#i have that gif and the ‘sit�� scene saved on my phone always

[brokenmutations]

Night Shift

Logan Howlett • She/Her Pronouns • Mutant!Reader [Heightened Senses] • POSSIBLE DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE SPOILERS • Joining a new timeline didn’t stop the nightmares from occurring. But at least, he doesn’t suffer alone…or at all after some time • ANGST/SFW/NSFW • TW: Major Injuries / Blood Loss / Nightmares / Anxiety

“Another nightmare?”

Logan looks away from the scene that was New York City late at night to catch the eyes the voice came from, which happened to be Y/N. She had stepped out onto the fire escape for her own reasons and to her surprise there was Logan on the escape of the apartment next door.

“Yeah, somethin’ like that”

“Better than Wade sleepwalking. Had to save him from you cutting his head off for almost grabbing your balls” Y/N scoffs, bringing herself to sit in the stairs of the escape looking out to the same scene. “Should give you some rope to tie him to his and Al’s bed because who knows when he’ll sleep walk”

“If you’re offering, I’ll take it” Logan scoffs leaning over the railing listening to the noise that he both misses and wishes it would stop. Which really makes him miss his home in the woods…back in his timeline with his Y/N.

“I know you’re not one for charity, but if you ever need a good nights sleep or company after a bad night…my door, or window is always open”

“I’ll think about it next time, bub” Logan pulled himself away from the railing to bring himself back inside as Y/N remained outside taking in every single sound of New York before wincing and putting her headphones back on while heading back inside.

Logan thought a few nights with a nightmare each time that he could handle it. But staying up after every occurrence only made him grumpier and Wade wasn’t having it for the most part.

“I can tell just by your baby hand that Logan didn’t sleep well”

“All I ask for this writer is to give him SOMETHING, but no! Who cares about plot nowadays we all saw his fucking Hawaiian roll buttered up abs” Wade groans behind the mask wishing he didn’t agree to this mission with Y/N. “Sorry. Kitty was angry this morning because of the lack of sleep he’s been having.”

“I got that much, Wilson” Y/N frowns rubbing circles on his back before suddenly taking his katana and slicing the once running target that entered the wrong alley way. “Guess it’s a short day”

“Bless your fucking heart” Wade quickly took his phone out taking a picture of the hit and sending it to the contact. “I’ll send you your money when I get it”

“Are you going to use most of yours for cocaine again?”

“Get your bloodhound nose out of mine alright?!”

Y/N watched him leave amused for a moment before disposing of the body because baby-hand-magee couldn’t for whatever reason.

Returning to the apartment later than usual didn’t bother Y/N, but she also didn’t expect someone to be in her apartment at the hour that it was. She knew there was someone given her senses, so when she flicked the light on for Logan to scramble suddenly and notice her unfazed expression he was a bit surprised. But so was she a little.

“I didn’t think you’d take me up on it”

Logan shrugs a bit not knowing what to say as Y/N couldn’t fight back a smile. She enters the apartment entirely, shutting the door behind her as she drops her bag on the floor.

“Make yourself at home” Y/N shot him another smile while she walked past him to enter the kitchenette setting down the takeout bag she had along with her other belonging.

The man obviously felt foreign in her apartment even with the invitation. Logan brought himself to sit on the couch watching her movements that weren’t much different from her. Except for more hesitation when handling things that might overwhelm her senses.

“I got takeout and I always buy extra if you’re interested.” Y/N gestures with her head to the kitchen she stood in if he wanted some. But when he didn’t come once she finished putting her dinner in a bowl, she decided to make him one regardless.

While she did such, Logan looked at the frame pictures on the wall behind the couch noticing there was a picture of him. He brought his whole body to face it and get a better look.

This universe’s Logan looked happy and so did Y/N beside him. There was another beside it that was a Polaroid with Laura looking at the picture confused but had a laughing Y/N in the background with Logan reaching for the thing.

“There’s a whole box of Polaroids I can grab that she took from when she was younger” Y/N’s voice startled him slightly as if he had gotten caught for looking at pictures. “Some are very blurry but they mean a lot to Laura and I so I keep them” she handed his plate which he wasn’t going to refuse after she took the time to plate it.

Before she sat with him, Y/N pulled a box out from under the couch setting it beside him. “Whenever you want to look at them” she stated while finally sitting to eat her late dinner, she reached into her coat pocket to take out a bottle of pills and dropped one on top of her rice. Causing Logan to stare and inspect his food. “I didn’t drug yours. It’s my sleeping pill, I have to eat something with it and this just makes it easier”

You don’t need them, sweetheart. Just focus on my heartbeat. That’ll calm you down

Sometimes it’s as fast as jackrabbit, Lo. Are you sure it’ll work?

You’ve said the pills make yea sick in the morning. Even more drowsy. This will work and if not, I’ll help you find alternatives

Okay, love. You know I trust you

Logan’s heart started to ache for what he lost in his timeline and Y/N felt the mood shift as they sat together eating. She wanted to comfort him but didn’t want to over step in any way.

After some time and a little clean up, Y/N went to bed once she got the foldable bed ready for Logan. Leaving him with a box of pictures alone to go through. He didn’t right away and stayed in the bed trying to sleep but wanting to know what this world’s Logan was like to these two important people in his life was itching his brain.

A lot of the Polaroids were blurry and could tell those looking that the young photographer was just learning how to use it. Then they got clearer and Laura would mainly take pictures of Y/N with her because she didn’t mind it. But there was several of Logan both pissed that he’s being photographed and the occasional one where he’s admiring Y/N.

Then there’s a few, like three Polaroids…where her Logan had taken them. One of her sleeping on his chest, another with just the two of them, then one of Y/N in a window holding Laura as she slept. The back of it had some writing on it…

Who I’m fighting for

Logan couldn’t help but feel the pain that Y/N could’ve possibly—-and most likely did feel when she read that a moment after her Logan passed. It made sense why she sobbed when reuniting with Laura.

This kept him awake for a while longer until he finally let sleep take over.

More into the night is when Y/N woke through a haze hearing heavy breathing. The apartment was small even with a one bedroom so she could hear everything regardless of her mutation. She pulled herself out of the bed grabbing the oversized flannel off her chair to slip on so she wouldn’t be in just a tank top and shorts when investigating.

It was obvious what was happening when Y/N drew close to Logan’s tossing form. She carefully moved the box of Polaroid off the bed before bringing herself beside him.

“Logan…” Y/N whispers watching him grip onto the sheets and the smallest glint of metal revealing itself. “Logan it’s just a nightmare”

He wasn’t coming out of it and Y/N knew what could happen next. She then decided to risk it and do what she used to do for him.

________

“Logan it’s okay…you’re okay, nothing is harming anyone you love” Y/N whispers, resting her head on Logan’s chest that was once rising and falling at an unbearable speed. But the second her head rested on it, it slowed. “You’re okay…we’re okay…I’m okay…”

Once Logan calmed, he brought his arms around her sighing. He pressed his lips onto the top of her head feeling her relax against him.

“You just…know how to bring me back”

“I’ll always find a way to bring you back, Lo. Even if it kills me”

________

The second her head rested on his chest, Logan relaxed and the small hint of his claws coming out retracted back. He didn’t wake but he finally relaxed.

“You’re okay, Lo” Y/N whispers rubbing circles on his chest feeling his body relax beneath her. “Everything is going to be okay”

She let the exhaustion take her from the day and found herself fast asleep on him. The steady of his breathing and his heartbeat calmed her…calmed all the sounds she’s been overwhelmed with…

This has been happening for a while. Logan sleeping over and Y/N helping him sleep. She would normally slip out of his embrace during an early hour of the day so he wouldn’t notice. But after the first five times, he’s noticed. He didn’t want to say anything because he enjoyed it. Especially the one time she didn’t get up early and remained there peacefully, giving Logan a chance to admire her while she slept.

They both missed this with their universe’s other…but there was also more than their other had

The most recent time it happened, it was extra difficult to get Logan to fall back asleep with his claws still retracted. That when Logan woke in the morning, disappointed she wasn’t there…he realized shortly why when Y/N handed him coffee and her arm was bandaged. You can’t lie to Logan. You can try but it won’t work. He knows he cut her by accident and it was her first time but her first time with this Logan.

“I’m sorry…” Logan randomly told her when he accompanied her and Wade on a job. The two of them taking look out after Wade insisted ‘he got this’

“Nightmares are scary things, Logan. We all do things when we have them”

“I…You’ve never had them with me around” Logan whispered. “Or least when I’ve been around…”

“I guess I’ve been sleeping better…have been taking my sleeping pills less” Y/N knew the blush on her complexion was giving her away on how she felt and Logan tried so hard to ignore it but the tips of his ears burned red. “What’s taking Wade so long? I can’t hear any fighting or—-“

“Smell any blood. Should we—-“ Logan was cut off by the sound of an explosion as he instinctively covered Y/N who covered her ears until she felt alright to release. “Fucking moron”

“Awww thanks for the new nickname, peanut” Wade cheers strutting out of the now burning building with one less arm. He noticed their position and couldn’t help the smirk on his face. “So!” Ignoring the current fire. “Are you two coming to my party later? Al says she found cocaine but knowing her she probably had Mary Puppins sniff some questionable white bags so it could actually end up being meth”

“I don’t think the poor pup is an efficient drug sniffing dog” Y/N commented as she went into her bag to put her headphones on. “Besides. I’d love to but I have another job later”

“You uh need a hand?” Logan asked, sensing the devilish smirk on Wade’s face resulting in him unsheathing his claws making him hold his hands up.

“I was instructed to take it on alone…but I’ll be alright. Usually am” Y/N reassures. “You’re still…allowed to be in my apartment if you don’t want to be at the party for the whole thing”

“Oh he’s gonna stay. Yukio is gonna do tarot readings” Wade wrapped his baby arm around Logan, enticing a growl out of the man.

Y/N rolled her eyes with a smile before throwing her backpack on. “Just don’t get into too much trouble, Wade. I hate talking to the landlord for you” and with that said, she left the two to clean up whatever mess there could be after what Wade did.

The party was a bit much. Logan was starting to get frustrated even if he sat on the couch with Dogpool watching everybody get drunk, have their tarots read, and listen to more of Wade’s sex stories. He wasn’t doing much but nursing a beer and think about her. She’s been on his mind for much longer than when she said she was doing a job solo. He was going to take that night as an opportunity to admit to feelings he’s felt much longer than the time Y/N first helped him with his nightmares.

She’s always been patient with him when he was standoff-ish in the beginning.

She kept her cool when he’d yell out his frustration

She never hesitated to give him answers to any questions he had about her Logan or Laura

She always listens. Never pushes her thoughts.

She’s there whenever you need her.

Every Logan will love every Y/N out there…

Mary Puppins suddenly stirred beside Logan which he normally didn’t care about given she can do what she pleases. But she jumped off the couch and instantly went to the door starting to scratch it. Given the hour it was, 2AM, Wade was plastered and couldn’t take her out so he decided to do it himself.

Once the pup was strapped in her harness and leash, Logan opened the door only for Puppins to lunge forward and toward something that only made him grumble with the force she was giving.

“Calm down, bub. We’ll get outside soon” Logan sighs shutting the door behind him and stilling for a moment when he heard footsteps. He quickly scoops up Mary Puppins and hesitantly approaches the stairs.

If it wasn’t Mary Puppins in his arms, he’d drop everything. Instead he carefully set her down before quickly approaching Y/N and her fragile state.

“What happened?” Logan frowns hearing his heartbeat rapid in his ears as he tried to remain calm even if her currently bleeding state wasn’t helping.

“A lot. I…I wanna sleep”

“No, bub. You’re bleedin’ we gotta stop it…or—“ Logan froze when Y/N collapsed in his arms and he didn’t hesitate to yell for Wade.

It’s been an annoyingly anxiety inducing couple of hours in the ER, then the waiting room. Logan sat beside Wade who kept dozing off every now and then because of the booze in his system but at least Mary Puppins in his arm licked his face to perk him up. Logan’s leg wouldn’t stop bouncing and the scowl on his face became more permanent expression until he heard any news.

In a panic, Laura quickly entered the waiting room scanning the room and locking eyes with Logan before approaching.

“What happened?!”

“A job gone wrong. It happens.” Wade yawns rubbing his eyes and once he got the sleepiness out of them he was met with an identical glare from Laura that matched the one on Logan’s. “What? She passed out before we got details, angel babies. We won’t know more until she wakes up. What I said is the best you’re gonna get” he sighed turning himself toward the reader of this story. “Afraid if I say more. I’ll traumatize the nurses over my baby limbs more than the amount of blood that escapes my hot bod”

Now as the four of them wait, with the occasional letting the pup out to do her business, Logan couldn’t help but think of when he lost his Y/N.

It wasn’t like with the rest of the X-Men, but if some of the X-Men were still alive. They would say it’s the reason he left in the first place

________

“What do you mean she didn’t leave the building?!” Logan shouted at Scott only to leave the plane in a hurry back to the scene.

“Jean stop hi—-“

“No”

“Jean.”

“Scott, let him go” Ororo sided with Jean in the silent agreement of he needs to see for himself.

The smell of her blood stained his senses the closer he got to it. Why didn’t they try and save her? What did she say to them?

Instead of those questions piercing a thought in his mind, Logan found Y/N barely hanging on and the only reason they didn’t pull her out because if they did…she would only die instantly and she needed him. For one last moment.

“No…No no no…Y/N, baby” Logan’s voice cracked at the sight as he dropped to his knees trying to figure out a way to cut through the beams that were piercing her in several places. “Baby I-I’m gonna…I-I…I-I’ll get you out. Yeah I will…”

“Lo…p-please…we both know—-“

“No! I can’t. I-I can’t lose y-you” He sobbed, this man with a rough exterior sobbed and it only broke her heart as she reached for him. Feeling his cheek gently place itself in her palm. “Please…D-Don’t leave me”

“I love you. I love you so m-much” Y/N winced feeling the pain subside but only in that direction. “Y-You…y-ou’ll find me…a-again…p-promise”

“Y/N…” Logan sobbed gripping her wrist and focusing on her breathing that started to slow. “I love you. Fuck I love you so much. I didn’t say it enough. I-I love you.” He cried watching the love of his life wither.

________

But this wasn’t happening again.

Laura laid her head on the side of Y/N’s bed with Logan’s jacket draped over her as she occupied the chair by her bed. While Logan sat in the one in the far corner. Wade had to bring Mary Puppins home and tell those who stayed the night after a drunken party that Y/N pulled through.

What happened was Y/N took another job for the same guy that her job with Wade and Logan came from. But the purpose of it being solely only her was to trap her and force information out of her on the regenerative properties the two have. She knows very little about the properties because Wade doesn’t know how his manifested and Logan’s don’t need a rocket scientist to figure out. They thought they hit the gold mine when capturing her but instead while they met their inevitable end, Y/N gotten beaten and physical broken in the process.

Which explains the sling made for collar bone fractures on her, and the bandaging around her torso for more than just internal bleeding but to stabilize the broken ribs. The bruises and cuts littered are self explanatory.

The only plus side to all of this in her case was how sterile and quiet a private hospital room is.

All Y/N heard were their heartbeats and how fast they were going given her current state.

“I’m…n-not dying. You can calm just a little bit” Y/N sighed out, hearing the quick shuffling indicating Logan practically shot out of his chair approaching her other side while Laura gently rested her hand on Y/N’s that was rested on her stomach. “I’m okay sweet girl” she reassured taking her hand into hers as she finally opened her eyes wincing slightly at the light and her shifting only to feel the extent of her injuries. “T-That goes for you too, Lo…I’m okay.”

“Your injuries say otherwise” Logan frowns sitting on the edge of the bed watching Laura hesitantly climb into the bed after Y/N ushered her to do so. “Don’t…don’t let her move too much, kid”

“Worrywart. She’s fine.” Y/N let her lay beside her as Laura was always mindful of injuries and didn’t mess with any of the tubes she was connected to.

She was in the hospital for three days. Laura stayed for two and went back to Y/N’s apartment to clean it up for when she comes back. Including getting her prescriptions and things. Logan stayed for all three days. She wanted him to stay for all three days.

“You okay on the pull out bed?” Y/N tried to help make the bed with the one arm but Logan quickly and gently took the part of the blanket out of her hand. “I can still help”

“You broke your collarbone on the left side, sweetcheeks. You ain’t lifting a finger even if five are out of commission” Wade tugged too much on his side resulting in a grumble from Logan and Laura to push him away.

“I’m okay on the couch bed, mo—-Y/N” Laura couldn’t help the embarrassed blush to rise on her cheeks for almost calling Y/N mom in front of others. Even if that’s what she is to her.

Wade being Wade was about to comment until Y/N glared at him before tiredly making her way to her room. Logan hesitantly follows, letting Laura boss Wade around to help her finish making the bed even if he’s already messed up.

“So uh. She’s staying on the couch bed so I’ll go back to Wa—-“

“You can sleep with me…” Y/N had her back turned to him which she was grateful given the blush that started to spread. “I’ll be bounded to one side since I have to be sleeping sitting up. Plenty of space for another body”

“I don’t…I don’t want to hurt you any further by accident”

“I promise you…you won’t hurt me” She frowns reaching for another pillow, only for Logan to stop her and do it himself.

Once the night stilled and Wade was sleeping on the floor while Laura took the bed…Logan laid awake beside Y/N’s still form occasionally glancing over to make sure she’s still breathing. As much as she was saved and alive, he couldn’t help the fear aching in his chest that she would disappear right before him.

The second he shut his eyes, they instantly shot open causing him to quickly look at her seeing her breathing heavy and tears were rolling down her cheeks.

“Y/N—-“ Logan quickly maneuvered on the bed to be sat on his knees by her side. Resting his hand on her face watching her face grimace and her eyes remain close. “Y/N, baby it’s a nightmare—-“

“P-Please…Please don’t take them from me again” She begged, still in her unconscious state as the tears kept coming her body tensed at first when she felt another hand rest on her other cheek. But suddenly relaxed and sobbed more while she opened her eyes. “Logan…everything is too loud”

Logan frowns wiping away her tears letting his body relax beside her and bringing her close while minding her injuries. The sense of protectiveness he emitted brought an old familiar warm feeling in Y/N’s chest as she looked up at him with a pleading expression.

“Just focus on my heartbeat, that’ll calm you down” He whispers being mindful of the noise happening inside her head as she rests her head on his shoulder keeping her eyes on him. “Breathe…just listen. Focus on that” he relaxed himself enough so his heart wouldn’t be pounding in her ears.

But the second she focused and started to finally relax after the nightmare, Y/N shut her eyes letting the last of the tears fall.

“I’ve got you. I’ve got you” He whispers to her bringing his lips to her forehead hearing a soft sigh escape her lips.

“Logan…”

“Hm? What is it, princess?”

“Please don’t leave me”

“I’m not going anywhere”

[eetherealgoddess]

ꨄSpiked with Loveꨄ

Oneshot - Yandere Love Spell Au

❦You cast a love spell on your boss and fellow executives❦

Sano Manjiro, Hanemiya Kazutora, Sanzu Haruchiyo, & Haitani Brothers x Reader

Not fully proofread

MY TR FANDOM WORKS ARE ONLY ON TUMBLR, AO3, AND WATTPAD UNDER EETHEREALGODDESS! REPORT IF YOU SEE IT POSTED UNDER ANYONE ELSE BUT ME!!!

