#i did all my writing yesterday 🥺 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

joelsbloodyhands · 24 days ago

Text

Enjoy the Silence

SUMMARY: You come home from work and find yourself having sensory overload from everything. Joel comes home and takes care of you.

WARNINGS: no outbreak, no mention of Ellie 😭, established relationship with Joel, soft!Joel, descriptions of loud noises, reader gets big sad and unable to manage themselves, needs Joel for comfort, an overuse of terms of endearment (baby, sweetheart, honey), Joel is here to help with everything, sensory overload of touch, sounds, sensitive smell. Just absolute fluff (I need it so bad rn) 🤧 no use of y/n, gender neutral pronouns used, reader has hair long enough to tie up, reader has no visible disabilities. Reader loves Sarah. WE LOVE SARAH 🥺 but she’s unintentionally overwhelming us, sorry Babygirl 😭

Dividers by @nicodefresas 🎀

A/N: As I’m writing this, I’m currently having the worst sensory overload episode 😔 also I don’t think I should need to specify but everyone has different triggers and symptoms when dealing with overstimulation. A lot of this is based on my own personal experiences.

You don’t have the foggiest clue where it triggered from.

You just know that one minute you were grinding away at work, then you were driving home in the rain becoming all too aware of the blaring lights of other cars bothering your eyes more than they usually did.

If you could’ve worn sunglasses without crashing in the evening darkness, you would have. The sudden outburst of a car horn had you gripping the steering wheel tighter causing you to subconsciously flex your fingers, becoming all too aware of the rough leather of the steering wheel against your dry hands.

Dry hands. My lips are dry too.

You lick your lips.

My mouth tastes weird.

You’re becoming all too aware of your teeth grinding against each other.

Just tired, yeah…that’s all. Just tired. Long day at work. I’ll be fine once I get home.

So you keep driving.

Sarah was home when you got back. Her voice shaking you awake as soon as you passed the threshold of the house while she spoke to you about her day.

You look forward to these moments usually.

Coming back to Sarah and Joel.

Gossiping about the joys of working and all the drama of high school that you definitely don’t miss but enjoy hearing when Sarah gives you her best dramatic retelling of events.

Though as she followed you through the corridor to the kitchen, your ears rang.

Is she talking louder than normal?

You open the refrigerator, a sudden overwhelming scent of Thai green curry catching your senses and not in a good way.

But it’s your favourite?

Joel made it yesterday, putting the leftovers into three Tupperware boxes to eat for dinner today. The pounding of the washing machine and dryer causes you to close the refrigerator uneasily, your eyes glancing to it. Sarah’s voice joining the chorus of sounds echoing off the kitchen walls.

You don’t feel hungry all of a sudden.

“Are you okay?” Sarah voice breaks through and you come to realise you must have been staring at her for an awful long time, your eyes wide.

You nod and Sarah frowns ever so slightly.

“So what do you think?”

Your mind goes blank.

You didn’t even hear anything she said except yes you did but it was so loud, you didn’t take any of it in.

“About what?” You find yourself murmuring, your own voice startling you.

It sounds unfamiliar to you for some reason.

You’re worried you’ve upset her while Sarah takes a minute before a smile breaks out on her lips and she’s laughing and prodding you on the arm playfully. Your eyes drift there instinctively, her laughter making you wince.

You don’t laugh in return.

“Long day at work, huh?” She giggles and rolls her eyes before telling you she needs to go study and that you should eat dinner.

She leaves you then, your body standing in the same position in front of the refrigerator where she left you. The sound of her feet hitting against the staircase filling your head, the floorboards creaking harshly. You exhale a heavy breath.

As you stand there, eyes turning distastefully towards the washing machine and dryer singing their tune far too loud, your skin starts to itch. You tug at the sleeves of your work shirt, unbuckle the belt at your waist, the feeling too tight against your hips. You pull the hair tie from your wrist and put your hair up into a bun, the tickle of the hairs against the back of your neck bothering you.

You know what’s happening.

You’re just trying to refuse to accept that it is, hoping that for once you can just ignore it and go about the rest of your evening like you originally planned.

You just want to hear Joel’s voice, cuddle into him on the couch, eat your curry and go to bed.

Except when you hear the front door open and his voice is carrying through to the kitchen, you retract into yourself, carrying your feet away from the overwhelming sounds of mundane tasks and to the staircase. You want nothing more than to sit on the floor of your bedroom with your legs crossed and the lights off.

So you skip up the stairs, albeit with dramatic wide steps, trying not to trigger the creakiest of the floorboards. When you get to yours and Joel’s bedroom, flooded with darkness, you shut the door and allow yourself to crumble.

Ah you can’t take this. You need your shirt.

Where is it?!

You’re frantic, the tears falling down your cheeks as you continue to feel itchy in your work shirt, longing for the wide airy comfort t-shirt you keep for this very reason.

“Hey,” a whisper sounds behind you and you turn abruptly, eyes wide to see Joel stood, his eyes on you intently as he holds your oversized shirt by the shoulders in both hands.

Lost in all your distress, you hadn’t even heard him come in.

You realise you’re crying then.

“Joel, I-“

He watches you harshly rub at your face.

He knows you hate to be touched at times like this.

It feels like nails on a chalkboard but he ever so gently, puts two fingers to the wrist of your hand practically clawing at your face and you drop it immediately, your eyes meeting his again, pained and bloodshot.

“I’m sorry, Joel,” you cry, “I’m just-“ you flail your arms in frustration, the intense sound of your sobs making your eyes twitch.

“Hey, hey,” he whispers, moving towards you and taking the hem of your shirt in his fingers, careful not to graze any more skin as he starts to lift it from your body.

“You don’t need to apologise, baby,” he keeps whispering, “let’s get you more comfortable, hm?”

Joel knew all too well about your episodes.

In fact, it’s partly the reason of how he met you at Tommy’s house when you attended a barbecue and got overwhelmed by the music and sounds of neighbours, talking and getting louder the more drunk they got.

Joel had planned to leave early but was surprised when he found you curled in the bottom of a dark closet when he was retrieving his coat.

He froze when he saw you, your watery eyes lifting up at him, your arms wrapped around your knees pulled up against your chest.

Your cheeks had flushed dangerously, embarrassed about being found in this predicament but all Joel saw was a young woman clearly upset so he bent down to your level, his head turning this way and that scoping the corridor to make sure no one was around and asked you what was wrong and if he could help in any way.

You had shook your head so fast, the room span but Joel didn’t back away so easily.

Truth be told, you’d caught his attention all night and Tommy had nudged and smirked at him for noticing his eyes on you, encouraging him to go talk to you but he never did.

He couldn’t find a reason to.

Well, what more of a reason did he need than finding you sat with your back against a coat closet in his brothers house?

You had stood up so shakily that Joel found himself wanting to take you in his arms just to offer you some support to stand but you backed away when his hands instinctively held out to grab you if you fell.

He retracted them just as quick.

You told him you were fine and thanked him, saying you just needed to call an Uber and go home. You made the excuse that you’d had too much to drink and your head was spinning.

Dizzy and nauseous, you just needed somewhere dark to sit.

With the daunting thought in mind of having to sit in a stuffy taxi with a voice trying to make polite conversation with you, you didn’t catch Joel’s offer until you met his eyes again and he realised your blank expression, his back straightening and voice softening with a smile.

“If you need a dark closet, I got one at my place across the street if you need it?”

Somehow you laughed and even though your own voice hurt your ears, you found yourself saying, “if you’d said that to anyone else, you’d sound like a murderer,” and all it took was Joel’s pretty smile to take him up on his offer.

Except rather than a dark closet, he simply closed the curtains in his living room, offered you some chamomile tea, a blanket and sat in silence with you on the couch. And though your voices were silent, your mind was loud, finding it completely baffling that a man you just met and barely knew was being so incredibly sweet as to offer you a safe space. No questions asked.

Then he’d asked you out on a date and you were absolutely dumbfounded.

Later in your relationship, you had admitted what had happened and while he understood what it meant to feel overwhelmed (god did he feel it sometimes), sensory overload was a completely new term for him.

You explained as best you could, your cheeks the same shade of red he had seen when he found you in the closet. Joel took it upon himself when he was awake lying next to you, tangled up asleep in his bedsheets, to take his phone from his bedside and spend a good hour reading about what sensory overload was and how it can be eased.

You couldn’t believe your luck of finding this man. You practically thank that damn closet for it’s existence in Tommy’s house every time you visit.

So now you’re back in that predicament again and Joel is pulling back the covers from the bed, folding it up at the end knowing you just want a nice cool mattress to lay against.

Your heart twists at his care, tears falling from your eyes like rain, except Joel is the sun as warm and inviting as can be even when you want nothing more than to be left alone.

“Okay, honey,” he now whispers, knowing it’s easier to talk to you that way. His heart aches at the sight of you as he turns to face you, slowly walking so that his footsteps don’t make too much noise along the wooden floorboards.

“You wanna lie down? I’ll get you something to eat.”

“I don’t think I can eat, Joel,” you reply, your voice shaky as you lay down on the bed. Joel kneeling beside it, his palms flat on the mattress beside you while you lay on your side looking up at him.

“Usually liquids are best, right? Soup? Or I could make you a smoothie? And a cup of tea? Do you want your noise cancelling earphones, baby?” Your eyes are tearing again at his words and Joel’s face crumples at your glistening cheeks.

“It’s okay, honey,” he cooes, hand rubbing the mattress, pretending it’s your back.

“I feel bad,” you cry.

“No, no, no, sweetheart,” Joel shushes you, knowing all too well where this is leading and disallowing you to talk badly about yourself.

“But Sarah, she…she was trying to tell me about something and I couldn’t even concentrate on what she was saying-“

“Baby, you know Sarah understands,” Joel leans in closer, his breath on your face as he reassures you of your racing thoughts.

“She told me as soon as I came in that she thought you were having an episode. She knows, sweetheart.”

Your eyes widen, your crying stopping momentarily.

“Really?” You ask, your throat dry.

Joel nods, a small smile on his lips, “And she gets it, baby. She doesn’t judge. We’ve talked about it before. Just to make sure she always knew you might have a moment every now and again so if you need space, it doesn’t have anything to do with our relationship or the one you have with her. She loves you, honey and she knows you love her. Okay?”

You nod and Joel’s smile grows, glad to have consoled you.

“Now,” he starts again, “I’ll go get you what you need and you stay right here. I’ll be right back.”

You nod again, “thank you, Joel.”

Joel has to stifle his chuckle only a little, “how many times do I have to tell you? You don’t need to thank me, sweetheart. I’m your partner. It’s important that I take care of you. You do it for us plenty.”

You smile a little and it makes Joel swoon, happy to finally see your lips turn up, your dimples gracing the edges.

True to his word, he disappears but not before scoping the wardrobe and retrieving your earphones. You put them in and try to close your eyes and relax when he leaves. Trying to will your body to loosen up, your muscles to relax rather than freeze rigidly with every sensation. The mattress is cool, your long shirt light and airy and Joel left a cold glass of water with a straw on the bedside for when your mouth was feeling too dry.

He was one in a million and you smiled knowing you won the lottery when he found you that day in the wardrobe and then you became the richest person on the planet when you met Sarah and the connection you had to both of them grew stronger until he eventually asked you to move in.

Five years later and here you were. A family.

The best family you could’ve asked for.

“Hey baby,” you lift your head to see Joel wandering in, taking out one of your buds as he places a shaker bottle he normally uses for his protein shakes on the bedside full of a pink smoothie, joined by a cup of camomile and a bowl of your favourite soup.

“Thank you, baby,” you smile and Joel turns his head giving you a wink, seeing you that you seem to be gradually returning back to your normal self.

And luckily you are feeling a little more comfy now.

The sounds of the evening chores going on downstairs are becoming less aggravating.

You don’t feel like you need to tear your skin off your body. In fact you’re almost longing for a bath, feeling a little sweaty from being worked up so bad earlier.

“Joel?” You sit up, Joel turning to see the way your oversized shirt rides up over your underwear, his face flushing at the sight.

“You need something, baby?” He’s got that flirty smile on his face, the one that tells you he sees something he likes but you’re still not completely past your overwhelming senses.

If anything, you’re now bothered by the smell of sweat emitting from your body.

“You know how you love me so much?” You start and Joel’s eyes crease, his smile growing into a full grin.

He hums in response, awaiting your command.

“Pretty please could you run me a bath? You always make it feel so good.”

Joel kneels at the bottom of the bed, his flirty smirk returning at your words, his hands splaying out over the mattress, smoothing over it as you inch a bit closer to him.

“Is that right, sweetheart? You want a nice warm bath with all your rose petals and bubble bath? Is that what you need, baby?”

You nod with a pout, overplaying it a bit, watching his tongue poke into his cheek amused by your behaviour.

“If that’s what you need, I can do that for you but first I need you to eat some of your soup and drink some of your smoothie. Can you do that for me?”

You nod with a dimpled smile and as much as he longs to reach out and graze your knee with his fingertips, he reframes from doing so, continuing to respect your boundaries while you might still be working through your hypersensitivity.

True to his word, Joel ran the bathtub at just the right temperature, sprinkling rose scented petals and dropping a floral scented bath bomb into it. He’d even gone as far as to light some candles, set a fresh cup of tea on the side and stolen some chocolates from the last Halloween run you’d had with Sarah.

If you thought your lover couldn’t get any sweeter, he’d helped you out of your clothes and respectfully kept his hands away from you until you prompted him with a small smile to offer his hand and help you climb into the tub.

Joel left you to check on Sarah while you laid back, your senses mellowing out and coming back down from the heightened agitation you were experiencing earlier. Now finally you felt like a weight had been lifted. Your skin felt less itchy.

“So pretty…”

Your cheeks redden when Joel walks into the misty bathroom, stopping in his tracks at the doorframe and overlooking your soft skin peppered with fluffy soap.

“Have you washed your hair, honey?”

You shake your head, your smile slipping momentarily.

You would have done it if the room wasn’t a little cold. You were doing what you could to stay buried under the hot water, still feeling slightly sensitive to the temperature of the room. The aspect of lifting your bare wet arms out of the water to massage your scalp made you feel uneasy. You weren’t completely out of this episode yet and even if you were, the twinkle in Joel’s eyes told you he’d still offer up his services.

You watch him with bated breath as he kneels beside the tub, pushing up the sleeves of his favourite green plaid shirt, your eyes following the hardened muscles of his forearms up to his biceps peeking out under the flannel.

Though Joel may have a soft tummy, his arms were a statement to his hard work running a construction company with his brother, Tommy.

You rather adored your man being soft and a little hard around the edges.

“Want me to help you, sweetheart?” His voice captures you again, your eyes on his soft brown orbs.

You nod wordlessly, suddenly longing for his large hands and gentle fingers to work their way through your locks and massage your scalp deliciously.

You anticipate Joel’s touch anxiously when he leans over and reaches for your cherry scented shampoo, squeezing the red shiny liquid over his thick hands and lathering it together.

He offers you a smile, his head tilting in request to proceed in touching you. You nod and he moves behind you, his fingers sinking up into your hair from the back. You fight to suppress a shiver tickling up your spine when Joel works the product through your scalp, massaging and coating the ends of your hair with soft strokes.

It constantly amazed you how Joel’s strong hands that spent most the day throwing around heavy parts, growing calloused from checking wooden palettes during the day, could become so delicate and gentle when touching you.

You smiled to yourself, dropping your chin to your wet chest with a satisfied sigh.

Joel made sure not to massage too hard or tug harshly at your hair. He didn’t want to make you retreat back into your shell by triggering your hypersensitivity again.

He could see just from how your shoulders were gradually easing back down to normal level below your chin that your overstimulation was dissipating as the time passed.

He bites his inner gum when he hears a slight moan leave your lips at his movements.

“That feel okay?”

You hum in response, a short nod of your head.

“Good,” Joel whispers, even daring to lean forward, your damp soapy strands sticking to his cheek when he presses a slow soft kiss to your bare shoulder.

“I love you.”

Your words caress the relaxed atmosphere.

Joel smiles.

Joel wanting nothing more than to strip back and join you, holding you against his chest under the warmth of the water but he continues to hold back.

Instead he greets your quiet intimacy with a whisper.

“I love you too, baby.”

You open your eyes to a light breeze, birds singing and a smoky cup of coffee on your bedside in your favourite mug.

You lay on your side for a good few minutes, blinking away sleep, your hands cradled under your cheek and buried against the pillow.

You don’t remember falling asleep but when you feel a shuffle behind you, large warm hands slipping under your nightshirt and tugging you against his bare body, the memories start flooding back.

You were so relaxed in the bathtub that it made you sleepy. So sleepy in fact that Joel leaned over the tub after emptying it, bundled you up in a fluffy towel and lifted you into his arms.

Your cheeks warm when you vaguely remember the slight groan of protest on Joel’s lips as his aching back retaliated but with you squashed nicely against his chest, Joel couldn’t complain.

He laid you down in your bed carefully and dried you as gently as he could before tucking you in.

You remember being alone in your half-asleep state that you heard the familiar murmur of father-daughter voices, the click of the door and padded footsteps before the mattress dipped.

A kiss pressed against your forehead and all went dark.

Now the world was brighter than ever before, the sounds of the birds and cars passing by doing nothing to disturb your hearing. Your bones no longer stiffening at the natural sounds of life.

More importantly, the sensation of your lovers thumbs brushing your naked hips was very much welcomed. So much so you groaned happily, rolling over to face those perfect brown eyes and plush lips quirked up into a tired smile.

“Morning, sweetheart.”

You lean forward, meeting Joel half way and kissing him softly. You let your hands slip under his arms, cuddling into him while shuffling just below his chin.

Joel presses a lingering kiss against your head.

Distantly, you can hear Sarah’s record player and you sigh happily as the music carries through your home.

All I ever wanted…

All I ever needed is here…

In my arms…

You squeeze Joel tighter.

#joel miller #TLOU hbo #the last of us fanfiction #Joel miller fanfiction #Joel miller x reader #Joel miller x you #ppcu fanfiction #ppcu #pedro pascal cinematic universe #pedro pascal character fanfic #pedro pascal #joelsbloodyhands writes

533 notes · View notes

harrysfolklore · 2 months ago

Note

we need a fic about carlos’ win and piastri sisters’ reaction to it

THE LITTLE BITCH WON 🥺 ahhh im so happy for carlos, i had to write this ! i hope yo like thisss

READ LITTLE BITCH HERE

The Mexico City sunrise painted the sky as you and Carlos made your way to the track. He'd been unusually quiet during breakfast, that focused energy already building.

"Nervous?" you asked, squeezing his hand as your driver navigated through the early morning traffic.

"No," he said automatically, then caught your knowing look. "Maybe a little. Starting from pole here… the run to Turn 1 is so long."

"You've got this," you brought his hand to your lips.

"Max will be aggressive-"

"And you'll handle it," you cut him off. "Like the little bitch you are."

That broke his tension, making him laugh. "How do you always do that?"

"Do what?"

"Make me feel better by insulting me."

"It's a gift," you grinned. "Now stop overthinking and kiss me before we get to the track and you go all serious racing driver on me."

He obliged, one hand tangling in your hair as he pulled you close. The kiss was deep and slow, full of everything he wasn't saying.

When you pulled back, his brown eyes locked into yours, a soft edge on them that made you melt.

It was hard to think that those same eyes glared you across the paddock once and now you were about to complete five months of being his girlfriend.

When you arrived at Ferrari, Reyes and Carlos Sr. were already there. Reyes pulled you into a warm hug while Carlos got swept up in pre-race preparations.

"My girl," she kissed both your cheeks. "You look beautiful today."

"Thank you, Reyes," you said, squeezing her hands before your eyes unconsciously drifted to the McLaren area.

"You're going to check on your brother?" she asked knowingly.

"Am I that predictable?"

"No, mi amor. Just a good sister."

You couldn't help but smile at that. Over the months you've slowly learned to not feel like you needed to choose between Carlos and Oscar, it was a slow process but their support made it easier.

You found Carlos doing his final preparations. "I'm going to check on Osc for a bit.”

He nodded, already half in race mode. "Tell him I said he's got this. The McLaren's race pace looked good."

"I will," you kissed his cheek. "See you on the podium, little bitch."

His engineer snorted, trying to cover it with a cough.

The walk to McLaren was filled with nervous energy. Early fans were already filling the grandstands, the atmosphere electric with anticipation.

The McLaren garage was quieter than Ferrari, the mood still heavy from yesterday's qualifying. You found Oscar in his driver room, staring intently at track maps.

"Brought you coffee," you held out his favorite pre-race drink. "And Carlos says your race pace looked good."

"Thanks," he took the cup but didn't meet your eyes. "For both."

You sat beside him, studying his face. "Talk to me, Osc. What's really going on?"

He was quiet for so long you thought he might not answer.

"I just..." he set down the coffee, running both hands through his hair. "Sometimes I feel like I'm not good enough for this. Like everyone made a mistake choosing me."

Your heart broke. "Oscar..."

