#i can’t even bring myself to lie and say that i miss her so i just play up the ‘ilu2’
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𓏲.ೃ࿔❀˙˖ 。 sunday 6 jan 2025
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guys this is weird lol.. i think (?) i already said yesterday in the entry i would go do drugs with my friend and usually the next day i remember but… i don’t remember
so we’re going to piece together my day based on what i can find on my phone…
taken at 07:59 in the morning
- tuna in a bowl — (116) — with some mayo —(115) — and a teaspoon of greek yogurt — (12)
- hashbrowns made from courgette — (27) — and eggs — (65) — and a bit of flour — (36)
- 3 dates — (70)
- either 0calories lemonade or fanta , i think the first tho but i do know i had fanta at some point too…
i remember the tuna being gross but the courgette was good. this food was calorie counted in my app and i texted eli in the morning saying i was ready to count my calories…
at 11:15 i have these pictures.. cardio
red bull the winter edition — 115
at 16:36 typical failure getting a non sugar free drink just cause it tastes good and ur not paying…
after that, no pictures untill 20:48 where i took some bodycheck pictures, a dick pick, a “you can’t screenshot this” from instragram and a whole paragraph my ex sent me about how she misses me and wants me to give her a purpose and save her from her uselessness.
i read my messages with my ex, my friend who i did drugs with and eli to get some more clues lol
nothing interesting was said between me and my ex just very typical bickering and arguing as usual
my friend i sent nothing but 2 instagram reels to, one about an anime girl falling on the floor and i wrote “me” and the other one was about some cringe anime clip about savouring food your friend buys you and being grateful and he said, and i quote “Dude you were straight gulping it down” so i don’t want to even ask what happened there i’ll just reset my binge counter and.. erm not think about it
then eli wrote me a lot of very nice things to wake up to i actually sobbed LOL, also i wrote to her that my friend at some point got an erection while i was on him when we were hanging out so that’s something ;; i also decided i would go on a protein bar diet ? i mean sure. i wrote that id eat nothing but a protein bar daily but i do want to add allowing myself a bit of steamed vegetables too cause come on it’s vegetables ;; im fine with everything else tho cant even lie
alright, that’s all i got in terms of my day yesterday.. very interesting T_T i think maybe i either need to bring my own munchies or maybe stop doing drugs for a bit cause mentally i don’t even feel like binging so what is this LOL
love this song
𓏲.ೃ࿔❀˙˖ 。 stats for today
streak : 0 days T_T
calories : half uncounted
steps : 20.3 k
disappointed but excited for the new diet that was decided ? idk where it came from or well i likely just don’t remember;;;;; i wrote to eli i had been thinking about it for days but um i don’t even know if i have school or not and its 12pm …
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#3d di3t#3d diary#4anorexi4#edbr#eedee tumblr#fat loss#pretty girls dont eat#thiinsp0#3d but not sheeren#tw sh related#ed twt#disordered eating in tags#tw skipping meals#tw disordered thoughts#thinneristhewinner#ana tip#i just want to be thin#thinspp#thinsperation#i want to lose weight#tw b1nge#tw edtwt#tw an0rexia#tw ed ana#ana twt#tw ed implied#tw 3d diet#tw 3d in the tags#tw 3d vent#tw 4n4rexia
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How do I say “you’re fine but i would be happier if we just didn’t talk anymore” to my mom in a way that doesnt feel cruel
#I already tried once and it felt bad so i reached out to talk again but the truth is i just feel bad about being her first born#and not wanting to talk to her#she’s like find or whatever so its hard to find a reason to cut contact#grasping at straws here#the stress comes from causing her stress if i knew she would be fine i could just do it#i wish she was more bigoted so i could just use that to leave#how do i tell this woman The Truth about How I Feel without coming across as heartless#‘im more annoyed by you saying you love and miss me’#i can’t even bring myself to lie and say that i miss her so i just play up the ‘ilu2’#this is the most annoying shit in the world i wish her love was conditional i wish she would forget i exist so i could just get on with lif#the amount of times ive had to stop myself from saying ‘i think we’d both be happier if we just stopped talking’ could buy me something#me not cutting off my mom and the rest of my family is more about how i think they would feel#rather than how i know id feel#which is ambivelant#it’s similar to like when you hang out with someone once and you just never talk again#that’s how it would feel to me if we just stopped taking forever
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aware of his bisexuality steve (steddie, buckingham)
“Is that a hickey?” Comes out of Steve’s mouth without permission. But there it is, bright purple and red against the slope of her neck. She’s been walking kind of funny this morning, too. He’d assumed her period came early, but… “Rob, did you—“
Eddie fumbles the coffee mug he was pulling down. Chrissy freezes, face turning white with fear. Robin whips around, face bright red, and slaps a hand over her neck.
“Bathroom!” She yelps. “Bathroom now!”
“Wait,” Eddie says, setting the mug down with trembling hands. “It was me. Sorry, man.”
Steve stares at him, unimpressed. Why the fuck would he lie about—
He looks at Chrissy again, who takes a nervous step back, and it clicks.
“Right,” he says, nodding quickly. “You. You gave Robin a hickey. Had totally awesome sex that she didn’t even tell me about.” He directs that last bit at Robin pointedly. He told her almost immediately when he lost his guy-ginity. Traitor. “Yep. Sure. Got it.”
Eddie blinks, confused. Robin buries her face in her hands.
“Oh my god, calm down,” she groans. “That’s not going to work. Steve’s cool.”
“Cool?” Chrissy asks, still looking ready to bolt.
“Super cool,” he assures her. “The coolest. So incredibly cool, even if my best friend didn’t even tell me when she lost her virginity.”
“Steve!”
“Sorry, sorry,” he says. “But I am going to need details, Buckley. We can go over what worked, and what needs more oomph.”
“Oh my god, can we talk about this anywhere else,” Robin groans, at the same time Eddie asks, “What, so you can get off on it later?”
“What,” Steve says.
“You think two girls are hot, is that it?” He’s got a sneer on his face now, but Steve’s more observant than Dustin gives him credit for. Even if he wasn’t, it’d be hard to miss how hard his hands are shaking, the nervous tilt to his mouth.
“Ew.” Steve’s face screws up. “Dude, no. It’s Robin.”
“Hey, fuck you,” Robin breaks in, from where she’s started comforting Chrissy. “You thought I was hot for at least a summer.”
His mouth drops open in betrayal. “We agreed to never talk about that again!”
“Can’t help being sexy,” she coons. Chrissy giggles wetly. “You wanna get married, Harrington? Have my babies? Stay home and raise six little nuggets while I bring home the bread?”
“I hate you,” he informs her. “Hate you so much. We’ll have a nice, heterosexual wedding and share a sad, heterosexual kiss, and you’ll carry me over the threshold of our nice, heterosexual house, and we’ll have boring, heterosexual sex that gives us nice, heterosexual babies, because we are so heterosexual and happy in our suburburban house in our nice little heterosexual town.”
He’s honestly kind of proud of himself for saying heterosexual so many times. Usually he fumbles words with that many syllables, especially after that many times in a row.
Chrissy is outright laughing, now, endearing little snorts making their way between giggles. Eddie is looking between them like they’re a puzzle he can’t piece together. Robin grins.
“I’ll cuck you with the secretary.”
“Not if I cuck you first. You’ll be away all day in that office of yours, and I need someone big and strong to carry all the new furniture I ordered.”
“I knew it! I knew Timmy wasn’t mine!”
“Oh, but I couldn’t help myself,” he swoons. “Mark was just so sweet, with his bulging biceps and hand flexes, all hot and sweaty from helping poor little me while you were away! You know I’m weak to curly hair and brown eyes, Rob, how’s a man supposed to resist?”
“Fag,” she says, not without affection.
“Dyke,” he shoots back.
“Cocksucker.”
“Carpet—“
“Okay,” Eddie breaks in, clapping his hands. He and Robin both startle, and so does Chrissy from where she’s been watching them like a particularly interesting tennis match. “What the fuck is going on?”
“Robin lost her virginity and didn’t even tell me,” Steve says immediately, like he’s tattling to the principal.
“Steve doesn’t seem to understand the concept of waiting,” Robin retorts.
“I told you when I had gay sex,” he whines, and Eddie chokes. “I hate you. See if I ever give you tips again.”
“Oh, is that what you meant?” Chrissy asks. “Please don’t stop. They were good tips.”
Robin flushes all the way down to her toes.
“You like boys?” Eddie wheezes.
“Oh,” Steve blinks. “Yeah? I thought you knew.”
“You thought I—how would I know?”
The fuck is that supposed to mean? Steve’s been flirting with him for months!
“Robin always says we can sense each other! You sensed her.”
“You told him?” Eddie’s mouth drops open, and Robin looks sheepish.
“She didn’t have to,” Steve snarks. “You’re flagging in Hawkins, man. Was I supposed to miss it?”
“You know what flagging is?”
“Again, in case you missed it, I fuck men.”
“Fuck,” Eddie mutters. “Fuck! Christ, I can’t believe this. You’re, like, the epitome of heterosexual. I spent half of high school having to hear about how much pussy you were getting. Why are you not straight?”
“Wow, Eddie,” he deadpans. “Are you saying just because I like men and woman, I’m not queer enough? That’s kind of homophobic of you, man.”
“Yeah, Eddie, wow,” Robin says. “I thought you were better than this.”
“Fuck off,” Eddie says. “I feel like I need to lie down. My entire worldview just shattered.”
“I have a couch?” Chrissy offers shyly. “Or a bedroom, if you need a minute away.” Fuck, Steve kind of adores her. Especially since she’s apparently vicious n bed, if the five other hickies he counts just from Robin bending down a little to whisper in her ear are any indication. Good for her.
“Don’t worry, Eddie,” Robin says, with a glint in her eye that means he’s either going to love or hate what comes next. “If it helps, Steve’s never fucked a man in his life.”
Eddie’s brow furrows, looking between the two of them. “So…you’re just making fun of me?”
He looks a little angry now, and Steve can’t make heads or tails of this conversation because, “What the hell, Rob, yes I have—“
“Oh, so suddenly you’re the one doing the fucking?”
“Stop making fun of me for taking it!”
Eddie lets out an honest to god moan that he immediately slaps his hand over his mouth to cover up. “Right,” he says fervently. “Okay. I need to lie down, like, for real.”
They watch him stride down the hall, so fast he’s almost running, and slam the door closed behind him.
“I could totally top,” he mutters to Robin as something that sounds vaguely like muffled screaming echoes down the hall. “I top girls all the time. It’s not my fault prostates are a gift from God.”
“Uh, you top because all the girls you fuck are from small town Indiana. If one of them brought out the strap you’d drop to your knees so fast—“
“That’s—I like topping!”
“Your favorite position is cowgirl. Forgive me if I don’t believe you.”
“I will show Chrissy your baby pictures,” he hisses. Robin makes a face at him. Chrissy nods excitedly from where she’s still tucked under Robin’s arm.
“Oh what’s that?” Robin practically shouts. “You like being pressed against walls and ravished? You want someone to tie you up and have their filthy way with you? Is that what you said, Steve?”
Another noise from the bedroom. He narrows his eyes at her. “What are you doing?”
“Helping,” she says sweetly. “You’re both hopeless.”
“I told you he’s shy!”
“Eddie?” Chrissy asks. “Shy?”
“Yeah, okay, I was confused too, but I figured it was the romance! He told me he hasn’t actually been in a relationship before, I assumed he was nervous to take that step.”
“Yeah, but dingus,” Robin says sweetly. “You’re missing a puzzle piece here. He thought you were straight. He thought he was flirting with his straight best friend he didn’t have a chance in hell with, and then he finds out that said best friend likes taking it up the ass and men with brown eyes.”
“Oh,” Steve says, realization dawning. “Oh, fuck. What if he doesn’t like me like that?”
Robin smacks the back of his head. “Why are you stupid?”
“I don’t think you have to worry about that,” Chrissy says. “Like, really don’t have to worry about that.”
“I’m not coming over tonight,” Robin says. “I’m gonna stay with Chrissy again. Er…if that’s okay?”
“That sounds amazing.” Chrissy beams, and Robin turns red again.
“Yeah, I’m going to stay with Chrissy again tonight. You are going to invite Eddie to stay the night when he gets done with his little crisis, and then we’re getting lunch at the diner tomorrow and you can tell me about it before our shift.”
“Right,” Steve says. “Right, I can do this. I’ve invited guys over before, how hard can it be? It’s just Eddie. But that was hotel rooms, not my house and my bedroom with my shitty wallpaper. And it’s Eddie. Fuck, what if I’m shit at it? Robin, what if I’m actually bad at sex and everyone who’s ever said I was good was lying because they didn’t want to hurt my feelings? Oh my god, I’m totally bad at sex.”
“Woah, dingus, slow down. I think we took the mind meld too far, you’re turning into me.”
“If it helps, I don’t think you’re bad at sex,” Chrissy says. Steve and Robin look at her, and she flushes. “Because of the tips! Not because—I’ve never slept with you, but some of my friends did, and I got three orgasms out of last night, so…”
“Oh thank God,” he breathes. “I was worried for a minute.” Then he raises an eyebrow at Robin, and holds out his hand for a high five. She slaps it, begrudgingly proud of herself, and then takes the hand to pull him into a headlock that’s honestly more of a hug than anything.
“You’re fine,” she whispers in his ear. “You’re great at sex, as you keep telling me. What’s more, you’re funny, charming, handsome, brave, caring—“
“Aww, Robin, are you getting sappy on me?”
“Plus Eddie literally moaned in front of you when he found out you bottomed. I really don’t think there’s a way to fuck that up.”
Steve grins. “He did do that. I’m going to make so much fun of him later.”
“So,” Eddie says with a smirk, “men with brown eyes?”
“Hey man, don’t look at me. Blame Jonathan.”
Now Eddie looks stunned, mouth dropping open. “Byers?” He says, sounding betrayed. “You have a crush on Byers of all people?”
Steve feels offended on Jonathan’s behalf. “What’s that supposed to mean? Jonathan’s a good guy!”
“I guess.”
“What do you mean you guess? He’s sweet, passionate, good with kids, nice eyes. Can pack a punch. I mean, what’s not to like?”
“Uh, didn’t he steal your girlfriend?”
He waves that off. “That was, like, years ago, man. We’re cool now.”
“Right, okay,” Eddie mutters. “Well have fun with Byers, I guess.”
It clicks. “Oh,” he says. “Oooh. You’re jealous.”
Eddie splutters. “Jealous? I’m not—I don’t—you’re jealous!”
“Oh, am I?”
“Yes,” Eddie says resolutely, not looking at him.
“Right,” Steve agrees. “Well, if I am jealous, maybe I should know that I got over Jonathan years ago, and have since moved on to brighter, hopefully more attainable pastures than my ex’s ex.”
“Oh yeah? Like what?”
“A different man with brown eyes?” He suggests. “Who is also good with kids, and passionate, and…” he trails off, suddenly realizing all those times Robin made fun of him might not be based on nothing. “Oh my god, I have a type. Shit, I have to tell Robin she was right.”
“I figured that was a common occurrence.”
“Shut up. Where was I going with this? I had a point.”
“You were telling me how awesome I am?”
“Oh, suddenly it’s you we’re talking about?”
“I mean,” suddenly Eddie looks shy, and Steve can’t help but think even with the change in context he might have been right when he told Robin Eddie was nervous about being in a real, romantic relationship, “isn’t it?”
He feels himself smile, slow and wide and probably more revealing than he means it to be. “Yeah,” he says, in a tone he knows Robin would call soppy, “it is.”
#technically all my bi steve fics have him aware he'd bi but for the purpose of naming we'll call it that#aware of his bisexuality steve au#i am ALWAYS jonathan was steve's awakening truthing#steddie#buckingham#i think that's their ship name?#eddie munson#steve harrington#robin buckley#chrissy cunningham#accidental outing#i'm not really a bottom steve truther but i thought it would be funny for this#stranger things fanfic
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{She Gets The Flowers, Right?} Reader x Lucien Vanssera {Pt. 3}
Welp... here you go! I shall prepare to be boiled alive. Enjoy!
Word Count: 7,525
Warnings: you know the drill. Angst, language, hurt/comfort, nasty ass cliffhanger
Tagging: @bubybubsters @thelov3lybookworm @cyrygher @bigcreatorwombatdreamer @anuttellaa @crazylokonugget @thehighlordishere @acourtofbatboydreams @thisblogisaboutabook @fabulouslyflamboyant5 @venuseuripedis
Summary: Can everything be reconciled? Be repaired? Was it all just a big misunderstanding?
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READER POV
THAT MORNING...
There is nothing quite as startling as waking up to the sound of silence. In a life full of chaos, full of commotion and the constant buzz of energy, silence is unsettling. Especially in a house that should be full of laughter, taunting jokes, and easy smiles.
Anger seared my heart. Branded it black. Visions of heated conversations seep into mind, flooding my vision in red.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so mad in my life. The fact that he chose her over me. But I refused to let him disrespect me. I said hurtful things. And a twisted part of me likes the fact that they hurt him. I wanted him to suffer and grovel as much as I have been.
It’s petty, but I don’t care.
I push myself out of bed, dragging to the bathroom to sort myself out. I look in the mirror: skin? Dry. Eyes? Puffy. Lips? Swollen. I look tired. I am tired. And no amount of sleep will fix the bone deep ache of sheer disappointment.
Gods, he is still everywhere. Even with all his stuff gone; his toothbrush, his signature scent, his body soap and cufflinks sitting in the dish behind the faucet, somehow, he’s still here. Bits and pieces of him, of his once kind words…. All of it has turned sour.
A day has yet to go by where I don’t think of him. Of his laugh. Of the way his lip trembles when he cries.
I miss him.
And every day I hate myself more for it.
I shouldn’t miss him. What did he do besides torture me with the fact that he’ll never give me the time of day? Just like Elain was doing to him. I hope he’s happy. No, I don’t. That’s a lie. I hope he’s just as miserable as I am.
That’s even more of a lie.
I dress without thinking, my outfit the same as it has been for the past month and a half after opening the restaurant. The double breasted, black chefs coat with three stars embroidered over the heart. The slithering, embroidered black filigree on the shoulders, in a slightly different sheen to make them stand out. The pants had matching details over the pockets and down the side of the pant leg. My boots slip on and I grab my cap, fitting it over my head before heading out the door to get an early start.
Every fucking day since I kicked him out has been an early start. Anything to keep myself in this place we used to call home. I should move. Repaint at the least. Change something.
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
Everything is painfully the same.
When I need change the most, I can’t–for the life of me–decide what I want that change to be.
It doesn’t fucking matter.
He’ll always be there.
A murmur in the back of my head of what could’ve been.
Should I be this jealous? This aggravated over this whole thing? Am I overreacting? It’s not like he cheated on me, we weren’t even together. But I wanted him so bad I was willing to kick him out because he chose someone else over me. Oh Gods… I am a horrible-
No, I stop myself. Taking a deep breath as I step down off the porch, heading down the well beaten dirt path towards the city. Your feelings are valid. He hurt you. Badly. You didn’t overreact. Some would say it might’ve been an underreaction, or how could you have let it go on this long? You are allowed to be upset, for as long as you need. No one can tell you otherwise.
No one can tell you otherwise. I repeat the words over and over. I stare down at the cobblestone sidewalks, firsts clenched under my arms. I chew my lip. I clench my teeth. Things I always did, and things Lucien would try to get me to stop.
He’d put a hand on my shoulder. Or grab my hand to keep from digging my nails into my palms.
No one will ever know me as well as he did.
And that shatters my soul.
The thought of having to try to explain the events of my life to someone all over again… it’ll be impossible. Why couldn’t he have just loved me back?
Before I have time to realize where I’m going, I’m at Meliora. I see Ms. Immy bustling around. I wonder if she ever sleeps.
“Ah!” She cheers when I walk in the door. “My Spirit of the Gods! How are you dear?”
I give a half smile. “I’ve been better. Just the usual for me, please.”
“You are still missing your Fox?”
I nod. I watch as she pours the bubbling water into my mug, dipping the peppermint tea bag into the liquid. She’s so methodical. I’ve been here a thousand times, and she manages to make it the same way every time. Ms. Immy dusts the top with granules of sugar, adding a mint leaf to the top. She slides it in front of me as she grabs the chocolate chip muffin from the case.
“When are you going to talk to him?”
The question throws me for a loop. I answer honestly, “I wasn’t planning on ever seeing him again.”
She snorts. “I doubt that will hold true. He misses you too.”
“I don’t care.”
“Yes, you do.”
Yes. I do. “I don’t know how to forgive him.”
“Then don’t.”
I blink. What? “So, you think I should make amends with him, but not forgive him? How does that work?”
“He is your mate, no?” I nod. “Then you love him. Why is it so difficult to forgive someone you love?”
“I don’t know,” I bit my tongue. “I don’t deserve to be treated like that.”
“Yet you still want him back.”
Wow. I sound so pathetic. I cast my eyes down, tapping my fingers on the mug. “No matter how much I love him, I won’t let myself remain second place. I refuse to let myself go through to torture of always being picked next. Never first. No matter how much it hurts to stay away from him.”
She clicks her tongue, wiping down the counter behind her. Faintly, she hums a tune, its melody ringing in my ears. I feel like I knew it once. But I've been so caught up in everything that happened last month to bother trying to hold onto those types of memories.
I am losing myself.
“Do you know the meaning of Meliora?”
It’s the name of her cafe. I shrugged, “No, should I?”
“It means the place for better things, my Spirit. It is an ancient omen, an ancient oath of the Night Court. This is a Meliora, a place for better things. Seems like you could use some better things.”
“I have Latibule. I am living my dream of owning a restaurant. Better has come.”
“And it has gone,” Ms. Immy says. “Don’t fool yourself Yn. You are lost without Lucien. If he were to ask for your forgiveness, to give up Elain and all that has happened, would you accept him? If he said he only wanted you, would you have him?”
I grind my teeth together. The peppermint tea has turned to acid on my tongue. No one can tell you otherwise, no one can tell you otherwise…
“There are things in the world Yn, so precious and hard to find that it would be stupid to let it go. To trade it away over unintentional negligence. Lucien loves you. You love him. The two of you have been blessed by the Cauldron with a mate. Let it go to waste and suffer the consequences of never being able to fill that void. Let it rot your mind and heart for anyone else.”
I grind my teeth harder. Why does she insist on forgiving Lucien?
“After everything I did for him, after saving his life and rebuilding him from the ground up, he decides to repay me how? By forgetting about me and standing me up on the most important day of my life? Seems pretty unforgettable to me.”
“There is a great balance in this world. And to keep it, the Cauldron dishes out magic and illusions to offset it. Lucien got the short end of the stick and got more than he could handle.”
“Well that's not my fault.”
“No,” she shakes her head. “But it is your problem. Yn, all I’m suggesting is you give him a chance. There is no telling what will happen between you two if you don’t try.”
“I don’t want to try, what if I make things worse? What if it doesn’t work out?”
“But what if it does?” _____
But what if it does? I have been doing nothing all service besides thinking what Ms. Immy last said to me. But what if it does? I start spiriling with questions after that.
What if it does work out? Will I be able to fully trust that he won’t run back to Elaine? If it doesn't, will I just spend the rest of my life trying to find him in everyone else? Will I ever find someone else? How can I be so sure that he’ll want me in his life after I’ve kicked him out? If I see him, will I want to punch him in the face? Could I even stomach looking at him? Would I just puke from nerves and anger? Should I even bother? What if I never get the chance to-
“Yn, there is a table seated in section 8 for you,” my lovely hostess, Esmira, calls from the window.
“I’ve got six pans on right now, Es. I can’t just take a table. Where are Karos and Daxillion? They’re supposed to have a handle on this right now.”
“We’ve got a full house. It’s the High Lord and Lady, as well as her sister and the General.”
Shit. It’s midweek, why do we have a full house? Especially at lunch. From what I’ve heard amongst my staff's gossip, Lucien has been living at his house. I don’t want to see anyone. Especially someone who’s been caring for him.
“Okay… okay fine I’ll take the table. Go take their drink orders and I’ll be right back. Esro, I need you to cover my station in between checks.”
“Heard,” he calls back dutifully. He always takes the shit I give him and dusts it with gold. I should give him a raise.
