and Asuma and Kurenai as well as Minato and Kushina work, because we see the organic growth and how they support and mutually respect each other. Ino has emphatically stated that she wouldn't stand for that kind of marriage if it were her. Shikamaru and Temari both train with their kid and work together. Asuma and Kurenai were never really shown together, but there were enough hints to show their love for each other. Minato and Kushina had history from since they were kids.
Even Fugaku and Mikoto had a relationship that was believeable.
So it can be done. But not with this and that's why it feels like cheap writing. And why it fails.
5 notes · View notes
fatefought · 1 year ago
Text
@incaensio sent: ❛ are you even sorry? ❜ - katniss/haymitch (ngl,,, this would be Fun for MJ)
thirteen has him dressing in jackets, gloves, and a beanie. years of punishing his body has meant that regulation of temperature is something that has been beat out of it. the garments make sure that abernathy is warm, but it doesn't stop the withdrawal shivers that still plague him now. shouldn't it have stopped ? haymitch doesn't really know. he's no doctor. it's the first time he and the girl have seen each other in the underground district and had some sense of privacy. he's given her space, and he bets she could use some more.
everdeen's question is vague, and his brain instantly thinks of several things it could do with. arms remain crossed over his chest. it's retaining the warmth better, but it does nothing to add a friendliness to his demeanor. maybe he should pander, butter her up. he has some experience after being a mule for the games for twenty-five years. she's no cap sponsor though, and being so out of character might end with more violence. though, even being genuine likely will too. " for which part ? are ya talkin' the boy ? of course. that sorrow is felt for 'im though. ya might be 'is wife, but that doesn't mean i owe it to ya. he's 'is own person, and i think about 'im being there all the time. " peeta is in the capitol ; peeta is in snow's hands. the interview while sad at least confirmed he was still alive. they still had a chance at getting him here.
" i know ya think i broke the promise, but i didn't. i did everythin' in my power to try to get 'im here. how was i suppose to know that things played out the way they did ? if i broke it, ya broke it too. what did ya do to make sure he got here ? ya see how slippery slick that slope is ? i know ya didn't break it. and if ya think i did, that's fine. i'm not gonna say i'm sorry for breakin' it if i don't think i did though. " his defensiveness is uncalled for, but it's the only way he can cope with everything. being sober leaves a lot of time for wading through the guilt and other thoughts haymitch would like to suppress. one of the medical staff commented how he probably drank to forget. well damn, abernathy drinks because he likes the alcohol. ( the other thing was just an added benefit. )
" as for ya, " finger points to the girl momentarily as though katniss wouldn't know who he's talking about. " i am sorry for the position ya were thrown in. i know it isn't fair. you're young. ya didn't choose this. nothing's fair though. nobody's life in panem is their own, other than some caps. we've talked 'bout how victors never leave the arena. ya can get better at the games, but it never makes 'em easier. the difficulty just gets harder. your loved ones most of which are here would 'ave just become tally marks for times that snow got 'is fuckin' feelings hurt. i know it's unfair, and for that i am sorry. ya can make a difference though. and when this is all said and done, ya and the people ya care about can actually live. " he's not saying he did this for her. no, obviously not. haymitch wants to see the world burn so it can be rebuilt. katniss cares deeply for those she loves though. he does hope the girl and those people do get to live in peace though, even if it will only be after the rebellion and if the rebels won.
" add me to that little list of people ya wanna kill to coin for all i care. just let me see ya end snow first, " he remarks. " but 'til then, let me work with ya so we can get peeta 'ere. cinna too who saw the very same potential in ya that i did that all of the rebels did. ya don't 'ave to like me or trust me. i've given ya plenty of reasons to not. at the very least i can help ya navigate through all this mockingjay shit. "
Tumblr media
2 notes · View notes