I apologize if I get any Japanese etiquette or culture wrong, I literally have to research the culture for some of my fandom stories so if anything is wrong, please excuse my ignorance.

Notice:

✩Y/n is 18+. I picture her as a black female but you can see her however.

✩Some parts of the story may not be realistic or factual. After all, this is a work of fiction.

✩Although it's a dark 'romance,' I do not condone any of the behavior displayed.

✩Dark content such as: gore, violence, triggering topics, graphic scenes, vulgar language, explicit sexual content, etc.

✩There may be scenes that involve non con and/ or dubcon so don’t read if that makes you uncomfortable

✩That being said, this story is for 18+ only.

Enjoy!

Spiked with Love

You frown as you sit in the vip section of the strip club, women all over four of the men you fancy. Of course, you know you have no right to be angry over the display towards either party. You just couldn’t help the drop of your stomach as you eye the woman sitting on Ran’s lap as he places the cigar between her lips, nor Rin pouring the bottle of alcohol into the woman's mouth, eyeing the way her tongue sticks out with lust. You also didn’t appreciate the display of Kazutora moving his lips against the stripper’s mouth with his fingers against her chin, nor the woman who’s allowing Sanzu to sniff cocaine off of her bare breasts. Fortunately, your boss never attends these kind of ordeals unless it’s for business so he treats everyone the same. You sat with your legs and arms crossed, pulling out your phone as you sigh, joint in one hand.

It’s a shame really, to be the only woman amongst many men and not one of them give you a second look. Nobody pays attention to you, nobody sees you in the way you want, nor even in an intimate way with no strings attached. No one has even flirted with you in a teasing manner as they do with other women. It was a good thing considering your position. It wouldn’t be smart to date such dangerous men who you could barely trust in the first place, but it’s not like you could help your feelings. You’ve always been into the not so ideal male. So as you sit, you scroll through the app, coming across a video that catches your eye. You get up from your spot and walk to the bathroom.

You watch the video after pressing play, eyeing the screen as it displayed a modern witch giving directions on how to complete a love ritual. Saving the video, you decide to make your way out of the club and have the driver take you to your own penthouse, guessing the men will be at the strip club for a while. When you make it home, you immediately make your way to your old altar that you hadn’t touched in years. Residue spices and herbs sat as well as the mini cauldron and old candle sticks. You set everything up the way she directed, making sure everything was set before lighting the candle. You closed your eyes, getting in the zone before repeating what was chanted. Once you finish, you place the written out names under your pillow and fall asleep.

The morning came and you hopped out of bed, showering and dressing in your usual Bonten attire. Once you walk out of the penthouse, you hop into the car, the driver taking you to Bonten’s headquarters. When you arrive, you walk through the doors and head straight to your boss’s office. When you walk in, you sit in your usual seat. Your boss gives the orders for the day, the meeting lasting about thirty minutes before he dismisses everyone.

“Y/n. You stay behind.”

You nod, though feeling confused as to what he needs you to stay after for. Once the room was empty besides you and Mikey, he eyed you for a while, seeming to study you. You shift in discomfort, not used to a gaze this long from him.

“You will work under Koko in his office. You are no longer needed for missions.” Your eyes widen.

“W-wait, Boss! Did I do something wrong?” You were completely distraught. Why is your position being lowered to a secretary?

“No.” Your eyebrow raises though you try to maintain a straight face.

“O-okay, Boss.” You didn’t want to trigger him by asking any questions considering he hates to be questioned.

He nods, dismissing you. You missed his gaze as you walked out of the room, confused and a little distraught.

Getting through the day as Kokonoi’s assistant, you huffed once you made it home in disappointment. Not only did you not see any changes with the men's behavior, you even got demoted.

Irritated and troubled, you pull up the dating app you downloaded for moments like these. A hookup will do you some good, allowing yourself to distract from everyday life. Once you found a guy to temporarily satiate your needs, you messaged him a straightforward offer. He complied and claimed to be on the way. As you changed out of your work clothes to something more casual, you heard a knock at your door.

With furrowed brows you opened it, raising them in surprise at the tiger tattooed man that showed up unannounced.

“Hey, Y/n.” He greets as he pushes past you, walking in. Your eyes widened, running in front of him and holding your hands up.

“Kazutora, what are you doing here?”

“Bored. Came to hang out.” He shrugged before plopping on your couch.

“Unannounced?” He smirked at you while propping his shoes on your coffee table, crossing his leg over.

“You know you like my company.” He chuckled, causing your face to warm up.

“It’s just not a good time, right now.” You said, scratching the back of your head as you anxiously eye the door, nervous of the embarrassment that will come if he figures out your plan for the night.

A knock interrupted your thoughts. You walk to the door, opening it and greeting the stranger before inviting him in. The tension in the air seemed to thicken not by your anxiety but by the aura seeming to emit from the energy of the room.

“Uh, yeah. This is…?” You eye the newcomer for his name.

“Sato Riku.” You nod with a sheepish smile.

You have no clue why you’re introducing him considering you have no reason to, but the way Kazutora is quiet with a stoic expression is making you feel awkward. Your eyes widened when he leaned forward and grabbed the remote. He turned the television on, scrolling through as if nothing had been said.

“Oh yeah, did that treatment for chlamydia work?” You gasped. Your ‘date’ looked at you in surprise. You’ve never been treated for chlamydia so you don’t know why he just said that.

“I’ve never…”

“You don’t have to tell me right now, you can just tell me later.” Kazutora shrugged. Sato eyed both of you before walking to the door.

“W-wait!” Before you could continue, he had already walked out of the door.

“What the fuck, Kazutora?” You exclaim angrily.

“Hey, I just saved you from putting a shrimp in your mouth. You should be thanking me.” He says before hopping up, smirking at you.

You couldn’t respond as he walked out of the front door. Sighing, you decide to change and go out for the night since your plan had been ruined. You refreshed your makeup and added a little bit of color to your eyeshadow. Once you were done, you left the penthouse. The driver takes you to a club not owned by the Haitani brothers since you wanted a different scene.

Red and purple lights flash as the sound of music causes the building to vibrate, the crowd buzzing with chatter and laughter as different people enjoy their time. You immediately head to the bar, ordering multiple shots and swallowing them down before walking to the dance floor. While you danced the night away a random male pulled you closer as he danced against you, hands on your hips behind you as his body pressed against yours. You turn your head slightly to see the man’s appearance.

Found my replacement for the night.

You turn your head back to the front as you grind your body back against the stranger, your arms raising as you close your eyes and sway your hips to the music. For a second you felt emptiness behind you causing you to turn around only for hands to replace themselves back on your hips. You internally shrug and continue to move your body against the man. A presence looms over you as you look up in surprise.

“Rin?” You eye the Haitani in front of you as you halt your movements.

“Having fun grinding on my brother?” Your eyes widen when you swiftly turn behind you, hands disappearing from your hips as you push him back with one hand.

“R-Ran?” You exclaim. He looks down at you with a smirk.

“Who knew you could move like that?” You feel warmth on your face as you look between the brothers.

“Where did that guy go?”

“What guy?” Ran questions while tilting his head. Your eyebrows furrow.

Am I imagining things? I literally looked at the guy behind me earlier, right? Have I been dancing on Ran the whole time?

Your eyes widen.

Holy shit! I’ve been dancing on Ran the whole time!

“U-uh, I…” You stammer over your words as realization hits that you’ve been grinding on one of the men you fancy, though it’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s still nerve wracking. Especially when he’s your coworker.

“No need to feel embarrassed, Y/n” Ran’s fingers connect to your chin before gently lifting your face. His heavy lidded orbs meet your gaze, a look you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing before except from the sidelines.

I…Is he coming onto me?

“I need to go!” You say before you push past him and rush out of the building, shoving through the crowd before you make your abrupt exit.

What the hell? Am I overthinking or did that just happen? Did he just flirt with me? And he let me dance on him!

It took you a moment to hit the realization that this change of behavior has to be from that spell you casted. You shook your head as you hopped into the seat, your driver leading you home.

There’s no way. There’s no freaking way that worked!

You know that spells can work but you didn’t think it would work for you. It just couldn’t.

When you reached your home you rushed inside, zoned out in thought the entire time you changed and wiped your makeup off. When you got in bed, you binged different videos about love spells and how to know if they worked. It’s obvious really but you just couldn’t accept how easy it was.

Morning rises and with only two hours of sleep you sluggishly dressed yourself as well as completed your morning routine. Walking out of the lobby you yawned as you entered the back seat. When you arrived at Bonten’s headquarters you immediately met with Kokonoi to receive your assignment for the shift, not required to attend the meetings now that you are no longer an executive. The thought still disappoints you.

Sitting at a desk, after you get done organizing some paperwork, you feel as though you’re being watched. Your body tenses as you look over your shoulder. You release a sigh when you see that Sanzu is sitting on the couch behind you.

“When did you get in here?” You mask your nervousness as you shift your attention away from the crazed beauty.

Sanzu’s presence always made you nervous. Honestly all of them do but he tops the rest considering he was the first one out of the executives to catch your eye. Clearly your type is pretty and toxic. Yes, you have terrible taste in men. You’ve accepted that fact. What you found particularly interesting about Sanzu is that he had two different versions of himself. One is quiet, sneaky, and reserved while the other is crazy, extroverted, and wild. The second one is usually when he’s on drugs. If the love spell were to work, you’re definitely curious on how it would show up from him.

You took the last sip of your coffee before clearing your thoughts to focus on your screen. You begin to feel drowsy before you break out in cold sweat. You breathe heavily as your eyebrows furrow while you try to gain control of your weakened limbs. Before the upper half of your body can completely fall on the keyboard, you're pulled out of your seat and placed on the couch.

Blue orbs and pink hair fill your blurry vision as you look at the culprit above you who uses his hand to palm your face, thumb connecting to your chin as he pulls your head to the side. He analyzes your face as well as shifting his gaze down your body. The only thing you could hear is your breathing as he traced along your collarbone with his other hand, thumb caressing your chin before moving to your forehead. It’s as if he's studying an experiment.

“S-Sanzu?” You whisper.

What the hell is going on with him? What’s going on with my body? Why can’t I move on my own? Did he drug me?

“Shh.” He places a finger over his mouth before he leans over, the hand on your face moving your head to the side as his fingers trace down your neck. If your body wasn’t drugged you would’ve jumped at the hot breath against your neck. You would’ve tensed at the lips connecting to your skin so gently that it almost felt unreal. All of a sudden a gun is pulled out as Sanzu faces the door behind him, aiming it at the newcomer.

“Oh don’t mind me.” Kazutora says with a grin while his hands rise in surrender. He walked closer until he stood above you right next to the couch.

“Get out.” Sanzu growls before placing the gun back in his holster. The tiger tattooed man leans over to observe your state. He releases a chuckle before straightening his back.

“Wow, what did you give her?”

“None of your business.” He says with his voice low before returning his gaze back to you, tracing your skin once more without a care for the third party who intruded.

“Boss needs us for a mission.” He states in response before placing his hand on your forehead, thumb caressing the skin.

If you weren’t so out of it you’d be giddy with joy that they’re finally paying attention to you. Unfortunately, you can barely feel your own body let alone anything more than that. You also wonder what drug is exactly in your system. Sanzu stands from the couch and walks out of the room, Kazutora following behind as he gives you one last look before shutting the door.

Assholes. I need to get up before I get in trouble for lazing around.

You ended up falling into a deep sleep. Only to wake up to dark eyes staring down at you. You gasp before swiftly sitting up, eyeing your boss in fear.

“S-sorry about this, Boss! I’ll get back to work right now!” You exclaim. Before you can hop off of the couch, Mikey places a hand on your shoulder.

“Come with me.”

He walks away before you can respond. You had no choice but to follow behind, nervous of what punishment you would receive from slacking. You follow him outside as you both step into the ride, the driver taking you both to Mikey’s estate. When you walk into the lobby, you head up the elevator and reach a spacious living space.

Is this Mikey’s home? Why are we here? Well, why did he bring me here?

He disappears for a little while before returning with a spare pair of clothes, you eyeing his own change of outfit.

“Change and come to my bedroom.” Your eyes widen at his bold statement. He walks away as you are frozen in your spot.

It feels like one of your fantasies has come true though you don’t know how to act. You change your clothes and lie your own outfit folded on the couch. You walk to the hall and search for his bedroom. When you reached the room, you paused while eyeing him and turned the other way on his bed.

Does he want me to hop in? I don’t want to if he doesn’t want that. Oh come on, Y/n stop playing stupid why else would he ask you to come in here? To be fair he’s never requested something like this so I don’t know what he wants.

He turns to face you and pulls the comforter up as if inviting you into that spot. You tense once more before you comply with your Boss’s demands. You slowly climb into the bed as if to give him time to correct you. Once you get comfortable, you lie on your back and stare at the ceiling, ignoring the burning gaze from beside you.

You turn in the opposite direction, facing the door and lying in the fetal position as you try to calm your pounding heart. You hold back a gasp as you feel an arm slither around your waist. His warm body closes in behind you as you're pulled back against his chest.

Is… Is Mikey spooning me right now?

“Y/n.” He whispers. “Look at me.” You bite your lip before slowly turning on your back, Mikey keeping his hold on you as you keep your gaze on the ceiling.

A hand places itself on your chin before turning your attention to him. You gaze at the red hue covering his face as his orbs bore into yours. You watch as his eyes shift to your lips before he leans in. You stay frozen in your spot while his lips meet yours.

Fuck it.

You lean into the kiss, moving your lips against his as your eyelids flutter shut. The grip on your face tightens before he slowly climbs on top of you, resting his body in between your legs as your fingers massage his head, slightly pulling him closer as he props your legs up to crouch above you in missionary position.

He disconnects your lips before nuzzling his face between your shoulder, lips lapping onto your neck before giving the skin a long lick. He closes his mouth around the dermis and sucks a bruise onto the surface. You breathe heavily as his hands move down to your covered breasts, groping the mounds as he rutts himself against you. The bulge makes contact with your vulva through the fabric. He quietly moans as you grind against him eagerly, heat rising as all the sensations sensitize you to every contact your skin makes. Suddenly he pulls back and stares down at you while breathing heavily. You gaze at him while catching your breath.

“Get out.” He says before hopping off of you.

Your eyebrows furrow in concern and confusion.

Did I do something wrong? Did I make him uncomfortable?

You don’t hesitate to jump out of the bed and rush out of the room, tears forming from embarrassment and rejection.

Shit.

You quickly change back into your suit and head out of the building. Unfortunately, your driver is off duty so you grab the nearest taxi that’s out late at night. You ride home quietly, sulking in the backseat as you reach your penthouse. When you get inside you undress, hopping into the shower to scrub yourself harshly.

Why did he switch up like that? I hope I didn’t do anything wrong. This is so fucking humiliating.

You determined that even though the love spell worked, because they didn’t even have feelings for you in the first place, it’s all fake. None of it is real. None of the attention or affection are real. When you finished with your shower you got into bed and covered yourself with blankets, wishing you could disappear.

The next day you were rudely woken up by someone pulling your curtains open.

“Rise and shine.” Rin says as you groan in response. He snatches your blankets off causing you to shriek. You sit up and eye the brothers, Ran leaning against your doorway while Rin stands by your bed.

“What the hell are you two doing in my house?”

“You didn’t show up to work.” Rin crossed his arms. “Guess you were just being lazy.”

“What? It’s not ti-.” You cut yourself off when you eye your phone’s clock, displaying that your sleep surpassed the morning and afternoon.

Damn. I was knocked out for so long.

“You’re lucky Boss let it go.” Rin states.

“Get dressed.” Ran says. One of your eyebrows raises.

“For what?”

“We’re going out tonight.”

“Where?”

“Meeting the others at one of our clubs.” The others?

“So come on!” Rin says impatiently before they leave you in your bedroom.

By the time you finished getting ready, night fell as the sun disappeared. All three of you walk to the car, Ran holds the door open for you while you climb into your seat. Once you reached the club you all walked to the designated vip section, greeted by Kazutora while Sanzu sniffed a line of cocaine.

What you weren’t expecting was to see Mikey sitting on one of the accent chairs. Your face warmths from the memory of last night, recollecting your heated make out session before you felt shame rise from how it ended. You internally shake your head before walking to your own seat.

“Y/n.”

You look up at your boss who motions for you to come over. Fear stricken by what he might do to you for last night, you comply. Your eyebrows furrow when he points at his lap.

“Sit.” You freeze in disbelief.

“A-are you sure, Boss?” His expression stays stoic.

“You questioning me?” You immediately shake your head before sitting on his lap feeling uneasy by the stares you’re receiving. Everyone turns their attention back to what they’re doing.

“You’re such a distraction.” He whispers before one of his arms rest around your waist. His fingers grip your hip as your grip on your own hands tighten. His other hand grabs the bottom of your face and forces you to look at him.

“I can’t stop thinking about you.” A red hue covers his face as his dark eyes glisten in the light. He gives you a longing gaze before it turns cold. You flinch when his fingers dig into your thigh as well as the tightening grip on your face.

“I want to kill you.” Your breath hitched.

“You’re consuming me, Y/n. You’re distracting my men.” He whispers.

“B-boss?” You breathe out.

“If you disappear, there would be nothing to think about.” His hand moves to your neck, immediately squeezing your throat shut. Your eyes widen as you grip his wrist.

“M-Mik… Boss wait!” You stammer, eyes shifting to the others who watch the display with crossed legs and glasses, cigars, or a blunt to their lips. Nobody but members of Bonten sat in the room, the strippers and waiters out of sight.

“Should I, Y/n? Should I kill you right now so I can get you out of my head?” His grip becomes unbearable as you struggle to breathe. Your legs shift before you begin to scratch the skin on his arms. Tears fall before you pull an arm back and punch his face. You push yourself off the chair, dropping to the floor as you catch your breath. You look up at Mikey with wide eyes while his face is turned to the side. The room is quiet besides the faint music that plays while you cough and wipe your eyes.

You shakily stand from your position on the floor before glancing around the room at the executives who stare at you with nothingness as their expressions, cold and bare of any emotion.

What the fuck?

“You know, I had already fallen for you.” His face is covered by his platinum hair as he looks down, hands on the chair’s arms. “You didn’t need the spell, Y/n.”

Your eyes widen.

How did he know? The only way they would have noticed anything was the video saved on my phone or my altar. Was it when Kazutora or the Haitani brothers came into my place?

“I thought if I ignored it, then it would go away.” One of his hands rub his face. “Then you made it worse.”

The door opens and the guards walk in with decapitated heads that are hanging from their hair. You eye the faces closely in confusion before they’re thrown on the ground, some rolling in front of you. You count five different men, including the man you remembered as Sato and the mystery man you danced on. Although you’ve seen and have caused death, there was something very disturbing about seeing the detached heads of your past flings.