I jog to the supply closet where I have an extra uniform stashed in case of an emergency. I change quickly, taking my cap off and fluffing out my hair. Not bad but… not great. I still look so tired.
Esmira scampers into the bathroom to hand me their drink list. A bottle of wine and water for the table. Easy enough.
Racking the glasses onto the carrier, I haul the bottle of wine and decanter of water to the table, plastering a courageous smile on my lips. Who knows if it’s actually convincing.
“Evening, my High Lord and Lady,” I greet. “Cassian and-” Elain. It’s Elain. What is she doing- “Elain. Good to see you out and-”
“You don’t have to pretend to be excited to see me. I know you’re not. I ruined your relationship with Lucien.”
Well, shit okay guess this is happening now. What do I say? “He made a choice, it’s not your fault.” I settled on.
But it is your problem… screw you Ms. Immy.
She looks hesitantly to the High Lord, who gives a firm nod. She sighs. “I’ve tried to stop him from pursuing me for months. He still comes back. I share no bond with the firehead.”
Firehead, ha! Why had I never thought of that one?
I just press my lips together, fighting off the prickle in my nose and throat. “Can I take your meal orders? Anything you’d like to start with?”
“He misses you, Yn.” Rhysand spoke. His violet eyes swirling with stars. “Is there a chance you’ll talk to him?”
I feel like such an outsider looking at the Inner Circle. There were so many outcomes I could’ve had in Velaris. I could’ve been a part of their Court, not just an inhabitant. But I chose the path my heart wanted, and lost the thing it needed most.
I swipe the tear away as fast as it falls.
“I’ll bring a round of bread for the table.” And I head off.
____
After I had served them their meals, bid them farewell with a pitiful look on the High Lords face, the room was a lost less crowded.
Now I’m starting to wonder if we were meant to say goodbye. Maybe there is something salvageable. But I don’t want to shred myself to pieces for a maybe. Even he is not worthy of my self destruction.
But what if it does?
“Hello?” A sultry voice says from behind me. I rack the polished pint glass and turn over my shoulder, greeted with a handsome face. Too handsome… curse these high fae. He’s got rippling muscles as he crosses his arms over his chest, eyes a vibrant, ashy caramel. And his hair… “I’m looking for Yn?”
What does he want? “Is there something I can help you with?”
“For once, my brother wasn’t reserved in his descriptions.”
What? His brother? I stare at the male, taking in his sharp nose, those eyes like fire, his hair… oh Gods-
“I’m Lucien’s brother, Eris.”
I stay silent, taking in his face. Fuck, there is a lot of Lucien there. More than I’d like to see. They have the same eyes and hair. And it hurts to see so much of him in someone else.
“Now, I don’t particularly care that much about who you are-”
Charming.
“-but I do know you made my brother happy. At one point or another. I also don’t care what happened between the two of you, but it must’ve been bad.”
“Leave.”
“Whether or not you talk to my sorry bastard brother means nothing to me. But if I have to deal with one more Court meeting where Rhys and his brute ask me if I’ve talked to him, I will rip off my own ears.”
“I asked you to leave my restaurant.”
“Is this how you treat all your customers?”
I narrowed my eyes, “You are not a customer, you haven’t ordered anything. So have a good day, Eris.”
“I’ll take a pint of ale,” he smirks. Smirks, like I’ve got all the time in the world to listen to him babble about how much he wants me to talk to Lucien.
With a viscous yank, I pull off the glass I just put away and fix it under the tap. I debate spitting in it. That most certainly would not end well for me or my restaurant. I’ve already had one Vanserra ruin my life, I don’t need another to ruin the only hope I have left.
I slap the glass down in front of him, turning around to finish unloading the clean dishes from the drying racks.
“So,” he slurps his drink, “when are you going to fix your shit with Lucien?”
“I’m not.”
“Why not?”
“Because he hasn’t earned my forgiveness.”
“What would it take?”
“Doesn’t matter. I won’t forgive him.” Can he stop asking me so many fucking questions? I just want to clean up, shut down the kitchen, hand out todays tips and go the fuck home.
“Why?”
My hands came down on the steel counter, rattling plates and saucers. “Why are you so fucking concerned with something that isn’t your problem?”
He goes quiet for a second, and I’m blessed with a moment of peace from his irritating voice. “Because, despite being nothing but a pain in my ass, he’s still my brother. And he’s miserable. And you’re the reason why.”
“No,” I snapped, ready to hurl a glass at his thick fucking skull. “He’s the reason he’s miserable. He did all the damage on his own. All I did was ask him to be there for me, and he threw me aside like a stray cat begging for a warm meal.”
“What did he do?”
“It’s none of your business, Eris. Go away, the bar is closing.”
“I still have a tab open.”
“Then come back tomorrow and pay it.”
“But I’ll be away.”
“Then it’s on the house,” I sighed, too exhausted to deal with this. “Just go. Please.”
“As soon as you tell me what he did I’ll-”
“He fucking ruined me, thats what he did.” Thank god the restaurant was empty or else the whole city would know that I’ve been completely shattered by Lucien Vanserra. Who am I kidding, I’m sure everyone already does. “All I asked was that he be there for me the day I opened my restaurant.”
Eris puts his palms up, “well? Where was he?”
“Where do you think?” The glare I sent him made him back off.
“Oh…”
I scoff, “yeah, oh. I gave up everything for him. My family, my home, my life to restore him after he fled to the Spring Court. I just wanted his support. And he was busy with a female who would rather be tortured than in his presence.”
“I don’t think it’s fair to blame Elain for-”
“I wasn’t blaming Elain,” I corrected. “Lucien let me down. Unforgivably. That's the end of it. I don’t want an apology from him, it won’t do anything for me.”
Eris let out a long sigh. “Look, I understand that he hurt you. I’m not trying to invalidate your feelings. He fucked up. Point blank. He’ll never be able to take back what he did and said. But is there any way that the two of you may be able to move on?”
“Move on?” I scoffed, a cruel laugh escaping me. “Move on? Eris, I confessed to him that I am his mate, and he told me I was selfish because I wasn’t happy about him and Elain.”
“Were you?”
“Of course I was,” I ran my palms over my face. “Did it hurt knowing he’d never look at me like that? Yes, but I was prepared to live with it if it meant that he got to live a happy, fulfilled life. I didn’t care who it was, it was the fact that he forgot all about me. On more than one occasion. Menu designs, recipe tastings, wine tastings… all of it. He missed all of it to go be with her.”
“So you’re jealous?”
It took everything inside me to not rear up and smack him across the face. Who does this asshole think he is? Instead of possibly earning myself more trouble, I take his glass of ale off the counter, dump it, and rinse the glass.
“I wasn’t done with-”
“Well, you’re done now. Thank you for dining with Latibule, but the restaurant is officially closed. See yourself out.”
Eris clicks his tongue, pushing off the bar. The rustling of his clothes chafes together as he walks away. “Lucien cares about you, Yn. From the very few mentions of you he’s shared, I can tell he thinks highly of you, no matter what you may think.”
Then the door snaps closed, and I’m left with nothing but a pulse in my ear and tears in my eyes.
____
After a quick mop in the kitchen I shut off all the lights and lock the front door. As I’m walking down the street, a thick, crackling scent hits me. And my stomach churns. It’s familiar, part of it still lingering in my house. But this one is more… just more.
“Eris, leave me alone.”
“I did a lap around the block, and I was thinking-”
“Hope you didn’t hurt yourself too bad.”
Eris chuckles, then laughs. “Feisty, I can see why Lucien would like you. Just give him a chance.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Why are you Autumn Court fae so fucking dense?”
“Just be thankful it was me and not my father who came to see you, then you’d really see dense.”
“Please,” I rolled my eyes. “If I ever came face to face with that bastard I’d do a lot more than hurl words at him. I’m not particularly fond of you either, so be careful how you speak to me.”
“What if I arranged a meeting for the both of you? To talk things out and see if there is any common ground to be found,” Eris suggested, falling in stride with me as I walked up the path, back towards home.
“Gonna pass on that one. If I wanted to ‘arrange a meeting’, I would’ve already done it. I don’t need Lucien's big, scary older brother to do it for me,” I mocked.
“You think I’m scary?” He smiled.
“I think you’re annoying and disrespectful.”
“A lot of the High Lords of Prythian would agree, try not to be so original.”
Don’t rip out his eyes, don’t rip out his eyes. He’s just trying to get under your skin, don’t let him win.
“Come to think of it, there is one High Lord in particular who seems to agree with this idea of trying to get you and Lucien back together.”
“If you even think about dragging Rhysand into this-”
“He approached me,” Eris admits. “He’s sick of Lucien moping around the Town House all the time.”
“Then tell him my advice is to kick him out,” I bit out, more than tired of this conversation. “And stop following me, Eris. Go back to whatever hole you crawled out of.”
“But I have to make sure you get home safe, Lucien would have my head if something happened to you,” Eris reasons, knocking his shoulder into mine.
“Is there an imminent threat against my life, Eris Vanserra?”
“No?”
“Then there is no need for you to walk me home.”
“But if there was an imminent threat, I would be able to protect you,” Eris smiled, and curse me… it’s a nice smile. I glare up at him, but he just smirks back.
I decided to seal my lips. If I don’t respond, he can’t get any more information out of me.
“Just think about this for a minute: if you decide to have a conversation, one of two things is going to happen. You’re either going to confirm everything you already know; he’s an uncaring, forgetful bastard who doesn’t give a shit about you or the lives you two have built together. Or, you’re going to realize the exact opposite; that he does care, and it was all a misunderstanding. And that he does care about the life the two of you have built together.”
I can’t be bothered to care about what he wants anymore. I’ve spent too much of my life caring for his every waking need. When is it my turn?
“You are his mate, Yn. It goes against every instinct in your body to reject him. Why do you keep fighting yourself on what your heart wants?”
Because he betrayed me. He completely broke my trust, ruined my image of him in one night. Why does no one understand that?
“I get it, he hurt you or whatever, but are you really going to risk the chance of eternity together with him because of one mistake?”
He and Ms. Immy would get along well. And it wasn’t just one fucking mistake, it was about seventeen. Apologies don’t mean a thing if you don’t ever fix what you did wrong. I can see my house, just a few hundred yards away. I can slam the door in his fucking face and spend the rest of my night doing anything but thinking about Lucien.
“Yn, just answer me,” Eris demands. “I know there isn’t anyone you’ve talked to.”
“No you don’t.”
“Have you talked with anyone about this?” I stay quiet. “Exactly, you need to release this. To scream and shout and yell-”
“I’ve tried that. Didn’t do anything for me.”
“Have you punched anything? I like doing that when I’m mad,” Eris snickered.
I just rolled my eyes. “I’m about to punch something soon.” He takes a step back as I finally reach my door. I unlock it and push it open, kicking off my boots at the door. I have no reason to be bitter to Eris. he’s just trying to help, trying to be there for his brother. Now, whether or not he’s doing it in the best way is certainly debatable. But at least he’s trying. I sigh, feeling incredibly defeated. “Would you like a drink?”
His smile is softer, and he gives a nod, following me inside.
As I make us a drink, he looks around the kitchen and the living room.
“Gods it looks just like the Autumn Court in here,” he chuckles, picking up a pillow from one of the chairs.
“Yeah, Lucien did most of the decorating.”
“It’s gotta be difficult to see it every day.”
I bite back a sob, “You have no idea.”
“I know I am not the easiest person to get along with, or the most…tender, but if you are hurting this bad, then I know Luc must’ve been special to you. And you special to him. So, if there is anything I can do, tell me.”
As I slid the glass across the counter, I stared at my hands. Would talking about this really make a difference? I just feel like it keeps opening up old wounds without giving them the time to heal. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to move on.”
Eris looks at me, thick brows knitted together. “Because you miss him?”
As much as it hurts to admit, I nod. “So fucking much, Eris.”
“Now, do you miss him, or just having someone to share a space with?”
I blink up to meet his eyes, the ashy-caramel irises full of so much life. “I miss him. I don’t know when he started distancing from me, but I clearly didn’t notice it quick enough. I started to miss his smile first. He stopped laughing for a while after he met Elain. The creases between his eyes replaced those around his mouth.”
“Yn-”
“He started being late to everything next. He would apologize but… they weren’t sincere. I tried not to be hurt by it but… I don’t know. I thought maybe it had to do with stuff happening from the Spring Court and with Tamlin. Doesn’t matter, it just kept getting worse. He’d only talk about Elain, ask for advice on what to do since ‘I was a female’.”
“Oh Lucien…” Eris rubs his eyes. “Even for him that's low.”
“Yeah. I don’t know why I didn’t snap earlier. Part of me wanted to hold onto something I knew I couldn’t have. Then came the grand opening and once he was late for that?” I shook my head, biting my lips so as to not sob in front of Eris. “Nothing he could’ve done would’ve made up for that.”
I don’t know why I’m opening up to Eris. He’s probably just going to relay it word for word back to Lucien. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not.
“None of what he did is excusable,” Eris says. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t understand. He wanted to spend time with his mate. He just wanted her to know that someone was there for her. But did he do it the right way? Absolutely not. And he fucked up, really bad.”
“Can I give you something?”
Eris just stared blankly at me. “What?”
“Just stay here for a moment,” I set my glass down, charging up the stairs. It’s been burning a hole in the bottom of my closet since I found it a few weeks ago. The lump of midnight blue fabric was a crumpled mess, but his scent still lingered on it.
I held it up to my nose. Inhaling deep. It’s time to let go.
As I stand in front of Eris, I hold out the shirt. My throat is like liquid iron. “Give this back to him, will you? It was one of his favorites.”
This shirt… this god damned shirt. It always looked so good on him. With the color of his skin and the tone of his hair. All the jewel tones made him look marvelous, but there was something about the teal color. Tears slid onto my cheeks. The first night he wore this shirt was when Rhysand and Cassian took him out to dinner. “To try and get to know me better,” Lucien said. He thought they were going to interrogate him. But he wore this shirt with dark blue pants and black leather boots. His hair was braided away from his face… I braided it back away from his face.
Eris’s hand on my cheek pulls me out of the memory and into his eyes. “Did you keep this, knowing it was his favorite, hoping one day he’d come back looking for it?”
The fact that he figured it out so easily made my blood run cold. I tried to answer, but the sound of the door creaking open made me forget what I was going to say.
My heart dropped.
Eris’s hand was frozen on my cheek.
Lucien dead still in the doorway. What is he doing here?
Eris clears his throat, taking the warmth of his hand as he drops it to his side. “Brother, perfect timing.” Perfect timing? Did he- “No, I didn’t plan this, Yn. Though I respect you for thinking me so clever.” Eris turned me, blocking my view of Lucien. He folded the wrinkled shirt in my palms. “This is your chance.”
And then he left. He slipped around Lucien with a subtle glare and shut the door behind him.
Lucien looks… he looks so…
“I thought you would be at the restaurant,” he spoke, voice low and cool. “I can came back-”
“What did you want?” I asked, curious as to why he’d be back here ever again.
“Actually I wanted um… I came here for that shirt.”
Oh. Oh. My heart hammered against my ribs. “Yeah, yeah, take it. I found it doing laundry a bit ago.”
Lucien crosses the threshold of the room and takes it from me. I’m waiting for him to ask me about Eris. To ask about how I’ve been. Or to apologize. Gods Luc, please say something.
“I see you met my brother. What did he want?”
Here we go. “He walked me home from Latibule.”
“Oh,” he nods. “Well, I hope he wasn’t too much of a pain.”
I snicker, but refrain from further details. “You look well.”
He did, he looked healthy. His arms and chest fill out his shirt in a way they never used to.
“I’ve been training with Cassian for a while,” he explained. That’ll do it, I guess.
“Sounds exhausting.”
He gives a faint chuckle, “It’s interesting.”
Then we just look at each other. My heart swells, and crashes down. My fingers and toes go numb and my head feels lighter. I want him to stop looking at me so intently, yet I don’t want him to leave. Ever again. I want him to stay here and build a home with me. A new home with new memories and new adventures. But the logical part of me knows it’ll never quite be the same.
“Why was Eris here?”
“I told you he walked me home from Latibule.” He gave me a look that screamed ‘I’m not buying that shit’. I must have no resolve because I caved instantly. “He came and found me to talk about you.”
I’ve never seen Lucien look so worried in my seventy years of knowing him. “Why?”
“He wanted to know if I’d ever forgive you. Apparently he’s tired of dealing with Rhysand begging him to talk to you so he came to me.”
“Yn,” Lucien’s eyes sulk, “If I had known Eris would’ve found you I would've just talked to him. I just wanted him gone and away from me. I didn’t mean to drag you further into this.”
“It’s fine, he only mildly insulted me. I see where you get it from.” It was a low blow, but seeing him wince made me feel a bit better. It was petty. But cathartic.
Silence stretched between us. Wrapping around me like a pit viper after delivering a lethal dose of venom to its prey. It constricted and constricted and constricted-
“I love you.”
I almost looked around the room to see if someone else spoke. But it was his mouth that moved, and it was his voice that sang.
“What?”
“I love you, Yn.”
“No-”
“I love you,” he gasps, tears filling his eyes. “I-I… I am so in love with you.”
“Lucien stop,” I beg, that numbness spreading up my arms and calves.
“I am so so fucking sorry for the way I treated you. You are so undeserving of that after all that you did for me. I was selfish and blinded by what I thought I wanted. You were right, Yn. About everything. I never once considered that it could be you because I just always knew you’d be in my life. I never thought that I’d lose you but when I did I… I broke. I can’t live without you. I need you. I love you.”
“You don’t get to decide that you want me and then waltz back into my life. That is not how this works.”
“Please Yn just give me a chance to apologize and make things right.”
“No,” I shouted, anger leaching into my tone. “No, I gave you one too many chances I think. I have given you too much, Lucien. More than enough for one lifetime and you're just now realizing that you want me back? ”
“I’ve always known I’ve loved you Yn. I just didn't understand how much. Or in what way. And I know that’s my fault and my problem. In some way I was cursed by the cauldron to have two mates. But it blessed me with one who cared enough about me to take my broken spirit and make it whole again.”
“Good luck finding someone to do it again because it will not be me this time.” I crossed my arms over my chest, turning away from him.
“Yn please just- just let me speak. I truly didn’t mean to hurt you. I got so caught up in the fact that I finally had a choice in this world that I forgot to think about everything else in my life. I never meant for you to feel anything but loved and appreciated.”
“Lucien, you somehow managed to achieve everything you meant not to do.”
A sob tore through Lucien. And one tore through me too. “You never gave up on me, not once. From day one you have always believed in me, what happened? What changed?”
“You’re complete and utter recognition of my existence changed, Lucien!” I screamed, not caring who heard me. “Ever since the war ended you haven’t paid me the closest bit of real, undivided attention. You only spoke to me if it was about Elain, what dinner was going to be, or if I had gotten the next project done on the restaurant. But not once did you ask me how I was doing or if I wanted to go out for a fun night. I just faded away into the back of your mind.”
My blood curled against my bone while I waited for a response. He stared at the floor, eyes darting around and around.
“I’m so so so sorry, Yn.”
“I’m sure you are.” More empty apologies
“How do I fix this? Tell me what to do. I’ll do fucking anything you want just tell me- please Yn I can’t leave here without saying I gave us every chance we had-”
“And I told you I gave you one too many chances to apologize.”
I refuse to be walked all over. I refuse to be second place. I refuse to be treated as anything but a first priority. My heart is too big sometimes, and I’ve been known to forgive under less likely circumstances, but this is where I draw the line.
Lucien gets down on his knees. “Please, my Yn. I have nothing without you. You are entwined in every corner and crevice of my soul. I know I’m undeserving of you. But somewhere deep down I think you still love me. Even if you hate me right now, and I do not blame you. I have been an awful person-”
“Lucien please don’t-” my throat feels like it’s swelling closed.
“-but I cannot see a future without you in it. If I don’t have you by my side, then all of this is useless. All these heartbeats, all these breaths of oxygen are worthless without you giving me a reason to have them.”
I try to get a grip on the world spinning around me, but it’s of no use. “Lucien get up.”
“No,” he shakes his head, pieces of his hair falling loose to frame his face. In times like these I would once comfort him. Place my hands on his cheeks and tell him how worthy he is of love and protection. And here he is, trying to do the same for me. “No, I need you to listen to me.”
“I don’t wanna hear what you have to say.”
“I don’t care. I have to tell you otherwise I might burn alive. I have never regretted a day more in my life than that night a month and a half ago. It haunts my every waking nightmare. On repeat, every night for me to relive and beat myself up over. I deserve every second of it. You’re right, I did discard you to the side like you were nothing. And I sweat my life on the Cauldron that I didn’t mean to do it. I didn’t know I was doing it until you pointed it out to me. Then I just… I fell apart.
“I had no idea what to do, where to go. Ask anyone, for weeks I was unable to get out of bed after I came and got my stuff from here. The only person I talked to was Ms. Immy. Even she knew about it. She told me to respect your wishes, to not neglect them like I had neglected you in the past and I might have hope. So as hard as it was, I stayed away. Because I didn’t want to make things worse than they already were. Ms. Immy told me it wasn’t my fault that I neglected you- well… it was, but- but it was now my problem. To try and fix it. And she’s right, you’re right. Fucking everyone is right. I just want to fix this with you.”
It’s not your fault, but it is your problem. Damn that wise hag.
My muscles are so taught they begin to ache. I can’t handle this, I don’t want to handle this. I want him gone- no… no I want him to stay and tell me how much he’s fucked up. To validate me because he spent so much time doing the opposite.
“What if I don’t want you to fix things?” I asked. “What if I wanted you to leave and never come back?”
“That’s not an option. Being out of your life has never been an option. I want you more than anything I could think of. I am going to fix this between us one way or another, today, tomorrow, or a hundred years from now. But I will never stop trying because I love you.”
“Don’t say that,” I plead, turning away from him. His hand wrapped around my forearm, locking me in place. “Let go of me. Now.”
“Not until you give me a legit reason why we cannot fix what we have. Yn, you have given your entire life to me. Let me return all those years back to you.”
“I don’t want you t-”
“You don’t have to forgive me today, but let me try to make it up to you. My Spirit of the Gods, who cares so much more about the lives of others than her own. Let me be the one who cares about you. Let me bear the weight of your burdens.”
“Lucine stop talking.”
“No,” he roared, shaking his head. “I need you to understand that I won’t stop trying to fix things with you no matter how much you hate me. I love you too much to let you slip through my fingers. I made the biggest mistake of my life when I blew off the most important night of your life. Through everything, you were there for me, and I didn’t return the favor when it mattered most. You worked so fucking hard on Latibue, Yn. And I am so unbelievably proud of you. And I’m sorry I wasn’t there to support you.”
“For Cauldron's sake, Lucien, shut up.”
“Why are you refusing to listen to anything I have to say?”
“Because if you say one more Gods damned thing about how much you love me and how fucking sorry you are, I might just forgive you and I am not ready to forgive you because I am still livid with you!” The confession tears from my lungs. I heave for a breath, carefully watching Lucien. “I’m not ready to be comforted by someone who hurt me so badly.”
“Then I’ll give you time,” Lucien’s eyes soften as he stands. “I can live with you being angry at me, but I can’t live without you at all.”
“I can’t possibly know how long that’ll take.”
“I don’t care how long it’ll take,” he shrugs. “I’ll wait until our souls pass again if I have to.”
My mind is too cluttered. My heart in too many shards. “You don’t need to wait for me. I’ll be fine on my own.”
“I know you will,” he smiles. Oh how I’ve missed his smile. His smile. “But that doesn’t mean you need to be.”
He wants to fix things, he was begging on his knees for you to listen to him. He’s okay with you being angry at him as long as you give him a chance. He loves you. He loves you back. After all these years, everything you’ve been waiting for… it’s right in front of you. Even if it hurts, even if you’re scared it is better to do it afraid then not at all.
I broke down into tears, my chest wracked with sobs. All this locked up pain and indignation exploding out at once. And Lucien is right there to keep me from falling. “Shh, Yn it’s okay,” he purrs, holding me so tight I can’t breathe. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.”
I have spent so long loving this boy, begging him silently to love me back. And here he is… why can’t I find the space inside me to let him in?
