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chukys-mouthguard · 3 months ago

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broken memories - pt. 2

sequel to kinda tempting

3k words | loosely proof read

genre: fluff/angst

featuring: mat barzal x female reader x matt rempe

warnings: mentions of loss of pregnancy

previous chapter

It had been a month since you had broken the news to Matt about your baby. He was temporarily living with Jonathan Quick as he continued his offseason training to prepare for camp. The two of you kept in touch, often checking in on one another as you both navigated the stages of grieving.

You still talked on the phone at least twice a week, things remaining very cordial between you, which you appreciated. Never wanting to lose Matt entirely, hoping that you could remain friends despite everything.

Mat Barzal on the other hand, wasn’t being much of a friend as he’d yet to return any of your texts. Including your text you’d sent the night of the fight with Matt when he packed his things and left.

While you understood he was engaged and happy with someone else, he did promise that you could still reach out to him whenever you needed. Yet maybe that was simply a meaningless comment of comfort at the time, not something that held any true intent behind it.

You had finally started to feel like your normal self, getting fully back into work and preparing for the upcoming season. The organization pleasantly surprised you as they did not intend to fire you despite your relationship with Rempe, of course now that wouldn’t pose a problem. But you were happy that you could stay with the organization after you had become so sure this would be where you stayed for the foreseeable future should you and Matt have had your baby to raise.

Checking the time you had a little over an hour left in your work day, figuring you’d use the time to go get some footage of the recent renovations of the locker room to start making a few posts for the socials.

As you exited the elevator your phone was buzzing in your pocket, an image of Rempe brightly filling the screen. A smirk found its way across your lips at the sight of the photo. It was after his debut stadium series game, his eye black slightly smeared as he flashed a goofy smile at the camera. You’d never forget the excitement surrounding that day, but more importantly meeting Matthew.

“Hello Matthew Rempe, how can I help you?”

He chuckled at your sing-song tone as he greeted you. “I am actually getting in the car, just leaving training. But, I realized I need some stuff from the apartment, well your apartment. Can I swing by?”

Heading into the Rangers locker room you pulled your work phone from your pocket, snagging some photos and a few videos to ensure you had plenty of content to use in editing.

“Um, yeah sure. I’m finishing up here at MSG within the hour, then I’ll be heading home. I would say I can be there in like an hour or so? If that works for you?”

“Yeah, I’ll probably hit traffic on my way so that would be fine. I’ll see you soon!”

“Sounds good, see you in a bit.”

Dropping your bag on the island you headed down the hall to throw on some comfy clothes, which ended up being some shorts and a Rangers t-shirt that Matthew had left behind. You figured this wasn’t an item he was in need of so he wouldn’t mind you wearing it.

Before you could even get fully settled in from work there was a knock at your door.

“Matthew Rempe, what in the world is this?”

You eyed the boy as he carried in a box of food, setting it on the island as he wrapped you in a quick hug.

“Well, I knew you probably hadn’t eaten dinner yet. And it could be like old times, when we’d get our favorite takeout place for dinner.”

You smiled at the gesture, thinking back to how Matt’s diet surely took a turn throughout your pregnancy once the craving for Chinese food kicked in. Weekly Matt found himself bringing home whatever dish it was you craved, but he never once complained. Well, that is except for when you ended up with a better fortune in your cookie than he did.

“You really didn’t have to do this, I could’ve just made some leftovers or something.”

He shot you a playful smile as he held up the container of steamed dumplings.

“Really? You’d pass on dumplings for leftovers?”

You licked your lips as you stole the container from his hand, moving around to the other side of the island as you pulled out some plates and silverware. Passing some to Matt so he could serve up his food before the two of you found your familiar spots on the floor at your coffee table.

“So, how are you doing? Everything good?”

Nodding your head you reached for a napkin, wiping your mouth before you answered him.

“Yeah, starting to feel like my normal self again. It was a little rocky there for a bit. But, I’m starting to feel good. Able to make it through the workday without crying, which is a big plus. How about you?”

He also nodded, adjusting how he sat on the floor as he rested back on his hands.

“Yeah, same here. I mean, I still have my moments where I do the why me sort of spiel. But I would say I’ve gotten past a lot of the frustration and anger I felt for a while. And training has been freaking amazing, I’m so excited for camp. I’ve been working so hard, the boys are really impressed.”

The smile on his face as he told you about his offseason training schedule warmed your heart. A smile formed on your lips as you saw how excited he was, talking about some of the different workouts he’s pushed himself through. Matt was like a kid in a candy story as he talked about the upcoming season. He’d already come such a long way from the rookie you met at the stadium series.

“I’m really proud of you Matt, and I can tell you’ve been working hard. I can see it for sure!”

“Oh, so you were checking me out eh? The biceps are looking pretty good if I do say so myself.”

He shot you a wink as he flexed his bicep for you, making you roll your eyes playfully as you reached over to steal a bite of his sesame chicken.

“Seriously? Some things just never change I guess.”

He slightly chucked as you shrugged your shoulders. Stealing Matt’s food was always something you’d do after telling him you didn’t like his order. Which would always lead to a silly argument once you’d stolen almost half of his chicken from his plate. Leaving him with mostly rice and veggies, which were obviously not the reason for him ordering the dish. But he never complained, always happy as long as you were.

That was something you’d always appreciated about Matt. He was selfless, always willing to sacrifice anything for you, to put himself in difficult positions for you. But you always felt like you couldn’t give him the same, your heart being pulled in the opposite direction for a guy who clearly had moved on from you like it was nothing.

You hated that you’d hurt Matt, of course losing your baby wasn’t anything you’d ever done intentionally. But to know he still felt as though it was never him in your heart, that you were solely with him for your daughter and not because you liked him enough on his own, it hurt. Because maybe you were both wrong, maybe somehow things could have worked. Had your relationship not began the way it did, if you had simply walked away once you knew Mat had cheated. Maybe you two could've had a happy ending, rather than him moving out with you both left to pick up the pieces separately.

“Y/n!”

Snapping from your thoughts you looked up at Matt, his hand holding out two fortune cookies.

“You pick first, remember?”

It was always tradition for you to pick your cookie first, Matt’s rules. He said that your intuition was better than his, and most of the time your fortunes did suit each of you perfectly.

Taking the cookie on the right you playfully smiled, the two of you ripping open the packages as you each cracked open the cookies. Pulling out the small piece of paper, you read your fortune to yourself, biting your lip as you looked at Matt, seeing him already looking back at you in anticipation. He could see the tears welling in your eyes, immediately moving to your side to comfort you. His arms holding you tight as you cried, trying to pull yourself together as this wasn’t supposed to be a night for the two of you to be sad.

“What did it say?”

You took a deep breath as you sat up, wiping your tears as you read the message out loud.

“If you want the rainbow, you have to tolerate the rain.”

You softly chuckled, now realizing it seemed silly to cry over such a cliche message. But as you looked up at Matt he was fighting his own tears, sniffling as he tried to pull himself together.

“I think that was exactly what you needed to hear right now. Like I’ve always said, your intuition is a hell of a lot better than mine.”

He gave you a smile as he stood up, collecting the dishes and taking them into the sink as he began to clean them off. You then tossed the throw pillows back onto your couch before joining him. Taking a seat on the counter as you watched him dry the dishes before placing them back in the cabinet.

“Well what about you?”

He tossed the dish towel over his shoulder as he turned to look at you, crossing his arms as he leaned against the counter.

“What about me?”

“Your fortune!”

“Ohhh, let’s see, where did I put it?”

Typical Matt. He’d always put his fortune on the table, or in his pocket, the most random places thinking he’d lost it only to find it twenty minutes later.

“Here it is!”

Stuck to the bottom of his sock, that was a new one.

He playfully cleared his throat as he read from the tiny paper.

“A lifetime of happiness is in front of you.”

His eyes flashed up to meet yours, the words ringing in your ears and making your heart skip a beat. Though surely Matt didn’t see it that way, probably interpreting the fortune to be an overall meaning of the future, not literally right in front of him.

He simply shrugged as he placed the dish towel back onto the counter, “guess I’m gonna have to wait for happiness I guess. Unless, right in front of me.”

Looking down he stared at the sink, then flashed his eyes to you.

“This, washing dishes. It’s my future. Is this a sign that camp isn’t gonna go well for me?”

You rolled your eyes, practically falling off the counter at his god awful joke. Searching the apartment for your phone as he continued on, trying his best to make you laugh, which you always appreciated.

Looking at the screen you saw a multitude of text messages, all from none other than Mat. You’d immediately set your phone down, rejoining Matthew in the kitchen as you had no desire to talk to Barzal. It had been a month since you saw him, and you were not in the business of being friends only when it was convenient for him.

“Well, this has really been great, for the both of us I think. But, I gotta grab my stuff and head out. I’ve got an early training session tomorrow.”

Playfully you frowned at him as he headed to your previously shared bedroom, pulling a few things from the closet as he tossed them into a duffle bag he’d brought. Then he moved to the bathroom, and finally ended up in the living room grabbing a few books from the shelf.

“If you ever wanted to come over, not just when you need to grab some of your stuff, you can do that too you know?”

Matt softly smiled at you, appreciating the fact that you were open to still hanging out with him despite everything that happened. He felt awful for the way he left things, for accusing you of not necessarily having feelings for him or ever seeing yourself with him. It was pretty harsh when he thought back on it. And he wished things could’ve played out differently. But to even get an open invite from you to spend time together after the things he’d said, he felt that was a step in the right direction.

“I know that now, and I will definitely keep that in mind.”

He wrapped you in a hug before heading out the door, out of habit kissing your head before awkwardly apologizing. To which you’d told him you didn’t mind, it still felt so normal for him to do so. He promised to text you once he got home, but told you not to wait up as he might hit traffic on his drive and you need your rest for work in the morning. He truly did know you way too well.

Heading back into the living room you heard your phone buzzing on the coffee table. A photo of you and Mat Barzal filling the screen, one you’d apparently never changed after your breakup.

“Hello?”

“Hey, um, is everything okay?”

You scoffed at his somewhat annoyed tone as you took a seat on the couch, pulling a throw blanket over your legs as you spat back at him.

“Like you care? It’s been a month since I saw you and this is the first I’ve heard from you. What about the five other days I’ve tried reaching out? You didn’t care until now?”

He sighed on his end of the call, realizing he’d come off wrong, trying to apologize and start over as he explained himself.

“Well, you’re right. I should’ve responded sooner. But, Ava was in town, I couldn’t have her seeing me talking to you. But, I mean I texted you back now. You’re the one ignoring me now.”

He playfully chuckled, though you were not amused, Mat always thinking he could use charm to move past any wrongdoing.

“First of all, what good does texting me now do if I reached out weeks ago? Maybe I needed you then. And second of all, I wasn’t ignoring you. I was busy. Matt came over to grab some of his things and he brought dinner.”

Mat’s line of the phone went silent, eventually you’d heard him take a deep breath before he spoke.

“So, the guy packs up his things and walks out on you, but suddenly you’re hanging out and having dinner together? Are you two broken up or not?”

His tone was annoyed and angry, though you weren’t sure why considering he was happily engaged, which you didn’t think you needed to remind him of but clearly he’d forgotten.

“Last time I checked, you’re happy with Ava. So why do you care so much? I’m not allowed to have dinner with him? He and I were literally going to have a child, you think that everything between him and I just goes away overnight because I’m no longer pregnant?”

You found yourself laughing, the conversation seeming silly to you. There was no need for you to explain yourself to him, but part of you felt like you owed him something. After all, you did the same thing right back to him that he’d done to you.

“There was never anything between you two! Stop trying to pretend like there was. I get it okay, I fucked up. I should have never cheated on you. Do I think it gave you the right to do the same to me, no. But I could see how I pushed you into the arms of someone else. What I won’t let you do, is try to tell me that even for a second there was something between you and him. He got you pregnant after one night, and you two had to be together for your baby. That’s not love, that’s nothing close to what we had. So don’t you dare try to say it’s anything similar.”

You tried not to take his words personally, knowing they were coming from a place of hurt as he’d clearly not gotten over everything that happened. Rather just tried to mask it all by jumping into an engagement he clearly wasn’t satisfied with. But you weren’t going to just accept the things he said, letting him act as if there were never any feelings felt between you and Matthew.

“Mat, you have never once been in the same room as us. You’ve not been around Matt and I, you don’t know the feelings that are there. You don’t know how we feel towards one another, so you can’t tell me how I feel or how I don’t.”

“How you feel? So what, you still supposedly like this guy? After he packed his shit and walked out on you during one of the hardest moments of your life, you still have fucking feelings for someone like that? You’d want to be with the guy after all this?”

“Well I stayed with you during your shitty moments didn’t I?”

The comment was harsh, but you didn’t care. Mat always thought he could do no wrong, that the way he spoke was justified, and you were sick of him trying to make you feel bad, regardless if you’d hurt him or not.

“Why do you fucking care so much Mat? Must I remind you, you’re engaged! You chose her! So why could you possibly care so much if I still have feelings for Matt or would consider trying to do things the right way with him?”

The line went silent, and it felt as if minutes had passed before Mat finally confessed to you why’d he become so frustrated with you admitting you might truly have feelings for Rempe after all.

“Because I called off my engagement.”

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dollishbabess · 1 month ago

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ROMANCE-TOBER :: PASSING NOTES IN THE LIBRARY -DOLLISH

── .✦

A/n: I’m literally on time! I actually im so excited for being on time because I’m going to like go shopping tomorrow to go to NYC last minute!! So I’ll have some works on queue for you guys! (I should’ve done that sooner!😭) so yeah I also wanna start a mini series but after romtober ofc I don’t want to make a busy schedule with TWO series at a time! - dollish.

Character tags: tim drake x g!n reader!

The soft hum of pages turning and the faint scent of aged paper filled the air as you and Tim settled into a cozy corner of the Gotham Central Library. Autumn weather streamed through the tall windows, casting warm beams across the wooden tables, creating the perfect atmosphere for a study date. You had intended to focus on your schoolwork, but as you glanced over at Tim, a mischievous smile tugged at the corners of your lips.

Tim was already deeply engrossed in his work, glasses perched on the bridge of his nose (yes he wears blue light glasses), and his brow furrowed in concentration. You admired how dedicated he was, but you also knew that focusing in a library together was a challenge especially when Tim had a penchant for distractions.

You settled into your own stack of books, trying to concentrate on the chapter in front of you, but a rustle beside you caught your attention. Tim had pulled out a bright yellow sticky note and a pen. With a sly smile, he began to scribble something down, glancing your way every few seconds, as if ensuring you weren’t watching.

Curiosity piqued, you pretended to read while glancing at him out of the corner of your eye. He finished writing, then peeled the sticky note off and turned it sideways to reveal his handiwork.

**“You look cute when you’re studying. Don’t forget to blink.” **

You couldn’t help but laugh quietly, drawing a few disapproving glances from nearby people who were about boomers maybe. Tim’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he held the note up in a way that only you could see. He winked, and you felt a rush of warmth at his attention.

You grabbed a nearby pen and quickly scribbled a response on another sticky note.

**“Are you flirting with me??”**

You passed it over, and Tim read it with an exaggerated gasp, placing a hand over his heart. “Me? Flirting? Never!” He whispered a bit so only you could hear.

The two of you exchanged giggles before he went back to his notes. His laughter was infectious, and you couldn’t help but steal glances at him, trying to concentrate while enjoying the playful banter.

Tim reached for another sticky note, clearly undeterred by the actual studying you both should have been doing. He quickly wrote another message and leaned over to present it to you, a cheeky grin on his face.

**“Maybe I should take you out for ice cream after this. I promise to keep it a ‘study session’ or maybe not?.’”**

You raised an eyebrow, playing along. “Only if you promise not to get distracted by the menu again.”

“I can’t help it if the flavors are that enticing!” he replied with mock seriousness, clearly enjoying this little game of notes more than the actual studying.

You felt your heart flutter. It was moments like these light and filled with laughter that reminded you why you enjoyed spending time with Tim so much. He was always full of surprises, and even when he was trying to focus, he managed to make you feel special.

You decided to up the ante. You grabbed a sticky note and wrote down a challenge.

**“Fine, but if you can solve this math problem in under five minutes, ice cream is on me.”**

You set the challenge note down in front of him. He looked at it, a mixture of determination and amusement in his eyes. “Game on.”

Tim immediately set to work, his brow furrowing in concentration as he tackled the problem. You watched as he scribbled numbers and formulas on his own pad, glancing at the clock occasionally.

When he finally finished, he looked up, triumphant. “Done! Let’s see if I got it right.” He flipped the notebook to show you the answer, and you bit your lip to hold back laughter.

“Tim,” you said, “you accidentally solved the problem for next week’s homework instead.”

His expression dropped, and he facepalmed dramatically, making you giggle even more. “Okay, okay, no ice cream for me,” he said, shaking his head in mock disappointment.

But instead of giving up, he quickly grabbed another sticky note.

**“New plan, if I can’t solve it, you owe me an ice cream. If I do, I get to choose the flavor.”**

You rolled your eyes playfully but nodded, unable to resist his charm. “That’s sounds like a win win situation for you??, but deal.”

With renewed determination, Tim got to work again. You watched him solve the problem with ease this time, the corners of his mouth turning up into a satisfied grin when he realized he had it right.

“Victory is mine!” he declared, leaning back in his chair with a theatrical flourish. You laughed, and he quickly scrawled another note.

**“I’ll take mint chocolate chip, please.”**

As you reached for your own stack of notes, the librarian approached your table, a slight frown on her face. “I’m going to need you two to keep it down a little, People are starting to think your planning to run out the place without scanning your books first…” she said, eyeing your sticky notes and the shared laughter.

You both nodded, suppressing your giggles, but once she turned away, you exchanged knowing smiles, the kind that spoke of shared secrets and the joy of being together.

After a few more minutes of pretending to study, Tim leaned over, resting his chin on his hand, his gaze softening as he looked at you. “You know, I came here to study, but I think I’m actually enjoying this a lot more.”

“Same here,” you admitted, feeling the warmth spread through you. “Thanks for making this so fun.”

He reached over and lightly touched your hand, the contact sending a small spark through you. “You’re worth the distraction,” he replied, his voice sincere.

You felt your heart race at his words. The library around you faded away, leaving just the two of you and the quiet intimacy of the moment.

As the afternoon light began to fade, you realized that while you hadn’t done much studying, you had created memories that would last far longer than any textbook lesson.

“Want to grab that ice cream now?” you suggested, feeling a rush of excitement.

“Absolutely,” Tim grinned, packing away his books and sticky notes.

As you both stood and made your way to the exit, you felt a sense of happiness wash over you. You may have come to the library for studying, but you were leaving with so much more laughter, playful banter, and the promise of ice cream with the boy who never failed to make your heart flutter.

- @dollishbabess do not repost on different platform, or translate or edit!

- second divider @cafekitsune

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vlrghoes · 3 months ago

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What Once Was | Chapter One

author’s note: I edited and proof read this after coming back from the club so if you see something wrong don’t be afraid to point it out as I’m quite friendly anyway!

I still don’t know if I like this chapter but overall I’m just shy about sharing my work because I’m hyper judgmental of my own work but I still wanted to share this with you guys anyway.

The chapters after this will be set a few years after this (which will be clarified in the chapters)

I’m English so if anything is wrong in terms of America and the health practices please forgive me!

I’m literally yapping now but I do want to say that I can’t promise chapter two will come in under 2 weeks as I’ve just finished my law degree and landed my dream job (not related to my degree) and I start training next Sunday and it’s for 5 weeks, really intense and with exams almost every day and if I mess up I lose my job. (Not sure if it’s obvious what my job is but anyways.) Also it’s my birthday on Wednesday and I’m celebrating Thursday so less time to write!

cw/tw: death, pregnancy complications, heavy angst, references to mental health and body dysmorphia/body image issues

word count: 4370 (I never usually write more than 2k so this is weird for me)

tag list (ask to be added): @trippinsorrows @cyberdejos2 @maeb99 @southerngirl41 @callmekayd @trentybenty @tian-monique @rose-bliss (if your name isn’t in grey, it’s not letting me tag you but I’ll try in the comment section)

masterlist

“You’re choosing that stupid title over your family again.” Ayanna’s voice cracked, the finality of her words hanging in the air as Joe stood frozen, his guilt palpable and his resolve wavering. She had spent all day running around the house and decorating for their special day. She spent hours preparing a nice steak dinner for the two of them, however it had been left untouched, the wait quelling her appetite as she now only felt sick. The dress she picked out now felt too revealing, no longer complimenting her body. Suddenly it clung to all the wrong parts and accentuated her weight gain, making her feel like a whale instead. The candles in the house had melted to the point where the fire had flickered out and the playlist she had queued just sounded like white noise at this point. Nothing matters anymore because Joe is late, late home once again and Ayanna is reaching breaking point. She spent hours waiting for him after she prepared their dinner, but all the effort didn’t matter anymore because instead of romance, the air was filled with tension and dread. “You know they’re due any day now, Joe how could you do this to me, to us. How can you still be wrestling so soon to my due date?” She said, her voice filled with emotion as she tried to steady herself. She didn’t want to cry, she had cried so much this entire pregnancy and she felt miserable. Instead of having that pregnancy glow like Rihanna, she had the life sucked out of her and she just felt lifeless.

“Look baby, I'm sorry.” Joe began, trying to figure out mentally how to get himself out of the trouble he was in. It wasn’t his fault, the media day for Wrestlemania was meant to finish much earlier but they took longer to set up, in turn making Joe’s interview (which was last) late. He had intended to be home earlier but it just seemed like the universe had other plans.

“Don’t even bother” Ayanna sighed, playing with the ring on her finger which now felt like it weighed a tonne. When they first got together, he gave it to her as a promise he’d marry her and whilst he did deliver on that promise, since getting pregnant and no longer being able to join him on the road she wondered if it was worth it sometimes. It’s not that she didn’t love Joe, hell sometimes she thinks she loves him too much. However she now isn’t sure if he loved her more than that title. He used to be so romantic; he’d bring her flowers every single day no matter what, he’d take her on dates, even small ones that weren't as lavish and she loved it. But the more he climbed up the ranks of WWE, the less the romance was there. Then shortly after he became champion everything stopped. Their marriage hit the rocks as he was never home and he started to miss things such as birthdays and christmases, so to save their marriage Ayanna gave up everything and joined him on the road. It was all going great until her later stages of pregnancy which stopped her from travelling with him but the most important thing for Ayanna was that he never missed an anniversary.

Well that was until now.

“Do you even know what day it is?” Ayanna asked, her voice quiet as she watched his mind tick, the cogwheels visabilly spinning with his face scrunched up in confusion, dull eyes squinting until it all finally clicks and he looks at her horrified. “You know, as bad as you’ve been lately, I always used to say ‘at least he’d always remembered our anniversary’ but it seems I can’t even say that anymore.” She spits, her heart breaking as the words leave her mouth.

“Yana” he started, feeling dizzy as he watched her flinch, a look almost of disgust flashing within her eyes. The nickname didn’t bring the butterflies it used to bring anymore, instead it forced a swell of emotion that made her feel like she could spew her guts any second. She used to look at him in adoration, but as the years passed the glimmer in her eyes decreased daily until they were fully extinguished. “Baby things are going to change after wrestlemania, I promise. Just one more match, after this I promise I’ll ask Vince again for some time off, I’m sure he’ll give it to me this time.”

The both of them knew that he was telling her what he wanted her to hear, the same conversation being repeated so many times to the point where they felt like they were in limbo. The last time Joe had asked, Vince told him he couldn’t have time off as he was their top star and Joe simply didn’t ask again. He always seemed to lack a backbone in situations that require him having one, but is happy to have a backbone and be stubborn when he doesn't need to be. Ayanna was exhausted, carrying one baby is hard enough but of course Joe carried the twin gene so she was carrying two instead and it felt like they were draining the life from her body. “I just want you to be present Joe, I feel like a single mother despite being married.” She pleaded, her voice filled with desperation. No one ever mentioned how lonely pregnancy is. She had lost many friends as she couldn’t go out to the club or drink anymore which meant that she spent days on end staring at the four walls of her bedroom watching the time pass as she waited up for Joe to come home. She sighed, tears threatening to well in her eyes which made her mentally curse. Stupid baby hormones. “You made the same promise last time, I don’t think you understand that one day I may not be here. You’ve missed so much already and you will never get this time back.”

She waited for Joe to say something, anything that could save the situation and at some points she felt like he was. But he’d then swallow the words back with a bitter taste and instead just looked at her in defeat. Nothing could save Ayanna for the despair she felt and she felt stupid even having this conversation with him. Instead, she gives him one more look over, a silent plea to say something or do something but the window of time closes as soon as she opens and she ends up turning on her feet and going to bed. She kept her room door ajar, hoping he’d come and knock, give her the tight hugs he used to give her and shower her in kisses and apologies but it never happens.