"And I know it's stupid. I know I've earned my place here, but days like yesterday... it just brings all those doubts back."

"Look at me," you waited until he met your eyes. "Do you remember when you were ten, and you came home crying because some kid said you'd never make it to F1?"

A small smile tugged at his lips. "And you made him eat dirt at school the next day."

"Exactly. And what did I tell you then?"

"That I was meant for this," his voice softened. "That you could see it in the way I drove, even in karts."

"And has that changed?"

"No, but-"

"No buts," you took his hands. "You're exactly where you're supposed to be, Oscar Piastri. Bad qualifyings don't change that. Bad races don't change that. You're my little brother, and I've never been wrong about you."

He squeezed your hands. "How do you always know what to say?"

"Big sister superpower," you kissed his forehead. "Now drink your coffee and show them what you can do from P17.”

“Thank you, sister,” he squeezed your shoulder, “Now go back to your man, he’s driving like a beast this weekend.”

When you returned to Ferrari, the pre-race energy was at its peak. Carlos was in his final preparations, but his eyes found yours immediately.

"Oscar okay?" he mouthed.

You nodded, giving him a thumbs up. Another side effect of your relationship was that Oscar and Carlos became closer than ever. Oscar looked up to him and Carlos grew so fond of him that he cared about him like an older brother.

It was something not even in your wildest dreams would make sense a year ago. But right now felt like the perfect dynamic.

The garage began clearing for the grid walk. Carlos pulled you aside quickly.

"Para suerte," he murmured, kissing you deeply.

"Little bitch," you whispered against his lips. "Go win this thing."

Reyes and Carlos Sr. were waiting in the garage, both greeting you with warm hugs as you settled in to watch the start.

"Nervous?" Reyes asked, taking your hand.

"Always," you admitted. "For both of them."

The formation lap began, your heart pounding as you watched Carlos lead the field around. The ambient temperature was rising, making tire management crucial.

"He's got this," Carlos Sr. said confidently. "Look how smooth his formation lap is."

The garage fell silent as five red lights appeared above the start line. Your hand found Reyes', both of you holding your breath. The Mexican heat was stifling, but you barely noticed, every nerve focused on the Ferrari at the front of the grid.

"Vamos, hijo," Carlos Sr. whispered, his usual composed demeanor cracking with nervous energy.

The lights went out, and twenty cars launched forward into the long run to Turn 1. Carlos got a perfect start, but Max's Red Bull was immediately in his slipstream, the blue car looming in Carlos's mirrors. Side by side they went into the first corner, neither giving an inch.

"Come on, come on," you whispered, unconsciously leaning forward.

Carlos held firm on the inside line, forcing Max to take the longer way around. Through Turn 2, the Ferrari emerged still leading, and the garage erupted. Engineers who usually maintained professional calm were jumping up and down.

"Tranquila, mi amor," Reyes squeezed your hand. "Look how controlled he is."

The pit stop window approached, tension ratcheting up. Ferrari brought Charles in first, the stop clean but nerve-wracking.

"Pushing too hard on those tires," Carlos Sr. observed as Carlos finally pitted.

When Carlos crossed the finish line first, the garage exploded. You hugged Reyes, both of you crying and laughing. Carlos Sr. wrapped you both in a bear hug, his usual composure forgotten as he shouted "¡Vamos!" repeatedly.

Through happy tears, you saw Carlos pump his fist as he drove past, and you couldn't be happier for him.

The podium ceremony felt eternal. When they finally played the Spanish anthem, you saw Carlos's eyes glistening as he sang along. He caught your gaze in the crowd and winked, making your heart flutter just like it did that first time you saw him win in Australia.

Back then, you tried to play it cool, like you didn't care that he won. But right now the story was completely different.

After the ceremonies and media obligations, Carlos finally made it back to the team. He lifted you off your feet the moment he saw you, spinning you around as you laughed.

"Mi amor," he breathed against your lips before kissing you deeply.

"My champion," you whispered back. "My little bitch."

He laughed, pressing his forehead to yours. "Only yours."

Carlos received hugs, cheers and champagne showers from friends, team members and family. After taking some photos and watching him complete more interviews, it was time to head out and celebrate.

"I'm going to check on Oscar one more time," you told Carlos, as you walked through the paddock.

"Tell him to come to dinner," Carlos said. "He drove well today, P8 from P17."

You found Oscar in the McLaren garage, already changed and packing up.

"Hey champ," you smiled. "Coming to dinner with us?"

He gave you a small smile back. "Think I'll pass tonight. Bit tired, and…" he paused. "Just want some quiet, you know?"

You studied his face. "You sure? Carlos specifically asked for you to come."

"I know, and tell him thanks," Oscar squeezed your hand. "But you guys should celebrate properly. I'm good, really. Just going to order room service and study the race data."

You pulled him into a hug. "You drove amazingly today. P8 from P17 is no joke."

"Thanks, sis," he hugged you back tight. "Go celebrate with your winner. Just... maybe not too loudly in the hotel? The walls are thin."

"OSCAR!"

liked by oscarpiastri, carlossainz55 and 376,528 others

ynpiastri MY LITTLE CHAMPION BITCH 🥲🥲 i’m SO proud of you mi amor, we all are. one more win this season showing everyone the talented driver that you are. the best is yet to come ❤️

also beyond proud of my baby brother as always, your determination and ability to push through every setback never ceases to amaze me. chin up, i know you got this

oh and lando got p2 i guess

GRACIAS MEXICO CITY 😩

view all comments

username1 AHHHH

username2 SIMP PIASTRI

username3 this is still wild to me they used to hate each other’s guts

scuderiaferarri ❤️

username4 this is wild bc she hated him when he won in australia 😭

nicolepiastri Congrats Carlos! Come visit and bring embarrassing stories of my daughter please

↳ ynpiastri MUM😩

↳ username1 she’s an icon

reyesvdec Te amamos ❤️

↳ username2 the sainz love her so much i could cry

username5 HELP THE LINE ABOUT LANDO 😭

oscarpiastri Love you sis. Congrats to Carlos ❤️

↳ carlossainz55 Thank you brother

↳ username2 this would send 2023 me into a coma

↳ username3 THIS PLOT TWIST

carlossainz55 Te amo

At the restaurant, Lando was the only driver who joined your celebration with the Sainz family. He fit right in, making everyone laugh with stories about Carlos.

"You know," Lando said, taking a sip of wine, "I used to be Reyes and Carlos Sr.'s favorite adopted son."

"Used to be?" you raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, then you came along with your whole enemies-to-lovers storyline and stole my spot," he pouted dramatically. "Now I'm like the forgotten middle child."

"Ay, Lando," Reyes laughed, reaching over to pat his cheek. "You're still our favorite British son."

"Small comfort when YN gets all the good Spanish mom cooking," Lando grumbled good-naturedly.

After dinner, it was time for the party celebrating Carlos' win. He claimed that he didn't want to drink much, but that went out the window when his friends lifted him up as 'Smooth Operator' played.

"SMOOTH OPERATOOOOR!" they sang terribly off-key. Carlos was laughing, one hand clutching his drink, the other reaching for you.

"Join me up here, mi amor!"

"Absolutely not," you called back, but you were laughing too.

Hours later, the celebrations were winding down. You stood outside waiting for your car, Carlos' arms wrapped around you from behind, his chin resting on your shoulder. The Mexico City air was cooler now, but his warmth kept you comfortable.

"I still can't believe it," he murmured, pressing a kiss to your neck. "Second win this season."

You turned in his arms to face him, taking in his slightly flushed cheeks and bright eyes. The victory high was still there, mixed with the pleasant buzz from the celebrations.

"You know what's different this time?" you asked, playing with the collar of his shirt.

"Hmm?"

"I don't have to pretend I'm not happy for you," you smiled, remembering Australia. "Don't have to hide how proud I am."

His eyes softened as he pulled you closer. "You were terrible at hiding it even then."

"I was not!"

"Mi amor," he laughed, pressing his forehead to yours. "You called me 'little bitch' with way too much affection."

"That was pure hatred," you protested weakly.

"Sure it was," he grinned. "Just like when you stared at me during the podium ceremony."

"I was plotting your demise."

"With heart eyes?"

"Shut up," you buried your face in his chest, feeling it rumble with laughter.

"Never," he kissed the top of your head. "I love reminding you how bad you were at hating me."

"I'm starting to hate you again right now."

"No you're not," he tilted your chin up, eyes twinkling. "You love me."

Before you could retort, the car pulled up. As you settled into the backseat, Carlos pulled you close again.

"For the record," he whispered in your ear, "I was terrible at pretending too. Ask Charles - he said I talked about you constantly."

"To complain?"

"That's what I told myself," he smiled against your hair. "But I think everyone knew better."

You intertwined your fingers with his, watching the city lights blur past. "We were kind of idiots, weren't we?"

"The biggest," he agreed. "But we figured it out eventually."

"Yeah," you turned to kiss him softly. "We did."

977 notes · View notes

just-some-random-blogger · 3 months ago

Text

Tormented Spirit | 2

Part 1 2 3

"Is it such a sin to stand up for yourself?" you mutter as tears blur your vision. The way he reacted was visceral, instinctive even. "You never have to stand up for yourself ever again," says Daemon, reaching a hand to you, "come."

Daemon Targaryen x Hightower!Reader | 4k+ | cw: fem!reader, reader has brown hair, wife!reader, twin!Gwayne, arranged/forced marriage, canon divergence, alternate universe, smut (piv, loss of virginity, fingering, semi-public sex, Daemon talking you through it), DD:DNE, panic/anxiety attacks, daddy issues/child abuse/family problems, mentions/depictions of mental/physical/psychosomatic illness, mentions/depictions of death/suicidal ideation/murder, ye old misogyny, angst, typos, etc.

A/N: i am surprised I got as many comments as I did on chapter 1 🥺🫶 it's not that I think my writing is bad... Well... Idk it felt aimless when I started so I am grateful for the positive reinforcement. 👉👈 I am once again asking for more pls comment n reblog I would love u forever if u did | cross posted on ao3

Tagging: @arabellasleopardcoat

Daemon heads to your chambers, eager to shake you awake and ruin your morning once more. When he arrives to the room, he stops in his tracks, disappointed to see you were risen. That is, until he realizes the state you were in.

You roused long before the sun had and could not find sleep no matter how badly you searched. You decided to draw yourself a warm bath in hopes of finding sleep in the tub; you only find more restlessness and simply accept your fate.

You hear Daemon's entrance and turn to him from the vanity you were wallowing. You were half dressed. Your corset was undone and you had given up on braiding the sides of your head. You smile weakly at him, "good morrow."

Nothing about your tired, sullen eyes agreed with that, and it irritates him to know that you're one of those people. Pretenders.

"Well, finish up then," Daemon furrows his brows, "get dressed. We have yet to accomplish our task."

You mimic his expression, brushing your dark hair back, "task?"

He rolls his eyes, "I do not believe yesterday counts as an introduction."

Upon realizing he meant the introduction to Caraxes, your body tenses. You look sick. You stand to try and convince him out of it, but Daemon reaches you before you can get on your feet. He places a hand on your shoulder, keeping you in place. Your heart thunders when he brushes your hair to one shoulder. He secures your dress from behind, and your breath grows heavy as you watch him from the mirror.

"It is not so bad, riding a dragon," the prince says to plant a false sense of trust in you, "who knows? You might enjoy it."

There is an unnatural warmth that spills across your form when your husband then completes your braids. He weaves in a manner far gentler than Gwayne ever has. It makes your lips part.

He brings you to your feet. Daemon takes in your expression, lips curling slightly, "there you are, wife."

Your brows knit.

He knew his artificial gentleness has you off-guard. There is no better moment to have you do his bidding than now.

One might be surprised to know that Caraxes actually enjoyed having you on his back, as did Daemon, not because they suddenly liked you— gods no, but because the sound of your screams were oh-so satisfying.

You could do little else but release cries of terror as you clung to your husband from behind. Daemon made it a point to do flips and all sorts of unnecessarily moves whilst flying, hoping your hold would falter. The time you spent in the air felt like eternity. It seemed your husband was set on touring the entire 7 realms.

You never thought you would be so ever happy to see the pit. The pit could not say the same about you however. You spill your guts out to the floor exactly like the first time you were here.

Daemon makes a face. He turns to the keepers and orders them to clean your mess up, lest it get on Caraxes' claw.

Woe is you who is forced to repeat the exact thing the next morning. You could not even plead your case, for your throat was sore. The sound of your screams this time were not as entertaining to Daemon, as your voice is hoarse. At some point, the terror is too great, you cannot scream. Because of this, he cuts the flight short in boredom, excited instead at the promise of watching you suffer through another retch. But, oh, by the gods, were you an inconveniencing woman.

Instead of remaining consistent, you just had to make a show and faint into him, did you?

He could not care less for you, which is why he chucks you off into the arms of a dragon keeper, but the damned old man could no longer carry such a weight, and so he was begrudgingly forced to throw you over his shoulder and bring you to a maester himself.

In truth, he'd all forgotten about his wife fainting until the next morning, when he came to the maester's quarters to ask for something to soothe his hammering head from his heavy drinking the night before. He was, in fact, offended, when the maester insinuated that he had come to check up on his bride.

Before he could give the greying maester a piece of his mind, he hears a terrible voice barking from the ward. Its grating timbre made it clear to Daemon that Lord Hand Cunttower was off on a yapping session again.

He walks deeper into the room. Weeping sounds become audible.

"—no, you do not understand," Otto snaps, hunched over at the side of your bed.

Ah, twas you who was being terrorized.

You dare not turn to your father, for you knew your throat would only tighten more that it already has. You force yourself to take deep breaths, but it's easier said than done. You remain still on the bed you laid on.

"You must sire as many children as your body can take, or you will die," the man says.

But you were dying anyway.

"The process will not be pleasant."

Nothing is pleasant.

"It will hurt-"

Everything hurts.

"-but it is a better fate than-"

"Enough!" you snap, glaring at him with angry, red eyes. You repeat, though your voice is weaker, "enough, enough, eno-"

Otto gravely speaks your name. Your body recognized the danger, but having realized upon waking up to the face of a maester, it mattered little where or who it came from, you were destined to hurt- to die.

"Do not fall complacent be-"

"You are no longer my lord," you quip. Sweat forms on your nape. This is the first time you've ever interrupted your father.

He is gobsmacked. He is bewildered. His back straightens, "what?"

You feel yourself descend into heavy fraught. Your saliva tries to choke you.

"What," he presses, "did you say, girl?"

"You are my father," your voice falters, "but not my lord."

Otto's face warps.

Your breath grows shorter and shorter, "my liege lord is my-" pant "-husband, and what he-" pant "-desires, I will-" pant "-do."

Daemon's ears and brows perk at your misplaced loyalty. Part of him wants to laugh out loud and make himself known, but then he sees, even from where he stood, how it got Otto twisted. He chuckles to himself instead.

Your father enunciates as though he means to stab you with them, "you stupid fucking whore."

You crumble like chalk. You fall into another round of body arresting tremors. Your chest is tight and you screw your eyes painfully shut. It becomes apparent to Daemon, as it would anyone who'd witness, where your condition sourced. Otto grabs your shoulders, "you know nothing of-" but then recoils.

Daemon shoves him away, glaring as he says, "unhand her."

Otto manages to balance himself, but he looks as though the veins on his temples were about to pop. He clenches his jaw, "I am speaking to my daughter."

"You mean at her," his silver hair slips over his shoulder as he turns to you, "she does not look like she can hold conversation."

"This is personal matter," Otto steps forward.

"Mmm," Daemon turns back to him, "I do say, I am glad to have interrupted," he shifts on his leg, linking his fingers together, "a dutiful husband should know all personal matters of his wife. Don't you agree?"

Though you were still wrestling with yourself, you heard every word. You knew if you did not interject, they will fight each other for your carcass. You feel lightheaded, but you force yourself to open your eyes and speak.

Of course, the only sound you manage to make is a strangled and pained one.

Otto averts his attention to you, and tries to come to your side.

Daemon steps in front of him and tilts his head back, "oh... I would adore it if you give me a reason to kill you."

You choke out, "Daemon."

Your father stiffens as he looks past the said man to inspect you, missing the way the said man smirks. Otto turns back to Daemon, feeling bile spread in his mouth as the prince says, "see. She does not want you."

Otto's lips curl and his hands ball into fists.

Your husband waves a hand, "go away. You're clearly upsetting her."

Otto does the most to remain calm, "she is my da-"

"She is my wife," Daemon snaps, imposing upon him.

You gulp with difficulty as you catch the way your father's jaw clenches. You force yourself to sit up and open your mouth to speak, but everyone's attention is averted to the Kingsguard that walks into the room.

Daemon's forehead curls at the Cargyll knight, "my prince. Lord Hand."

"Which one are you?" asks the prince.

"Arryk, my prince."

"State your business, Arryk."

"I-"

"I requested a ward for the princess," Lord Hand answers instead.

Daemon makes a face at him and chuckles dryly under his breath.

Arryk looks between the two again then slowly continues, "I and my brother have been awarded the honor of serving ward to the Princess of Dragonstone. I take first watch today."

Daemon chuckles again, "a bit late, aren't you?"

The white cloak stiffens then bows, "I was just given word this hour."

"Hmm. Well, Arryk," he motions, "why don't you go escort the Lord Hand out of the room before someone dies."

He stiffens again, but turns to the said man nonetheless. He does not question it and merely does what was instructed.

Or at least tries to.

"I do not trust you with my daughter's well-being," Otto steps forward, pointing a finger to the ground, "you are the very reason she is in that bed."

Daemon gasps dramatically. At this point, you finally had enough wits about you to speak, "please-" but your voice is easily drowned out however.

"Do you not remember thanking my brother for the, what was it," the prince pretends to think, "joyous union? Or would you like to watch me stake my claim upon he—"

Otto's face twists in horror and repulsion, but that is not why Daemon's words are cut short. It is because of the cold, clammy, trembling hand that takes his own that he looks down. He watches as you sigh out, "leave us, father."

The said man turns to you in grave offence. In your fear, you do not notice the betrayal that is mixed with it. His anger flares and he scoffs. He gives you one last look, and you knew exactly it was just that. This would be last time he would ever look upon you. When he storms away, you feel it in your chest: this is the last time you will ever call him father. You were forsaken, truly forsaken.

Otto is seen out by Arryk.

Your hand slips from Daemon's, as you no longer had the strength. You muster all your remaining energy to reach the drink propped on your bedside table. It was a futile attempt though, as instead of grasping it, you knock it over, which only leads you into another fit of tears.

Daemon curses and shakes his foot that's gotten soaked. He did mean to snap at you for it, but you were already clearly suffering. Your breathing is short and it seemed like you were mumbling something.

He hunches over in an attempt to hear you, "what?"

It takes a myriad of repetitions for him to realize you were apologizing.

His face contorts, "gods," what pathetic creature had he been given to?

Daemon's upper lip curls and he can no longer bear the sound of your whining any further. He calls for the maester, asking for another cup of water because you had knocked over your own. Just as the maester goes off to get you another drink, he remembers he came here for his own affliction because his head begins to hammer again. He rubs his temples and sits on the vacant bed besides yours.

"Here, my prince," the maester says upon arrival, "milk of the poppy enough for the both of you."

Daemon squints as the man places a tray on your bedside table. Daemon is handed a cup first, but does not drink it until after he watches you be helped to drink your own fill. After, the maester promptly leaves with a curt nod. The drink does not take effect on you until after Daemon finishes his own

Your voice shakes, "t-thank you."

Daemon puts his cup down.

"You did not have to come," you say softly.

"Do not flatter yourself," he scoffs, "I did not come for you. I came for my headache."

"Yet it remains," you turn to him, face tight and gleaming from all the tears you've shed, "you did not have to come."

He stares at you for a moment. You looked so frail, so devoid of hope. Truly, death would be mercy to you at this point.

Just then, ser Arryk returns. He finally sees you and gives you a deep bow, "princess."

Being addressed as such makes you feel sad... and lonely.

"I am ser Arryk Cargyll. I will be your ward, along with my twin brother, Erryk, who you will meet after my shift." The kingsguard straightens up, "I will do all that I can to ensure your health does not falter and that you are always seen to."

You think of your own twin as you take in the man's features. The idea that your father purposefully chose twin brothers as your ward made you feel sad and sick, but it was hardly Arryk's fault Otto liked mocking you, so you smile at him, "I have a twin."

The man nods, offering you a smile far more genuine than yours, "aye. Ser Gwayne Hightower. He is deft with the short sword."

You turn to your hands, recalling just a few days ago when you had watched him train. Your lips curl upwards, "though, not as good as I."

Daemon pulls his head back, face contorting. He is taken aback when Arryk's sniggers. The latter nods, "perhaps you will show me your tricks, my lady."

There is a twinkle in your eye as you turn back to him, "perhaps."

Daemon raises a brow at the interaction and decides to stand, "come," he reaches a hand to you, "some fresh air would do you good."