“Disgusting. You’ve driven the King insane.” Sanzu hissed before standing from his seat and taking position next to Mikey’s chair.

“Why is that look on your face?” Ran questions while taking a hit of the cigar. “Why do you look so uneasy?”

“This is what you wanted isn’t it?” Rin says before he downs a shot and leans over, resting his arms against his legs.

Kazutora takes a hit of the blunt before he ashes it against the ashtray, pulling back as he leaned into the couch with a leg crossed over. “Come on, Y/n. Don’t give us that look. We’re just showing you what you made us do.”

You look at all of them with shock and uneasiness, disturbed by their actions though a little flattered that they thought of you this much. After all, your feelings hadn’t gone away even though you feel you are in danger. This isn’t exactly what you had in mind. Especially with how they stare at you like you’re a piece of meat in the lion’s den.

Your arms are grabbed by the guards as you’re forced out of the room, their eyes lingering on you all the while you allow the men to take you out of the tense section. Outside of the door, you meet eyes with Kokonoi who walks beside you as you’re released and forced to walk towards the exit.

“Koko, what’s going on?” You question with a trembling voice.

“I’m afraid you’ve been fired, Y/n. As of right now you’ve been labeled a traitor and you’ve been ordered to reside in one of the torture rooms for the time being.”

“Are they gonna kill me?” You gasp.

“No.”

“What do you mean? Then what’s gonna happen to me?” You question eagerly.

He sighs. “I mean that they’re planning to keep you locked up for an extended amount of time.”

“Th-They’re holding me captive? What? Why?”

One of the guards open the door for Kokonoi before cuffing your wrists and forcing you to climb into the car.

“The only thing I know is that they seem to have a deep infatuation with you. You might not ever get to see the light of day again, Y/n. I’m sorry.”

You could only stare into space with a look of concern as you try not to have a panic attack. Your eyes shift outside the window as the driver pulls off towards the destination.

[chefkids]

Did you notice at the end of s3 ep9 carmy ia getting ready for Ever's funeral service and the last shot it's just a scrunchie and Mike's Jesús pastor image?? Idk what that means but that shot is stuck in my brain

The Scrunchie Does Not Fit In, but Carmy is Saving it for Later

Carmy finds a funeral card from Mikey's funeral in his suit jacket and puts it on top of a book next to the scrunchie and some bobby pins.

The book is I DON’T FIT IN – My Wild Ride Through The Punk and Power Pop Trenches with The NERVES and THE BEAT, which is a memoir about the lead singer from the band The Beat, but not the british one that wrote Save it For Later.

There are actually two bands called The Beat, an English one and an American one. The two bands came up around the same time and were often confused with each other, so the English one went by The English Beat and the American one went by Paul Collins' Beat. They actually ended up touring together. So why have a book about the Paul Collins' Beat when the recurring song this season is written by The English Beat?

Save it for Later has a few versions of it throughout the season. The first version we hear is from the American singer Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam when Sydney is on her way to The Bear after the incident and there is montage of classic Chicago spots. And if you listen closely to the full song, at the very end you can hear in the backing vocals "can't find a better man" from Better Man by Pearl Jam. We know Carmy is a big fan of Pearl Jam. Come Back by Pearl Jam was the song playing in the table scene with Sydney and we know the music in the show is supposed to represent their inner thoughts and feelings, so at this point Sydney is still thinking about Carmy.

Then an instrumental version of Save it for Later plays when Richie is talking to Jess on the phone about the Ever funeral. When Sydney is talking to Shapiro and he makes her the offer, the original Save it for Later by The English Beat plays.

They are setting up the American vs British confusion. Sydney is going to be torn between Carmy and Luca (and Shapiro by de facto), the same way Carmy is torn between Sydney and Claire. The song is instrumental, neither british or american, with Richie because he is the puppet master in this whole british vs american ordeal that is going to happen between them.

So much of this season and the previous have been about confusing people or projecting them on to the other, like with Claire and Sydney in Season 2, and then again in Season 3 with the polka dot dish freezer incident. This all ties back to the plotlines of Vertigo and A Midsummer Night's Dream that are referenced in Season 3 where the love interests are frequently confused with each other, sometimes on purpose and sometimes on accident.

The bobby pins seems more like a Claire item that she probably left behind, but when Claire's hair is tied up it is always with a plain black hair tie. The hair clip at the beginning of Tomorrow is probably Claire's, but a girly floral pink scrunchie? That is so Sydney.

The Bear had pink floral dinner plates back in Season 2 before Carmy switched to natural earthenware in Season 3, which also when he basically erased Sydney from The Bear. The scrunchie is a remnant of Season 2.

Sydney has been seen in pink and florals, whereas Claire never has. Sydney also loves patterns. From her bandanas to her shirts and jackets.

She actually has a whole book about them sitting in her locker. She was probably the one who picked the tropical wallpaper in The Bear's bathroom.

Claire is really never seen wearing patterns or prints aside from Friends & Family night (aka ClaireCarmy's relationship funeral) when she wears a black floral shrug, which is the last time Carmy saw Claire. The funeral card is notably Mikey's, not Marcus' mom, which has also always been tied back to Sydney and the Let it rip note. He texted Sydney before opening the note and then had Richie give it to her in a frame to put on her expo.

It's easy to see why he might confuse the scrunchie with Claire's things and put them together when the don't fit actually fit in, the same way The Beat's get confused. And probably the same way Sydney is going to feel confused about Luca vs Carmy in season 4. Is Carmy going to realize the scrunchie is Sydney's and not Claires? It's in his bedroom so I doubt it was Sydney herself that put it there. Seems like he is once again using Claire to project his feelings for Syd, by missing her instead of Sydney.

[drewharrisonwriter]

Lifeline - Ch. 6: Ireland

Pairings: Dieter Bravo x Female Reader, referred to as “Honey” 

Series Summary: After basically being dropped and rejected by every PR agency in Hollywood for being such a huge liability, Dieter Bravo must work on resetting his public image in the most unexpected ways.

Author's Notes: I have been working on this fic on and off for the past year, and this story is a little personal to me. Yes, I am trauma dumping in some scenes lol but I also want to say that there will be so many unrealistic things about Hollywood, actors, and PR/Marketing agencies here, to which I apologize.

Warnings: Angst, a little drama, lots of flashbacks. More warnings to come as the story progresses.

Read this on AO3 | Series Masterlist | Main Masterlist

Honey sat in her car, hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly her knuckles turned white. She stared blankly at the road ahead, her mind replaying every word, every strained look Dieter had thrown her way. The anger, the hurt, the deflection—it was all so painfully familiar. She had thought she’d built enough walls to keep herself safe this time, but the cracks were already showing, and she felt herself sinking under the weight of it all.

She’d done this before—tried to save Dieter from himself, tried to be the steady force when everything else was crumbling. But back then, she’d had something more than hope, she had him… all of him, all of his trust, his love... 

She doesn’t have that anymore. She doesn’t have him anymore. 

Now, all she felt was the gnawing dread that no matter how much she tried, Dieter was always one step away from slipping back into the darkness.

Her phone buzzed in the passenger seat—a message from Mitch, checking in, but she couldn’t bring herself to respond. She knew Mitch was worried too, but he hadn’t seen Dieter like she had, not in the quiet moments when the bravado faded and the fear bled through. Mitch didn’t know the way Dieter’s eyes looked when he thought no one was watching, the way he gripped the edge of his sanity like a lifeline. Honey knew, and that was the part that haunted her most.

Honey forced herself to start the car, driving aimlessly through the city until she found herself back at her office. 

The empty space was a stark contrast to the chaos swirling in her mind. She dropped her bag on the desk and slumped into her chair, letting the stillness wash over her. This place was supposed to be her sanctuary, the life she’d built on her own terms, far from the noise of her past. But today, it felt like everything was closing in.

She opened her laptop, pulling up her schedule, her emails, and anything to distract herself from the gnawing feeling in her chest. But as she scrolled, her mind drifted back—back to ten years ago, to a conversation that had changed everything.

–

They were sitting on the porch of Dieter’s old apartment, the night air warm and thick with the scent of summer. Honey was leaning back, her feet tucked under her, sipping on a glass of iced tea. Dieter had been quieter than usual that evening, fidgeting and lost in thought. Honey noticed but didn’t press him, waiting for him to come around. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he turned to her, a strange mix of excitement and anxiety in his eyes.

“I got the role,” he said suddenly, the words tumbling out almost breathlessly. “Hunger Strike. I got it.”

Honey’s face lit up instantly, a broad smile spreading across her lips. She jumped up, wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight embrace. “Dieter, oh my God! I knew you’d get it. This is it, this is what you’ve been working for!” She pulled back to look at him, her eyes bright with pride. “You deserve this. You’ve worked so hard.”

Dieter’s initial nerves eased as he watched her excitement, and a grin tugged at his lips. He hadn’t realized how much he needed her reaction, her belief in him, to fully accept that this was real. He started talking fast, his mind already racing with plans. “Yeah, I can’t believe it. And guess what? We’ll get to spend like six months in Ireland. I mean, can you imagine? We could explore Dublin on our days off, maybe even head to the countryside—”

Honey’s smile faltered, and she let out a nervous chuckle, interrupting his flow. “Wait, what do you mean ‘we’? I mean, I can’t just pick up and leave, Dieter. I have my job, my students…”

Dieter blinked, caught off guard. “Of course, you’re coming with me. I don’t want to do this long-distance thing, Honey. Everyone knows those never work. We’d be miserable, you’d be here, I’d be there. I don’t want that kind of strain on us.”

Honey sighed, her fingers playing with the edge of her glass. “Dieter, being together doesn’t guarantee things will work out, either. We can’t just uproot everything because it’s convenient right now. We’ve only been together for just over a year, and so much has already changed. What’s another year going to do to us?”

Dieter’s expression shifted, confusion and a hint of panic creeping in. He’d always seen their relationship as solid, something to build on, and her hesitation felt like a betrayal of that vision. “What are you saying? You don’t think we’ll make it?”

Honey hesitated, struggling to find the right words. “I think… I think relationships are complicated. We’re committed, but things change. People change. We’re still figuring us out, and now there’s all this pressure to make it work. We need to be realistic about that.”

Dieter’s mind raced, and the thought of losing her, of being so far away without that certainty, made his chest tighten. The insecurity gnawed at him, so he said the first thing that came to his mind, desperate to anchor them. “Let’s get married.”

Honey laughed nervously, caught completely off guard. “What?”

“I’m serious,” Dieter insisted, leaning forward. “Let’s elope. Before I leave, we can do it. I’ll get you on my insurance, we’ll figure it out as we go. We both want to get married, right? Have tons of kids? Let’s just do it now, lock this down before anything can mess it up.”

Honey’s smile faded, and she shook her head, her voice soft but firm. “Dieter, we talked about this. Yeah, someday, but not like this. We’re not ready. We’re barely figuring out how to live together. Jumping into marriage won’t solve anything.”

Dieter’s frustration bubbled over, his plans unraveling before him. “I’m not saying we have to start a family right now. But I want to marry you, Honey. I want to make sure this—us—doesn’t fall apart because of some stupid distance. It’s the right thing to do.”

Honey could feel the argument heating up, and her own frustrations flared. “Getting married isn’t a band-aid, Dieter! It’s not some quick fix to make us feel better. And it’s not about the ‘right thing to do.’ This isn’t about insurance or logistics; this is about whether we’re ready to take that step.”

Dieter stood up, pacing the porch, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. “So, what? We just stay here and hope things don’t fall apart? I don’t want to be stuck in some maybe-future where we don’t even try.”

“I’m not asking you to be stuck,” Honey said, her voice rising with frustration. “I’m saying we need to be realistic about where we are. You’re about to have your big break, and I’m proud of you, but it doesn’t mean we have to rush into something we’re not ready for.”

The tension thickened, and Dieter’s next words came out sharper than he intended. “Maybe we need a break then.”

Honey froze, her heart plummeting. She scoffed, masking the hurt with anger. “A break? Really? You think that’s the solution? You don’t take breaks in a relationship, Dieter. It’s either you’re in, or you’re out. And it sounds like you want out.”

Dieter’s expression softened, realizing too late the impact of his words. He hadn’t meant to push her away, but the fear of losing her had twisted into something unrecognizable. Honey stood, gathering her things with a shaky breath, her voice quieter now, tinged with sadness. “I wasn’t asking for a perfect plan, Dieter. I just wanted us to keep going, to figure it out as we went. You’re about to do something incredible, something you’ve always dreamed of. And I was willing to wait—to stay here, support you from afar, and make it work. Six months isn’t forever. But if you think a break is what you need, then we’re not on the same page anymore.”

She paused, searching his face for some sign of the man she loved, the man who’d promised they’d face whatever came their way together. But all she saw was confusion and fear, a mirror of her own emotions reflected back at her. “I wanted to be with you, even if it meant being apart for a while. But I can’t make you want that too. I can’t keep holding on if you’re not sure.”

Honey’s voice wavered, a mix of anger and heartbreak that she couldn’t quite hide. “So, go. Go do what you need to do, Dieter. I want you to have this, I want you to be happy. But don’t expect me to put my life on pause while you figure yours out.”

She turned and walked away, her footsteps heavy against the wooden porch, leaving Dieter standing there, stunned and helpless. He wanted to call her back, to take it all back, but the distance between them had already started to grow, an unbridgeable divide that neither of them knew how to cross.

–

Honey sat at her desk, her mind lost in a haze of regret and self-recrimination. The flashback of her breakup with Dieter lingered like a phantom, haunting her even now. She had built a life without him—a successful career, a polished professional persona—but moments like today reminded her how fragile it all was. Beneath her calm exterior, guilt festered, whispering that maybe she had played a part in Dieter’s downward spiral.

What if she hadn’t pushed him away that night? What if she’d gone to Ireland with him, supported his dreams up close instead of from a distance? She had convinced herself back then that she was doing the right thing, setting boundaries to protect them both, but watching Dieter unravel now made her question everything. Honey couldn’t help but wonder if she was partly responsible for the man he had become—the headlines, the scandals, the self-destruction. If she had stayed, could she have saved him from himself?

She sighed deeply, rubbing her temples as she tried to push those thoughts aside. But they clung to her, a weight she couldn’t shake. Honey was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she almost didn’t hear the soft chime of her office door. It was only when she looked up and saw Phil standing there, his familiar smile easing some of the tension in her chest, that she was pulled back to the present.

Phil had always had a way of grounding her, of reminding her that there was more to life than the ghosts of the past. He entered the room with his usual confidence, a bouquet of sunflowers in hand, and Honey couldn’t help but smile despite the heaviness in her heart.

“Hey, you,” Phil said, his voice warm as he approached her desk. He set the flowers down gently, leaning against the edge of her desk with casual familiarity. “Thought you could use a little sunshine.”

Honey smiled, genuinely touched by the gesture. “Phil, these are beautiful. You didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to,” he said simply, watching her with a knowing expression. “Mitch called me earlier, mentioned it’s been a rough day with Dieter. I figured you could use something to brighten it up a bit.” Phil’s voice was gentle, but Honey could sense the unspoken question beneath his words.

She ran her fingers along the petals of the sunflowers, her smile faltering. “Yeah, it was… rough. You know how it is.”

Phil studied her, his expression softening. He knew Honey well enough to understand the weight she was carrying, even if she never fully voiced it. He leaned back, crossing his arms casually. “You don’t have to play it cool with me, you know. You’re always trying to keep it all together, but sometimes you’re allowed to just be… I don’t know, human.”

Honey laughed softly, not out of amusement but because Phil had always seen right through her. “Yeah, well, it’s easier said than done. I’ve got this whole image to maintain, right?” She tried to deflect, but Phil wasn’t buying it.

“I’m not talking about your PR persona,” Phil said, his tone light but sincere. “You’ve built all of this on your own—Trace, the clients, your whole damn empire. But every time you take on something like this with Dieter, you act like it’s just another job when we both know it’s not. You can’t keep pretending this doesn’t get to you.”

Honey’s smile faded, and she met Phil’s gaze. It was moments like this that reminded her why she’d never crossed the line from friendship into something more with him. Phil saw her in a way that made it impossible to hide, and that scared her more than she cared to admit. “It’s not that simple, Phil. It never has been.”

Phil gave a small, understanding nod. “It’s never simple with the people who matter. But that’s kind of the point, isn’t it? You keep taking on everyone else’s mess, but when was the last time you let someone else in on yours?”

Honey opened her mouth to respond, but the words got stuck. She was used to being the fixer, the one who held it all together, and the idea of leaning on someone—even someone as kind and patient as Phil—felt foreign. “I don’t know,” she admitted quietly. “It’s just… complicated.”

Phil didn’t push, but his eyes softened. “Complicated I can handle. But if you keep bottling it up, you’re going to hit a wall.” He reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, a simple, comforting gesture. “You don’t have to do this alone, you know.”

Honey took a breath, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. “I know. I’m trying, Phil. I really am.”

Phil gave her a soft smile, sensing her conflict but knowing better than to press further. “Just remember, I’m here. Whenever you’re ready.”

As Phil turned to leave, he paused, watching Honey for a moment. “You know,” he began thoughtfully, “I didn’t put you in this because you were the only option. I did it because I knew you’d see Dieter for who he really is, beyond the mess, the headlines, and all that noise.”

Honey looked up, caught off guard by the sincerity in his voice. She had always assumed Phil was just helping Mitch out of convenience, but hearing him say it like that made it feel more deliberate—like he believed in her for reasons that went beyond her professional skills.

Phil gave a small shrug, his expression softening. “You’ve always been good at seeing through the bullshit, Honey. And I think, deep down, you’ve still got a little hope left for him. I just… I wanted you to know that I see that, too.”

Honey’s chest tightened, a mix of gratitude and guilt flooding through her. Phil had seen what she hadn’t been ready to admit—that part of her wasn’t just here for a job but because she still cared. She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thanks, Phil. That means a lot.”

Phil smiled, offering one last reassuring squeeze of her hand before he left. The door closed softly behind him, leaving Honey alone with her thoughts and the bright sunflowers that seemed to shine a light on all the tangled strings of emotions she’d been trying to keep and tuck away in a box in her head.

Next Chapter | Series Masterlist | Main Masterlist

[dizscreams]

hiii love, i hope you’re having a great day/night! i’m back at it again with another mindy request! (for this the reader and mindy have been pining after each other for awhile!)

okayyy so i’m thinking this is where ghostface attacks everyone in the apartment and instead of anika, the reader gets stabbed, along with mindy ofc. while danny sets up the ladder, the reader and mindy start fretting over each other and trying to put pressure on each other’s wounds because they’re panicking and don’t want to lose each other. the readers wounds are so bad that they think they’re gonna die at this point so they convince mindy to cross the ladder first. but when the reader is crossing it, ghostface starts shaking the ladder. mindy panicks and tries to cross the ladder again to pull the reader through the window. ofc mindy saved the reader cuz she’s a badass <33 afterwards they’re finally confessing bc they were so scared the other would die:(( just angst to comfort and fluff!! and pls feel free to add anything to this! i like when we collab with our ideas :D

🧚🏽

HI DARLING! :) I love that you don’t mind me adding random things to your requests 😭 your ideas are just so brilliant that you get my brain and my own ideas flowing 🤭 but anyways this idea is beautiful and I love it! hope you enjoy <3

I wont let anything happen to you — Mindy Meeks ★

PAIRING: Mindy x gn!reader

SUMMARY: It’s the apartment scene and instead of Anika getting hurt really bad it’s you! You go across the ladder Ghostface tries and kills you but Mindy saves you. After all of that you both confess to each other and it’s a happy little ending :)

WARNINGS: stabbing and blood

(btw there are definitely tons of mistakes just ignore them 😭)

You were sitting on the couch with Anika, she was studying while you were watching TV. The Core 4 were talking and laughing at the dinner table. Mindy always looked so pretty when she laughed. You’ve had this enormous crush on her for like forever but always assumed she never felt the same since there were no signals telling you otherwise.