Joseph himself didn’t know what to do. They had the fairytale romance all their friends envied when they were younger, he was the promising D1 football player and she was a shoe-in to be a future Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. They looked good together and spent years in their honeymoon phase, yet somehow as they grew older the fairytale had started to wear off. He looked around the room with a frown, his stomach twisting and his heart aching as he realised exactly how much effort she had put in for their anniversary dinner and in that moment he felt like a horrible person. He knew he needed to pack as he was leaving at 5AM to get a jet for Wrestlemania but a large part of him wanted to go and fix the situation. But he knew nothing could ever fix it. They promised each other that they’d never go to bed without resolving an argument but that promise got broken several times to the point of which it no longer had any weight. So instead, Joe went into the walk-in closet and packed his things, believing that there’s nothing he could do to fix the situation.

That night, for the first time in their marriage the couple slept in separate rooms. Joe in the guest room tossing and turning in his own guilt, whilst Ayanna tried her hardest to muffle her sobs in the pillow. Her tears soaked the case through and her heart shattered in the pieces.

The next morning, Ayanna woke with the worst headache. Her head was pounding so intensely it hurt to open her eyes, however she put it down to the fact she spent all night crying and didn’t sleep. She called out for Joe, hoping he’d be home still so they could make up after their argument and wish him luck tonight as no matter what she loved him and didn’t want to continue on with another argument. But as she made it to the guest room, she realised it was too late and he was already gone. Her heart splintered like fragile glass, and she wept until the well of her tears ran dry, leaving her hollow and desolate.

“Fix your face uce.” His cousin Joshua says with a nudge. Joe having a face like a slapped ass and a snappy attitude had become too common these days and the twins, Joe’s only confidants, knew exactly what was going on. They’d grown up with Joe and practically spent their whole lives with Ayanna through her association with Joe, meaning they had been privy to almost all of the couple’s relationship issues.

“He’s right, every day you walk around here with the face you used to have when my dad used to whoop us all for breaking the window with the football.” Jonathon adds on, a small chuckle escaping from his twin brother as the memory of that day flashes through him. The twins and Joseph had grown up together due to their parents living next door to one another. Rikishi, the twin’s father and Joe’s uncle would say the twins were a bad influence. However everyone who knew them knew that it was actually Joe, he always managed to get away from it all by snitching on the boys before they could save themselves. Which is what led to all of them getting chased with a broom stick as children after Joseph broke the window as they were all playing football, but instead of admitting it he blamed the twins whilst the twins blamed him so the punishment was collective.

“Are you fighting with Yana again?” Joshua asks, earning him a dirty look from both his twin brother and Joseph as the answer was the most obvious thing in the world. The two of them somehow manage to fight more than Joshua and his baby mother, and the pair of them were never even together, just a stupid one night stand.

The pair wait for Joseph to say something but it becomes more and more obvious that he has nothing to say, but the situation is clearly bothering him. Jonathan, the self-labelled “mature” one out of the twins, felt it was best to offer some advice, even if Joe didn’t ask. “Man, I don’t know what’s going on but I know you two have been together since you were both thirteen, whatever it is you’ll make it through it. You guys have always found a way.” The advice, albeit sweet, doesn't really make a difference for Joe. But thankfully he gets called for his press conference anyway so he doesn’t have to engage in the conversation further and he shifts from vulnerable ‘Joe’ to the formidable ‘Roman,’ like a Jekyll turning into Hyde, shedding his worries and fears to become the stoic, unyielding figure everyone dreads.

Joe never really cared for press conferences, however since he was the face of the company he was obligated to fulfil every duty in his contract. He was always used to giving the cookie cutter answers to the usual questions like “what are your expectations tonight?” and “how do you feel about your opponent?” However, he gets caught off guard when someone in the crowd asks "with the demands of your career, how do you balance your professional and personal life, especially with your wife expecting?" The question then places a pang of guilt in his stomach once more as he’s forced to remember their argument from last night. He really wanted to speak to her before he left but he didn’t want to wake her up and his flight was too early for him to stay. He took a thought and tried to compose an appropriate answer before taking a small breath.

“It’s a challenge, no doubt.” He began, slightly sounding defensive whilst making sure to try and make eye contact with the journalist in the crowd to make sure he appeared engaged in the topic. “But I’ve always believed that if you’re committed to something, you find a way to make it work. My family understands what this career means to me, and I make sure to be there for them as much as I can. After tonight, I’m looking forward to some quality time with them.” The words feeling hollow knowing his home life isn’t in a good place.

At home, Ayanna rubs her temples trying to quell the headache that has seemed to intensify from earlier on. She sits on the sofa, her head spinning from the pain when a sharp, twisting pain in her abdomen causes her to shift positions. “It can't be.” she mumbles, it was too early. The twins were not meant to be due yet, she had an entire plan for Joe’s mother to come down and stay in the guest room and help her for the last week of her pregnancy up until the babies hit six months, this can’t be happening. Her phone lay on the coffee table, just out of reach. She stared at it, debating whether to call Joseph or not. But he was probably in the middle of his press conference. She didn’t want to worry him—she could handle this.

She bided her time, until the pain suddenly intensified, radiating from her abdomen up to her chest. Ayanna’s breath hitched, panic creeping in as she realised something was seriously wrong. She forced herself to stand, but her legs buckled beneath her. The room spun, and she fell back onto the couch, gasping for air. She gave in and phoned Joe first, his phone going straight to voicemail as she thought before hanging up, her hands trembling as she dialled 911.“Please” she began with a gasp, struggling to even breathe, “I think something’s wrong I'm pregnant, and I—” Her voice broke off as another wave of pain hit her, harder this time as she screamed, the sound of her pained yells bouncing off the walls.

Joe, pleased with his answer to the first question, felt like he was in the clear and that would be it for the interview but then another question hit him. "There have been rumours that you were considering taking some time off after this match. Can you confirm or deny that?" The question made him feel hot under the collar, he didn’t want to give a definitive answer as Vince had already turned down his request and he didn’t want to put himself in a position that gets him in trouble. He hated it about himself and in a way he also hated Vince for putting him in this situation, however deep down he knew that he was at fault. No matter what, he was a coward and tried to avoid rocking the boat at work but all that has done is cause problems in his marriage.

He once again flashes that million dollar smile that he knew the ladies loved the most before positioning his answer. “Right now, I’m focused on tonight. Whatever comes after, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. I’ve heard the rumours, but my priority is to go out there, put on a hell of a show, and take care of business. The rest will fall into place." He was cool and composed, everything a champion should be, however, the answer in itself was very evasive. It was as though he had mastered the art of saying much while revealing nothing, leaving everyone guessing what truly lay beneath.

Ayanna’s vision blurred as she tried to focus on the operator’s voice. “Stay with me, ma’am, help is on the way,” the voice said, but Ayanna could barely hear it over the pounding in her head. She doubled over in pain, clutching her stomach as the baby kicked wildly inside her. Her thoughts were a jumble of fear and regret. She should have told Joseph—should have insisted he stay home. But it was too late now. The darkness at the edges of her vision crept closer, and she knew she was running out of time

Joe looked at the crowd, wanting to go backstage and get ready for his match, a sigh of relief leaving his body as he’s told this is the last question of the conference. "Any plans to celebrate after the match, or will you be rushing home to be with your family?”

Joe smiled, the question feeling so bittersweet as he’d love to have Ayanna in the crowd like she usually is tonight, but that isn’t the case. "We’ll see how the night goes. My family’s always been my anchor, so I’ll be getting back to them as soon as I can. But first, I’ve got to take care of business in that ring."The reporters nodded, satisfied with his answer. Joseph glanced at the time—just a few more minutes, and he could get back to his routine. But he had no idea that his world was about to shatter.

Ayanna’s strength was fading fast. She clutched her phone, the operator’s voice a distant echo in her ears. “Hold on, ma’am, the paramedics are almost there,” but Ayanna’s world was already slipping away.

The last thing she felt was the sharp pain in her head, then—darkness.

The crowd was electric as Joe stepped into the ring, his face stoic as he played with his wrists to loosen them up. The glamour and feel of Wrestlemania never gets old, but he stayed focused, his mind locked in on the match and his eyes focused on his opponent. He couldn’t afford any distractions - not tonight.

The bell rang, and he moved with precision, every punch, every kick calculated. He could feel the weight of the championship on his shoulders, the expectations of the fans, the promise he had made to himself to be the best. Minutes felt like seconds as the match intensified, the crowd on their feet, chanting his name. With a final, devastating move, Joseph pinned his opponent to the mat. The referee’s hand slapped the canvas—one, two, three.

The crowd booed as Joseph was declared the winner, his arm raised in victory, gutted that their golden boy Cody Rhodes had lost the title. The championship belt was handed to him, and he held it high, basking in the glory of the moment. For a few seconds, everything was perfect. But beneath the cheers and jeers, he felt an uneasy feeling run through him, it was almost as if his body was trying to warn him that this victory came at a price—one that would haunt him long after the spotlight dimmed.

After the match he walked backstage, sweat dripping down his face but a victorious smile plastered on his lips. Fellow wrestlers patted him on the back, congratulating him on another win, another title defence. He had done it again—proven why he was the best. But it didn’t feel the same without Ayanna there to give him a kiss and tell him how proud she was of him. He longed to have her sweet floral scent dancing though his nose, he simply missed her and he was going to make it his mission to call her immediately and apologise and make it up to her. In fact, he was going to ask Vince again for time off or just go to Hunter and get him to explain to Vince.

As he headed toward his locker room, he saw Vince stood them with a solemn expression. His heart dropped, usually if Vince looks at you like that you’ve done a terrible job and you’re about to be pulled off TV. “Joe, we need to talk,” he said, his voice tight with urgency.”

Joseph frowned, still riding the high of his victory. “What’s up, Vince? I’ve got some celebrating to do and I need to call my wife.”

Vince hesitated, his face pale. “Joe, it’s Ayanna… She had a stroke during labour. She had tried to call you as she was going into labour but you were in the press conference.”

The words were like a punch to the gut, knocking the wind out of him. “What?” he whispered, his heart plummeting. “No… no, that can’t be right.” His mind scrambled to reject what he’d just heard, clinging to disbelief as though it could keep the truth at bay.

Vince’s eyes were filled with sorrow as he continued, “I haven’t heard anything else, however I would suggest that you take the jet and go to the hospital now. We will cover you in the post match press conference.” The championship belt slipped from Joseph’s grasp, hitting the floor with a dull thud. The noise of the backstage area faded into nothingness as Joseph stood frozen, disbelief and horror washing over him.

Joseph’s heart pounds as he bursts through the hospital doors, the sounds of WrestleMania’s victory still ringing in his ears. But as he’s confronted by the white walls of the ICU, his triumph feels meaningless, distant. Joseph’s hands trembled as he pushed through the hospital doors, his mind a whirl of fear and denial. He moved as if in a trance, barely registering the people around him as he demanded to be taken to Ayanna.

“Where’s Ayanna? Where are my kids?” he demands, his voice edged with panic.

The receptionist’s eyes flickered with sorrow, looking around in desperation as she did not want to be the one to be here when the news was broken to him. Luckily for her, the doctor steps forward. “Mr. Anoa’i, I’m so sorry. Your wife suffered a massive stroke shortly after going into labour. By the time she got here, there was nothing we could do to reverse the damage. Her brain activity ceased before we could save her.”

Joseph’s breath catches, his world starting to crumble. “What… what do you mean? Where is she? Can I see her?” His voice wavered, a desperate plea for a reality that was slipping through his fingers.

The doctor hesitates, his tone measured but heavy. “We had to make a decision quickly, Mr. Anoa’i. We kept her on life support long enough to deliver the twins via emergency C-section. It was the only way to save their lives.”

For a moment, Joseph just stares, unable to comprehend the words. “You… you kept her alive just to deliver the babies?” His voice is raw with disbelief and rising fury. He couldn’t believe what was being said to him, Ayanna being reduced to a baby making machine made him feel beyond sick. They could’ve had another baby, but he could never have another Ayanna. “She wasn’t just some fucking incubator! She was my wife! She is my wife, why didn’t you save her?!”

The doctor’s eyes hold steady, though full of sympathy. “She made that decision herself. Your wife signed an advanced directive, instructing us to prioritise the babies if anything went wrong. She knew the risks and chose this course.”

The words hit Joseph like a sledgehammer. Ayanna had known this could happen and made a decision without him—a decision that had ripped her from his life. Anger surged and then ebbed away, leaving a hollow ache where it had been. He had spent his life with her, and now, learning to live without her seemed an insurmountable challenge, a cruel twist of fate.

“Where are they?” he finally whispers, his voice barely audible, eyes vacant.

One of the nurses gently guides him to the room where the newborns lie in their incubators. They’re tiny, fragile, and perfect. But as Joseph looks at them, he’s overwhelmed not with the joy he expected but with a deep, unsettling mix of sorrow and resentment. They’re here, alive and breathing, but Ayanna is gone. She sacrificed herself for them, and Joseph can’t help but feel a stab of resentment toward these tiny beings who cost him everything. He stands over the incubators, his hands shaking as he touches the glass. The twins stir slightly, their small cries echoing in the sterile room, but all Joseph feels is an unbearable, suffocating grief—and an anger he can’t reconcile. Whilst he was angry at the world, he was also mad at himself. What sick bastard resents an innocent child? He thought, trying to force the feeling out of his heart, but it was no use. He just couldn't stop himself being filled with disgust when he looked at them, especially as they both look exactly like her. It felt like some cruel punishment from the universe for his wrongdoing.

Finally, he forces himself to pick up one of the babies, holding the child close to his chest. The warmth of his newborn is supposed to bring him comfort, but instead, it feels like a weight pressing down on him, reminding him of what he’s lost. Tears blur his vision as he collapses into a nearby chair, the sound of the twins’ cries filling his ears. But instead of the joy and love he once imagined, all Joseph can feel is a hollow emptiness and a dark, creeping resentment that only deepens his guilt. The nurse gently touched his shoulder, but Joseph barely noticed. He sank into a chair, the twins still wailing in his arms, as tears streamed down his face. The world had stopped making sense. He had won the match, but in doing so, had lost everything that truly mattered, as if triumph had come at the cost of his very soul.

#roman reigns #liyah’s literature #roman reigns fanfiction #roman reigns fic #roman reigns x black oc #wrestling fanfiction #wrestling imagine #wwe imagine #wwe x black oc #whatoncewas

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livesworthlivingau · 5 months ago

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Lives Worth Living Chapter 14

ISAT Spoilers below the break!

"It seems I must have finally taught you how to properly steep tea over those decades." (Odile comments with a smirk, watching you carefully pour from the kettle into each of your teacups.)

"It only took me 5 of those years to make a decent cup~."

"... The fact I can't tell if that's a joke or not is more concerning than anything else..." (You let out a heavy chuckle at her somewhat worried look. You stick your tongue out a give an exaggerated wink.)

"And it still doesn't count as a wink if you only have one eye Siffrin..."

"You've been telling me that for 30 years Odile, it never sticks~." (She just rolls her eyes as she adds a bit of honey and milk to her tea.)

"Speaking of… How are you doing Siffrin, truly?"

"… I think you already know the answer to that question, Madame" (You tease with the lightest chuckle, though it's bittersweet.)

"I suppose I do, though it would still be nice to hear you say it properly." (You pause for a second, before letting out a sigh.)

"… I don't really know anymore… I guess I'm better than I was the first time around at this point, the first few weeks were really rough for me… It's nice to make some better memories to replace it… But those bad times were still important too…" (You start to explain, your hand wrapping around your covered forearm, as if for emphasis.)

"Those moments helped get you to where you are now… It may have been a painful journey but it was just as important as the destination." (Odile finishes the thought for you, her arms crossed as she gets lost in her own thoughts.)

"… Yeah… I know you don't want me to apologize again for what I said on that last day… So I'll just say thanks Odile, for trusting me with your oh so sacred backstory~." (You laugh. Your eye starts to blur from the tears welling up in it before you wipe them away. Odile just smirks a bit at your comment before rolling her eyes.)

"Yes yes, that and my fake research. I'm simply too generous for my own good." (She remarks sarcastically.)

"Now let's discuss something else, I'm tired of all these emotions."

"Heh, I couldn't agree more."

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

"Hey, Odile?" (You ask over your shoulder, fiddling with some thingamajig you found on the shelf. The both of you going on one of your famous 'secret missions' at a little random shop in the town you were passing through.)

"Yes, Siffrin?" (She responded over her shoulder as well, glancing through the various books they had for sale.)

"... There's... I can't stop thinking about something... from, uhh... before." (You begin, trying to dance around the topic without explicitly stating it. She pauses, perking up and waiting, as if telling you to continue.)

"... We all kinda went separate ways eventually, we were still a family of course but... we all had someone else at least... everyone but you Odile..."

"... What is it you're trying to say?"

"I-I'm saying... I don't know if you were happy... It felt like all that you cared about was work, when none of us were left around... You never got a partner, you never talked about friends you made, you..."

"Why are you bringing this up now, Siffrin?"

"... Probably because I never got the chance to before, and I didn't want to let that happen again..."

"I'm not sure how much use there is in talking about something that happens decades from now. What are you proposing anyways?"

"I... I don't know, just... I want you to be happy, I don't want you to be alone..."

"So, what do you intend then? Should I move in with you and Isabeau and stay on the couch forever?" (She asks with a smirk. Your lip curls a bit in response, but quickly falls again.)

"I mean it, Odile..." (She pauses at that, sighing out as she realizes how serious you were.)

"... Very well, Siffrin, I promise I'll keep this in mind... We've got a long road ahead of us until that but maybe things will be different this time around. That's what you're hoping for, yes?"

"In some ways I guess... I mean, these loops have to be for something, right?..."

"Maybe we should be focusing on that right now instead."

"Yeah... I guess you're right." (She suddenly walks over and lifts your hat off, ruffling your hair heavily.)

"You might have some years on me now, but you still overthink just the same." (The both of you laugh the seriousness of the conversation off, finishing up your little trip.)

#lives worth living au #lwlau #isat au #isat fanfic #isat spoilers #isat #in stars and time fanfic #two hat spoilers #in stars and time spoilers #isat two hats

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satureja13 · 3 months ago

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Francine is about to leave and asked Jeb to accompany her to the gates. Jeb loves his grandmother but he loves it more when she's not around. More often than not Jeb ends up in embarrassing situations when she's involved... He's still shocked about the 'handle happening' and he still doesn't know what Sai intended. And Francine wouldn't be Francine if she didn't instruct Jeb to make it up with Sai. Jeb: "What if he needs more time?"

Francine: "Why do you give such incidents so much power over your relationship? I understand Sai needed time to overcome all this stuff with Kiyoshi. But it's over a half year ago, Jeb. And it won't get any better with you two just brooding, each on his own. Talk to him. He needs you. You know how much he struggles to be your leader and to be responsible for everything. Don't burden him additionally to also lead your relationship, hm? Make the first step and be there for him. Back him (at this point she winked twice at Jeb... oh my...)." Francine is due to leave but she quickly dragged Jeb over to 'Ye Olde Magick Shoppe' to make some last purchases of stuff that's only provided beyond the Veil. Vendor: "Oh, hey Francine! Long time no see! Hope you are still satisfied with our monthly 'Spicy Surprise Sac'?" Francine: "Of course I am! It's stunning what you always come up with! Each month new surprises to spice up our lives. Say, do you maybe also have a monthly box for beginners? Our Jeb here needs some support." Vendor: "Ah! Is he finally getting back together with his Vanië? Yes, we offer sweet monthly boxes especially for our unexperienced." Jeb just wants to vanish into the ground and never crawl up again. There are no secrets in this world... How do they even know he's calling Sai 'Vanië'? Francine: "Wonderful! Let's subscribe for this. You can always upgrade to the sophisticated boxes once you prosper, Jeb." How embarrassing! Jeb knows he can't stop Francine from ordering the box for him. Nothing can stop Francine. So he needs to make sure to let them quickly vanish before Sai and the others see them... ö.ö'

After they left the shop, Francine had a quick chat with the owls from the post office. To make sure the boxes also reach Jeb in the Otherworld... Big Owl: "Don't worry! We're as eager as you for him to make it up with Sai!" Small Owl: "I'll make sure to deliver as soon as the shop is ready with packing!"

By looking at the mess around the counter, Jeb just hopes a few boxes will get lost...

And then finally, finally it's time for Francine to leave! Francine: "Talk to Sai. Do not waver. I love you. Bye!"

A few hours later, after they'd spent another few hours in the potions classroom in the dungeons of the tower to share their research, Sai sat in the common room, absorbed in one of his gay romance novels again. He didn't even notice the others already left to go to bed. Sai is the oldest and their leader and - still a virgin. His fantasy is going wild. How would it be to make love with Jeb? To feel him? To share it all? To do all the things with him they do in the books? Over the last two years, when they were still together, they had a few make out sessions (e.g. at Tartosa (twice), in Tomarang, in Rider's Glen (twice)...) but they never went all the way.

It's late, eventually Sai finished the final chapter and went upstairs. To find Ji Ho sleeping alone in their room... Where is Jack again? -.- Skully: "Where do you think he is? Upstairs, of course!"

Yes, Jack is in the tops' room again. Because he refuses to let Sai dictate where and with whom he can linger and where not. Jack: "Oh, look there is a box from the 'Ye Olde Magic Shoppe'!" Kiyoshi: "Maybe for our next lessons?" As the small owl promised, they delivered so fast, there isn't even a label on the box with the recipient on it... And Jeb didn't pay attention. He's pondering for hours already about how to accomplish to start a conversation with Sai about their relationship - and it stresses him out beyond measure... He's so afraid to do something wrong again. And then Sai would get upset and he wouldn't speak to him for weeks - or months - again...

Jack curiously opened the box: "What kind of stuff is this?" He'd never seen such things before. (Well, except for the wand and polish set Kiyoshi gave to Saiwa months ago...)

Kiyoshi learned a lot of things at the Temple, so he explained all of the items to Jack. And how to use them. Jack listened curiously: "Ah it's almost a shame I'm never supposed to try them..." He gave up on love.

And then - of course - Sai charged in. He saw the items from the box before Jack was able to put them back in ö.ö Sai: "Are you seducing them? Again? I'm going to kill you! RUN!" This time, Jack didn't run. It's time to stop Saiwa on his downward path: "We did nothing wrong, Sai. Why do you even care what we are doing here? If you don't want to see it, just knock before you enter."

Sai left the room and slammed the door so hard the walls shook. Poor Jeb. How is he supposed to talk to Sai about getting together again when he has the craziest ideas of what they are doing here with Jack? ö.Ö'

'Now if you feel that you can't go on (can't go on) Because all of your hope is gone (all your hope is gone) And your life is filled with much confusion (much confusion) Until happiness is just an illusion (happiness is just an illusion) And your world around is crumbling down, darlin'

Come on girl reach on out for me (Reach out) Reach out for me

Hah, I'll be there with a love that will shelter you I'll be there with a love that will see you through'

The Four Tops - Reach out I'll be there (from 1967!) And, as a bonus: Indestructable (from 1988) - 21 years later! Such a heartwarming MV. Levi Stubbs had such a powerful voice. Amazing.

From the Beginning 🔱 Underwater Love 🔱 Latest

Current Chapter: 'Here comes the Sun' from the beginning ▶️ here Last Chapter: 'Who killed Jack?' from the beginning ▶️ here

📚 Previous Chapters: Chapters: 1-6 ~ 7-12 ~ 13-16 ~ 23-28

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television-overload · 7 months ago

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of our own making

(an X-Files fanfic)

Chapter 10/34 - new years rockin' eve

[Read on AO3]

After the pleasant, downright normal Christmas they'd had, Mulder wasn't surprised that their New Years Eve was spent being chased by zombies like something out of one of his bad horror flicks.

He did, however, get to spend it with Scully, which was all he really could have asked of the day.

Their first few days back at work had been pretty run-of-the-mill. The traffic in the hallways was a little lighter, with some agents taking additional days off until after the new year. They used their slow days to complete the adoption paperwork and send it in, which allowed them to put it out of their minds so they could finally focus on work.

Aside from Skinner briefly asking in passing if they'd actually done it (trying his hardest to appear only mildly interested), it was easy to forget the monumental step they'd taken over the holidays. Their rings remained safely tucked under their clothes while on the job, but when he was at home, Mulder liked to wear it in its intended place, finding it helped him focus his thoughts when he twisted it idly on his finger.

A mangled arm was a small price to pay for ringing in the new year with his partner by his side, all things considered. A happy ending for all, most especially for Frank Black and his daughter.