Fresh air? Your jaw slacks and you turn to Daemon with a fallen expression. Be as it was, you were no fool. You did not believe your husband had your best interest in mind, and yet, it was not like you had much of a choice. Against yourself, you to take his hand.

He pulls you up and Arryk comes to your side to assist you. He helps you to your feet, hand on your arm and shoulder.

Daemon is annoyed by his fussing. "Yes. Very good, Cargyll. I can manage to bring her to the dragon pit myself."

You close your eyes and sigh. Just as you dreaded.

"Dragon pit?" Arryk repeats.

"Yes. She needs fresh air." The prince narrows his eyes, "do you contest me?"

Arryk releases you and shakes his head, "I would not."

"Good," he motions with nod, "out of the way then."

You see, after being scorched by the fire of your maker— your father, the sight of Caraxes emerging from the depths did not strike as much fear into you as it did before. In fact, the promise of malice from the beast felt... cathartic, and for once, you welcomed Daemon's insistence on being brought to its maw.

You stumbled against Caraxes' scaly cheek. Having done nothing but lay in the maester's chambers, your hair was not tied or braided in any way. As the wind blew, it tickled against the dragon's face. Caraxes did not seem to enjoy the sensation, and so he growled and snapped his teeth.

Daemon was quick to chastise his mount, and for that, he did not realize your lack of self-preservation. Oh, but Caraxes did; he even growled again, only to be met once more by your unflinching demeanor.

Daemon would only realize your change after taking flight and landing on a beach. Upon dismounting, Caraxes takes it upon himself to screech as you hover. The prince doesn't know who is more bewildered, him or his dragon, when you screech back.

Your neck veins pop and spit comes out of your mouth at the intensity of it all. A harsh wind blows your hair and your skirt. You heave after releasing such a harsh noise.

In truth, perhaps Caraxes is more perturbed as, unlike Daemon's who presses forward, the beast pulls back and shakes his head. He bleats as he watches his rider grab your arm.

The prince means to berate you for your insanity, but then, gods, you rather conveniently succumb to another arrest to your heart and lungs. He does not know why he catches you when your legs give in but he knows exactly why he suggests: "get in the water."

You look up at him, your glassy eyes meeting his violet ones.

He lets you crumble to the ground and bends down to undo your dress, "a swim would do you wonders."

"N-no- you will regret-" you sputter.

But Daemon ignores you, not that it took much effort, for you were incoherent soon enough.

He pulls you out of your dress until you're in nothing but your slip. You sob, and he hushes you, assuring he will be by your side. He removes his tunic. Soon, he is dragging you down deeper and deeper, and you are choking and spitting saltwater.

Daemon decides to simply release you and wait until your body floats lifeless. With how you were gasping, it would not take long. He turns his head when his face is splashed by your flailing arms. When he looks back, the water is calm and your body is nowhere to be seen.

... well, that was rather quick.

He waits for a moment, watching bubbles float up. After a while, he purses his lips and decides to go back ashore. He should have done this sooner.

He freezes when you emerge in front of him, pushing your brown hair off your face. He is perturbed by the serenity across your features; it was as though you were reborn.

You sigh, "I told you you would regret it."

Daemon blankly stares at you.

"There is a great river in Oldtown," you wade around, "the water there is not nearly as pleasant or warm as this, but still... swimming was one of the only ways I could calm myself."

His jaw clenches. He does not even try to hide his disappointment.

You lick your lips at it and turn to Caraxes, who was happily soaking in the sun from the sandy shore, "take heart. Your dragon might entertain himself by eating me yet," you turn to him, "or perhaps my Lord Hand will kill me himself."

His face twists, "what?"

You shake your head and roll your eyes.

He pulls his head back, offended and confused by your sudden nerve.

You allow your body to float up in the water, "you need not pretend. I know you long to kill me."

Daemon is insulted by your brashness. He grabs your floating hip and pushes you down until you're once again face to face. Not a semblance of fear is on your features. It only angers him further.

He snaps, "I could have your tongue for that."

He cannot deny the way his stomach rolls when you place your hands by the base of his neck. The complete change in your temperament puts him on edge. Have you been playing him all along?

"Would it not be simpler to have my head?" you speak plainly, as though you were genuinely curious of his response.

His nostrils flare.

Before he can act, you are swimming off. You emerge from the water, dripping wet. Your clothing is sheer and hugs every part of your body, leaving nothing to the imagination. He could not help but look, but then he was sorely insulted all over when you pet Caraxes head and he lets you.

It was a twisted hallucination. He is suddenly reminded of the milk of the poppy he'd drank; you've probably poisoned him and planned all of this with your cunt father like the conniving whore you really were.

You do not hear him emerge, but only know he did because he is upon you. He forces you around through a severe squeeze on your arms, "what is your game, Hightower cunt?!"

Your body seizes, but you do not succumb to the thundering of your heart, as you had just been relaxed.

He shakes you, making you gasp, "SPEAK!"

"There is no game!" you whimper.

He chuckles dryly, shaking you harshly once more "perhaps it should be said that I need no assistance from my dragon to kill you."

A shiver runs down your spine, "please-"

"Then tell me th-"

"-just do it."

The sound of Caraxes huffing brings Daemon back to reality. And yet it takes you speaking, "just kill me," for him to realize you meant exactly what he thought.

He stills where you descend into further torment. He knows then that it is true. There was no plot, or at least not one where this creature of agony could ever oversee. You were calmed by the water, but not cured. Very truly, he thinks again death would be mercy, convenient for him as well. Yet, in his nature, Daemon does opposite of what he is told and pries his hands off. He mutters under his breath, "ao mūdas run," you terrible thing.

You sob, as if you understood him.

You shed tears unlike the others he's witnessed; there is no panic or fear, only pain.

"Surely you agree it is better than living this way."

The clarity of your voice takes him aback. He turns away, uncomfortable of your sudden agency.

"I have been this way since I can remember," you confess, "and they've all have counted my days for just as long."

"Why must I bloody my hands for you?" he squints, "if you despise living so much, do it yourself."

Your laugh is haunting. You shake your head and wipe your face, "I am not as brave as you. I could not even kill the fishes Gwayne caught for me, though I ate them."

Daemon is unmoved, twice so at the mention of your brother.

"And Gwayne..." you sigh, "he would blame himself." You turn to your feet, warmed by the sand beneath it, "I would not do that to him." You shake your head again, "but again, take heart," you smile, "it will happen soon enough."

His forehead curls.

"I can feel it in my gut," you rub your belly, "it is putrid and festering... whatever it is."

He tilts his head, "then do me a favor and wallow in silence—" he walks off, sparing one last glance, "and try scheming with your cunt father somewhere you will not be caught."

You manically laugh and rip at your hair, "he is my illness, if it is not plain to you."

He stops and turns back to you.

"I am the way that I am because I-" you poke your chest, "am he, had he been born a woman." You rub your sternum, "he loathes me because he is I. I am his hair, his nose, his temper, his... weakness, only amplified because I did not inherit his cock.

"When I pray..." you sniffle, "sometimes I think the gods keep me alive for I am his reckoning— that I must torment him for all the years he has tormented others... tormented me."

Daemon watches the salt from your eyes join the salt on your slip. He stares at your pert nipples then watches you chew your lower lip. He licks his own, "did you mean what you told him?"

You watch as he inches closer, "what?"

"That he is no longer your liege lord," he reaches for your arm, "that I am."

"I-"

Daemon pushes the shoulder of your slip dress down.

Your hand darts to his chest, "i-it is the truth."

He hums and tilts his head. You gasp when he kisses your neck. He licks the saltwater off your skin, enjoying the sound you make when his teeth graze you, "very well then."

Goosebumps form when he pulls your skirt up your thighs.

"It would be beneath a prince to withhold aid for such a tormented spirit."

You do not speak for soon his mouth is claiming yours. It is not as horrid as you imagined it would be. You did not think someone who's shown nothing but aggression could behold you so tenderly. You shiver when he continues to rid you of your sopping clothes. When you break away for air, you manage to mutter, "someone c-could see."

Daemon's expression is changed as stares at you and pushes you to the ground. You gasp as you find yourself atop the garbs he already managed to remove. He undoes his breeches, "who? My dragon?"

You do not know if he means Caraxes.

"You are my wife," he drops to his knees, grabbing yours, "the sin lies with the looker," he pushes your legs apart, "not us."

You bite your lips, feeling the the need to repel him, but decide against it. You simply close your eyes and dig your fingers into the sand.

His loins burn at the sound of your sigh. He sinks into you and relishes your submission. He wraps your legs around him and rocks his hips into yours. You mewl and dig into his back. He bites your lobe before whispering, "you belong to me."

You scratch your nails up his back as his rocking hips send bolts of pleasure in your body.

"Say it."

"I-I-" you heave, "belong to you."

He squeezes your thighs, "you are to do what I so desire."

You gasp softly when he grabs your jaw, making you turn to him.

"-especially if it is against your father, yes?"

You gulp, unable to speak. You simply nod.

Daemon's eyes become hooded. He releases your jaw, claiming your thigh again, "good."

You both remain this way, kissing and rubbing, but then you begin to grow impatient. You bring your mouth to his to catch his attention but do not kiss him. He is taken aback by your unintentional tease and digs his fingers into your flesh. This is why you whimper as you speak, "you- can... enter."

He is broken from his trance, "what?"

"I," you scratch his skin gently, as if to encourage him, "know you are ready. You do not have to hold back. I am accustomed to pain."

He knits his brows, then tilts his head, "how could a virgin know such things?"

He watches bashfulness claim you. You shake your head, "I read it."

"Did your book not tell you it need not be painful?"

"I-" you let out a loud noise when you feel his fingers touch your womanhood, "Daemon-"

He purrs at the sound of his name, "I will show you how good it can feel so that you can tell your father all about it."

The horrifying thought does not even register as he makes you feel things you did not know possible. You begin to shiver and whine, but it is entirely opposite to what your body is accustomed to. Your breath begins to shorten and you instinctively begin to panic, but Daemon's voice keeps you grounded.

"Breathe," he licks your pulse, "it feels good, does it not? Breathe and think of how good I'm making you feel."

You are entirely subservient to him, to his baritone, to his fingers, to his hips. There is nothing but sand and Daemon. You whine when you feel a hard intrusion. The sensation is foreign, and it causes your belly to tense.

He kisses the line that forms between your brows, "relax, my wife. Now is not the time for pain," he hooks his hands behind your knees, "it's a time for pleasure."

It's all a blurry haze after this. Daemon moves into you in a way that makes you wonder how this could ever hurt. Every thrust sends ripples of bliss down your spine. Every hit draws out the lewdest of sounds from your throat. You understand then why they call it love making; you love every moment of it. Your bliss is heightened when he touches something inside you, and again, and again-

For once in your life, as your breath grows heavy, you do not feel like you're about to die.

Daemon alternates tempos, but ultimately resigns to fast and hard. He does not cease until your rigid body goes limp beneath him. The pressure in your stomach breaks into a million burning pieces, and just as it becomes all too much, he pulls out, propping himself up on one arm. You gasp at the heat thats spills on your thigh as he strokes himself. Soon, his arm gives out and he collapses beside you.

You behold the mess of red and white between your legs, but find no shame, only arousal, which you did not expect. You turn to your husband, watching his chest heave, his temples sweat, and his tongue lick his lips.

He's... he's beautiful.

#daemon fanfic #daemon targaryen x reader #daemon targaryen #daemon x reader #daemon targaryen fanfic #daemon smut #daemon targaryen smut #daemon fluff #daemon targaryen fluff #house of the dragon fanfic #house of the dragon smut #hotd fanfic #hotd smut #daemon angst #daemon targaryen angst #daemon #daemon targeryan #house of the dragon

818 notes · View notes

v-hope · 7 months ago

Note

glad you’re missing TF bc me too, i wanna see them finally settling and knowing they’re ready for the next big step in their lives or even just discussing building a family after grad or when they’re at a good stage in their careers🥺🤧

pairing: jeon jeongguk x reader

genre: slight angst, flufffff, established relationship, non-idol au

warnings: pregnancy scare, mentions of condoms, mentions of unprotected sex

word count: 2.3k

a/n: um. hello after years lolll. i started going through very old requests in my ask box yesterday in case i found anything that’d bring some inspiration to my very uninspired self, and i found manyyyy tiger flower ones and this one in particular reminded me of a headcanon of mine that i never wrote nor mentioned (i think) but for some reason it was??? an actual Thing???? in my mind????? so yeah lol here i am. i don’t think anyone even cares about tiger flower (minus one person. u know who u are<3) anymore, BUT fuck it, i missed them and enjoyed writing this. i hope whoever reads it enjoys it too, bye<333

A pregnancy scare wasn’t something you were expecting only two months into moving in together after your graduation. It wasn’t something you were expecting at all.

At most, you and Jeongguk had agreed on getting a puppy as a new addition to your family of two. Said discussion happened when the two of you had only been together for a few months, a little over a year ago, where you both agreed on moving in together after you graduated college and then get a puppy right away.

Moving in together was not up for debate — you knew so the moment Jeongguk got a job in the last year of college and so did you, saving enough money to get a decent place and looking for apartments throughout the entire year, so you could secure a lease as soon as your previous ones ended. On the other hand, although you were still excited as hell to get a dog, once you were settled in your shared place, you were both too busy and overwhelmed trying to keep up with your new jobs and all the new changes in your lives to even think of adding another responsibility on top of them all, let alone one that had to do with a living creature.

If neither of you felt ready to get a puppy yet, how the hell were you supposed to raise a child?

Your heart beat so fast against your chest, you felt like you would pass out any moment, as you paced around the bathroom while you waited for the pregnancy test to tell you whether you’d bring another human being to the world in nine more months or not. Endless thoughts running through your mind as you did so, and you internally cursed at yourself for not having waited outside with Jeongguk instead — God knows you needed his arms around you to bring you comfort.

You definitely needed Jeongguk to hold you, you realised the second the alarm you set as soon as you took the test finally went off, managing to somehow turn it off with your shaky hands, and fighting not to drop your phone as you took a deep breath and closed your eyes for a moment before taking a look to the test on the sink.

Once you earned enough courage to finally open your eyes and focus them on it, you exhaled all the air you didn’t know you were holding up until then — instant relief washing through your body.

Negative.

You were given another chance not to raise a child when neither of you were ready.

And yet, a part of you couldn’t help but feel a little bit disappointed, empty even, now that said possibility was out of the way.

Although it was not the right time, a family with Jeongguk was something you’d always be happy about — and something you were only now realising you longed for way more than you thought you did.

Coming out of the bathroom and meeting a very distressed Jeongguk waiting right outside the door, you shook your head no right away, just like that letting him know you were on the clear this time around.

He let out a heavy, shaky sigh, rubbing his eyes with his palms as he processed the news, before he pulled you into his arms like you so badly needed him to — melting into his familiar touch and inhaling his scent as you felt yourself begin to calm down.

He said nothing, you said nothing. Your arms around one another and feeling each other’s comfort were all you needed right then.

Jeongguk didn’t let go until he felt your body stop trembling, only pulling away enough to rest his forehead on yours and cup your face in his warm hands.

“You okay?” He wondered; for a change, not being able to tell what the expression on your face meant right then.

He genuinely didn’t know whether you were relieved or not. And, therefore, he didn’t know how to react to the news. Yes, he had sighed in relief a minute ago, but that was as much as he’d let himself express until he knew how you felt about the whole situation.

You nodded, still a little bit stunned — not knowing whether you should say what was on your mind. Then again, it was Jeongguk the one in front of you, holding you. You knew you could tell him anything and he would understand, or at least try his best to do so.

“Is it wrong that I feel a little bit disappointed?” You finally mumbled, catching his attention. “I mean, I know we’re not ready, and we haven’t planned it at all and I would be so fucking terrified had it turned out positive, but, I just…”

“I get it,” he stepped up when he realised you wouldn’t talk anymore, gently reaching for your hands and holding them in his. “Of course I’m relieved we’re not having a baby right now, but… a part of me really wants to start a family with you now”.

“Now?” You playfully raised an eyebrow.

“Not now,” he panicked. “But, I mean, in the near future, but not that nea—ugh, you get it”.

You couldn’t hold back a giggle, biting your lip when he rested his head on your shoulder, embarrassedly hiding his face in the crook of your neck.

“I know,” you reassured him, running your thumb on the back of his hand. “I can’t wait to start a family with you either. It’d be cute, wouldn’t it?”

He nodded — one hundred percent on board with it, yet pensively.

Up until that day, you hadn’t really discussed your future together. It was more of a given. Unspoken, but you both knew you wanted everything with each other. From moving in together, to getting married, to having kids, to growing old together.

Maybe it was finally time for you to actually bring those thoughts up.

“What do you think is a good age for us to start trying?” Jeongguk wondered, his voice gentle as ever.

You puckered your lips as you pondered your options. “I mean, we’re only twenty three this year… Maybe in another two or three more?”

“Yeah…” he quietly agreed. “We still need to get the hang of living together on our own…”

“Getting a puppy…” you added.

“Save some money” Jeongguk considered.

“Get a bigger place”.

“Get married”.

You smiled at his addition, feeling the by now very familiar butterflies fill your stomach. Reaching your hand up to cup his cheek, you sweetly ran your thumb over the corner of his mouth.

“You wanna marry me?”

“I am marrying you, Y/N” he confidently stated, only to feel his cheeks burn the next second when he caught the way your eyes lit up. “I mean, if you’ll take me, of course…”

You giggled once again, this time throwing your head slightly back as you rejoiced at the new bit of information your boyfriend had just provided you with. “I am marrying you so hard one day, Jeon Jeongguk”.

He beamed, giggling against your mouth as he searched for it and trapped your bottom lip in between his smiling ones.

You couldn’t help but let out a breathy laugh of your own, wrapping your arms around his neck when he held you up by your thighs and took you to the sofa only a few steps away in your living room — not letting go of you for a second as he carefully lied on his back with you on top of him.

Lying your face comfortably on his chest, and running your fingertips up and down on it, you let out a contented sigh.

“So, kids sometime after we’re twenty six?” You returned to your previous conversation, before you got carried away by your desire to spend the rest of your lives together.

He hummed in response. “We should already have achieved all our previous goals by then, so I think it’s the most reasonable”.

“After twenty six it is then” you settled, smiling brightly when he reached for your hand and interlaced your fingers. “How many would you like?”

“Two or three would be nice,” Jeongguk confessed. “I’m okay with as many as you’re willing to have, though”.

“I always thought two… a girl and a boy” you admitted, feeling him smile against your head. “But I wouldn’t mind having three of them with you” a smile curved up your lips at the simple thought.

He chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to your head. “Two girls and a boy, or two boys and a girl…”

“What if it’s three girls?” You looked up at him.

“That’d be nice” he smiled.

“And if it’s three boys?”

“That’d be nice, too”.

“Mhm…” you squinted your eyes, suspiciously staring into his. “You want at least one girl so bad, Jeon Jeongguk”.

“I didn’t say that?” He defended himself.

“I can see it in your eyes” you playfully poked his forehead.

He rolled his eyes in amusement, tightening his hold on your hand to stop you from poking him again. “Well, sue me for wanting a mini version of you”.

Your heart melted, and you were pouting before you knew it. “I want a mini bun, too”.

“Too bad, we’re only having three girls now” he teased.

“Shut up,” you whined, slumping your face back down on his chest. “You just created a new need for me”.

Jeongguk’s chest trembled as a blissful laugh escaped his lips, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you so close to him you almost found it hard to breathe. You would never complain about it, though, let alone when his lips began to pepper kiss after kiss on the crown of your head.

“I love you,” he said. “And honestly I’ll be happy with whatever sex they are as long as they’re ours and we raise them together”.

His words brought tears to your eyes and a lump in your throat, being apparently still too sensitive over the whole situation not to feel like crying when he said the most reassuring words you needed to hear.

“You’re gonna make me cry” you let him know, looking up to meet his doe eyes once more. “But I’ll be the happiest as long as that’s the case, too”.

Jeongguk smiled timidly, gently pushing your chin slightly up for your lips to come in contact with his; pressing a soft kiss on them before his arms were once again tightening their hold around your waist.

“I’m sorry” he mumbled, nuzzling your hair.

“What for?” You questioned.

Jeongguk shrugged, fingers drawing small circles on your back. “For putting you through this…”

You chuckled, burying your face in his neck. “It takes two to make a child, bunny. Which we didn’t get to make, by the way”.

“I know,” he pouted, holding you somehow tighter against his body. “But last time I was too horny to go get a condom”.

You snorted. “Nothing we haven’t done before. We just tested our luck for the hundredth time and it backfired on us for once”.

Although you weren’t looking at him right then, you knew a pout had just formed on his bottom lip. You tenderly kissed his chest, in hopes of making the sad look on his pretty face go away.

When you felt him be distraught still, you decided to switch the mood a little bit.

“Still, I did have the scare of my life, so we’re going on a sex strike for a bit”.

His mouth fell open in disbelief, pulling you up by your shoulders so he could look you in the eye. “You’re not serious”.