“Lucien…”
“My Yn,” he breathes, cradling my head to his chest.
I take a deep breath. “I love you.”
I feel his body relax.
“And I think you should leave.”
His body goes rigid. He pulls away, hands reaching to cup my face, but settling on the backs of my arms. “W-What? Why do you-”
“If you spent all this time waiting for it to be the right moment to make peace with me but never taking the opportunity then it’s too late.”
“Yn please- this is me taking the opportunity.”
“No,” I shake my head, sniffling. “This was just a coincidence. You didn't come here with the intention of making amends. You came here just to get a shirt. So here,” I picked up the shirt, shoving it in his chest. “Take it. And go.”
“Wait-” I began to push him to the door. “Yn wait! Yes I came here to get my shirt. No, I didn’t think you’d be here. But you were. So I took a chance. I took a risk for you.”
“Do you really think I’m so naive?” I scoffed, opening the door and shoving him through, rougher than I intended. “If you want me, then you’re going to have to do a lot better than getting down on your knees and saying you love me.”
“What do you want me to do? I’ll do anything, anything.”
“If you need me to tell you, then there’s no hope for us.”
He stares at me, eyes begging, pleading, hoping and praying that I’ll just tell him. Despite the slight sweat on my skin, my body feels calm. Powerful. I feel in control.
Then his lips are on mine, and any sense of reality I have comes crashing down.
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afterglow
inspired by the spectral files series by s.e. harmon!!
The ghost appears in his office after Damen comes back from his lunch break.
Damen’s had a rough week already. The free pad thai in his belly right now is literally the best thing that’s happened to him in months. That’s not even an exaggeration.
The ghost in his office has been around before. He showed up a few weeks ago, at the start of summer, his expression boyish, sunny, hands in his pockets as he’d surveyed Damen’s office with visible interest. Then he had followed Damen to the kitchen and watched him make tea. And then he had pulled faces last Tuesday, during their morning briefings, gagging at the photos of Victor Reynold’s dismembered body.
“I smell Thai,” the ghost says now. He’s pouting. “I want Thai. I love Thai food.”
Damen ignores him, sitting behind his desk and logging into his computer. It’s only twelve in the afternoon. Damen wants to throw himself off the ledge of the building.
The ghost struts about his office, still talking, listing off the other cuisines he loves (Mexican, Indian, Lebanese, Italian) as Damen pretends to read his latest case notes.
“Not going to lie though, definitely shat myself when I had that. I’m talking blocked pipes and everything.” The ghost shakes his head. “Man, that was a rough weekend.”
Damen sighs.
The ghost perks up. “I know you can see me, man. You always get that face when I’m talking to you.”
Damen picks up a pen, just so he has something to do. So he can school his face into something more neutral.
Of course Damen can see the ghost. He sees ghosts all the time. He’s seen them since he was seven years old. As a kid, he didn’t know the children he would play with were dead until Nikandros’ foot had gone through the football they were kicking around.
Since then, Damen’s seen them everywhere. There was a widow who used to hang around Kastor’s old place, shrilly telling him off for painting the kitchen the wrong colour. Kastor had moved out three weeks after Damen had told him that.
Most of the time, ghosts leave him alone. Sometimes they get excited when they realise he can see them. Sometimes they just want to talk. Some of them have harmless requests, like messages they want to pass on to a loved one.
And sometimes there are ghosts like the ones in his office, who don’t seem to have anywhere to go, who only seem to be attached to him.
The last ghost like that had been Aimeric Gaul, this skinny, baby-faced kid who had sad, wide eyes. He could only go where Damen could, and kept mentioning how much he missed his mother.
Three months into watching Aimeric cry in the corner of his office, Damen had driven down to Fortaine to see his mother. Aimeric had sat in the front seat, wide-eyed as he watched the rolling landscape.
When Damen had told Aimeric’s mother that he had a message from her dead son, her husband had pointed a gun to his forehead and said, Get the fuck off my property.
Damen was placed on suspension after that.
So, yeah. He’s wary of the ghosts like this—the ones that are, inevitably, drawn to him. They’re the ones that cause trouble.
Damen’s been through enough, thanks. He’s only just back from his suspended time off, and Jokaste has cleared the last of her things from their place, and sometimes he still panics when he can’t find the ring on his left hand, until he remembers that it’s shoved in a drawer in his closet.
The ghost is still talking. “You know what I really miss though? Dumplings. Highly underrated, man. When’s the last time you had one? Take it from me—have as many dumplings as you can while you’re still alive. ‘Cause, one day you’re gonna be dead, and there’s no fucking dumplings here. Which is shit if you think about it, the least—”
Damen’s phone rings. He picks it up, glad for the distraction.
Makedon’s voice is no-nonsense. “My office, now. Bring coffee.” And then he hangs up.
Damen deliberately doesn’t bring the coffee. Makedon frowns at him, but doesn’t say anything else.
He pushes a file towards him. “Welcome back, kid. Latest cold case is all yours.”
Damen groans. “Seriously? You’re assigning me to cold cases? What about Reynold’s murder? I hear they need more manpower.”
“Nah.” Makedon shakes his head. “Don’t think you’re in the right headspace for all that shit.”
“That shit?” Damen repeats, frowning. “You mean, my job?”
Makedon stares at him for a few beats. “This is part of your job too, detective. Everyone gets assigned cold cases every now and then.”
“Bullshit,” Damen snaps. “You haven’t assigned me a real case in months, even before—” And here, he falters, too ashamed to bring up Aimeric.
Makedon isn’t a soft man. Everything about him is rigid and unmoveable. But he does relax his shoulders a little.
“This isn’t just about what happened in Fortaine. When’s the last time you slept, kid?”
Damen frowns.
“Yeah, exactly. Divorce ain’t easy, and it’s clearly been affecting you more than you realise. You’re so… angry all the time. You clocked the new intern so badly last week, he had to go home early.”
Damen sighs, heart twisting a little. Yeah, okay, yelling at Erasmus in front of everyone hadn’t been a good move, but Damen had his reasons.
…He just can’t remember them right now.
“Work the case with Huet,” Makedon continues, “He’s good company, and isn’t afraid to step up.”
Damen snatches the file. “Whatever,” he mutters darkly. “What’s the case?”
Makedon sighs. “Some kid drove himself into a lake about a decade ago. Was conclusively claimed as a suicide at the time, but his brother’s statement is pretty interesting, suggests foul play.”
Damen’s eyebrows raise. “Murder?”
Makedon shrugs. “The brother was thirteen at the time, and very close with the victim. So it could be an emotional thing. But…”
“But?”
“He pointed fingers at their uncle. Claimed he had strong evidence it could be a murder, but no one really looked into it too closely.”
“Hmm,” Damen says. “So, what, we’re supposed to go on the word of a teenager?”
“A very persistent teenager. Have a look—he’s called at least several times a year to see if the case has been reopened.”
“No shit,” Damen says in surprise. “He actually share any of this evidence, though? Or tell us why the uncle could be the perpetrator?”
“That’s your job to find out.” Makedon yawns. “Where’s my fucking coffee?”
But Damen doesn’t pay attention to him. The first page of the case file is a headshot of the victim.
Damen knows that face. He just left him in his office.
***
Auguste Henri Revere is—was—twenty-five when he died.
He was incredibly popular, well-liked, and good at pretty much everything he did. Damen reads everything in his file: football captain, scholarship student at Arles University, part-time volunteer at the children’s hospital…
He doesn’t seem like the guy who would kill himself. Then again, the worst part about this job has always been that people can surprise you—in the worst ways possible.
Nothing about his death is suspicious. It happened close to midnight, near a popular stretch of road in the city centre. There were several witnesses that saw a cream 1972 Ford Mustang veer off the road, straight into the lake. Police found a suicide note typed on Auguste’s laptop. He had cleaned his room the night before, donated things like clothes, jewellery, and sneakers.
Damen reads what Laurent Gabriel Revere said. Now that statement is strange. Laurent was thirteen when Auguste died. Sources say they were close, that Auguste doted on him, especially since they were orphans, living with their uncle. Two years after Auguste died, Laurent showed up at the police station and accused their uncle of killing Auguste. He claimed he had evidence, but failed to elaborate. Witnesses said they had heard Laurent and his uncle fighting at the Revere home just half an hour before Laurent showed up at the police station.
Police issued a search warrant at the Revere house. His uncle had readily complied. Nothing had been found. Nothing had been found in Auguste’s recovered car either. And there was never an autopsy done on his body.
“Huh,” Damen says.
He looks up at Auguste, who’s staring at the view outside his floor-to-ceiling windows. For the first time since he showed up in his office, Damen feels sorry for him. Auguste is twelve years older than him, but now here he is, forever twenty-five. Damen’s older than him now, and it’s strange to think about. What makes him more deserving of life? He isn’t even a good person—not the way Auguste is. Was.
It’s not the most conventional way to start an investigation, but hey, he might as well. “How’d you die?” Damen asks.
Auguste turns to him blinking. His eyebrows raise. “That’s the first thing you say to me after all this time? Jesus, that’s cold, man.”
Damen bites his bottom lip. “Do you remember the day you died? Did you… er.” He can’t bring himself to say kill yourself.
“The day I died? Hmm.” Auguste’s golden eyebrows furrow. “Let me see… I took Laurent out that day. We went to the fair, and he kept pretending he was too old to go on the rides.” His smile turns fond. “Then we… I dropped him home. I went to meet some friends but I don’t think I made it.”
“Fuck!” Damen scrambles up from his seat, and he’s grateful that his office door is closed. He doesn’t think he could explain to anyone why he’s so horrified.
Blood streaks down from Auguste’s mouth, the corner of his eyes. His clothes are soaked through, turning transparent. His golden hair is matted and wet against his scalp.
Auguste moans. “I don’t feel so good. I don’t… I can’t talk about this anymore.”
The blood starts pouring out of his ears.
Damen stands, paralysed, unable to move.
And then in a blink, Auguste disappears.
***
“Damn,” Huet says. “How much do you think this place will sell for? Three mill right? I mean, at least.”
“Shut up,” Damen says. Huet is a new recruit and he is far too peppy and talks far too much. He is definitely not good company.
Privately, Damen agrees about the house. It’s huge, a sprawling mansion adorned with steep, gabled peaks and chimneys, topped with slate tiles that glisten in the sunlight. Ivy and climbing roses cling to the walls. As well as being Superman, Auguste was also apparently incredibly rich.
The man who opens the door is undoubtedly related to Auguste. It’s the eyes—Damen has been staring at those blue eyes in photos and in his office for weeks now.
Richard Revere is in his mid-fifties. His hair is dark, coiled, and his beard is trimmed and peppered with white. There are rings on each of his fingers—giant gemstones that glisten as he shakes Damen and Huet’s hands as they introduce themselves.
He has no qualms about being questioned and invites them in.
Damen’s eyebrows raise. They’re greeted by a grand foyer with a sweeping marble staircase, its balustrade intricately wrought iron, leading to the upper floors. The interior is a blend of opulence and warmth, with high ceilings, ornate moldings, and crystal chandeliers casting a soft glow over the richly decorated rooms. Antique furniture, plush draperies, and elegant tapestries fill the spaces, each room telling its own story of centuries past.
Richard has no issues with them being in his house. Damen has done this for long enough to go by his gut—and so far this man doesn’t seem like a murderer. He just seems like a rich man from an affluent society.
Richard makes them tea, and then says, “So. You’ve opened my nephew’s case again?”
“We have,” Damen says. They’re sitting on the most comfortable armchairs he’s ever been, in a room with far too many books and far too many globes.
“Interesting.” Richard sips his tea. For the first time, his tone is cold, disapproving. “May I ask why? I believe the last set of detectives were incredibly thorough.”
Damen nods. “I’m sure they were. But you understand we’re in a delicate position. We can’t brush off… certain statements.”
“Ah.” Richard’s mouth quirks in amusement. “So this is about Laurent, then.”
It’s Huet who nods this time. He says, “He called the last leading detective just six months ago, sir. He’s still adamant about…” He awkwardly trails off.
Now Richard looks very amused. “Oh, I see. Of course. Did you know Laurent happens to make those calls to the police station every time we have a fight?”
“Well,” Damen says, as Huet makes a note of that. “We’d like to talk to him too. Is he around?”
“He is.” Richard nods. “Upstairs, sleeping.”
Damen doesn’t react when Auguste appears in the living room. He looks like his usual self, dry and golden, free of blood.
“You need to go upstairs,” Auguste says, and for the first time, there’s a note of frustration in his voice. “I can only go where you go. I want to go upstairs. I want to see my room. I want to see Laurent.”
“We’ll come back later then,” Damen says. He ignores Auguste’s No!
Richard leads them back out into the sunlight. Auguste trails after them, eyes flicking over every inch of the house, his gaze wondrous. It fills Damen with pity.
They make their goodbyes out on the porch. Damen can see some of the neighbours take interest in their police car, but Richard seems unfazed.
A portly woman at the end of the driveway asks them, “Laurent again? He’s a shame to the Revere name.”
Huet raises both eyebrows. Damen makes a mental note of that.
As they walk to the car, they hear a frantic, whispered. “Hey!”
Auguste gasps. “Laurent.”
Damen follows his eyes. There’s a window at the side of the house on the second level. Someone’s opened it up enough to wave at them.
Damen steps closer. Auguste rushes up to the window. “Laurent!”
Laurent doesn’t hear his brother. But he does notice Damen approaching and beckons him over.
Damen stands under the window, shoulder to shoulder with a dead man, and looks up at the most beautiful person he’s ever seen.
Laurent’s hair is golden, falling across those same stunning, blue eyes, his lashes long and dark. His skin is luminous and sweetly pink.
“Damn,” Huet says under his breath.
“He’s so grown up,” Auguste whispers.
“You’re here for Auguste’s case?” Laurent says.
Damen has to strain to hear him. Laurent’s voice is low, anxious, like he’s worried about being caught.
“Yeah, we are.” Damen clears his throat, which is suddenly scratchy.
Something bright sparks in Laurent’s eyes. He’s still whispering. “Great. You think you can meet me at the diner down the road in an hour? I can’t get away until he leaves the house.”
That instantly sets alarm bells in Damen’s head. He frowns.
“God, he looks so different,” Auguste says.
Damen nods at Laurent, who’s still anxious, still waiting for a response.
“Okay, we’ll see you.”
Laurent nods and shuts the window, disappearing from view. After a moment, Auguste does too.
#captive prince#damen x laurent#my writing#my fic#i thought i'd upload old drabbles while i finish writing other stuff lol#this was sitting in my drafts for agesssssssss#anyway read the spectral files its amazing!!!
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the snap (Matt Murdock x fem-reader )
Summary: after the blip Matt was blipped away. But what happens when he shows up after everyone comes back?
Part 2 Warnings: angst, I mean it this time ok? I teared up writing this. But with fluff it has a happy ending trust me. Im dyslexic so there are probably/definitely going to be spelling errors. (I’m trying yall. Let me know how I did my first fic for Matt I think I’m going to make a part 2. Please comment if you can and reblog are appreciated if you want ❤️) mentions of pregnancy and childbirth and children
My eyes take in the childrens bedroom. It was small and quant but cozy. The nightlights lit up the room and my five year old daughter was layed down on the soft pastel blankets. I sit down on the side of her bed. She was so beautiful, her sweet brown eyes and brown hair. Her name was angel Murdock, She resembled Matt so much, sometimes it even hurt to look at her. It showed his best attributes on her. Even though she was only five years old she was already fearless, the teachers at the preschool always say she’s already getting in fights with the bullies in the class, no fist fights yet thankfully. It was her bedtime so you were finishing up reading a story to her about a princess and prince who fought a dragon.
“And they lived happily ever after the end” I kiss her forehead. And get up from her sleepy form.
“mommy, why do all the other kids have dads?”
Her question struck me in the heart. Leaving a wound size I couldn’t even patch up after patching up so many of Matt’s wounds. But I remain calm and collected like her words were just a simple question. Which they were, she’s just a curious child, there is no way that she knows how deeply I am affected by them. I twist my diamond ring on my finger and bite my lip trying to figure out how to answer this question without terrifying her. I can’t lie to her, I promised I would never lie to her.
“Angel, your father….went away. Hes gone he went with another half of the universe”
“will he be comeback?”
“no, no he won’t” I answered quietly trying to keep myself from sobbing. God I feel so weak, it’s been five years! Fiver years and I still can’t get over his death
“did he leave because of me?”
“no! No, he never knew about you sweetie. He was taken before he knew”
I take a shaky breath and kiss her on the forehead “goodnight” I leave her now asleep form and creep to the kitchen. I look down and the sink and I can’t take it anymore. Grief racks my body as sobs come out in waves. Why? Why did you have to leave I know you didn’t do it on purpose but why? It’s so unfair. Mathew I miss you. I know The city needed but mainly I needed you. I bring my knees up to hug my chest. I feel so weak, so fucking weak it’s been 5 years and I still haven’t recovered. I tpull myself together and wipe my tears mainly because I hear noises outside. A lot of noises. Screams, cries, laughter, sobs. I run to the window and open the curtain. Hundreds and hundreds of people are flooding the streets. Some are hugging, kissing, others are just staring in disbelief. Poeple are running in all directions and so so many of them are confused. Who are these people? Where did they come from? Could they he the ones who were snappe—
Knock! knock! knock!
the noise of someone at my door shattered my trail of thoughts like a broken mirror, breaking me of my trance. Who on earth. Or any planet for that matter would be calling to me at this hour? I tentatively get up. Cross the room and open the door, I was not prepared.
there. Right there stood my husband dead for 5 years after the blip. He stood in his lawyer suit in the doorframe. Just as he was before he left. He’s exactly the same. To him no time has passed at all. But I’m sure he’s heard it’s been 5 years on the streets. My body is rigid from shock utter shock. He takes off his red glasses so I can see his face again. A small gasp escapes my mouth as my eyes lay upon him again. Hes so gorgeous it actually hurts. Makes my heart ache. To say I felt conflicted would be an understatement I was downright a wreck inside. He so damn pretty. Was all I could really think. my shaky hand reaches up and caresses his face as if feeling he’s actually there and this isn’t some hallucination.
“sweetheart, I’m real” he smiles
“I-i Matt you were dead—you-you—oh!” I choke out in sobs
I seizes his head and he walks closer to me closing the door. I kiss him desperately like a woman starved. The kiss is searing and leaves us gasping for air. As soon as we break the seal we dive into it again and I let out a small whimper that allows him to slip his rougue into my mouth. I immediately submit to him and let him take the dominance. After sometime in a log swaying kiss. We stumble towards the couch where he tries to explain to me what happened but with me kissing his neck desperately it’s hard for him. In the five years he was gone I never took a lover. I couldn’t bring myself to. I was always thinking about Mathew even if he was just in the back of my mind. Especially as I walked down the more dangerous streets of Hells kitchen without him.
“sweetheart—sweetheart— “ he lets out a small groan that is music to my ears “are you going to let me know what happened or let me explain” he laughs.
I pull back and bip my lip “sorry”
”I know five years have passed someone on the street told me that after they did I ran to find you I’m sorry—“ his head tilts to the side as if he’s picking up something “there’s another heartbeat in the apartment”
I take his hands “Matt this is a lot to take in I know but….”
“y/n you can tell me anything” the way my name rolls of his toung sounds like honey. He runs his finger over my silk nightgown, his favorite fabric. He takes his time training my figure and them cup up to claps both my hands again “anything”
Reassured now I start my tale “the day of the blip was also the day I found out I was pregnant. Turns out half the universe was blipped away. You’ve been gone for five years now. The pregnancy was hard, half the doctors were gone, you were gone. Without many people to support it was hard but, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, who looks so much like you. I named her angel Murdock.”
he’s silent for a bit. I feel sorry I know how much it is to take in “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you sweetheart. I left you and everyone behind. God I feel so guilty.”
“Mathew there is nothing to apologize for! You couldn’t control it!”
We’re silent for a bit and I wonder if he’s listening to angel’s heartbeat. He beams “I can’t believe I’m a father.” He laughs “ironic isn’t it?”
“what is?”
“the devil is the father of an angel” he muses. His face is bright and happy
“I never thought of it that way” I ponder “she’s already fearless like you”
“Hm, maybe not a good thing. But she sure has the Murdock fighter genes. I’m just sorry I missed the pregnancy and everything”
“well we could always try again?”
“I’d love that” he purrs into my ear in his deep voice. And his head rests in the crook of my neck as he leans into my body. And I’m so so starved for touched after all these years I hold onto him like he’s the last thing in the world. I practically melt into his touch as I haven’t been intimate like this in so long.
“don’t leave me” i whisper
“no sweetheart” his strokes my hair “im never leaving you again”
it feels so comfy with his bodyweight on mine on the couch we don’t even bother to move to the bed as we fall asleep there that night not wanting for a second to leave each other’s arms. It would be hard to explain to to angel who this man she never met was will figure that out in the morning. Things are always better in the morning. No things are always better now that’s he’s back. Everything seems fixed, my whole world.
#matt murdock#matt murdock x reader#matt murdock x you#matt murdock fanfic#matt murdock angst#matt murdock fluff#daredevil#daredevil x reader#daredevil x female reader#daredevil x you#angst with a happy ending#mathew murdock#matt murdock imagine#fanfic#fanfiction#marvel#mcu fanfiction#mcu imagine#proud of this ngl#Definitely doing a part 2 but let me know what yall think
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Camp Wiegman-Part 44
Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle
Alternative Universe : Military School
Words : 7k
Masterlist
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Thursday, February 4; 6:30 AM - Lucy's Room.
I bury myself in a mass of hair that tickles the tip of my nose as Lucy’s alarm goes off in the room. I groan when she moves to reach her phone where the sound is coming from. An unbearable pain shoots through my body. That bitch really didn’t hold back. I sincerely hope she’ll pay for this. I’ll have to ask Lucy for another pill. I smile as she returns to embrace me, letting out a long, low moan.
"Good morning, mi novia."
"Good morning..." I mumble.
I bury my face in her neck, losing all motivation to get up. Lucy doesn’t seem in a hurry either, so I take advantage of it for once. She kisses the top of my head.
"I must look like a real zombie..."
"No, you don’t."
"Yes, I do."
"Don’t start," she laughs. "It’s only half past six."
"Did you change the alarm?" I grumble, lifting my face from her neck.
"Yeah. I figured you wouldn’t go to class right away because of Wiegman’s meeting. We needed to catch up anyway."
Her response makes me realize I didn’t wake up once during the night. It was indeed a very restful night. I sigh deeply before resting my head against her shoulder.
"You’re right."
I let out a gasp of surprise, arching my back when Lucy’s cold hand slips under my T-shirt. She smiles sheepishly, proud of her prank.
"What are you doing! Get it out!"
"It was outside the blanket. I need to warm it up!"
"Stop it!" I cry out as she slides her hand up my back.
I wiggle to free myself from her grasp amid her laughter. In the end, I end up lying on my back to trap her hand, with Lucy half-lying on top of me. I literally melt, forgetting the reasons for my anger, when she takes advantage of the moment to kiss me tenderly.
"I’m going to take a shower," she whispers. "Stay in bed if you want."
She kisses my cheek and then gets up. The coldness of her absence envelops me the second she leaves. I watch her gather her clothes, which neither of us prepared last night. When she turns around, she notices me watching and gives me a smile accompanied by a wink before locking herself in the bathroom. I groan, burying my head in her pillow, inhaling her scent that I had missed so much. I might quickly get used to this kind of wake-up, along with her teasing. I hope everything will go well for us from now on. I couldn’t bear to lose her again. She’s always brought out the best in me, but also the worst when she’s not there. I snap out of my thoughts and reopen my eyes when the door opens twenty minutes later.
"Is my pillow working for you?" she teases.
"Perfectly," I reply as she sits down beside me and runs her hand through my hair.
"I’d love to let you lie here as long as you want, but if you want to eat, you’ll have to get up and take a shower too."
"I know, I’ll get up..."
"I’ll take care of the rest in the meantime, but first..."
I look at her curiously as she shows me something between her fingers. I’m surprised to see my ring, which I had put away in the bedside table. I didn’t even notice her taking it. She holds out her open hand, and without her having to say anything, I place my right hand on it. I watch her closely as she slides it onto my ring finger, where it always was before I took it off. Once it’s on, she brings my hand to her lips to kiss the ring, making me blush.