Scully watches as the older man wraps the girl in his arms, burying his face in her hair. It's a sweet sight, but something about it makes her grow pensive, her expression darkening.

“What kind of world would we be bringing a child into, Mulder?” she asks quietly, unable to tear her eyes away from the little family as they leave the room hand in hand.

Her words surprise him in their negativity, drawing a halfhearted chuckle from his throat. “Correct me if I’m wrong, Scully, but adoption usually means we’re getting a kid that’s already in the world, doesn’t it?

Her shoulders deflate a little and she casts an unamused glance in his direction, looking far more vulnerable than she typically allows herself to be.

“You know what I mean.”

He does. Of course he does.

“Well, it’s the same world people have been bringing children into for millennia,” he reasons. “And now we’re about to be in a whole new one.”

He nods back at the TV screen, tuned in to Dick Clark's coverage of Times Square. All those people, completely oblivious to the dangers lurking in this world that defy logic and reason. Zombies are the last thing on any of their minds as they count down to the new year.

“But I believe mankind, in its essence, stays the same,” he finishes.

He'd faced this question months and months ago when Scully had asked him about IVF. Was this a life he could bring a child into? Was he a person worthy of being a father, even if only by genetics? The conclusions he'd come to had not been arrived at lightly.

“We can do this, Scully,” he says, softer. Sure. “We might have to make some changes, but… when it comes down to it, you and I are no different than anyone else wanting to raise a child.”

She gives him a disbelieving look, her eyebrow quirking into the air. He knows what she’s thinking;��The reanimated corpses they'd just encountered would like a word.

“No, think about it,” he continues. “What's the one thing all parents—well, the good ones—have in common?” His question is semi-rhetorical, and she doesn't seem inclined to respond, so he answers for her. “They want what's best for their children, and they do all that they can to provide it to them because they love them. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm pretty willing to do just that. And I think you are too, if these are the things you're worried about.”

Scully sighs, looking up at him from beneath her eyelashes. “Mulder…”

“I promise to protect you and any children we may acquire from zombies and all other supernatural forces of evil, okay? Is that what you want to hear?” he adds, his joke finally drawing a smile out of her.

“Don't call it 'acquiring,’ Mulder,” she says with a breathy laugh. “That's weird.”

With the mood successfully lightened, he turns his attention back to the TV, where Dick Clark is beginning to count down.

“The world’s a-changing, Scully,” he says as he moves closer, tilting his head up to watch the broadcast. She mirrors him, standing close by his side.

“Thirty seconds, now. Thirty,” Dick Clark announces as the camera hones in on the Times Square ball, lit up in bright colors as it begins its descent. “Hug your friends and loved ones tight. What the heck, whoever that person is next to you. No time like the present!”

Now there's an idea…

“Here we go!” the announcers chant.

Ten!

Mulder looks down to his left. Well, she is standing next to him, after all. Why not?

Nine.

She's smiling. She has a beautiful smile, too. He's always thought so.

Eight… Seven… Six…

New Year's Eve is plausible deniability, right? If this doesn't work? Maybe there's a written rule somewhere he can check…

Five, four.

Well, it’s not like they haven’t done it before…

Three. Two.

Is this a stupid idea?

One.

Without further ado, Dick Clark's voice cheers, “Happy New Year 2000!” and Mulder makes his decision, leaning toward her with purpose. No turning back now.

She catches him at the last second, and by then it's too late to play it off. The only option is to follow through.

And follow through he does.

His eyes flutter closed as his lips make contact with hers, their touch light and tentative as it had been in the courtroom just a week before, only this time, he waits a moment longer to pull back. Her hand reaches up to cup his cheek, and it immediately sends his heart pounding into his throat, and he finds he can't speak. Auld Lang Syne is playing, but the sound fades from his ears.

The only thing his senses can hear, feel, taste, smell, is her.

When he opens his eyes again, she is staring at him, an unreadable expression on her face. Her hand hasn't moved, and neither does he.

“I—”

“Mulder, I—

Whatever words he was trying to conjure to explain himself die on his lips in an instant, and he can do nothing but gape at her. The air feels charged, and all at once he wishes he'd never done it and that he'd done it years ago.

His eyes flick down to her lips and then back to her eyes, desperate to know what words will come out of them next.

“I– got a call from the adoption agency,” she finishes, and his thoughts come crashing back to the present, his heartbeat pounding at an alarming rate. However he'd thought she might finish that sentence, that wasn't it.

She's looking at him though, worry flickering in her eyes.

“Th– the adoption agency?” he asks, his good hand slackening its hold on her lower back.

She nods.

“What did they say?”

Suddenly he feels nauseous, like maybe the mixture of zombies, drugs, and potentially life changing news was a little too much for his stomach all in one night.

“They… said that our application looks good, and they want to schedule a preliminary interview.”

At this, even his fingers on his injured arm have to reach out to her, brushing against the fabric of her shirt at her waist and stretching his sling to its limit.

“What?”

She nods again in confirmation, looking equal parts scared and excited.

“Scully that's– that's great news! It's good news, right?”

He doesn't know what he'll do if she gets cold feet now. A crushing blow like that isn't exactly how he'd like to start out this century, much less the millennium.

Her hand drops to his shoulder and she smiles, holding tight to him.

“It's good,” she confirms, though a trace of doubt still remains in her voice.

He pulls her into a hug, resigning his poor limp arm to be stuck uncomfortably between them, but otherwise holding her tight.

“Mulder, we're actually going through with this?” she asks into his shoulder.

He nods emphatically, a wide grin stretching his face. “Heck yeah, Scully!”

“They could still tell us no.”

His little pessimist. Good thing he's got enough belief for the both of them.

“Not until they've seen us and we've pled our case,” he says, pulling back to look at her. “Call ‘em back and make an appointment!”

Tears begin to pool in her eyes and she nods shakily again. “Okay,” she says, and releases his shoulder to wipe the wetness beneath her eyes. “Okay, I’ll– um… I’ll call them tomorrow.”

He wants to kiss her again. He wants to so bad, but he doesn't. Emotions are understandably high, and this entire situation is so confusing and complicated already, that he's not sure anymore where they stand.

One day, he thinks. One day he'll find the courage.

“Hey, Scully,” he says instead, placing his hand on the back of her neck to capture her attention.

She looks up at him tearfully. He shrugs and smiles goofily, relief and hope shining in his eyes.

“The world didn't end.”

~~~

Should I? Oh, why not. One more chapter. It's the weekend.

Chapter 11/34 - confessions

The interview with the adoption agency is scheduled for Friday of that week, which Skinner happily approves time off for. That leaves less than six days to prepare, and Scully busies herself with making sure they have everything they could possibly need to maximize their chances.

The night before the big day, Mulder is ordered to come over for a last minute study session (not that he would have been unwilling if she’d asked nicely, but with the stress she’s under, it comes out as more of a command). It feels like Arcadia again, going under cover, making sure they both have their stories straight.

Only this time, their cover is more or less their real life, give or take a few necessary oversimplifications.

“So, we’ve covered employment, medical history, familial relationships…” Scully lists, kneeling beside an array of papers spread out on her coffee table. “Am I leaving anything out?”

She bites the tip of her pen, glancing over her notes with her brows furrowed in thought. Reviewing this stuff could mean the difference between a happily ever after and rejection, that’s the scariest thing. She just wants to be thorough, and Mulder—bless him—has humored her thus far, answering questions, finding solutions to explain their… less than ordinary pasts.

It takes her a moment to notice when he doesn’t immediately answer, the silence dragging on just a little too long. Her first assumption is that he’s fallen asleep—which she wouldn’t blame him for if he did—but that assumption is quashed the moment she looks up at him on the couch, the serious expression on his face instantly shifting the mood.

“Mulder?” she asks, a worried crease appearing on her forehead.

"You know, we never talked about it," he says quietly, carefully, glancing across the coffee table at her. “Not really.”

"About what?" She’s starting to get anxious.

"The IVF."

And there they are, the three letters that still fill her stomach with dread and immense sadness anytime she hears them.

I. V. F.

"Mulder..." she starts, but he only leans forward, reaching out across the coffee table for her hand.

"I want to. I really do, Scully. I need to talk about it. It could come up tomorrow."

"I don't really like... thinking about it,” she says softly, wanting desperately to look away from the pleading expression that she knows she can’t say no to.

"I know. But don't you think we should?” he argues. “I mean, we can't brush it away like it never happened, Scully, I won't do that. It was important to me."

She doesn’t want to hear this. Her heart twists painfully, and she slams her eyes shut to lock down the tears beginning to form, shaking her head. Sure, she knows he’d wanted it back then, had hoped it would succeed. But it’s too late. It’s in the past, and she’d like to leave it there, if at all possible. To hear him say, in as many words, exactly how much he’d invested emotionally in those tiny embryos…

She doesn’t think her heart can take it.

"Since when do you like talking about things like this?" she asks, trying once to pull her hand away. “Things that… cause you pain?”

He clings on tighter, rubbing soothing circles on the back of her hand with both of his. "I can tell you the exact moment, Scully, and it’s when you knocked on my door in a dingy motel room and asked me what those bumps on your back were."

His earnest words stun her into silence.

Rain on the windows. A story of tragedy and determination. Honest words coming from the lips of a man she’d met only days before.

That trust had been there from the start.

He stands from his place on the couch and circles the coffee table, carefully pushing aside the papers in front of her to make a space for himself to sit. "The past hurts, but somehow—” he continues, “somehow you make it easier to face. To me, at least."

She sighs, turning her head so that she can muster enough strength to answer his heartfelt plea. Articulating something like this is not her strong suit, but for him, she’ll try.

"I– I've never wanted anything more in my life,” she breathes, the admission one she has never spoken aloud.

It’s the truth, though, and he knows better than anyone how difficult that is for her. Scully is not one for dreaming big, expecting rich blessings from the earth or her life. She, like him, has grown used to being disappointed, to having the things she wants taken away from her. He could make an itemized list, if he wanted to, of all the ways they’d been let down. Even the expectation of a clean, comfortable motel room has been slowly drained from her, and yet she had still allowed herself to hope in this.

“You know, for a minute, I really did think it had worked, that I was—" She pauses, leaving the word pregnant to hang in the air. Instead, she takes a shaky breath and continues. "Do you remember that day I got sick in the car on the way to a crime scene?"

She doesn’t have to specify which one, because it had only ever happened once, that was what was so odd about it.

"I thought that was it,” she says, “I thought that maybe—"

"I thought the same thing," Mulder cuts in.

Of course he had. She’d guessed as much that day, too, between bouts of heaving into a plastic bag in the front seat of their rental car.

The way he treated her extra carefully, taking turns slower, making a point to turn on the blinker with every lane change on the highway, stopping at a gas station for some ginger ale… She had allowed it all, too—the special treatment—because what if she was? She couldn’t risk it until she knew for sure. If that was her only chance…

Her lower lip trembles and she ducks her head. "I tried to keep my expectations low, but..."

His finger lands on her chin, tipping her gaze back up to face his.

"It would have been pretty cool, huh?” he says, offering her a small smile for comfort. “Can you imagine telling Skinner out of nowhere that we combined our DNA in a petri dish? I think the vein in his head might have actually burst.” He laughs, and is graced with the smallest of smirks for his efforts.

"I'd have these dreams,” she continues. “What our baby might look like, what personality they'd have. Whether they'd… be more like me or like you."

His lips. Her hair. His passion. Her scientific mind.

"Well, hopefully you,” Mulder speaks, smiling at the thought. “I think you've got your hands full already with one of me. There are many who would say you were crazy even to ask me in the first place."

She looks up at him with her head tilted, her eyes softening.

"I knew what I was doing."

She can tell by the way he brushes off the compliment that he doesn’t believe her, so she doubles down.

"I'm serious, Mulder. You're brilliant, imaginative, bold, caring... I wouldn't have chosen you if I didn't want my child to share those same qualities."

She loves Mulder. She loves every infuriating little thing about him. She'd have been lucky to have a son or daughter with his kind, gentle personality, his determination to keep fighting when everything in his life is telling him he can't win. Teena Mulder didn't know what she had, with Fox Mulder as a son. He should have been loved, cared for, nurtured, supported all his life. Instead, Scully has the sense that the first and only person he has trusted to give him all that is her, and that is not a responsibility she takes lightly.

"I pictured this little boy,” he says, his lips curled in a sad smile as he speaks. “Dark sandy blond hair with just a hint of your red. Blue eyes just like yours. Jeans absolutely filthy with dirt and grass stains on the knees."

She closes her eyes, allowing the picture to form in her mind. She smiles, but it's pained. Such a beautiful thought, never to be.

"How can I miss someone so much that I don't even know?” she asks, the hurt audible in her voice. “Someone that never existed?"

Mulder presses his lips tightly together in thought, his eyes trailing over the room.

"They say that grief is the love we have that has nowhere to go, because that person has left us,” he starts, his voice reverent and pensive. “They never talk about how to love a person we never had in the first place, or a dream that’s just out of reach. But still, I think that love feels just as real as any other kind.”

He has a way with words, her Mulder. It has been the bane of their assistant director’s existence on numerous occasions, when such existential ponderings found their way into his reports.

But now… Well, it's just another thing she loves about him. She wonders if he's allowed himself to grieve for Samantha, or if his belief that she's still out there somewhere makes him fall into that second category.

"I just wish I hadn't put us both through that,” she says. “That I dragged you into it..."

"I'm glad you did,” he’s quick to assure. “Scully, that day you asked me was one of the happiest days of my life. The future is such a messy, terrifying thing, sometimes. You showed me that it doesn't have to be that way. That there can be hope. I'd forgotten what that felt like."

She's silent, unsure of what to say in response to that. He has all the right words, and suddenly, she has none of them.

"I don't regret it for one moment, Scully. We gave it a try."

She purses her lips, forcing back tears that are threatening to spill. "I don't think I could have done it without you," she says, shaking her head.

"Well, obviously,” he says, the corner of his mouth quirked up in a cheeky smile.

She gives him a look. "Mulder…"

"I know, I know,” he says, turning serious again. “I'm honored that you let me be a part of it."

That she would have let him be a part of so much more. A family. Everything, if he had wanted it.

"Well, listen,” he continues, “we ace this interview tomorrow, and we're back on track. Plenty of kids out there that need a home, right? Someone's bound to pick us."

His optimism emboldens her. "I hope so."

"We got this, Scully. They're gonna take one look at you and know for certain that you're meant to be a mother."

She distracts herself from his sweet-sounding words by focusing her attention on his loosened necktie, smoothing it down with one hand. "I'm picking out your tie,” she declares. “No alien decals or wild shapes and colors."

"I think it shows personality," he says in mock defense.

She can’t help the fond smile she flashes at him, glancing up into his eyes. "Not tomorrow, it doesn't."

-.-.-

The agency they ended up going with is out in Annapolis, so on the day of their interview, they drive out together, mostly in silence. Scully fidgets with the folder full of information and other documents they might need, picking at the corner of it while she goes over the important points in her head.

Mulder holds the door open for her when they arrive at the building, and she double checks that her ring is in place on her finger before approaching the front desk to check in. They’re instructed to take a seat in the small waiting area, and Mulder follows and sits down beside her. On the coffee table in front of them are a stack of brochures, the same one she found on Mulder’s desk what feels like forever ago. That had been the catalyst for this entire affair, and now look where they are.

She never could have imagined it.

A few minutes later, a plump older woman appears from behind a door, smiling at them warmly.

“Alright, Mr. and Mrs. Mulder?” she says, checking her clipboard.

Scully stands, followed by Mulder. “I, uh– I go by my maiden name. Scully,” she corrects.

“My apologies, Ms. Scully,” the woman says, leading them into her office and taking a seat behind a wooden desk.

They sit down in a pair of chairs opposite her, taking in their surroundings. There are dozens of thank you cards lined up on the windowsill behind the woman’s desk, presumably from families who have benefitted from the services offered here. It fills her with a cautious hope, though does nothing to quell the restless feeling that has plagued her since she woke up this morning. Mulder has kept his cool, so far, and she wonders how he does it.

“My name's Brenda Koske,” the woman continues, introducing herself. “I’ll be your case manager throughout this process. Should we just get right into it, then?”

They nod, unable to do any more than that at the moment.

“Okay, then,” Brenda says with a beaming smile, opening up a file folder on her desk. “So, tell me about yourselves, what made you look into adoption?”

"Well," Scully says, looking at Mulder for approval. "I– We found out a few years ago that I am unable to have children. We tried in vitro fertilization last year, but... it wasn't successful."

The woman at the desk nods and jots some information down in a notebook. Scully suspects their story, so far, is a familiar one.

"And how long have you been together?"

Scully's mouth drops open, but she isn't sure what she'll say. Before she has a chance to stammer something out, Mulder answers, "A little over seven years, now." He’s confident. Sure of his answer, despite it being a lie, or at least an egregious stretching of the truth.

The case manager writes down some more.

"And I see here that Ms. Scully has petitioned for the adoption of a child before. Emily Sim?" she states, checking her notes.

Scully tenses, and Mulder puts a calming hand on her knee.

"It's a long story," he says, answering for her, "but Emily unfortunately passed away from her chronic illness before the adoption proceedings could get very far."

Brenda nods. "I understand that this is a difficult subject, Mr. Mulder, I'm just trying to get all the information I need. From what I see here, this child was the biological child of Ms. Scully. I'm afraid I need more of an explanation."

She knows Ms. Koske doesn’t mean any harm by asking these questions—after all, they’d prepared for them last night. But it’s still hard to hear them come up.

Thankfully, Mulder was paying attention and is more than willing to take the lead.

"My wife was treated for her infertility by a doctor we couldn't trust,” he explains. She still finds it odd to hear him refer to her in that way, but it makes sense that he does it now. He can’t very well call her ‘Scully’ in front of the woman they’re trying to convince to give them a child.

Now comes the next part of their explanation.

“Her ova were stolen and used without her knowledge or consent, and Emily was a result of that. It was complete happenstance that we even discovered what happened."

"I'm very sorry you went through that, Ms. Scully," the woman says, looking genuinely sorry for her. "Quite a world we live in."

You have no idea , Scully thinks, and nods in recognition of Ms. Koske’s expression of sorrow.

"And you're married?" she asks next, her pen hovering over a checkbox on the form in their file.

"Yes, just recently,” Scully answers. The box gets checked.

"Congratulations! Why the long wait, if I may ask?" Brenda says.

“I ask myself that every time I look at her,” Mulder says while leveling her with his adoring gaze. He’s dialing up the married man act, which he is definitely within his rights to do, but it still catches her off guard. She hopes he doesn’t overdo it, risking tipping off their case manager.

"It, um– It never really seemed like something necessary for us to do," Scully answers, ignoring his sickly sweet comment and hiding her blush.

Mulder turns back to Brenda and adds, "But we figured, if adoption works out..."

"We'd like to make it as simple and straightforward as possible," Scully finishes.

"It certainly will help," the agent says, nodding as she jots down another note. "Where would the child be living?"

"I– We have an apartment in Georgetown.” Scully’s heart flutters anxiously at the close call, thankful she was able to correct herself before misspeaking.

"An apartment," the woman says as she adds that to her notes. It's impossible to tell if she means it in a good or bad way, and Scully can’t make out her handwriting enough to tell.

"I have money set aside from my father's estate," Mulder cuts in, causing Scully to look at him in confusion. "We'd eventually like to buy a house, if this works out." This wasn’t something they’d talked about in any of their previous discussions, nor has he ever mentioned it before, so she doesn’t know where it’s coming from. When she catches his eye, he gives her a subtle shrug.

They’ll have to talk about this later.

"I'll put down the Georgetown address for now," Brenda says, smiling encouragingly at them. "Just a couple more questions for now, you guys are doing great." Scully exhales in relief, her shoulders relaxing just a little. "I have to ask about your work. Your medical history tells me that your jobs put you in some pretty dangerous situations. What are your plans should a child be placed into your care?"

Mulder nods and squeezes Scully's hand, encouraging her. They'd planned for this, too.

"I plan to take a step back,” she answers, “I've spoken with our boss, and he's assured me that I could return to a teaching position at Quantico while serving part time in my current department as a consultant."

"Mr. Mulder?" Brenda says, turning to him next.

"I will be doing the same."

Scully looks at him incredulously, which the woman thankfully misses.

"It's time for us to settle down,” he continues, avoiding her questioning stare. “I think we've accomplished most of what we set out to do with our work, and we can't keep doing it forever, especially if we want to start a family. I've talked to our director about seeking out replacements for the both of us. Someone else will take over the department, while we lend our expertise as needed to the new agents."

This is the first she’s hearing about this too, but she wisely keeps her mouth shut, letting him say whatever he needs to say. Starting an argument about this now would not tip things in their favor.

But he can’t be serious about giving up the X-Files, can he? It hadn’t even crossed her mind to ask. Arguably the main reason he started the unit was to look into the disappearance of his sister, and that case remains unsolved. Would he just walk away? Would he resent her for it eventually, if he did?

"I'm glad to hear you're making strides in that direction,” Brenda comments, a pleased smile gracing her lips. “I was afraid we wouldn't be able to consider your application on account of your chosen field of work, but it sounds like you’re serious about starting a family.”

She writes some more and it falls silent. Mulder wraps his other hand around Scully's, bringing comfort and reassurance to them both.

"Last thing—and I'm sorry to keep bringing up difficult topics—” Brenda starts again. “Ms. Scully, you were diagnosed with cancer three years ago. Is there any chance it could return? You understand why I have to ask, don't you?"

"Yes– I understand,” Scully nods, swallowing nervously. “Um, no, I've been told there's little reason to think it will ever come back. I've been in remission over two years now."

Brenda nods and makes a final note, her pen leaving the paper with a flourish. "That's great, I'm so happy to hear that." She closes her notebook and file and smiles. "Well, you two, it sure sounds like you're overdue for a happy ending. Hopefully we can do something about that."

She shakes each of their hands in turn, standing up from the desk to escort them out.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, we'll be in touch as soon as your application is approved, and then we'll start looking for potential matches."

"Thank you very much, Ms. Koske," Mulder says, the perfect picture of a responsible adult worthy of becoming a parent.

Scully mumbles her own "Thank you," too overwhelmed to manage more words than that.

Mulder places a hand on her back and leads her out of the office and into the hall, standing closer to her than he usually does when they walk this way. His neck bends so he can see her face, and he whispers, "You hear that, Scully? She said when our application gets approved!"

Scully shakes her head, not wanting to get ahead of herself quite yet.

"She said 'as soon as', not when,” she corrects.

"Same thing,” he argues. “Come on, that went well, don't you think?"

"I hope so," she says.

His stride is confident and energetic. "It did, trust me. We had all the right answers."

"I was so nervous. I knew she would ask about my cancer," she states, shaking her head in disappointment.

"She was just being thorough,” Mulder assures her. “Cheer up, Scully, the part we had to worry about is over! I'm taking you to lunch."

"Mulder, we really should just get back to work—” Scully tries. She’s supposed to be the responsible one, after all. Reining him in. Wasn’t that why she complemented him so well?

"We're celebrating. One step closer to being parents, right Scully?"

It’s time she admits it to herself: she failed at reining him in years ago.

Now, she just goes with the flow. The best surprises are around the corner when she does so.

She hopes that this time is no different.

~~~

Lovely tag list ♡: [if you would like to be added or removed, let me know!]

@today-in-fic @ao3feed-msr @agent-troi @angegova @baronessblixen @calimanc @captainsolocide @clo-thespin @cutemothman @danasculls @deathsbestgirl @edierone @enigmaticxbee @figureofdismay @frogsmulder @gillian-anderson-in-the-tardis @hippocampouts @invidiosa @monaiargancoconutsoy @numinousmysteries @primrose19 @randomfoggytiger @skelavender @skylarksong @stephy-gold @teenie-xf @the-redhead-in-a-dress @vincentsleftear

#msr #txf #x files #xf fanfic #mulder and scully #my fanfiction #fox mulder #dana scully #of our own making #ooom #msr adoption fic #adoption

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slayfics · 2 years ago

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Behind the Mask

Inosuke x Reader

The final chapter.

Chapter 11

“Oh my.”

You opened your eyes quickly realizing you had fallen asleep on Inosuke’s chest. You looked up to see Shinobu in the doorway. Inosuke was awake but didn’t say a word.

“Glad to see you’re awake Mr. Hashibira... Well, it seems you are well attended to, so I'll be on my way.” Shinobu announced and walked out of the room.

You felt your cheeks warm up, you hadn’t intended to fall asleep here or get caught. You started to get up.

“Good morning” Inosuke said.

“Good morning,” You responded sitting on the edge of the bed. “My apologies I didn’t mean to fall asleep here. I’ll get started on breakfast I'm sure you’re hungry.”

“I’m starving!” He said. “But first... You said once you fixed my wounds you would kiss me again.”