“I am” you stated, trying your best not to allow your lips to break into a smile. “One month at least”.

“At least?!”

“Aren’t you the one who went twenty one whole years without having sex?” You raised a teasing eyebrow. “This should be nothing to you”.

“Petal…” he whined, hiding his face in your neck. “It’s not the same now”.

“Why not?”

“Because I got a taste of it with you two years ago and I can’t control myself around you now, you know it”.

“Sucks to be you” you shrugged. “One month starting today”.

Letting out a defeated cry that could only have you finally releasing the laugh you managed to hold for so long, he rested his head back against the couch.

“Can this month end already”.

“So you’re just accepting your fate?” You were the one in disbelief now. “You won’t even try to convince me otherwise?”

“No, it’s up to you” he said, closing his eyes as he threw an arm over them. “If you don’t want me to touch you then I’ll just keep my hands to myself and suffer in silence”.

You half cooed, half laughed, not having expected such a touching answer to your playful question. Then again, it was Jeongguk the one you were dating; you should know better by now.

Removing his arm from his face, you pressed a brief kiss on his nose. “I love you, bun” you ran your fingers through his hair. “As if I’d be able to go a whole month without jumping your bones”.

“Now don’t say it like that” he laughed, throwing one of his legs over your body and making you lie on your sides now.

Properly face to face now, you cupped his cheek and gently caressed it as you rested your forehead on his. “Give me two weeks tops to shake the fear off my body?”

He nodded, lovingly bumping his nose on yours. “As long as you need me to”.

471 notes · View notes

pinkthrone445 · 1 month ago

Note

Do you have ao3? Also can you continue my wife? 🥺 I almost cried but i dont know in which part. If it's because of the story or because it's unfinished or i got left hanging. But Great work though 👏

Hiii! I don't have ao3, my girlfriend explained to me what it was because I had no idea honestly, I was even researching a little of it, but I prefer more tumblr because I feel it more personal.

Thank you for the comment, I really love this kind of interaction 🥺✨

-My wife- Part 2

Part 1

Pairing: Agatha Harkness x Reader-Agatha Harkness x Rio

Gender:soft, hurt

Warnings: insults and mention of death. Spoilers from the series.

Summary: after loosing your wife, you beg the witch to take you to the road to find her. But with no hope of finding her, you want to come back home.

You sighed looking at the notebook in your hands, since you had been sent to do a report on the hex when it started expanding and you got trapped inside, that was going to be your great opportunity to do your great report and go famous on the news side, but since Wanda retired from the city and released everyone from her control, you no longer had your main source or your main character and it was more difficult to make the story happen.

Frustrated by not knowing how to follow your report, you put your notebook in your bag and continued with your grocery shopping

-"Hello... Did you find everything you needed?" - a kind lady asked you from the cash register while you put your items on the band. You looked up and she smiled, she had a delicate but mischievous smile and her light eyes sparked with the stores lights. You squinted your eyes to read her name tag since you were not using your glasses. "Agnnes" a sweet name

-"Y-yes" - for some reason your voice trembled-"Thank you... Can you add some gum please?" - You didn't knew why but you made your voice sweeter than how you usually talked and she nodded.

When you finished paying, you went to where you were staying to eat the junk food and the chips you bought and try to keep writing your notes, but not matter how many times you checked your purse or the bags, you couldn't find your notebook with all your important notes.

Before the tears of desesperation could fill your eyes, you started to retake your previous steps hoping to find it somewhere, but when you got to the store, the doors were already closed.

Defeated, you came back home, praying to God that your notebook would be there tomorrow.

The next day you went back to the store before they could open the doors to the people, your heart racing with nerves, yesterday's frustration still lingering on your body. Wanda was gone and if you lost that book all your first handed Intel would be gone too.

Your leg bounced on the concrete looking at the doors and your reflection on it. Agnes, the cashier from the day before stood beside you looking at the close doors

-"What are we looking for?" - she asked leaning closer to you and you turned to look at her

-"Agnes..."-her name sounded so sweet on your lips-"I lost something yesterday and I think is here... I hope is here" - Your voice sounded like a plea to the gods

-"What did you loose?" - she asked with worry on her eyes

-"A black notebook with some silly drawings on the cover... It has my notes for work and I had some important Intel on it and I need it"-You really sounded desperate

-"Intel on what?" - she asked curious

-"On some local news... You know, the kidnapping of the whole town and all... You don't remember if yesterday someone brought you a lost notebook?" - You looked into her eyes and she held her bag tighter

-"I shouldn't let people from the outside come in before we open, but follow me, let's check the lost and found" - she took your hand and pulled you to the side of the store. Her fingers where holding you tight and that made you smile a little, her hands were soft and they had the perfect size to hold yours.

She opened the side door and pulled you inside with her, looking for the office without letting you go.

When you finally got there, she pulled a box from the closet and put it on top of a desk, letting you search for the notebook without any luck.

She stared at your face, looking how your eyes got watery when you searched the box for the second time hoping that it would appear

-"Hey..."-she took your hand again stopping your search-"Let's check the store together..."-she whispered and you nodded. Even at the risk of losing her job if someone looked at the cameras and saw that she had let someone from outside the company in before they even opened, she helped you look for the notebook all over the store.

-"I think I got it!!"-she yelled and you ran towards her, when you saw her holding your notebook proudly on her hands, you let out a loud yelling of happiness and hugged her tightly

-"Oh my god! You are a life saver Agnes!" - You couldn't stop holding her and she laughed

-"How do you know my name? I've never told you... And I don't know yours either now that I think about it..."-she whispered and you let her go laughing a little embarrassed when she handle you the notebook

-"I saw it yesterday on your name tag... I'm (Y/N) by the way... Thank you so much for this..."-you looked at the book in your hand and she smiled

-"Lovely name..." - she whispered looking at your smile and you blushed a little under her intense gaze

-"Do you want want to go for a coffee? It's on me..."-you boldly offered and she smiled sadly

-"I have to work..."-she answered and you felt a little disappointed without knowing why

-"Rigth, of course, I'm sorry" - You tried to quickly excuse yourself

-"But my shift finish at 6... Maybe we can go for dinner?" - she asked and your smile grew

-"I would love that" - You wrote your number on a piece of paper from your notebook and gave it to her-"See you soon, thank you again!" - You smiled and let her go on with her day.

That first dinner was surprisingly good, the conversation seemed to have no end and she picked an excellent spot that you haven't seen before in that small town. She was sarcastic and funny, she knew how to flirt and she was charming and gorgeous and you couldn't get enough of her.

So after that nigth, after a couple days, you came back to her store to buy something only to have an excuse to see her again and talk to her. And then you repeatedly did the same until you started dating.

After a year together you got married and moved to Agnes' house, and a year after that, you started the process to have a baby together.

At some point along the way, you didn't know exactly when, you realized that she was a witch. If you connected the dots that she lived almost next door to where the scarlet witch was but still didn't remember her, or that some of her books at home were in Latin and talked about spells, or that she herself did a "joke" spell before you got pregnant and it worked... It seemed very obvious what she was...But she seemed like a nice witch.

You as a reporter got interested in her and started to study all the books that she had and all the story behind her, you found out that she was Agatha Harkness a powerful old witch, but for you she was your sweet and perfect Aggy.

When she started to get lost in her own mind, you used all the things you had learned to break her spell, and when your Aggy was lost behind the powerful Agatha Harkness, you used the song of the road that she used to sing to your belly, to try to bring her back again.

But now you were stuck on the stupid road with no hopes of bringing her back and no idea how to get back home.

You took your notebook with spells out of your pocket and you saw how it was filled with memories, notes, phrases and information all involving Agatha... All the things you investigated for her and now she couldn't even remember you or cared about you being pregnant or about what you have done for her. Rage and sadness filled your body and you throw the book away, seeing how it fell outside of the road and the dirt consumed it. You signed and sat on the dirt, desperate tears filled your eyes and and you hug your legs

-"I want to get out..."-you whispered between sobs

-On the other side of the road-

-"Hughhh, stop it!" - Agatha yelled grabbing her head, she didn't knew how, but every time you thought about something or remembered anything, she could feel it on her head too and that was really anoying to her, her mind was usually so calm and yours was so loud.

-"Agatha... Let's go bact to her, I think we need her, we've been walking for hours and we have no test ahead, clearly the road wants her with us..."-Lilia said worried about you being alone

-"The road is bullshit..."-she murmured between her teeth-"Let's sleep a little, we can keep going in a few hours" - she said firmly and nobody dared to say anything else about it because they were scared of making her more angry.

While everyone slept, Agatha thouth about you, specially about the baby, she didn't knew if you were telling the truth but she was intrigued about it, if she started a family with you, you must be really important to her, important enough to move on after all this time.

A glimpse of something shiny on the middle of the road cough her eyes, she stood up and grabbed a dusty notebook, your notebook. She recognized it immediately because you had it all the time in your hands. When she open it, the first thing she saw was a lyrics of a song, her original song that she used to sing with Nicky. The only other person that knew that song was her and Rio, but apparently she sang that song to you at some point and you save it on your notes.

She also saw full paragraphs about her, a drawing of her pin, notes about enchantments, a list of songs and baby names... Baby names, she remembered picking baby names with you a few days ago when the pregnancy test came out positive, she remembered you on the bathroom of the house, crying and hugging her.

She kept reading the book, it was like a diary about your and her life together, every important thing was inside it, even a few pictures, including ones of the wedding you had. You seemed so happy with her, nobody has never smiled so much because of her, and in all the pictures she was smiling even bigger looking at you. Her heart started clenching more each time she read a new page, she could feel your love in your notes, until she reached one in particular

"Even if you don't recognize me anymore and you don't remember the love you had for me, the love I have will cover for the both of us..."

She remember when you told her that when she tried to kick you out of the house and that made a clic on her head, Agatha remembered, finally she remembered everything.

How you met, that spark, your first time together, when you got married, when you decided to have the baby and how you took care of her when she started to loose it...

She remember how you stayed by her side always. Even when she no longer recognized you, and unless you followed the silly illusion her head was living in, she wasn't able to see or hear you either, you stayed. Even though she no longer knew who you were, you made a vow with her and wanted to take care of her while she was "sick", so you found a way to help her eat or shower. You pretended to be a waitress and tell her she was on a restaurant so she would eat her food and pretend to be a masseur on a spa so she would shower. Agatha remember that, remembered your care and your worry even when she treated you badly, she remembered your love for her...she remembered all that and fell for you again, she finally remembered her love for you.

-"Fuck!" - she closed the book feeling like an asshole

-"They are coming!" - Lilia woke up scared, telling the others that the Salem seven where close. Agatha grabbed her coat

-"Let's go, we need to find her before they can hurt her" - she ordered and the others followed her.

-On your side of the road-

After a few minutes of crying you also fell asleep and when you woke up, you were no longer on the road, you were on your confy bed, hugged by the covers. You sighed in relief and snuggled more into the comfort of the mattress thinking that all that had hapend was just a bad dream

-"Are you planning on staying on that bed all day?" - a deep voice took you out of your peaceful place and you sat on the bed scared to see Rio sitting at the edge of it. If you were still on a dream, she was a completely nightmare following you everywhere

-"How did I got here? What are you doing here? What do you want? If you want Agatha go ahead, I don't care anymore"-saying those words made your heart hurt, but you were tired of trying to get love from the witch with no results at all

-"She hates me, she doesn't want to be with me or see me... Remember that conversation around the fire? she is my scar... I don't know if you know this but we had a son together many many years ago... But he was sick and it was my fault, I tried to give them more time together and she tried to keep him away from me, but eventually I had to do my job and he had to come with me... Agatha never forgave me for it and I didn't forgave myself either..."-she talked with her serious face as always and you couldn't avoid the feeling that you were in danger with her close

-"If you want me to feel sorry for you, telling me that you had to kill your son, it's not helping..."-you whispered

-"I took you out of the road..."-she confessed and surprised you-"You wanted to get out and the Salem seven where very close to you while you slept so I took you out... Because Agatha wouldn't forget me ever if I had to take another one of her children away... Or her wife..."-the word wife was painful to her, you were having the life that they could never had, but she would do anything to see Agatha happy

-"That's... Thank you..."-you didn't knew what to said, you figured that she was death itself when she told you that she was "THE" green witch, but she was bending the rules of life for Agatha

-"Don't... Just take care of her okay?... And close that fucking door to the "road", like now"-she order and you stood from the bed

-"How do you want me to do that? I have no powers..."-you asked confused

-"You created it, you can close it... Or he can, you just have to let his powers control you again" - she told you pointing to your almost invisible belly. The baby was made from Agatha's spell, it made sense that you had power while he was inside you. When you turned to look at her, she was gone already.

Still confused, you ran to the basement and grabbed a piece of chalk and a few candles, remembering the spells that you had studied, you started to repeat the Latin words over and over until you saw the door desapear. Tired and a little confused of what you were capable of, you sat at the floor trying to catch your breath, hoping that Agatha and the others would find a way out.

Meanwhile inside the road, Agatha and the others were running looking for you and screaming your name when she noticed how the sky of the road started to shrink and how the trees beside them began to desapear, little by little everything started to fade around them

-"Fuck! Off the road! Let's go to the mud people, let it swallow you" - Lilia yelled, she saw this happening before and she knew what they had to do even if she didn't knew why. Although they were not quite sure if Lilia was in her right mind on that moment, they decided to listen as it seemed to be the only possible option. They all waded into the mud and fell under the road right next to an exit, using it to escape safely just in time before the place collapsed behind them

-"Well... That happened..."-the protection witch said breathing heavily

-"Its this another test?" - The potion witch asked

-"I think we are truly out..."-Lilia said.

Apparently they had come out in some underground construction and Agatha didn't waste a second in running out looking for a way out to see if she could find you

-"What about the end of the road?!" - they asked running behind her

-"I don't care about that, I need to find my wife!" - The purple witch screamed and when she finally got outside and saw that they weren't so far away from her house, she breathe out in relief. Immediately she went to the house, and when she was about to open the backyard door, the color left her skin when the door opened alone and she saw death itself leaving the house, Agatha couldn't avoid imagining the worse, that she was there to claim your body because you couldn't get out of the road in time

-"Please no..."-The witch begged her ex lover, but the green witch just walked away without saying anything else. Agatha opened the door with shaky hands and the others followed her closely

-"Aggy! Lilia! You are all okay!" - Your voice pierced their ears as your body crushed against them hugging them all taking them by surprise

-"I thought I lost you" - Agatha's voice was broken, vulnerable as she hugged you alone, closer to her-"I thought I had lost you after being an asshole to you, I... I'm sorry... I remember you, all you did for me, I remember how much we love each other, how much I love you" - she whispered pressing her forehead against yours and letting one of her hands rest against your belly. You smiled feeling safe and happy again. But your happiness ended quickly when you saw how the sky turned gray

-"Oh no... They got out too" - Lilia said watching how the Salem seven where walking down the street

-"Look guys, this is my fight, you don't need to be here... " - Agatha said but got interrupted

-"This is not the time to be good Agatha after being a bitch all this time..."-Jennifer said

-"We will protect you... After all that's what convens are for" - Alice said looking at you and then at Agatha- "I will blast you... Just don't take it all..."-she said and the purple witch nodded...

-9 months later-

-"He is gorgeous..."-Lilia said holding your baby on her arms for the first time. The little baby held her fingers in his little hand watching all the women around hin

-"He is, but now it's time for Aunty Aliceee to hold himmm" - The protection witch said excited in a pitchy voice while you watched them from your hospital bed

-"No! I was the second one to hold David, come on!" - Jennifer started fighting with the other witches making you laugh. You named your baby in honor of your neighbor that you lost on the road.

-"Love come here..."-you whispered to Agatha who was looking outside from the window. She gave a last look and closed the blinds smiling at you-"Are you okay?" - You asked and she nodded, happy to see that death was nowhere to be seen meaning that you and the baby where healthy and safe

-"Never better, I got everything that I need rigth here" - she kissed your forehead and hugged you protectively whispering sweet things on your hear.

#agatha harkness smut #agatha harkness x reader #agathaharknessedit #agatha all along #agatha harkness #agathario #agatha spoilers #pinkthrone445 #agatha harkness fanfic

230 notes · View notes

thelov3lybookworm · 1 month ago

Text

Belonging with them

Day 3: Belonging.

Summary: He knew where he belonged now.

•○●⛦●○•

Word Count: 1150

Warnings: azzie continues being jelly of kaden lolll

A/n: i love hazel sm yall dont get it 🥺 this fic is based on a short i saw on yt and the dad is like the biggest hunk and gave such cassian vibes and he genuinely cried 🥺 i was gonna write this fic for cassian but then i decided to give this to azzie cus he deserves to cry hehe

(if you dont know hazel and kaden, theyre from my mini series overprotective bat. it was a 2 part series which can be found on my azriel masterlist. all the fic in this week will be revolving around these two cuties hehe)

@azrielappreciationweek

ANYWAY ENJOYYYY 🥳

°•°•°•○🌑○•°•°•°

"I don’t really know where I fit in anymore."

"I’ve been alive almost five and a half centuries and I’m not sure of that, either."

The day he had said those words to Feyre seemed like a lifetime away, as if experienced in a dream centuries ago when he was younger and could not differentiate between reality and what his brain had conjured up. But he knew, it had merely been five years.

The five years he had cherished the most in his life.

He loved his family. He adored the way Rhys and Cassian bickered during their annual snowball fight, the way Amren found a way to slide in a snide remark at every dinner, the way Mor would always be ready to go partying. Above all, he adored how all his family including the Archeron sisters would be ready to help him and be there for him any day. Even in the middle of the night when he did not want to wake up his wife but knew he needed someone to help him with his crying daughter.

But… they did not complete him. He loved them to bits and would readily give his life for them… before he met his now wife and decided she was the one he would spend his life with, mating bond be damned. He had lost all hopes of finding his mate back then after waiting for five centuries.

Imagine his shock when on their wedding day, he felt another thread of gold tying him to his wife.

Now as he sat watching his daughter pet a purring Nuts lounging on the low table in front of him while explaining to him how tea was made, he smiled.

He had found his place of belonging. And it was with his wife and daughter.

Of course, there had to be that boy trying to take his daughter away from him. What was his name? Kade? Kaden? Azriel thought bitterly.

He knew he was being dramatic. His daughter was barely four years at this point, no four year old was going to steal her away.

Hazel turned to Azriel, making him focus all his attention on her. He offered her a smile when she handed him a small pink cup.

"What is this?" He asked, bringing the empty toy to his lips.

She shot him an incredulous look. "It’s the tea you ordered daddy."

"Oh, yeah sorry, I was thinking about something."

She shook her head. "Stop thinking and focus, daddy. Kaden always pays attention."

Azriel stilled.

I am being compared to a four year old boy now? What has life come to.

He sighed, mumbling out an apology even though all he wanted to do was tell her to stay away from that boy.

He did not want to be forced to go apologise again.

She began fumbling with the littered toys on the desk once more, completely ignoring Azriel in favour of mumbling instructions to Nuts, as if teaching him how to cook.

As he watched her move over to the huge armchair and place a cup on it, conversing with what Azriel could only hope was not spirits of the deceased, his curiosity peaked.

Maybe it was a bad idea, but he needed to make sure that she was not getting overly friendly with Kaden.

"Hazel, this tea is amazing." He waited till she giggled before continuing. "By the way, how’s school?"

It was daycare to help her get accustomed to going to school next year, but Hazel insisted she was a big girl and attended big girl school.

"It’s fine. Miss Black gave me a gold star yesterday because I helped her." Hazel was focused on the air she was stirring in her red pot as she talked, lips pursed slightly in concentration.

"Hmm. Who’s your best friend?"

Please don’t say Kaden. Not Kaden. Please.

She turned around to glare at him, and he wondered if by any chance he had said the words aloud. But he knew he hadn’t. Azriel wouldn’t let himself speak without permission from himself.

Her brows bunched up, lips pouting and eyes narrowed, she looked as offended as an old grandma being told her grandchild was full and did not want more food.

"Daddy, it’s you. You’re my best friend." She rolled her eyes.

Azriel watched. He simply watched her return back to stirring her pot.

Cassian had been the one to teach her the eye rolling. Azriel had been amused. Seeing a child barely reaching his knees roll her eyes at him like she had lived five lives was nothing short of funny.

But right now, it felt anything but.

It’s you daddy.

His eyes were prickling, that was his first conscious thought after long moments of silence in his head. His vision was getting blurry, throat clogging. Tell tale signs of a sob session oncoming. But he could not bring himself to care as he stared at this little faeling, who did not even realise what she had done.

You’re my best friend.

Azriel simply sat back against the couch, the cushions pressing against his bare back, and let the tears have their way on his skin.

I’m her best friend.

Even despite the emotions Hazel had brought forth, somewhere in the back of his mind Azriel was rejoicing that her best friend was not Kaden.

Guess I’m never beating the territorial illyrian accusations.