"Please don’t take it off again."
"I-I’ll try..."
"Come on, get up now," she smiles.
I nod and get up, trying to hide the pain from Lucy. I go to grab a uniform and some underwear before heading to the bathroom. I hurry up when I realize it’s already almost seven o’clock. She pushed our alarm back by thirty minutes, so I can’t complain since it was necessary. I shower and get ready as quickly as possible. Then I slow down when it’s time to examine my face. I’ve regained some color thanks to this restorative night, but it does little to improve the state of my injuries. My black eye has darkened, as have the bruises on my stomach. As for the cut on my lip, it has dried into a scab. I hope it won’t leave a scar.
"Horrible," I mutter.
"It’ll fade."
I jump when I realize Lucy has joined me, leaning against the doorframe with a small smile and her arms crossed. I didn’t expect to see her here. She’s been pretty quiet because, unlike with Alexia in our room, I always close the door here.
"No, it’s really horrible," I insist. "It’s going to take at least a week to heal."
I lean against the sink, not worrying about the bruises on my stomach pressing against it, and examine my eye more closely, which seems to have swollen slightly.
"It could have been worse. Let me put some cream on it."
She doesn’t wait for my response before grabbing the tube and applying it to the black eye. I look at myself in the mirror to examine the rest. At least my lip hasn’t swollen either. She repeats the process on my stomach and finishes by changing the bandage on my eyebrow. I realize how useful it’s been when I see the large bloodstain on the old one.
"There you go," she smiles as she puts everything away. "Shall we eat together?" she offers.
"Am I allowed?"
"Of course, if I say so. Besides, the rush hour is over."
"Okay. I’d like to see my friends though..."
"Knowing them, they’ll wait for you as long as they can."
I smile and nod. That’s definitely their style. Plus, I haven’t seen them since yesterday; they must be worried sick. My God, especially Alexia ! Luckily, I’ll see them in a few minutes.
"I’m afraid of what Wiegman will say," I confess to her.
"You don’t have to worry. You’re not in trouble since you didn’t do anything, and if Korbin has said anything, I’ll defend you."
"As long as she believes us..."
"She will," she says with conviction. "By the way," she begins delicately, "I need to know if she touched you at any other time besides last night. It would be a good way to incriminate her further if things take a turn for the worse."
I look at her for a moment before sighing. She already knows the answer; otherwise, she wouldn’t have asked. It’s not hard for her to understand, given the state I was in.
"She assaulted me in the dorm hallway the night before. That’s why I asked to sleep with you," I murmur.
She nods gently in understanding before placing her hand on my cheek. Surprisingly, she doesn’t press further and simply responds:
"Thank you for being honest. I’ll try to get you the day off. You’re not in any condition to go to class after all this."
"Really?" I say, surprised.
- Really.
- Thank you...
Timidly, I hug her to show my sincerity.
- It’s the least I can do. Now let's go. I’m starving.
I smile and nod. To be honest, so am I. I couldn’t finish my meal because of Korbin, and I’m starting to feel it. We grab our jackets and shoes before heading out.
- Will Ingrid be in the cafeteria?
- No. She’s handling Korbin’s case. They’re probably in a meeting right now.
- Oh...
- Don’t worry. Everything will be fine, I promise.
I don’t understand why Lucy seems so confident. I don’t have time to dwell on it as we arrive at the cafeteria. I regret that everything happened here. Now I have to face the place and all the students who saw me get thoroughly beaten. Lucy must have sensed my discomfort because she supports me by placing her hand on my back. I walk in before I can think too much. Otherwise, I’d be tempted to run the other way.
- Are you okay? she asks me.
- Yeah...
- Let me know if that changes.
I smile softly and nod. I should know by now that nothing can happen to me with her by my side. I take a deep breath before entering the dining hall. Surprisingly, the place is calm. Only a few students are still here, and there’s no sign of last night’s incident. My first instinct is to look toward my table. I smile when I see Alexia already running across the cafeteria to meet me. I catch her in my arms, not without some pain from the impact she probably didn’t gauge. A small cry escapes me, making her immediately step back.
- Oh my God, I’m so sorry! she panics. Are you okay?
I smile as she starts examining me from head to toe, lifting my arms.
- I’m fine, Ale, I chuckle. Just a few bruises, but they’re manageable.
She relaxes and hugs me again, more gently this time. Her reaction doesn’t surprise me. She always seems very worried about me. We’ve grown very close, much to my delight.
- You look like a real zombie, she finally jokes.
- What did I tell you? I say to Lucy. At least she admits it!
- Well, let’s be honest here, Ale adds. And what about you two? Are things better now? she asks hesitantly.
- Yeah... I reply with a small smile, glancing at Lucy. Much better.
Alexia doesn’t have time to ask more as the rest of our friends join us, bombarding me with questions I can’t even make out because they’re all talking at once.
- You can stay with them if you want, Lucy tells me. We’ll meet up later.
- No, I’m eating with you. It’s not like I won’t see them again before tonight. Does that bother you? I ask my friends.
- Nah, of course not, Alba responds.
- Are you coming to class? Alessia asks me.
I shrug and glance at Lucy to help me answer. I guess after the meeting, I’ll go back to class if she doesn’t manage to get Wiegman to give me the day off.
- We’ll see, Lucy replies. By the way, it looks like it’s almost time for you to go.
Now that I see the time, I realize she’s right. My friends don’t argue and say goodbye, telling me we’ll catch up later. It’s funny to see how much influence Lucy has on them. Alexia is the last to stay and hugs me again, whispering that I owe her an explanation. I smile as I watch her leave, then we go get our food. I give Lucy a little nudge.
- What is it?
- Nothing, I reply. I’m just happy to be with you.
- Hmm, she smiles.
We walk through the dining hall to her table. I take Ingrid’s spot since she isn’t here.
- So Ingrid’s defending Korbin?
- She doesn’t have much to defend her with, Lucy admits. But yes, that’s her role. Ingrid talked to Wiegman, and she already told me there’s little chance Korbin will avoid expulsion.
- Oh...
- Now relax. For the thousandth time, you have nothing to worry about.
Lucy doesn’t understand that I’m not worried about Korbin’s punishment, but my own. I might be the victim, but who’s to say Wiegman won’t believe her? It would be just my luck if she punished me and Lucy too.
- Here. I saved some painkillers for you last night.
- Why are you so perfect? I mumble. Everything seems so easy for you.
- I told you yesterday that I’m far from perfect, she smiles, taking a bite of her toast.
- No matter what you think. There’s nothing you can’t do. Not only are you athletic and beautiful, but you can cook, take care of people, and you have such confidence that you scare everyone. Not to mention th—
- I think that’s enough, Ona, she teases.
- What? I could go on for hours listing all your qualities, I pout.
- You become who you want to be, she shrugs.
- If you were so different before, what were you like? I ask, curious.
- Far from who I am today, she teases.
I puff out my cheeks, knowing I won’t learn more today. It’s hard to imagine Lucy being any different from who she is now.
- I thought I was allowed to know more now, I pout.
She looks up from her breakfast and smiles tenderly at me. It feels like it’s been forever since we’ve just spent time together doing something as simple as this. It’s a breath of fresh air. I missed her. A lot. I’m really glad to have her back, even more than before.
- You’ll know more. I just love teasing you.
- You could at least give me a hint.
- Hmm... she pretends to think. No. I might lose my credibility... and my intimidation. Isn’t that what you said yesterday?
I blush, remembering. That’s exactly what I told her. Intimidating and scary. Those were the words that kept coming to my mind when we first met. She was tough on me, even though I understand the reasons now.
- This isn’t funny!
- Yes, it is, she laughs. It’s so easy to tease you.
I stick out my tongue, which seems to amuse her even more.
- Although, I still wonder why you are... I’ve never mistreated you as far as I know.
I shrug and take a bite of my barely-touched pastry. She seems to understand that I’m avoiding the conversation because she entwines her fingers with mine in my free hand. I watch as she starts making small circles on the back of my hand with her thumb.
- I don’t know. Everyone here finds you intimidating after all, you know.
It’s because of my reputation, she chuckles. Although I was tough on you at first, I’m much less so now. I hope you realize that.
- Of course, I laughed. I guess you still intimidate me because deep down, there will always be a part of me that remembers you were once my supervisor... After all, you were the first person who could stand up to me and tell me the hard truths when I needed them.
- I’m far from just that now. You realize that, right? she teased.
- Yeah, sure... But I know you'll still turn into my supervisor whenever I mess up.
- Definitely not, she said, rolling her eyes.
- It's not a complaint. It might be weird, but I actually like it when you put me in my place, I chuckled.
- I see, she laughed. Well, you're lucky I'll still be your supervisor here.
- You were serious?
- Of course. No matter what we are outside of here, you'll still be my student until we finish the year. We're both intelligent adults, after all. At least, I know I am, and I hope you can understand my intentions.
She laughed as I playfully slapped the hand still holding mine captive. I found myself shyly playing with her fingers, surprised at how much I wanted to be more physically affectionate with her. I had forgotten how dating a teacher could have its drawbacks. I couldn't even argue against her point. We needed these boundaries here, not just to fully heal but also to keep our relationship safe.
- Why me? I asked, lifting my head. I mean... I'm just a problem kid after all... You could easily find someone better.
- Please. You’re not going to make me list all the reasons you’re important to me again, are you? she raised an eyebrow.
- Why not...? I don't even know what you see in me.
- Alright, let's talk about it then.
- Really?
- Our relationship has to be based on communication. Neither of us knows what we’re getting into, but if we want this to work, the first thing we need to do is keep being honest with each other.
I nodded, completely agreeing with her. Communication is key, especially for two people like us who have our doubts. We made the mistake once, and I doubt it will happen again.
- Alright, she sighed. To be honest, it was really hard for me to bounce back after Kiera. The first thing I told myself was that I’d avoid getting involved with addicts, she laughed.
- Seems like that plan didn’t work out... I replied with a small smile. But you’ve been with other people since her, right...?
- Yes, of course, I’ve tried. But as I told you, it was never serious. I didn’t invest in those relationships, so they only lasted two or three months.
That’s exactly what she told me yesterday. It must be something she’s afraid of too. She started stroking my hand again, her eyes locking onto mine. I squeezed her hand, trying to reassure her. She doesn’t seem to realize how much she means to me. She’s changed my life.
- If I want you, rather than someone else, it’s because I feel good when I’m with you. That’s all that matters to me. It was the same with Kiera, who completely transformed me, but with you, it’s different again. It’s better, and I’ll do everything I can to make it work between us.
Her sincerity touched me. She likes me. Why is it so hard for me to accept that? My self-confidence, of course. I really need to work on that.
- With others, I’d bury myself in my work, but with you, that won’t be possible, she joked.
- True, I chuckled. I believe you, Luce, but it doesn’t change the fact that you could have any woman at your feet.
- You’re exaggerating, she laughed.
- No, I’m serious. You probably don’t even realize it.
- Good thing I only want you then.
I bit my lip at her words, spoken so naturally. I’ve never been lucky in life, and yet here she is. It’s overwhelming. I feel like I don’t deserve her after everything I’ve been through. I’m not used to feeling happy. She gently lifted my face with her hands.
- Don’t doubt it, she whispered. You have no idea how hard it was for me to hide my attraction to you. You might be a defiant kid, but I love that about you just as much as you love my responsible side. I never saw you as incapable. You’re a person with strengths and weaknesses, just like everyone else.
I absorbed her words like a breath of fresh air. Tears welled up in the corners of my eyes, but she quickly wiped them away.
- Thank you...
- I’m sorry again for how I reacted.
- It’s okay, Luce...
- No, she shook her head. You have no idea how much I regret it. It’s always been us against the world from the start.
- I’m the one who’s always run away, Lucy. So I’m not going to hold it against you for doing it once. Now, stop with the sweet talk, or I might have to kiss you.
- Alright, I get it, she laughed. But stop doubting my feelings. They’re real and mutual.
- I’ll try, I teased.
- I would never mess with you. We both have our pasts, but I believe we can overcome them together.
I nodded, fully agreeing with her. We help each other get better. Everything between us has always been spontaneous. We’ve built trust, and it’s like I’m invincible with her by my side. She smiled softly at me.
- Let’s take things as they come. Everything will fall into place naturally, like it always has. Don’t you think?
- Yes, you’re right.
- Good. Now, finish your breakfast so we can go. I don’t want to be late for my boss.
- Whatever you want, Commander.
- Stop with that nickname, she muttered.
- I’ll try, she laughed.
We finished our breakfast after that conversation. I took my time, as if it would delay the inevitable meeting. Once we were done, we cleared our trays and headed toward the administration office. That anxious knot in my stomach was coming back, but I tried to push it down as best I could.
- I can feel your stress from a mile away, she said.
- I’m scared.
Lucy sighed and stopped, prompting me to do the same. She opened her arms.
- Come here.
I looked around to make sure no one was around before I stepped into her embrace. She held me tightly and kissed my forehead.
- I won’t let anything happen to you.
I wish I could believe her, but anything can happen. I’ve always lived in fear, after all. She pulled back and offered me a reassuring smile.
- I’d love to stay like this, but we have to go. Trust me, okay?
I took a deep breath and nodded. She hugged me one last time before guiding me toward the administration office. I noticed by the hallway clock that we still had some time, but Lucy is a stickler for punctuality. I’ve gotten enough punishments from her to know that. We walked through the administration hallway like it was a death row corridor. I hate that feeling. I distracted myself by looking into the offices around us, but some of the doors were closed.
- I’m just going to say hi to the colleagues. Go sit by Wiegman’s office.
I would have preferred if she stayed with me, but I didn’t say anything. I just kept walking without her. I slowed down, though, when I recognized the person already waiting in front of the door. It felt like my vision was playing tricks on me, but I quickly realized it wasn’t when she stood up from her chair as soon as she saw me.
- "Oh my God, Ona!"
- "M-mom?"
I step back in shock. What is she doing here?! Her eyes show concern, and for once, it really feels like she’s worried about me. Since our last argument, the tension had eased slightly. The distance from school must have made her think. The last time we spoke was to change my phone plan, and the conversation went surprisingly well. Lucy's chuckle snaps me out of my trance just before she bumps into me.
- "Sorry," she says, grabbing onto my shoulders. "I thought you were sitting down."
She frowns when she sees the look on my face, then glances up to see what's causing my reaction. Her hands tighten on my shoulders, as if she already knows who we're dealing with.
- "Hello," she says uncertainly.
- "Hello," my mother replies in the same tone.
Lucy steps forward to shake her hand. If someone had told me I’d see this scene one day, I wouldn’t have believed it. I don’t even know what to think.
- "What are you doing here?" I ask. "I thought this was just a routine meeting!" I then turn to Lucy.
- "They called to tell me that you were involved in a fight and that I should come as soon as possible if I could," my mother explains.
- "Did you know about this?" I ask Lucy.
- "No! It must be part of the protocol... Excuse me, Mrs. Batlle, I didn’t introduce myself. I’m Lucy Bronze, Ona’s supervisor."
- "So, we finally meet. Sarina has mentioned you quite a bit. It’s nice to finally put a face to the name. I’m Abby. »
- "Oh, I see," Lucy says, a bit awkwardly. "It’s a pleasure to meet you."
Watching Lucy getting along with my mother is something I never expected. Well, not entirely unexpected. Lucy was the first to tell me that I should make peace with her if it was still possible. I sigh as my mother starts chatting away with Lucy. She looks super uncomfortable, probably unsure how to navigate between us. It’s kind of cute.
- "Mom, stop bothering her."
- "Oh, you’re not bothering me at all," Lucy quickly replies.
- "No, Ona’s right," my mother laughs. "Once I start, I can’t stop. Let me take a look at you, Ona. You’re in quite a state."
- "I’m fine," I say, stepping back as she approaches. "Bronze took care of me."
It feels weird calling her by her last name, but I don’t really have a choice here.
- "I’d still like to check, even though I don’t doubt she did a good job."
I sigh and let her grab my cheeks.
- "Gently, please," I groan.
Her eyes scan my face while mine are fixed on Lucy, who’s teasing me. She’s watching the scene unfold with amusement. There’s nothing funny about this, and I’ll make sure she knows it later.
- "Did you take a painkiller?"
- "Yes, Mom," I roll my eyes.
- "Thank you for taking such good care of her," my mom says.
- "I was happy to do it, though we’d have preferred to avoid all this," Lucy replies.
- "Of course... Was there a reason behind all this?"
- "In a way. We’ll discuss it in the office if you’d like."
My mom nods and finally lets me go. We then sit down, with me in the middle again. It’s a strange situation. I glance at Lucy, who smiles at me in an odd way before looking away. No one dares to speak. It’ll be our turn soon. I’m not sure how the meeting will go, but if my mom is here, it’s probably not a good sign. And even if it goes well, we’ll probably end up arguing.
- "Who were you talking to earlier?" I ask Lucy to distract myself.
- "I just made the rounds to say hello."
- "Hmm..."
- "What?" she smiles.
- "Nothing... I just wish you’d stayed with me."
- "Oh," she smiles. "Sorry, but they’re still my colleagues, I had to greet them. You can come with me next time."
The idea of communication appeals to me. I shouldn’t be afraid to tell her things. Well, it depends on the topic, of course. I glance at my mom, who’s watching us curiously before smiling at me. She’s also acting strange today. She’s never been this kind to me before. I awkwardly return the smile before lowering my head. It’s hard to believe she flew six hours to see me. She must have flown overnight to be here this early. I wonder how she managed to get time off. She usually barely has any free days with her job. I sigh and shake my head. Maybe things are finally changing.
- "Do you think we’ll have to wait much longer?"
Just as I ask Lucy this question, the office door we’ve been waiting at finally opens. All three of us look up at the door.
- "Apparently not," Lucy murmurs.
A small group files out, led by Ingrid. She steps aside to let Korbin and what I assume are her parents exit. Ingrid takes the opportunity to shake my mother’s hand before her eyes land on me. A smirk spreads across her face.
- "Ouch, you look rough, Batlle," she mocks.
- "Ha ha," I grumble, pulling my scarf up over my nose.
- "Leave her alone," Lucy intervenes with a hint of amusement. "She already feels ugly enough as it is," she adds, making Ingrid laugh.
They exchange a quick handshake while I look at Korbin, who seems to have been staring at me since she walked out. She’s glaring at me. This girl is really insane to keep looking at me like that after beating me up. Lucy was right when she said I didn’t touch her. She doesn’t have a single scratch. My view is interrupted by a hand waving in front of me. I look up at Lucy and realize I’m the only one still sitting. I quickly stand up and watch as Wiegman says goodbye to Korbin’s parents. She asks Ingrid to escort them out and handle the rest of the process. Then she turns to us.
- "Abby! It’s been so long."
If I wasn’t sure these two knew each other, I am now. My principal is hugging my mother. I think this scene is even more unsettling than her meeting Lucy. I still don’t understand why I hadn’t heard of het before. She steps back from her to shake our hands respectfully, one by one. She invites us into her office, which we enter. I find myself sitting in the middle chair again. It feels like I’m on trial with the way I’m surrounded.
- "Alright," Wiegman begins. "I don’t think I need to explain why we’re here..."
- "No, indeed. You just have to look at me... Ouch!"
I frown at Lucy, who just kicked me. She gives me a stern look, clearly sending a message. I quickly get it and stay quiet, sinking into my chair with my arms crossed. Wiegman clears her throat before continuing.
- "Miss Bronze had already informed me that you’ve been getting bullied for a while. So it’s partly our fault for not taking action sooner."
- "I didn’t expect it would lead to a fight," I shrug.
- "Korbin crossed the line in several ways. The fact that she made homophobic remarks should have been a warning sign for us."
- "Homophobic remarks?" my mother repeats, raising an eyebrow.
Damn. I didn’t expect her to say that in front of my mom. I look over at Lucy for support. My mom doesn’t know about that part of my life yet, and I definitely didn’t want her to find out like this.
- "Mr. Thomson, Ona's teacher came to inform me about these matters," Lucy intervenes. "These remarks were based on rumors that had been circulating. Korbin just used them to morally attack your daughter."
I let out a small sigh. My girlfriend is perfect, there’s no other word to describe her. She just saved the situation with a single sentence.
- "These are things you should have talked about, Ona," says Wiegman.
- "I’ve never been the type of person to openly discuss my problems," I retorted.
- "That’s not a solution," my mother says. "You can see where it’s gotten you."
- "Oh, don’t start. I’m willing to let things improve between us, but until recently, you didn’t even believe what I was telling you. It’s no wonder I didn’t confide in you!"
- "Ona..." Lucy warns me.
- "I’m sorry, but it’s the truth. You’re the only one I feel I can confide in because you earned my trust," I say to Lucy. "It’s going to take time for things to improve with you, Mom. It won’t happen overnight."
- "You know I want to make up for things, but for that to happen, you need to give me a chance to do so," she replies.
- "How do you expect me to do that after everything you’ve done to me? You’re closer to Mapi than you are to me!" I accuse her.
- "You’re the one who always put up barriers between us! I accept my mistakes, but it’s your turn to accept yours! It’s too easy to blame everything on me!"
- "Yeah, well, start by apologizing then! My whole life is your fault! It’s because of you that I started acting like a rebellious child and kept making mistakes! It’s also your fault that our relationship consists only of confrontations! You never understood me, let alone listened to me! How can a mother be like that with her child?! It seems like you still don’t realize how much your actions have affected me!"
- "Ona-"
- "Don’t touch me!"
I violently pull away from her grip. I calm down when I realize it wasn’t my mother, but Lucy who had tried to touch me. I hadn’t recognized her voice because I was so consumed by anger.
- "I-I need to go out. Excuse me."
I don’t wait for their permission before pushing my chair away and leaving. I need to get some air to clear my head. My vision is blurred by the tears that have formed. I hear Lucy calling after me, but I don’t stop. It was certain that something would go wrong with my mother being here. We’ll never get along. I lock myself in the restroom, but I don’t even make it to a stall before Lucy catches up with me.
- "Don’t lock yourself away," she sighs.
She pulls me into her arms again. I struggle at first, but then I realize it’s pointless and give in, letting myself lean against her as my tears flow freely. It’s hard to catch my breath because of my anger, but she calms me down by holding me tighter.
- "Shh. It’s okay, it’s over."
- "I-I’m sorry."
- "Don’t apologize. You have every right to be angry."
I try to regain my breath. She brushes a few strands of hair away from my face before kissing my forehead. Her fingers gently wipe away my tears.
- "You’d better not say that-"
- "I won’t say anything," she interrupts me. "You handle the situation with your mother in your own way, and I’ll support whatever decisions you make. Just know that she’s trying to make things right... awkwardly, sure... but she’s trying."
She gently rocks me until I’ve fully calmed down. I expected her to lecture me, but it seems I was wrong.
- "We should go back... I told them I’d bring you back."
- "Two minutes," I mutter.
She doesn’t say anything and gives me the time I need. I slowly pull away to grab a tissue and blow my nose.
- "If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just look at me, and I’ll step in. Okay? There’s no need to get this worked up."
- "Okay... Thanks for earlier, by the way. You really saved me."
- "I told you I’d protect you."
We share a smile before heading back. We sit back in our places, and I make sure to keep my eyes on the floor. The tension in the room is palpable.
- "Alright, let’s continue," Wiegman says. "Korbin mentioned a relationship between the two of you."
I freeze at her words. I knew she would bring it up. Does she believe her? I hope not. I glance at Lucy, who doesn’t seem stressed at all, or she’s hiding it very well.
- "That’s not the case," I reply. "We have a special bond, but not in that way."
- "I know. I don’t believe it at all, but I wanted to let you know. Korbin found out that you two are sharing the same room. She thought I wasn’t aware of it and that it could be used as grounds to get you both expelled."
- "We were discreet though," I murmured.
- "I know, but it just shows she must have been following you everywhere. As I said, I didn’t take her argument into consideration because I’m the one who approved the room change, and in any case, I know that you’re far too professional to break that rule, Miss Bronze."
A wave of relief washes over me that I try my best to hide. I would have felt terrible if Lucy had been punished because of me. I hope this remark doesn’t make Lucy doubt our relationship going forward. I don’t really want to end things just as we’re starting.