Inosuke was right, you had promised him that. As happy as you were that he wanted to kiss you again, you felt your heart begin to race. Without the adrenaline you had running through your system last time it was a lot harder to approach him.

“What are you waiting for.” He said impatiently and grabbed your wrist pulling you back on to him. He smiled seeing the shock in your eyes. “I’d do it, but I don’t want to give you a bloody nose like last time” He said grinning.

You were taken off guard by his boldness but relieved that he was willing to take initiative. It made you feel less nervous.

“The trick is to be gentle Inosuke. You don’t want to knock out the person you’re trying to kiss.” You said letting out a small giggle.

“Hm..” Inosuke grunted. He couldn't remember being gentle with anything his whole life. You moved slowly closer to his face.

“This is so slow.” He said.

“Sometimes that makes it better.” You said, moving even closer and placing your hands on both his shoulders while you moved in to slowly press your lips to his. You stayed a few moments before pulling back to look at him. He looked at you with wide eyes and his cheeks slightly pink.

“Is that it?” He asked. You felt the blood drain from your face. What did he mean by that? Was that bad?? Or was he asking for more than just a kiss?

“Um I uhh wh-” You stammered trying to collect your thoughts.

“I want to try.” He said and grabbed you by the front of your uniform pulling you closer till you were pressed up against him and he harshly pressed his lips against yours. You felt your heart beating so fast it felt like it would burst out of your chest.

He let go and looked at your shocked expression.

“How was that?” He asked.

“A little rough but sometimes that makes it better too.”

Inosuke smiled at your words. “I can hear your heart beating fast and your pupils are big. I don’t have a lot of experience, but I know that means you like me.”

“Yes I do.”

“I like you too." He said simply. You smiled and kissed his cheek before leaving to get started on breakfast and your tasks for the day.

Every moment after that you were careful to be fully present for and enjoy. After all, Mitsuri was right. You knew it would only be a matter of time before Inosuke was healed and back on missions. Which meant soon you’d have to face the fact that every time he left there was a chance he wouldn’t make it back. That was just the nature of being a demon slayer.

Eventually that time did come. Insouke’s wounds had healed, and he had finished his rehabilitation training. With the time you two had together you learned more about each other and gained a better understanding of each other. You even taught Inosuke how to write three words: I am ok. This way he could send letters on his solo missions when another demon slayer wasn’t available to help him. Of course, Inouske always held the pen in a strange manner as if he was still confused by it.

You both stood outside the gates of the Butterfly Mansion as Inosuke prepared to leave.

“Well I guess you’re ready to go.” You said trying not to show too much worry on your face.

“Mhm.” Insouke nodded. You pushed his mask on top of his head and kissed him to send him off on his journey. When you began to pull away, he grabbed you around your waist and pulled you closer, pressing his lips hard to yours. He never did learn how to be gentle, but you didn't mind.

“Don’t look so worried.” He said when he pulled away. “I told you. I’ll always come back. Besides those demon's are no match for Lord Inosuke.” A grin spread over his face just as his mask fell back over his head. “I’ll see you soon” he finished and took off.

You watched as he vanished and while feeling both worried and sad you couldn’t help but feel extremely grateful for the new relationship you found with Inosuke, and excited for what the future might bring you both.

Thank you to everyone who has read, liked, commented, or reblogged! I never intended to make this many chapters but was encouraged to keep it going with all the love from everyone. It has truly put the biggest smile on my face logging in and seeing the responses. Nothing makes me happier then knowing I have made you all smile. I'm sure I'll continue to work on one shots here and there that I hope continue to make you smile. My chat's always open so feel free to talk to me!

#demon slayer #inosuke hashibira #inosuke x reader #inosuke x y/n #inosuke x you #kny x reader #kny x you #anime x reader #anime x y/n #demon slayer x reader #demon slayer x you #demon slayer x y/n #kny fanfic #kny fluff

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officialstrawhat · 1 year ago

Text

Hello again! Here is the next chapter in my Multi fic :)

As always I hope you like it! I'm currently finishing up the Zou Arc so if I get something wrong sorry :P

Gif is not mine.

The Rose of Dressrosa-Chapter 2

Trafalgar D. Law x Fem!Reader

Summary:

After King Riku is dethroned, Doflamingo takes you under his wing and asks you to follow only one strict rule, "do not leave the palace alone". However, your sense of adventure is too great.

Law had only one thing in mind... Revenge. And you seemed like the best way to do that.

Warnings: Dark themes, manipulation, death, murder, creepy doffy

Word Count: 1.2K

Chapter 1

Seven Years Later…

In the outdoor courtyard of the palace of Dressrosa. Palm trees swayed in the wind, in an ornate fountain water splashed delicately back into the tiled ceramic bowl. And It is there you stare at your dark-haired opponent as she points her pistol at you.

“Give up, Y/N?” She smirked.

“Not a chance,” you raise your arms in the normal fashion, showing off your bracelets wrapped around each wrist. At the top of the bracelet was a small circular container that was filled with the richest cultivated soil in Dressrosa. Once your hands were in the right place it dispensed the soil out and when it did… “Grow! Parodia! Magnifica!”

Rapid gunshots were fired as large cactus balls with the spikiest thorns grew rapidly from the cascading dirt. You extended your arms and shot the weaponized flora toward your opponent, stopping the bullets that were heading in your direction.

Baby Five’s eyes widened at the incoming siege and somersaulted out of the way.

“Not bad.” she rose to her feet, dusting off her hands.

“Not bad at all” a voice from behind you. Turning you saw the man who had raised you. “Your technique has improved.”

“Young Master, ” You greeted, bowing your head slightly. “I didn't know you were back.” you added nervously.

“Just returned.” the warlord told her, you noted the stern tone laced through his words. “Come, I want to have a word.”

You looked back at Baby Five who gave you a reassuring nod. Though that didn’t make you feel any better.

You did as you were told and followed him through the palace to the library. You knew what this was about. He was going to give you “the talk”, again…

Following him into the library, you still hadn't decided how to play this.

“Have I not made myself clear?” He asked darkly, closing the large door.

“I don't know what you mean?” Playing dumb it was then.

“Don’t lie to me,” He moved closer to you, reminding you again how he towered over people. “Why is Diamante telling me that you went into town- Alone - Again.” With each word the veins on his forehead grew.

When you said nothing he continued, “You can not just leave the palace without an escort. You know that.”

“I just wanted to explore.” You finally say looking up.

This is exactly what he did not want to hear. “Exploring”, would ultimately lead to learning things that were best left in the dark. He leaned in closer to your face, “And you may, but not alone.”

“But Doffy, I can take care of myself. You’ve seen me fight, I’ve gotten better!” You assured him.

“This has nothing to do with that.” He shook his head, anger rising.

This didn’t make any sense,“Then I don’t understand why Baby Five and Dellinger can go out by themselves, but I can't?!”

“BECAUSE I TOLD YOU SO!” he shouted.

He didn’t need your shocked eyes to tell him how he was coming off, he knew, he felt the mask slipping. You had only ever seen him yell at others but never you. He had always been patient with you.

You watched him reign in his anger, as he placed fingers onto the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. After a few seconds passed, he finally spoke again, “Do you remember what I told you when I first brought you to the palace Y/N?”

You nodded, crossing your arms and looking away, “You said you would keep me safe.”

“And I intend to keep my promise.” He placed two fingers under her chin, turning your head back to face him. “Over the years Y/N you have grown into a cherished member of this family. I’d hate to see anything happen to my Rose.”

You felt a chill roll down your spine. It's not that you hated the nickname he had given you when you were younger. You used to love it in fact. When you younger it saddened you whenever he chose to call you by your real name.

But recently there was something about the way he said it now… You just couldn’t put your finger on it…

“Now tell me that you won't leave this palace without permission again.”

“I won’t leave without permission” you told him, “I’m sorry, Doffy.”

The words were like music to his ears, releasing your chin, he bent down and kissed where your hairline met your forehead.

“Good girl.” he said, with a large smile on his face he booped her nose, “Now if you’ll excuse me I have to make a call.”

Turning to leave you, he walked to the door opening it with ease, “Oh and Y/N,” he paused to stare at you through his red tinted sunglasses, his smile gone. “Don’t make me have this conversation again.”

And with that he was gone. You let out a sigh, cursing Diamante's name. Though luck may have been on your side. Doffy seemed to be under the impression that you had only left the palace once while he was away, which was far from the truth. You’d just have to be more careful next time.

As you made your way to the library door, a book caught your eye just by chance. It made you stop in your tracks, and take a few paces back. Once in front of the collection you reached for the book pulling it out of the neat and ordered shelf. How had you never noticed until now?

“Tales of Grand Adventures,” you whispered, as memories of Sea Kings, ships, pirates and treasure are revived in your mind. You ran your hand over the gold colored letters and noticed the ‘Volume II’ before sitting on the padded bench and began to furiously turn the pages of the book. A smile graces your face as you remember the woman who would read you similar stories at bedtime.

----

Trafalgar Law had been on Dressrosa for less than a week and could tell something was off.

These toys gave him the creeps and everyone seemed far too cheerful for his liking. He had told his crew to stay off shore for the foreseeable future. He couldn't risk the Donquixote family catching wind of him in town.

It had been a long time since he had seen Donquioxte Doflamigo in the flesh. Law had thought once upon a time there was no one greater than Doffy. But he was older now, wiser, stronger. And if he was going to avenge Corazon he had to be strategic about it. What could he do to hurt the Warlord before finally taking his revenge. He contemplated this as he sat disguised at a cafe, the two old crones chatted relentlessly at the table next to him.

“Oh it seems like our Rose is at it again,” one said.

Law looked up to see a figure dressed in a gray hood, going into a bookstore.

“The King will be displeased,” Law heard the other say as he sipped on his espresso.

“I heard he hates it when she leaves the palace.”

“I have no idea why. She is so beloved by the kingdom-”

“And no one loves her more than the king,” She then lowered her voice, “You have to think about it Marta, enemies of the king could be lurking in the shadows as we speak. I couldn't think of a better way to hurt our king than something happening to our Rose.”

They continued their conversations but for Law the way to revenge was clear. He would pick the petals off of this ‘Rose’ one by one.

And then he would kill her…

Next Chapter

Taglist: @rebeccawinters

#one piece x reader #trafalgar law x reader #donquixote doflamingo x reader #angst #romance #dark themes

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ray4hotchner · 1 year ago

Text

Fate's Gentle Nudge

Chapter 6: Unbreakable (part one)

<<previous chapter ❀ last chapter>>

❀ 𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘: aaron hotchner x reader

❀ 𝕤𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪: fluff, fluff, angst, happy ending

❀ 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕕 𝕔𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕥: 23k (part one and two together)

❀ 𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣’𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕖: Hi, besties! Sorry for taking so long to finish the last chapter. It's finally done, and it's a long one. Since it took me a while, I wanted to complete it entirely and not leave you guys with a cliffhanger. I hope you enjoy the last chapter. I'm thinking about writing small drabbles for this story, so let me know if you have something in mind. I'll divide the chapter into two parts so it's easier to read on Tumblr, but you can find the whole part on Ao3 as always. Anyway, I love you all. Thank you for reading!🤍

[18+ MDNI]

❀ 𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤: blood and violence, stalking, knife attack, mention of suicide and murder (let me know if there are any missing)

❀ 𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕒𝕔𝕔: @iyv-ray24

┌─❀*̥˚──❀*̥˚─┐

On Ao3

└──❀*̥˚──❀*̥˚┘

⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

"I knew it wasn't a good idea to let you in the shower," Y/N said as she and Aaron hurried downstairs to the building's garage, heading for Aaron's car. They hadn't overslept for long, but when Y/N got into the shower, Aaron joined her, and things went downhill from there.

"You weren't complaining when you had me on my knees," Aaron said with a devilish smirk as he unlocked the car.

Both of their hair was still wet, with hers wrapped in a towel. She was wearing Aaron's sweatshirt and joggers. They had to rush over to her place because she needed to change, do her hair, and get ready for school. She had promised the kids that they would be doing an experiment today, and she wasn't going to disappoint them.

They arrived shortly at her place, and he unbuckled his seatbelt, intending to go up with her.

"I would love for you to come upstairs," she says, leaning over and kissing him, "but you'll just distract me."

Aaron smiles at her affectionately. "Well, distracting you is one of my specialties."

She chuckles and playfully swats his arm. "Nice try, mister, but I really need to get ready for school."

Aaron nods, understanding, "Alright then, I'll wait downstairs until you're ready. I can still drive you to school."

She hesitates for a moment, then shakes her head. "No, don't. I'll take my own car. Someone could see us, and we need to be discreet."

Aaron agrees, understanding the need for caution. He leans over the middle console of the car, capturing her lips in a lingering kiss. Their mouths meet, and the passion between them momentarily erases the world outside. As she begins to pull back, he gently tugs her back towards him, a protesting sound escaping his throat.

"One more kiss, sweetheart," he murmurs.

"You make it really hard for me to leave, Aaron," she admits with a soft smile.

"Because I don't want you to," he confesses, his eyes filled with longing.

"I know, me too," she whispers, her voice filled with regret. "But I will see you soon, hopefully."

Reluctantly, he lets her go, watching her as she exits the car and heads into her apartment building. The anticipation of their next meeting already fills their hearts as they part ways, both hoping for the day when they can be more open about their feelings.

Inside her apartment, Y/N quickly got to work. She rushed into the bedroom to change into her work-appropriate attire. As she changed, she couldn't help but smile, thinking about Aaron and the passionate moments they shared. But she also knew her students were counting on her, so she focused on the task at hand.

After changing, Y/N took a few minutes to style her hair neatly and she applied some light makeup.

She decided on an experiment involving colorful water absorption. She wanted something engaging, educational, and, most importantly, fun. It was a simple yet fascinating experiment that would spark the children's curiosity. She gathered the materials she needed: clear cups or jars, and various food coloring.

The idea was to teach the kids about how plants absorb water through their stems while also introducing them to the concept of color mixing. Y/N had already brought the white flowers with long stems the day before and placed them in the clear cups.

As she arranged the materials neatly in a basket, her eyes fell upon the bouquet Aaron had brought her yesterday. It sat on the table, vibrant and fragrant. She couldn't resist the temptation and picked up the bouquet, taking in the lovely scent and smiling. Aaron had a way of brightening her day, even when he wasn't there in person.

With the white flowers in one hand and the basket of materials in the other, Y/N grabbed her bag and rushed out of her apartment, locking the door behind her.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Aaron returned to his now-quiet apartment. He couldn't help but smile as he picked up the remnants of their impromptu date night from his bedroom floor. Their clothes were scattered, a silent testament to the passion and connection they shared. He neatly folded them and placed them aside, his mind replaying the moments they had shared the night before. As he tidied up, he couldn't shake the warmth that filled his heart. Y/N was a remarkable woman, and he cherished every moment they spent together. Just as he finished cleaning up, there was a knock on the door. Aaron opened it to find Jessica standing there with two cups of coffee. "Morning," she greeted, holding up a cup of coffee. "Thought you could use a little pick-me-up and maybe we could talk." Aaron grinned in appreciation and accepted the coffee. "You're a lifesaver, Jess. Thanks." Jessica stepped inside, taking a quick look around. "I just dropped off Jack at school. Looks like you had quite the night, huh?", she says pointing at the wine bottles and glasses still in the living room. Aaron chuckled, feeling a little embarrassed. "Yeah, you could say that."

As they continued to chat over coffee, Jessica's concern began to show on her face. She set her cup down and looked at Aaron with a hint of worry in her eyes.

"Aaron," she began gently, "I can't help but be a little concerned about you dating Jack's teacher. I mean, it's wonderful that you two are getting along so well, and I know how much Jack adores her. But it's a tricky situation, isn’t it?"

Aaron sighed, understanding Jessica's apprehension. He hadn't expected their relationship to evolve so quickly and intensely either. "I know, Jess. I really didn't plan for any of this to happen, especially after Haley. It's just that Y/N is... she's different, and I didn't expect to feel this way again."

Jessica reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Aaron's shoulder. "I get it, Aaron. I really do. You deserve happiness, and if Y/N makes you happy, that's what matters most."

Aaron nodded, grateful for Jessica's understanding. "We're both aware of the risks, Jess. We've talked about it. We'll be careful, especially when it comes to Jack. I won't let anything risk his well-being."

Jessica smiled, her worry still present but softened by her friend's words. "I know you'll be careful, Aaron. And I can see how much you care about Y/N, too. It's just that... well, you know how protective I am over Jack."

Aaron gave her a warm smile. "I appreciate that, Jess. You've always been there for us, and I'm lucky to have you."

Jessica squeezed his shoulder affectionately. "Just promise me you'll keep an open line of communication with me about everything, especially when it comes to Jack. And if you ever need someone to talk to about this, you know I'm here, right?"

Aaron nodded, touched by Jessica's concern. "I promise, Jess. Thank you, our support means the world to me."

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

It was a quiet Friday evening when Y/N's doorbell rang, surprising her. When she opened the door, she found herself greeted by a delivery guy holding a stunning bouquet of winter flowers. They were vibrant and fragrant, perfectly matching the changing season outside. Y/N's heart swelled with warmth as she already knew these flowers were from Aaron.

They had been dating for two month now, and things were going better than she could have imagined. Aaron had made it a tradition to bring her flowers every week since their first date. Sometimes, when he was away working on a case, he would send her flowers to let her know he was thinking of her.

She carefully took the bouquet from the delivery guy and found a small card tucked amidst the blooms. As she read the note, a tender smile graced her lips. The message was simple yet heartfelt: "For the woman who brightens my life every day. - Aaron."

Y/N couldn't help but feel her heart flutter at his sweet gesture. She knew she had found something special with Aaron, something she hadn't felt in a long time. She took out her phone, composed the message, and snapped the photo, capturing the moment. "They are beautiful. Thank you," she wrote, "and I miss you."

As she hit send, she couldn't help but wonder how she had gotten so lucky to have someone as thoughtful and caring as Aaron in her life.

Over the past few weeks, Y/N and Aaron's relationship had blossomed in the most delightful ways. They had shared countless memorable moments, each strengthening the bond they had formed.

Their dates were often spontaneous because of his work. They visited museums, strolled through art galleries, and occasionally indulged in spontaneous street food adventures. On quieter evenings, they would cook dinner together, experimenting with new recipes and laughing at their culinary mishaps. These shared moments in the kitchen brought them even closer as they discovered their individual quirks and preferences. One evening, Aaron surprised Y/N with a cozy movie night at his place. They snuggled up on the couch with popcorn and watched classic films until the late hours. Y/N had never felt so comfortable and content in someone's presence. Their communication was effortless. Aaron's vulnerability and openness made Y/N feel safe, and she reciprocated by sharing her own thoughts and feelings. But no matter how busy they were, they made sure to connect daily, even if it was just a quick phone call or a sweet text message. And right on the queue, her phone buzzed with an incoming call. She smiled as she saw Aaron's name on the screen and quickly answered.

"Hi," she greeted warmly.

"Hello, my angel," Aaron replied with a hint of affection in his voice. "I'm glad you like the flowers."

Y/N couldn't help but blush at the pet name, even though she secretly loved it when he used such terms of endearment. "You know I always do. How's work going?"

Aaron let out a sigh, and Y/N could sense a hint of weariness in his tone. "It's been challenging, to be honest, and things are a bit hectic."

Concern crept into Y/N's voice. "Is everything okay?"

Aaron reassured her, "Don't worry, sweetheart, I'm fine. It's just one of those cases. But talking to you always makes my day better."

She smiled, her heart warming at his words. "I'm here whatever you need. Tell me about the case. Maybe talking about it will help."

As Aaron continued to share details about his challenging case, Y/N seized a momentary pause in the conversation to bring up something important.

"Did you get the email I sent to all the parents?" she asked.

"I did, but I didn't have the time to really read it," Aaron admitted. "Is it about the school trip?"

Y/N nodded on her end of the line. "Yes, it is. We're planning a visit to a natural history museum with dinosaurs and all that exciting stuff, and the kids will be part of a project."

"Sounds interesting," Aaron replied, genuinely intrigued.

Y/N hesitated for a moment before continuing, "You know, parents can attend too, but it's not mandatory. So you don't have to, but if your schedule fits... you know," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She didn't want to force him into anything, fully aware of how busy he was.

Aaron considered her words for a moment before responding. "I appreciate the invitation, Y/N and if I can make it, I'd love to join."

Y/N's heart warmed at his willingness to consider it. "That would be wonderful, Aaron. I think Jack would be excited to have you there."

As they continued their conversation, Y/N listened intently, appreciating the opportunity to talk to Aaron even when he was preoccupied with work. However, her attention was momentarily distracted when she heard another voice in the background. It was a voice she faintly recognized as Derek's. Y/N hadn't met the team yet, but she had heard plenty about them from Aaron.

"I'll be right there, Derek, just finishing the call," Aaron said to his colleague.

Then, Derek's voice came closer to the phone, and he spoke a little louder, clearly intending for Y/N to hear. "Sorry for stealing your boyfriend, Y/N."

Y/N couldn't help but giggle on the other end of the line. "No worries, Derek," she replied playfully. "I'll share him with you guys, but only if you promise to take good care of him."

Derek laughed, and Aaron's voice returned to the forefront. "I'll call you later, Y/N. Thanks for making my day better."

With that, they said their goodbyes and Y/N couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and contentment.

Aaron joined the team in the bustling precinct. Emily glanced at him with a knowing smile. She leaned in slightly and said, "One of these days, you have to introduce us to her, you know," referring to Y/N.

Aaron nodded, a fond smile crossing his face. "I will, Emily," he promised. "I'll make it happen really soon. But for now, let's focus on wrapping up this case before next week. I've got a field trip I need to attend."

The team exchanged determined nods, as they delved back into their work, they were all looking forward to the day when they would finally meet the woman who had captured Aaron's heart.

As the week flew by, the field trip day arrived. Y/N, along with several other teachers, stood outside the school by the parked school buses, each one adorned with a colorful banner displaying the destination: the Natural History Museum. It wasn't just Jack's class going on this exciting trip, it included all the second and third graders. The school parking lot buzzed with activity as children and parents gathered for the adventure ahead.

Y/N, dressed in comfortable yet stylish attire suitable for a day of exploration, couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. The children's enthusiasm was palpable, and she knew this field trip would be an unforgettable experience for them.

Parents and guardians chatted amongst themselves, some offering encouraging words to their little ones, while others helped organize backpacks and snacks for the day.

Y/N's heart swelled with affection as she spotted Jack in the crowd. His eyes were wide with anticipation, and he clutched his permission slip and backpack tightly. Just as she was about to make her way over to him, she noticed Aaron right behind his son, searching for their designated bus. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of them.

Aaron finally noticed Y/N amid the sea of children and parents, and he made his way through the crowd to greet her. However, they both understood the need to maintain a certain distance, not wanting to draw too much attention in front of the students and other parents. She was surrounded by students and parents eager to speak with her, Aaron patiently waited nearby. They exchanged warm greetings, but the hustle and bustle of the field trip preparations kept them from engaging in a private conversation.

Aaron and four other parents volunteered to join the field trip to help supervise the children. It was a thoughtful gesture to ensure that the kids would be well looked after during their adventure.

As the teachers and volunteers organized the students into their respective buses, Y/N and Aaron exchanged a brief, knowing glance. With a sense of anticipation and excitement, they all boarded the buses, ready for a day filled with exploration and discovery of the Museum.

Y/N made her way from the back to the front of the bus, counting each child to ensure everyone had boarded safely, she couldn't help but smile at their eager faces. It was clear they were all excited about the adventure ahead.

However, her heart skipped a beat when she reached the front and noticed that Jack had ditched his father and was happily sitting with his best friend, chatting animatedly about what they hoped to see at the museum. Aaron, sitting with the other parents in front of the bus, looked apologetic as the only empty seat was beside him. Y/N hesitated for a moment, glancing around to see if any of the other parents had noticed the empty spot next to Aaron. Fortunately, everyone seemed engrossed in their own conversations and preparations for the trip.

She settled into her seat and exchanged a quiet glance with Aaron, their eyes reflecting the unspoken understanding between them. Feeling Aaron's thigh gently press against hers sent a shiver down Y/N's spine. She always missed his touch, even the subtle ones like this. The bus rumbled along, and she tried to maintain her composure despite the proximity.

Aarons's voice was low and filled with a hint of smugness, as he broke the silence between them. "Nice turtleneck," he commented, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Y/N shot him a discreet but sharp glare, her eyes conveying a mixture of annoyance and affection. It was clear that he was the reason she needed to wear a turtleneck today. After the last case he worked on, he had come straight to her that night, leaving behind bite marks and hickeys that still hadn't faded. She leaned in just a bit, her response equally hushed. "You're impossible," she whispered, her lips curling into a teasing half-smile. Aaron chuckled softly, his smirk growing. "Guilty as charged," he whispered back, and they shared a brief, intimate moment, their playful banter adding a layer of excitement to their secret relationship.