The shadows settled down on his shoulders, swirling softly against his skin as they too watched Hazel play and pet Nuts occasionally. They did not inform him of his wife’s arrival in the living room. They did not have to. He simply felt when her presence was near. The all consuming feeling of love growing stronger in his chest being another indicator.

"Hazel, it’s bath time baby. Let’s go."

Hazel huffed as if what Y/n had said was the most outrageous thing ever. "Mommy, I can’t leave yet. There are customers."

Azriel practically felt his wife’s eyes narrow. "Daddy can attend to your customers."

Hazel turned to look at Azriel pleadingly, her eyes wide and placating before they filled with shock. "Daddy why are you crying!"

Y/n drew closer. "Azzie?"

Azriel blinked, smiling up at his wife before picking up his daughter. "It’s nothing. Just some dust."

Hazel turned to scowl at Nuts. "I told you to clean up properly. Now see, because of you my daddy is crying."

Azriel huffed out a laugh, pressing his lips to her round cheek.

"Let’s go shower baby. I’ll even get your toys, yeah?"

Azriel’s gaze swung to Y/n at the end of his sentence. She gave him a knowing smile.

"Can Nuts come too? Please daddy, mommy!"

"Fine, but no splashing." Y/n pointed a finger at the father-daughter duo, eyebrows raised.

Hazel had begun to whine, but even she knew not to argue when mommy was serious.

°•°•°•○🌑○•°•°•°

Permanent Taglist: @berryzxx @sarawritestories @milswrites @throneofsmut

@daycourtofficial @sweetorangeblossom @secret-third-thing

Acotar Taglist: @bubybubsters @eos-princess @nightless @harrystylesfan2686

@cassie6392 @kennedy-brooke @tele86 @miluiel1

@hnyclover @minnieoo @sidrapotter @piceous21

@mybestfriendmademe @saltedcoffeescotch @lady-of-tearshed @starsinyourseyes

@starswholistenanddreamsanswered @cumuluscranium @byyalady

@lilah-asteria @girlswithimagination @garden-of-runar @girlswithimagination

@sunnyspycat @artists-ally @milswrites @kingdomofstarrynights

@berryzxx @buttermilktea11 @loving-and-dreaming @yucanbmylxdy

@mellowmusings

Azriel Taglist: @darthdumbasss @foreverrandomwritings @azrielsmate3 @celestialend

@stqrgirlies-blog @tele86 @bakananya @xyzmeh

@st4r-girl-official @caraaaaugh @nacho-nat @allllium

@fandomarchiveilyd @nickishadow139 @angel-graces-world-of-chaos

@okaytrashpanda

225 notes · View notes

janumun · 3 months ago

Note

Faaaaa my babyyyy, I'm here as promised. 🥺🥺 We already talked about this in dms and you seemed so interested so can you write the lads men reacting to mc's death, please pretty please

When You Are Gone [All LaDS Men - Angst Headcanons]

Rated: SFW - Angst Tags: hurt/no comfort, poorly dealing with the death of a loved one

Summary: The LaDS men dealing with the aftermath of your death, in the heartbreaking messages they leave in your voicemail almost regularly even long after you’re gone, in an effort to cope with your loss.

Author’s Notes : Hey darling, absolutely! Here you go. Hope you enjoy (?). 😭 This headcanon’s a bit differently formatted because I was inspired by the game’s speech to text function.

Sylus

TW: knowingly putting oneself in danger, mortally wounded Sylus, insomnia, mild spoilers for Razor’s Grip ASMR

Transcript:

Hey there! You’ve reached my voicemail, which is a rare occurrence. That either means I do not know recognize your caller ID. Orrrr you are a certain infuriating Boss Man, trying to calling me up at all ungodly hours of the night again. Whoever you are, leave a message after the beep and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

A heavy snort of sour laughter rolls past bruised lips, to hear the familiar automated sound of your voice playing on the other end of the line; one Sylus does not tire of no matter how many times he’s heard it. A thick, punishing burst of pain fractures across his torso when he chokes up on the blood gurgling within his throat.

Sylus reaches to curb the sound within a bloodied fist, clearing his throat to speak once more.

I suppose I did deserve all your reprimands, seeing as I am still calling you way past your bedtime, kitten.

His voice lowers an octave, slow, gentle.

I hope you’re having a good dream.

I’m only calling because you told me to let you know anytime I’d be away on a risky mission. A hushed chuckle sounds on the other end of the line.

You'd practically ordered it of me — do you remember?

The night when you grabbed me by the lapels and asked me to not make a deal all on my own, ever again. That you worried for me whenever I was gone and you wanted to know the next time I planned on taking a mission, of this caliber.

You’d willingly walked back to me and since then, I have always made space for you, just like you’ve wanted.

I’ve kept up my end of our bargain.

A guttural moan of pain sounds through the otherwise quiet of the night.

These wounds of mine... functioning without sleep for this long, and a poor decision made on my end, the combination was bound to have consequences.

His chuckles knell throaty, labored.

And now, all I wish to do is sleep.

A lengthy silence follows after, making one believe the user on the other end of the line might’ve cut the call. Or fallen asleep in exhaustion of his wounds, like he said.

Before that gentle burr of his sounds once more.

You know I can’t die, sweetie, unfortunate as that is in this moment.

But I do have a wish for when my body inevitably loses its awareness for the short time it takes to recuperate.

I hope, Sylus’s voice softens. that when I close my eyes this time, I get to see you in my dreams.

Zayne

TW: allusions to embalming a body long after death, mentions of a protocore heart that continues to function even after the host’s death, denial of grief

Transcript:

Hi, you’ve reached my voicemail. I am currently unavailable but drop me a message and I’ll get back to you, stat.

A quiet insouciant voice — the clearing of a throat — begins on the other end of the line.

Akso Hospital Log 171, the time right now is 4:17 AM. The host’s heart continues to function, although its less-than-optimal cardiac output remains at 1L per min. A pulse rate of 13 beats per min has been documented today. A slight decrease from its value yesterday, recorded at 17 beats per minute.

A brief pause.

Does it bother you to hear me speak of you this way? I’m sorry. A mere force of habit on my part. You are my patient, after all. Documentation must be precise, and to the point, for our research to progress, if we are to have even a sliver of a chance at resuscitating your heart.

I have hope we will succeed; I will do my utmost as a doctor so that we may save you.

Another pregnant pause.

Do you too think I am foolish for my efforts?

Greyson accosted me in the hallways tonight after my scheduled surgery and he seemed so... incensed. For being unable to give up on you, for crossing a line, to not get overtly attached to any of our patients, he said it was a clear violation of our Oath and called it my professional failing. And afterwards... he implored that I give up now.

Someone once asked me, long ago: if I would go beyond death to try and bring back the person I loved, were they to pass away. And I answered that I would not, a desecration of the dead is not something I’d wish to do. Or wish upon the deceased. I would rather divert all my efforts to ensuring they would live, that their heart would continue to beat healthy.

So, in retrospect, it is Greyson who’s strange in expecting my willing defeat, without having even tried to the best of my capabilities. Not when your heart still continues to beat.

I do, however, miss you... very much, even though hope remains in my heart.

When the day comes that you wake up, I hope you do not have to suffer like this, ever again.

Rafayel

TW: gradual loss of vision, self-blame

Transcript:

Hi, hello! I’m unable to answer your call at the moment but hey, feel free to drop me a voice message and I’ll get back to you soon. Bye-bye!

A sharp inhale; as if the person on the other end of the line is wracked by sudden, vicious pain.

Before the sound smoothens out, as if it had never been. An airy voice begins, although the nonchalant inflection to his tone sounds odd, all wrong — a fact the recipient of the voicemail would’ve been able to parse instantly, were they still around.

Hey cutie! It’s me again, your favorite person in the entire world.

Sorry about that earlier, I always get a bit startled whenever I hear you say good-bye in that crazy adorable voice.

Since y’know, the very last time we met, you never told me you were leaving.

Silence descends.

It really feels like it’s been another 800 years, I fear the fish will actually start flying and the whales will start walking this time.

Only, I don’t think you’re coming back this time, are you?

My bride can be so cruel sometimes.

A humorless laugh.

Anyyyyway, I’m dropping a voice note today because my eyesight’s been acting up a bit lately so I can’t really leave you a text like I usually do.

And before you scold me about it, I know I’m not supposed to be painting this long but I’m close to completing this new painting of you and I can’t rest until it’s done and dusted.

Don’t hate me for it, pretty?

A pleased, wistful sound.

I really wish you were here so I could show it to you right now.

A strident crash sounds in the background of the caller as paintbrushes overturn along with a color palette; garnet red and deep purple staining his floor a macabre color Rafayel cannot perceive in that moment.

Whoa, now that’s gonna leave a mess from the sounds of it.

Whatever, I’ll clean it up later once I get my sight back.

The point is, cutie, I’ll share a snap of the completed painting with you once it’s done.

Be prepared to be absolutely blown. So dazzled you fall head over heels in love with me.

And then perhaps... return, if you like it and me enough.

His sigh is steeped in mild vexation.

Waiting hurts.

Having you not remember our time together, in every lifetime we meet, hurts. It really is all your fault, you know.

A soft, disgruntled moue you can hear within his words.

But I hope, in our next life, we don’t cross paths.

That way, you won’t be forced to sacrifice yourself for my sake, ever again, you silly girl.

A throttled sound; it almost sounds like a wretched moan of pain.

I don’t want our bond to shackle you down anymore so I think... I’ll let you go now.

A human like you far suits the sun, not being saddled down below within turbulent seas.

So, this will be our final farewell now.

The words nearly scraped free of his throat on a rasped sound.

Goodbye, my beloved bride.

I loved—

Beep. Your message has been recorded and sent.

Caleb

Transcript:

TW: very brief traumatic remembrance of your demise

Hi hi! You’ve reached the ever-diligent Miss Hunter’s voicemail. I’m probably out on a mission right now so I’m unable to respond but I’ll get back to you ASAP if you drop me a message instead!

A soft chuckle warms the air in fond recollection to hear your voice. The knot of Caleb’s brow furrowing deeper as he tries to imprint that cheery voice into his skull to overwrite the sounds of your pained screams still knelling within his ears.

Before he clears his throat to begin.

Hello to you too, pipsqueak.

It’s your 25th birthday today and I thought I’d record this little memento for us.

Happy Birthday, my tiny hurricane of disaster. I really miss you, you know, even if you don’t seem to.

He chuckles in resignation.

I should’ve let you bother me more often if I knew you were going to be this terrible at keeping in touch with your best friend later.

We really didn’t have much time together once I returned from my posting abroad. Work kept you so busy.

I should’ve scolded you more often about taking appropriate breaks in between missions. God.

A gentle laugh resounds on the other end of the line.

Reprimanding you like a dad used to be Zayne’s job among us three, not mine.

The tiniest of fractures slip into his voice.

Anyway, I’ve kept to my side of the bargain we made while I was away from Linkon; to leave you regular voice messages about my day and I guess the habit’s just... stuck.

I visited the grocery store earlier to shop for ingredients to whip up your favourite parmesan risotto tonight.

It was almost like you were with me, you know.

With each item I passed by; from the strawberries you love to inhale to your favourite cola displayed, front and center, within their fridge. I almost picked one up for you before I—

He visibly halts himself, his breathing somewhat erratic. Before he resumes once more.

That nice kid you’re friendly with was manning the counter today and he recognized me almost instantly. All thanks to being towed around the Supermart with you, no doubt.

He even gave me a nice discount on the items when I told him I was whipping up a birthday dinner for you.

A short pause.

The risotto was pretty good, if I do say so myself. I wish you could’ve tasted it too.

Sorry I didn’t bake a birthday cake for you this year because it’s just me in the house now.

I don’t have a certain cute girl, with a crazy sweet tooth, to eat it with me and you know I’m not really fond of sweets.

His voice drops into a hushed sound, wrought with emotion.

Time flew by so fast. It seems like only yesterday when we were both kids, huddled around a coffee table with you trying your best to blow out the candles on the cake Grandma baked for us on your birthday.

He laughs softly.

You had a difficult time growing up because of your heart but you were always so brave.

I wish I could’ve spoiled you more often. If only I knew then that our time together would be so short.

His voice breaks into a slight tremor.

Your Caleb really misses you... every day of my excruciating life.

But... I hope that now... wherever you are, you aren’t in pain anymore.

If there is a life after this one, I hope you let me find you in it, too.

I love you, little spitfire.

End of voice message.

Xavier

TW: space travel, personal logging of a journey, self-imposed isolation and neglect

Transcript:

Hi there, you’ve reached my voicemail as I’m unable to attend your call at the moment. Leave a message after the beep and I’ll be sure to get back to you soon!

Hi to you too, angel.

It’s been a while since I’ve left you a message, hasn’t it?

I’m sorry, I’ve been facing some turbulence anomalies ever since my ship hit the Bode’s galaxy so I’ve been a bit occupied.

Where were we last time?

Ah, I told you how Jeremiah’s shop has been thriving on Earth lately, because I remembered you saying you wanted to know how he was doing the last time we spoke.

You never got the chance to see for yourself after.

He pauses.

I didn’t want to tell you at the time because you and Jeremiah really seemed to be growing close as friends and that bothered me.

Forgive me?

A shift of gears sounds within the quiet interior of the spaceship as Xavier adjusts a few controls.

I know these logs will never reach you but I still want to talk to you about our journey.

I never...

His voice drops; the sliver of a whisper.

got to show you this small planet I found while out on my travels, a long time ago. I named it Uluru. It’s a red rock planet, you see.

I told you about it once and you said you’d really like to go see it someday. “Xavier’s own planet,” you said.

I think you were teasing me then. But I wanted to tell you, it’s not just Xavier’s planet but “Xavier and MC’s little planet”.

I didn’t have the chance to show it to you while you were still—

A violent catch of breath followed by a soft curse, cleaves through the quiet.

A low exhale before that quiet voice picks up once more.

Uluru is reaching the end of its life soon after all these lightyears and I wanted to go together with you to see our planet one last time before it died.

As for what I’ll do after...

A pause and a thoughtful hum, follows.

I think I’ll stay there once I’ve witnessed its demise.

Earth no longer has any springs for me to return to now that you’re gone and Philos — well I can’t return to that place anymore.

So, I think I’ll stay, among the ruins of the place that was supposed to be our home.

With you.

End Notes: Thank you for reading! I know many of us wept about how we wished for God to take all of Zayne’s pain and give it to us instead so here I am, happy to do exactly that. 😇 Happy Zayne story branch release, y’all.

Likes, comments and reblogs are always appreciated if you are so inclined, lovelies!

Tagging as requested: @samanthagnicole , @catboi-anon , @bitches4lifebro , @beebumbo , @hellinistical

If you have not been tagged, it’s because I can’t tag you due to tagging permissions turned off on your end.

If you’d like to be tagged in my future stories, you can fill this short form here. If you’d like to be removed, shoot me a DM!

You can also find me on Ao3 and twitter, if you’d like to chat or just squeal with me about hot characters, in general.

399 notes · View notes

neptuneiris · 1 year ago

Text

could you pretend to be in love? (02/10)

The Contract

pairing: modern!aemond × fem!reader (fake dating)

summary: there is no turning back now and now you and Aemond set the rules and conditions to start the whole farce.

word count: 4.6k

previous part • next part • series masterlist

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!🥳

I thought this would be a very nice way to wish happy new year to all of you beautiful people who support me and like what I write, you don't know how much that means to me🥺

thank you for so much support and for so much love, I have loved being here and I definitely plan to stay for longer, seeing how that love evolves and my place here as a writer🥰 so enjoy a lot this new chapter that I really hope you like it a lot❤

many blessings to all of you, my best wishes for your lives in this 2024, I love you all so much!😊❤

enjoy!

It's the first thing you see after turning off the alarm and you curiously enter to read the recent messages from an unknown number, not having the slightest idea of who it might be.

But you let out a long sigh of frustration when you read them and see that it's Aemond, who you don't understand how the fuck he got your number. Of course, it shouldn't have been hard for him, just a few questions and anyone can tell him what he wants to know.

And knowing that you have a long day ahead of you today, you already feel the pressure all over your body when you haven't even left your bed, where you also feel the frustration and all this uncertainty that you thought you had already overcome, but no.

You barely accepted yesterday and suddenly putting the plan into action from one day to the next, it's too much. But without really having a choice, you reluctantly force yourself to get up and start getting ready.

After an hour, you leave your house with the nagging feeling of carrying a weight on your shoulders to school. And all the way there, not even the music in your ears can make your mind calm down for a moment.

Knowing very soon that your whole social life will be a mess and you will no longer be invisible, since after all Aemond was right in that respect, causes you even more uneasiness and also nervousness because you are going to pretend to be the girlfriend of the most popular guy in school.

And once the bus makes its stop, you soon enter the halls of the bustling school. And knowing that a certain silver-haired guy is waiting for you right now, every heavy step you take towards the schoolyard echoes loudly in your ears, increasing your nervousness and anxiety.

You're even tempted to back up and tell him to forget it, but you resist and keep moving forward.

As you walk through the huge doors of the backyard, it's only a matter of time before you make out the figure of Aemond sitting at the same table as yesterday in the distance. Your heart skips a beat and you feel more nervous, but gathering your courage and taking a long breath, you advance towards him, ready but with uncertain steps.

Every step seems heavy, as if you are walking into the unknown and you try to hide the nerves in your gaze, especially when Aemond notices your presence. He watches you and slowly turns to you, a subtle smile on his lips.

Again there is that feeling of telling him to forget it, to find someone else, that you can't do this. But... your mind stops you and screams at you not to be silly, that at the end of it all there will be a reward, a very good reward that getting it by faking a relationship with him, is nothing.

And it's definitely worth it.

So resigned, you reach out to him.

"Hey," he says to you without wiping off his little smile, as you take a seat in front of him and he waits for you to finish settling in, "So you've come."

"Don't bother me," you tell him without humor, definitely contrasting his mood to yours.

"Now what did I do?"

"That," you point to his face, "You're enjoying this, seeing that I haven't backed out."

"Oh, please, I actually thought you wouldn't come and tell me to fuck off after you thought better of it," he justifies himself.

"Yeah? Well, nothing a free admission to your dream college won't do," you say with a slightly sarcastic tone, though implicitly admitting your reasons, "And it's actually not like I like skipping classes, so could we get this started?"

Aemond exhales long, averting his gaze from yours for a moment before returning to watching you.

"You know you'll have to be charming and act like you're completely in love with me in public, right?" he poses, expectantly.

"Yes, I know... in public," you point out to him, "Just now no one knows we're 'dating' genius," you add, underlining the falsity of the situation.

He places a small, amused, smirk on his lips.

"Yet."

He adds with a slightly defiant tone and you roll your eyes.

"Don't get too excited either."

"Are you not?"

"Oh yeah, I can't handle the excitement," you feign in a high-pitched, ironic voice, making exaggerated hand gestures.

Aemond lets out a short but genuine laugh at your gesture. He leans back slightly, his eye revealing a mischievous glint as he watches you.

"Glad to see you're keeping your sense of humor in this," he says with his tone changing slightly to a more relaxed one.

"I don't have much choice, do I?" you reply, accepting his change of mood, but still maintaining a certain emotional distance.

You figure it's just a matter of the two of you getting more into trust, and if you're going to do this with him, you're definitely going to do your part. But for now, this is still a little awkward and unexpected. And the sooner you do this, the better it will be for you.

So you shift your focus and lean forward slightly with a more serious expression on your face.

"So let's get started?"

"Well, making a contract will take up a lot of our time, so I thought it would be easier to just say and agree between us-

"It will be easier this way, to write down and establish the rules and the conditions we want to do during all this, just to have everything clear and not miss anything, Aemond," you interrupt him, taking out a notebook and a pen to start writing.

"Okay, fine," he says, shrugging his shoulders.

"So?" you watch him expectantly with the blank sheet of paper in front of you and your pen in hand, "What do you suggest first?"

"Well... first we need to know when this will all end," he begins to say, adopting a relaxed but firm stance, "And I would say that it may end when it is no longer necessary for both of you to continue pretending. But I think it's a better idea for us to last until graduation."

He proposes, looking at you intently, waiting for your reaction and you can't help but be a little surprised to hear that.

"Until graduation?" you repeat and he nods, "But you really want to do this for almost five months?"

"I know it's a long time, but that time can be beneficial for both of us," he explains, "That's enough time to give our relationship credibility and authenticity and it's also enough time to handle any problems that arise."

He says and you nod cautiously, evaluating his words.

"But if you disagree, tell me," he hurries to say.

His calm tone and your reasons contrast with the uncertainty and indecision you feel. And the two of you have barely started.

Five months is such a compromising situation and it generates some concern, because you know you will face so many things you still have no idea about and every day it could become more complicated to maintain the farce.

"I guess it's okay," you cautiously admit, trying to see the big picture, "But I feel like it's still a long time. But also reducing that time might not be enough," you agree.

"Yes but I'm sure we can handle it. And don't worry, if at some point we feel it's too much or we don't have enough reason to keep pretending anymore, we can talk iand end it."