- "I also wanted to inform you that Miss Bronze will remain your supervisor until the end of the year since trouble seems to follow you. We think it’s the best course of action, along with your mother."
If only she knew that I’m actually glad about that. It means Lucy will be the only one to take care of me. I play along and just nod in understanding.
- "Are we done?" I ask bluntly.
- "Yes," she chuckles. "You’ll be able to leave soon. Just know that you’ll be under constant supervision from now on. You may not be responsible for what happened to you, but the next incident involving you could be severely punished if you don’t speak up beforehand."
- "Fine," I mumbled. "I’ll discuss it. Am I allowed to go out this weekend?"
- "I don’t see why not, for now."
I thank her with a sigh of relief. I’m getting tired of seeing the walls of this camp for the past two weeks. I wouldn’t have been able to stand staying another week. She stands up to indicate that the meeting is over.
- "Can she have the rest of the day off?" Lucy asks finally. "She needs to rest."
I had forgotten about that detail. Wiegman looks at me for a moment, as if judging whether I deserve it or not.
- "I’ll give her the day off, and you as well for taking care of her last night. I’ll also grant you tomorrow off so you can recover. You’ll spend that time in Bronze and Engen’s office. Make good use of it... like catching up on your studies, for example, since it seems your new course isn’t your strong suit."
I’m surprised by her decision. This means I won’t have classes for the rest of the week. It’s surprising coming from het, considering she hates when her students skip classes.
- "Thank you..."
- "I hope I won’t see you back here anytime soon."
I smile and shake the hand she offers. I wait for Lucy to do the same before leaving that dreadful office. I was ready to go, but Lucy stops me. We watch as my mother and Wiegman chat like old friends.
- "At least say goodbye before you disappear for good," Lucy tells me.
I sigh but nod. After all, she did come all this way for me, so the least I can do is say goodbye. She eventually joins us, closing the office door behind her.
- "I’d like to invite both of you to lunch if you’d like. Sarina has given her approval, of course. I’d really like to get to know the person who has transformed my daughter."
I didn’t expect this offer. I look to Lucy to indirectly gauge her response. She smiles at me before nodding.
- "I’d be happy to, Mrs. Batlle," she replies.
- "How about we drop the formalities? And call me Abby, I’ve told you that already."
- "Alright... I’ll try. But we should probably change before we go. I doubt a uniform will make a good impression outside," she chuckles.
- "Oh yes, of course."
- "Wait for us in the parking lot, we’ll be right there," I tell her.
- "Oh... It’s just that I don’t have a car, I came by taxi."
- "I’ll be driving," Lucy chuckles. "My car is over there. It’s better if you wait for us at the entrance. It’ll be easier for you."
- "You don’t mind driving?"
- "Not at all. I know the city, so it’ll be more convenient."
- "That’s true. Well, I’ll wait for you at the entrance then."
- "We’ll be there in a moment."
She agrees, saying we can take our time. We go our separate ways. I wait until we’re far enough away before talking to Lucy.
- "I can’t believe she suggested such a thing."
- "See? She just wants to make an effort."
- "I hope it goes well..."
- "There’s no reason for it to go badly if you stay calm."
- "Hmm... But it’s only nine o’clock..." I sigh. "We’ll have to keep ourselves busy until lunch."
- "That’s not so bad. It’ll be a chance to reconnect."
- "Great..."
- "You’re not the one who should be complaining. I’m going to spend the day with my mother-in-law, who doesn’t know I exist. I wouldn’t want to see her face the day she finds out I’m your girlfriend."
I chuckle, imagining the shocked expression my mother will probably have when she eventually finds out. I really should tell her that I’m bi someday. It’s about time. I’m an adult now, so she won’t have much to say about it. Besides, there’s a good chance I’ll move out after school if my relationship with Lucy continues. My life and my loved ones are here now.
- "We’ll see... In the meantime, let’s face this day. It’s going to be very... amusing," I say sarcastically.
Lucy chuckles, ruffling my hair. She doesn’t realize how much I’m dreading this day. To think I was supposed to be resting... I have a feeling it’ll be quite the opposite. Only time will tell in what way.
#woso#lucy bronze#woso community#ona batlle#barca femeni#woso soccer#lionesses#sefutbol fem#ona batlle x lucy bronze
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“My love, my life”
“If I had someone like you”
Max Verstappen x Fem!Reader
PART FOUR
Max Corner
Summary: [Max and reader crossed the line in their 3 year friendship, resulting in 2 positive pregnancy test. And 1 baby on the way.]
Max makes amends for his wrong ways, reader forgives him, Max’s declares some very crazy things- however reader has something crazier that he doesn’t take too kindly.
Warnings: swearing, angst, fluff, soft max, angry max, fake relationship, mentions of J.Verstappen, Google translate, NO PROOF READ!! , maybe reader being a dick?
Key: Y/N (Your name) Y/N/N (Your Nickname)
Word count: 4,137
Inspo: It hurts me- Elvis Presley (Song)
A/N: So a month later and we have this, please enjoy! I need to get me a Max. I’m sorry it’s terrible I just had such readers block- and yeah there’s no excuse for it being bad.
Well of course Max and Kelly was the talk of the weekend. Some pleased they was back together, others not so much… myself included- mine was out of pure jealousy.
I avoided Max like the plague, hid in the most random spots to avoid any contact with him-
The second most spoke about during the weekend was me and Lando, people pining us together. I love Lando dearly, and he loves me- but strictly platonic, even the thought of anything more makes me cringe.
Every so often he would bring the conversation up of moving back to London. And I would just brush it under the carpet, I wouldn’t lie and say I haven’t look at the odd apartments near home, or even considered moving back in with mum and dad, it just seems kind of the best thing for me and the baby- I have nobody at home expect Lando, and used to be Max…
“Y/N?” Glancing up like a deer in headlights I turned my head to Lando confused-
“Sorry, did you say something…” with and apologetic smile, I nervously picked at the pleats in my dress, looking back down at my lap.
“I said we’re about ten minutes away from your mum and dads”
“Oh- I can’t wait to see them.” Sighing I rested my head back in a bliss.
“Me neither it’s been a while-” laughing a little Lando turned a corner onto a familiar street. My childhood home standing bright and proud.
“Is it weird I’m nervous to see them again…”
“Of course not.”
Humming, Lando pulled up at the side of the road. And as if both thinking the same thing we glanced around at the many cars parked around nearby.
“Well if they’re throwing you a surprise welcome home party. It’s not much of a surprise.” In unison we both glanced at each other breaking out into a fit of giggles.
“Let’s go act surprised” rolling my eyes playfully we both got out the car creeping up the drive and knocking the door.
And within seconds it swung open revealing my mum, dad rushing down the hall in a hurry.
“There’s our little girl!” Smiling wide, I stepped indoors embracing them both tight.
“I have missed you both so much.” And just like that relief washes all over me, the calmness your parents can bring is a different kind. And I cannot wait to be able to give the same to my baby.
“And Lando! It’s been a minute!” Turning in their arms, reaching out and dragging him in.
“Your daughter has kept me miles away.” Another round of laughter rang out.
“Not the fact you’ve been playing cars all around the world kid” patting his back my dad swung his car over his shoulders dragging down the hall and out into the garden.
Mum turned around back to me smiling wide. “How’s the baby?” Her hands come up clutching my stomach.
“Oh well- they’re fine, a few more weeks and we should know the gender!” My face hurt from smiling so much. “Is dad okay?”
“Yes, honey- you know what his like he won’t tell you how excited he is.” Nodding my head as she waved it off.
“Come your dad got the barbecue out!”
“This is his way of showing his love? Cause he knows I love a barbecue-”Stepping out onto the patio, a loud cheer erupted, glancing up I laughed covering my face, and praying I looked surprised- I mean it still was a surprise the amount of family and friends here.
“Welcome home darling!” One at a time each family and friend greeted me some still doing their rounds on Lando.
Mum was right the barbecue was going, dad and my two uncles standing around it chatting, all three nursing a beer.
Truthfully I was in a bliss. I felt at ease- like once again the world was lifted off my shoulders- I could breathe without a care in the world.
That’s when it was decided for me… moving back home would benefit us. I had family here. The baby’s family is here- Max has no say in the baby’s choice all the time his playing stupid hot and cold- who have I really got back in Monaco? Just Lando now- just him and that’s the scary party, because even at times there’s no Lando.
“Y/N/N!!” Turning around to my mothers call, she gestured me over, excusing myself through the crowd I took her hand as she pulled me the last length.
“I think this is the first time his ever been late.”
“Who?” Looking up at the back door, on the patio, there he stood as always. Making the most grandest of entrances. Always, always showing up unexpectedly- And once again popping that little balloon of happiness.
“Why is he here?” All the colour drained from my face, replaced with a bright red- rage fuelling within me- with a hint of sadness and embarrassment.
“He is your friend right? Or do we class him family how long you’ve known each other- I know you see him more often than us lot but still.”
Creeping down the steps my dad was quick to greet him along with other family members, Lando giving him a curt nod of acknowledgment, then turning his head to me in shock. Mouthing a quick “you ok?”
“Max, how are you honey?” Pulling him into an embrace, his eyes landed on mine.
“I’m okay, how have you been?” Rubbing her shoulders they both pulled away from on another.
Taking him in- he looked rough, his eyes were dull, complimented with nice bags underneath clearly from a lack of sleep, he still tried and made himself look presentable his hair styled back, though a loose strand fell out onto his forehead- yet he wore it well. His smile didn’t really quite reach his eyes like he was holding back or had no energy to do so- and yet despite seeming so frazzled he looked so good. And I hate that.
“I’m good! I’m going to be a grandmother! As you know-” giggling happily turning back towards me, her hand reaching up to my arm in a comforting way.
“I know- I’m very excited!” Smiling shyly he rubbed his forearm, taking a quick glance at me again.
“I’m thinking it’s going to be a girl.” She started rubbing my belly once again, my eyes were only focused on Max, I couldn’t get any words out. “You know what I’m like Max, some say I’m a witch for how correct I am with these things!”
“Either way, longs their healthy right”
“Either way, I think you and Lando would force them into racing!” Nudging his arm Max laughed a little.
“Well they’ve got Verstappen blood, I doubt we would have to force them that much.”
My eyes grew wide as I stared at Max, before looking at my mum. Then back at Max. Then back to mum.
“Verstappen blood?” Confused my mum glanced between us both, all three of us looking at one another in turns.
“Why your bl-” pausing- her finger pointed at us both, her eyes growing wider by the second, a gasp falling from her.
“Your the fath-”
“Shhhhh!” Cutting her off, I waved my hands infront of her.
“You haven’t told your parents…?” Mumbling quietly max lowered his head slightly.
“Have you told yours?” Now back glaring at Max. He slowly nodded his head.
“That’s what I’ve been needing to talk to you about.” Sheepishly he looked down at the small gift bag in his hands. Taking a deep breath, trying to calm myself I turned back to my mother holding her hands.
“Mum please- don’t tell anyone okay. Not until I’m ready…”
“What about your father?”
“I’ll tell him later. I promise…” Pausing I looked back at Max. “You.” Jabbing my finger into his chest. “Indoors now.” Picking my dress up slightly I hurried indoors trying not to draw so much attention, or give off that I’m absolutely raging inside-
Once in the kitchen, I looked back at max standing over the other side of the table who was wearing a small genuine smile.
“That wasn’t funny at all Max. So wipe that smile off your face”
“Just happy to see you again…” he placed the gift bag onto the table.
“Cut the crap. And just talk.”
Raising his hands in defence he pulled a chair out for me to sit before sitting down himself.
“How have you been?”
I think if looks could kill, Max would’ve been killed roughly 33 times.
“How have I been?”
“You know, in general… the pregnancy- how’s the baby been?” The tension grew as his sentences become frantic and rushed.
Kinda cute him being nervou- No Y/N his not cute. His a dick.
Clearing his throat he put his hands up once again in surrender.
“I’ve wanted to talk to you since, well after we was at yours…” raising his eyebrows, trying to hint at the last night we shared. Staring at him for a few moments, I then slid into the chair he pulled out, finally accepting the conversation. Truthfully a part of me just wanted to be in his presence, is it bad of me for enjoying being the centre of his attention… maybe.
“Then why didn’t you?” Crossing my arms over my chest I leant back into the chair.
“Well- so as I said, I told my parents… my mum was-” my heart skipped a beat or two, praying that the response was all good- kinda hoping they was excited it’ll make this whole thing easier- “There’s no words I think she cried for about an hour, she like jumped on me!” Chuckling a little at the memory a smile still playing on his lips. “My dad however… not so much.” And just like that the smile was gone, and my heart dropped- one out of two.
“He said a baby out of wedlock wasn’t something he wanted of me, told me to keep it a secret… kinda filled my head with crap and made me believe I shouldn’t do this… or I couldn’t do this like, be a dad- and that’s where Kelly comes into this.”
I hated her name rolling of his tongue, I would’ve rather had a drop of poison. The jealousy churned my stomach.
“It’s fake- all of it with us… I mean I know it’s fake, I think she is getting a little to comfortable.” Fiddling with his hand infront of him he looked up at me.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner… my dad had told me I needed to cut contact with you… that it’ll be easier- that way, just like move on and I kinda believed him- I thought I wasn’t good enough to be a dad, yet being around my nephews- makes me want a baby even more, and that’s when I realised the mistake I made… if you don’t forgive me I understand, I wouldn’t either. But I really hope you can find it in your heart somewhere to… or even just let me be apart of our baby’s life- I want to be a dad, so fucking much, I feel like it’s meant for me” truthfully he tugged at my heart strings, maybe it’s the hormones… but could I really forgive him that easy? Life’s been hell-
“Why didn’t you just call?…”
“Someone blocked you and I couldn’t figure out how to undo the block!!” Frustrated he pulled his phone out. And as angry as I once was- nothing could beat the smile slowly forming at his stupidity. Who doesn’t know how to unblock someone?!
“Please show me how it’s been driving me insane- I even searched up online but I couldn’t figure it out!” sliding his phone across the table. I looked up at him taking in his face once again... and just like always he was again forgiven.
“You swear you want this Max?” Biting my lips I picked at my dress once again, praying he says the words I want to hear.
Looking up from his phone, scrambling his hands over the table he quickly reached over holding onto my hand with both of his.
“More than anything in the world. I promise” his eyes spoke of pure genuine.
“This is the last time I forgive you. I swear on this Max- the last time” Squeezing his hand I stood up from the table making my way back to the garden.
“Y/N? The gift-” Max was following behind holding the bag out. Glancing down at it then back up at him I took it gingerly.
Pulling out a wrapped box from inside the bag, a small ribbon tied around in both pink and blue. Max took the bag placing it onto the table before taking the box from my hands holding it for me to pull the lid off.
Inside was a beautiful crystal set, of three bears- engrave on them was my name on one, max name on another and the baby bear still empty.
“Once we have a name I can go get it engraved on there-”
“Thank you Max.” Gulping, I felt my cheeks warm- how can something like three little bears make me well up so quickly. Closing the box back up I took it from his hands hugging it close to my chest. “It’s beautiful- thank you.”
“I think your beautiful…” his hand reached up brushing a strand of hair out my face…
“I’m sorry for everything.”
“We will see-” stepping back from his touch squeezing the box a little tighter.
“Also get Lando to look at your phone, I’m sure you both need a catch-up.” Smiling a little, reaching out and rubbing his arm gently, he nodded in response.
“I’ll prove myself- honest.” Stepping around me he headed out into garden, possibly going to find Lando.
Placing the box on the table I took a few deep breaths. One parent happy another not- my mum just found out who the dad is, my father doesn’t have a clue… Max is back, and his not technically single-
And me- I want to scream, I so wanted ti hate Max, but how can I? I don’t think I ever can hate him that’s the truth.
“Darling, you okay?” Turning around there my mum stood in the doorway smiling softly. And that was all that was needed for me to let the tears go.
“No-” I felt my lip start to tremble as she rushed in shutting the door behind her.
“Oh honey, sit down-” smiling sadly I took a seat once again, my mum pulling a chair around and in front of me.
“Talk to me-”
Taking a few deep breaths, I straightened my back, “where do I start-” we both giggled leaning into each other.
“You and Max? That’s a start-”
“Well if you mean what happened, we was both drunk mum, it really was a mistake- that happened twice” looking around awkwardly avoiding her wide eyes, “Max has been a bit difficult, his been a bit of a no show- and then after the second night we spent together- he completely cut me out, and seeing him today has been the first time in a while and well… as you know I didn’t want to see him.” Pausing I looked back at mum, “but I’m glad you did now because I found out the truth- his dads not happy were having a baby out of marriage. His mums happy- but his dad has basically forced a relationship onto him and told him to basically leave me and this baby- and Max believed it at first and he is saying now he realises that he wants to be a dad.” Huffing out a breath, I smiled finally wiping my face.
“And ontop of it all- I don’t know what to do- but I got this thing to figure out and it’s either for the better or, it’s failed, you know…”
“Well, that’s a lot to take in…” smiling she brushed my hair out my face, just like Max done not longer than five minutes ago. “Well, I’m pleased to know who the dad is, I’m glad it’s someone like Max even though his been acting silly… he is a sweet boy. And he deserves this family you are both creating.” Squeezing my hand reassuringly she continued. “But make it his last chance-”
“Mum- I don’t know if the other problem is going to ruin that whole family dynamic.”
“Honey, your a family for a reason, families are there for each other no matter what.” Standing up she rubbed my shoulders.
“Did you want to talk about your other problem?”
“No no, I think we have sort of covered it…” waving her off I stood up also.
“We better head out honey, hopefully everyone will start leaving-”
Smiling at each other, we linked arms heading back out into the garden.
And as if summoned Max was at my side, staying true to his word of proving himself.
“I got you a drink.” Holding the glass out to me, i accepted it smiling a little. “Thank you-”
My mum leant through and gave Max a tight hug whispering in his ear- whatever she said made him smile, a cute shy smile-
“Thank you.” Pulling back from each other, mum excusing herself.
“Did you want any food?” Both looking over at the barbecue, my stomach churned.
“No I feel like being sick…” laughing a little I sipped at my drink trying to hold down any sickness.
“Need me to get you anything?-” wide eyes he rubbed my shoulder gently. “Max, relax- your making me feel even more sick with all the questions.” Smiling a little, I moved past him going to sit down.
And within seconds him and Lando was both sitting down either side of me.
“So when you telling your dad?”
“What?” Looking over at Lando then over to Max.
“Well Max said your parents didn’t know and now your mum knows so when you telling your dad.
“Later.” Looking over at my dad I sighed, waving my hand infront of my face.
“You okay?” Max asked once again.
“I’m fine- just a little hot.” Max started waving his hand also in front of me.
“Why don’t we go indoors?”
“I’m fine.” Drinking my drink once again it was now Lando’s turn to pipe in.
“If you feel hot maybe we should sit in the shade?”
“I need 5 minutes.” Standing up I rushed off away from them both. And straight to my dad.
“You want some food darling?” My dad smiled at me hand resting on my arm.
There was bare to none food left, everyone had got there quickly. And just as quickly I shook my head.
“Dad can everyone go now-” swallowing I looked around at everyone- I don’t know when but at some point it got too much. The heat, the sickness, the problem. All of it.
“Err, sure honey.” His head darted around as he found a spot to put his beer down, and one by one, people started migrating out, giving me waves from a distance and a smile.
I was grateful, my dad really served- I felt guilty ending the day short but I just wanted a moments peace… and once everyone was gone and everywhere was cleaned up.
Well I say everyone gone- Max and Lando both defused leaving, sitting back down on the outside furniture and engaging in more conversation.
With them distracted I went down into the garden a little more, sitting at the little table and chair there. Under a tree with a lovely breeze blowing through and calming me. I was at peace.
My hand subconsciously rested onto my stomach, and the thought of knowing my baby was there, calmed me even more.
“Hey…” awaking me I glanced over my should at Max.
“Hi-”
“Can I sit?” Nodding over the chair, I nodded along clearing my throat.
“Sorry about kicking everyone out early.”
“Why you apologising?” Tutting and shaking his head, he sat down across the small rounded table.
“Just feel bad…”
“Don’t even begin to feel bad-”
“I already do-” laughing a little I leant towards the table, or more towards Max… the table definitely the table.
“How you feeling now?”
“A lot better…” pausing I looked down at my hands, fiddling with them.
“I need to speak to you about something…” looking back up at Max, his eyes were already on me as he nodded.
“I need to tell you something too-” smiling a little, I nodded my head.
“Okay well I’ll start-“
“Y/N I love you, not just as a friend or best friend- I think I genuinely love you.” I watched as he swallowed hard, my heart pounded, begging to be released and handed to him to look after.
“I’m moving back here-” I don’t know why- I could’ve said I love you back or, thank you- but no I chose to potentially ruin any moment we was about to have, his face hadn’t changed- I had no idea if he even heard me- he was like frozen in place.
“Max?”
“So let me get this straight. I tell you I love you- And your telling me you’re going to move across country, take my baby with you, and be hours away from me? When I’m trying to make emends for the things I’ve done.”
Nodding my head slowly, I chewed at my bottom lip.
“Right- so.” He paused turning away looking across the garden.
“Are you doing this out of spite of what I’ve done?”
“What? You seriously think it’s like that-”
“It’s how it seems.”
“No Max it’s not. Your never in Monaco, who is to say you’ll get 5 minutes when I go into labour or when the baby is here? My family are here at least I’ll have someone while your gone- do you understand that.”
Getting up from my chair I moved to stand in front of him, catching his attention.
“I have people here always… your never around. And you don’t realise how terrified I am to do this Max… I’m basically doing this alone and I’m so scared.” Once again the tears built up, rolling down my cheeks.
“I’m scared, what if I don’t know how to be a mum? And our baby won’t exactly have a dad around permanently- his in different countries all year round never home- what if this baby doesn’t feel loved enough Max? I’m so scared that this baby won’t realise how much it’s loved by us- it’s okay saying it but they need to be shown it-” letting out a sigh of relief, looking down at him I quickly wiped my face.
“So don’t judge me for helping our baby.” Max’s hands were covering his mouth, rubbing his face slowly, seeming like his staring past me. “I just feel like, every time I get close I’m really falling backwards…”
“Exactly how I’ve been feeling with you-” sniffling I wiped my face once again, Max finally sat up straight looking up at me.
“Let me help- atleast…” Max hands reached up taking mine and slowly pulling me closer, and like the sheep I was I followed along, now standing between his legs.
“I got it all covered…” lying through my teeth, Max already knowing- shaking his head. His hands slid to my hips, guiding me to perch onto his leg.
“Just let me take care of you-” it was like being in a trace, the way I just followed whatever Max done. “I’m okay…” it was like another comfort blanket, I curled up on top of Max, his arms around me securely, I knew he was still annoyed the heavy breathing gave it away. “Please stop fighting me… I want to try and accept this some way-”
“Okay…” sighing I closed my eyes, now finally accepting peace.
“I love you too max… always have.” Pausing once again, I leaned back looking up at him, “But you aren’t mine to have exactly…”
“Don’t- go there, I need to get my whole situation sorted, I just wish like-”
“Like what?”
“If I had someone like you- life would be a lot easier.”
“In a prefect world” laughing a little I rested my head back onto his chest. “I’m sorry”
“What did I tell you about apologising?”
“Not to do it…”
“Then don’t. It makes sense you being here, our baby ne-”
“Your baby?” Sitting up I turned around Max head basically snapped as he looked over.
And there stood dad.
“Well, I beat you to telling your parents.” Max mumbled guiding me off his lap, both standing in front of dad who stood there with two teas in hand. And a face like pure thunder…
A/N: Okay, sooooo Max is forgiven once again!!! How we feeling about the reader back in the UK? Orrrrr do we have a moment we’re the reader if about to leave and Max changes her mind? Keeps her in Monaco? Hmmm, anyways I hope you enjoyed a sorry it’s been so long!
Masterlist
#f1 imagine#formula one imagine#max verstappen imagine#imagine#max verstappen x reader#max verstappen x y/n#max verstappen x you#max verstappen
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Nightmares
Pairing: Dean Winchester x Reader
Summary: The reader has a nightmare and Dean is there to wake her. After, he questions what caused the nightmare.