Everyone had turned silent because of the noises in Quinn’s room.

“My god Quinn and her gentleman caller are back at it again” Tara says and they all begin to laugh. The notifications of everyone at the tables phones puts a stop to their laughter and they all give each other a confused look.

Immediately after that Quinn starts screaming and shouting from her room and you all stand up running near her door. Chad is behind Tara protectively and Mindy is beside you. The noises become silenced and all Mindy says is

“Run”

In a flash, Ghostface pushes Quinn’s dead body out the door and it lands on Anika knocking her over. She starts screaming and Tara and Chad make a run for it out of the door. Anika quickly gets up and runs after them, not wanting to be apart of what’s happening.

Ghostface is standing there watching while Mindy mutters a curse under her breath. Ghostface quickly slashes Mindy’s arm and she falls while Sam moves out of the way. “Mindy!” you shout and then turn to Ghostface “You stay the fuck back!” You’re on the ground too at this point and try your best to hit and kick him away.

This Ghostface is so much stronger than you however and they end up pinning you to the ground and choking you. Sam runs to get a knife from the kitchen but they’re all gone so she grabs the knife block instead. Ghostface lifts you up and holds you against the fireplace while Mindy’s holding her arm and groaning in pain.

He stabs you in the stomach and you cry out in pain. “NO” Mindy says while she struggles to get up. Ghostface starts pulling the knife upwards in your stomach. You yell out even louder and you’re pretty sure the whole apartment can hear you.

Mindy’s screaming and crying at this point and Sam comes running and hits Ghostface with the knife block. Ghostface drops to the ground while you stand there and hold your stomach with tears rushing down your face.

Sam and Mindy help you run into Quinn’s bedroom and Sam locks the door while Mindy sits you on the edge of Quinn’s bed. Ghostface is banging and kicking on the door and Sam’s trying to keep it shut. You and Mindy are holding your wounds and Mindy put her arm around you without her realizing it.

Ghostface suddenly stops pounding on the door and Sam gets worried.

“Mindy! Close the bathroom door” she whispers while Mindy’s nodding and getting up from the bed. She makes it in and yells “FUCK! That guys dead!” As Ghostface runs in the bathroom and Sam rushes in to help Mindy close the door. They end up going to close the other bathroom door that lead back into Quinn’s room.

Mindy locks it and Sam scoots Quinn’s dresser in front of it to keep Ghostface out and buy her time to think of a plan. You can’t do much other than hold your stomach and look at all the blood rushing out of you. You couldn’t survive this there was no way.

Ghostface kicks and punches the door trying to get it open while Sam and Mindy are putting their back to the dresser to try and put more force. Sam notices her boyfriend out of his window from the other building waving his hands and goes towards the window in Quinn’s room to try and find a way out of this.

“Mindy- Mindy are you doing” you trail off not being able to focus “-okay are you okay?”

“I’m fine! Don’t worry about me please just try and keep pressure on your stomach!”

She struggles to speak as Ghostface is still kicking the door trying to get it open and your hands are shaking so bad you think they might fall off. You look over at the window to see Danny putting a ladder across both apartment windows.

Sam speaks quick not wanting to waste any more time “You two go first!”

“No, I need to hold the door! You go and I’ll get Y/N next!”

“Mindy-“

“GO!”

Sam crawls across slowly and starts leaning a bit until Danny helps her level the ladder evenly.

“You’re losing a lot of blood!” Mindy tells you

You struggle to respond but come up with “Say something more POSITIVE!”

Sam makes it across and starts yelling at you to come across next. Mindy gets away from the door and goes to you saying, “Listen to me you have to go first”

“I cant- i cant”

“You have to!”

“No Mindy no! You go I’ll be right behind you I promise”

Ghostface starts kicking on the door with more force and Mindy looks at the door and back to you with panicked eyes before chastely kissing your head. She climbs out the window and starts crawling on the ladder.

Ghostface gets an arm out of the door and into the room swinging the knife around trying to cut something.

You start crying even more and look to see Mindy making her way up across the ladder. You go to get up and you turn to now see Ghostface in the crack of the door as he’s still trying to kick it open. With horror you move as fast as you can out the window.

You look at how high up you are and start shaking your head “No- No I cant, I can’t do it”

A bunch of ‘yes you can’ and ‘hurry’ comes from the others and you slowly start to move across the ladder. Without you knowing Ghostface had made it into the room. Everyone immediately shut up and that alarmed you.

“What?”

“Y/N YOU HAVE TO MOVE RIGHT NOW” Mindy shouts. You turn around to see Ghostface standing there looking at you. You start yelling ‘NO!’ in terror.

Everyone was yelling at you to move, your stomach was screaming in agony, and you were making small progress on the ladder not thinking you would make it.

But regardless of your doubts and your anxious thoughts you kept moving and were halfway there before Ghostface plunged his knife at the bottom of the window and grabbed the ladder.

He began shaking it and you were screaming in terror along with everyone else.

“Guys I don’t want to die!” You sobbed.

“You wont!” Mindy yells back to you as she goes out the window ignoring Sam’s screams for her to turn back. She wasn’t going to let you die. She couldn’t. She goes back on the ladder and grabs your hand.

“Cmon!”

Ghostface starts shaking more aggressively but you guys are so close Mindy won’t back out now. You guys quickly crawl and Sam and Danny do their best to hold on to the ladder and Mindy so you both don’t slip.

You’re dizzy from all the blood you’ve lost and all the screaming and all the commotion that’s happening right now. With a slight tilt of the ladder you freeze as you think this is the end but Mindy had made it back into the window and was now dragging you in.

Sam and Danny help you onto the ground and Ghostface gives the ladder a few hits in defeat before grabbing his knife and turning away.

You’re immediately in Mindy’s arms as she’s crying and hugging you tightly not wanting to let go. You both couldn’t believe you were alive right now. You sobbed into her chest and let her hold you not caring that you were in so much pain it was unreal.

“Mindy I was so scared” you weep.

“I know, I know you were. I was too.”

Sam quickly gets you both and says “cmon I think the police are here.”

fast forward a littleee!

.・゜゜・★・゜゜・．

You woke up in a hospital bed with Mindy by your side.

“Oh thank god, I’m so glad you’re awake” she squeezed your hand. “Hi” you smile and she smiles back at you.

“Is your arm okay?”

“With all the pain you’re probably experiencing right now you’re still worried about me?”

“Of course I am, min. I really care about you.” A shy smile creeping on both of your faces.

Right. This was the moment. This was when Mindy was going to confess to you. She thought it’d be kinda romantic-ish you both almost died together but she saved you and now you were both in a hospital room alone! What could go wrong? Besides the fact you probably didn’t feel the same but she was willing to risk it.

“Y/N, I need to tell you something.”

She sounded serious. “Yeah? What’s up?”

Here goes nothing

“I like you. I like you as in more than a friend. You’re just so charming and funny and just gorgeous. You’ve always been by my side and you’re such a compassionate person. I don’t think I’ve met anyone like you before and that’s what makes you stand out to me.” She looks at your stunned eyes and panics “This was so stupid of me I’m sorry I know this isn’t the right time-“

You cut her off by kissing the hand she was still holding yours with. “I like you too, Mindy. In a more than a friend kind of way.” You said teasing her a little.

With both of you grinning she leaned in and you followed her movement causing you both to share a kiss.

She pulls away and said “I’m so glad you made it, you don’t know how long I’ve wanted to tell you that.”

You giggled before responding, “me too.”

OMG IM SORRY THIS IS SO LONGG. I hope you like it and that it wasn’t too much 😭 this is probably gonna be the only thing I write tonight I’m sorry :(

[hearthotchner]

i’ll change for you

— aaron hotchner

@my-mummy-dust

tw; death, suicide, death of a child, lots of crying, aaron is a meanie, child abuse, then, the usual criminal minds stuff

notes: this took so long to write 🤧😭 but i really do like it. also, i have no idea how the criminal minds writers write this kinda stuff, i felt so horrible for what i wrote about the victim ☹️

word count: 3.2k

tension in the precinct was so thick, it could be cut with a knife; no one dared to speak, not with the stakes this high. you all just put your heads down, hoping to make sense of this mess of a case.

in the beginning, it seemed pretty simple. but, then the case began to drag on, with the unsub taking a longer dormancy period between each kill, leaving you and your team like sitting ducks.

you profiled this — he was arrogant, cocky. he knew that anything and everything that happened, was in his control; you hated to admit it but, right now, it was true.

as the minutes went on, aaron was becoming more agitated. it was obvious this case stuck with him more than others, they were children, innocent, defenceless, children; of course everyone felt that way about cases involving kids, but you knew that it was different for parents. and, as much as you wanted to, you refrained from trying comfort him, knowing he wanted to be left alone.

he had all the giveaways: the way his brows were furrowed, the scowl plastered on his face, how his whole body was tense, with his hands clenched into tight fists at his sides.

“i don’t get it. you said he was young, out of control, so why’s he taking a longer time between each kill? shouldn’t it be the other way around?” the deputy asked.

rossi spoke up, “yeah, it should be. these kinds of unsubs are always conflicting themselves in their profiles, it’s strange, but rare.” reaching for a few photos of the crime scenes, he continued, “look. you see all these? spilled milk, broken plate, unfinished homework.” he pointed at each picture where it was present, “he’s recreating something, that probably happened in his own childhood, and now he’s projecting it onto them, he sees himself in them, and feels he’s obligated to punish them.”

derek, fiddling with the pen in his hands, spoke next, “the trigger may have been something to do with a parent, and something as simple as seeing the first victim getting told off in a public place, like a park or mall, would prompt him to break into their home, and ‘punish’ the kid.” he shrugged.

“killing the parents is simply to ensure he doesn’t have his fantasy ruined, which is why they’re shot with a single bullet, through the skull.”

spencer takes over, “all these examples show how he is in control. however, his lack of control is displayed in the actual kill of the child. it reflects how, internally, he’s losing it.” he spoke with his hands too, raising them closer to his chest, at the world ‘internal’ “with each and every murder, it becomes more brutal, he beats them even after he knows they’re dead. it’s actually a huge escalation we see compared to the first, where he strangles the victim.”

“but why take the child this time? all the others were killed in their own homes. what makes matt different?”

“that’s what we’re trying to figure out.” rossi sighed.

all heads snapped to the front of the room, when the door was abruptly opened, revealing the officer who was slightly out of breath, “i think we got something. someone’s called the tip line, asking for you guys.”

—

“this is ssa aaron hotchner, with the behavioural analysis unit.”

the plan was to get him on the phone long enough for penelope to track him, and humanise the victim in his eyes, an ounce of empathy could save that boys life.

clattering and yelling could be heard from the other end of the line, shouts of “tell them!” repeated, over the loud sobs that escaped the child.

you couldn’t listen to this anymore, but you had to.

he was relentless, hurling insults toward him, and all you could do was sit there and listen.

looking over at your boyfriend, you saw him take in a deep breath, composing himself, before talking, “matthew’s just a kid, he doesn’t know why he’s there, or, why you’re mad at him.”

“oh yeah? he’s a spoiled brat, that’s what he is, and he fucking knows it! mom’s not here to save you is she?”

aaron tried to reason, “don’t do this. you’re doing the same thing to him, what they did to you, shouldn’t you be putting an end to this cycle? just bring matthew home, we can help you.”

sobs and begs for forgiveness grew louder over the line, “shut up!” you didn’t know who it was directed at, nor did you care. undoubtedly, it was the loud bang of a gun that filled the room, right before the phone was cut.

aaron sucked in a breath, hands beginning to shake slightly.

“penelope, tell me you got something.” morgan asked with desperation.

“yeah- i, uh, yes. it was a burner cell, pinged off of these three towers. i’ve already sent it to your phones.” her voice wavering.

“mom?” you whispered.

“what?”

“he said mom. garcia, could you check if matthew’s mother had any other children, around 20 to 25 years ago?” you hoped to god you were getting somewhere with this, if you weren’t, you doubted you’d catch this guy.

“o-okay.” there was a pause, as she typed, “yes. a son. eric watts. born in 1990, when elizabeth was only 16. he was put into the foster system, the day he was born.” she paused again. “his foster parents, brian and martha crawford, weren’t so kind, during his time with them: constant visits to the hospital, with broken bones, concussions — blamed it on fights, but, it wasn’t backed up. although, his school reported seeing bruising around his neck when he was younger once, but nobody ever did anything.”

“can you check if there’s a property, that has any significance to him? maybe, his old foster home? he’d need somewhere secluded.”

“um, yes! there’s a small ranch house in brian crawford’s name, just a few miles off the west tower, sending the co-ordinates now.”

wasting no time, the team quickly threw their vests on and piled into the two SUV’s — police units following closely behind.

climbing into the passenger side, you said, “this is probably his endgame. there’s no other reason why he’d change his plans, by taking matt to a secondary location, and have the courage to call — those insults were personal.”

“yeah. he’s jealous. upset. why did my mom give me away, but her new kid gets to live a happy and loving life, one i should’ve had. i don’t think it’s gonna be easy taking him alive.” rossi replied from the drivers seat, turning on the sirens.

—

when you turned the cars in, the lights and sirens switched off, so he wouldn’t know you’d be coming.

slamming the car door shut, you rushed to the front of the house, heart practically jumping out of your chest.

morgan kicked the door down, immediately turning to the left, while you went straight ahead, and JJ taking the right.

a series of hopeless ‘clear!’s was heard through your earpiece.

faint yells that were barely present before, got louder and louder, as you inched toward a white door. “i got him. in the basement.” you announced into the mic on your collar.

wrapping your hand around the cold metal, you swung the door open, gun aimed straight ahead, and quickly ran down the stairs, that creaked under you.

“eric watts! FBI! let the boy go.” aaron was stood right next to you, gun also aimed at the man.

“don’t! get away! i’ll kill him!” he was panicking, scrambling to drag matthew up by the collar of his shirt, holding the loaded revolver to the side of his head.

“eric. you don’t want to do this.” you spoke carefully, your aim not faltering. “we know what happened. your mom.. she was only a kid when she had you, she didn’t know any better, than to do what she did.”

“she let me suffer!” he cried out. “she lived her life happily, knowing i was out there, and she did nothing!” his hand began to tighten around the boy’s neck. “all those years! all those years, and she didn’t come! she got to play house with her perfect little family!” he spat, “while i was forced into that living hell she put me in!”

“killing these children isn’t going to fix it eric. they did nothing wrong, just like you didn’t. you need to stop this, so nobody else gets hurt.” it was working, you could see how his hold began to loosen. “let him go.”

a wave of visible emotion flew through him, as he looked down. horror, shock, disbelief, and, realisation, written all over his face. it looked like he had just woken up from a nightmare.

then, his whole body began to tremble, eyes brimming with tears, when he lifted the gun, to his own head.

a loud bang followed immediately after.

—

matthew was in bad shape.

aaron had carried his limp body to the EMT’s — praying he wasn’t too late. he needed to make sure he was okay, that he’d make it home back to his mom.

sometimes, his vision would change, at a glance, he saw his own son in his arms: all battered and bruised. it was an image that would haunt him for days.

“is- is he gonna be okay?” he croaked out.

“we don’t know, agent, he’s in critical condition.” they replied, shooting him a look of sympathy.

after telling them that elizabeth watts would be on her way to the hospital, aaron asked if he could ride in the ambulance with him. he needed assurance. closure.

—

“i’m sorry, sir. but we lost him shortly after he arrived.”

he felt like breaking down, falling to his knees, when he heard those words leave the nurse. but, all he managed to do was nod, with a solemn look on his face.

aaron didn’t have it in him to go to matthew’s room, to say goodbye — if he did, he may never rest easy again.

on his way to the car, he pulled out a little photo of jack he had in his wallet. seeing his son, always brought him comfort, made all his troubles go away, just for a moment. a small smile creeped up onto the fathers face, when he realised he’d be home to that ray of sunshine, in a couple hours.

—

aaron barely slept that night.

when he wasn’t seeing matt in the corners of his vision, he’d be visited by him in his dreams. the boy would cry, tiny hands gripping onto his shirt, demanding for an answer as to why aaron couldn’t save him; all he could do was let “i’m sorry” fall from his lips over and over again. why wasn’t he fast enough?

—

when morning came, you decided you had given aaron enough time. he was struggling. you couldn’t stand to leave him alone any longer, it wasn’t good for him.

in the short time people interacted with him, he’d get progressively more irritated — he was a ticking time bomb, waiting to go off.

you noticed, along with everyone else, how he’d stare off into the distance, face turned white, his usual blank expression laced with fear and guilt.

“aaron.” you spoke, breaking him out of his trance, “i know you’d prefer to be left alone right now, but i really don’t think you should be. are you okay?” he stared at you. “i think you should take some time off, you’re tired, and you’re stressed. maybe we could make dinner together? to get your mind off of it?” bringing your hand to rest on his, “and we can talk.”

“did you really just ask me that?” he whispered, gaze unmoving, “four kids, seven parents, and an unsub dead. multiple family members for me to answer to, for me to tell that i couldn’t save any of their children. and all you can think about is making dinner?” his brows furrowed in anger and confusion.

“what?” you asked, “aaron, you know i didn’t mean it like that.”

“then what did you mean it like? tell me.”

“i just wanted to help you-”

“well you can’t! stop trying to act like more than what you are, (y/n)! these people are dead, they can’t come back, and you want me to brush that off?!” voice becoming harsher with every word he spoke.

your vision began to blur at the edges, and your throat began to close up, “more than what i am?” you asked. “and what am i to you, aaron?”

“nothing.” he replied coldly.

having nothing left to say, you turned, not wanting him to see the tears that rolled down your cheeks, and walked away.

he didn’t do anything to stop you.

you knew this would happen, knew you’d be the one who’d be at the receiving end of his anger — what you didn’t know, was that he’d reveal the truth of what your relationship really meant to him.

it dawned on you then, that maybe his promises of love were empty. instead, they were used as a mere tool to keep you around, to fill the absence of a partner in his life.

—

it had been three days, since you got back from the case — you and aaron hadn’t spoke. he was withdrawn, barely coming out of his office unless it was necessary, but you saw how red his eyes were, from crying or tiredness, you didn’t know.

you were torn. one part of you longed to go over to him, do anything just to get that look of despair off his face; another part of you wanted to avoid him like the plague. he hurt you, used you — yet you didn’t understand why you were still so drawn to him.