Unable to resist the desire to be even closer to Y/N, Aaron discreetly slipped his hand between them. With a gentle touch, he interlocked his pinky finger with hers, creating a subtle but intimate connection that only they shared. It was an unnoticeable gesture amidst the chatter and excitement of the other parents and children on the bus. Y/N felt his touch, and a soft, affectionate smile played on her lips.

They arrived at the Natural History Museum and Y/N took charge, dividing the class into three groups, with two parents assigned to supervise each. Despite knowing that pairing herself and Aaron in the same group might not be the best idea in terms of discretion, she couldn't resist the opportunity to spend more time with him.

"Alright, everyone," she began, addressing her group of enthusiastic second and third-graders. "First, we'll have a tour with the whole class, and a museum guide will tell us all the important facts about the exhibits. Then, in smaller groups, we'll work on some fun projects. Okay?"

The group of excited children answered her in unison with a resounding "Yes!“

Aaron watched from afar, admiring Y/N's ability to effortlessly control the whole class. He was mesmerized by her grace and confidence as she interacted with the children. It was clear that she was not just an excellent teacher but also a natural leader. Her dedication and passion for teaching shone brightly, and it only deepened his admiration and the sense of pride he felt for the incredible woman he was dating.

The tour led by the museum guide proved to be an engaging and educational experience for the children. Y/N, leading the way alongside the guide, ensured that the kids were actively involved, asking questions and taking pictures to document the day's adventure. Her digital camera was always at the ready, capturing candid moments of the children's wonder and excitement. She knew these pictures would be a cherished memento for the parents who couldn't join the trip. The kids, full of curiosity, were eager to absorb as much information as they could about the exhibits, and the parents, including Aaron, appreciated Y/N's efforts to keep them involved.

After the informative tour, the group gathered in the museum's spacious lobby area. Y/N distributed snacks to the children, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The kids chatted excitedly about what they had learned, sharing their favorite parts of the tour.

As Aaron observed Jack engrossed in conversation with his friends, he spotted the perfect opportunity. He approached Y/N quietly, leaning in to whisper, "Meet me at the gift shop," before casually walking away. Earlier he saw that the gift shop was conveniently located near a narrow corridor for staff.

A couple of minutes later, she made her way toward the gift shop, when she suddenly felt a strong hand grasp her arm and pull her into the narrow corridor. Startled, she gasped audibly, her heart racing as she collided with Aaron's chest.

In the dimly lit corridor, away from the prying eyes of the parents and children, Y/N looked up at Aaron with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. Y/N playfully punched Aaron's chest, her laughter breaking through the initial shock. "You scared the hell out of me, Aaron," she scolded him with a grin.

Aaron couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. "I'm sorry," he admitted, his voice filled with genuine apology. Without wasting time, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, a silent assurance that he meant no harm. He couldn't seem to get enough of Y/N's presence and showered her jaw with a trail of affectionate kisses. "I missed you," he murmured between each sweet gesture.

Y/N chuckled softly. "You saw me last night," she reminded him.

"Still," he insisted, his desire to be close to her evident. He couldn't resist the temptation to pull down the collar of her turtleneck slightly. His lips brushed against one of the marks that he had left on her throat, and he couldn't help but place a gentle kiss there.

Y/N's whimpering warning brought them both back to reality. "Aaron, someone might see," she cautioned, a hint of worry in her voice. Their relationship was something they both cherished, but they knew the importance of discretion, especially in such a public place.

Aaron reluctantly withdrew, his gaze locked on Y/N's. "I know," he replied softly, his eyes filled with longing. "I just can't help myself when you're this close."

Unable to resist the soft and affectionate look in Aaron's eyes, Y/N tiptoed up to him, a sweet and lingering smile on her lips. She leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss against his, their lips meeting in a soft, romantic exchange.

Aaron responded by wrapping his arms around her, pulling her into a warm and loving embrace. Their hearts beat in unison as they savored the sweetness of that stolen kiss, feeling the warmth of their love enveloping them. At that moment, they shared a world of emotion that words couldn't express, a love hidden away but burning brightly in their hearts. Lost in the sea of their emotions, Aaron couldn't resist the urge to deepen their kiss. He tightened his grip on Y/N's waist and gently turned her around until her back was against the corridor wall. Their lips met once again, and this time, the world around them seemed to fade away.

As they finally pulled apart, their breaths slightly ragged, Y/N and Aaron locked eyes, their gaze filled with a whirlwind of emotions that neither of them was quite ready to put into words. In that lingering moment of connection, their unspoken feelings hung heavy in the air, a silent exchange of love, longing, and desire. The corridor remained their secret haven, a place where their hidden love could blossom, even if only for a few stolen moments. With a soft, knowing smile, Y/N reached out and gently touched Aaron's cheek, her fingers tracing the contours of his face. Her touch conveyed a myriad of unspoken emotions, a promise of love and understanding, and a silent agreement that their love was worth all the challenges it presented. Aaron, in turn, pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering as he held her close. For a brief moment, Y/N rested her head against Aaron's chest, finding comfort in the steady and calming rhythm of his heart. It was a sound she had come to appreciate and cherish. "We need to go back," she whispered softly, her voice filled with a hint of reluctance. Aaron tightened his embrace, hugging her tightly and burying his nose in her hair. "Just one more second," he murmured, his words filled with a longing to prolong their stolen moment of intimacy.

Reluctantly, Y/N and Aaron made their way back to the larger group, one by one, careful not to raise any suspicions among the other parents and children. The secret of their relationship remained safe, hidden away from prying eyes. As the break came to an end, it was time for the classes to divide into smaller groups and participate in the projects and games organized by the museum. Y/N, once again taking charge, organized her group of children with efficiency and enthusiasm.

The museum had thoughtfully organized a variety of engaging stations for the children to enjoy, each designed to provide both education and fun. As Aaron, Y/N, and their group of eight children made their way to the first station, they were excited to dive into the activities.

At the first station, the children were handed brushes and tools, their faces lighting up with excitement as they prepared to uncover replica dinosaur fossils buried in the sand. The station allowed them to feel like paleontologists on a real archaeological dig. Aaron and Y/N stood side by side, their shoulders brushing as they watched the children eagerly engage in the activity. The kids were focused and determined, carefully brushing away the sand to reveal the hidden treasures beneath. Jack's face lit up with excitement as he proudly displayed the plastic bone he had unearthed. As Y/N glanced at Aaron, she noticed how his eyes shone with a deep sense of happiness and pride. Seeing his son so thrilled and engaged in the activity was a moment of pure joy for him. It was these small, precious moments that made being a parent so rewarding. Y/N couldn't help but share a knowing and affectionate look with Aaron, silently acknowledging the shared happiness they felt in watching Jack's excitement.

After the engaging fossil dig activity, the group's next station was the life-sized replicas of various dinosaur fossils that awaited them. The children were excited to touch and examine these fascinating fossils up close while learning about their history and significance. Y/N and Aaron were in high spirits, laughing and talking as they guided the group of children to the next station, which was located on the other side of the museum. However, their cheerful journey took an unexpected turn when someone collided forcefully with Y/N's shoulder, causing her to let out a painful yelp.

The group came to an abrupt stop, and Aaron immediately rushed to her side, concern etched across his face. He couldn't hide his anger as he turned to confront the person responsible. "Can't you look where you're going?" he asked angrily.

The woman who had collided with Y/N turned around, and to their surprise, it was the same mom from Jack's soccer game who had openly flirted with Aaron. She put on a fake apologetic look as she approached them, but the insincerity was evident all over her face. "Oh, goodness, I'm so sorry," she said, her voice dripping with insincerity. Her attempt at an apology did little to ease the tension in the air.

Her insincere attempts at an apology continued as she completely ignored Y/N, as if she didn't exist. "I'm so clumsy sometimes," Nancy began, her attention firmly fixed on Aaron. "Oh, Aaron, so nice to see you here. We missed you at last week's practice."

Aaron's response was curt and cold. "I was away for work, Nancy."

Nancy brushed off his explanation with an obnoxious laugh. "Typical Aaron, always work, work, work."

She then turned her attention to Y/N, offering a smile that came off as incredibly fake and almost creepy. "And you are?"

Y/N replied simply, "The teacher."

Nancy's response was dismissive and condescending. "The teacher... Wow. That's good to know. Anyways, hope to see you this week." She patted Aaron's arm in a way that was far too familiar and walked away, her exaggerated hip-swinging movements drawing even more attention to herself. Aaron and Y/N exchanged a brief, incredulous glance after Nancy's departure, both equally unimpressed with the encounter.

As they continued to guide the children through the museum to the station, where they could touch and feel the dinosaur bones, Aaron and Y/N exchanged knowing looks. They both understood that they would discuss the encounter with Nancy later, but for now, their focus remained on the kids and the educational experience.

Unconsciously, Y/N rubbed her shoulder where she had been bumped, trying to ease the lingering pain. Aaron, always attentive, noticed her discomfort and gently placed his hand on her arm, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"You alright?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Y/N nodded, offering a small smile. "I am, it's just... her vibe is so off. And she definitely did that on purpose."

Aaron couldn't help but agree. "No doubt about that," he replied, his hand still resting on her arm. They shared a moment of silent understanding, grateful for each other's presence. With the minor disruption caused by Nancy behind them, Y/N and Aaron rejoined the kids and wholeheartedly enjoyed the remainder of the field trip. They explored each station, shared stories and laughter with the children, and even squeezed in a last-minute visit to the souvenir shop.

A couple of hours later, the classes reunited outside by the buses. The kids, now tired from a day filled with excitement and learning, were either asleep or engaged in playing with their newfound treasures and souvenirs.

The drive back to school was marked by a comfortable silence, broken only by the occasional laughter or chatter from the children. Y/N and Aaron exchanged contented glances, knowing that they had created a memorable experience for the kids and, in their own way, for each other.

As they arrived back at the school, the parking lot was already bustling with parents eagerly waiting to pick up their children. Y/N, standing in front of the bus, bid each child a warm and heartfelt goodbye, ensuring they left with smiles on their faces.

Aaron and Jack shared quick farewells with Y/N before they made their way home. It had been an eventful and tiring day for everyone involved, and they were all ready for some well-deserved rest.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Y/N returned home, feeling the weight of the day's activities but also a sense of accomplishment in providing the children with a memorable experience. After Y/N had taken a refreshing shower and changed into her comfy pajamas, Liz came over as planned. The two settled on the couch, wanting to enjoy a night of wine, well-deserved takeout, and lighthearted conversation about the field trip and school gossip.

As they chatted away, the doorbell rang, interrupting their evening. Liz raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "We just ordered, how did the food arrive so quickly?"

Y/N shared the same confusion as she made her way to the door. To her surprise, it was Aaron standing on her doorstep, holding two bags of food. Her eyes widened in amazement. "Aaron?"

With a warm smile, Aaron explained, "After a long day, the best thing is some take out, so I thought I'd bring you some."

Y/N opened the door wider, revealing Liz sitting on the couch, who waved at Aaron with a friendly greeting. Y/N couldn't help but giggle. "We had the exact same idea," she said, feeling a rush of gratitude for the thoughtful surprise.

"Oh, I don't want to disturb your girls' night. Just enjoy the food," he said, offering the bags of takeout to Y/N.

Before Y/N could respond, Liz chimed in enthusiastically, "Ahh, don't be ridiculous! Come in. I was dying to properly meet you anyway."

Aaron exchanged a questioning glance with Y/N, who nodded and pulled him inside. Liz's welcoming and curious demeanor made it clear that she was genuinely excited to get to know him better, and it was an invitation he couldn't resist. With a grateful smile, Aaron stepped into Y/N's cozy home.

Aaron walked in, placing the bags of food on the coffee table before taking a seat on the couch. Y/N couldn't help but be curious as she peeked through the bags, her eyes lighting up with anticipation.

"It smells delicious," she exclaimed. "He brought Chinese food, and we just ordered Persian, so it will be a fusion night, I guess."

Shortly after, the Persian food they had ordered arrived, and the table was filled with a delightful array of dishes from both cuisines. The three of them settled in, comfortable in each other's company, as they indulged in a feast of flavors, sipped wine, and engaged in lively conversation.

Liz, with a mischievous glint in her eye, shared a particularly embarrassing university story that had all of them erupt in laughter. "And she," Liz laughed out loud, "she didn't notice the professor standing right behind her." Aaron was seated on the floor at the coffee table, with Y/N behind him on the couch. Her fingers occasionally found their way to his hair, and her gentle touches sent shivers down his spine.

Y/N couldn't help but tease, "I knew bringing you two together would backfire on me."

Liz, unapologetic but still apologetic, chimed in, "I'm sorry, but he needed to hear that story." She couldn't help but chuckle along with them.

Amidst the laughter, Y/N turned her attention back to Aaron. "You know I'll get my revenge when I meet your friends, right?" she asked, playfully threatening.

Wito feigned seriousness, Aaron stopped laughing and turned his head upwards to look at her. He teased back, "I'll threaten them with paperwork if they tell you anything."

Y/N, not one to be outdone, bent down and gave him a small peck on the lips. "I see we're not playing fair again," she said, her eyes sparkling with affection and mischief.

Liz playfully joked, "Eww, too much PDA," causing all of them to laugh once more. However, her humor quickly gave way to sincerity as she continued, "But all jokes aside, I'm happy this is working out for you guys." Y/N and Aaron exchanged a glance filled with warmth, grateful for the friend who embraced their love and celebrated their happiness.

Liz, with a smile, said, "Anyway, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone now."

Y/N immediately protested, "No, stay," and reached over to hold her friend's hand.

Liz happily grabbed her hand and playfully swung their hands back and forth like children. "It's late, I should really go, but we should get some drinks sometime," she suggested, turning her gaze toward Aaron.

Aaron nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, definitely. I need to hear more stories."

Y/N playfully punched his shoulder, and they all rose from their seats to accompany Liz to the door. It was a heartfelt farewell, filled with promises of future gatherings and more shared laughter. As Liz left, Y/N and Aaron watched her go with warm smiles.

After Y/N closed the door, Aaron wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her close. She leaned back against him, resting her head on his shoulder. He pressed a loving kiss to her cheek and remarked, "She's great. I understand why you guys are best friends." Y/N smiled, her heart warmed by his understanding. "Yeah, she's one of my favorite people ever."

"How high up am I on the list?" Aaron inquired playfully, his voice laced with curiosity.

Y/N couldn't resist a giggle at his question and teased, "Hmm… maybe in the top 3." Her voice was filled with affection as she embraced him.

"Maybe?" Aaron echoed, raising an eyebrow in mock indignation.

"On good days," she continued, playfully joking with him.

"Is that so?" Aaron responded with a warning tone, his fingertips finding the sensitive side of her waist. Without hesitation, he began to tickle her, eliciting a burst of laughter from Y/N as she squirmed in his playful grasp. Their affectionate banter and shared laughter filled the room, reminding them both of the joy they found in each other's company.

Amidst her laughter and pleas, Y/N begged, "No, Aaron, stop..." as she attempted to escape his playful tickling. However, his arms were securely wrapped around her, making it nearly impossible to break free. With a determined effort, he lifted her off the ground, causing her to yelp in surprise.

He carried her to the couch, laying her down gently before settling beside her. Despite the tight squeeze, they didn't mind, as Y/N naturally found herself half-laying on his chest. Aaron tenderly stroked her hair as he spoke up, his voice filled with admiration and affection. "You were incredible today."

Her laughter subsided, and she looked up at him with a soft smile. His praise warmed her heart, and she nestled even closer to him, finding comfort and contentment in his arms. It was moments like these, filled with laughter and affectionate closeness, that made their love even more precious.

"I had great helpers," Y/N replied, acknowledging the supportive parents who had volunteered on the field trip. Aaron, however, was insistent. "No, seriously," he continued, his voice warm and sincere. "The kids love you. They are all so well-behaved when you're around and Jack couldn't stop talking about everything he saw today. He talked Jess's ears off."

"Oh wait," she said, remembering something as Aaron mentioned Jack's name. She pushed herself up on Aaron's chest and climbed over him, walking into her room. He sat up and watched her curiously and when she returned, she had a big green book in her hands. She handed the book to Aaron, who read the title, "The Little Dinosaur and the Mysterious Footprints."

"I saw it at the gift shop today, so I got it for Jack," she explained with a warm smile. However, Aaron remained silent, his expression unreadable. Y/N started to feel nervous, her words tumbling out in a ramble, "He always tells me which books you guys are reading, so I thought maybe he would like this one."

She inspected his face, her eyes searching for any sign of his feelings. Aaron, however, gently placed the book on the coffee table and brought his hands to her cheeks, cupping her face in his warm and tender grip. It was a familiar gesture between them, one that conveyed a depth of affection that words could hardly capture.

Their eyes locked, and Aaron took a deep breath. His voice quivered with emotion as he confessed, "I'm so in love with you."

Y/N blinked in surprise, her heart skipping a beat. "What?" she asked, needing to hear those words again.

Aaron smiled softly and repeated, "I'm sooo in love with you. It's ridiculous. My days and nights are consumed by you, and I can't help but think about how incredibly lucky I am to have you in my life."

Tears welled up in Y/N's eyes as she listened to his heartfelt words. Her surprise transformed into overwhelming joy and love for the man who held her heart. Without a moment's hesitation, she threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Aaron wobbled slightly at the impact but hugged her back, his laughter filled with happiness. He whispered sweet nothings in her ear and pressed loving kisses to her temple. In that cherished moment, Y/N couldn't believe that he truly was in love with her, and her heart soared. She pulled back just slightly, so she could look him in the face, her voice filled with sincerity and affection. "I love you too Aaron," she confessed, sealing their love with a heartfelt declaration that brought a radiant smile to both their faces.

Aaron's heart swelled with overwhelming love as her words and the tenderness in her eyes washed over him. Unable to resist the pull of their emotions, he leaned in, and they shared a deep and passionate kiss. It was a kiss that spoke volumes, carrying the weight of their feelings and the depth of their connection.

Feeling an irresistible urge to hold her close, Aaron gently pulled Y/N onto his lap. Their bodies pressed together, fitting perfectly as they continued to share their love through their affectionate embrace.

With a trail of soft kisses, Aaron began to journey down her jaw and throat, his lips leaving a warm, tingling sensation in their wake. Between each tender kiss, he whispered endearing words that conveyed the depth of his love.

"My love," he murmured, his voice filled with affection.

"My Angel," he breathed against her skin.

"My Happiness," he continued, his words a gentle caress.

As his lips continued their descent, his whispered endearments filled the room, creating an intimate symphony of love and desire that was shared between the two of them alone.

!!!!!!!!!

Sensations of desire and affection coursed through them as Y/N arched towards him, her hands entwined in his hair. Aaron responded by pulling her even closer, his arms wrapped lovingly around her. With a delicate touch, he lowered the sleeve of her shirt, revealing her shoulder and collarbone bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. His lips, filled with devotion and longing, left a trail of lingering kisses on the tender skin he had unveiled. As he undid a couple of buttons on her pajama shirt, her bare chest before him, her curves enticingly close, ignited a fire of desire within him. “God,” he says against her throat before lowering his head and biting her breast. Her fingernails dig into the back of his strong neck, as he captures her nipple between his teeth and bites. He can't get enough of her, almost intoxicated by her scent and soft skin. His lips are still around her breast when he slides his hand under her pajama pants and underwear and strokes her slickened core, and a moan tumbles from her lips. “Aaron, please”, she begs as he slides two fingers into her. She throws her head back in pleasure and rides his thrusting fingers. “So pretty, so fucking soft” he groans and his hand squeezes her waist tightly, feeling like fire. Her walls clench around his fingers as he fastens his movements and curls his finger just the right way. She rocks her hips against his fingers chasing her high, with his name leaving her mouth over and over again. The tight coil of tension releases when the first wave of her orgasm washes over her. He pumps a couple more times, making her legs shake but eventually pulls his fingers out of her, making her whimper. He brings them up to his lips, licking every last drop of her pleasure as she breathes heavily, her eyes dark. “You taste always so sweet”, he grins shamelessly and pulls her close, kissing her again like his life depended on it. With Y/N still held securely in his arms, Aaron stands up from the couch and ithout a word, he carries her into the bedroom promising her a long night ahead.

!!!!!!!!!!!

The room was still bathed in darkness as Y/N sat up in bed, half-asleep, in response to the distant ringing of Aaron's phone. Aaron let out a groan, burying his face deeper into the pillow.

"Let me get that," Y/N mumbled, her voice heavy with sleep. She stumbled out of bed and made her way to the living room, fumbling around to locate Aaron's phone. After a moment, she found it in the pocket of his jacket. She returned to the bedroom and read out the notification aloud, her voice still drowsy. "New voicemail from Garcia." Aaron groaned again, his eyes remaining closed. "Can you play it, please?" he asks, reluctantly sitting up in bed.

As Y/N played the voicemail, it became apparent that Garcia was calling him in for a new case. Aaron sighed, the weight of work pulling him from the comfort of her bed, even though it was still dark outside.

With his phone still in her hands, Y/N noticed a saved voicemail from her number. Surprised, she looks at him and presses play. It was the voicemail from the time when Jack had fallen sick at school, and she couldn't reach anyone. She glances up at Aaron with a curious expression.

"You still have this?" she asks, her voice tinged with both surprise and tenderness.

Aaron rubs his neck, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "Yeah," he admits, his gaze fixed on her. "I used to listen to it when I would miss your voice… before we got together. And, well, I still do sometimes."

Y/N couldn't help but smile at the sweet confession, feeling her heart swell with affection for the man who had held onto a piece of her before they became a couple. It was a testament to the depth of his feelings, and she reached out to touch his cheek lovingly.

She reaches for her phone on the nightstand and dials Aaron's number. A curious expression is in his eyes as he watches her. The familiar beep of her voicemail filled the room, and she began leaving a new message, a radiant smile on her face.

"Hey, my love," Y/N begins, "I hope you have a great day. I miss you a lot. And I love you. Don't forget to eat and rest. Take care of yourself, stay safe and did I mention that I love you? Anyway, I'll see you really soon, so don't miss me too much.”

With a contented smile, she ends the voicemail and hands Aaron his phone back. "Now you have something more positive to listen to," Y/N said, her grin lighting up the room. Aaron couldn't resist the impulse to show his fondness, and he lunged forward, wrapping her in a tight, affectionate hug. As he did so, Y/N fell backward onto the bed, the cheery sound of her laughter filling the air.

"I hate my job," Aaron protested, his voice muffled as he buried his face into Y/N's neck.

Y/N gently stroked his hair and countered, "No, you don't."

Aaron couldn't help but chuckle. "No, I don't," he admits, lifting his head to look into her eyes. They shared a warm laugh, their connection strengthening with every shared moment.

"Come on, Agent," Y/N said, her voice filled with understanding. "Go and save some lives. I'll still be here when you come back." He peppered her face with a series of tiny kisses, each one filled with love and adoration. With a few lingering kisses and affectionate ‘I love yous’, Aaron reluctantly pulled away and rushed out the door, leaving Y/N behind in bed. The day ahead would undoubtedly be filled with the demands of his job, but he carried the warmth of their shared moments with him as he faced the challenges that awaited.

After Aaron had left for work, Y/N luxuriated in the coziness of her bed for a few more moments. The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room. With a contented sigh, she stretched and then slipped out from under the covers. She took her time getting ready for the day, savoring the peaceful moments alone. Once she was dressed and ready, she made her way to the kitchen to clean up the remnants of their cozy night in. She gathered empty takeout containers and wine glasses, humming a tune as she worked. The memories of laughter and shared stories from the night before lingered in her mind, bringing a smile to her face. With a quick check of her schedule for the day, she grabbed her bag and headed out the door, ready to face the world and her students with renewed energy and a heart full of love.

The rest of the week unfolded relatively uneventfully. Y/N took the opportunity to catch up with some of her friends, enjoying their company and laughter. She had her usual weekend run in the park, where she found solace in the rhythm of her footsteps and the serenity of nature. And on Sunday, she spent a delightful shopping excursion with Liz, browsing boutiques and sharing stories as they strolled through the city streets. But regardless of her activities, Y/N made sure to carve out time for phone calls with Aaron whenever possible, cherishing their moments of connection despite the physical distance.

Work took Aaron to New York this time, and he returned home on Sunday, but the weight of the difficult case had clearly taken a toll on him. His exhaustion was palpable as he spoke with Y/N. "Jack will be asleep soon, then I can come over," he suggested.

But Y/N, ever concerned for his well-being, replied, "No, Aaron, you need to rest. Get a good night's sleep, okay? I'll see you tomorrow."