Trigger Warning: Mention of abuse, death and implied assault.
Word Count: 2,331
A/N: I wrote this for myself, I have been in my feelings a lot recently and needed an outlet. I hope you find comfort in it as well. Requests are open x.
Masterlist
Fear does not even get close to describing how I feel at this very moment. The face leering above me, should be impossible. He couldn’t be here, it’s just not possible. He died. Not at my hands, but I watched it happen.
“Miss me?” He whispers, the s, whistling when he speaks. His hands come up to grab my face, his touch burning my skin, although no marks appear. “‘Cuz I missed you,” He grins now, pulling me closer to him. Rage fills my every nerve, I try to strike him, bite him anything. But I can’t, my body seems paralyzed. He laughs, the shrill, evil sound bringing back all sorts of cruel memories. I scream, and suddenly it's all ripped away.
“Hey, wake up. It’s okay, you’re okay.” I sit straight up, pulling away from the hands that are shaking my body. Falling straight onto the floor, completely disoriented and unable to distinguish where I am.
“Get the fuck away from me!” I yell, scurrying backwards across the floor until my back hits the wall. Panicking, I reach around to find something, anything that I could use as a weapon. Nothing. My hands are empty. My breathing is shallow, my chest tight and my throat burning from the screams that had left my mouth moments before. The room is pitch black, but I know he’s still there. The light clicks on and I immediately focus on the other person in the room. His hands raised, to show they were empty. His head cocked slightly to the side, a look of avid concern engraved into every inch of his face.
“Hey, it’s just me, Y/N.” He says, his voice low and calm. Recognition sweeps across my body, my eyes lock onto his and I relax. Dean. It’s just Dean. He must see me relax, because he drops his hands back to his side and approaches me. He reaches down, extending both his hands, offering them to me silently. I thank him quietly, and take them. Letting him pull me to my feet and then into his embrace. I willingly sink into his arms, allowing his scent to overwhelm me. The sound of his heart beat a comforting constant rhythm, causing my own to slow. I tuck my head under his chin, resting it fully against his bare chest. He doesn’t question it, just brings a hand to the back of my neck, weaving it into my hair and scrunching his fingers. Playing with my hair in the way that he knows calms me. His other hand is on the small of my back, tracing circles and holding me pressed against him.
“I’m sorry.” I whisper, not daring to pull away or even attempt to move. I am positive that if I tried to stand on my own, my legs would give out from beneath me.
“Don’t be, I was awake anyways.” A lie and we both know it. However, neither of us choose to debate it. “You wanna talk about it?” He asks, pulling back slightly so he can look down at me. I glance back up at him, sleep still heavy throughout all his features. I shake my head, not trusting my voice to speak. He nods in understanding, not pushing me any further.
He loosens his grip on me, his hand hand from my neck dropping, but leaves the one on my back. He guides me back towards my bed, I sit on the edge, my knee bouncing.
“You can go back to bed, De. I’m okay now.” I glance up at him, his face clearly showing that he knows I am lying. He doesn’t argue, nods his head and presses a kiss to my forehead. Something he does often, even though we aren’t together.
“I’m not far if you need something.” He says, before turning and closing my bedroom door behind him.
I wrap my arms around my core, trying to calm myself. Something I have done since I was a small child, but nothing seems to stop it now. I lay down, wrapping myself up in every blanket I can find, in hopes of warming my chilled body. Even though I know, the chill is internal, not something the warmest fire or blanket could resolve. According to the clock on my bedside table, I lay there for thirty minutes, restless and sleep evading my grasp. I sigh and toss my blankets to the side, clamoring out of my bed and over to the door leading to the hallway of the bunker.
The lights are still on, someone is still up. I hear noise coming from the library and decide to head that way. I make a pit stop in the kitchen, grabbing a couple of beers from the fridge, I figure whichever brother is still awake will appreciate a cold beer if they’re still awake this late. My feet are cold, the tile floor sending a chill through my body. I should have brought one of the blankets from my bed with me, but I am not going back to get one now. I round the corner into the library and see Dean, slouched in the corner of the couch, one leg outstretched, the other planted firmly on the floor. On the couch that the boys had dragged in there specifically for me to curl up on, while I read up on whatever lore necessary for the next hunt. The TV is turned on, some old movie playing quietly on the screen. He sees me coming and chuckles, I am a sight, I’m sure. My hair pulled up in a messy bun, sleep shorts hugging my hips and one of Dean’s well worn shirts adorning my body. I offer him a sheepish smile, handing him one of the beers. He shifts his body, so I can sit comfortably next to him. He pops the cap off his beer, taking a sip before turning to face me, slinging an arm over the back of the couch. I settle into the corner, leaning back and crossing my legs under me. I look down at the beer in my hand and debate on whether I want to struggle with the lid or just ask him for help. I choose the latter, I hold it out to him and shake it back and forth, gently. “Help, please?” I say, a small smile forming on my lips. He laughs again, reaching over and popping the bottle top off easily. Handing it back to me, but not before giving me crap about not being old enough to drink if I can’t get the lid off. I roll my eyes at him, but thank him all the same. We sit in silence for awhile, watching the movie play out before us. I have no idea what was happening, but I was thankful for his company nonetheless. I feel his eyes on me every so often, glancing at me before focusing back on the television.
“Y/N,” He breaks the silence, I look over at him and he is focused on me now. His beer mostly gone, I can tell he has questions. Things he wants me to clarify and it makes anxiety bubble up within me.
“You want another beer? I’ll go get it.” I say, standing quickly and moving to take his almost empty bottle. “What? No, sit down.” He sighs, grabbing my arm as I go to take his beer. I comply, knowing that I owe him an explanation. I sit back on the couch, returning to my prior position. I grab the blanket from the back of the couch and pull it over me, a barrier between myself and the outside world.
“You were talking in your sleep before you screamed, something about how he should be dead? You watched him die yourself? And then you screamed and, god, I have never heard that sound come from you before. What was that one about, sweetheart? Did something happen to you? Something you haven’t told me?” He poses the questions gently, his eyes watching me for any reaction or glimmer of an explanation. I stare at my lap, my hands coming up to rub my arm, a method of self soothing that I had adopted long ago.
“De, I, I don’t know where to start.” I mumble, stuttering over my words in the beginning. My throat feels closed off and it is difficult to speak. My eyes flutter closed as a flash of memory floods my brain. The hard floor pressed against my back, the metal digging into my wrists, his face hovering above me. The things he had done, mostly unknown by myself at that moment in time. My consciousness fleeting in and out, thanks to the concussion he had given me in the process of breaking my will.
“Hey,” Dean rests his hand on my knee, snapping me back to reality with a jolt. “you’re not there, wherever your thoughts are. You’re here, with me and you’re completely safe.” He says, his thumb moving back and forth over my skin. I nod, clearing my throat.
“Dean, do you remember when your dad called you and told you that he needed you to come get me and keep me with you for awhile?” I ask and Dean nods, his lips curving up in a slight smile.
“A call, I will forever be thankful for.” He states and I smile back, momentarily distracted and reminded of the day when Sam and Dean showed up outside of the motel room John had left me in.
“What he didn’t tell you was why. Your dad found me, he was hunting a demon. That demon happened to be possessing my boyfriend at the time. What I didn’t realize is that the entire time I was with him, he was possessed. I fell for all of his tricks, all of his advances, sweet nothings and every promise he made me. He had an easy time of it, he promised me an escape from my family. I was desperate to get out, so when an attractive, seemingly kind man offered me that, I jumped at the opportunity. It didn’t take long after I moved in with him for everything to change. He became cruel, snapping at me over the smallest things. Controlling what I did, who I could see.” I pause, taking a shaky breath. Dean squeezes my knee giving me the courage to continue. “If I didn’t do what he wanted or if I talked back, he would beat me…” Over the next few minutes I go into more detail of the things that he would do to me, the way he treated me and the closed brushes with death that I experienced. I don’t even realize that tears have started to fall from my eyes, until Dean brushes one away with his thumb. His face unreadable, but his body tense.
“The night your dad found me, was the closest I ever came to death. I watched your dad kill him. He used one of the bullets from the colt to kill him, in the process killing the body that the demon possessed. I don’t know who he was, or anything about him but his face haunts me, almost every night. I wouldn’t be here, if it wasn’t for your dad. If you hadn’t come to get me when he asked, I don’t know what would have happened to me or where I would be now. I think he knew that, which is why he had you two come get me. Take me in.” I exhale, my breathing accelerated now, a small sob escaping my lips. The feeling of getting everything off my chest and out into the open a relief, one that I never thought I would get. I drop my head into my hands my tears flowing freely now, sobs emanating from deep within me.
“C’mere.” Dean mutters, his hands gripping my ankles and pulling me across the couch towards him. He pulls me into his arms, his hand pulling my head into his chest and pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. Ive always known there was a reason for what dad did, but I never expected it to be that. The demon is lucky that he’s already dead, otherwise he would have absolute hell to pay.” He murmurs, his lips moving against my forehead, his words soft but the anger showing through them.
“I didn’t want you to think less of me, Dean. I thought that if you knew then you would look at me differently, think of me as weak. That you wouldn’t let me come with you and Sammy on hunts.” I say, pulling my body closer to his, the need for comfort overwhelming any other thought in my head.
“I could never think any less of you, Y/N. You are one of the most amazing people I know and I am so lucky to have you in my life. Please never doubt that, baby.” His words shock me, especially the use of baby. He has called me sweetheart many times, out of comfort or teasing. But never anything else.
“Dean?” I ask, my voice timid and quiet. He hums in response, looking down at me. “Thank you, for listening. For waking me up from my nightmare and comforting me. I couldn’t have gotten through tonight without you.” I look up at him, our eyes locking. I rest one of my hands on his cheek, angling his face towards me. I inhale, steeling my nerves and lean up, closing the distance between our lips. I hesitate, close enough to almost taste him, close enough I can feel his breath against my lips. He leans down, closing the distance and kisses me. It is unlike any kiss I have had in the past, its slow, meaningful and there is no hint of an ulterior motive. Just this, just a kiss. Just me and him. It’s enough, I’m enough.
#deanwinchesterxreader#supernatural dean#dean winchester#deanwinchesterblurb#dean winchester x reader#dean winchester fic#dean winchester fluff#deanwinchesterfluff#sam and dean#dean x you#dean x reader#spn#sam winchester#supernatural fic#supernatural#dean x yn#dean x reader fluff#dean winchester SPN#dean winchester imagine#dean x reader imagine#dean winchester x you#Dean Winchester x Female!Reader#fluff#fluffy#dean fluff#supernatural spn#wanderingwinchesters#dean winchester comfort#dean winchester angst#dean winchester x injured reader
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Part 1 Part 2
Rafes pov:
This girl. Damn it. I can’t believe she let me take advantage of her like this. I’m such an asshole. Fuck! What the fuck was I thinking.
Normally I would not care about violating a girl like that, but fuck me.. something about this girl has me hooked.
Since the first night I saw her swaying her ass at toppers party I knew she’d have me pussy whipped
And she did just that.
I even tried avoiding her for a week after that but she just had to bump into me.
I just dropped her off at home and I can’t believe it but I miss her
It’s not even about sex anymore, don’t get me wrong I will turn her into a little sex kitten, but it’s more than that.
Her hair, her eyes, her lips, her body, every fucking thing about her is perfect. And she’s mine.
When I found out she was a virgin I can’t lie I was happy. It means that nobody’s even touched her and the fact that I did and get to be her firsts just has my cock hard
I get home and get into bed, I probably shouldn’t call her, it’s too soon
And just like that I find myself listening to her soothing voice. Goddamn it this is hard
“I had fun tonight” her voice is the voice of an angel.
“I did too” I answer back
“When can I see you again?” She almost whines, it makes my cock stir
“Tomorrow kitten. Tonight you need to rest” I tell her as I imagine her laying next to me and stroking my cock
The first time I met her she was so shy but after I fucked her she loosed up a bit and we spent the rest of the night talking about the most random things. She told me about her ambitions in life and I told her a little about myself. I didn’t tell her what a psycho I am and all the shit my family, my father, does but I’m sure she knows.
“Sleep tight, kitten” and with that we end the call
My dreams are filled of this girl who showed up out of no where and captured my heart.
*
It’s the next day and my kitten is sitting in the passenger side of my car as we look at the view in front of us
“It’s so pretty” she says as she leans her head on the seat
“What do you say we try something new tonight” I tell her
She turns to me and smiles “what’s that?” Her voice is a little raspy and by god if it doesn’t wake my cock up
“Have you ever given someone a blowjob?” My jaw clenches at the thought of another man touching her
“No” her voice breaks my focus
“But I’d love to suck yours” she flutters her eyelashes as I watch her shift into a more comfortable position and reach over the console
“C-can you tell me what to do?” Her cheeks flush and by god it’s the sexiest thing I’ve seen
I smirk as I get more comfortable and unbutton my jeans, freeing my aching cock
“Grab the base of it, kitten” she does “good”
“Now.. wrap those perfect lips around the tip and suck” I instruct her and watch as she does exactly what she’s told, darting her tongue out and licking my pre cum off the tip before wrapping her plump lips and sucking
I groan as I restrain to shut my eyes “good girl, keep sucking and when you feel more comfortable take more of me down your throat” I tell her as I bring a shakey hand to her hair and stroke it out of her face
Her eyes stay glued to me as she pushes more of me down her tight little throat, I watch with fire in my eyes as she sucks me perfectly. Her eyelashes flutter as I grip her hair and tug, she moans around my cock and I swear I’m ready to bust like a teenager getting sucked for the first time
“Fuck” I hiss out as I throw my head back, she continues working my shaft and licking as her teeth graze it and her hand grips the base as she slowly strokes what doesn’t fit in her mouth
“Shit, kitten, you’re so fucking good at that”
She hums in appreciation to my praise and that does it for me
“Fuck fuck fuck” I cry as my grip on her hair lessens and she takes me deeper, my cum spilling in her warm throat
She licks me clean as she pulls away and I watch the string of saliva drip down her chin, I wipe it with the pad of my thumb and stroke her cheek “you did so good”
“I did?” She gets all shy on me
I nod “you sure you’ve never done that before” I let out a breathy laugh, she shakes her head
“Put I enjoyed it” she says squirming in her seat
“Yeah? Just how much” I say as I trail my fingers up her thigh and between her legs, bunching up her dress as I do. I stifle a groan mixed with a moan when I come in contact with her drenched panties
“Holy fuck, kitten. Sucking my cock got you this wet” I ask her as I rub her through her panties
She leans her head back against the window and spreads her legs wider as her teeth sink into her bottom lip “yes”
Fuck me, this girl is gonna be the death of me
Part 4
@f4ll-for-you @v21sstuff @rafeysworldim19 @baby19sthings @eventualoptimism @drewstarkeysbae
#outer banks#rafe cameron#drew starkey#smut#dark rafe cameron#outerbanks#drewstarkey#drewstarkey smut#rafecameron#fanfic#rafe outer banks#rafe x you
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our love is god [ethan landry] pt. 5
read part 4 here || all parts
pairing: ethan landry x fem!reader
warnings: major character death, depictions of murder/suicide
a/n: okay here we get to see the toxic psycho behavior start to come out! this part is so different from the last that it gave me whiplash to write. n e ways hope you like
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Even before I turn over, I can feel Ethan’s eyes on me.
He grins. “Hey, good morning,”
“Hi,” I say, sitting up against the backboard. “Have you been up very long?” I check the alarm. It’s relatively early still, only 8:15.
“No, no,” he says. “I just didn’t want to wake you. You looked so peaceful.”
There’s an awkward tension between us, neither quite knowing what to do now. Eventually, Ethan clears his throat. “So I, uh, I had a really special time with you last night, and I kinda want to keep hanging out? If you want to, I mean.”
“You mean like, go on some dates?”
“Um, yeah? If that’s cool?”
I don’t know if he’s ever asked a girl out before because he absolutely cannot look me in the eye, but his expression is so sweet that I lean over and gently kiss him.
“That would be great.”
He smiles, and I almost lose myself in this moment, until I remember the rest of last night.
“Shit, shit, shit,” I say, untangling myself from his arms. “I gotta go see Tara.”
Ethan frowns. “Wait, why?”
“I have to apologize. She’s all alone right now, Sam left last night.”
“I don’t see why it’s your job to tell her you’re sorry, though,” he says. “She literally slapped you.”
I pull on some discarded jeans and a t-shirt. “It’s more complicated than that,” I sigh. “I don’t want this to become a big thing. Easier to just apologize now, you know?”
He gets up and wraps me in his arms, resting his chin on my shoulder. “Alright. At least let me drive you? It’s too far to walk right now.”
I know that it’s a bad idea to bring Ethan, but the feeling of his arms around me and the faded scent of his cologne is intoxicating. I can’t help but be persuaded.
“Fine, okay,” I say. “Thank you.”
He gives me one more quick kiss on the neck before pulling away to get dressed.
***
Usually, the drive to Tara’s is ten minutes long. Thanks to Ethan’s driving habits, we make it in five.
Pulling up to the house, a wave of nausea and jitters passes through my body. I’m considering turning around until Ethan takes my hand in his. The non-verbal reassurance calms me down, and we walk into the house together.
I’m surprised to find that the door is slightly ajar, deadbolts forgotten without Sam in the house. I know that she’s still gone– her car is missing from the driveway– but my theory is confirmed when I find a note on the kitchen table:
At gmas. Don’t text. Call when you can have a real conversation -Sam.
“That’s brutal,” Ethan whistles.
“Yeah.” I remember how Sam looked at all of us last night, and it sends chills down my spine. I push it away. “I think I should bring her something.”
Ethan laughs. “Don’t you think that’s over the top?”
I roll my eyes at him. “Oh, whatever. I just want this to work.”
Opening the fridge, I find a bottle of orange juice that Tara once mentioned was her favorite. “Hey, that’ll work.”
Ethan grabs a ceramic cup from the cabinet and hands it to me. “How about making it special? Got any mixers?”
“Like Sam keeps any alcohol in this house,” I scoff, pouring the juice into the cup. “Plus, a mimosa isn’t the best hangover cure.”
“I don’t know… I was thinking something more like this.” He reaches underneath the kitchen sink, pulling out a bottle of drain cleaner.
I laugh, thinking he's kidding, but he doesn’t crack a smile or put the bottle away. “Come on,” he continues, pulling out an identical cup. “She’ll puke her guts out and you’ll get a little revenge before you apologize.”
He pours in blue liquid and mixes it with equal parts orange juice. I can’t lie, I’m a little horrified. “Don’t be a dick, Ethan, that stuff could kill her.”
He pauses for a second, and I can’t read his expression before his face softens. “You’re right, Y/N. I’m sorry. I didn’t think about that.”
He leans in and kisses me unexpectedly, and even though I’m still weirded out by his suggestion, I melt into him, letting the moment take me.
“Is okay,” I mumble into his mouth. “We gotta go. She’s probably waking up now.”
Without looking, I grab the cup from the table, distracted by Ethan’s eyes raking over me. It feels good to be wanted like this. I smirk at him and turn on my heels.
He follows me up the stairs, and together we approach Tara’s door. I know she’s in there by the sound of her sleep music playing softly, even though it’s past 9:00 at this point. Tara’s usually an early riser, but I’m willing to bet that the hangover is preventing her from starting her day.
Out of courtesy, I knock gently on her door. “Tara? Are you in there?”
No reply. Not wanting to give up, I turn the knob and let myself in. She’s laying in her bed, facing away from us. “Hey, Tara?”
Tara turns over, and I can tell she’s not happy to see me. “What are you doing here, Y/N? And with… Ethan?”
Even though she’s trying to ice me out, she’s clearly interested in whatever happened between us. I clear my throat. “Yeah. Listen, Tara, I know both of us said a lot of stuff we didn’t mean last night–”
“Did we?” she interrupts. “I don’t know, you seemed pretty fucking sure of yourself when you got in the middle of my family business.”
Her words hurt, and I can feel Ethan shift uncomfortably behind me. “I know. Can we just forget about it?”
I hold out the cup and she eyes me suspiciously. “What, did you spit in this or something?”
“Jesus, Tara, no,” I sigh. “I came to say sorry or whatever. You said it’s your favorite.”
This seems to persuade her. She takes the cup from me, sitting up in her bed. “If this makes me feel better, I’ll consider accepting your apology.”
This makes me smile slightly, and I can see a glint in her eye that tells me she might not be as mad anymore. She lifts the cup to her lips and drinks, and I relax a little, thankful she accepted my peace offering.
But something is wrong. Really, really wrong.
As soon as she swallows, her face scrunches up. She drops the cup, spilling the contents on her comforter.
“Tara?” I say, “What’s going on?”
She’s hacking now, and I see her start to convulse. I’m full-on panicking now. “Oh my god, Ethan, call 911!”
He’s completely checked out, watching Tara choke. “Fuck, Ethan, just do it!” I scream.
This seems to wake him up, and he grabs his phone from his back pocket. “Jesus, it’s fucking dead!”
This can’t be happening. I take her head in my lap, trying to elevate it so she doesn’t choke, but there’s no use. Tara wheezes and wheezes, then suddenly goes still, blood starting to trickle from her mouth.
I’m frozen. I can’t do anything but stare slack-jawed at Tara’s gaunt face in my lap.
Then it hits me, and I start screaming.
“Oh my god! Fuck, fuck, how could this happen, how could we kill–”
Ethan suddenly slaps his hand over my mouth, frighteningly out of character for him.
“Y/N, stop, please, stop! Someone’s going to hear.” He retracts his hand, and I feel my eyes welling with tears. I’m shaking.
“Jesus Christ,” I say. “I just killed my best friend.”
We sit in silence for a second until the reality of the situation dawns on me. “Holy fuck, what are we going to tell the cops?”
I can see the cogs in his brain turning, and he stumbles around the room. Suddenly, Ethan stops and picks up a copy of The Bell Jar from Tara’s desk.
“Okay. Now, we did a murder, and that's a crime. But, if this were like a suicide thing…”
“A suicide thing?” I don’t follow.
“I mean, you can do Tara’s handwriting just as well as your own, right?”
I suddenly understand what he’s asking me to do, and the thought makes me sick. But we have no other option.
I gently lift Tara’s head off of my lap so I can get up and rip out a piece of paper from her half-full history notebook. “Fuck, what do I say?”
Ethan thinks for a second. “We have to tie it back to last year. Make sure to talk about her fight with Sam last night.
It feels impossible, but I force myself to start writing.
Dear world,
You might think what I’ve done is shocking. To me, though, suicide is the obvious answer to the impossible challenge life has given me.
Though Richie Kirsch and Amber Freeman did not kill me last year, they stole something much more valuable– my will to live.
The absence of my father and sister, the deaths of some of my closest friends, and then the departure of my mother, all combined, made me realize that there is no one left who really knows me, no one who really cares.
I can’t live like this any longer, alone and afraid of an enemy who isn’t there. I died knowing that there was no other option for me. I hope you can understand.
Tara
By the time I’m done, I’m shaking so hard that I drop the pen. The page is stained with my tears, but there’s no time to rewrite it.
I collapse on the ground, and Ethan wraps his arms around me. “I know, I know,” he says. “It’ll be okay. We’ll be okay.”
taglist: @miawastakens
#ethan landry#ethan landry fanfiction#scream 2023#scream 6#ethan landry x reader#ethan landry x y/n#heathers#heathers au#high school au#jack champion#scream vi#scream fanfic#scream 6 fanfic
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“i’ve had a stinker lads”- harry lewis
I heard Harry’s keys in jingling in the lock “You home lovely?” he shouted “yeah i’m in the bedroom H” i replied hearing the blonde boy close the door and started walking towards the bedroom, “i missed you today” he said wrapping his arms around my shoulders “i missed you too” i said turning around and pressing a light kiss to his lips “do you mind if i go out to simon’s tonight?” he asked “uh no i don’t mind” i said giving him a fake smile “you sure because you seem a bit unsure?” he asked “no no it’s fine you can go i don’t mind i’m going out with the girls anyways” i replied and with that the blonde boy pressed another kiss to my lips before walking off into the bathroom to sort his hair out.
“right i’m leaving now give me a ring if you need a lift home” he said “will do” i replied giving him a squeeze before he went “oh and you look beautiful” he shouted before closing the door “okay he really did forget” i mumbled well putting my shoes on.