—

there was rowdiness in the bullpen, everyone deep in a debate about how one should cut their sandwiches, until a voice broke through, “(y/n). may i speak with you?”

of course now he wanted to speak, you internally rolled your eyes, genuinely appalled at how he’s handling this, as you walked up the stairs to his office.

“what did you want to talk about, sir?”

the title stung more than he’d like to admit, “don’t. don’t call me that.”

“then what do you want me call you?”

his words were quiet, almost pleading, “my name.”

“i don’t think that’s appropriate, hotch.”

“(y/n), please-”

“listen, if this isn’t about work, then we have nothing to talk about.” you headed toward the door, leaving him alone again.

this time, you missed the way his hand reached out for yours.

you made a beeline for the bathroom, ignoring the teams concerned looks, as you wiped the tears beginning to fall down your cheeks.

you didn’t know why you were crying, it was only the sight of him that seemed to bring all those emotions rushing back, you couldn’t help it, as the dam finally broke.

a moment after, you felt yourself being pulled into an embrace, the person rubbing their hand up and down your back, until you calmed down.

“what happened?” it was emily.

“nothing,” you sniffed, “it’s fine.”

“did hotch say something? you weren’t in his office long.”

“no, can you just get my stuff please? i’ll finish the rest of my work at home.” you sighed, wiping your eyes.

she nodded, giving you a soft look, “yeah, sure, i’ll drive you.”

she told you to wait by the elevator, whilst she gathered your things, and told hotch where she’d be going.

—

“thanks, emily, you didn’t have to do this.” you set your bags down.

“it’s alright, just get some sleep, okay?”

you wanted nothing more. so, when she left, you collapsed on the couch, turning something on the tv as background noise, as you fell asleep.

—

it wasn’t soon after, when you were woken by firm knocking on the front door. rubbing the sleep out of your eyes, you sluggishly made your way over, the sound becoming louder, and desperate. you didn’t even bother checking through the peephole, which was why you were visibly shocked, when met with the sight of aaron there.

“please hear me out.” he begged, speaking before you did, “i won’t bother you again, if you do. please, just listen.”

you moved aside, letting him in.

“i’m sorry. i’m so sorry, (y/n).” his voice completely different, compared to the last time you spoke with him — something that was so harsh, was now soft.

he was so unlike himself: hair disheveled, with raw emotion painted on his face — he wasn’t ssa hotchner, bau unit chief, anymore, he was aaron, and he was afraid. “i wish i knew why i said that, i really do, because it was far from the truth. i shouldn’t have said it, i know that, and i should’ve gone to you straight away when i did,” his long fingers twitched, itching to hold you, “and explained to you that it wasn’t your fault, you were just trying to help.”

with every word, you struggled to hold yourself together, because the look on his face broke your heart. the urge to be close to him became unbearable — so, you gave in. wrapping your arms around his body, and resting your head on his chest, the rapid beating of his heart, and scent of his cologne soothing you.

“i didn’t want you to be alone.” you whispered, voice breaking.

you were a sensitive soul, and aaron knew that, which was why he had never raised his voice at you, prior to that day.

“please don’t cry, it’s all i’ve been making you do these days.” he spoke, wiping the tears that you didn’t even know were falling.

“it hurt hearing you say that. i thought- i thought you’d been lying to me, this whole time.”

“i wasn’t. i’m sorry i made you think that.”

looking up, he tried to hold back his own tears. “i’m scared, (y/n)..” he breathed, “ever since that day, he’s been there, always asking me why i couldn’t save him, what am i supposed to say to that?”

you lead him to the couch, sat him down, and let him hold you, as he continued, “and i can’t tell the difference, between him and jack.”

then, he told you how he saw jack as the one in his arms that day. and how, one night, he was putting his son to bed, and the vision of matt flashed for a moment.

knowing it calmed him, you ran your fingers through his soft hair, as he cried.

“you need help, aaron. this job, it’s taking a toll on you. if you carry on like this, you’re going to lose yourself — you already are.” you wove your fingers with his, “but, you can’t be helped if you don’t want it, you know that, don’t you?” he nodded. “jack’s spring break is coming up.” you mentioned, “you should take those days off, it’ll be good for both of you. and, i’ll start looking for some therapists too, alright?”

he kissed your cheek, “okay.”

“if that doesn’t work, then we’ll find something else, and we’ll keep doing it again until we find something.”

it was silent after that. eventually, the two of you moved so that you were laying on his chest; you thought aaron had fallen asleep if he hadn’t mumbled, “you’re too good to me, i don’t deserve you, angel. i’d be so lost without you.”

“don’t say that. you’d find your way around, you always do — i’m just giving you a little shove.” you smiled.

[worldofheroes]

Failed Prank

tom cruise x girlfriend!reader

summary: you and tom spend the day at the beach, and he tries to prank you, only to fail.

warnings: alcohol, language, fluff

wc: 719

a/n: a request by @rveyjules ! I did write some smut for this but decided since I’ve only been writing filth I needed something fluffy 😅 I’d be more than happy to share the “deleted scene” in the future!

“How about right… here?” you ask Tom as he trails behind you on the beach.

“Whatever you like, sweetheart,” he gives you a smile.

You smile back at him, setting your things down and starting to set up.

“I’m glad we were able to relax for a few days,” you say, settling into your chair. Tom sits in the chair beside you.

“I agree, I’ve missed you,” Tom says, reaching for your hand and giving it a kiss.

You smile at him, taking the sunglasses - a pair of Tom's aviators - from your head and putting them on.

“Time to get back to this book,” you say, pulling out your latest read from your tote.

“Do you want anything to drink?” Tom asks.

“Yes, please!”

“Strawberry daiquiri?”

“Always,” you confirm.

“Okay, I’ll be back soon,” Tom says, standing up and kissing the top of your head.

You go back to your book, not phased by anything happening around you.

As Tom walks to the bar, he decides he’s going to prank you. He finds a spot at the bar where he can see you, and orders the drinks.

He pulls out his phone to give you a quick text.

Tom carefully watches you after he hits send.

You hear your phone go off. You move your sunglasses to the top of your head as you fumble for your phone. You see it’s a text from Tom.

There’s a girl flirting with me at the bar.

You roll your eyes and put your phone away. You bring your sunglasses back down and continue reading, not bothered by the text.

Tom furrows his brow, unsure why you went back to reading and didn’t start looking for him. He decides he won’t say anything when he gets back, unless you say something first.

The bartender hands him the drinks and he heads back to you.

“One strawberry daiquiri,” Tom says, handing you the glass.

“Oh, thank you, I’m so excited for this,” you tell him, putting your book down and taking the glass.

You take a sip through the straw.

“Oh, it’s perfect,” you breathe.

Tom chuckles. “Good to hear.”

You spend a few hours on the beach, enjoying your time with Tom. Later in the afternoon, the two of you pack up and head back to the condo.

“I need something to eat,” you say out loud, to no one in particular. You make a bee-line to the fridge.

“You’re just going to leave me with everything?” Tom calls out after you.

“Yeah, I think so!” you reply from the kitchen.

You pull out the leftover cake you had saved from the previous day, taking a seat at the kitchen island.

“Well, that’s a good snack,” Tom jokes.

“Hey, watch it,” you say, taking a bite.

“Did you see my text when we were at the beach?” Tom asks.

“Hmm? Oh, yeah, I did,” you comment, still focused on your piece of cake.

“Why didn’t you come find me?”

“What?” You furrow your brow. “I didn’t think you needed rescuing.”

“What?” Tom replies.

You shrug. “Girls flirting with you isn’t exactly new, Tom. You’re Tom fucking Cruise, you’re hot and handsome and of course girls would flirt with you.”

“But what if I did something bad, like flirting back?”

You roll your eyes and lean across the counter to get closer to Tom. “Well, I know you wouldn’t do that, Cruise.”

“Yeah? How come?”

“I didn’t think you were this dumb,” you laugh. “Because I trust you, Tom. I know you only have eyes for me.”

“Pretty confident there, wouldn’t you say?”

“Are you trying to get a reaction out of me?”

Tom gives you a mischievous smile. “I don’t know, what do you think?”

“Fuck off,” you say, rolling your eyes again. You lean in and give him a kiss.

“That wasn’t very nice to say,” Tom mumbles against your lips.

“Shut up and kiss me,” you say, moving in for another kiss. Tom moves away. “What?”

“Come here,” he says, walking around the island.

You stand up and he pulls you into him. You look up at him.

“You’re absolutely right,” he whispers, giving you a gentle kiss.

“I mean, yes, but about what?”

“That I only have eyes for you.”

“You’re so stupid,” you laugh, giving him another kiss.

[headcanon-territory]

Lupin III movies/media and their respective side character/npc girl rating - excuse for rambling -⭐️

~order of when I watched it~

• The First : 10/10

>Sexy people movie

>still one of my biggest favorites

>This movie is strong with its characterization and interactions

>Everybody in this movie you guys have my phone number

>look I get it we have Sweet boy Lupin but girl you did not need to feel the need to save the nazi

>I kinda just skipped the scenes that are not involving lupgang I'm sorry Latitia

>why why are we now feeling bad for her nazi grandpa why why are we here

>the rating is perfect for the animation sorry guys

NPC girl: 7/10 - Latitia is fun when she's interacting with Lupgang she works well with them despite being so normal,, unless if it's her solo scenes especially with her grandfather

• Castle Of Cagliostro: 10/10

>peak lupin

>second movie so immediatly went from sexy people doing crimes to Hayao Miyazaki telling you to sit down and rethink life

>is there anything else to say cause many of video essays represents what j think of this movie

>STOP MILKING THIS MOVIE

>I got weirdly hyped when I realize that ending was the scene that Marisa stole that precious thing referenced

>I need more zenigata and lupin moments with how this movie does it

NPC girl: 9/10 - Clarisse is the prototype sure but the tone of this movie helps her stand in and not awkward with the cast most of the time

- I also feel emotions like I cared for this girl in comparison to Latitia

•Prison of the Past: 10/10

>I had a blast

>Zenigata and Yata are the best here sad that Yata's character didn't transition into part 6 apparently

>First introduction to Yata though that I seen clips of him in Part 5 prior

>cute robot heehee

>Harvey stardew valley why are you here

>Yata beating up lupin and going apeshit with no intentions to be will always be my favorite

>rewatched for comfort from nostradamus' Zenigata

NPC girl: B - Florensa was that her name?? Didn't care, that fighting scene was good tho

•Tokyo Crisis - 9/10

>Fun Movie

>Alot alot of Zenigata in this I'm happy

>we can excuse Goemon getting nerfed the shit he has to go through is funny

>Fun artstyle

NPC girl: 8/10 - what the fuck was the plot with the villain using her egg cells about I forgot

She slayed tho, casually has psychic powers that rocks

•Detective Conan vs Lupin III [the second one] - 5/10

>watch this one for the scenes with Jigen and Conan only

>I do not care about that idol boy and his manager what are you guys doing

>the fujiko bath scene with Ai is.. eugh../neg

>also this one is one of the movies with creepy lupin uh oh

No NPC girl but the crossover experience?: 4/10 get that idol boy OUTTA HERE

•Blood Seal ~ Eternal Maid: 9/10

>refreshing characterization after watching the Case Closed crossover oh my god

>Cute Fujilup in this

>Plot fun kinda died down when the little girl dropped the "I wanna be a thief" Plot for her sister

>still good tho nonetheless

>GRANDPA LUPIN DESIGN HERE WOAH??

>Especially its depicting a young Arsene Lupin and its funny on how sweet he is compared to our grandpap Lupin in Lupin Zero where he straight up ripped a woman's tooth

NPC girl: 9/10 what I mentioned earlier deducted a point but she is very fun in the first half of the movie I do care for her and her sister. Love all these little kids wanting to become Lupin

•Fuma Conspiracy: 9/10

>I need to rewatch this

>Was Goemon young when he met Murasaki in her young girl school uniform 😧..

>Weirdly I didn't feel like there was that much Goemon despite being a Goemon movie

>One of the best Fujiko Designs woah

>I don't care that it tries to replicate The cagliostro feel it was still a great movie

>the budget issues tho sheesh

NPC girl: 8/10 - Murasaki is cute I really don't mind;; after she got rescued it's like she dosent matter anymore but not in a bad way I do enjoy her company. Again with the change of tone she fits in [but I dont like the implication with her and Goemon from earlier]

•Farewell to Nostradamus: 10/10

>I love this movie fuck you

>I can excuse the absolute butchery they did to Zenigata because of how crazy this movie is

>still I need mental recuperation for that

>weirdly this and fuma are up on YouTube and these guys has good animation but why are they left up there??

>I do love this Lupin even though he's not that different from other movies but this specific version of Lupin is my fav

NPC girl: - 10/10 JULIA SOLOS I love her she dgaf most of the time either of how she has been under her parents protection and had fun after everything and she wants to be Lupin III?? EVEN SHE AND LUPIN ARE TRYING TO BUY A CANEO FOR SERGEO?? STOP THATS SO CUTE

-also she and Lupin gets along because of being kids born from rich families that wants freedom and fun

Bonus: Tagalog Dub

>This one is more funny than the sub but hey who loves themselves with pinoy humor

>Lupin gives Goemon and Jigen nicknames [Goemskis and Jigs] and i love it

>Lupin in my boiling blood is half Filipino with all my heart that i would die on this hill

>They removed the pedophile lines from Julia only because her first encounter with Lupin was changed from "You like little girls" to "You like dolls?" Probably for cultural reasons

>and other scenes calling Lupin a pedophile is changed to "The guy that looks like a monkey"

>Zenigata when he finally saw lupin after he's mistaken as dead added "Lupin, buhay ka pala, UNGOY KA!" ["Lupin you're actually alive you monkey!"]

>Lupin's first time seeing goemon "And lalaking sakam! Na walang hilig sa Chika babes!" [It's the Lonely/Greedy not interested to chicks and babes!"]

>Would it be funny if you decide watching the lupin tagalog dubs because you're a big Englishira

>I'm unironically calling Lupin by <Lu-Pin> not <Lu-Pon> because of this

•Green vs Red: 9.5/10

>Sometimes I'm watching a psychological horror movie

>and that thought came to mind when Green Lupin was panicking inside the car when red lupin came in

>and when Goemon couldn't handle that his friend's face is everywhere by people trying to impersonate him??

>and the "real" Lupin spying on everyone in the beginning sounding so depressed as he spies on zenigata??

>this shit was surreal I love it

>jigen was hot Grabbing on that helicopter wait whatt

>goemon tied up whaattt

>Serious sexy zenigata whattt

>this movie left me with emotions I think I'm supposed to rethink life

•Lupin III vs Cat's Eye: 8/10

>oh boy that artstyle is so limited to what it can do

>I have not watch Cat's Eye I didn't dig into any summary of Cat's Eye I immediatly jump in

>they cool tho

>I like Ai

>Lupin blowing a kiss to Zeni and Grabbing Jigen by the ass you kidding me

>Lupin gets injured so bad but not for drama intensity but to nerf him he's fucking blind for half the movie

>Goemon our mann he knew that burger hoe was badddd

>GOEMON YOUR SWORD

>YOU GUYS ARE INTIMIDATING A MAN IN THE PARIS CATACOMBS

>TWO MOVIES IN A ROW WITH THE NAZIS INTO THE PLOT

>Zhongli why are you talking to Lupin

>Lupin's voice is also low for majority of the scenes because of how tired he is.... stop the car,, I had to watch dub for the difference of Tony Oliver's performance

>It's alright but Kanichi's voice has some.. effect on me

>I need more lupin getting fucked up maybe I should go watch part 6 idgaf [I did]

>all of my screenshots of this movie is lupgang being very bloody and sexy

>crossover experience: 7/10 and I didn't got to be properly introduced with Cat's Eye

•Operation: Return the Treasure: 8.5/10

>A fun one

>Everybody really did shine here huh

>ESPECIALLY GOEMON WHO;

-ok the first minutes he's in already witness his benefactors murdered

-reunites with the gang and first thing done is trick him into giving back the treasure and get chased down after

-Gets arrested

-Got shot by the shoulder

-bleeding in an alleyway

-Got slammed by the door

-stabbed that crazy bitch clean despite that the blood was censored even though he wasn't censored also getting stabbed and shot?? Or is the zantutsken just like that

>Movie's a win when they have a good Fujiko

>Last act has pretty visuals

>shits gonna turn to the diamond castle from barbie

Npc girl: 2/10 why why are you can you exist nowhere we don't need a few shots of you admiring the scenery of that tower

Even the crazy bitch Is cooler than you

☆~Woohooo! I'm kinda new to Binge watching Lupin despite getting into the fandom 2 years back

Now last thing to note is that I'm scared facing the most harsher Lupin entries with the Lupin similar to Manga Lupin because the Lupin that was formed by Miyazaki in cagliostro then balancing him in movies like Nostradamus is my comfort,;,

[theshrikeandcanary]

Another World Lost

Summary: Your sister died from a variant which marked your “Ben” cannon event. Miguel ofc knew about this (since he leads the spider society). This whole fic is just you being angry and Miguel being angsty.

Warnings: death of a family member, angst (seriously just angst), no happy ending and curse words

< 1.k words

You were pissed. Everyone around you could sense the pure rage dripping off you as you walked down the halls of the spider society. You only joined the shithole when you genuinely believed that among the thousands of spidermen you were only doing good. And yet you’ve just witnessed your sister die by a variant that should never have been there. Yes, you could blame yourself, used a web in a different spot, arrived on scene earlier or maybe Miguel O’hara could have warned you. Your cannon event being your sister die and all. Just maybe that would have been helpful. The only tip off of his involvement being the notification from your watch. “Cannon Event Completed”.

Those three god forbidden words circling in your head as you slammed his office door open. Of course Miguel had been preparing for some kind of reaction since he must have known for weeks. “You knew didn’t you”, you spat. It sounded like a question but you both knew the answer. He looked down at you with some twisted understanding of his own warped reality.

“Yes, but we didn’t tell you since the cannon- “

“The cannon! Fuck the cannon you were supposed to be on my side. My own boyfriend knew and let my sister die. And for what? So your stupid cannon event theory wouldn’t break?”, you screamed as tears rushed down your face. Not only did you watch your sister die, but your own boyfriend let it happen. He knew you wouldn’t be able to save her amongst the others who needed saving. No wonder there weren’t other spider people to help, her death was supposed to be on your hands alone.

He looked dumbfounded as if he didn’t expect your emotions to be taken out on him. But you weren’t done; you wouldn’t be until he hurt the way you hurt. Till he understood your sister’s death was his fault alone. “Her death is all your fault Miguel. I may not have been able to save her but you let her death happen. How long did you know? A week? A month? Months? Her blood was on your hands the moment you knew and hid it from me. From both of us.”, the hurt of your words was evident on his face.

Your sister was the first to know of Miguel’s and your relationship. She noticed your constant glances at your phone or watch waiting for any notification to pop up. Occasionally helping you send semi flirty texts at midnight during your pinning stage. At the night of your and Miguel’s first date she was there, helping you pick out the perfect outfit and how to style your hair. When she finally met Miguel, she was nothing but welcoming, telling him all the embarrassing stories of your childhood together. She was your best friend. And now your best friend was gone.