You remain pondering, considering his words and after a few seconds you nod in agreement, and write it down as the first point on the sheet. But this alone is the first piece of a much more complicated puzzle.

1. Duration of relationship: Until graduation.

And Aemond also brings up the next point of the contract, expressing his ideas with quiet but evident assurance.

"Now, second..." he begins, "As for behavior in public, we should genuinely show affection in the hallways, cafeteria, and at any school activity and event. In a relationship people don't take their hands off each other, so we should smile at each other, hug each other, make subtle gestures, hold hands-

"Don't say kissing, please," you interrupt him, pleading, taking him by surprise.

"Of course, Y/N," he tells you instantly, incredulous, "Obviously we'll have to kiss."

As if having to act completely in love with him and be every moment touching him isn't enough. But the idea of kissing seems a bit much to you.

"I agree about showing affection and all that, but that kissing thing might be awkward and... weird," you say, trying to be sincere but not seeming completely closed off to the idea.

Aemond looks at you incredulously.

"So you don't want us to kiss?"

"I don't think it's necessary, honestly."

"Are you crazy? How are we supposed to pretend if we're not going to kiss? No one's going to believe us if we don't kiss and that's what will literally make the whole relationship believable," he insists, visibly concerned.

"Yeah, I get that it might seem necessary, but...at least I don't want to be having to kiss you every single time."

"You don't want to kiss me?" he asks you, visibly surprised, confused and... maybe a little hurt?

You watch him silently for a moment not understanding his reaction and then watch him with a small amused smile.

"I'm not one of your fans, Targaryen."

"Oh come on, everyone wants to kiss me," he says confused and incredulous, proving his point.

"Even the guys?"

"Well... yeah, I don't know, maybe some of them," he says with a shrug.

"Seven Hells," you mutter, averting your gaze for a moment, "I-I really don't want to do that," you say, speaking seriously and then you let out a sigh, "But you're right that no one's going to believe us-

"Obviously. I always have," he is quick to say.

"So my proposal is this... we'll kiss, yes, but only when it's extremely necessary, and when I say extremely necessary I mean extremely necessary."

You watch him intently, keeping yourself willing with your proposal, waiting for his opinion, which judging by his face, he doesn't quite agree with.

"And what would those extremely necessary moments be exactly?" he inquires, attentive and interested, also still looking slightly worried.

"In the cafeteria or in the hallways when everyone is obviously looking at us and we're attracting attention. Just don't abuse it."

Aemond lets out a long breath.

"Well, let's limit them to extremely necessary moments," he finally says resignedly and you quickly note the second point.

2. Behavior in public: Show affection as genuinely as possible in public, such as gestures, hugs, and holding hands. KISSING ONLY WHEN EXTREMELY NECESSARY.

"But then that second point is also going to apply to the parties you'll be going to with me and my lacrosse games you'll be going to."

You quickly raise your gaze to him.

"What?"

"Yes," he nods, "Going to the parties together will also lend credibility to the relationship and obviously we have to be very close to each other. And it's the same in my games, you must go to support and encourage me, like any girlfriend in love with her boyfriend would."

Aemond's words provoke an instant reaction in you, that confusing you and taking you by surprise.

"But I don't go to parties."

"Now you will," he says with a calm expression, reaching out his hand and taking the pen and your notebook.

"But-

He is already writing in a section further down the sheet which he lists as; 'additional conditions'.

Parties.

Lacrosse games.

"Aemond, I'm not a big fan of parties, really," you insist, "You'll have a bad time if you take me with you and I'll probably ruin everything."

"Don't worry, I'll teach you the trick to having a good time and change that mentality you have. Besides I won't take you to every party, just a few," he assures you, "All while keeping up appearances," he hands you back your notebook and pen, "With me you'll never get bored, I promise," he says with a small smile on his lips.

You let out a sigh, placing the notebook back in front of you, still undecided.

"Yes? Well, we'll see about that. I warned you though."

He lets out a soft little laugh.

"Come on Y/N, you can't be that bad."

"I assure you I can be."

"And so what do you do for fun?" he asks you, keeping his smile, curiosity evident in his gaze.

And there it is, the question that totally describes your personality and that in fact you don't like to answer to just anyone, because then they call you boring. But you can't lie to Aemond, he is astute enough and would notice.

So you decide to be honest.

"I like to read," you reply, lowering your gaze and feeling slightly embarrassed, "And I love going to the movies or watching movies and shows at home, either one is totally fine with me. Oh... and... hm... I also like ice skating, although I don't do that as often but... it's something I like too."

And even though it's only a bit of the world of things you like, Aemond listens to you attentively with a soft expression, saying nothing afterwards, as if he's processing every word you've said, while you only feel more embarrassed by the silence.

You know there's nothing wrong with it but it always made you insecure to share your hobbies, mostly because you know that many girls your age enjoy their teenage years going out with friends to parties and getting drunk.

That didn't and doesn't appeal to you now. You have long been more comfortable with the idea of staying home or going out somewhere else instead of going to parties.

It's not as if you don't attend or avoid every social event, yes you can attend and have a good time depending on who you are with and where, but not as often as every weekend.

However, you understand and recognize the logic behind Aemond's suggestion and that is that attending parties, is essential. And just as he is about to finally speak, you do so first.

"I know they are simple things and are not very exciting for most people. I also know they can be very boring but for me... that's what I like," you shyly confess.

"Hm," he says, taking a small moment, watching you softly, only causing you even more embarrassment, "Well, that's not what I was going to say," he says, catching your attention, "Sometimes it is the simple things that mean the most to everyone and, being honest... I find them interesting," he adds, trying to evaporate any awkwardness and embarrassment you might feel.

You raise your gaze, meeting his bright blue eye watching you softly and with his gaze full of genuine understanding, along with that hint of curiosity. And that gets your attention too.

He's not judging you. And even though it's not something he would do or at least hasn't tried to do yet, he's not judging you for it and you see that genuine interest in his gaze.

"Tell you what, for every party you go to with me, I'll read one of your favorite books or a movie or shows you want me to watch," he says, picking up the notebook and pen again.

"What?" you look at him confused, unable to help but smile in bewilderment, "Are you serious?"

"You must set your own conditions too," he states as he writes, "I already dragged you into my world, so now you're dragging me into yours," he looks up at you, "What do you think? Is it a fair exchange or not?"

His proposal takes you by surprise and also confuses you a little, however, the small smile remains on your face.

The genuine expression of openness on his face and the determination with which he wrote definitely makes you feel more comfortable. His willingness to immerse himself in your interests was not something you had agreed upon from the beginning, nor is it something extremely necessary to fake a relationship.

But it's for the simple reason that you both feel comfortable if you're going to pretend for almost five months and it seems like a nice gesture from him to include it, something you honestly didn't expect from him.

And when he gives you back your notebook, you see the new rule under 'additional conditions'.

For every party Y/N goes to with me, I will read a book or watch one of her favorite movies or shows.

"Yes," you nod, "Sounds like a fair deal to me."

Aemond smiles, pleased with your answer and also seeing the expression on your face.

"Great. We'll see if I discover something new I like. And you too..." he points at you with his index finger, "You won't regret it after you have a great time at my parties," he says enthusiastically, with a sort of complicity in his tone.

"Well, we'll see if you manage to impress me."

And right there, the two of you exchange complicit glances, Aemond having that little smile on his lips while you don't understand this strange new alliance the two of you are building.

But even though you didn't expect it, it's definitely to your liking.

"Now, third..." you point to the notebook with your pen, "Reinforcing the second rule, public appearance," you say, observing him, "We must act as a committed and attentive couple to each other at school and to these parties you want us to go to."

Aemond nods determinedly, thoughtfully.

"Yes, commitment at all times," he states seriously.

"So, that also means that neither of us can be with other people for the duration of all this, not even secretly," you add, making the point clear.

"And you want to write that as a rule too? It's obvious that neither of us should-

"I'll write it as the fourth rule, just to be clear about everything as I told you."

"Oh, fine."

3. Public appearance: Act like a real couple in love, be committed and attentive to each other at school and social events.

4. No involvement with other girls/guys: No casual encounters or texting with anyone else for the duration of the fake relationship.

"Oh and also..." says Aemond, reminding, "Since we're at that point, on additional conditions write that we should both upload photos and videos together on our social media. It's another way to lend credibility to our relationship."

"Photos and videos together on our social media," you repeat, looking at the notebook.

And this catches Aemond's attention.

"Don't tell me you don't use your social media," he says beginning to sound alert and concerned.

"No, no, I-I mean, yes," you hasten to say, "It's just... I don't know, I most likely don't use them as often as you do, besided I have very few followers."

"Don't worry, whatever followers you have are fine. Besides, I'm sure they'll increase when I upload my first photo with you."

You roll your eyes with an amused smile.

"Okay, Mr. Popularity."

"And speaking of that, hand me your Instagram and all your networks," he says instantly, grabbing his cell phone from his front pocket, "We better have that all figured out now."

Obviously Aemond's accounts had to be public while you maintain your privacy, with barely thirteen hundred followers while he has almost the entire school following him and probably from other schools as well.

In fact, your numbers compared to his are embarrassing. But you never really had the interest of having more followers on Instagram or more friends on Facebook, Snapchat is the same and apparently that doesn't matter to Aemond.

Upload photos and videos together to our social media.

"And well, I also think another very important thing is to maintain privacy," you suggest, lifting your gaze to watch him and Aemond gives you a confused look.

"Do you really want to write that down too? It's obvious we can't tell anyone-

"Let me enjoy this, Aemond. It's actually fun and I want to write it all down. So act serious," you ask.

He lets out a choked laugh.

"Well, yes, we must be discreet, no one must know that all this is false, only we know the truth and we must keep it that way," he says and you excitedly write it down.

"We mustn't involve our families in this either," you add, watching him intently, "But that will be difficult because your siblings are here," you grimace.

"We can keep up the farse with them for a while too, I'll convince them not to say anything to my mother or the rest of my family. And once everyone here at school is convinced enough, I'll tell the truth only to them," he say sure and confident, solving the problem.

"And you're sure you'll manage to keep them that way?"

"Yeah," he says with a shrug, "They're my siblings. I know how it works with each one."

5. Maintain privacy: Tell absolutely no one about the fake relationship or involve each other's families in it.

"Oh, right, I almost forgot..." Aemond says as he points to what is already written, "You must also go on each year's trip to Dragonstone with me. That's another additional condition of mine."

"What?" you inquire again, surprised and confused.

"Yes, the trip to Dragonstone," he affirms.

Oh God, the trip to Dragonstone.

Dragonstone is an island not far from King's Landing, where there is an ancient castle with a lot of history but has been modernized with the same name and is open to every visitor.

The school makes an annual trip for educational purposes as the castle has relics and structuring from thousands of years ago. You have seen pictures and videos where everything looks really beautiful, ancestral and almost royalty.

In addition the castle offers other activities, such as rides on its huge luxury yachts, surfing, diving and swimming lessons.

You always had the spirit to go but have always known that the trip is anything but educational. You've heard stories that happen with the students, such as getting drunk, partying on the yachts, hot tubs and obviously you've heard stories of who slept with whom.

Even the most reserved get to have fun and it's not something you're interested in. You know you don't fit in that environment, especially since everyone has to share a room and you're sure that if you go, you'll have to share a room with girls with different tastes and perspectives than yours. They probably won't even let you sleep.

"Come on Y/N, you've never been to Dragonstone?" asks Aemond incredulously, noting the grimace on your face for wanting you to go there with him.

"Well, yeah I've wanted to go but... I-I, I don't know, I've heard that instead of learning about the place, everyone goes to having fun, they party, they get drunk and I-I don't...

"And what do you expect us to do in a modern castle on the shore of the beach with yachts and hot tubs?" he inquires again, expectantly, "The trip is planned for the middle of the last month of these five months and you can't let me go alone with the things that go on in that place."

You make your grimace more visible, revealing your clear indecision. And even though you and Aemond have been at odds lately over the matter of tastes, he still places a soft smile in your direction, understanding that you are not like him and prefer to do other things.

"Look, you don't have to go to the parties and drink if you don't want to," he starts to tell you, "But we can at least go to one of the parties on the yachts and then do the activities they offer on site, swimming, diving and all that," he proposes, "We'll take pictures, tour the castle and we'll both be equally satisfied."

You ponder for a moment, considering his proposal. You know you only have to get your father's signature on the permit to be able to go to the island and it's not like you've gone before so... you can do it now.

"Well, I guess that's fine," you nod, "But really promise you won't leave me alone and we'll take the time to do other activities that aren't related to partying on yachts and hot tubs."

"Please, we'll go as a couple, so of course I won't leave you alone. You'll be stuck with me," he assures you, "And I also promise you that we'll do other activities, not just the parties."

"And..." you start to say, in a serious, warning tone, "Also promise you'll pick me up every morning to bring me to school. That's another one of my additional conditions. The bus isn't very comfortable anymore."

He nods, shrugging, completely unconcerned.

"Sure, it's no problem. Besides it will make the relationship more credible," he says softly.

Despite your doubts, you feel a sense of relief at seeing and acknowledging his commitment. And you also feel more confident knowing that you have his support in all of this, even in your conditions. So you write down the two new additional conditions.

Drive Y/N every morning to school.

Dragonstone trip.

At the end you both sign the sheet, looking honestly ridiculous but being funny, then both seal the whole contract by shaking hands.

"So when do we start all this?" you ask him, putting away your notebook and pen.

"I say tomorrow," he gives you a look of understanding, "But we need to talk now during classes in the hallways or in the cafeteria, so that when they see us together tomorrow, it won't be so surprising and will seem more believable."

You give him an unsure look.

"I think it will still be very surprising, Aemond."

"It doesn't matter, we just have to start showing together today, just talking. But tomorrow is when we really start."

And just as he says those words, with that determination, you feel again those nerves in your lower abdomen and that insecurity. But at least you still have all day today to mentally prepare yourself, and you're grateful for that.

"And before I forget this too..." he says again, "I need you to send me all your academic information to work on your college application now," he tells you seriously and you watch him completely attentively, "The five months will go by fast and during that time college applications will start. So it's best to get it all in now."

At this, you feel your heart start to beat fast and you don't know why, you guess because it's a very important issue for you. And more than anything else it's the reason you agreed to do this with him.

"Yeah, yeah, sure," you say softly, "I-I'll email it all to you."

He smiles softly in your direction.

"Very well," he nods at you, "I'll text you my email."

Despite your slight doubts about whatever is going to happen next, the idea of starting a fake relationship leaving you with a knot in your stomach and feeling your emotions mixed, you know this will all be worth a try.

So you pick up your phone and you start to write in an email all your personal and academic information. While at the same time all is said and done and the fake relationship contract is over.

THE CONTRACT

Duration of relationship: Until graduation.

Behavior in public: Show affection as genuinely as possible in public, such as gestures, hugs, and holding hands. KISSING ONLY WHEN EXTREMELY NECESSARY.

Public appearance: Act like a real couple in love, be committed and attentive to each other at school and social events.

No involvement with other girls/guys: No casual encounters or texting with anyone else for the duration of the fake relationship.

Maintain privacy: Tell absolutely no one about the fake relationship or involve each other's families in it.

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS

Parties.

Lacrosse games.

For every party Y/N goes to with me, I will read a book or watch one of her favorite movies or shows.

Upload photos and videos together to our social media.

Drive Y/N every morning to school.

Dragonstone trip.

general taglist

@melsunshine @at-a-rax-ia @jxdegodfrey @ttkttt @yentroucnagol @kate-to-the-ki @iamavailablesstuff

#aemond targaryen #aemond fanfiction #aemond targaryen x reader #aemond targaryen x you #hotd aemond #aemond x fem!reader #aemond x oc #aemond x reader #aemond targaryen fanfic #aemond targaryen x y/n #aemond x y/n #modern aemond #modern hotd

497 notes · View notes

mountttmase · 1 year ago

Text

Home Is Where The Heart Is

Note - so I think this is the longest fic I’ve ever written. I really love the concept and the biggest thank you to @masonmtxo for the request and all the discussions we had like it’s been so fun to write and thank you for trusting me with this idea 🥺. Hope you all enjoy and feedback would be very much appreciated 🤍

Pairing - Mason Mount × Reader

Word count - 11k

Warnings - fluff and angst

‘Come on Thea, daddy’s gonna be here in a minute and you need to be awake so he can say goodnight’ you told your daughter, bouncing her up and down on your knee slightly so she’d keep her eyes open as she let out a big yawn. ‘I know baby, it’s been a long day but you can’t fall asleep and upset daddy on his birthday can you?’

The gentle tap on your door settled your nerves instantly, and after a quiet come in, Masons head popped round the door with a soft smile on his face.

‘Hey, sorry I took so long. My mum wouldn’t stop talking and then Lew wouldn’t get out of the shower’ he complained as he came into his childhood bedroom. Shutting the door and slowly making his way over to you and the two year old little one you’d made together. You loved the way his eyes lit up every time he saw her and as soon as she noticed him, Thea’s arms were up so Mason could pick her up. ‘Hey baby, I like your pj’s’ he laughed, kissing her cheek as he poked the tiny strawberries that adorned her tummy and she snuggled into his neck as he looked round to you. ‘I like yours too’ he winked and you felt your face flush instantly.

This wasn’t a state Mason ever saw you in, bare faced, hair up and ready to sleep. No Mason only ever saw you when you looked presentable for pick ups and drop offs or family events.

‘Thanks’ you laughed, crossing your arms over yourself in an attempt to hide the baggy shirt and bottoms he’d lent you but it was only then you caught sight of his ridiculous ensemble and you smiled at the way his cheeks flushed because you’d noticed. ‘Did you have a nice afternoon?’

‘Of course, I’m so glad you both came’ he smiled, dropping a quick kiss on Thea’s head. You still remembered the look on his face when he’d spotted the two of you amongst the rest of his family as you all yelled surprise and the joy you felt when he came over to you first. Taking Thea into his arms before pulling you in next so the three of you could have a moment. ‘I honestly didn’t expect it at all, when everyone yelled surprise I was too in shock but I remember wishing you were there. I thought you two were visiting your parents but then I saw this one’s little smile’ he teased, tickling her sides gently until you heard the familiar sound of laughter falling from her lips. ‘Have you had a nice afternoon?’

‘Yeah, it’s nice seeing everyone again’

‘Thank you for staying, I just thought it made more sense so we could all go back together tomorrow and I get to spend some more time with this one’

‘Of course’

‘She’s grown so much, huh? Every time I see her it’s like looking at a different person and I only saw her last week’ he murmured, pulling her down from his neck as he’d felt her go heavy and knew she was falling asleep. You watched on with a gentle smile as he cradled her in his arms before placing a light kiss on her forehead. ‘Sometimes I look at her and I can’t believe she’s real’

‘I know, she’s like a proper mini human now’

‘She really is’ he chuckled, the heart melting smile he was directing towards her now landing on you and you gulped under the intensity of it. ‘I still remember the day we found out like it was yesterday though’

You remembered too, you were so sick with nerves about the whole thing that you made yourself ill. Thinking you’d rather have morning sickness everyday for the rest of your life than feel this way again but it was never a situation the pair of you intended to be in.

You remember the moment you found out yourself you were pregnant like it was yesterday too. You’d been having some strange pains in your side for a few weeks and you believed it must have been appendicitis so you took yourself off to the doctor as a precaution so they could run some tests. The nurse seemed kind as she talked you through everything before asking a few standard questions to try and rule out what it could be.

‘I just want to ask, is there any way you think you could be pregnant?’

‘No, I don’t think so’ you told her, the sudden realisation that your last period never came but it was usual for you to skip one when you were stressed and there had been a lot going on lately so you figured there was no reason to say anything.

‘Okay well I’ll get some tests going and we’ll see where we’re at’ she smiled and you relaxed instantly. That was until she came back around half an hour later and your world felt like it was crumbling around you.

‘We’ll do some more thorough testing and take you for a scan just to check but from what I can see, I know you didn’t think you were but it looks as though you’re pregnant’ she told you softly. Squeezing your hand as she saw your face drop.

‘I can’t be’ you breathed, your heart in your mouth as you repeated her words in your head but nothing seemed to make sense. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Pretty sure, yeah. I’m getting a pretty strong positive from you sample’

It was like your world had stopped spinning. Pregnant? Surely not. You hadn’t had sex in weeks. Not since…

Mason.

You’d never intended to sleep with him, in all honesty you barely knew him. He was a friend of Kai and Sophia’s that you’d met a handful of times at games or parties but you’d never spoken to him for more than ten minutes.

That was until it was a girl from work's birthday and you were out for drinks in some posh bar and a drink was placed in front of you at your table.

‘Compliments of Mason’ the waitress smiled but you looked at her confused. You had no idea what she was talking about, thinking she must have got you confused with someone else but after following her eyeline you saw him, sending you a small wave to which you returned causing all the girls on your table to look at you with wide and shocked eyes.

‘I’m sorry but who the hell is that?’ The girl next to you laughed but you didn’t want to tell her exactly. She was known for sticking her nose in and you didn’t want her knowing your business.