Never ever would i imagine walking into a restaurant and asking for a table for one it’s not something i’d be comfortable with but tonight i felt like i had to treat myself.
Harry’s pov
I approached the Mar Minter house not expecting to see Talias car in the drive not even thinking about it i knocked the door and saw Talia “hi harry” she said pulling me into a hug “uh hi talia?” i said more sounding like a question “you alright?”she asked “i don’t suppose you’re going with Casey tonight?” i replied “no no casey said she was busy tonight why?” she asked “well i asked her if it was alright if i came here tonight with the boys and she said yeah she was going out with you and the girls” i told her “i don’t know harry she said she was busy tonight i’ll ring Frey, Faith and Ellie now and see what they have to say” she replied leading me into the same room as the boys “alright harry” behz shouted “yeah yeah” i replied sitting down and pulling my phone out to text Casey.
Casey’s pov
haz🤍
hi lovely you okay ?x
Cas🩷
i’m good you.
haz🤍
not really Casey i’m really confused.
‘oh fuck oh fucking hell he knows i’ve lied’ i thought to myself switching my phone off in a panic and ramming it into my bag, feeling it vibrating multiple times but i refused to get it out regretting lying to him.
“Casey?” i heard a familiar voice say “Talia hi?” replied to her, seeing her sitting down opposite me “so you going to tell me why you lied to Harry?” she asked, i sighed “i didnt have the heart to tell him Tal he forgot about our date, the date HE planned” i told her “oh babe you should’ve told him” she replied grabbing my hand “you should’ve been honest with him Cas he’s worried sick back in ours assuming the worse” she spoke again “i’m sorry i lied and dragging you into this tal, i panicked” i replied feeling myself getting emotional “let’s get you back to ours so you can talk it out yeah?” she said looking at me with sympathy “i cant face him tal i’ve lied to his face” i replied she smiled pulling me up “lets go cas you can’t avoid him” she said pulling me to pay for the tab and leading me into her car.
Harry’s POV
“Tals just texted me she’s found Casey and bring her back to ours” Simon said “good i just don’t understand why she’d lie to me”i replied sighing “Sure you didn’t miss date night or something” JJ asked trying to be funny “oh boys i’ve had a stinker an actual stinker, TONIGHT was date night , oh my god that’s why she’s lied and that’s why she posed on her story a picture on her story of her in London, oh my god im an idiot and actual idiot how could i forget i planned the bastard date” i ranted on until Josh placed his hand on my shoulder “Harry breathe calm down mate take a breath” he said just as i calmed down i hear Talia shouting “we’re back” as she walked into the room, Casey trailing behind her “H can we talk?” she asked fiddling with her rings “yeah let’s go somewhere else?” i asked her “you can talk in our room” simon said “cheers mate” i replied heading to the couples room.
“Cece i’m so sorry i forgot about our date it’s been a such a long week and it completely slipped my mind, i’ll never do it again i swear i just can’t imagine how upset you were”i rambled quickly holding onto her hand “oh harry i’m so sorry i lied to you” she replied pulling me into a hug “i love you” i said “i love you too h” she replied kissing me.
____________________________________________
hi this is my first post on here, i hope you enjoy it.
if anyone has any they’d like me write i’ll try my best to write them the way you imagine them!!
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Weekly Tag Wednesday
Thanks for the tag @deedala @darlingian @suchagallabitch @energievie @creepkinginc @lingy910y @gembu-tortuesouscafeine @mickeysgaymom
1. if you could switch bodies with anybody for only one hour who would it be and what would you do?
Hmmmm. If it was ‘anything’ I’d switch with something with wings. But if it has to be a person then I guess the next best thing? Like a Circe du Soleil arial performer? Yeah, I think that’d be cool, but also after an hour I’d be kinda done. Perfect.
2. whats your most trivial / dumbest hot take?
I don’t have baths after dark. No one should. The nighttime monsters are gonna get you, if you’re wet after sundown. I don’t make the rules 🤷🏽♂️
3. If you had to teach a college course what would it be in?
Something animal related. Or problem solving and problem prevention. Like, I always say you can’t teach common sense but… maybe I could try?? Cause I think I’d be pretty good at it! Maybe not college. Get them earlier. While they’re malleable. Teach them how to spot shit that’s about to hit the fan. And what they can do to prevent it! Teach them how to walk into a room and register the 13 things that need to be addressed / fixed / saved / cleaned before they walk back out of the room. Yeah. I’d be good at that.
4. season 12 of shameless is suddenly happening and you’ve been put in charge! what plot point(s) are you gonna make happen?
I want them all to be settled and happy. I don’t need life to be perfect. But just…
I like Lip being into the building and decorating, but he’s soon gonna miss using his brain, so I’d like him to move into either the architecture side of things or the business management and franchising side of things.
I love Ian & Mickey being happily married forever and ever, and they’ve gone through so much shit, they should just get to be happy, but! I hate that all mentions of Ian’s bipolar were cut from season 11. This doesn’t just go away. Show me how well they deal with it now, but also how it’s still hard, and how it touches a part of Mickey’s hurt and trauma that he doesn’t want to achonowledge, and how sometimes it makes Ian self-loathing and mean and Mickey scared and angry, and when they get like this they lash out at each other. And then show me how, even when things are hard, they continue to fight for each other and choose each others, because they will ALWAYS choose each other.
Sandy is going to come back and Debbie and her are gonna make a real go of it.
Carl is going to buy and run The Alibi and it’s going to be awesome.
5. who would be your godly parent? (can be any mythology).
The Black Rabbit of Inlé.
Oh, there's no more to fear in death than in the changing of the seasons.
You all know how some rabbits seem just to throw their lives away between two jokes and a theft: but the truth is that their foolishness comes from the Black Rabbit, for it is by his will that they do not smell the dog or see the gun…But the truth is — or so they taught me — that he, too, serves Lord Frith and does no more than his appointed task — to bring about what must be. We come into the world and we have to go: but we do not go merely to serve the turn of one enemy or another. We go by the will of the Black Rabbit of Inle and only by his will. And though that will seem hard and bitter to us all, yet in his way he is our protector.
6. what’s something you love about yourself?
I’m funny, kind, competent, hard working, and creative. I hate myself a lot, but I’m also pretty fucking awesome. Two things can be true at the same time. I contain multitudes. 🤷🏽♂️
7. describe your day in 5 emojis:
😭🥓🍳🥲🛍️
8. what shameless character do you think you could beat in a fight?
Jimmy-Steve, Liam, and Fiona. Tommy, Kermit, and Kate. Iggy and Walter Milkovich (if they’re high, which they will be). Also Karen, Ned, and Kash.
9. tell us 2 truths and a lie, we’ll try to guess the lie!
10. do you have a pet(s). if so how did they get their name?
Mouse was named after Michael ‘Mouse’ Tolliver (Tales of the City) by Ruth and after Mouse the Temple Dog from Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files by me. Full Name: Mouse McFeathers.
Howard was named after the foreman in charge of a big building project at the farm, at the time when we rescued him as a kitten. Howard Alan Crisp, giving his name to our three kittens Howard, Alan, and Crispy. Full Name: Howard ‘Bonk Bonk’ Bambino.
Wiggins was named after the cyclist Bradley Wiggins, because he was big at the time, and it was better than Froome, which was the other name on the table, and closest to Arthur, which is what I wanted to call him. In the end we let Mouse choose by writing all the names on pieces of paper, folding them up, and picking the one she swiped off the table. Full Name: Wiggins Dangerbean.
11. show us a meme (or picture) that captures your essence
12. whats your typical coffee / tea / beverage order?
Chai Latte
I would like to tag @suzy-queued @vintagelacerosette @sam-loves-seb @lupeloto @shameless-notashamed @transmickey @heymrspatel @gallawitchxx @francesrose3 @jademickian @sickness-health-all-that-shit @metalheadmickey @gardenerian @callivich @celestialmickey @look-i-love-u @rutherinahobbit @palepinkgoat @whatthebodygraspsnot @depressedstressedlemonzest @rereadanon @the-rat-wins @tsuga-of-mars @too-schoolforcool or just hand you a flower and let you pet a puppy 🐶
#tag game#weekly tag wednesday#Mys stuff#why are my tag games always 7 times as long as anyone else’s???#🤦🤦🤦#tag you’re it
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Always an Angel, Never A God: Chapter One.
1×9--Home
Synopsis: Reader, an estranged friend of the Winchesters, reconnects with them in their hometown of Lawrence, Kansas. She accompanies them on their hunt, and canon typical chaos insues.
Warnings: Swearing, canon-typical violence and spookiness, mentions of dead family members, estranged/missing family members, fucked up family dynamics. Use of Y/n and she/her pronouns, and written in first person.
A/N: Me when I lie when I said this would be out at noon 😮💨🫶🙃 my phone glitched tf out and didn't post it?? Anyway, if the summary doesn't describe something you're interested in please read something else! I am sensitive and not open to criticism lmao!!
Act One
***
I exhale a shuddering breath as I pass the sign reading, "Welcome to Lawrence." It's been years since I've been back; and I'm only brave enough to come back now because my dad's dead. It sounds callous, I know, but growing up as a hunter's daughter was hard. Really, really hard. Although, I imagine no matter what my father's occupation had been, we would have had a tumultuous relationship.
I pull myself out of my thoughts as I turn down Missouri’s street, a psychic that my dad knew in his hunting days. I take my hands off the wheel one at a time and shake out the tension as I pull up to her house. I have a somber moment to myself, taking in the sweet, quiet neighborhood. It fills me with a squeezing melancholic feeling in my chest.
Missouri obviously knew I was there, given her gift, and she swung open the door with a wide, bright smile. I return it and make my way up the steps.
"Hi, baby!" she exclaims, bringing me in for a warm hug.
"Hey, Miss Missouri. How's it going?"
"Oh, much better now that I see your beautiful face!" She punctuates this with a loving pat on my cheek. "How are you feeling?"
I try to stop my face from falling. "I've, you know. I've been better."
She gives me a softer, empathetic look. "I know, sweetheart. Life hasn't been kind to you. Let's go inside, we'll talk about it, okay?"
I nod at her, swallowing the lump in my throat.
***
I swipe my hands down my pants, drying the nervous sweat that's collected there. Missouri comes back with a cup of tea for each of us, sitting across the coffee table from me. "Thanks," I say, holding the warm cup in my hand and letting it ground me. The sweet aroma flows up to my nose, and I can't help but smile. "Chamomile! How did you remember it’s my favorite?" She gives me a humorous look, and I remember. "Oh, right. Psychic."
She chuckles. "Yeah, and I can handle more than tea. Why don't you get out that list for me?"
I try and fail to stifle my shock. It's such an odd feeling to converse with a psychic; one moment, it's a normal conversation and the next they reveal their innate ability to see your innermost thoughts. It makes me feel exposed. I reach into my bag and pull out my notebook, staring at the first bullet point. Mom.
"What do you want to know about her?" Missouri asks.
I sigh, furrowing my brows. "You know, I...I don't even know. I mean, there are so many things I wish I could know about her. You know, like was she a hunter? What's her favorite color?" I laugh humorlessly at that one, as Missouri nods along. "But, I guess what I want to know the most is, is she okay? And if she is, would she want to…to know me?"
Missouri takes a moment, shifting forward in her seat and looking down in thought. "You know, your father has asked me about her many times. And each time, it's been fuzzy. Almost like, I can see that there's something behind the window, but it's all smudged and blurry. Even now, I can't quite make it out. I'm sorry, baby."
I nod, biting the dry skin off of my lip. Something about that answer doesn’t satisfy me. I know Missouri wouldn’t lie to me on purpose, but I can’t help but wonder if she is withholding something. “Yeah, it's okay. Maybe...maybe that just means I'm not ready to hear it."
"Maybe. I know, that doesn't make it easier."
"Not really, no," I chuckle honestly.
We sit there for a moment in somber silence. Missouri breaks it, asking, "What's next on your list?"
I shift to get more comfortable in my seat, and look down at my notebook again.
"Ah, them. I'm surprised, y'all were always so close,” she prods.
"Yeah, yeah. We, uh, we definitely were. Things, uh, things have just been so different, recently, you know?"
"Well, y'all have all been through a lot."
"Yeah, you’re tellin’ me," I agree.
"So, what do you want to know about Sam and Dean?"
I pause, looking down again. I try and fail to take in a deep breath. I swallow the lump in my throat that forms every time I think about the Winchester brothers. "Well, I'm sure you know that it hasn't been as long since I've talked to Dean. We still keep in touch, it's just been a lot more few and far between than it used to.”
“And why is that?” she questions, although I can guess by her face she already knows the answer.
“It’s my fault, really. Ever since my dad…you know, I sort of began to distance myself.” Missouri nods, encouraging me to continue. “I just–it became more difficult to be around John all the time. To have him try to step up as my father figure when he didn’t even raise his own kids. And Dean…Dean is my best friend, right? But he has become John’s little shadow. He tries to emulate his every move, anticipate his every thought, and it’s exhausting. And without Sam as a buffer…it just got to be too much.”
She looks at me, searching. “What about Sam?”
I pause, confused. “What–sorry, what do you mean? I thought we were talking about Dean?”
“I’m confident that you and Dean’s conflict will resolve with time. I want to know about Sam, because that’s who you really came here to ask about. Right?”
For the millionth time this afternoon, I'm stunned by her insight. "Well, I wouldn’t, um, I wouldn’t necessarily say that’s true…completely…” My rambling peters out at her knowing look. Sighing, I concede. “Yeah, Miss Missouri. I miss him so much. It’s the type of missing someone that makes it hard to breathe, you know? And I know, it’s rich to be mad at Sam for needing space when I have distanced myself from Dean. But, I don’t know…I’m just so hurt. We used to talk every single day. About everything. And we haven’t talked since–”
"Since he ran away to college?" I nod. "Yeah. What do you need me to find out about him?"
I feel the lump in my throat come back. I exhale down at my lap, wishing that talking about Sam didn't make me so emotional. "Is he okay?" I ask finally, voice slightly trembling.
"Oh, Y/n," Missouri coos, rising from her seat to sit next to me on the couch. She takes my hands in hers, looking into my eyes. "He's okay. He's happy."
"Would he, um, would he want to talk to me again?" She closes her eyes, signaling to me that she's searching the other side for info. Her eyes move back and forth rapidly behind her lids, her brows furrowing. "What? What is it?"
"He's, he's actually really close. They both are." I lean forward, my heart pounding.
"Really?" Her eyes fly open as someone knocks on the door. My mouth drops to my chest, eyes wide. "No fucking way..."
"Y/n! Watch your mouth," Missouri scolds.
"Sorry, I just, is it?"
"Yeah, it is." She rises to get the door.
***
I'm frozen on the couch as I hear the rumble of their voices for the first time in ages. My heart flutters as Missouri addresses Sam, apologizing about his girlfriend. I didn’t even know he had a girlfriend, much less what could have happened to her. Their voices get louder as they walk into the living room where I'm sitting. The thick stomp of their boots halt dead in their tracks as they see me. I look up, watery eyes taking in Dean and Sam Winchester. "Hi," I say meekly. They both stare at me, blinking slowly and their mouths slightly agape. Sam's cheeks blush, his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets. His hair is longer, falling into his eyes and flipping around his ears. Dean looks the same, maybe some more freckles dotting his nose, sporting his old leather jacket. He's the first to break, a bright smile creeping onto his face.
"Y/n?!" He asks. I nod shyly and Missouri slaps him on the shoulder, launching him forward, encouraging him towards me. I stand to meet him and he embraces me quickly, cupping the back of my head. We sway for a second, before he squeezes, holding me back at arms length to drink in my appearance. "You look great, sweetheart," he says cheekily.
"You don't look so bad yourself, stud," I giggle back. "I missed you."
"I missed you too." He steps back, smiling at Sammy. He nods his head towards me in encouragement.
"Heya, Sammy," I start apprehenseively. He takes a step towards me, a smile highlighting the dimple in his cheek.
"Hey there, stranger," he says softly. He takes a couple more steps, meeting me in the middle. "Can I, uh, can I hug you?"
"Yes, please," I breathe, practically launching myself in his arms. I squeeze him around the middle, silent tears threatening to make their way down my face. It's been so long since I've heard his voice, and even longer since I've seen him in the flesh. I feel my whole body relax in his embrace. "It's really, really good to see you," I sniffle, hastily wiping my face.
He pulls me back, petting a hand through my hair. "It's good to see you too."
I reluctantly pull away from Sam’s warmth, and Dean asks me, “So, what are you doing back here? It’s been a while since I’ve heard from you.”
I blush a little in embarrassment. “I’m so sorry, Dean. I shouldn’t have pulled away so much.”
He shakes his head, being genuine as he consoles me. “Nah, come on, bubba. You don’t have to do all that. I would definitely prefer it if you didn’t go MIA on me again, but I get it. Life’s sucked recently.”
“Thank you, Dean. You’ve certainly matured since we last talked.”
He rolls his eyes affectionately. “Shut up, punk.”
“You first, asshole.” Sam grins, watching us fall back into our comfortable back and forth. Missouri clears her throat at my use of language, and I shoot her an apologetic look. “Oh, I’m here to talk to Miss Missouri about some, uh questions I had for the other side, so to speak. She worked with my dad a while back. She’s the best,” I beam.
“Which brings us to why you’re here: your father’s missin’?” she asks.
“John’s missing?” I ask, concerned.
"Yes, we, uh, haven't heard from him in a while," Dean explains.
"Oh shit," Missouri shoots me another exasperated look. "Sorry, ma'am."
"Y'all quit standing around, you're making me anxious." We all scramble towards the couch as she scolds us, the boys getting comfortable on either side of me. Just like old times. "So, your father. How can I help?”
"Yes ma'am. We were wondering if you could, uh see him? Is he okay?" Dean asks.
"I don't know."
"You don't know? Well, you're supposed to be a psychic, right?"
"Boy, do you see me sawing some tramp in half? You think I'm a magician? I may be able to read thoughts and sense energies in a room, but I can't just pull facts out of thin air." Sam and I snicker during her monologue, and Dean leans back in his seat, defeated. She whips her head back to him, reprimanding, "Boy, you put your foot on my coffee table I'mma whack you with a spoon!"
He looks at us, in shock, defensively replying, "I didn't do anything."
"But you were thinking about it." Dean turns to me, raising his eyebrows. I just smile back at him, enjoying this.
"She's good, Dean."
He rolls his eyes at me playfully, and Sam asks, "Okay, so our dad--when did you first meet him?"
"He came in for a reading," Missouri responds, "a few days after the fire. I just told him what was really out there in the dark. I guess you could say...I drew back the curtains for him."
The fire she's referring to is the one that killed Sam and Dean's mom. Dean was four, and Sammy was just six months old when it happened. The papers said it was some faulty wiring, some tragic freak accident. But we know better. It was something supernatural, we just don't know what.
Dean's interest had peeked when she mentioned the incident. "What about the fire? Do you know what killed our mom?"
"A little. Your daddy took me to your house. He was hopin' I could sense the echoes, the fingerprints of this thing."
"And could you?" Sam prods.
Missouri looks serious, almost sad. "I..." she falters, shaking her head.
"What was it?"
"I don't know. Oh, but it was evil." I sit back, looking at her pensively. The boys deflate, as if their fears have been answered. "So, you think somethin' is back in that house?"
"Definitely." Sam answers.
"I don't understand."
"What?"
"I haven't been back inside, but I've been keepin' an eye on the place, and it's been quiet. No sudden deaths, no freak accidents. Why's it actin' up now?"
"I don't know. But Dad going missing and Jessica dying and now this house all happening at once--It just feels like something's starting."
"Well, that's a comforting thought," Dean quips.
"Tell you what. Why don't I come to the house with you, see if I can feel out what's there?" Missouri offers.
"Yeah, that's about the best option we've got right now," Sam says. "Thank you, Miss Missouri. That's really kind of you to offer."
"Of course, baby. Any way I can help. Let me go get some of my things and then we can head on our way, okay?" We all nod in agreement as she makes her way upstairs.
"So, you comin' with us?" Dean asks me after a moment.
I sit there, taken aback a little. "Me?"
"Yeah, of course. It'll be nice to have the old gang back together."
I smile at this, looking down at my hands to hide my blush. "Yeah, that would be nice." I think for a moment, feeling insecure. "I just, I don't know, I'm out of practice. And I don't want to intrude on this family thing..."
Sam speaks up this time, saying, "Dean's right, we could really use your help. And, you wouldn't be intruding...you are family, Y/n." I smile at him softly, thinking.
"Okay. Sure, I'll help. But, y'all are going to have to catch me up on everything since we've talked last. Especially you, Sammy. I want real stories, not just 'oh, you know it was fun.'" As I tease him, a sadness washes over his face, and I worry I crossed a line. Just as quickly as it came, it left. He extends his pinky towards me, an old tradition of ours.
"I pinky promise," he says. We seal the deal, and I turn towards Dean, offering him my other pinky.
"Come on, no. I don't do that shit."
"Please, Dean? How else will I know you will keep your promise?"
"'Cuz I'm a man of my word."
"Mmnm, not good enough and you know it." He gives me an exasperated look, and I dramatically pout at him. Stick out my bottom lip, tilt my eyebrows, bat my eyelashes, the whole nine. He rolls his eyes, before wrapping his pinky around mine. I use the contact to yank him closer and plant a sloppy, loud kiss on his cheek, smacking exaggeratedly. He grimaces and wipes off his cheek aggressively. "Thank you, bubba!" I tease, using our childhood nickname for each other as even more leverage.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm a selfless angel. Now get your ass in the car."
Excitement washes over my face at the revelation. "Y'all still drive the Impala?"
"Oh yeah. That's easily been Dean's most stable relationship," Sam teases.
"Shut up," Dean shoots back.
"Hey! Y'all quit misbehavin' and let's go!" Missouri hollers, coming back down the stairs.
"Yes ma'am!" we say in unison, scrambling out the door.
***
Act Two
***
Jenny, the current owner of the Winchester's house, whips the door open, looking frazzled. Out of breath, she asks, "Sam, Dean? What are you doing here?"
"Hey, Jenny. These are our friends, Y/n and Missouri," Sam intros in his softest, kindest voice he could muster. I stand between the boys' broad shoulders, trying to look welcoming and trustworthy.
"If it's not too much trouble, we were hoping to show them the old house," Dean chimes in. "You know, for old times sake."
She looks anxiously over her shoulder, shaking her head as she tells us, "You know, this isn't a good time. I'm kind of busy."
Dean's thin veil of patience drops completely. "Listen, Jenny, it's important. Ow!" He exclaims this last part as Missouri presumably smacks him across the head.
"Give the poor girl a break, can't you see she's upset?" she chastises. "Forgive the boy, he means well, he's just not the sharpest tool in the shed, but hear me out." I crane my neck to glance at Dean, who's standing there scratching his head and looking at Missouri stunned.
"Hear you out about what?" Jenny asks.
"About this house."
"What are you talking about?"
"I think you know what I'm talking about. You think there's something in this house, something that wants to hurt your family. Am I mistaken?"
Jenny looks at us, confused and probably scared. "Who are you?" she asks after a moment.
"We're people who can help, who can stop this thing. But you're gonna have to trust us, just a little."
She looks between the four of us and over her shoulder a few times, chewing her lip in uncertainty. After a moment, her desperation seems to outweigh her apprehension, and she steps to the side, nodding at us inside her home.
***
We find ourselves standing in her daughter, Sari’s bedroom. Missouri looks around, feeling out the space. “If there’s a dark energy around here, this room should be the center of it,” she says.
“Why?” Sam asks her.
“This used to be your nursery, Sam. This is where it all happened.” I look towards him, and he seems to be taking in the room with a newfound sadness. I glance around, looking at the window facing the street, the walls, the ceiling where Mary supposedly was when John found her. I look down again to find Sam transfixed on the ceiling as well. Behind us, Dean shuffles through his jacket, pulling out an instrument. “That an EMF?” Missouri asks him.
“Yeah.”
“Amateur.” Dean fixes her with a glare, before nudging Sam and I to point out the EMF meter beeping frantically. “I don’t know if you boys should be disappointed or relieved. but this ain’t the thing that took your mom.”