Aaron couldn't resist a teasing tone as he asked, "Hmm, so you didn't miss me?"

Y/N's response was both stern and loving, "You know I did. But I love you, and I want you to rest."

Aaron chuckled, "Is this an order?"

"If that's what you need, Agent," she teased.

"Don't call me Agent and not expect me to come over," he playfully retorted.

She laughed and said, "Sleep, Aaron. I love you. Have a good night."

"Have a good night. I love you too," he replied, feeling grateful for her caring presence in his life as he prepared to get some much-needed rest.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

Monday morning brings a newfound motivation for Y/N, knowing that she will finally see Aaron again after a couple of days apart. The school day proceeds as usual, with her dedicated focus on her students. At lunch break, Jack approaches Y/N with a blue Tupperware box in his tiny hands.

"Hey, honey, what you got there?" Y/N asks with a smile.

"Dad came back from work yesterday, and we baked cookies," Jack explains.

"Wow, that sounds like a lot of fun," Y/N replies.

Jack nods enthusiastically. "It was, but we made a mess, and Aunt Jess scolded us," he giggles, and Y/N joins in.

He holds the box towards her and says, "I wanted to bring you some because you gave me cookies once."

Y/N's heart melts at his kindness. She takes the box with gratitude, saying, "That's so kind of you, Jack. Thank you." The simple gesture warms her heart, reminding her of the loving bond she shares not only with Aaron but also with his son.

Y/N couldn't resist the temptation, and she opened the Tupperware to find a tiny pink Post-it Note squeezed to the side. But first, she took out a cookie, a delicious-looking one, and took a big, appreciative bite. She knew that Jack was watching her closely, so she let out a contented sound, showing him just how much she enjoyed his homemade cookies.

"Jack, these are the best cookies I've ever had," she said with a smile, and his eyes lit up with pride and joy.

"Really?" Jack asked, his excitement noticeable.

"Really," Y/N confirmed. "Thank you again for bringing me some."

Jack walked away with the biggest, most satisfied smile on his face, leaving Y/N's heart warmed by his affection.

Then she turned her attention to the tiny note and carefully unfolded it. The message was short but adorable: "Sweets for my sweetheart." She couldn't help but let out a tiny giggle, feeling like a teenager in love again. Now, she was even more excited about seeing Aaron tonight, knowing how sweet and thoughtful he could be.

As Y/N drove home, her thoughts were already consumed with what she wanted to wear for her evening with Aaron. He had promised to take her to a new restaurant a little outside the city, where they could enjoy each other's company without worrying about anyone recognizing them.

Her anticipation grew with each passing mile, but when she arrived home and unlocked her front door, something unexpected caught her attention. There, at her feet, was a small white envelope, seemingly squeezed between the door and the frame. She bent down to pick it up, her curiosity piqued.

She inspected the front and back of the envelope but there was nothing written on it. Y/N's hands trembled as she pulled out the single photo from the mysterious envelope. It was a picture of her and Aaron, locked in a passionate kiss, taken during their recent field trip to the museum. Her heart skipped a beat, and she felt a cold shiver run down her spine. How had someone managed to capture such an intimate moment between them? She stared at the photo, her mind racing with a whirlwind of questions and concerns.

She looked left and right through the corridor and peered inside her open apartment door but then slammed it shut and with a sense of urgency, quickly retraced her steps back to her car. As she climbed inside, her hands trembling with anxiety, she locked the doors immediately and reached for her phone, needing to call Aaron.

Y/N's hands were shaking as she sat in her car, her heart racing. She glanced around the dimly lit parking area, feeling a chilling unease. Whoever had left that photograph had been disturbingly close to her apartment. Feeling watched, she took a deep breath and thanked her instincts for not entering her apartment immediately. Her heart pounded as she contemplated what might have happened if she had stepped inside and discovered an intruder. The unease settled in her chest, and she quickly pulled out her phone, her trembling hands betraying her fear.

She called Aaron and took a couple of deep breaths, trying to calm herself down.

Aaron was in his office, working on some reports when he received her call. "Hello, my angel. Can't you wait to see me already?" Aaron answered the phone cheerfully, excited to get her call.

"Where are you, Aaron?" she asked, and he immediately heard in her voice that something was wrong.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice filled with seriousness and concern.

"Someone... someone was at my apartment, and they... they left an envelope with a picture of us kissing."

"Leave the apartment right now!" he says as he stands up, ready to walk out.

"I didn't even go in, I locked myself in my car," she informs him.

He is relieved to hear that but he also knows a parking lot could be as dangerous as her apartment right now so he adds, "I'm coming to you right now."

"No, please. Where are you right now? Let me come there. I can't wait here Aaron, I'm scared," she tries really hard not to cry but her voice trembles as she speaks.

"I'm at the office. Y/N, let me come and get you. You are shaken up, you can't drive like this."

"No, no, I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm leaving now," she promises and starts the engine.

"Drive carefully. I'm waiting for you here," he says before he hands up and storms out of his office and into Rossi's. Inside, Rossi and Spencer were in the middle of a chess game. The look of terror on Aaron's face caught their attention.

"Aaron, what's wrong?" Rossi asked, noting the distress in his friend's expression.

Aaron paced back and forth in his office, struggling to find the right words. "Y/N, she... someone left an envelope at her door with a picture of us."

"A stalker?" Spencer inquired, his analytical mind immediately trying to piece things together.

Aaron ran a hand through his hair, his worry evident. "I don't know. She never mentioned one. Dave, what if this is about me?"

David Rossi understood the weight of Aaron's words, knowing how difficult it had been for him to open up and love again, especially with the lingering guilt from Haley's death. He stood up and approached Aaron, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"First, you need to calm down," Rossi advised. "Where is she now?"

Aaron replied, "She's driving here right now."

Rossi turned to Spencer and said, "Spencer, go call the reception and tell them to immediately bring Y/N Y/L/N upstairs when she arrives."

Spencer nodded and hurried out of the office, leaving Aaron and David alone.

Aaron's voice quivered as he confessed, "I can't lose her too, David. I can't do this again."

Rossi placed a comforting hand on Aaron's shoulder and spoke reassuringly, "You won't lose her. What happened with Haley was not your fault. You have the best people here, and we will find out what's going on."

Spencer went to his desk and called the front desk, informing them about Y/N's arrival. The rest of the team overheard the call, and Spencer quickly briefed them. Derek headed straight to Garcia's cave to inform her as well. The urgency in the air was palpable as they prepared to support Aarons's girlfriend through this unsettling situation. Not long after the team watched as an agent escorted a visibly shaken woman to the office's glass doors. It is the first time most of them are meeting her. Aaron had talked about her occasionally, but he hadn't revealed much information about her to the team. Only Rossi and Derek had some prior knowledge, with Rossi having met her before and Derek being informed after the incident at work.

As the woman and the agent approached the team, Garcia couldn't contain her excitement and whispered, "Omg, now I know who she is!"

Derek raised an eyebrow and asked, "You know her?"

Garcia nodded, her eyes wide with realization. "Yes! She's Jack's teacher."

Emily chimed in, her surprise was evident. "Hotch is dating Jack's teacher?"

Y/N approached the team, slightly nervous, but JJ greeted her warmly. "Hey, you must be Y/N. I'm JJ. These are Emily, Spencer, and Derek, and I think you met Garcia before," JJ introduced, and everyone offered simple greetings.

Y/N smiled and replied, "Nice to meet you all. I wish the circumstances were different."

Meanwhile, Rossi and Aaron spotted Y/N standing in the bullpen from his office window. Aaron wasted no time and quickly opened the door, rushing down the stairs to reach her.

"Y/N," Aaron said as he approached, his voice filled with relief. He immediately wrapped his arms around her, holding her close for comfort.

"Are you alright?" Aaron whispered in her ear, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Y/N nodded, whispering back, "Yes, just shaken up."

The team stood around them, watching this rare display of emotion from their stoic unit chief. Garcia, a hopeless romantic, couldn't contain her excitement. She squeaked excitedly beside Derek and held onto his arm, her heart warming at the tender way Aaron comforted Y/N, caressing her back and hair. It was a sight that melted the hearts of everyone present, showing a different side of their stern and dedicated leader.

Aaron pulls back but still leaves his arm firmly around her waist and gestures towards the briefing room. The team and Y/N move there, away from the other curious and prying eyes in the office. "Hey Dave," Y/N greets him as they walk into the room. "Hi, dear," he says and gives her arm a reassuring squeeze. They all take their seats at the round table, and Aaron makes Y/N sit in his spot while he stands behind her, protectively.

Aaron begins, "Let's get to the bottom of this. Y/N, tell us exactly what happened."

Y/N takes a deep breath and starts explaining the unsettling incident. "I was coming home from work, and when I got to my apartment building, I found a white envelope wedged in my door. There was no sender or recipient, just a single photo inside." She pauses briefly, her voice quivering. "The photo was of Aaron and me, kissing at the museum. It was... unnerving."

Aaron keeps a reassuring hand on Y/N's shoulder as she continues. "I felt like someone was watching me, and I don't know if it was just paranoia, but I didn't dare go inside my apartment. I came straight here."

"That is actually called the psychic staring effect. Some studies have found that up to 94% of people report that they have experienced the feeling of eyes upon them and turned around to find out they were indeed being watched," Spencer rattles down the information. But Aaron notices how it's affecting Y/N because her shoulders shiver under his palm. He shoots Spencer a subtle, warning look, silently urging him to be cautious with the information given the circumstances.

Y/N carefully pulled out and placed the envelope on the table and Spencer put on gloves before he took it, so he could give it a closer look. Her nerves were on edge, and she instinctively glanced up at Aaron for reassurance.

As Spencer opened the envelope and pulled out the picture, Y/N felt a rush of embarrassment. The intimate image of them kissing in a dark corridor was now the center of attention on the table, exposed for Aaron's whole team to see. However, Aaron's composed demeanor helped her relax a bit.

Spencer carefully placed the photo into a clear bag, and Emily pointed out, "Hey, look, there's something written on the back." Aaron, now holding the photo in the clear bag, turned it around to examine the writing.

With the word "whore" glaring from the back of the photo, the team's focus shifted to discussing possible theories.

Derek asked, "Have you ever received gifts, notes, or surprises from an unknown person before?"

Y/N shook her head and answered, "No, never."

Emily then questioned, "Any past relationships with a jealous ex-boyfriend or someone who might hold a grudge?"

Y/N replied, "My last serious relationship was in college, and we parted on good terms. He got married and moved to Europe, so I don't think it's related to that."

Emily chimed in, her tone serious. "It could be a stalker or someone with a vendetta against Aaron."

Derek nodded in agreement, “So far, this stalker hasn't made any direct threats or approached Y/N. But they're keeping tabs on her,” he adds.

“Their knowledge about her schedule and personal life is unsettling. It's not just casual curiosity”, Rossi chimes in. Our Unsub could feel some intense emotions, like loneliness or jealousy. It's possible they're trying to maintain a façade of normalcy in their everyday life. They may not even realize how intrusive their behavior is.”

Carefully, not to scare Y/N even more, JJ says, “ It's possible that this stalker isn't violent or an immediate threat but the concern here is the potential for escalation. If we don't intervene, this obsession might turn into something more dangerous.”

“Statistically, stalkers can start with seemingly harmless actions and then escalate to violence or harm over time. It's a pattern we can't ignore,” Spencer adds as Y/Ns head moves from one person to another, listening carefully.

“Hotch, what if this stalker isn't targeting Y/N but you? Someone with a vendetta against you might be using her to get to you. It could be an attempt to rattle you or exploit any vulnerabilities. If they know how close you are to Y/N”, Derek speaks up knowing that is exactly what Aaron is fearing.

JJ suggested, "It could be targeted solely at her and not related to Aaron."

"We'll check security footage around your building, Y/N. Garcia, can you look into any recent threats or unusual activity targeting Aaron?" Garcia nodded enthusiastically and walked away to her room after saying "You got it, my fearless crime fighters. I'll start digging right away."

Aaron takes a seat beside her, holds her hand, and says, “You can’t go back to your apartment or to work until we find out what’s going on."

"Please, Aaron, the apartment I get, but let me go to work," Y/N pleads.

"Work is even far more dangerous. This person knows where you live, so they know where you work," Aaron says.

"You going to work could endanger the children too," Rossi adds, and Y/N doesn't protest anymore.

"You will stay at my place until this is resolved," Aaron says firmly, his protective instincts kicking in. "There, I can keep you safe the best."

Y/N begins to protest, "Aaron, don't be ridiculous. I can't stay at your place. How will you explain this to Jack?"

Aaron stops and thinks for a moment, realizing the challenge. "We'll just make up some excuse."

Y/N isn't convinced, shaking her head. "No, we won't. I can stay at Liz's or in a hotel."

JJ suggests an alternative. "We could put her in a safe house." But one look on his face and JJ knows he won't ever allow that, not after what happened with Haley.

There's only one person Aaron would trust enough to take care of Y/N when he is not around so he turns to Emily. He doesn't need to say anything more, she immediately understands.

"Of course, yeah," Emily replies. "She can stay with me."

Y/N starts to protest again, but Aaron firmly interrupts, "No, Emily, thank you, but that is too much to ask for."

"No, it's decided. You will stay with Emily," Aaron settles with his stern boss voice, leaving no room for discussion. "Em, you and Derek, go to her apartment, check things out, and get some of her stuff. Spencer, bring the picture and the envelope to the lab. Let's be sure that there aren't any traces of anything on there. And JJ, let's keep this between us for now. I'll tell Strauss myself." They all leave the room, and Aaron is left alone with Y/N, still holding her hand for comfort.

She rolls her chair closer to him and he immediately understands and offers her a hug. Her head is resting on his shoulder and he kisses her forehead. He holds her even closer, his strong arms providing comfort and protection.

"All this is really scary. I know nothing happened, and it's just an envelope, but I can't shake this feeling off," she admits. "How do you guys do this every day?"

Aaron leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple. "Everything will be fine. You are safe now, and I won't let anything happen to you, I promise," he reassures her, though it's clear that he's trying to convince himself as much as her.

She pulls back slightly and cups his cheek, “I know you will,” she caresses his furrowed brows and the wrinkle that appeared between them. “Don’t worry, okay? I trust you, and you trust your team,” she adds, her fingers still on his skin.

He lets out a sigh and says, “How can I not worry when my love is in danger?”

She leans in and peeks his lips. A squeaking sound comes from the door, and they both look up. It’s Garcia giggling behind her tablet, “No, don’t stop the love, please. I’m melting here.”

Garcia's entrance breaks the tension, and Y/N can't help but chuckle. "Sorry to interrupt your moment," she says with a sheepish grin, "but I have some information for you, Hotch."

Aaron nods, his protective instincts still on high alert, but he gestures for Garcia to continue.

"We found some security footage," Garcia begins, "and it appears someone has been lurking around your building recently. Enhancing the image unfortunately didn't give us a better view."

Aaron thanks Garcia for the update and then turns back to Y/N, his concern still evident.

Garcia leaves again and Aaron declares, “You'll stay here with me for now. You can rest in my office. And later, I'll drive you to Emily's place, okay?” She just nods and agrees.

Part 2

⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

𝕋𝕒𝕘 𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥: @mrs-ssa-hotch @aaronhotchswife @aaronhotchner135 @lambsheepsheeping @teenagegoateecollectorposts @hmett20 @callm3c0nfus3d @superskittles @carolinelec @emobabeyy @prentissim @perpetuallyconfused10 @topguncultleader @ttzamara @wingedcoffeechaos @gffesegjoiegj tags don’t work if your blog is private

#aaron hotchner #criminal minds #aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotch hotchner #hotch x reader #criminal minds imagine #thomas gibson #aaron hotch imagine #emily prentiss I know what you are #Emily prentiss is not straight #I am emotionally attached to this fix now I love them so much

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adragoninshiningarmour · 8 months ago

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What’s your plan for after Holy War?

Good question! After Holy War, I want to work on several smaller projects that I've got planned. Given how long Holy War has been, working on smaller stories will be a refreshing change of pace. That doesn't mean that that's the last we'll be seeing of the Royal Knights by any stretch, but in the immediate, I will want to work on some lower-intensity projects.

The biggest story I have planned is a shorter fic focusing on the members of Ban-tyo. I've plotted out this fic and I'm planning for it to have 20 chapters.

I also want to rewrite and finish my existing short story "The Battle I Staked My Life On", which is about AncientGreymon's backstory before he met the rest of the Warrior Ten. This story's supposed to have around 10 chapters.

I have a few other short stories planned. One of which is about Alphamon and the Death-X Incident. Another is about Examon and some of his backstory in the United Dramonic Coalition. I don't have outlines for these yet, but I don't intend for them to be much longer than five parts each.

Apart from that, I have a few other ideas floating around. I'd love to write a story about the Warrior Ten, as they're some of my older characters and I'd love to give them the attention that they deserve outside of me and my friend's private chats. I have an idea about when Gankoomon and Hackmon met the Sistermons, as well. I'd also like to do drabbles or one shots about various sorts of characters, whether they're the Royal Knights, other groups, or individual characters of mine that I've got floating around my head. All of these will take place in the Null Verse, at various points in time.

That being said, while we are getting close to the end of Holy War, realistically, I doubt I'll be able to finish the story by the end of the year, so we've still got a little ways to go until then. I'm hoping I'll be able to at least get deep into the final battle by the end of the year, but being honest with myself about my writing speed lately, I don't want to over-promise anything beyond that. xD I'm definitely going to keep poking myself to write as much as I can though. Pretty much everything is mapped out, so it's just a matter of time-management and pushing myself every now and then.

Thanks for the question. I'm excited to finish Holy War and also to explore what's next!

#Digimon #Holy War #Null Verse #Digimon fanfiction

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tearfallpixie · 5 months ago

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Make Mama Happy - Chapter 5

Tags: @nerdraging4point0 @thesazzb @synthetic-wasp-570 @circle-with-me @beaker1636 @itsjustemily @witchyweeb34 @agravemisstake @cookiesupplier @cncohshit @faceless-mirror @nonamessblog @yournecessaryevil @black-damask1999

@lyschko666 @vinyardmauro @skulliecadaver-blog @some-daniela @latenightmusiclover @rye14-blog1 @somewhere-diamond @miss570

The tour gave me three weeks of reprieve from the whole fake dating situation which I was grateful for, but it didn’t mean that I was completely clear of it. His mum had somehow acquired my number and insisted I come over to help set up decorations since Thanksgiving was a few days after the boys returned from tour. I wanted to get out of it but once again she insisted, and I didn’t exactly have work as an excuse on a Sunday when she checked my winery’s hours.

“I promise I’ll be there Sunday, Mrs. Mauro.” I promised.

“Bring Ricky’s lovely girlfriend too! I know her family is out of state and so is Ricky’s so I don’t want her to be lonely.” Rosa told me.

“I will check and see if she’s available.” The thought of having her there made me both happy and nervous. Happy because then I wouldn’t be the focus of attention but also nervous because I didn’t need her slipping up and blowing our cover. I hung up the phone and sighed as I turned back to my paperwork. I had finally caught up on all the event planning for the winter and just had to finish these last two documents. I sighed as I dialed the familiar number of my best friend in my phone and put it on speaker before picking up my pen.

“Good Morning Chole. Aren’t you at work?” Heather asked.

“I am but I got an invitation to help decorate the Mauro house for Thanksgiving and Rosa insisted I invite you as well. If you are interested.” I told her. The numbers that I was trying to focus on were blurring in my head so I had to set my work down with an exasperated groan.

“Mrs Mauro? I would think you wouldn’t talk to her outside of requirements with Vinny.”

“Apparently she stole my phone number from him and is insisting we come so we aren’t lonely. She even went as far as checking my works hours so I didn’t have an excuse when she said ‘I know your work is closed on Sunday’.” I said in my best improvisation of her voice making both of us laugh. “Vinny practically begged me not to go but I intend to make his parents love me.”

“He’s still being an ass?”

“He got it from Richard, so it doesn’t surprise me.” I grumbled.

“Rick has apologized.” She protested.

“Vinny hasn’t. I still hate him so I’m going to make his family love me and then when we break up, they’ll see him for the asshole he is.” I explained.

“Isn’t that a little harsh?” She mumbled.

“Isnt lying about me flirting with your boyfriend behind your back?” I took a deep breath and sighed. “I don’t want to fight. I just don’t want to do this alone. Please come with me?” I could tell she was contemplating behind the silence, and the longer it lasted the more nervous I got.

“Fine. But only because I love Mama Mauro. I don’t condone what either of you are doing. But I also understand why you are upset.” I let out a breath of relief that I didn’t know I was holding.

“Thank you so so so much.” I gushed.

“Yeah, whatever. You owe me. We’re having a movie night to pay me back.” She ordered and I laughed.

“Fine, fine. I’ll pick up the ice cream and booze and we can wallow about how much we miss our boys.” I teased.

“That includes shitty romcoms.” The last time we had a movie night was a few months ago when motionless was on their last tour and I hadn’t realized how much I needed one.

“Perfect. I’ll see you at 7.” The phone clicked and I finally decided to set the papers aside to finish later. After checking the cameras and seeing that it was a slow day at the winery, I decided to open some of my old stories and read over them, amused by how poorly they were written and correcting some mistakes here and there. I had forgotten how much I loved writing and sitting there working on my writing made the time fly by.

“Knock, knock.” I looked up from my computer to see Rachel standing in the doorway. “Weren’t you supposed to be out of here like 20 minutes ago?” I glanced at the time and cussed under my breath, seeing that it was already 6:20. I quickly saved my document and shoved my unfinished paperwork in my bag to complete over the weekend.

“Thank you. I’m having a movie night with my friend and I’m supposed to be home by 7.” I moaned.

“I was wondering why the light in the office was still on when I finished cleaning up from the day.” She giggled. I grabbed my coat and pulled it on tightly to stave off the cold weather that was blowing in. “I’m going to head out. If this winter weather gets too bad I don’t want to be stuck here through the weekend.”

“Drive safe. Please text me when you get home.” She nodded and we went to our separate vehicles with a wave. I quickly went to the store and picked up the promised ice cream and booze before heading home and arriving moments before Heather.

“What took you so long?” She teased me.

“I got sidetracked by working on my stories.” I shrugged, taking the bags inside. I dropped my work bag by the door and the grocery bags in the kitchen.

“Oh, you should have Ricky read them and help you edit!” She exclaimed, following me in and collapsing on the couch.

“Right. He’ll just tell me to trash them and that they are horrible.” I grumbled, rolling my eyes. “Let me go upstairs and get changed into something a little comfier.” I walked up the stairs and into my room, pealing my blouse off. As I was getting undressed my phone rang with the song slaughterhouse telling me that Vinny was calling. “To what do I owe this pleasure?” I drawled.

“My mum told me you were coming over on Sunday. Don’t do anything stupid.” He growled.

“Wasn’t planning on it darling. Like I said. I plan on making Mama Mauro love me.” I tracked down some Halloween pajama pants and a black suffer club shirt that Heather had given me when I got into the band about a year previous.

“You are an insufferable brat.” He spit. I could imagine him getting angry while shoved into the tiny bus bunk and it brought me a bit of joy.

“You’re the one that drug me into this. I’m just playing my part of the ever-loving girlfriend. Isn’t that what you wanted?” I said in a sickeningly sweet voice. “Plus the more I play up the sweet girlfriend card the more it would hurt when we break up. Which by default would get her off your back for longer.” There was a long quiet pause before he spoke again.

“Why are you doing this for me?”

“Because you asked me too. And I get the joy of you looking like a bastard when your parents find out the truth.” I shrugged as if he could see it. My brush laid on my bed side table so I picked it up and ran it through my hair a couple of times before throwing my hair up in a messy bun.

“You know what? He may have lied about you flirting with him but he was right in one aspect. You’re a raging bitch.” He spit.

“Then go crying to mommy about it. I don’t have to do this for you Mauro.”

“Ugh. You are impossible. I will be glad to be rid of you after the holidays.” He hung up and I shrugged, heading back downstairs to join Heather.

“Took you a minute.” She mused, handing me my first drink of the night.

“Oh, you know. Just pissing of Vinny.” I giggled.

“He called?”

“Yeah, just to tell me not to do anything stupid while with Mama Mauro on Sunday.”

“A little paranoid, isn’t he?” She asked.

“Yeah, he’s just worried I’ll tell her and ruin everything.” I huffed, dropping myself onto the couch next to her. I was so annoyed with the stupid drummer and his attitude.

“Lets just forget about him and indulge in ice cream like we planned. He’s a problem for another day.” I kissed her cheek and flicked on the first crappy romcom of many, forgetting about the band in its entirety for the night.