A sheen came over his eyes, seeming to just realize what he had done to you. He hurt you while trying to protect the multiverse. Regret consumed him as he watched you open a portal and drop your watch to the floor. There was nothing he could say to stop you from leaving. Your back had turned from him for good. The memories of you flashed before his eyes knowing this would be the last time he’d ever get to see your face. The face he’d grown to love, to kiss and hold. As the portal closed his eyes wondered to the polaroid sitting on his desk. A simple photo of you hugging him from behind, laughing while trying to reach far enough for a good photo of you both.

To him you were his world. Something he always sought to protect. Yet you had slipped through his fingers like sand, any grasp of his future sanity lost with you. He had failed again to protect his love just as he failed his last.

[thegoldheartlocketandkey-blog]

911 Spoilers Season 2: You’ve been warned. 😅

Episode 11-14

Episode 11

• This mostly an Athena and Maddie episode. Honestly one of my favorite episodes. So, much Drama and we sadly get to meet Doug. We technically don’t know he’s Doug, but early on we as a viewer know, the vibes are off.

• Buck is helping Maddie, teaching her self defense. Brother sister bonding time, we learn Buck is dating Ally, but she’s in NY. Maddie pokes fun at all of Buck’s Girlfriends leaving.

• During the Shark rescue, Buck and Eddie standing near each other. Buck is extremely excited about the shark being released back into the ocean. Bobbie and Eddie standing near each other happy admiring the scene.

• Maddie asks Chimney out on a real date. The 118 standing watching this happen from the second floor and proceeds to cheer/taunt Chimney as Maddie leaves. Eddie and Buck standing near each other. Eddie being extra silly.

Episode 12

• Chimney begins. Great episode! Timing wise is tragic, because of the cliffhanger in previous episode. Still amazing.

• No Buddie.

Episode 13

• Buck finds Chim stabbed on ground, realizes Maddie has gone missing.

• Eddie goes to the hospital, is there for Chimney.

• Buck is helping in the way Buck knows how to in trying to track down Maddie. Buck stealing crime scene evidence, Chim’s Phone, out of desperation in trying to find his sister.

• Buck getting caught stealing Chimney’s phone, Eddie criticizing Buck, but ultimately understanding why he did it.

• Eddie attempts to comfort Buck.

• Athena takes Buck with her to further investigate and find Maddie.

• Hen, Bobby, and Eddie stay at the hospital waiting for Chimney to wake up.

• Eddie meets Michael.

This is not a Buddie episode but seeing how everyone reacts to Maddie’s situation with Doug. This episode really show cases how the 118 is a family, and how close they all have become. The fact that even Christopher was at the hospital waiting for Chimney. Shannon was also there and was trying to comfort Eddie. It might be my own delusion but it seemed like Eddie would have preferred her not to be there.

Over all super emotional episode. Maddie is experiencing something so incredibly traumatizing and the people around her that care so deeply for her, are experiencing a trauma along side to her. In a way show casing the people that will always be there.

Episode 14

• Eddie and Buck being apart of Bobby’s presentation for Harry’s class.

• Buck and Eddie sitting next to each other on the Engine when having to patrol LA.

• Baby birth emergency where the mom experiences complications after giving birth. The moment when everyone thinks mom is dead, Eddie spechieally looks over at Buck.

• We get this iconic GIF Moment

• Buck falls off ladder truck trying to save kid, Eddie is on the ground watching Buck closely.

• Eddie scales the building to save the child. Buck is overly concerned over Eddie’s safety, but acknowledges that he would be yelled at if he attempted the same stunt.

• Eddie saves kid, but is trapped in the burning building. Low on oxygen. Buck is outside, freaking out, wanting to charge into the burning building.

I understand Buck is always willing to do the risky saves for just about anyone, and is always putting his life at risk. But this knowledge isn’t inherent, we don’t really understand Buck’s suicidal tendencies until season 4 honestly. We can make assumptions, but nothing is really concrete until we meet the parents. So if you’ve only watched up to season 2, you can safely assume Buck’s eagerness to get in there is tied to it being Eddie. But in all honesty, I know Buck would have the same eagerness if it was Hen or Bobby. This specific moment is simply just an analysis on who Buck is as a person.

• Buck runs towards Eddie and makes fun of Eddie’s spiderman stunt. Obviously was worried and now relieved, this is Buck’s attempt at masking those emotions with humor.

[fairy-writes]

FOREVER MINE NEVERMIND

Reblogs and Comments are greatly appreciated!!

__________________________________________________________________________

Fandom(s): Jujutsu Kaisen

Pairing(s): Geto Suguru x Reader

Word Count: 0.6k

Genre(s)/Tag(s): Angst, Gender Neutral!Reader

Notes: Based on one specific doctor who quote and another specific scene.

SPOILERS FOR THE ANIME

__________________________________________________________________________

You should have known what Suguru was going to do.

Maybe you could have stopped him. 

Maybe you could have saved him.

But you didn’t.

And it was all your fault. 

It started with a phone call.

Satoru had shown up at your door, distraught but uncharacteristically quiet. He refused to say where he had been, why he was even there, but you had let him in regardless. Because you always did. As annoying and obnoxious as Satoru was, he was your best friend.

Your phone rang, and you picked it up, clicking the little green button without looking at who was calling. 

“Hello?” It’s quiet for a moment before you hear a deep breath.

And that’s all it takes to know who is calling you. 

You glance to where Satoru is sitting, almost comatose, on your bed. Your room wasn’t very big, but he managed to make it look massive with how he was curled up underneath your covers. 

He looked like a child.

Sometimes, you forget that’s all you were—teenagers who were forced to grow up too early.

“Suguru.” You say quietly, keeping an eye on Satoru as you speak into the receiver. You didn’t know what had him so upset, but you had a feeling it had to do with Suguru. It always has something to do with Suguru.

He says your name, and you have to hide the shiver that runs down your spine. If not for your sake, then for Satoru’s. You can’t have him knowing you’re talking to the person who upset him. 

“Why are you calling me.” It wasn’t a question but a demand. It's a pretty sorry one, but Suguru answers nonetheless. 

“To say goodbye, I suppose. You were always nagging me about how not saying goodbye was rude.” He muses, and you bite back a snippy retort. 

It wouldn’t do you any good now. 

“Why are you really calling?” You whisper and curse inwardly as you watch Satoru move from under the blankets at the sound of your voice cracking. His mop of white hair peeks out from under the covers, and he looks at you with what you swear are red-rimmed eyes from behind his crooked glasses. 

“Is that Suguru?” He asks just as Suguru asks, “Is that Satoru?” 

You don’t know what to say, so you just rasp a quiet “yes.” Satoru’s eyes darken, and he clenches his jaw before turning and throwing the blanket over his head again.

Suguru hums,

“He sounds upset.” He says, and once again, you have to reign in what would have been a hurtful comment. 

“Of course he is.” You manage, and hear the sounds of little girls in the background. Suguru’s voice is muffled for a moment as he seemingly placates someone you don’t have the privilege of talking to. 

Hadn’t he been on a mission where children were involved? 

Before everything that happened? 

“I’m really calling because I thought you deserved one last goodbye. From me. Not from anyone else.” He says simply, and that’s when the burning behind your eyes gets overwhelming, and you feel tears drip down your cheeks. 

“I was going to be with you forever.” You croak, and for once, Suguru doesn’t have anything to say. No smooth comment or something to ease your fears. He’s silent before—

“I know.”

“The rest of my life. With you.” You try as if you could get him to take it all back. As if he could magically turn back time.

“I’m sorry.” He says, and Geto Suguru hangs up the phone with a quiet ‘click.’

[lives-in-midgard]

Secret Crush

Pairing: Chris Evans x reader

Summary: Reader drives to Chris, then a thunderstorm comes and reader has to stay the night and share a bed with him.

Warnings: Fluff, Thunderstorm

A/N: Hey everyone! This is my fic for @secretswiftymarvelfan writing challenge with the promts Chris Evans, only one bed and the Dialogue “I made breakfast, but I didn’t know what you liked so I made enough to probably feed a small army”. It was really fun writing it and I hope you enjoy it.

Masterlist

It is a beautiful Saturday when you are driving to Chris’s home to practice some scenes with him for your upcoming movie. He is a really good friend of yours and you love doing movies with him. While driving you are listening to your favorite Taylor Swift album and you are very excited to spend some time with him. You park the car in front of the house and can hear a dog bark. That must be Dodger, you think. You take your bag and go to the door. You are about to knock when Chris opens the door.

“Hey y/n!” Chris greets you with a big smile on his face and gives you a hug. You love being hugged from him, it always makes you feel better. You and Chris go inside when Dodger starts to jump at you.

“Hey Dodger, I missed you.” You say and kneel to pet him. As you looked up you can see Chris smile at you and Dodger.

“Did you miss me too?” Chris asks you.

“I saw you yesterday and the day before” you joked and make him laugh. You both sat on the couch and Dodger jumps up and lays his head on your lap. You begin to smile and pet him while talking with Chris. After a while you start to learn a few scenes with him. After a few hours you can hear the rain splash against the window.

“Let’s make a break.” Chris suggests while putting his script away.

“Okay, that’s a good idea.”

“Let’s eat something, I made lasagne before you were here.” Chris says and you both go to the kitchen. You two eat something and of course Dodger eats something too. You are eating when you suddenly hear a thunder and freeze. You are scared of thunderstorms since you are kid and Chris didn’t know about that. Chris sees that you are getting tense.

“You should stay the night, Y/n I don’t want you to drive home in this weather.” Chris says.

“I don’t want to bother you.”

“You are not bothering me Y/n, I promise.” He says and you can hear another thunder but this time it is much louder than before.

“Okay, yeah. I’ll stay I am not putting a foot out there.” You fearfully say.

“What about we watch a movie so you can’t hear the thunder.” You begin to smile. He knows exactly what you need.

“Yeah, that would be great.” You nod and go to the couch and he puts Disney plus on. He looks at you and can see a scared look on your face as another thunder is to hear.

“What movie would you like to watch?” He asks you.

“Toy Story.” Because you know he also likes the movie you suggest to watch it and he starts the movie. After a while Dodger joined you and you totally forgot the storm outside when suddenly the lights and the tv went off, you flinch.

“Hey, it’s okay.” Chris spokes softly and puts the light of his phone on.

“You stay on the couch with Dodg while I grab some candles, okay?”

“Please hurry up!” You whisper.

“I will, cuddle with Dodger while I am gone.” You cuddle up with Dodger and you sniffle when you hear another thunder and see the lightning.

“Hey, I’m back” Chris says while putting a few candles on the table. He sits beside you, and you sit up.

“Can you …hmm… maybe hold me?” You carefully ask him.

“Of course, I can sweetheart.” Chris gets closer to you and pulls you into his arms. You feel so save in his arms and start to relax. After a while the storm stops but you are still cuddling on the sofa. Suddenly the TV went back on.

“Do you want to continue the movie?” Chris asks you.

“I think I’d rather go to sleep now.” You reply and he turns the TV off.

“Okay, but there is a problem I only have one bed my guest room is currently being renovated. But I can sleep here if you want and you can have the bed.” Chris scratches his neck.

“No, you don’t have to sleep on the couch Chris. I don’t mind if we share the bed.” You softly say to him because you don’t want to sleep alone. He smiles and you follow him up the stairs. He takes a shirt from his closet and hands it to you. He tells you that you can wear it and gives you a new toothbrush. After brushing your teeth and putting his shirt on you go back into his room and see him laying in bed. He locks up and sees you standing there.

“Are you sure you are okay with this?” He asks you while putting his phone on the night table.

“Yeah, it’s just sleeping, right.”

“Yeah” Chris nods and you make yourself comfortable in his bed. He turns the light off and you say goodnight and try to sleep. When you start to shiver.

“Is everything okay sweetheart?” Chris asks into the dark.

“I’m a little cold.” You mumble.

“We can cuddle if you want, my arms are warmer.” Chris says and you move over to him. You rest your head on his chest while he wraps his arm around you. After a few minutes you fall asleep.

…..

You wake up to a barking sound and blink because of the light that comes through the window. You realize that you are still cuddled up with Chris and are laying on his chest.

“Good morning” Chris mumbles.

“Good morning” you greet and pull away from him that’s when you both hear dodger bark again.

“I’ll go downstairs and let dodger out, you can stay here for a while if you want.” He yawns and stands up. You lay there for a while when you decide to go brush your teeth and change into your clothes again. As you walk down the stairs you can smell so many different things. You go to the kitchen table and see, fried eggs, omelet, French toast, different kind of buns and even waffles and pancakes. You look up and see Chris coming from the bathroom.

“I made breakfast but didn’t know what you like so I made enough to probably feed a small army.” Chris nervously says and you chuckle. He is so cute you think. You both sit down, eat something and drink a coffee.

After a while

“I lied to you.” Chris suddenly says and you look at him. You hate when people lie especially when they are important to you.

“What do you mean?” You ask him scared what he will say.

“Because of my guest room.... it is not getting renovated...I didn't want you to sleep alone...in case something happens...I have a crush on you y/n and I really enjoyed cuddling with you.” Wow he likes you too. You begin to smile and see a confused look on his face. You have a crush on him for so long and didn’t think he would feel the same.

“I enjoyed it too, and I can’t believe you also have a crush on me.” You say and he instantly smiles when you hear dodger bark which means he wants to go back inside. You go to the door and let dodger inside and say good morning to him. When you turn around Chris is standing right in front of you.

“So, you’re not mad that I lied?” He nervously says.

“No, I’m not, otherwise we probably wouldn't know that we both have feelings for each other.” You say and that makes him very happy.

[orecana]

Once upon a time

Nct dream ot7 x male reader

Hello everybody, Orecana here is back with another fic for you guys. i've decided to try to write something i haven't tried after a long time, angst. As always, thank you to everyone who liked and read my fics.

WARNING: THIS STORY CONTAINS:

Main character death (y/n)

slight horror

survivor guilt

excessive crying

suicide attempts

nightmare/flashbacks

abuse/verbal assault

children were laughing, singing and dancing. They were full of joy. this is what a young boy thought as he walks timidly home. he was accompanied by another young boy. they were talking happily.

"hey! last one home is a rotten egg."

the boy's energetic friend runs off as the boy tries to warn him about cars and chases him. it was unfortunate that the friend was too excited that he failed to see the car that was in front of him when he steps onto the road to home.

"JAEMIN!"

it was a blur really, he couldn't remember what had happened but what he does know is that when he wakes up after he was pushed, He sees something that would traumatize him forever. he struggled to breath, trying to hold back tears as he see the boy, his friend with blood all over his body.

The boy screams so loud that it alerted everyone in the neighborhood. when the parents arrived to the crime scene while some neighbors tries to phone the ambulance. the boy's parents holds him like he was the most precious thing ever and caresses his arms. his friend's father tried to hit him and told him that he should have died instead of his son which resulted in a huge fight.

as they fight, the boy walks towards the body of his friend and hold his body as he sobs into it. his tears staining the white shirt they were wearing as a matching outfit. the worst part was that the boy had a smile as he lays unconscious on the road which only made jaemin cries harder.

"wake up......."

"WAKE UP!"

jaemin startles awake in his bed, gasping for air as he felt a pair of hands wrap around him.

"Jaemin, are you okay?" jeno says as he tries to calm him down

jaemin looks around seeing the faces of his group members looking at him with concerned looks. he was sweating a lot, it was a painful memory to remember. he felt a hand on his, he looks up to see renjun with a worried face.

"it's been happening for many days already jaemin-ah, i think it's time you let us know what is troubling you. i can't bear to see you cry in your sleep anymore." renjun says as he can feel his tears threatening to pour out.

jaemin looks down, feeling ashamed over his own actions. He didn't that avoiding the topic has caused so much trouble for his band members.

mark sits on the bed and rubs jaemin's shoulders as he whispers sweet nothings to him.

"don't keep your pain within yourself, darling. We're all here to help you overcome it and we'll do everything that we can do. you just have to let us in."

jaemin blushes a bit at the nickname. it has been a secret for a long time but all 7 of them were in a relationship. At first, not everyone was open to the idea of having such a relationship, but overtime everyone realized their feelings and warmed up to the idea of this relationship.

jaemin sighs as he look at everyone and takes a deep breath.

"okay, you guys better strap yourself. since we got the whole week off, i'm gonna go over every detail. please don't mind me if i cry over this, it's just a painful memory for me."

they nod and smile. this made jaemin loosen up and begins to tell about his childhood.

you see, jaemin did have a happy childhood and it was because of his friend y/n l/n. because he was kinda rich, he was only sought after because of his wealth. y/n however was not like that, he genuinely wanted to be friends with jaemin. He was hesitant at first, not knowing if y/n really wanted to be friends with him. he quickly warmed up though when y/n saved him from falling off the stairs.

it might sound silly but the genuine smile that he saw on y/n face was what made him accept the friend request. they told their respective parents about their friends and while jaemin received positive reviews, he knew something was up with y/n when he was suddenly avoiding him like a plague.

at first, he didn't mind because he didn't want to barge into unknown territories. but after a month, he had enough. He corners y/n near the library halls and started screaming at him.

"i don't know what i did wrong to make you avoid me, but AT LEAST talk to me or just tell me you're okay...."

jaemin cries as his body falls onto y/n who holds it.

"I'm sorry, my parents wanted me to use you for money. That's why i avoided you."

Jaemin smiles and y/n smiles back.

"friends?"

y/n chuckles

"friends."

After that it was so much fun for them. They hanged out together, made many fun memories. Of course until that fateful day. The car crash.

Jaemin sobs while telling the members about y/n saving him from the car crash and how he felt so guilty about it. Donghyuck caresses jaemin's hair as mark whispers sweet nothings to him.

"I'm sorry it happened to you jaemin ah."

"No, don't be sorry. It was my fault. if i didn't run, he wouldn't have died."

Jisung angrily grips jaemin by the collar of his shirt.

"It's not anyone's fault. Even if you travelled back in time, It would have still happened."

Chenle removes jisung's hand from jaemin as he tries to calm down the maknae.

"jisung is mad you're blaming yourself. But what he said is true babe. There are just some things in life that we can't change no matter what we do."

Jaemin listened to the two youngest words and he felt himself relieved of the guilt he felt just now. Then they heard something move in the room. they tried to look for where it was coming from until something dropped to the floor.

Jeno goes to check it out. He saw something on the floor amidst the dark room and picks it up.

"Uh jaemin, It appears to be a portrait of someone."

Jaemin's blood froze and instantly went to grab the portrait. No..... it can't be....

It was a portrait of 2 boys standing and hugging each other. they were smiling happily and words were carved into the portrait. It reads

"BEST FRIENDS FOREVER"

Then a noise from the bathroom broke them out of their trances. They look it with fearful expressions. Jisung slowly approaches and opens the door along with turning on the lights. He freezes when he looks at the mirror and signals the others to look as well.

It was a bloody message that reads

"Where's our most cherished place nana?"