Sam looks back over at her. “Wait, are you sure?” She nods. “How do you know?”
“This isn’t the same energy I felt last time I was here. It’s something different.”
“What is it?” I ask.
“Not it,” she explains, moving towards the closet. “Them. There’s more than one spirit in this place.” My heart sinks.
“What are they doing here?” Dean asks.
“They’re here because of what happened to your family. You see, all those years ago, real evil came to you. It walked this house. That kind of evil leaves wounds. And, sometimes, wounds get infected.”
“I don’t understand.” Sam says, stepping closer towards her.
“This place is a magnet for paranormal energy. It’s attracted to a poltergeist. A nasty one. And it won’t rest until Jenny and her babies are dead.” My hand reaches up to cover my mouth in shock. What could want to hurt an innocent woman and children so fiercely?
“You said there was more than one spirit.” Sam clarifies.
“There is. I just can’t quite make out the second one.”
“Well one thing’s for damn sure–nobody’s dyin’ in this house ever again,” Dean says with a strong, resolved voice. “So whatever is here, how do we stop it?”
***
We make our way back to Missouri’s house, where we find ourselves now, gathered around her dining room table. Scattered in front of us is a collection of assorted herbs, spices, roots, and oils. As we sort through it, Dean asks, “So, what is all this stuff, anyway?”
Missouri answers, “Angelica Root, Van Van oil, crossroad dirt, a few other odds and ends.”
“Yeah? What are we supposed to do with it?”
“We’re gonna put them inside the walls in the north, south, east, and west corners of each floor.”
“We’ll be punchin’ holes in the drywall. Jenny’s gonna love that,” Dean teases sarcastically.
“She’ll live,” Missouri replies slyly.
“And this’ll destroy the spirits?” Sam asks this time.
“It should. It should purify the house completely. We’ll each take a floor. But we work fast. Once the spirits realize what we’re up to, things are gonna get bad.”
I glance at her, then the boys, feeling slightly nervous at our impending tasks. Dean is hyperfocused on building the hex bags, while Sam gives me a reassuring smile. I return it, and look back down as I feel blood rush to my face.
***
Back at Jenny’s home, Missouri guides her and her kids out of the house, while I sort through the supplies in Dean’s well loved duffel bag. I hear Jenny tell Missouri worriedly, “Look, I’m not sure I’m comfortable with you guys here alone.”
Missouri continues to herd her out, saying “Just take your kids to the movies or somethin’, and it’ll be over by the time you get back.”
We split up then, Sam and I splitting the top floor, Dean taking the ground floor, and Missouri taking the basement. She had given me a weird, knowing look when I offered to go with Sam that I haven’t been able to shake.
I decided to plant my hex bag in the wall of Jenny’s en-suite bathroom. I raise the hammer and begin to hack into the drywall, when I hear the bathroom door slam shut. I whip my head around to see if maybe someone was there, but no one is. “Sam?” I call out tentatively to no answer. “Shit.” I rise trepidatiously, moving to the door and trying the handle. Locked. “Fuck!” I exclaim, shaking the door and pounding on it, begging it to budge. Suddenly, the tap in the sink and bathtub turn on by themselves, pouring and spraying out water aggressively. I take notice that the drains are seemingly plugged, too. Is this ghost trying to frickin’ drown me in here? I turn back to the door, pounding, tugging, kicking with all my might. “Sam! Dean!” I scream, begging for one of them to hear me. The water from the sink is now pouring off onto the ground. “Shit. Shit!” I look around the room, begging my brain to regain control and find a solution. I see the hex bag and hammer forgotten on the ground and rush over to them. I fiercely hack at the wall, and throw the hex bag inside the gap. A flash of bright, white light appears and rushes out of the room, under the door. The water stops, and the door creaks open a smidge. I take the opportunity and run out, searching for the boys and Missouri.
I crash into Sam’s old bedroom to find him lying on the ground, presumably regaining consciousness. Dean’s crouching over him, cradling his head. “Sam?” I ask hurriedly, rushing over to them. At the sound of my voice he peaks up, sending a tired smirk my way.
“Hey,” he says breathlessly, blinking slowly and frog-like.
I make eye contact with Dean, asking, “What happened?”
He shakes his head, sighing, “I guess we were dealing with some bad mothers here. You okay?”
“Yeah, I think so. You?”
“Yeah. Yeah, I’m good. Kitchen’s a damn mess, though.”
***
Act Three
***
Missouri, Sam, Dean and I stand in the kitchen a few hours later, taking in the scene before us. “You sure this is over?” Sam asks.
“I’m sure,” Missouri answers. “Why? Why do you ask?”
“Never mind,” he relents, sighing. “It’s nothin’ I guess.” I hear Jenny open the door and walk closer to us.
“Hello? We’re home!” she calls before stopping in the kitchen, looking around at the mess. “What happened?”
“Hi,” I say, being the one closest to her. “Um, we’ll pay for…all this,” I gesture behind me. Dean glances over at me, confused.
Missouri steps in, “Don’t you worry, Dean’s gonna clean up this mess.” He stands there, for a moment, not moving. “Well. What are you waiting for boy? Get the mop.” He begins to begrudgingly walk away, before she scolds him. “And don’t cuss at me!” I hear him mutter something under his breath as he continues to walk away, and I can’t hide my smile.
***
Later that night, we find ourselves parked outside Jenny’s house again. I yawn from the backseat, trying to rub the sleep away from my eyes.
“All right, so, tell me again, what are we still doin’ here?” Dean asks Sam from the driver’s seat.
Sam sighs, “I don’t know. I just…I still have a bad feeling.” I reach across the seat to squeeze his shoulder.
“Why? Missouri did her whole Zelda Rubenstein thing, the house should be clean, it should be over.”
“Yeah, well, probably. But, I just wanna make sure, that’s all.”
“Yeah, well, problem is I could be sleeping in a bed right now.” Dean slides down to rest his head on the seat back, closing his eyes. Sam shifts so his back is in the corner of the seat and window, so he can look at me and the house easily. I fold my arms across the seat and rest my cheek on them, smiling sleepily up at him. He smirks back at me, showing off his dimple. His eyes quickly flit behind me, catching sight of something towards the house. Fear grows in his eyes, and he hurriedly slaps Dean on the shoulder, waking him up.
“Dean. Look, Dean!” We whip our heads around to see Jenny, standing at the window of her bedroom, screaming for help, banging and clawing on the glass. We quickly jump out of the car, Dean barking orders.
“Y’all grab the kids, I’ll get Jenny.”
“I’ll get Ritchie!” I holler, sprinting into the house and up the stairs to the nursery. Ritchie is standing up in his crib, face red and nose running with sobs. “It’s okay baby, I got you. Come here, sweetheart, come here,” I coo the best I can while I cradle him to my chest. I rush outside with him, meeting Sari, alone, at the door. We run across the lawn to Dean and Jenny, and I look around feverishly for Sam.
“Sari, where’s Sam?” Dean asks breathlessly.
Between sobs, she answers. “He’s inside. Something’s got him.” Dean and I make eye contact, before looking back towards the house. The door slams shut on its own, trapping Sam, and whatever else, inside.
***
Act Four
***
Dean rushes to the trunk to get anything that could help. I heard the family in the car, getting them as comfortable as possible. “Please, stay here. We’ll be back soon. You’re safe here,” I assure them. Dean is halfway across the lawn, and I jog to meet him. He turns around, tossing me a shotgun before hacking down the door with an axe. When he finally makes a hole big enough, we rush in, arms drawn. Sam’s inside the kitchen, his large frame pinned against the wall, feet off the ground. A figure made of hot, white fire stands with him, and Dean raises his gun at it.
“No, don’t. Don’t!” Sam pleads.
“Why not?” Dean shouts back.
“Because I know who it is. I can see her now.”
Suddenly, the fire vanishes to reveal a beautiful woman with long, blonde hair in a white nightgown, looking vaguely familiar. Dean stills, lowering his gun as they make eye contact. Her face is warm and inviting, her eyes sparkling in a comforting way. Dean softly murmurs, “Mom?”
“Dean,” she says with a voice like honey. “Sam,” she says, walking towards him. Sam’s face twitches in a sad smile, and hers falls from her face. “I’m sorry,” she says.
“For what?” Sam asks. Mary smiles at him sadly, but doesn’t answer. She walks away from him, looking up towards the ceiling.
“You, get out of my house. And let go of my son,” she demands fiercely, chills erupting across my whole body. Once again, she bursts into flames. Once her entire form is engulfed, the fire climbs towards the ceiling and disappears. The force that was holding Sam releases him, and he joins us in our place as we gaze at where Mary disappeared. We glance at each other, completely stunned.
“Now, it’s over.”
***
Act Five
***
The next morning, I stand pressed against Dean’s shoulder, looking at the old pictures in his hands with them. “Thanks for these,” he says to Jenny.
“Don’t thank me, they’re yours,” she replies. Dean moves to put the box of photos in the car. Jenny steps forward towards me. “Thank you, again.”
“Of course, Jenny. I’m just glad y’all are okay.”
“Yeah, me too. I don’t know what would have happened if it weren’t for you and your boyfriend.”
I chuckle, heat rising in my cheeks. “What? Dean? He’s not my boyfriend. He’s like my brother.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, I meant Sam,” she admits awkwardly.
My face feels like it’s on fire now, and I glance over her shoulder to see where Sam is sitting with Missouri on the front steps. “What-he…um,” I chuckle embarrassingly again. “S-Sam, is like, ew no. No, not Sam. I-I don’t have a boyfriend,” I stutter awkwardly.
Jenny laughs at me, apologizing. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed. Thank you guys, anyway,” she says as Dean rounds the car again.
Dean saves me from this excruciating moment by hollering up at Sam. “Sam, you ready?” He nods at Missouri, and they make their way back to us. Jenny thanks us again as we get into the car, driving away.
***
“Y’all don’t be strangers,” Missouri hollers at us from her porch.
“We won’t!” I yell back from the open window. She waves warmly before entering her home. “So, y’all can drop me back at my motel,” I tell the boys. They look between themselves mischievously before turning back to me.
“Well, we actually had a proposition for you,” Sam starts.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah,” Dean continues. “We were wondering if you would want to join us on the road again. We worked pretty well together back there.”
“Plus, we missed you.”
“Yeah, like a lot. And, you smell nicer than Sam.”
“Hey, I’m not the one who uses, like, 14-in-1 shampoo, jerk.”
“It’s a multi-use product for a reason, and it takes up less room in my bag, you bitch.”
A smile breaks on my cheeks as I consider their proposal and watch their brotherly squabble unfold. It makes a giggle creep up in my throat, a warm familiarity filling my chest. They stop their bickering and look over their shoulders at me, noticing my silence. “Well?” Dean prods.
I squeal and lean across the seat to capture them both in a hug, unable to even come up with a witty remark. “I’ll take that as a yes, then,” Sam says, laughing at my enthusiasm.
“Of course, dummies!” I exclaim, planting a kiss on each of their cheeks. “I missed you guys so much, too.” They wipe off their cheeks, grinning and blushing themselves.
“Okay then. Where to?” Dean asks us.
“Somewhere to get a separate shampoo and conditioner for you,” I tease. Sam giggles, tossing me a wink, and Dean glares at me from the driver’s seat, flipping on the music and throwing the car into gear.
“Don’t make me regret this,” he teases.
***
Unbeknownst to any of us, Missouri had a guest in her home when we dropped her off. She had entered her home, and set her purse down on the table before speaking. “That boy…he has such powerful abilities. But why he couldn’t sense his own father, I have no idea.” John Winchester sits solemnly on her couch, looking serious as ever.
“Mary’s spirit–do you really think she saved the boys?”
“I do.” John nods at her sadly, twisting his old wedding band around his finger. He still wears it all this time later. “John Winchester, I could just slap you. Why won’t you go talk to your children?”
His eyes brim with tears and he replies honestly, “I want to. You have no idea how much I wanna see ‘em. But I can’t. Not yet. Not until I know the truth.”
***
#supernatural#sam winchester#dean winchester#supernatural fanfiction#sam winchester x reader#slow burn#john winchester hate club#always an angel never a god
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Heart of the Weave - chapter 58
I quietly open the door to our room upstairs in Elfsong, hoping we don’t wake anyone up. It seems Karlach, Wyll, and their new addition are passed out quietly in their bed, Maddox lying curled up on his mother’s chest. I smile at them as we tiptoe into the room and I place Jenevelle’s bag on the floor. Looking at the love between all three of them fulfills a piece of me I didn’t realize I needed.
“Alright, my love. After I get her prepared for a night’s rest, you can feed her and we will lie comfortably in bed once she’s down for bedtime,” Gale mutters quietly with a light smile on his face, placing Jenevelle down on the quilt below to get her cleaned up. I remove my clothes rather discreetly, though Gale sees me from the corner of his eye, admiring me from head to toe. I slide on a baggy shirt and my undies, then sit down in the chair next to the bed so I can nurse Jenevelle. Gale gets the baby dressed and hands her to me gently, his eyes soft and warm as we make direct eye contact.. “Here we are. Also, my love… May I say I just find you so radiant? I love seeing every inch of you.” I chuckle and smirk at him, raising an eyebrow at his words.
“Even though I look like a beached whale?” I tease, placing my hand on my belly as I nurse our daughter. Soon, I’ll be doing this with two babies, which means I’ll be extra exhausted. I worry how I’m going to be once our second one is here. “And the fact I trip over my own feet more times than I can even count?”
“You’re not a beached whale, you’re my beautiful wife who is carrying my baby. You’re you, and I love every single quality you behold, inside and out.” I blush as I look down at Jenevelle, smiling at his words. “And whatever you decide to do with your mom and Gortash, I’ll be here every step of the way. Don’t feel like you need to be obligated to do anything you don’t want to.” I finish feeding our daughter, who is sound asleep as I place her on the thick quilt and cover her up with her baby blanket.
“Goodnight little peanut,” I murmur and then snuggle up to Gale, his lips pressed against the top of my head as I take a deep breath. “I feel much better. These next few days will be intense. I didn’t realize so much could happen so quickly. Then again, that’s basically my life motto. ‘Hey, is life being good to you? Hold the fuck up, let me make it a little spicy for dramatic effect.’ If a God were to tell me something, that’s exactly what it would be.” Gale fights laughter and pulls me in close to him, his warmth keeping me comfortable.
“Well, my love… Relax as much as you can. Hey, before you know it, we will be back in Waterdeep. Not much longer now. Just think — our comfortable bed, bath nights together, our garden, Tara… Oh I miss her.” I chuckle lightly as I feel his fingers trace every inch of my back, my eyes beginning to close. Now I’m thinking about the beauty and calmness of our city, our little study room where I can curl up next to Gale while he reads a book, the scent of coffee overtaking the space in our living room… I can’t wait. Throughout the night I could hear Karlach or Wyll getting up with Maddox, but it wasn’t very often and I slept through most of it. Jenevelle didn’t seem phased either, or maybe I slept through her cries. Man, this pregnancy is insane, I’m like a bear during hibernation. However, I did turn over in my sleep at one point and felt our newest addition kick, which woke Gale and myself up. I barely peek my eyes open, noticing Gale looking down at my stomach.
“I felt her kick,” he whispered in my ear with an excited tone as I’m partially asleep. “Incredible…” I wanted to say something back, but immediately passed back out afterwards. I think he began talking to me about something else, but I can’t recall a single thing he said, and I’m going to be embarrassed when he brings it up in the morning.
Before the sun fully arises, I feel Gale shake my shoulder to wake me up.
“My love, the bed is soaking wet, did your water break?” I jolt awake as I stare at the sheets in shock, and I gasp, realizing it definitely wasn’t pee. “I take it that’s a yes. Um…” Luckily, Jaheira is in the same room as us and decided to stay overnight should any events happen, whether it be with me or Karlach and Wyll’s new addition. She rushes over to us, which ends up waking up Karlach and Wyll as her footsteps slam against the wooden floor.
“You need to get to Jasik and quick!” Jaheira exclaims, picking up Jenevelle from the quilt. “I have your little one. Go, go, go!”
“Whoa, is it baby time?” Karlach asks with a sleepy voice as she stumbles out of bed. “Oh goodie!” Gale and I both kiss our daughter on the head, who looks confused and even slightly scared at the same time as she sticks out her bottom lip. My heart shatters as I leave her, but I know I’ll be back for her as soon as possible. She begins to cry as we leave the room, Gale and I are saddened as we leave her behind but thankfully she’s in good care. She has no idea what’s going on, however.
The people in the streets look at us in panic as water is leaking out of me and we are rushing to the healer’s building in the upper city. Thankfully I feel no pain, but it is weird having all eyes on me as we attempt to not cause a scene — which obviously didn’t work. I was so nervous the whole time and anxious from being the center of attention, that I got a little gassy from how nervous I was. I close my eyes in embarrassment, and I almost start crying, but Gale, being the angel that he is, completely disregards it and just leads me to the Upper City as quickly as we can.
The terrifying part of it all? We make it to Jasik’s, but barely. What could I possibly mean by barely? Well, the moment I lie down on the table, feeling unusual and nearly empty inside, our newest addition basically comes right out without any assistance. All the walking must have told her “time to be evicted.” Gale was there for it all, and caught her as she made her way into the world, her soft cries reassuring me she’s alright. I was more than surprised to see my daughter is bald, considering Jenevelle had a full head of hair. Jasik gets her cleaned up, then hands her over to Gale to get her swaddled; it’s been forever since I’ve held a baby this tiny, and it’s been ages since Gale had to swaddle a baby. Jenevelle is about five pounds bigger and six inches longer, but it’s been nearly five years since she was born. Gods, that’s so weird to even think about. I admire her sweet little face, her eyes closed as she whimpers and reaches for me with her tiny hand. Another forever baby, but one I still love and cherish nonetheless.
“Neeve…” I smile as I brush tears away from her eyes. “Neeve Tara Dekarios, my sweet little girl.” Gale sits down in the seat next to mine, gazing at me with wide eyes full of tears, a smile on his face that causes it to glow.
“That’s a beautiful name. I can’t say I disagree with the decision, especially with Tara’s name in the mix,” he murmurs and kisses the side of my head delicately, his lips lingering on my skin for a moment. “Where did that come from? I love it.”
“I have no idea.” Neeve is pronounced nee-vee rather than Neev.” I thought the spelling would be unique for sure. “I sure love her though.” Her scent — that fresh baby smell — brings me back so far to when Jenevelle was born. I feel at ease; calm, happy, and almost numb. There’s another sensation I can’t describe, but it feels like I’m in the clouds, as if my body is floating and nothing is holding me down. What is this? Whatever it is, I feel incredible.
“Two babies. Who would’ve thought?” His voice is soft yet assuring, he seems beyond ecstatic about our newest addition. “I hope Jenevelle takes kindly to her. She won’t quite understand what’s happening.” Gale strokes my hair as I admire our sweet daughter, watching her yawn as she grips my finger delicately. A wave of mixed emotions washes over me as I stare at her, my heart full of love but my mind full of worry. I pull down my shirt to provide skin-to-skin, building a connection with our sweet daughter, feeling her warmth against me.
“You’re next,” I tell Gale with a smirk, completely disregarding the embarrassment I felt as we bolted through the city earlier today, though I doubt that’s a moment I’ll ever forget. Gale smiles and places a kiss on the top of my head. Suddenly, Jasik knocks on the door. “Come on in.” He opens the door with a smile on his face, providing some baby blankets and burp cloths on my bed.
“Hi, I hope you’re all feeling well. I hate to intrude on this wonderful bonding moment between you all. I just wanted to bring up something rather important to consider, and it’s only a possibility, not for sure… And I am only guessing, so please don’t hold me accountable for anything…” Gale and I exchanged confused glances, our eyes baggy from exhaustion, waiting to hear his next words. “But your new addition — well, she has a soul. It was never given to the devils. She has her own, which means…”
“Wait, what are you implying?” I ask with a shaking voice, holding my daughter close to my chest. “Are you saying she will age?” The room is silent, though I can hear a nervous gulp coming from Gale’s throat as Jasik taps his foot while in deep thought. This isn’t exactly horrible, because if this is the case, then we will get our dream of watching at least one of our children growing up. However, this would also mean our daughter would outgrow us and eventually die. Life is full of surprises though, so who knows what lies ahead?
“I’m saying it’s a possibility. Only time will tell. Anyway… I brought you some pancakes! You’ll need your strength and nutrients to feed that darling baby of yours.” I completely dissociate as he brings out breakfast for Gale and I, a blank expression painted on my face as I try to process this possibility I never considered. Gale takes Neeve from my arms and sits down with her while Jasik places my plate of pancakes on my lap. Our new little girl coos with her eyes closed as Gale admires her, stroking her cheek with his thumb. “Now, there’s always the possibility her blood cells are frozen like yours, so take that into play also.”
Whatever the outcome of what’s to happen, we are just thankful she’s alright and made it to the world safely. It’s a miracle… She is a miracle.
#bg3#baldurs gate 3#gale dekarios#gale of waterdeep#gale x tav#ao3#wizard of waterdeep#archive of our own
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Why I did what I did in Chapter 58 of Take Me to Voldemort… (I started to ramble in a comment the other day and I’ve decided to write it all out in a post.)
🛑 It goes without saying but just to be clear- there are some massive spoilers in this post. If you have not read through chapter 58, stop here!🛑
From the very start I had two deaths that I knew would come. Neville Longbottom and Ron Weasley. The basic principle of the story was that I wanted Harry to have the Marauders + co raise him, I wanted a family hero. Neville’s death quickly took Lily’s death’s place as a way to make the horcrux but also as an early turning point in Harry’s somewhat sheltered life. Ron’s was also a turning point and a necessity.
After Hermione and Harry sneak out of Hogsmead so that Hermione can threaten Nott Sr, actually really while they do it, Hermione touches on why Ron can’t remain alive the entire time. Ron is, as an awesome AO3 commenter by the name StabbityRabbit put it, The Reasonable One. He is their limiter, the one who reminds them of their physical and ethical limits. With Ron there, Hermione NEVER would have participated in the plan for Draco to use the killing curse to destroy the horcrux in Harry. Which means that Harry and Draco would have continued without her and they certainly wouldn’t have told even DA leadership what they were doing. Though Draco read the books and helped with the plan, Hermione was key to the plan design. Draco could not have developed the method of directing the killing curse within Harry’s body without her. He may have ALSO killed the horcrux, but he wouldn’t have saved Harry.
There are other character developments that wouldn’t have happened with Ron there.
The entire rehab plot would have been missed. Yes, the potion that Narcissa fed Harry was the tipping point, but Harry would have had a better anchor if Ron was there. It’s not that I wanted Harry to relapse and suffer for no reason but that Harry needed therapy and time to himself. He needed to recognize in a way that most teenagers don’t that his personal development must be intentional. That personal development needed to be guided by a third party, a professional from outside of the war. Furthermore, Harry needed to go to Australia specifically. This opened his eyes to the flaws that he sees in the Statute of Secrecy which is a part of The Dumbledore Problem in his eyes.
Hermione diving deeply into dark magic, really losing herself in her ruthlessness, couldn’t have happened with Ron there. Furthermore, Hermione feeling so lost without her childhood friend contributed to her friendship with other witches that developed in her seventh year. These friendships still would have occurred, though perhaps not as quickly. This ruthlessness to herself and others is a key part of the war efforts moving forward. Yes, it is a flaw, but it is necessary and arguably not a flaw in the current context. (Voldemort has the Ministry and has declared the war won. Things are terrible. As Theo observed after his kidnapping- you have to give your all because Voldemort will take it either way.)
All in all, Ron’s absence was necessary and it couldn’t just be an absence. It had to be viewed as permanent. However he has an important role to play in the war, and also I just adore Ron as a character, so it couldn’t actually be permanent.
I don’t know if anyone noticed but I very much so never said that Ron was dead in my comments. I couldn’t bring myself to lie. 😂😅
I did toy with the idea of Ron ending up in the canon universe for a bit, if only because the idea of these two universes colliding is really intriguing to me, but that never panned out. It just felt off any time I wrote it.
#take me to voldemort#harry potter fanfic#archive of our own#harry potter#harry potter fanfiction#fanfiction#Ron Weasley#Hermione granger#writing#writing process#fic spoilers
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