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nobodywritingao3 · 7 months ago

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shameful company was going to get vaguely dark in the later chapters. I'd been really looking forward to it

I had been setting up in chapter 6 an account of Phil and Wilbur's time after they got closer. It was the last few months they saw each other where they noticed things going wrong around them. Phil had plans to take Wilbur and leave the forest altogether but hadn't shared this with him. Wilbur realized something was changing and assumed the worst but never asked. Random forest fires keep almost killing Phil. Eventually there's a fire inside their home and Phil is [thiiiis] close to death so he takes the incantation off Wilbur. Wilbur has the power then to save him, so he does, and Phil, realizing that Wilbur can fend for himself for a little while leaves him there for a few hours intending to bring back Technoblade so they can move immediately. He doesn't explain this very thoroughly and ends up never coming back, leaving Wilbur to assume the worst

Back in present time I was going to show Wilbur getting weird and a little possessive as time progresses. I was going to stage an incident where Tommy mentions going back to the village for something and queuing Wilbur's abandonment issues. I wanted to set up a progression/montage of Wilbur's slow deterioration as he gets closer to Tommy, and his fear of driving him away only growing and getting in the way of that. I wanted to finish the chapter with a fight and Tommy returning to the village only to get captured and set up for execution.

the next chapter would feature Wilbur wreaking havoc on the village and eating a lot of it. hed take Tommy back and nurture him back to health, promising to take good care of him. he'd stay exclusively human and small for this. theyd get close again. when Tommy was healed up enough, he'd ask to leave the cave. he would ask for space and to think about what had happened. in his mind, everything was fine. Wilbur would flip his lid, remembering Phil and (perceived) empty promises. he'd start off begging Tommy to stay, promising that he would stay good and human and reminding him of how happy and close they were as brothers. tommy would gently push back and Wilbur would escalate to tears and panic. tommy would relent, realizing that Wilbur was doing pretty awfully emotionally, but it would be too late by now. anything he'd say would only be perceived as a lie. Wilbur would rage and keep him hostage. He would grow back into his giant naga form and keep Tommy trapped in the cave

the next chapter was going to be bleak and gloomy. it would show the deterioration of their relationship as well as Wilbur in general. Wilbur would have reverted back to sweet, desperate, and nurturing, trying to convince Tommy to stay. he would be very pathetic in this chapter. Tommy would be freaked out a lot. I'd probably add a nom scene. tommy would be pushed to his limits.

the final chapter I was going to have dream come back. there would be hints thrown here and there about his true nature. he would reveal himself as a serpent as well and keep tommy trapped with him as a means to lure out Wilbur for revenge. dream had worked out a way to keep a steady supply of prey that wilbur had kind of ruined with his murderous killing. I thought it would be funny if the murder weapon of choice for my characters was a pistol. when Wilbur arrived I would have dream reveal that he had driven Phil away and cast a spell to make the forest unreachable to him again. there would be other hurts he had caused over the years and Wilbur would realize how much of his life and been controlled at a distance and he would be pushed to the edge. dream would attack him then and badly hurt him, given that wilbur would not be fighting back. dream would give Tommy the gun for fhe killing shot. he'd list all of Wilbur's mistakes and tommy would accept the pistol and play along. wilbur would be a broken wreck. I planned to add so much pain to this scene it was ridiculous. Tommy would shoot dream in the face. hurt comfort scene. many tears. Tommy would nurse Wilbur back to health.

for the epilogue Phil would return with technoblade. there was going to be a small sweet scene for that. apologies and crying. and then a tommy introduction.

#id veen really exited to write this story #i think ive lost the taste for it but maybe oll come baxk to it #things are strange #what a weird thing #i wish things were the way they seemed theyd been

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drops-of-june · 5 months ago

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CHAPTER V: Breaking The Law

• I don’t own the characters, this fanfic is based on the TV-Show Stranger Things (second season) from a Hargrove!Reader POV.

• Quick reminder to readers, I'm not a english native speaker, so I'm sorry if there are any mistakes. Hope you understand.

• You are not allowed to translate/repost inside or outside tumblr this fanfic.

Summary: Y/n ends up helping some kids with the search for an escaped pet and gets a new job.

Word Count: 2.7K

CHAPTER V: Breaking The Law

Y/n woke up to the sound of the alarm clock. The anxiety she had felt on her first day of school at Hawkins had been alleviated by her new friends - Eddie, Gareth, Jeff and Grant. Their jokes, conversations, and invitation to join their activities had given her a sense of belonging. Y/n got out of bed feeling a mixture of tiredness and excitement. The night before had been intense with band rehearsal and festivities, but now she had to focus again on school.

She had been writing a letter to Sam, Molly and Adam telling them about her first experiences at Hawkins, and although she hadn't intended to write too much, she was almost two pages in. She had been writing a little at a time, ever since she left California, but she wrote most of it last night before bed. She told them mostly about Corroded Coffin, and about the D&D campaign and Lyria's new adventure. About how well they would love Eddie and the rest of the band. Jokingly promising not to replace them so quickly. Finally, she expressed to them how much she missed them and how she wished she could spend some time with them, and also wished them well in California.

When she finished, she sealed the envelope and put it in her backpack so she could mail it later.

After a quick shower, y/n changed into her favorite Crimson Chaos t-shirt and comfy jeans, along with worn converse that had been all written with pens.

Arriving at Hawkins High, y/n headed to her first class, shared with Jeff. Jeff's banter and company made her morning more bearable. In the next class, French, y/n found herself paired for an in-class assignment with a girl a few grades younger named Robin. The girl, despite being somewhat restless and hyperactive, was good at languages and they were the first to hand in their homework.

At the end of class, y/n went to the parking lot accompanied by her new friends and they stayed with her until they each had to go home. Y/n stayed behind waiting for her sister, Max, as usual. However, Max did not show up. Worried, she decided to go look for her at the elementary school.

She entered the school and started walking through the halls, until she found her trying to force open the door to the video room. Her backpack was on the floor, next to her skateboard, and she had a small wire in her hand wedged in the lock. ‘Maxine Mayfield, what are you doing?’ asked y/n, accusingly, her eyes wide with surprise. At the same instant she spoke, the girl had managed to open the door, and at the sound of her voice, she turned to her in surprise.

Before she could scold her, something came out of the room. It was some kind of fat mouse, only its skin looked more like that of a toad. Disgusted, she instinctively lifted her foot, and the animal moved on, heading down another hallway.

Behind the creature, four children came out of the video room trying to catch it, two of them colliding with Max, all three falling to the floor.

'What was that?' asked Max to one of the children.

'Dart! You let him escape!' Said a slim, lanky boy with black hair.

'What is a Dart?' Y/n asked, not receiving an answer.

'Why did you attack him?' Said a curly-haired boy wearing a trucker's cap. 'Don't hurt him!' he demanded, as the rest of the children began to search for the creature. Max followed them, and without knowing why, y/n did too.

She began to search the hallways and corridors, and some classrooms, but there was no sign of the animal. After a few minutes, she found one of the kids, he was dark skinned and had an athletic build. If she was going by what Max had told her, it was probably Lucas. They had received a message from other of the kids on the radio that Dart was in the bathroom, so they all gathered there. Dustin had been the first to arrive, but found nothing.

Y/n squinted at him. Like a good liar, she could smell lies a mile away. The boy adjusted his cap restlessly. She followed the movements with her gaze and he seemed to notice.

'Maybe Will has it.' He commented, trying to avoid y/n's gaze. Before she could ask anything, Mike stared at him and asked in alarm.

'Where's Will?'

They parted down the halls of the school again, but this time to find the boy. Max quickly explained that last year he had gotten lost in the woods, and then y/n understood the urgency in Mike's voice.

After a few minutes, she went out into the playground and began to look around. In the distance, she saw a boy standing on the training field, as she got closer, she recognized it was the little boy they were looking for. He had a bowl-cut brown hair, pale and gaunt, but somehow delicate.

'Will? Your friends are looking for you, they thought you... Will? Are you okay?' she asked, finishing her approach to him. His eyes were closed, but he didn't seem to be listening to her. Mike ran over and started calling out to him as well, getting no response. 'I'll go get help, stay with him' she asked him, Mike nodded. Y/n ran back to the school and met Lucas on the way.

'He's in the courtyard. He seems to be having a... seizure or something' She commented, not knowing how to explain it. Just then, a woman with tousled brown hair and an earnest concerned expression, came through the school door asking for the boy. It must have been his mom. Max and Dustin appeared running from other hallways. Y/n led them to where Will and Mike were, and his mother tried to wake him up, still repeating his name.

Y/n put an arm around Max's shoulders in concern, just watching the scene, unable to do anything. Just as she was about to go for help, the boy opened his eyes. Even though everything seemed normal, both his mother and his three friends still looked worried. As if something else was going on, but neither y/n nor Max received any explanation.

After Will's mother took the boy away, y/n looked at Max and told her they should go home. Max nodded silently, and the two began walking toward the parking lot. During the drive, Max didn't say a word, which worried her sister.

They got into the car and began the drive back. Y/n noticed that Max was still silent, staring out the window with a sullen expression. Finally, she decided to break the silence.

'Are you going to explain to me why you were trying to pick that lock? What's wrong with you, Max?' y/n asked, shooting a quick glance at the girl. Max sighed, crossing her arms.

'It's Mike...' She started to say, hesitantly. 'I resent him pulling me aside when the four of them are together. Like he doesn't want me to be with them.' Y/n frowned, trying to understand.

'You mean him, Dustin, Lucas and Will?' Max nodded. Y/n took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to reassure Max.

'Look, Max, he probably did it because they've been friends for a long time. Sometimes it's hard for people to accept someone new, especially when they have such a tight-knit group.'

Max kept looking out the window, but the eldest could see that she was thinking about what she had said.

'Mike mentioned that there was a girl before in their group.' Y/n nodded, getting a better understanding of the situation.

'That makes sense, in a way… Maybe they're still dealing with the loss of that friend and they're having a hard time accepting someone new in her place. Don't take it personally, Max. Give yourself time and give them time too. You'll have your moment to prove to them that you're worth being their friend.' Max was silent for a few more moments, processing her older sister's words. Finally, she nodded slightly.

'I guess you're right. I just... I just wish they didn't see me as an intruder.' Y/n smiled, trying to cheer her up.

'You're amazing, Max. Don't worry, you'll see that little by little they'll get to know and appreciate you. Just be yourself and everything will be fine.' She advised her. Max smiled slightly, feeling a little better thanks to her sister's words.

Arriving home, y/n felt the need to freshen up after such a hectic day. She headed straight to her room, grabbed her clean clothes and jumped into the shower. The hot water helped her relax and clear her mind. After a few minutes, she changed her clothes and left her room, ready for a new mission. She went downstairs and found her father, Neal, sitting in the living room watching TV.

'Dad, can I talk to you for a moment?' she asked, trying to sound as casual as possible. Neal looked at his daughter and nodded.

'Sure, y/n. What's up?' y/n took a breath and jumped in.

'You see... A classmate of mine at school told me they're taking people to work at the local movie theater. I'd like to go and apply for a job. It would be great to have a little extra money, like I did at the movie theater in San Diego... If you don't mind, of course.'

Neal frowned, considering the proposal. For him, it meant he'd have to spend less money on y/n's whims, and besides, he'd know where she was after school, which gave him some peace of mind. Y/n knew it was rather controlling, but she didn't mind.

'Well, as long as you keep your grades up in school, I don't see why not,' Neal said finally. 'Go ahead and apply. But remember, your studies are the most important thing. Oh, and you'll still have to bring Max home from school,' he reminded her. The blonde smiled, feeling relieved.

'Yes, of course. I promise. Thanks.' Neal nodded and turned his attention back to the television, as y/n prepared to leave. 'I'll be back later.' She said by way of greeting, ruffling Max's hair as she walked past her and punched Billy's arm who looked at her with a smirk.

Working after school wasn't a financial necessity for y/n. In California she had done it as just another excuse to be away from home longer. As it happened, Neal thought it was a good idea for her to work, so that she would have more busy time to hang around with her friends. So that way, he was killing two birds with one stone.

After parking in front of the movie theater, she looked in the reflection of the mirror to check her appearance. She was dressed more soberly than usual, but it still represented her. Light jeans, her combat boots, and a plain red T-shirt with white details on the short sleeves and collar, paired with her old leather jacket.

As she walked through the doors, the aroma of freshly popped popcorn was the first thing that hit her, enveloping her in a warm welcome. It was a buttery, salty, slightly sweet smell that always managed to make her smile. In the candy area, the smell of melted chocolate and gumdrops made her think of afternoons in California, where she had worked before.

Her eyes roamed the lobby until they stopped on a boy behind the concessions counter, clearly frustrated with a soda machine. His messy blond hair fell over his forehead as he bent over, trying to solve the problem. The girl smiled, remembering her own days in California when she worked in a similar movie theater.

"Damn it, why aren't you working?" the boy exclaimed, pounding on the machine in frustration.

She approached with a calm smile. "Do you need help?" She asked, leaning slightly over the counter. The boy, wearing a name badge that read "Kyle," looked up, his expression one of relief mixed with surprise.

"As a matter of fact, yes," Kyle replied, stepping aside to give him room. "The machine got stuck and I can't get it to work properly."

After asking his permission to go around the other side of the counter, she examined the machine quickly and noticed that the syrup dispenser was clogged.

‘Sometimes the syrup dispenser gets clogged,’ She explained, inspecting the device. ‘I worked in a movie theater in California, so I've dealt with this before.’ She took off her jacket and laid it on the counter and, with skill and speed, disassembled the top of the machine. She found the blockage, a buildup of dried syrup that was preventing proper flow. Patiently, she cleared the blockage, making sure not to damage any of the delicate parts. Then she reassembled the machine and tested it. The soda came out perfectly.

‘Wow, you've got to teach me how to do that!’ the boy said, visibly relieved. ‘Thanks. Hey, as a thank you, how about a free ticket for today? My treat.’ Y/n smiled and shook her head.

"Actually, I'm here looking for a job, do you think you could help me with that?’

The boy, both surprised and relieved, nodded quickly. ‘Definitely! The girl who was in charge before, Keri, left and I can't handle everything like she did. If you want to start right now, it would be a big help.’ The blonde eagerly agreed.

‘Sure, why not?’ Relieved, Kyle showed her the basics of the job. ‘Well, it's not much different than what we had in San Diego,’ she commented, glancing around at the layout of the concessions area and the lobby. Kyle nodded.

‘You're probably not going to serve the same amount of people as you would in the big city, but it's still pretty busy, especially on the weekends. Hawkins doesn't have a lot of entertainment options, so the movie theater is pretty popular.’ Y/n looked around the place as Kyle explained the daily chores. ‘Here's the popcorn. Make sure you keep the machines full and the butter replenished. We also have candy on that shelf over there and cold snacks in the cooler over there.’ He showed her how to operate the cash register, although y/n was already familiar with the system. ‘And here are the cups for the refreshments. If the machine ever breaks down again, you'll know how to fix it, which is great because, honestly, I suck at it.’

Y/n laughed lightly, and with a precise and respectful gesture, she brought her index finger to her forehead in a salute that conveyed a clear 'at your service'. Kyle smiled back.

‘Well... There's not much more to it than that. With your experience, I think you'll adapt quickly. And if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me.’ Finally, he offered her an apron that identified them as employees.

Y/n felt excited as she prepared for her first shift at the Hawkins movie theater. Dressed in the black apron over her clothes, she headed toward the concessions area where Kyle was waiting for her.

‘Ready for your first day?’ asked Kyle with a smile. Y/n nodded.

‘Definitely.’

The shift progressed smoothly. Y/n quickly got used to the pace of the Hawkins movie theater. Although it was less crowded than her old job in San Diego, there was a steady stream of customers, especially families and teenagers who came to see the latest movies. As the hours passed, she began to feel more relaxed and comfortable in her new surroundings. She served customers with a smile, enjoying the small interactions and conversations. When the shift ended, y/n and Kyle took over closing duties, cleaning up the concessions area and making sure everything was in order for the next day.

‘Good job today,’ Kyle said as they closed the theater. ‘And thanks again for saving me today.’

‘You’re welcome, thank you too," y/n replied, feeling satisfied with how everything had gone. After arranging their schedules for the week, where they decided that she would work Mondays through Fridays after school, until twenty-one. Since she was still a minor, and could not have any more workload, she would have weekends off.

Arriving home, y/n found that Max had left her some P&B sandwiches on the table with a note. With a smile, she took the plate and went to her room. She lay down on her bed, and ate the sandwiches while she did her homework. When she felt that her eyes could no longer stay open, she put things aside and covered herself with the blanket, falling asleep almost instantly.

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stardustbarbarians · 1 year ago

Text

Even Sinners Drink the Wine

A Too Pretty For War prologue

Part One

A Samuel Kiszka / Daniel Wagner fic

Summary: Years before he became the king of Athens, Prince Samuel risked his life in order to save his best friend's.

Tags: Prince!Sam, Court Member!Daniel, war, life or death situations, Savior Sammy, Sam-centric

Trigger Warnings: graphically depicted violence, blood, nightmares, discussion of death and dying (if I miss any please let me know!)

Words: 6.9 k

A/N: An entire year later (to the day), I finally got around to posting that Sanny chapter of this series I promised. I didn't intend to have multiple parts of this fic, but considering the word count came to 17,000+ words, I did not want to subject you all to that. If you've seen the BBC show Merlin at all, this fic might be familiar to you as I was inspired by the episode "The Poisoned Chalice". Also, I tagged this as Danny/Sammy, but we all know what happened in TPFW, so take that how you will. Now, I would be remiss to not dedicate this fic to @t00turnttrauma as I'm convinced she's the biggest fan of this whole universe. I would also love to shout out @ofthecaravel for being a tremendous help and a good sport as I sent her snippets of this as I was writing. And lastly, thank you @safety-sam for giving me the idea for this whole universe a year ago. I feel this is most likely unnecessary, but the title is taken from Greta Van Fleet's Stardust Chords. As always, enjoy <3.

+++

The war had been raging for six years. Six years of bloodshed and violence for a boy that never would have wanted such a thing in all his days.

Josh had passed six years ago and Sam was reminded of that simple fact every time the sun poked over his beloved sea.

However, this particular morning was one of the few where the young prince awoke with sorrow absent from his heart. For the first time in three years, Samuel was finally seeing his older brother.

Jacob was returning home from the battlefield.

As soon as the sun’s rays began to weakly stream into the prince’s room, he sprang up out of his bed and called his servant into the room in order to be dressed. Samuel was buzzing with excitement as he was wrapped in his silk chiton, hardly able to stay static.

“Your highness, you must remain still if you do not wish for me to draw your blood,” Pythius warned, ceasing all action for dressing the prince. He held the chiton in place with one hand and a broach in the other hand.

Sam knew he’d been acting difficult this morning, but he just couldn’t help it. Today was a very special day for him. It was not every day that he saw Jake. How could he contain himself?

“Apologies, Phythius.” Sam then made a conscious effort to stay as still as the statutes lining the halls of his palace. Though, he could not cease his hands from fidgeting with the ends of his garment.

After what felt like an eternity, Pythius finally finished dressing the young prince.

“All done, your grace-”

Before he had even finished his sentence, Samuel was bolting out the door and yelling his thanks behind him as he did so. Pythius grunted as he made to chase after him, stopping in the doorway. “Prince Samuel!! Your sandals!!”

It was no use and the manservant knew this. Samuel was forever “forgetting” his footwear, and to attempt to force him into them was a Herculean feat. Leaning against the doorframe, he tossed the sandals onto the floor of Samuel’s chambers as he watched the youngest royal tramp down the hallway that led to the ward’s chambers.

Samuel scrambled down the halls, the sandstone cold against his bare feet. He could not wipe the beaming grin off his face as the wind ran its fingers through his hair. He skid around the final corner and reached his destination. He barely gave the courtesy of a knock before barging inside the door.

“Jacob is coming home today!” Samuel’s tone was so chipper, he sounded like one of the birds his mother kept as a pet.

The ward glanced at his best friend through the mirror he sat before as his dark curls were being manipulated into place by his manservant. He seemed to have caught Sam’s contagious grin, the corners of his petal pink lips curving upwards at the sight of his best friend.

“Good morning, my darling Samuel,” Daniel greeted, not at all fazed by the royal’s enthusiasm. He’d been dealing with Sam’s overly excited nature for going on a week now. He was used to it at this point.

“Jacob is coming home today,” the prince repeated, seeming to ignore Daniel’s greeting. He was grinning so wide, he was sure all of his teeth were on display. His hands were balled into fists in front of him, shaking them up and down as he bounced on the balls of his feet.

With a final word with his servant, Daniel got up from his seat once his hair was deemed finished. It had been pulled back into a bun that was wrapped in a gold string, two perfect curls framing his brilliant face. There was also a gold headband wrapping around the circumference of his head, matching the gold piping accents of his off-white chiton.

“Yes, so you have said,” Daniel responded. It was said without a hint of exhaustion; if anything, it seemed to make his smile brighten. He outstretched a hand to tuck a strand of hair behind Samuel’s ear, something glittering in his eyes that Sam completely missed in his enthusiasm.

“When do you believe he will arrive?” He searched the ward’s face vehemently, hopeful for an answer that he agreed with.

With a sigh bordering on wistful, Daniel dropped his hand and turned back towards where he was just seated. That was when Samuel noticed the long cape that flowed from the straps of Daniel’s chiton, the fabric leaving his upper back exposed. When he turned back to face the royal, Sam noticed he had slipped on golden bracelets forged to resemble vines wrapping gracefully around his wrists.

It was… a different look for Daniel. Usually, he opted for a simple silk fabric and that was the end of it. It was a flattering look for the ward, even if it more closely resembled a woman’s dress. It was upon that realization that a warm flush flooded his cheeks with near violent speed. However, his moment of being flummoxed was quickly overtaken with his elation when Daniel answered his question.

“Most likely by the evening, if not by mid-day,” he responded, that soft smile returning to his brilliant features.

Sam all but cheered, jumping up as the thrill of seeing his long missed brother mounted into something that was hardly contained. The ward watched on in amusement as a child-like enthusiasm overtook the prince.

“I was dearly hoping you would speak something like that,” Sam finally commented after being able to partially put a lid on his emotions.

His smile turning into a full smile, Daniel turned away from his friend and made for the door.

“Alright, your highness. Let us get some food in you before you faint or forget,” Daniel urged, opening up the doorway of his chambers into the corridor now lit with the strong rays of dawn.

Sam, knowing that his best friend was right, walked through the door. The two sauntered down towards the dining area, Sam making conversation that was mostly one-sided. He kept buzzing about all the things he had wanted to do with his older brother upon his return, his passion never-ending. Daniel listened to the prince’s chatter, his patience never-ending. He was always this gentle when Sam got into one of his moods; he had seen one too many times where Samuel’s excitement was unjustly turned down or interrupted due to the listener not caring about his soliloquy. Daniel never was one of those shades, and Samuel was forever grateful for that.

“Apologies for interrupting. But Samuel, you must not allow yourself to get your hopes too high. Jacob… Well, he might not be as you remember him to be,” Daniel carefully explained, turning his body to fully face the royal. He even placed a gentle hand on Sam’s shoulder, his eyes searching for Sam’s own.

“Whatever do you mean, Daniel?”

A look flashed across his face momentarily that almost seemed to pain the ward. As though he pitied the youngest royal. But, just like a flash of lightning, it was gone from his features within the blink of an eye. But Sam caught it.

“Just…”

Whatever Daniel had wanted to say died on his tongue like an animal who had had its heart pierced by an arrow.

“He has been away for a long time. He may not be the same Jacob from your memories,” Daniel finally elaborated. Samuel knew that was not what his friend had originally wanted to say. But, he did not have the time to pry out of him whatever the ward had meant before the two were spotted by Samuel’s older sister.

“Ah, I thought I would find you two lurking about,” Veronica playfully called, making her way over to the pair. Her silk gown billowed out behind her as she approached, similar to how Daniel’s garments had as he strolled down the hallway with Samuel.

Once again, it had given the young prince a moment of pause, causing his cheeks to flame like the burning sunrise over his beloved sea.

“They are waiting for you out on the patio. Your chiton is lovely, Daniel.” The princess spoke the last line over her shoulder, guiding the pair towards the patio in question.

Samuel dutifully followed. Though, as his sister and his best friend made conversation, Samuel tuned them out. Unintentionally, of course. But, his mind was soaring into the clouds as he attempted to parse out what it was about Daniel that day made him so flustered.

+++

Breakfast came and went with minimal incident. Of course, there was the instance of the king snapping at his youngest for talking incessantly about his brother’s return, but that was hardly a rare occurrence. His mother had placed a comforting hand atop her son’s after he had retreated inwardly at his father’s anger, calming the turmoil roiling beneath his breast. He placed a loving kiss onto the back of her hand before taking his leave.