Jaemin head hurts again as he groans painfully, seeing many visions before collapsing.

'a letter with a heart on it...... A place with many flowers...... A tall sakura tree...'

Jaemin wakes up from his flashback with the other members surrounding him again. Renjun and jeno were hugging each of his arms while the others slept around the bed.

"are you awake nana?"

jaemin looks to his left, seeing renjun giggling and pinch his cheeks.

"Yes, i am injunnie."

slowly the others got up as well because of the interaction between the two.

"i remembered something when i looked at that message."

they all look at jaemin in surprise and chenle asked what was it?

"it was our old place, i bet it's in shambles now. but i wanna see it again since the message told me to. will you guys come with me?"

He smiles a bit but it was enough to warm the others heart knowing that jaemin has recovered a bit.

"we would love to, hyung" chenle said with a smile as well

"someone should tell the manager though."

Mark sternly tells everyone as they get ready to head out. everyone nod in agreement. they don't want their manager to go on a wild goose chase for their whereabouts.

still being the leader, he decides to be the one to do it. the manager was kind and told them that it is okay but warn them to be safe and be as discreet as possible because they don't want the members to get into trouble.

mark says goodbye as he starts off the car while everybody else locks the dorm. Mark drives the car based on jaemin's directions. they started small and happy talks while they were driving, filling the atmosphere with joy. Then they arrived at that place. it was just as jaemin said nothing was the same.

It wasn't the same place that jaemin remembers. it was filled with a garden of flowers and a giant sakura tree in the middle. Now though, nothing was left, no gardens no flowers not even a sign of life was there. there was only a dead tree in the middle but jaemin knew that going there would mean something.

They all got out of the car after mark parked it somewhere safe and began walking towards the dead tree. everything was gone. The green bushes full of flowers were now dead withered and the little bugs that y/n and him would catch is nowhere to be seen. And the giant blooming sakura tree where y/n confesses that he had a crush now stood dead and hollow.

they stopped in front of the tree, frozen in their tracks. jaemin felt tears running down his cheeks as he drops to his knees. the others could do nothing but stand frozen at the sight before them.

there it was, the Corpse of y/n l/n. the state of the body was as jaemin remembers it, Blood dripping down all parts of the body, eyes closed with that horrid smile. Then the corpse moves its head up and opens its eyes, showing extremely dark eyes with small white pupils.

"You're all here. *smiles* I'm g-glad"

Jaemin stares at it in disbelief. It couldn't be....

"y-y/n?"

The corpse smiles as it stands up, walking towards the group.

"of course nana. Who else?"

jaemin rush to hug the corpse. even if it was dead and rotten but he didn't care. he missed his friend so much.

"i-i'm sorry y/n. if it weren't for me, you wouldn't have died."

y/n only smiles as he pats jaemin's back and look at the members behind him.

"it's not your fault jaemin, in fact i have a confession to make. i would have died that day even if i hadn't saved you."

jaemin was confused as he backs away from his childhood friend.

"what do you mean?" "i've tried killing myself millions of times already jaemin, it's only natural that i will die soon."

the revelation shocked jaemin very hard as he stared at y/n in disbelief. there was no way.... right?

"that day, i've consumed poison so i would die the moment i sleep. that's why i felt extremely weak and tired that day. But when i saw the car coming your way, i couldn't bear to see you die so i pushed you out of the way."

Jaemin was angry and grips the corpses shoulders. because the body was frail, a huge crack sound echo through the environment.

jeno tries to hold jaemin back but mark stopped him, shaking his head.

"let them take care of this."

Jaemin was growling at his dead friend who only smiled at him back.

" why did you kill yourself? why?"

"because my parents was gonna sell me off. they only had money because they won their gambles but when they don't and the person demanded payment, they decided to sell me off."

Jaemin only become angrier, knowing that those pieces of shit called y/n parents killed his most beloved childhood friend.

"why did you save me?" "because you still have a life. my life was already decided for me but yours was not. That's why i saved you. don't be sad jaemin ah! I'm so happy to see you accomplish a lot of things in life. i'm so glad."

y/n pushes jaemin away from him as he starts walking back to the tree. his body changing, glowing. He was his normal self now. no longer covered in blood and looking as pretty as back then only that he aged himself. his body begins to slowly fade away as jaemin screams "NO" and tries to stop him but The others hold him back as y/n smiles sadly.

"you know jaemin, my life was shit until i found you. you were the only thing in this world that kept me from moving on into the afterlife. I wanted to see you happy, just once."

The other 6 members don't know why but tears threatened to fall down their faces as well at y/n's words.

"I LOVE YOU GUYS. NCT DREAM!"

those were y/n's final words as he fade away leaving a photo album on the ground. They walk towards and grab it and opens the book.

in it were memories of y/n with all of them. all members heads begin to spin as they all recall memories that were long forgotten. how they met y/n, how they hang out, how all of them met back in their childhood.

They snapped out of it to see the album empty with only fragile papers threatened to torn at any second and only a sentence was written on it.

"I LOVE YOU GUYS. I HOPE YOU GUYS ARE HAPPY!"

They smiled at the message as mark excuses himself to go get the car so they can go home. Once they were in the car, they all look at each other. as if they were thinking the same thing, they all laugh in sync before mark starts up the car and drives them home.

Jaemin looks out the window and into the clear sky as he smile fondly.

'i hope that wherever you are now y/n, i hope you're happy. Thanks for giving me- no, for giving us such wonderful memories that we wish to forget. You gave us the strength to fight forward.'

So please y/n l/n, rest in peace. WE LOVE YOU TOO.

nct dream was finishing their concert and were walking to their favorite place to eat when a familiar person walk past them. jaemin notices and tries to grab them when they turn around smiling.

"Hello guys..."

[swiftlymoniquesblog]

Perfect Storm - Dean Winchester x Reader

A/N: Hi friends! I know I’ve been rather absent with posting stuff but life has been HECTIC! I work two jobs, seven days a week right now so it’s a lot and I’m exhausted. Anywho, this imagine is part of @supraveng ‘s follower challenge! I’ve been working on this since like August of 2022 or so and was supposed to be done by the first of September but she allowed me an extension. Thanks for that babe, and congrats on 500 follows! 

Masterlist of all Masterlists| Supernatural Masterlist

Warnings: FLUFF! Breakdown, crying, comfort. Someone has a HUGE breakdown so if that’s a trigger for you, I am sorry!

Word Count: 5,887

Thanks for being patient with me friends! Love to you all!

It’s been six weeks since we’ve been on the road, trying to figure out where Chuck could be hiding. That asshat has been messing with Sammy and I for way too long, trying to take over the world. Sure, he’s God but that doesn’t mean he has to control every little thing and try killing us in the process! And since we have no leads, we’ve been trying to find other cases to work and more people to save. I was currently sitting behind the wheel of my beloved Baby, Sam beside me, scrolling through his phone, while AC/DC played from the car stereo and a pretty impressive drum solo came up.

“Dean, for once can we listen to anything but AC/DC?” Sam asks, pinching the bridge of his nose between his fingers as I continue my solo. 

“Sammy, what have I always said?  Driver picks the music,” 

“Shotgun shuts his cake hole, I know,” he finished my sentence. “But what if I drove?”

“Oh risky question, little brother” I reply.

“I’ll drive when you sleep.” 

“Yeah and how often do I actually sleep, Sam?” 

Last time I slept without a nightmare was…well I don’t really know. The nightmares have been getting increasingly worse the last few months. Not that I’ve slept well before that but since Jack accidently killed our Mom, that’s been a struggle. I’ve watched her die twice now, something no child should ever have to see, especially at four years old. But even the second time, it's pretty bad. I still hate the kid for what he did but I’ve forgiven him…for now. Sam had a somber look on his face and knew I didn’t want to talk about it anymore. 

“So get this, there have been an unusual amount of homicides in a small town in Northern Texas, more than they normally deal with in the year, in just six months.”

“Huh, doesn’t sound like our kind of thing. People are just nuts today, Sammy,”

“True, but there is something that seems like we would do. Each time someone goes to recover the body, there is nothing left.” Sam says.

“Okay that might be something we could work on but, I’m not convinced it’s a monster yet,” I say.  

“Maybe not, but I think it’ll be worth checking out.”

Redirecting our path, I drove Baby in a U-turn and headed off to the nearest small town in Northern Texas, where these cases stemmed from. Several hours passed and we ended up in Wichita Falls and rolled into a small motel on the east side of town. Once we were settled, Sam pulled out his laptop and began typing away at the keys while I searched for a place to get a good burger by looking through flyers in the room. Sam tuned into a police scanner and soon enough there was a call in regards to suspicious activity near our motel.

‘”Dean, I think we got something,” Sam says, turning the volume up.

“All units, we have gunshots out by the WayfarerMotel. RP (reporting party) advised at least six shots were heard, no sound of vehicles but advised there were people arguing on the south side of the property near the freeway,” A female voice called over the radio and responses of “10-4” were soon followed.

Sam and I grabbed our guns, checking to make sure they were loaded and ready to go. We didn’t interfere with the police but did offer them assistance when it came to the investigation aspect. Looking out the windows, we watched as several vehicles had been on scene and officers were searching for the suspect. Soon after, more shots were fired, shouts of “he’s trying to run” and soon enough, someone was handcuffed. 

“Wait, where is the body?!” Someone yells and a swarm of officers and other investigators gathered around to see if there was a victim. Sam and I took that as our queue to come on scene.

“Gentlemen, this is a closed scene” a voice said, turning to shoot us questioning looks.

“It’s okay, we’re from the FBI, I’m Agent Stan, this is my colleague Agent Lee,” I say flashing my fake badge, Sam following the lead.

“We didn’t call in the FBI,” another officer said.

“I’ll be honest, we were off duty and heard of the incident, wanted to see if we could help out.” I said, trying to ease the confusion.

“I’ll allow it,” one of the Sergeants on scene said, seeming to not care about the fight.

“So what’s happened? We’ve heard there’s been a string of homicides with no victims found?” Sam asked, pulling a notepad out of his pocket.

“Not a single one and this is abnormal for the city to have this many homicides in one year.” An officer, later introduced as Officer Hughes, explained the incident.

“Any leads on what is happening? Is any suspicious person found or any other activity that all the cases have had in common?” 

“Well we did find something in each case that relates them together in some bizarre way. Each case has the same call for service. Caller calls in, advises of gunshots, hears people arguing, we get on scene and only one person is found. Aside from the callers, just one person is found. We handcuff them just for safety precautions but the majority of the time, we end up letting them go. In all my years I’ve worked in law enforcement, I’ve never seen anything like this. No definite suspect, no found victims. So we can’t fully rule them as homicides either because there is nobody.” Officer Hughes said.

“Well we might be here for a little while then so we can help out,” Sam said, trying to add a helping hand.

“That won’t be necessary gentlemen, we have enough people on this,” Officer Hughes said, dismissing us as he got back to his vehicle. 

“Well that went well,” I said, sighing in exasperation.

“Come on, I bet if we head back to the police station, someone might be able to give us some information.” Sam said, settling into the passenger seat.

I grabbed a few supplies before I sat behind the wheel of my precious Baby and found the station was not too far from our motel. Pulling up, I find a parking space across the street from the building and Sam and I walk up the steps to the front doors of the station. It was the eerily morning hours, not too many people on the streets, the perfect time for people to commit crimes. Opening the large door, a young woman sat behind the desk, looking up at us when the door slammed behind us.

“Can I help you gentlemen?” She asks, eyes flitting between the two of us. 

“Uh yeah, I’m Agent Stan, this is Agent Lee, we’re with the FBI,” I say and we both flash our badges.  

“We were just on scene of the shooting by the Wayferer Motel and we weren’t able to get a lot of information. Do you think there’s anyone we can talk to about this?” Sam says, giving a small grim to the woman.

“Well given the fact that it's three in the morning, most people aren’t here and won’t be here until eight or so. Y’all might want to come back,” she says, looking back to her computer in front of her.

“Maybe you can help us. Do you know anything about the string of potential homicides that have been happening here lately?” I say, trying to turn on my charm as best as I could.

“No and even if I did, I’m not at liberty to discuss cases with anyone, even other law enforcement,” she says.

“Alright well, here’s my card, whenever someone is available, have them give me a call. You have a good rest of your morning,” I say, shooting the woman a wink.

The next morning, we headed back to the station to see if there was anyone we could talk to. “Good morning gentlemen, how can we help you?” Another lady at the front desk said as we walked to the window. 

“Yeah we were here last night trying to see if we could talk to anyone about the shooting at the Wayfarer Motel.”

“Do you have any information about it?” The lady asked.

“No but we were on scene and we’re with the FBI,” Sam and I flashed our badges as soon as I said FBI.

“Let me call over to the detectives and see if we can’t find someone to come talk to y’all.” 

“Thank you,” Sam says and we both start looking at the displays hung around the lobby.

“Agents.” A male in a black polo shirt and khaki pants with a badge around his neck walks to us and shakes our hands.

“I’m Detective Parker, follow me,” he says, leading us through a door and taking him into a room with a table and some chairs.

“So y’all were on the scene last night?” Detective Parker asked us.

“Yes we were staying at the hotel and we’ve heard about some of the incidents where someone is shot but there’s no body’s left,” Sam explains.

Detective Parker sighs and runs a hand down his face. “It made no sense as to what happens to the bodies after they’re shot. We have no answers and our citizens are getting frustrated as to why their family members’ bodies are not there to bury or cremate them.”

“And that’s why we’re here. Tell us everything you do know,” I say. 

A few hours go by as we dive deep into the last weeks of the calls and cases from the City. I get up to go grab some coffee and stumble to an office where a bunch of ladies are sitting behind computers and answering phones. 

“Well hello ladies,” I smirk to the room of beautiful women.

“Who are you?” One of them pipes up and asks. 

“I’m Agent Stan of the FBI. I’m here helping with some of the shootings y’all have had here. Y’all know anything about those?” I ask.

“We heard about them but we don’t know anything. The guys don’t tell us anything, just what happened.” Another clerk said and she immediately caught my attention. She had long (y/h/c), bright (y/e/c) eyes, and she didn't bother looking at me much longer after that first comment. It seemed like she wasn’t impressed with me and that made me more intrigued by her.

“I see, is there anything you can tell me sweetheart?” I ask, trying to turn on my charm but again, she seemed unimpressed.

“That’s it now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to get back to,” she says, her tone harsh but I found it interesting. 

“Pardon me ma’am,” I say using my best Southern voice but the look of annoyance on her face proved she couldn’t care less.

Most of the time,  I can get away with some flirting with women, this one? She’ll be more of a challenge.”

“Agent Stan?” A voice called to me. I stand and follow him back to another room off set by the clerks area. 

“So, what kind of leads do you have, if any?” He asked, Sammy was  already in the room. 

“Well, we kind of have a few ideas but you wouldn’t believe us,” I said, shooting a pointed look to my younger brother. 

“Try me, I’ve been in this for a long time. I’ve heard just about everything,” the lead investigator on this and other shootings said. 

“We think it might be a series of soul eaters” I say.

“What now?” 

“Soul eaters, they are exactly what you think they are. Since all the bodies that have been killed here are basically hallowed out shells, we think there may be several around the area. Unfortunately, they are not easy to kill but we do know someone who can and can set the souls back to the bodies they were taken from,” I explained as rationally as I could but I knew it seemed crazy to those who were not used to hunting. 

“Well that is definitely something I didn't expect to hear but it also isn’t the most out there answer I’ve heard either.”

“Alright, well let us call our guy and see what he says about it.” I say, giving a pointed look to the detective, wondering what other crazy things he’s seen but deciding not to ask. 

I grab my phone out of my pocket and scroll down my contact until it stops on the name. I hate asking this guy for help but he’s our only source for this case so I push back my personal feelings and press the call button. 

“Hello Dean,” his accented voice, full of entitlement, rang through my ear.”

“Ketch, we need your help,” I say.

“Well hello to you too,” he says and I can just hear the dumb grin on  his face.

“Yeah hi, listen we’re out here in North Texas and we’re helping the local police on a case we think you may have experience in,” I say, getting straight to the point.

“Oh, where in Texas are you? My daughter happens to be out there and she works at a police department,” he says.

“Since when did you have a kid?” I ask.

“Oh, never mind that. Where am I going?”

“Wichita Falls.”

“That’s where my daughter lives!” 

Oh crap, so Ketch’s offspring works at the police department here? Awesome.                                                                                                                  

A few hours later and we’re back at the scene of the crime. Ketch wanted the low down on what we’ve discovered up to this point so we decided to meet at the scene and go over what we know.

“So the bodies are never found?” Ketch asks.

“Nope they’re completely gone. Nothing is left behind but there’s always signs of some form of homicide,” Sam explains.

“And you lads are thinking its,” he trails off until I pipe in with our research.

“Soul eaters, except they’ve evolved so much over the years, they’re not just taking souls anymore.”

“Interesting, well you called the right person then,” Ketch says, standing up and heading to his car.

“So?  What does that mean?” I say, Sammy and I quickly follow him. 

“It means that I’ve seen it once before,” he said, Sam and I catching up with him. 

“You have?” Sam asked.

“A long time ago, yes. It was a rather tragic event for the families but we were able to get the bodies back.”

“How?” I ask.

“Well it won't be easy but we have to…make a sacrifice of sorts,” he says, making his way back to his car. “Follow me back to the station and I’ll go over the details with detectives.” 

We jump inside Baby and speed down the highway, much like Ketch had left. When we finally pulled back to the station, it was nearing five o’clock and a lot of the employees had been leaving for the day.

“Dad!” A female voice says, bounding over to Ketch and wrapping her arms around him.” 

“(Y/N)!” he says, turning to the girl I noticed in the criminal investigation section earlier; no.

“Gents, I’d like for you to meet my daughter, (Y//N), (Y/N) this is Sam and Dean. They are friends of mine.”

“Oh the Winchesters? I thought you didn't like them?” She says and I chuckle; I like this girl.

“Well not at first, no, but we’ve all come to an agreement of sorts.”

“So, you’re Ketch’s daughter,” I say, looking at the woman.

“Not by blood. He adopted me when I was a kid. My bio parents died in a hunting accident when I was six and Ketch happened to be there, so he took me in,” she says.

“Well, we’re glad you’re here, (Y/N),” Sam says, reaching to shake her hand; I just nod at her.

I couldn’t believe it, even for a minute, I thought a girl related to Ketch was beautiful. 

As our investigation went on, so did the opportunities for (Y/N) to show up unannounced, or so it seemed. Like, I thought she had a job at the department, but somehow she always ended up there, along with her Dad, to help assist us in our investigation. Not that I really minded her company but it was a little…odd.

��Don't you have something better to do?” I ask her as she’s going through some paperwork from the shooting.

She stopped flipping through the pages halfway between the pile and looked up to meet my gaze. “I’m helping on this case, y’all need some help sometimes, right?” 

“Well yes but I thought you had another job to do?” I ask. 

“I’m getting the feeling you don’t want me around Winchester,” she says, now more frustrated with me.

“I don’t care what you do,” I say, trying to play off how I was feeling underneath the surface. To be honest, I did care what she did. I barely know the girl but she’s getting under my skin and inside my head. What the hell is happening here I have no idea but all I know is I like being around her.