‘Mason? Oh he’s a friend of some friends. I don’t know him super well or anything’

‘Then why is he sending you drinks?’

‘How should I know’ you laughed, hoping you could change the subject and luckily enough for you the birthday cake was being bought over so nothing more could be said.

You wanted to go over and thank Mason but the next time you looked, he wasn’t there and you’d wondered if he’d snuck out so you were more than surprised when he came up next to you at the bar. You’d only popped over there for a glass of water, jumping at the feel of a hand on your shoulder but his warm brown eyes settled you instantly.

‘Mason! I was looking for you but you disappeared’ you told him as he pulled you into a quick hug

‘Well I’m back’ he laughed, propping himself up next to you. ‘You good?’

‘Yeah, great. Thanks for the drink’

‘You’re welcome, you looked like you needed it’ he laughed and you rolled your eyes playfully.

‘Whatever could you mean’ you teased, causing him to laugh before your water was placed in front of you.

‘Wow, someone’s living in the wild side tonight’

‘I can be wild when I want to be’ you teased and you’d be lying if you said you didn’t miss the little sparkle in his eye at your comment.

‘Oh yeah? I think I might like to see that’

‘Y/n? I’m booking a taxi. Are you coming?’ You suddenly heard from beside you and you couldn’t lie you felt a little deflated.

‘Where are you guys off to now?’ Mason asked, thinking you were off on a wild night out but it couldn't be further from the truth.

‘Home’ you told him with a huff. ‘The finance department doesn’t do late nights apparently’

‘Well if you’re not ready to go you can always hang out here with me’ he offered with a small smile and the offer sounded appealing straight away.

‘Really?’

‘Yeah it’s just me and a few others, you’ve probably met a few of them before’ he explained and you could see Ben and a few others now from where you stood. ‘Maybe you can show me that wild side you told me about’ he winked, excitement filling your belly at what he might mean and even though you didn’t know him that well, you weren’t ready to go yet. ‘I promise I’ll get you home safe. Soph would have my nuts if I didn’t’

‘Yeah okay I’ll stay’ you told him, heart racing at the way his eyes lit up. ‘Let me grab my stuff’

You spent the rest of the night talking to Mason and you were surprised about how much you had in common. You never usually had the time to speak like this but he was charming and was really listening to you so when it was time to leave the disappointment must have been clear on your face.

‘You can come back to mine if you want? I’ve got a bottle of white in the fridge with your name on it’ he laughed and whilst the word yes was on the tip of your tongue he could see you needed a little more convincing. ‘You don’t have to, you just don’t look like you’re ready to go home. Thought you could do with a little more therapy after your girls evening’

‘You know what, you’re right’ you smiled, looking up at Mason's kind face. You knew you’d be safe with him so you let him lead you outside where the rest of the boys were waiting. Each with a girl they’d managed to pull tonight and you’d wondered if you’d maybe interrupted his night a little too much.

You didn’t have time to say anything though, Mason wanting to set off so you said your goodbyes and made it back to his so you could open the wine that he’d promised you. Relaxing next to him on his sofa as you carried on your conversations in the bar until you couldn’t hold back from asking him what you wanted to.

‘Hey, Mason? I hope I didn’t interrupt anything tonight’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well when we left, the others had… company’

‘Okay…?’ He laughed, clearly not really understanding what you were trying to say so you swallowed the lump in your throat knowing you’d have to spell it out for him.

‘I meant like if you had the intention of taking someone home tonight, i probably wasn’t on your list so I hope I didn’t ruin any plans you had’

‘Firstly, you didn’t ruin any plans. I’m not exactly a fan of picking up random girls in public. And secondly, why don’t you think you’d be on my list?’ He asked cheekily, finally letting his hand brush over your knee and you smiled at touch.

‘I mean I… I don’t know… um’ you stuttered. Both of your were plied with alcohol and you were feeling a lot looser than usual, but he still had the power to make you stutter.

‘Am I gonna have to spell this out for you?’ He laughed, hand travelling up your leg to your thigh so he could give it a gentle squeeze and when you gave him a nod your heart fluttered at his cheeky smile.

‘I think you’re gorgeous, y/n’ he told you sincerely. ‘Always have done and I’ve enjoyed sitting chatting with you all night way more than I would have with just some random person. Yeah maybe my intentions were to find someone for a bit of… company. But I’d pick you and this ten time out of ten over that’

‘So you were looking for a shag’ you laughed. Trying to avoid the rest of his speech as it was churning your insides but you could see where this conversation might be going.

‘Why, you offering?’ He laughed, clearly trying to joke with you but you wanted to test the waters.

‘Why are you?’ You retorted, watching his eyebrows raise and he bit his pretty pink lips.

‘I asked you first’ he whispered, gripping your thigh and pulling it over his lap so you had to straddle him and you placed your hands on his broad chest to steady yourself. Excitement bubbling up inside of you at his behaviour and even though the thought had never crossed your mind before, you really wanted to kiss him. ‘But in the interests of being honest then yeah, I am’

‘Me too’ you told him, mouth speaking before your brain could catch up as the copious amount of wine was taking its toll but you knew you couldn’t pass this up.

He didn’t give you a second to say or think anything else, kissing you deeply and knocking the wind out of you. Never in a million years did you expect you’d ever kiss Mason but here you were, hoping for a lot more than that.

You didn’t speak much afterwards, just his name falling from your lips in between prayers to a higher being you didn’t even believe in as you spent the next hour or so in his bedroom. Wondering how on Earth you’d even got here but you weren’t regretting it for a second.

He was a gentleman though and took care of you in every way possible. Never making you feel like you’d outstayed your welcome as he tucked you into his side so you could go to sleep and the next morning he popped you in an Uber with a kiss to your cheek.

You both knew what had happened. A silent agreement that it would be your little secret that you’d both move on from so the possibility of any consequences from your actions didn’t cross your mind.

‘I think something must be wrong’ you told the nurse who was looking at you sympathetically but you were hoping this was all some sort of weird joke.

‘Why don't we get you down for that scan? Then we can have a proper look and see’ she smiled but the thought of it being confirmed made you panic and you stood out of your chair quickly causing her to jump.

‘Oh no thank you, I think I’m just gonna head home. Sorry for wasting your time’ you told her, picking your bag up and rushing out the door before she had a chance to do anything.

Pregnant?

There was no way.

You carried on life as normally as you could for the next week or so until your next period never came and you realised you had to settle your own mind so you could go back to normal. You didn’t live too far from the big Sainsbury’s so you walked over there, hoping the fresh air would do you good and as soon as you walked in you were straight over to the pregnancy tests so you could pop them in your basket.

You weren’t sure how you ended up there, but you found yourself by the baby clothes, eyes scanning all the different vests and sleep suits until you got to the socks and you couldnt help but pick a pair up. There was something about tiny baby socks that always made you feel soft and you were so caught up in your own little world you jumped six foot in the air at the feeling of someone’s hand on your shoulder. Whipping round to be met with the very last person you wanted to see.

‘Y/n? You alright’ Mason laughed, pulling you into his side for a quick hug.

‘F-fine. What are you doing here?’

‘Jaz is coming over tomorrow and asked if I could grab a few bits for Summer. Socks was one of them actually so thank you’ he smiled, eyes leaving you briefly as he searched for the right size. ‘What are you doing over here? Someone you know got one on the way?’ He smiled before nodding to the socks in your hand. ‘If so, I’ve got some tips. Don’t get the socks with the frilly bits on the ankle, they basically disintegrate in the wash and if you’re looking for some good baby grows there a place online I found that are cheaper and better quality’ he told you, not noticing how stuff you’d become until his eyes were back on your and his face became concerned. ‘Y/n? You good?’

You couldn’t get anything to come out of your mouth and you could feel your eyes beginning to fill with tears but you were stuck. Wishing you could make a run for it but his eyes were holding you in place until the flew down into your basket and made contact with the only thing you didn’t want him to see.

‘Who are those for?’ He uttered, soft eyes back on you but you still couldn’t force any words out. Your bottom lip wobbled as he was finally catching on and the first few tears spilt from your eyes.

‘I’m scared, Mase. I don’t-‘ you began to sob, but he was quick to pull you into his chest and rub your back in hope of soothing you but his affection made it all worse.

‘it's alright, y/n. You’re safe yeah? I promise you everything’s fine’. He reassured you but you knew from his voice he was trying to process what was happening. ‘Look at me’

You pulled back, bleary eyes on his but the kind Mason you’d always known was looking back at you even if he was a little confused and overwhelmed.

‘Get what you need to and we’ll head back to mine okay?’

‘But-‘

‘No buts. Just meet me at the entrance’

‘Okay’ you nodded, wiping your face quickly and picking up your basket. ‘I just need this so I’ll meet you there’

Without a word, he took your basket from your hands and placed the tests in his before grabbing your hand and walking you through the shop to the self service tills. All you could do was stand in silence as he packed and paid before leading you to his car and leaving you to get settled in the passenger seat.

He was silent the whole way but you knew what he was thinking and once you were in his living room you knew you had to be honest.

‘Can I just ask, if you are… you know. Is it… um. Would it be…’

‘Your the only person I’ve slept with Mason’ you confirmed but you kept your head down as you didn’t want to see his reaction. ‘I haven’t been with anyone for months before and no one since’ you confirmed, your voice thick as you tried to talk and you almost lost it when he reached for your hand and placed your interlocked fingers in his lap. His touch giving you the courage to carry on speaking. ‘I went to the doctor about a week ago. I had a pain in my side and thought it was something serious so they tested me. They told me I was then but I didn’t want to believe it, like I thought they were wrong? But the more I think about it the more I need to see for myself’

‘Shit’ he breathed, squeezing your hand lightly before getting up. ‘Come on we can go to my room so you can use the bathroom he offered, thinking it was weird how he wanted to do this in the same place the potential baby could of been made, but you followed after him and took the test before he could say anything else and sat next to him on the bed.

‘How long do we have to wait?’ He asked, his voice barely above a whisper but you still heard him as the house was so quiet.

‘Two minutes’ you whispered back and when he took your hand in his you gave it a gentle squeeze.

The two minutes were up, mostly spent in silence, but you could feel him becoming restless so you grabbed the test and handed it to him.

‘Will you turn it over please? I can’t…’ you trailed off, looking down at the test as Mason held it with ever so shaky hands.

Pregnant

‘I’m sorry mase, I’m so sorry’ you began to sob, head falling onto his shoulder as you didn’t know what to do but he held you close to try and comfort you.

‘Hey, what have you got to be sorry for?’ He asked, but you were too overwhelmed to respond. ‘Listen to me, yeah? You’ve got nothing to be sorry for. We did this together okay? So we’ll figure it out together too. You’re not on your own in this and whatever you decide to do I’ll back you’

‘I don’t even know what to think, I haven’t slept properly in weeks and-‘

He didn’t give you a chance to carry on, pulling you up and untucking his sheets before helping you get inside and crawling in next to you.

‘Let’s try and get some shut eye yeah? We can talk when you’ve had a sleep’

You didn’t have the strength to argue so you let him hold you to his chest. Sleep not coming easily as your small sobs were keeping you awake but the feel of his fingers massaging the back of your head sent you off shortly after.

‘I think this one’s out for the count’ Mason smiled, standing up so he could carry Thea over to the travel cot set up just at the end of the bed and you shuffled down to meet him just as he stood back up. The pair of you looking down at your sleeping girl, full of so much love and to you it almost felt like a proper family moment which was only amplified when Mason put his arm around your shoulder to bring you into his body.

‘I really can’t thank you enough, you know. I love our little one so much. Like more than I ever thought i could’ he told you quietly, voice emotional and you knew he was feeling overwhelmed from the whole day.

‘Takes two to tango, Mase’ you laughed, feeling him squeeze your shoulder gently.

‘Well you’re welcome’ he winked, eyes back on Thea like he didn’t want to miss a second.

‘Sometimes I still can’t believe I slept with you in the first place’ you laughed, looking over to his shocked and offended face and his expression only made you laugh even more. ‘Not in a bad way but we barely knew each other, Mase. I’ve never done that before, you know?’

‘I know I’m just kidding’ he smiled, his arm moving lower so he could tickle your waist a little bit. ‘I know she looks like me but she falls asleep anywhere and in two seconds flat just like her mumma, huh?’ He laughed, kissing your forehead softly and you couldn't help but nestle into him more.

"We're special ladies, what can I say?" you joked, wrapping your arms around him so you could hold him a little tighter and you felt the shiver as he spoke next.

‘You’re right. My special girls’ he told you quietly, your knees feeling weak as he spoke.

‘I feel like she takes after your dad more with the sleeping thing. I caught the pair of them having a nap earlier’ you told him, trying to deflect his words and show that they weren’t affecting you as much as they were but Mason's little laugh made your heart thump.

‘That’s true actually. Considering how he was in the beginning I love seeing them together’

‘Thick as thieves they are’

‘Yeah, he loves her so much. And you’

‘I don’t know about that’ you scoffed but he was quick to reassure you.

‘Of course he does’ he laughed. ‘He told me himself the other day how amazing he thinks you are and how proud he is of you. I know things were rough at first but were all on the same team now’

To say things had been tough at the beginning with Tony was an understatement. He didn’t know who you were, a stranger to him so when the pair of you decided you tell his family, you both decided on letting Mason tell his parents first without you there as he knew it would be a tough conversation. You’d kept it from them for a few months as you were still working out what you should do but you knew deep down you wanted to keep your baby and you were pretty sure Mason did too. Telling you he’d be there for whatever you needed and he couldn’t hide the smile that took over his face when you told him you wanted to raise the baby.

You’d been on edge for hours, Mason not letting you know at all how things had gone that day so when he finally texted you your heart was in your mouth.

You travelled to Masons the next day, making sure to wear something baggy as you knew you were starting to show and you wanted things to be as normal as possible but you knew as soon as you saw Masons dad’s face this was about to be anything but a normal conversation.

‘I don’t even know where to start. How did this even happen?’

‘Well-‘ Mason started but you could tell from the tone of his voice he was about to say something silly.

‘Mason’ you scolded, knowing he was trying to lighten the mood but this really wasn’t the time.

‘Look, dad. You don’t have to be so negative’

‘Can you blame me? I can't even believe we’re having to have this conversation. Are you not questioning anything? You only found out cause you bumped into her in Sainsbury’s’ he snapped at Mason before looking at you. ‘I mean were you ever going to tell him?’

‘Of course I was, I was just checking’ you defended before Tony dropped his head into his hands briefly.

‘Look, I’m just gonna come out with it’ he huffed and you swallowed down a big nervous gulp. ‘I’m not happy about this at all. This is the last thing he needs’

‘Dad-‘

‘No, Mase. I’m sorry but it’s the truth. This could be detrimental to your career and you know it. I mean how could you be so stupid?’ He asked him before his hard eyes were on you again. ‘Is this really what you want?’

You didn’t have the strength to speak but you knew deep down that this was what you wanted so you just nodded.

‘Well i just don’t think you two have assessed your options properly’

‘What are you talking about’

‘You don’t have to be involved if you don’t want to be. Either of you. I can make this go away-‘

‘Kitchen. Now’ Mason growled, standing up and storming off but you kept your head down as Tony passed by you. You knew he wanted to talk to him privately but Masons voice travelled as he was so angry so you couldn’t help but overhear.

‘That’s my baby. Not a this or an it okay? My baby. I brought you here to help, not for you to accuse and be rude. You either do that or if you continue to be horrible you can go’

‘You can’t talk to me like that’

‘I can talk to you like this when it concerns my family. Cause that’s what they are now. Part of my family. Part of our family and I won’t have you making y/n feel bad. She’s my friend and I want to be there for her.’

Friend

Why was that word sitting so uncomfortably in your chest?

You were friends, so why did hearing him say it sting so much?

Friends. That’s it.

Maybe in the back of your mind you wondered if you could be more one day but those thoughts were quickly pushed down so you could no longer feel them.

You two were friends.

After their little spat they managed to calm down, walking back into the living room to sit with you and you could already see Tony’s demenier had changed and he sent you a soft smile.

‘I’m sorry if I came across as rude, I’m just trying to look out for Mason’

‘I know. Whether you believe it or not I’m trying to do that too’

‘Okay, well then if we’re being serious, I have one suggestion’ he told you before his eyes flashed back and forth between the pair of you. ‘We can’t let this get out okay? Whatever you need, we’ll support you but we need to keep this under wraps’

‘What?’ You breathed, looking to Mason for some sort of support but the look in his face told you he wouldn’t be on your side for this one.

‘I kind of agree, y/n. You’ve seen how people are with me and I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you. To either of you, okay?’ He told you, turning to face you as he took your hands in his. ‘I know it’s a lot, but I promise it’s for the best and you’ll be so much happier out of the limelight’

‘Wait, what?’ You asked, pulling your hands away from his as you were shocked at his words. ‘You don’t want anyone to know about them?’

‘Of course I do, just not the whole world. Not until the time is right at least just… just please think about this yeah? I wouldn’t suggest it unless I thought it was for the best’

‘Are you embarrassed of us?’ You asked quietly, feeling awful as soon as the words came out of your mouth as you watched his face twist into one of shock and hurt.

‘Of course not, I don’t want you to ever think that’ he reassured you. Cupping your jaw so you could look at each other properly. ‘I’m trying to protect you, okay? All I want for you and our baby to have a normal life. I want you to be able to go outside and not be followed or papped. And it’s not just for you yeah. Call me selfish but the thought of having my own little safe place that only we can visit means more to me than I can tell you. I could never be embarrassed of you, you two are the best things that have ever happened to me’ he told you sincerely, wiping under your eyes as you let a few tears fall from your eyes. ‘At least think about it?’

And think about it you did.

Mason was right, you wanted a normal life and the ability to exist without Mason's fame hanging over you. Since Mason’s friend comment you also realised you you’d have to try and find a way to make you’re feelings but as your baby grew, so did your love for him.

He didn’t make it easy for you. Long nights spent at each other's place, trying hard to get to know each other even more and plan for the future. There were so many questions and far too many answers to choose from and Mason's lack of concentration never helped. Always asking the baby in your tummy what they thought as he laid his head near your side. Your heart melting as he softly spoke to your unborn child like they were in the room while rubbing small circles on your tummy to sooth the pair of you. You still remember the first time he kissed your bump, hoping to say goodbye to the little one within but the way your heart pounded at the small gesture only made the baby move even more.

You pushed those feelings down though. Yes Mason was the father of your child but he quite clearly wanted it to be just that and you were fine with it.

Until you weren’t.

He was there for you for everything. All the appointments, the baby classes and when it eventually came to the time for you to give birth he was by your side until the end. Crying his eyes out as soon as they fell on your daughter and you felt like you’d hit the jackpot. He was perfect and made sure the pair of you never went without.

In the beginning you’d moved in with him but he eventually got you your own place nearby and you saw each other all the time. He was the best co parent you could have asked for and even though you could feel your feelings changing, his friend comment stuck in the back of your mind.

You still remember the day you fully realised you were hopelessly in love with Mason, and the memory didn’t sting any less now. It was a Tuesday and Mason had the day off so he’d offered to have Thea for the day to give you a break and you’d jumped at the chance.

You were running early and had tried to call mason ahead of time but he wasn’t picking his phone up so you figured you’d use the key he’d given you in case of emergencies.

You walked into a quiet and dark house and figured he must be in bed still so you carefully watched Thea climb the stairs to go and wake him before popping into the kitchen to grab yourself a bottle of water.

You were not prepared for the sight in front of you though, your heart sinking into your stomach as you caught sight of Mason pressed up against the counter, a girl you’d never seen before dressed only in his t-shirt flush against him as he kissed her lazily.

The only thing that broke them apart was the sound of the gasp that left your lips, quickly turning around so Mason couldn’t see your eyes full with tears as you walked into the other room and tried to push the memory out of your head.

It was only a few moments later you felt Mason rush in after you but you kept yourself facing the other way, not wanting him to see you crying and have him asking loads of questions so you spoke first in hopes he’d ignore the state you’d got yourself in.

‘Y/n-‘

‘Sorry, Mase. I didn’t mean to barge in like that. We were running a little early and I thought you were asleep since you didn’t answer the phone. Thea’s upstairs probably trying to find you to wake you up. I’ll go get her’ you told him, darting for the exit but his hand on your wrist stopped you in your tracks, pulling you back to his body and it was only then you realised he was shirtless. The image in front of you made all the blood in your body rush to your cheeks and you kept your eyes down even though he’d dipped his head in order to try and catch them so you’d look at him.

‘I’m sorry, y/n. You didn’t need to see that’

‘It’s fine, Mase. None of my business’

‘Y/n-‘

‘Look I need to get going, let me say bye to Thea and I’ll bring her down’

‘Can you just take her into her room for now? I’ll get rid of Amy and then grab her’ he mumbled, not wanting to be caught with a child in his house.

‘Sure’ you breathed, pulling yourself out of his grip before darting upstairs to find Thea who was laying on the floor of Mason's room trying to find him under the bed.