Samuel spent the rest of his morning honing his archery skills. He attempted horseback archery, something he had only previously done once before. Despite his nerves, he was able to do a good job at hitting the targets.

“Althea, you have yet to disappoint me,” Samuel cooed to his horse, patting her dapple gray neck lovingly after he dismounted. She stomped her large hooves appreciatively into the dirt beneath her, her long black tail flicking at the affection.

The prince clicked his tongue as he held her reins in his hand, his signal for her to follow him. She did so loyally, matching his pace as the two made their way over to where Daniel was lounged under a tree.

“Are you diligently at work, or simply presenting to seem that way?” Samuel jested as he approached, flashing a brilliantly charming smile towards his best friend.

“I know you are unfamiliar with the concept of work, so I shall not fault you for not knowing what that looks like,” Daniel shot right back, only briefly glancing away from the scroll he was pouring over to look at Samuel.

With a good natured laugh emitting from both parties, Samuel turned to Althea to remove her saddle, grunting as he lifted the heavy wood and leather off the animal. She shook after having the weight removed, throwing her head up and down as if stretching. After setting the saddle under the tree on the opposite side of Daniel’s position, he turned back towards his horse.

“Go and frolic as you wish, girl. You earned it,” he told her before untying her reins from the branch of the tree. With little hesitation, she wandered off into the field that stretched out before them.

With a fond smile adorning his face, the prince pivoted on his heel and made for the spot the ward lounged.

“What subject matter are you cramming into that thick skull of yours?” Sam teased as he laid down perpendicular to Daniel, resting his head onto the man’s lap. If he squinted and strained his eyes just right, he could just barely make out the writing on the parchment.

“Diplomacy,” he quickly answered before pulling the scroll out of the way to gaze at Samuel directly in the eye, “not that you have any inclination as to what that word suggests.”

There was a devious glint in his eye after he spoke that matched the smirk on his lips.

“Aye! You cur! Retract that statement at once!” Sam’s demand was accentuated by his finger pointing in the ward’s face.

Daniel simply chuckled warmly before pushing his best friend’s hand out of his face and sliding the parchment back into his line of sight. “Your demand achieves nothing, save prove my point.”

The prince crossed his arms over his chest in a petulant act. He had hoped to provoke Daniel into a bit of a tiff for his amusement, but it seemed that he would not rise to the bait. Instead, he preoccupied his time by watching the sunlight dance across the yellowed scroll above his eyes as the wind rustled the leaves with its gentle and warm breath.

Without even realizing, the man had dozed off. It seems the comfort of being swaddled in his best friend’s scent and warmth as well as having his skin warmed by the afternoon sun were the perfect amalgamation of factors to send him off peacefully towards his dreams.

However, peaceful they did not stay.

Samuel found himself shoved into a dark cave, black cloaking his vision so successfully he could not see his hand directly in front of him. With a whimper of fear that he attempted to suppress poorly, he stumbled forward in a direction he could only hope led towards the mouth of it. He dared not make any noise in fear of what beasts call that musty and decrepit cavern home.

Turning what he hoped was a corner, Samuel felt relief flood his veins as he spotted a far away stream of light that led towards the exit. Only then did he hear a scream that made every drop of his blood turn to ice.

“DANIEL!!”

With no hesitation, the prince turned away from the cave exit and back down to the bowels of the cavern where the scream originated. He stumbled hastily downwards as the tormented screams of his best friend became more pained.

When Samuel finally reached him, he was greeted with the most awful sight of Daniel bound to a boulder with iron chains clamped around his hands. His arms were forcibly stretched out above his head, the strained muscles on his chest on full display due to his lack of clothing. And perched atop his ribs was an eagle, its talons digging so deep into his flesh that they seemed to coil around the bones of his ribs. Its head was bowed, its beak violently tearing into the skin right beneath Daniel’s right pectoral. A sickening amount of blood spilled out from Daniel, some of it even dried on his sweat-slicked sinews.

His face was screwed up in unbearable pain, his teeth gritted against the agony of having his liver scavenged from beneath his still beating heart. Each movement of the eagle made the man cry out in pure arduous torment. Tears even flowed down the sides of his face.

Samuel’s knees buckled beneath him. He crashed into the cold stone of the ground, horror freezing him in place. There was nothing he could attempt in order to save Daniel. He had been sentenced to this torture under divine order. There was simply no escaping your fate once the Gods had condemned you.

Knowing that he had limited options, Samuel went with the only one he knew to be possible. He crawled along the floor of the cave, reaching out for his best friend. When he reached Daniel, the royal simply smoothed the curls on the crown of his head. The tortured man’s sobs became stronger as he experienced his first comfort in Gods knew how long, leaning his head into the touch of Sam’s caress that traveled down to his cheek.

Samuel felt a tear of his own trickle down his cheek as he pressed his forehead into Daniel’s. “I am so sorry.”

“Sammy!”

The prince jolted awake at the calling of his name. Blearily, he rubbed at his eyes before searching around to check that he was not still trapped in that awful nightmare. Instead of the oppressive darkness of that cursed cave, he was greeted by the warm embrace of the late afternoon sun. With a sigh of relief, all of his fear seeped out of his bones in his exhale. He glanced upwards, Daniel gazing down at him with a look of carefully masked concern on his face.

“What is it?” The prince’s voice sounded as though he had swallowed sand. He lifted one of his hands to his forehead, rubbing at his temples that were beginning to throb.

“Were you having a nightmare?” Daniel inquired, his brow knitting as he closely examined his companion.

Yes

“No. You needn’t worry,” Sam quickly reassured, waving his hand in a dismissal of his best friend’s concern.

Samuel watched as the ward regarded him. He was aware Daniel knew he was lying, it was now simply a matter of whether or not he would call Sam out on this.

After shaking his head, the ward came to his decision.

“Pythius just came by to offer up the news. Jacob has returned to the palace.”

Samuel, still reeling from his nightmare, forced himself to react with the same enthusiasm he had emanated for the past week in regards to his brother. Cosmetically, he knew he had managed to muster the appropriate response; his lips parting into a blinding smile as he shot up from his position, forcing his skin to buzz with excitement. But, just beneath was a darkness that was sapping away his true elation and replacing it with an encompassing sense of dread.

He had dreamt of Daniel as Prometheus, the Gods ultimate scapegoat. And as he bounded off towards the sandstone structure he had called home for the past eighteen years, he could not rid himself of the sinking feeling deep within his stomach that his nightmare mirrored that of his prophetic dreams.

+++

There was a haunted look beneath Jacob’s otherwise warm disposition. Samuel noticed it right away, though he dared not point it out. For the time being, until the moment presented itself, the youngest prince played along with the facade the warrior had worn.

“Jacob, it is so good to see you,” Samuel greeted, pulling his older brother into an embrace. The moment he had his brother in his arms again, Samuel felt that affection and enthusiasm surge up in his chest and beat away that dread that had sewn itself into him.

“Samuel,” Jacob breathed, his arms tightening around Sam before releasing him and holding the youngest at arm’s length. He took in his little brother’s appearance, his eyes scanning him from head to toe.

“You’ve grown.” There was a melancholy intertwined with the words.

Sam felt his lips curl up at the corners. “So have you.”

It was true. Since the last time he had seen his older brother, Jake had grown. Not in height - Samuel still towered over him - but in build. No longer were his limbs thin, but piled with muscles that come with being a soldier fighting for three years straight. He was still in his armor, the bronze chestplate reflecting the light of the late afternoon sun. He even rested his hand on the hilt of his sword.

With a smile that finally reached his eyes, Jacob removed the hand he had rested on Samuel’s shoulder only to tangle it in his hair and ruffle it. They both laughed, Sam slapping Jake’s arm away.

“Cease, you two. I do not want this to turn into a real squabble,” their mother interjected.

The brothers both spared her a glance before looking back at one another. With a nod of his head towards the hall, Jacob led the way towards his chambers. Samuel scrambled to match pace with his brother before falling into step with him.

“So, do not misinterpret my intentions behind this question, but why have you returned? When I inquired about this with others, no one would answer me.”

Jacob paused in his steps, the metal of his armor clattering together at the halting of his momentum. He regarded his little brother with a look that Samuel could not place.

“They would not answer you?” he repeated.

Samuel shook his head, some of his hair getting caught in the corner of his lips. He reached up a hand to wipe it away and tuck the loose strand behind his ear.

There was another beat where it appeared that Jacob was making a decision. With something flashing quickly behind his eyes, the crowned prince clapped a hand upon his brother’s shoulder before offering a charming smile.

“I missed you. That is all.” With one more pat to Sam’s shoulder, his brother turned away and made for his chambers.

Samuel stayed in his position, watching on as Jacob trekked down the sandstone floor. He felt conflicting emotions coil up into his chest as he observed Jacob; pain at knowing he was being lied to and pride at realizing that these halls were meant for him. He was the next true ruler of this kingdom and it was evident.

Sam would never be as fit for ruling as Jacob. But, that was not something Samuel would ever need to fret about.

+++

As the sun slipped below the horizon, the whole of the castle had gathered in the great hall for a celebratory feast. Each lady was dressed in her finest, the gentlemen wearing the decorative armor. Daniel had abandoned his long silk gown in favor of his finest armor. His curls had been left to fall down to his shoulders, his gold headband replaced by a silver crown piece wrapped around his forehead with a pearl dangling down from the center.

Samuel and Jacob both wore their respective crowns of their own. However, as one would imagine, the one worn by the crowned prince was much more elaborate than Samuel’s simple golden vines. While they were similar in shape, Jacob’s silver vines were encrusted with sparkling jewels that twinkled like the stars of the night sky. They were seated on either side of their parents, the crowned prince on the side of their father and Samuel next to his mother; Veronica was next to Jacob. On Samuel’s right was none other than his best friend.

The two of them had passed the time of the night with endless conversation, never seeming to run out of topics to discuss. More often than not, one of them would become too enraptured in their own corner of the world and forget about the presence of the others in the hall, boisterously erupting in laughter or the like, earning more than a few pointed looks from the queen.

As the night reached its natural mid-point, the king called for everyone’s attention by tapping his fork along the side of his goblet. When the clamor of the room died down at the noise and all eyes shifted their focus towards the front of the room, the king stood from his throne at the very center of the high table.

“Gentleman and Ladies of the court, if I may have your attention,” the king asked, his arms raised in an almost placating manner. As much as Samuel hated to admit it, he could not deny that his father knew how to command a room.

When the din ceased and all eyes were properly fixed onto the most powerful man in the room, he continued with his speaking.

“I thank you all for joining us, first and foremost. Most notably my son, Jacob, who has traveled from the front lines of war where he fends off those beastly savages, the Spartans. Truly, a hero amongst us men.” The king placed a firm hand on Jacob’s shoulder, a look of pride swelling onto his features in the manifestation of a smile.

Samuel, having to divert his gaze from the display, felt the claws of jealousy sink into his heart while the ropes of sadness coiled inside of his gut like a snake. His father had never gazed upon him in such a manner and most likely never would.

“But, this night is not about him. As you are all aware, with the recent passing of our dear Lord Lógios, the crown is in need of a new court advisor. And when it came time for me to name such a man to fill his position, I could think of no one better than that of my ward, Daniel-”

“This is why Jacob has returned?” Samuel hissed quietly at his mother in order to refrain from putting attention onto himself.

The queen leaned over towards her son just enough so that he might be able to hear her response. “We kept this from you in fear of you slipping up and ruining tonight’s grand reveal. Apologies, my dear, but it had to be done.”

Without allowing for any further probing, Sam’s mother returned her attention towards her husband.

“-you could join me in raising your goblets,” the king held his own in hand before lifting it higher towards the ceiling, everyone in the court following suit, “to Daniel, for that he may guide my son on the right path in the way I trust that he will.”

“To Daniel!” the room chorused together as they mimicked their king’s gesture. Just as Sam was about to take a drink of his wine, he heard a loud thud to his right. Snapping his head in the direction of the sound, he was greeted by the awful visual of his best friend laying on the floor, his spilled goblet next to him as the remaining wine seeped out across the sandstone.

“DANIEL!!” Samuel cried, all but tossing his own goblet away in his haste to rush to the man’s side. He was not responding to Sam’s voice nor his touch, causing a spike of fear to lance its way through the prince’s heart.

Suddenly, there was someone at his side, but Samuel could not tell who it was. All he had the focus for was the fact that he was not certain if the ward was breathing. Someone was speaking to him, a man, but he could not say what was being spoken. There was only one thought repeating in a mantra within his head: He’s not breathing. And that was the most terrifying thought anyone could possibly conjure up. Even in his worst night terrors, Morpheus dared not present Sam with this possibility, for even he understood that was taking it a step too far.

“Samuel!”

Jake had taken him by the shoulders and shook him. Finally, Sam was snapped out of his downward spiral and back to the present matter. Stealing one last glance in his best friend’s direction, he spared his undivided attention towards his older brother.

“Sammy, I need you to stay with me. Daniel is in danger, but being stuck in a panic is not the way of assisting him. Do you hear me?” When Sam tried to look back towards Daniel, he placed both hands on the young prince’s cheeks and forced Sam to look him in the eye.

With a shaking breath, Sam nodded his head. Right, he was simply wasting time by allowing his anxiety to sink its claws into him.

“Good. Now, we need to take him to the physician immediately,” Jacob ordered, letting his hands fall from Sammy’s face.

The prince was so thankful for his brother grounding him in that moment. He would not realize it until after, but Sam realized he had witnessed General Jacob in action in that moment.

Bracing himself, Samuel slid his arms underneath Daniel’s prone form, carrying him as if he were his new bride. There was a moment where the muscles in his legs protested at the extra weight being added to his ascent to his upright position, but he ignored them as he ran away from the uproarious commotion that had erupted in the hall at the newly appointed advisor’s fainting. Jake was in tow, the goblet Daniel had drank from in his hands. Another person in their wake following them down the corridors of the palace was Giatrós, the court physician.

“Lay him down on the bed,” Giatrós ordered as they burst through the doors of his chambers. Samuel obeyed without qualm, gently resting his best friend down onto the soft bedding of the healing ward.

Reluctantly, he allowed himself to be pulled away from Daniel by Jacob to allow for Giatrós to have the space to work. However, he did not let himself be pulled far, insisting on keeping his hand in Daniel’s on the opposite side of where the physician worked.

“He’s burning up,” the healer muttered under his breath after placing a hand onto the ward’s forehead, “Prince Jacob, would you please fetch me that pail of water and the cloth next to it?”

The hand on Sam’s shoulder left, Jake following the request of the physician. Samuel watched on as he busily worked up his patient, his face pinching together in a frown that Samuel did not care for as he checked Daniel’s pulse.

Sam, who at this point had begun to chew on his lip and nails interchangeably, took in the visage of his best friend. He had gotten so pale so quickly, all of the color draining from his sinews. A sheen of sweat had accumulated across his visible flesh, his body wracking in small convulsions as he fought off the chill brought on by his fever. Daniel had rapidly flexed and unflexed his fingers around Sam’s hand, each little grip squeezing his heart as if that was what Daniel was holding in its stead.

“It will be alright, Daniel, I promise,” Samuel had whispered into the man’s ear, using his free hand to smooth the curls on the crown of his head. He had taken to gently removing Daniel’s diadem when he saw his brother return with the cloth and bucket. All too suddenly, Samuel was struck with the similarities of this to his nightmare he’d experienced just that afternoon.

“Sam, please,” Jake gently asked, the hand not holding the now wet cloth pulling on his shoulder once more.

With one last caress of his hand, Sam pulled away once more to allow Jacob to do as he was tasked.

“Giatrós, please, tell me you can heal him,” Sam desperately asked, all of the emotions saturating his tone causing his words to crack under the weight of them.

The physician glanced up from his work to look the young prince in the eye. When he hesitated, Samuel realized that the man was becoming blurrier with each passing second.

“Without knowing exactly what he has fallen ill from, I am afraid there is not much I can do other than treat his symptoms,” Giatrós answered honestly.

Hot tears cascaded down Sam’s cheeks at the gravity of his situation. Daniel - his best friend and the person he was closest with and whom he had wished to spend the rest of his days with - was about to be torn away from him. He felt as if he was about to fall over, all of the blood in his veins turning to ice. His vision was charring around the edges, that darkness encroaching onto him with every heartbeat.

Sam began swaying on his feet, his extremities turning fuzzy. Just when it seemed that he was about to lose consciousness, Jake swooped in and caught his baby brother within his arms.

“Keep your head, Samuel,” Jacob softly ordered, gently propping Sam back up onto his feet.

Giatrós was still fluttering around his chambers wildly, grabbing vials and small bottles off of shelves only to place them back in their positions. He eventually returned with a mortar and pestle made from a dark stone in his hands, grinding herbs as he approached with his brow knit in concentration. There was a pungent smell wafting out of the mortar as he approached.

Sam watched him scoop the herbal mixture into a small muslin cloth and then dip it in water before taking the now soaking cloth and squeezing it into an empty vial. He repeated the process about three times until the vial was about a quarter full.

“Pinch his nose closed for me,” the physician requested, looking Sam dead in the eyes. With a weak nod, Sam did as he was told. Giatrós pried open the ward’s mouth before pouring the contents of the vial into it, clamping a hand over his lips so that he had to ingest the mixture.

“There, that should assist in keeping the fever at bay for now.” Giatrós removed his hand, Sam following his lead and doing the same. Daniel gulped for air now that the pathways were unblocked, but he still would not open his eyes. It was frightening, it was maddening, and Samuel had to sit by and watch. As the healer said, there was nothing they could do without knowledge of what caused Daniel to have this reaction.

Samuel took the small strides necessary to place himself onto Daniel’s bedside, sitting down next to the man’s waist as the bed dipped with his added weight. He never released Daniel’s hand, their fingers managing to become entwined without Sam conscious of it happening. He went back to smoothing his best friend’s raven curls with his hand, the silken strands damp with his sweat and clinging to Sam’s fingers.

“Please, fight this. I beg of you,” Samuel whispered desperately before resting his forehead against Daniel’s.

One thing that did fan the embers of hope burning inside his chest was that Daniel’s body no longer seemed to convulse with chills. Giatrós’s tincture had worked; the ward’s skin no longer blazed beneath Sam’s touch.

“Now that he has become more stable, I shall take a closer look at the goblet he drank from,” the physician informed, picking up the ornate silver drinking vessel and staring into it with a critical eye, “perhaps it will provide the answers we seek.”

“What of the guests at the banquet tonight? Perhaps they witnessed or heard something,” Sam suggested, swiveling his head back and forth between the two men stationed on either side of him.

“I shall look into that,” Jacob offered, his arms folding over his chest as he spoke. “I severely doubt you will abandon Daniel’s bedside anytime in the near future.”

Sam felt his face grow warm in embarrassment, his hand tightening within his best friend’s grip. He could not refute Jacob’s claim, as it were.

“I-”

“Yell for me if his condition worsens. I shall be in my study,” Giatrós informed before sweeping out of the sick area and through a door that Sam had never been behind.

“Do not neglect yourself and tend to your own needs as necessary,” Jacob firmly ordered before placing a hand on his brother’s shoulder and looking him intently in the eye.

Before Sam could respond to such a statement, the crowned prince headed out the door. For the first time that night, Samuel was left alone with Daniel. He felt suddenly as if a massive boulder had just plummeted onto his shoulders, his entire body sagging with the weight of it.

“You will make it through this,” Samuel’s voice wavered, wrapping his other hand around Daniel’s that he was already holding, Samuel bringing it up to his lips, “I promise.”

+++

Countless restless hours had passed, many of them spent watching Danny like a hawk. When it had reached the earliest hours of morning, the jaws of sleep had finally snapped themselves fully into Sam, pulling him down into their clutches. However, that rest would not last long.

A knock on the door to the infirmary roused Sam from his sleep. He lifted his head up from his crossed arms on Daniel’s cot, shaking his hands against the pins and needles buzzing within them.

“Come in,” he blearily commanded, thinking it to be Jake. Though, after he had finished rubbing his eyes with his hand, he was surprised to see a serving girl standing before him.

She was clearly very nervous, her hands wringing together as she made herself very small in stature. She also refused to meet his gaze, nervously glancing around the floor as if she expected a nest of vipers to writhe their way out of it spontaneously.

“What brings you here?” Sam cringed at how supercilious he sounded, intending to come across as soothing. He had never been good at connecting with people, that was more of the twin’s ability.

“I apologize for disturbing you, Prince Samuel, I did not mean to cause any strife,” the woman rushed out, still keeping her eyes pointed downwards, “but I have some information regarding… well, regarding Lord Daniel.” She cast her eyes over towards his prone form quickly before forcing them back downwards.

“You do?? By all means, do tell me.” He had managed to make his tone smoother, keeping his volume down in order to keep from disturbing Daniel.

That seemed to be the wrong response, however. As soon as the sentence left Sam’s lips, the servant’s body began to tremble wholly. Samuel instantly felt his body turn as rigid as a wood plank at the display. And when he realized that the shallow breaths she was intaking were her sobs, his entire body turned frigid.

“My lord, please do not spill my blood for this. I know it does not justify my role, but I was under threat of death as well as my family,” she sobbed, her voice just above a whisper. Her entire body shook with the force of her tears, finally locking her glassy eyes onto Sam’s. They were so filled with fear… Sam had no choice but to believe that this was how soldiers looked right before being run though by a blade.

“Please, try to breathe,” the prince uselessly muttered, kneeling down in front of her to try and seem less imposing, his hands resting gently on her arms, “how about you start by telling me your name?”

The serving girl swallowed hard, closing her eyes and breathing as she was instructed. “Alcmene.”

“Alcmene, good. Now, start at the beginning.”

Taking a deep breath, Alcmene launched into her narrative.

“It was I who laced the poison into Lord Daniel’s wine. But not I the one who conjured up the plan. I was forced to by Lord Aetós,” she explained, her voice dripping with hysteria as she went. Samuel could feel her tremble beneath his hands.

Lord Aetós. He should have known he would be the one to devise such a sinister plan. The man had been after the position of court advisor for nearing decades now. Only problem with this being the man had no wisdom to speak of. The thought that he would end Daniel’s life in order to try and take his position caused an unfettered rage to burn fiercely inside Sam’s blood.

“Please, spare me,” Alcmene desperately pleaded.

Right as the young royal opened his mouth to assure her no such fate would befall her, she spoke again.

“If you do deem it necessary to execute me, I have just one request. I have a boy of only three, I simply beg of you to ensure his safety.” Her voice trembled with every word.

“What of his father?” Sam hesitated to ask, afraid he already knew the answer.

“He perished in the war,” the woman struggled to say, her voice cracking beneath the weight of her emotions.

Her words plunged deep beneath his skin like a dagger to the chest. She had been forsaken so egregiously by the court and those she served and here she was, standing before the prince fully anticipating he call for her head for committing an act she had no say in doing; and her only thought was that of her boy’s safety. She was the bravest person Sam had ever encountered.

Dropping his hands from her arms, Samuel removed the golden bracelets he had wrapped around his wrists and handed them over to her. The look of complete shock on her features did nothing to help ease the guilt thrumming behind his ribs.

“Your highness…”

“You have done a great service for us today. You may have just saved Daniel’s life, and for that I am forever in your debt. And as a tiny act of gratitude, please take these. Once this is over, I shall arrange that you be paid handsomely in gold for the rest of your days and never have to worry about you or your son’s safety.”

She stared down at his offering, her mouth hanging open as she digested his words. “I… I cannot accept…”

The prince used his free hand to gently grab Alcmene’s, opening her palm and closing her fingers around the jewelry.

“You are the bravest person I have ever come across. Daniel means more to me than… more to me than words can describe and you just risked your life in order to save his. You deserve this. Now, go and be with… what is your son’s name?”

“Ganymede,” Alcmene answered, a smile finally breaking through her fear.

“Right. Go and be with Ganymede. My one contingency of this offering is that you must use this money to purchase him a pet of his choosing,” he playfully instructed her, a smile of his own breaking out across his lips as the woman emitted a watery laugh.

“I shall find him a guard dog; name him Samuel and tell Ganymede about the wonderful prince who will watch over him for the rest of his life,” she laughed, a meaningful look in her eye as she locked gazes with the royal, “thank you, your highness.”

“No. Thank you,” he emphasized before sending her off to be with her son. With Alcmene gone, he finally was able to focus fully on the blinding rage boiling just beneath his skin. It was a titan in and of itself, his fury. One that even the Goddess Lyssa would pale at.

Taking Daniel’s pale hand in his, he placed a lingering kiss on the back of it, forcing himself not to notice how chilled his skin was. Gently resting Daniel’s hand back onto the bed, Samuel swiftly made for the exit.

“Aetós. You shall pay for this with your blood.”

+++

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