‘Hey baby, daddy told me he wants to play hide and seek so shall we go find you somewhere to hide so he can come and find you?’ You asked quietly, picking her up and she let out a small excited squeal as you snuck her over to her room.

‘Here’ she whispered, pointing towards her wardrobe and you carefully put her down so she could open the door and sit in the bottom, your heart melting as she covered her mouth with her hands to stop her excited giggles and even though you knew it had to be this way it was hard knowing you had to hide her like she was a dirty secret.

‘I’ve got to go now okay? You be good for daddy and I’ll come and get you in the morning’ you told her, kissing her quickly before standing up. ‘Love you, baby’

‘Love you, mummy’ she repeated back, blowing kisses back and forth before you shut the door carefully on her and made your way out into the hall.

‘Hi, I’m Amy’ you suddenly heard from beside you and you turned to find the girl from the kitchen coming out of Mason's room now thankfully fully dressed.

‘Y/n’ you smiled, trying to keep the pleasantries to a minimum but she for some reason wanted to keep on talking.

‘Mason said you were the housekeeper?’

‘Oh um-‘ you breathed, your heart sinking even lower as everything that seemed to come out of his mouth today hurt you.

‘Don’t worry, hopefully with me around a bit more we can keep the place a bit tidier’ she smiled and you had to bite your lip in order to not scream. You knew she meant well and wasn’t being mean but your heart was shattered and all you wanted to do was break down.

‘Hopefully. I um… I forgot something I just have to run home and grab it’

‘Okay well I’ll probably be gone by the time you’re back but it was lovely meeting you’ she smiled and all you could muster was a nod back before you flew down the stairs and straight passed Mason who was looking at you with wide eyes.

‘Wait, can we at least talk?’ Mason called, trying to reach for you again but you stopped in your tracks and span to face him causing him to stop suddenly also.

‘I can’t. But don’t worry, I’ll be back with my mop tomorrow’ you told him coldly, watching his face fall but you couldn’t look anymore. ‘I told Thea you’re playing hide and seek and she’s hiding in her wardrobe. Don’t leave her in there for too long’ you uttered, finally storming out the house and into your car where you finally let the first few tears fall.

What was supposed to be 24 hours of self care had turned into a pity party as you sat on your sofa with a face mask on and tried not to get too upset. There was no reason for you to cry over seeing Mason with someone else, you’d always told each other you would support each other through any new relationships but telling him that and actually doing it were two different things.

You tried pushing the thoughts down but you couldn’t deny it any longer. You loved Mason and the thought of him being with someone else was tearing you to pieces. He was so loving and the best dad to Thea you could ever ask for and the fact he saw you as just a friend hurt you more than you could ever explain.

You arrived at Masons around nine the next morning. Letting yourself in again but it was Thea’s tiny footsteps bounding towards you that greeted you today. You were more than happy to see her so you bundled her up into your arms before carrying her into the kitchen where Mason was cooking for all of you. Thankfully fully dressed this time.

‘Ah you’re here’ he smiled, turning the hob down so he could come and greet you with a kiss to your head. ‘Thea? Why don’t you go grab what you made mummy yesterday so you can show her yeah?’ He smiled and you quickly popped her down so she could run off before he touched your arm gently. ‘Can you let me explain?’

‘There nothing to-‘

‘Please’ he interrupted and with a little huff you gave him a nod. "Look, I’d do anything to protect you and Thea. That’s the whole reason we agreed she’d be secret and I just panicked yesterday. Amy asked who you were and I thought I’d just make something up to explain why you were here but you know I never meant to hurt you. That’s the last thing I’d want to do’

‘I know’ you whispered tearily and when he pulled you into his arms you didn’t fight back. Letting him hold you and stroke your hair to try and soothe you. Hating how his attempts at comfort worked so well on you. ‘It just gets hard sometimes’

‘I know, love. Trust me I know. I’d love nothing more than to shout from the rooftops about the two most important people in my life but I know this is for the best’ he breathed. ‘And I don’t want you to think I’ve got random girls over here all the time cause I don’t. I wouldn’t risk Thea being around people she didn’t know or I don’t trust’

Thea came bounding in soon after, a giant cut out of a turtle in her hands and it looked as though the shell had been painted by her repeatedly pressing her tiny hand into paint so her prints covered it and your eyes filled with tears immediately as you bent down to lift her up.

‘For you’ she smiled, pointing at it and you nodded whilst trying to clear your eyes. ‘Your favourite’

‘Yes baby, turtles are my favourite. Thank you I love it’ you told her, letting her nestle into your neck so she could give you a hug and Mason must have felt left out as you soon enough felt his arms around the pair of you.

It was times like this, when the three of you were together that made you feel most at peace. But the harsh reality was Mason wasn’t yours and looked to definitely not be now. You wanted to know about Amy but you also didn’t but when he eventually pulled away and once you’d popped Thea back on the floor, your mouth started talking before you could stop it.

‘Well Amy seemed nice. Is it serious? I presume you’ll want to tell her about Thea at some point?’

‘I uh, I only met her that night’ he told you, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly as he shut the dishwasher up and pressed it to start. ‘We’ve texted a bit before but that’s it’

‘Oh’ you breathed. ‘She told me she’d be around a lot more, like you guys were together’

‘I think she just felt a little threatened, was trying to mark her territory that wasn't hers anyway’

‘Threatened by what?’

‘Maybe the fact that a beautiful woman has the key to my house and can seemingly let herself in at any time?’ He laughed but his words made you freeze. ‘Don’t worry about her though, I won’t be seeing her again’

‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to ruin it for you’

‘You didn’t’ he smiled, lifting Thea up so he could press a kiss to her cheek. ‘She knew it was a one time thing’ he shrugged before placing her on the counter in front of you. ‘Now who’s hungry?’

Knowing Amy was nothing more than a one time thing made you feel happier than it should, but not for long. Just because she was out of the picture now only meant that the next girl was around the corner and you weren’t sure you could take it.

It had taken you a while but you knew how you felt about him now. You loved him with all of you. Whole heartedly. He was your everything, your protector, your safe space, a shoulder to lean on and to cry on.

But you were just a friend to him.

He’d never once tried to make a move on you, even when you felt like there could have been one he always backed off and it was never spoken about again so the pair of you carried on just as you were.

Co parents. That’s it.

‘I should probably head off back to Lew. He probably thinks I fell down the plug hole or something’ mason laughed, rolling his eyes before pulling you fully against him. Your arms wrapped around his shoulders as he held you at your waist but somehow things felt different.

This wasn’t a normal hug, Mason was holding onto you and didn’t seem to want to let go at all as he slowly rubbed circles into skin with his thumbs and nestled into your neck. There was a need on your part to hold him tighter, to reach up and stroke the back of his head like you used to when he’d fall asleep next to you when you were still pregnant. You were unsure if the thumping in your chest was your heart or his but as you finally reached up, it only got stronger as his whole body melted into yours. His nose burrowing into your neck even further to breathe in your scent and you could feel yourself turning to jelly as the content hum emitted from him.

This definitely wasn’t a normal hug.

‘I love you, y/n. You know that, don’t you?’ He told you, his words sending shockwaves through you and even though your mind had gone blank at his words you managed to stutter out a response.

‘I love you too, Mase’

You felt him shift, escaping your neck as he ever so slightly stood up. Your hand that was on the back of his head now trailing to the side of his face as you held him by his jaw and stroked his cheek gently. You didn’t know what was coming over you to be like this with him. Maybe the fact you were in the dark so you were feeling a bit braver but when he lightly stroked his nose across your temple before resting his forehead on yours, you couldn’t help but lean up and press a gentle kiss to his lips.

Mason didn’t react making you wonder if it was so soft that he didn’t actually even feel it but when his eyes flashed to yours and you realised he had, you felt your heart sink.

Any type of reaction would have been fine, but he was unreadable and you were starting to panic. Pulling away from him even further as you attempted to apologise for crossing that line but he pulled you closer, his lips making a beeline for yours but you ducked down so they met your forehead.

‘Hey, what’s wrong?’ He asked, trying to get you to look at him but you were far too embarrassed for that.

‘I’m sorry, I just got swept up I-‘

‘Are you kidding me?’ he laughed, making you look up to see what he found so funny but the look of joy on his face settled you. ‘You don’t know how long I’ve waited for that’

‘What do you mean? You whispered, confused as to what was happening but his smile was giving you courage.

‘Did you not hear what I just said? I love you. I’m in love with you, y/n. I really am. Have been this whole time. Not just because you’re the mother of my child and we’re forever connected but for who you are as just you. All I’ve wanted this whole time was for us to find our way to each other, please tell me you feel it, like I’m not going crazy am I?’

‘No you’re not’ you told him, voice barely audible as you were so overwhelmed but the smile on his face settled you. ‘Why have you never said?’

‘I always got the impression you didn't want me like that but I can't hold it in anymore. I can’t pretend like you’re not all I want’ he confessed and you felt tears spring in your eyes.

‘I’ve always wanted more with you but…’

‘What, love?’

‘I thought you didn’t want me like that. I heard you call me your friend to your dad once and just assumed that’s all you'd ever see me as’ you told him but the soft kiss to your forehead made you smile.

‘You’re so much more than a friend to me’ he laughed, reaching up to cup your jaw so you’d look at him properly ‘you’re mine okay?’ Always have been’

‘Yeah?’ You laughed, watching his smile break out even wider before he placed a delicate kiss on your nose.

‘Yeah’

‘I can’t believe this’ you laughed, reaching up to hold his face again. ‘When did you know?’

‘What, that I loved you?’ He asked and you nodded shyly, not quite believing the words that were coming out of his mouth. ‘I think I’ve always known really. Our 12 week scan always sticks out the most, I just loved seeing that excited look on your face when they finally pointed her out. I know you probably thought I was looking at the screen but I wasn’t. I was looking at you’ he confessed and your eyes stung as he smiled down at you softly. The gentle feel of his thumbs stroking over your cheeks making your heart flutter. ‘And then we were about five months in, and you came over to meet everyone properly. Do you remember?’

‘I remember’

‘You wore that bloody summer dress and it showed off your bump perfectly and I just remember thinking you were the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. I just wanted you to be mine but I never got the feeling you wanted me to be yours’

‘I wanted you. I was just trying to protect myself a bit I guess’ you explained but he nodded sympathetically. ‘I can’t believe we’re having this conversation while I look like this’ you laughed, looking down at his baggy clothes you had on but his smile melted you.

‘What do you mean?’

‘We’ll look at me. I’m wearing your old pyjamas that are miles too big, my hairs a mess and I’ve got no makeup on’

‘You think I care about that’ he laughed, pressing his lips to your forehead and letting them linger there. ‘Don’t get me wrong, I think you look perfect everyday, like I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look bad. But getting to see you right now, like this. Just you exactly as you are. I don’t think you’ve ever been more beautiful to me’

‘Not even when I was pushing our daughter out of me?’ you joked, trying to deflect a little bit as his words had made your brain foggy and your knees weak and the way his lips were moving against your skin as he spoke onto your forehead wasn’t helping too much either.

‘Well you were a bit sweaty then and you kept swearing at me’

‘Hey’ you laughed, pulling back to look at him but his cheeky smile made you smile back just as wide.

‘Still beautiful though. Even then’ he winked. ‘When did you know’

‘I always have, but I was trying to push it down and I thought I had until…’ you trailed off, watching as his brows raised in hopes you would continue. So you stood tall and decided to be honest with him. ‘Remember when I walked in on you and that girl in the kitchen?’ You asked, watching his face crumple in embarrassment as he rested his head on yours again.

‘I remember. I felt like shit when I realised it was you and all I wanted was for you to tell me you felt like shit too but you told me it wasn’t your business. That killed me, you know. I wanted it to be your business. I wanted you to tell me you hated seeing me with someone else cause I was yours and you needed me like I needed you. Like I still need you.’

‘I felt like shit too’ you laughed, watching his eyes soften at your words. ‘That’s why I couldn’t even look at you cause I felt like my cover would be blown but I hated seeing you with her cause in my mind you were mine, are mine and I do need you’

‘You’ve got me’ he whispered.

‘You’ve got me too’ you replied softly, relaxing into his hand that cupped your face

‘Is this the part where I’m supposed to kiss you now?’ He whispered, A cheeky smile on his face as his eyes darted across your features and down to your lips causing you to take in a short breath. This is all you’d wanted for the longest time so you shut your eyes and let him place his lips on yours.

Kissing him was everything you thought it would be. He was gentle but firm as he lazily kissed you like he had all the time in the world, but you felt like you did. This was just the start for the pair of you and you couldn’t help but moan as he dipped his tongue into your mouth. Everything felt perfect and you wanted to stay in this little moment forever before you had to pull away.

You were both out of breath, foreheads touching as you smiled at each other but just before you were about to speak Thea made her presence known and began to cry. You both jumped apart at the sound, Mason reaching down to scoop her up and into his arms and you rubbed her back soothingly whilst leaning on Mason's shoulder so you could try and catch her eyes.

‘What’s wrong baby? Bad dream?’ You asked and the small nod of her head confirmed your thoughts. ‘Oh sweetheart. How about you me and daddy get into bed so we can have a cuddle. Would you like that?’ You asked her before looking at Mason who was staring at you in semi shock. ‘If that’s okay. You don’t mind staying for a bit do you?’

‘You really think I wanna go bunk with Lew and leave you in here after everything we’ve said tonight’ he laughed.

‘Go jump in, I just need the loo’ you told him before quickly rushing off.

You couldn't stop looking at yourself in the mirror. It was still the same you as before but your eyes were brighter, cheeks flushed and you knew you hadn’t looked this happy in a long time.

When you came back in, Mason was under the covers with Thea. His body facing yours as Thea cuddled up to him and by the looks of things she was already back to sleep, safe in her daddy’s arms.

As soon as he saw you, Mason pulled the covers back and held his arm out to help you in next to him. Even though Thea was sandwiched in between you she was low enough so that you could still see his face and the shy smile he sent you made your tummy flutter. This is all you’d ever wanted, the three of you as a happy little family and when Mason reached over to drop a quick kiss on your lips you let him.

‘Will you come back to mine tomorrow?’ Mason whispered, trying not to wake Thea from her sleep now she was finally back off. ‘I feel like we should talk about this a bit more’

‘Of course I will’ you smiled, a shiver rolling through you and you felt him lean across Thea to place his hand on your waist. Feeling like all your little puzzle pieces had finally fallen into the right place. ‘I wonder what your family will say. I feel like we’ll have to tell them when we’ve figured it out for ourselves’

‘I think my dad knows already somehow’

‘How?’

‘Well when the move to Manchester came about, I almost didn’t take it. I couldn’t face the thought of leaving you and I had a right go at my dad for even suggesting it’ he explained quietly with a little laugh.

You remembered the day well. Letting yourself into Mason's house and you could hear the argument in the kitchen all the way from the front door, Mason was furious about something although you couldn’t quite tell what yet. Thankfully Thea was sleeping so you ran her upstairs to place her into her room before heading back down and you sat on the stairs in order to listen to what they were saying.

‘I can’t go there, I’m sorry. I need to be close to here’ Mason told his dad seriously but the sounds of Tony sighing made you realise this conversation was far from over.

‘Mason, you can’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers-‘

‘I’m sorry, but it’s not happening. No way I’m not being that far away from them’

You felt awkward sitting and listening in so you took the plunge and went to see the pair of them. Tony’s eyes lighting up as soon as he saw you before he nodded over to Mason.

‘Finally, will you talk some sense into him please?’ He asked before leaving you to it so you quickly took up the seat next to him and you couldn’t help but think he looked like a frightened little boy.

‘Mase, what’s up?’ You asked, your heart breaking as his bottom lip wobbled slightly.

‘All my contract stuff with chels is still up in the air and they basically won’t talk to me about it. Pretty sure they wanna sell me so I’ve been given some proposals by other clubs’

‘Okay’ you nodded, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. ‘That’s good though right?’

‘They’re so far away though’ he huffed ‘United have sent their personal terms through and I’m just feeling a bit reluctant to agree’

‘Why’s that? Is it not what you were expecting?’

‘No, it’s great, like more than I could ever want but I don’t wanna be away from you’ he confessed quietly. Your heart racing at his words before he seemed to catch himself. ‘The both of you like I don’t see Thea as much as I’d like to anyway and now you’d be hours away I can’t do it y/n-‘

‘Hey Mase, it’s okay’ you told him, pulling him into your arms and you were surprised at how he clung to you like he thought you might disappear. Your heart thudding at how tightly he was holding you but you knew it was because he was trying to hold his emotions in.

‘I don’t want any of this’ he sniffled. ‘Why is this happening?’

‘Mason, you don’t have to get upset, it's okay. You’re so talented and of course you’re gonna have clubs from everywhere after you. Please don’t pass up this opportunity’

‘I just don’t wanna be that far away. I don’t want anything to change’

‘Mason look at me’ you asked, pulling back and resting your hands on his shoulders but the sadness in his eyes hurt you. ‘You’ve got nothing to worry about, okay. Wherever you end up, that’s where you can find us okay? We’re a family and I won’t break that apart’

‘You mean…?’

‘We’ll come with you, Mase. The only thing that ties us to here is you so there wouldn’t be any point in staying if you’re not here. It can be a fresh start for all of us’

‘Are you sure?’ He whimpered and could could see the relief flooding through him.

‘Of course I’m sure. Home is where the heart is right?’ You smiled and your heart broke at his wobbly lip.

He didn’t say a word, just pulled you into his arms forcefully and held you to him as tight as you could and you finally felt him relax.

‘When you hugged me, my dad snuck back in the kitchen and saw us. Started giving me the eyes like he knew something was going on between us. I just rolled my eyes at him like he was talking shit but he was right. He could see how I felt from a mile off but I was convinced it would never happen’

‘Of course he did’ you laughed, a yawn escaping your lips as he squeezed you side gently.

‘I know we need to talk, but let's get some sleep. We’ve got a long drive tomorrow’ he whispered and even though you didn’t want to, you knew he was right so with one final kiss you both settled down and shut your eyes.

When you woke up the next morning, Debbie was the last person you thought you’d see in your room. Carefully picking up Thea from between you as Mason scolded her lightly but she quickly made her exit before you could ask what was happening although from the sounds of her gentle laughs you knew what she was thinking already.

‘Well I guess they know now’ he laughed, shuffling his way over to you to be closer and you could feel yourself melting into his touch. ‘Apparently Lew said I never came to bed last night and she came searching for me but she’s taken Thea to get her some breakfast’ he explained and you nodded shyly, content in his arms as your legs tangled together before you started smiling at each other lovingly. ‘whenever you’re ready, I want everyone else to know too. I’m done keeping this a secret’

‘What? I thought you wanted this to be between us’ you asked but the twinkle in his eye made you melt.

‘Everyone else is allowed to show off their family and I’ve had enough of keeping you two to myself. I wanna do the same’ he told you quietly before finally pressing his lips to yours in a much needed kiss. ‘Unless you don’t want to. We can still keep things on the down low if you think that’s best’

‘I’m ready for everyone to know’ you smiled. ‘I want everyone to know you’re mine’

‘And you’re mine’ he smiled softly, hand cupping your jaw so he could gently caress your face before leaning down to kiss you again.

You’d done it. He was yours.

You wanted to get carried away, caught up in his kisses and pour yourself into him to prove that you wanted him just as much as he did but all the sounds from downstairs were making it hard to concentrate and you knew you had to face his family sooner or later.

‘Come on, let’s get it over and done with’ he laughed, pulling you to his body so that he could hold you even tighter and when he felt you chuckle, he kissed the top of your head lovingly. ‘Well in a few minutes maybe’

You made it downstairs eventually, Mason keeping his hand in yours the whole time as you sat at the table next to Thea and it was almost as if everyone was ignoring the obvious until Tony took the seat opposite you and sent you a wide smile.

‘I would say welcome to the family but you’ve been here a while’ he teased before his eyes were on Mason. ‘Bloody took you long enough’

‘Yeah yeah, alright’ Mason laughed, a slight blush on his cheeks as he tried to brush off everyone’s jibes and even though you were a little embarrassed yourself, Masons hand was clasped firmly around yours and you knew you were finally home.

masonmount

liked by y/n, declanrice, sophiaameila and others

masonmount thank you everyone for the birthday love. The greatest gift I got this year was being able to spend it back home with my whole family, my baby girl and the woman who’s turned my whole life upside down in the best way possible 🤍 I can’t wait to see what the next year brings.

View more comments

Y/n we love you so much 🥺 I’m so excited about this next step in our journey together 🩷

masonmount Love you more mumma 🩷

delcanrice daddy Mase

masonmount 😏

sophiaameila I’ve been waiting for this day for the longest time I swear 🥺 the cutest family in the world 🩷

masonmount so have I 😂 thank you for everything soph

lew.mount love you guys ❤️

Y/n Thea loves her uncle Lew 🩷

masonmount ❤️❤️❤️

tammyabraham sorry, since when do you have a child?

masonmount long story bro, we’ll catch up soon I promise 😂