“Well clearly you do otherwise you wouldn’t be asking,” she says, raising an eyebrow in a challenging way.

Shit that wasn’t supposed to happen. I thought to myself so I did the best thing I knew to do; I walked away. I don’t know what my problem was but this had to stop. I couldn’t like Ketch’s daughter, her father is literally the biggest douche I’ve ever met so no way could I get involved with her. But the way she moved when she walked, swaying in the slightest way, her head held high like she owned the place. She didn’t  look a thing like her Dad but there was more to her than that. She had that long (y/h/c) that flowed past her shoulders and down her back. It was just a little wavy and seemed to have more than one color in it but it suited her well. And those big beautiful (y/e/c) and a perfect smile to match. In just the few short days we were working this case, she has taken over every thought of mine so naturally, I didn’t like her. 

“Dean, are you ready to go?!” Sam yells to me from the other room.

“Yeah,” I called back and grabbed my gear before meeting up with Sam, Ketch and (y/n). “What is she doing here?” 

“She is here to help. Believe it or not gents, she does know about this life and has helped me out more than a time or two,” Ketch explained. 

“As long as she stays out of the way,” I say, throwing a duffle bag into the trunk before making my way to the front. I could hear her huff in annoyance but I could care less. 

We drove around town for a while, trying to find the supplies we were going to need for our “sacrifice” before we headed back to the motel where the last body was supposed to be. Gathering everything together, we followed Ketch’s instructions and then it was time for the dreaded part. 

“So what exactly do we need to sacrifice?” Sam asks. 

“Well, that’s where it can be rather difficult. We don’t need an entire person or thing to sacrifice, but we need the blood of the pure of heart,” Ketch explains.

“Who would that be?” I ask before following his eyes over to his daughter. Her face turned a bit pale, knowing her blood was going to be nearly drained from her body but she didn't hesitate. 

“Tell me what I have to do,” she says.

“I know this won't be easy for you darling, but I will be right here the entire time,” Ketch says, attempting to comfort his child. 

“Dad, I’m not a child, I can do this,” she says.

“I know but you are my child, my only child for that matter and I worry about you,” he says.

“This isn’t the first time I’ve put myself in a little bit of a difficult place for helping you out and I’m sure it won’t be the last,” (Y/N) says. 

As much as I hate to admit it, she’s incredible for doing this and doing it more than just one time. I’m not saying I care about (y/n) or anything but this is going to be a risky task. She’s going to need to give a generous amount of blood for this sacrifice and to see she’s okay with going in without a second thought; it's admirable. It was almost as if we were in a hospital; we had a needle hooked up into her arm and tube after tube of blood was being drawn from her. I could tell it was making Ketch uncomfortable because it was his child, whether biologically or not, so I escorted him out of the room. 

“Here, let’s go get a beer or something,” I say, clapping my hand on his shoulder and walking out. 

“I’m sorry Dean, I just couldn't stand to see that much blood coming from my daughter,” Ketch says, sighing in defeat as we sat across one another at the map table in the Bunker. 

“Hey, there’s no need to apologize. I’m worried about her, too,” I say. 

A moment of silence passed between us before Ketch spoke again. “You care for her don’t you?” 

“What? No, I don’t care for her!” I say, suddenly becoming defensive.  

“You do; I can see it on your face. I’ve had the same look before and it does not go away so easily,” he says, frowning and dropping his eyes to the floor. 

“Okay so what if I do? Is that so bad?” I ask. 

“No it's not, but since this is my daughter we’re talking about, it does make a bit of difference.”

“Look Ketch, I would never hurt her,” I say, trying to explain what I hope I can do for his child. 

“I know you wouldn’t, Dean. In fact, I’m not worried about her dating you, if that is what she wants. I am worried about this life; hunting. She has had some exposure to it but I try to shelter from it most of the time. If she’s around you, I’m afraid someone or something will get to her and there would be no point for my life to continue at that point.” Ketch was being really vulnerable and I was surprised to say the least, but I respected it. Sure, we had our issues trusting him in the past but this is his kid and right now, she is all that matters.

“Dad?” A groggy voice calls to the room. 

“Hey kiddo, your  Dad went to get you some supplies for when you woke up. We all became worried when you went whiter than a sheet but we managed to get you back. You’ve been sleeping for the last few hours cause you did lose a lot of blood but we’ve monitored you,” I saw, looking down at the young girl on the bed in front of me. 

“So did you get enough blood for the spell?” She asks. 

“That is nothing you need to worry about. We need you to get back on your feet,” I tell her. 

“But you don't need anymore blood?”  I chuckle at her, not being able to believe she’s been so concerned with this, but it makes sense. 

“No, we don’t need any more blood.” She takes a giant sigh of relief and slumps back into her bed. I smile as I watch her for a moment before I get called. 

“Hey Dean, we need your help out here,” Sam calls to me and just as I was about to tell (y/n) I notice she had fallen asleep. 

“Okay,” I call back and look down at the young Men of Letters’ daughter and lean down to press my lips on her forehead.

“What do we got?” I say, walking into the main room where the map table sat.

“We have the ingredients for the spell,” Sam says, adding everything together in what looked like a witches cauldron and an ominous purplish hue shown from it. We head out to the coroner's office and find one of the bodies that had their souls taken out and we tip the head back and pour the liquid down the throat. From the esophagus, we could see the hue shining from under the skin and soon, another blinding light encapsulated the room. 

“How do you know if it worked?” I say, looking down to the body that seemed no different than a few moments before.  

Cass places his hand on the body’s forehead and his eyes closed. He seemed a bit bothered by something but then his expression softened and he opened his eyes again. 

“The soul is in there; I’m positive.” He says. 

 For the rest of the bodies that turned up recently without a soul, we were able to restore each one and bring some closure to the families of the victims. We contacted the families and had them come and see the newness of the bodies of their loved ones. Most people would be against this but because these bodies had been violated, family members wanted to make sure they’re loved ones were being honored as best they could. 

“Thank you for restoring my Russell,” a lady said, leaning over to kiss her deceased husband. No one could say a word but a curt nod was all that could be mustered from any of us. This is part of cases we don't get to see. We meet family but we rarely get to see much happiness after the person is gone. Who knew a soul returning to a body could do such a thing?

Back at the Bunker, I go back to check in on Y/N. She was sleeping and I couldn’t help but watch the sore and almost voided women below me. She seemed less pale then when we first got her out of the process of taking her blood for the spell but she still seemed..hollowed in some places. Like her eyes, they were pushed back into her face and her arms and legs seemed as though they didn't have any muscle. How much of her blood did we take? 

“Hey you,” she whispers, her eyes slowly moving to look up at me. I couldn’t speak and wanted so badly to kiss her but the way her eyes suddenly changed, I knew something was off. 

“You get the hell away from her,” I say, leaning away from who I thought was (y/n) but I know better. 

“Aw Dean, why can't we be friends or more since you seem to be in love with (y/n)?” I knew the voice well and just as I thought, (y/n)’s face morphed into him.

“You’re a real bag of dicks, you know that?” I say.

“Yes Dean, I’m aware of how you feel about me and I can’t believe you let this kid distract you from dealing with Daddy dearest,” 

I hold back from killing The Trickster here and now and give him an opportunity to explain himself, against my better judgment. 

“Well good ol’ Dad decided to send me to try and get you back on track. To bring something close to you to just take it away again. 

“What the hell did you do to her?” I say, growing more and more irate. 

“Oh relax, she’s fine, she’s just…tied up at the moment.” he says. 

“I swear to God I will kill you if you hurt her,” 

“Really? I think I can rearrange that since he’s my Father and all,” he says and freezes when I beg for her life again. 

“Please, don’t hurt her. She’s all Ketch has anymore.”

“Yes but you don't like him either so why does it matter what happens to (y/n)?”

“Because we all need her on our team; she’s vital to helping solve cases.”

“Are you sure it isn't more than that?” A third voice says, coming into view. 

“What the hell are you doing here?”

 “Dean?” A small voice rang out into the silence that had surrounded me in the room. I don’t know how I ended up here but I do know, it wasn’t easy. 

“Hey kiddo, you’re okay, it’s all over,” I say, looking over to her. She was much better now, away from the pain of blood being drained from her body, no longer in fear of who may be lurking around the corner. 

“What do you mean?” She asks. 

“Chuck, he's gone. Dead actually.” I say, still not fully believing it myself. 

“You killed God?” She asks, a look of disbelief playing across her delicate features

“Well, not exactly. We killed the vessel Chuck but God himself, he swore he would leave the Earth and not bother Sam or I or anyone we love ever again.

“Oh, so, he can still come back though?”

“No, he can’t. Because I….” My words fade from my vocal cords and I cannot process any thought rushing through my mind at a million miles a second. This was it, this was why I did what I did. Her. She is the reason why Chuck is dead and God is permanently leaving us alone. 

“I love you. I know it hasn’t been too long since you’ve been around us or me but I can’t help it. I love you and I want you to know that you are the reason God will leave us alone. If it wasn’t for you, we probably would still be fighting him and there wouldn’t be any peace….we’re free. Sam and I are free after all this time. We finally get to relax and be free to fight for people without having to look over our shoulders everywhere we go because I love you and he will leave us alone now because you are someone I love and….I’m free.” And for the first time in I don’t know how many years, I cried. Not just a small cry, a complete breakdown level of a cry. I guess I had years of pent up agony of having to fight and defend those whom I’ve loved finally come to a boiling point. (Y/N) did the one thing I needed in that moment, something I’ve lacked for many years; affection. She wrapped her arms around me, as tightly as she could, and held me close to her as sobs racked through my entire body. I began to shake violently and all she did was bring me in closer, run her fingers through my hair, and continuously try and shush me in that sweet, comforting way Mom’s do. I’m not sure how long we sat like that but we did until I was silent again. I slowly look up at her, through the tears still sitting in my eyes, and she runs her thumb right under my eye. 

“You okay?” She asks, looking at me in a concerning fashion. 

“I think so,” my voice was no higher than a whisper because I couldn’t trust myself. I surprised myself with the fact I cried as much as I did but I felt better. 

“I love you too,” she says suddenly. 

“You do?” I say, disbelief prominent on my face. 

“I know it isn't long either, but I do have some pull to you and I cannot deny it. You are the only reason I’m here. I love my Dad, I really do but you are the one who I get up for day and day again. You are the one who protects me like no other. You are the one I want to keep giving blood away for whatever spells or anything else you need. I love your smile, your eyes, your laugh, the way you grumble about anything and everything because you’re getting older but it just melts my heart and I’ve never felt this for anyone.”

It may have seemed like a rather chick flick movie thing for me to do, and believe me, I kicked myself for it, but I couldn’t help it; I had to kiss her. Because for once, someone loved me and there was no way I was going to lose her. Well, aside from the traditional ways of losing someone but there wouldn’t be a douche who tries to take her away, which is way better anyways. Her lips felt so soft and natural when she kissed me and all I wanted to do was kiss her from now on. Who am I turning into? Maybe I’m finally able to learn what its like to care about someone and have someone care for me when in the past, we would have never gotten together or even thought about it but things with Ketch have been different and he hasn’t been after us too much since Chuck started. Now, I somehow ended up falling for his daughter. 

“Oh, shit, damn it,” I say, pulling back from our kiss.

“What’s wrong?” She says. “I’m sure you’ve done this before,” she jokes. 

“No, I mean yes of course but, you.” I say. 

“Me?” 

“You’re Ketch’s daughter.”

“We’ll he’s my adopted Dad,” she comments. 

“Yeah but he still raised you. What is he going to think of this, of us?” I say, motioning between us. 

“He won’t care.”

“Are you sure? I mean we've been fighting with him for years and we just got him on our side.” 

“Dean, you’re overreacting. He just wants my happiness. He’s just going to have to deal with it being with you,” she says.

“Fine, then I say we need to tell him and everyone else about us before anything else happens between us.”

She suddenly gets up from where we were sitting in the common room and I jump up to follow her.  

“Where are we going?” I say when I catch up with her. 

“To tell my Dad.”

“Really?” I ask, not believing she wants to do this now but she stops and grabs my face and kisses me, for a long time. 

“Really,” She says after she lets me breathe again.

I follow her into the other room where we see Sam and Ketch at the map table, Sam with a book in his hands and Ketch scrolling through his phone.

“Dad?” (Y/N) says when we are in hearing distance.

“Yeah sweetheart?” Ketch responds, looking up from his phone.

“I’m in love with Dean,” she says with such ease, it brings a smile to my face.

“Oh I know,” he says and goes back to his phone.

“Wait, you know? How?” I ask.

“Because, I see the way you look at her, Dean. And (y/n), I heard you talking to Sam about it.”

“Wait, Sammy, you knew how she felt about me?”

“Yes,”

“Then why didn’t you tell me?” I ask.

“She asked me not to,” he says.

“So you’re okay with this?” (Y/N) asks Ketch. 

“If he makes you happy, then I’m okay with it.” 

“But you hurt her Dean and I swear,” Ketch threatens me. 

“Don’t worry man, I couldn’t hurt her. She’s the best thing that ever came out of a perfect storm.” 

[eviltiddyproductions]

Crash Course in Romance: Episode 3

lmaooo she called the police bodyguards of society, i like that 😂

anyway 💅💅💅

Chiyeol oversharing like I do with my sister. #real

LMAO him and his assistant are so cute

the assistant even opens doors for everyone, a sweetheart actually

why do i do this to myself i want to jump to episode 16 already 💀😭 let me be patient

I LOVE HER FRIEND 😂😂😂 'you always side with men' 'you're right I love them too much'

she's running, he's driving and he's racing her

lmaooo he lost. my girl's so cute

no way they gotta stay in line to book everyday ??? this is insane actually

i love her. *I'd love to see Chiyeol* scene cuts to her bumping into him the next day and running anyway because she's late to book a seat to his class 😭

I LOVE HER LMAO she's still beefing with him. as she should, she's spent so much money and time already 💀

my sister slaying her classes, sitting front row and getting answers correct

lmaooo she accidentally threw water at him

the identity reveal is actually so funny

another day of my man leaving without his food

does he even drink? just has those bottles around 😂

awww you can't eat around because that's a student's place

NOOOO lmao he's worried if she posted about him as phone thief

i love the assistant Mr Ji 💀 'what if she decides to fist fight' 'then we become cowards and fight two to one'

awww he wants to share the meal with the assistants

oh he got invited to dinner

save some for me as I won’t be eating there. 🤣

I somehow did not see him being the first one to agree with that summer med batch thing. interesting

lmaooo he wants blackboards in return

well he makes a good point. hassle for teachers✅ then get hassle for director ✅

not the nasty teacher friend again. ugh. chiyeol LEAVE

awww come here bb. don’t listen to them :(

he’s actually still paying for those losers? I’d literally leave and never converse again

now he’s hearing the coworkers and assistants talk shit too 😭😭😭 don’t talk it personally bae! we all hate our bosses <3

I want to hug him through the screen because it is relatable and an actual nightmare at the same time 😭

she did get the phone back !!! damn he really bought her a lot of groceries 💀

damn the lawyer mom is ruthless but she talks to her son as if she’s training him for the army like woah relax (idk I just get anxious and sad in situations like these 😭✋ like let your kids breathe ‘our plans will get messed up’ parents)

you know for a second I thought maybe she was overdoing this to the kid because of the dad or pressure from outside but it’s just her 💀 the dad has moved out and is calling her out on it

don’t call him babe!! your intentions are pure but it’ll probably be taken the wrong way

the way I’ve slogged through kdrama episodes in the past and I’m just zooming through them here woah

oh thank god the assistant picked up the call 🙏

Sunjae loves our daughter so bad. Sent her the tests too <333

OH NO HIS MOM SAW IT. SUNJAE RUN 😭😭😭😭

gag her Sunjae you’re right

I want to empathise but how do you see one son struggling, have made one struggle and your partner has left and you still continue the same cycle

also maybe the hooded person taking money was her other son?

I hope he isn’t the shooter or anything 😭🙏

why do I think Chiyeol is about to be super mean to her 😭 might be under stress or whatever but idk maybe

let’s breathe and get through this scene 🧘‍♀️

he’s right so I can’t even fight the logic. my girl just sorta came here with good intentions. just the wrong day ;-;

honestly not that bad, scene finished quickly and wasn’t hurtful

Hearing anyway sounds like relief rn

nooo lawyer mom is unconscious

what if he stays here and misses the test, she’ll flip

you can just park your car on the road like that? honestly not too shabby

lmao his plan b is running to the event #me

she’s sweet offering him a ride, I would’ve sassed a bit 🙏

him in his pink helmet struggling while being a scooty passenger princess

no sunjae don’t miss the exam

he didn’t miss 🙏🙏🙏

did Chiyeol just call her a biker gang member 🤣

Sunjae and our baby both made it !!!

our baby’s friends are so wholesome. pls don’t change.

did he just save her with his foot 🤣

the most different meet cute I’ve seen in my life

Sunjae attentive as hell. 💀 my sister already kinda likes the hockey player but I’m still rooting for y’all 💗

Oh no I think my baby’s seat is about to be taken

lmaooo now you want to eat Chiyeol 💀✋

‘I’ve been starving for her food all day’ *leaves smiling’

I think he’s going to wait lol

aaah the bestie’s named Kim Yeong-ju. i love you tooo yeongjuuuu!!!!

she saw Chiyeol and a siren blared past by LMAOOOO

lmaooo she picked him up 🤣🤣🤣 my sweet girl

oh no please don’t tell me they kiss falling down. hate that trope down 😭✋

[blooming-violets]

Hi, my angst queen. I'm sorry it took me so long to reblog this chapter. I am a turd but I've had these quotes saved on phone since I first read i and now I feel ready to talk about them. I was emotionally damaged.

1: Peter is such a broken man. I know that's obvious but this chapter really highlighted it nicely. The pain he feels for losing Gwen is still so raw. A wound that will never fully heal. And, yet, his love for Gwen doesn't dampen his love for Honey. Even being in an au story, it still has so much of the heart of tasm Peter for me. I always love when fics bring in Gwen and Peter's devotion to her because I don't think it should be something that's erased. It can't be erased. Even in an au. He can be forever scarred by her death, have a deep love for her forever, and still have just as a devoted love for someone else.

The scene of Gwen telling him it's okay to rest now and giving him the choice to live or die brings tears to my eyes (I cried about four different times in this chapter so thanks for that). He could let himself pass on if he wanted to. He could stay with Gwen where ever that otherworldly limbo space is. But he choses Honey. It's almost like he's saying his final goodbye to his old love. He's letting her go. He's finally allowing himself to start to close the door on that heartbreaking chapter of his life. Waking up is going to cause so much pain but all that pain will be worth it if he can spent another second with Honey, keep her safe, and finish what he started. "It breaks his heart and makes him whole." I'm not crying, you are.

2: Eddie and Miles. I love that Eddie calls out exactly what Miles is. A child. A sixteen year old child. No one else really seems to be grasping that concept or doing much about it. I'm sure they've vaguely tried but probably not very hard. I bet a lot of it stems from the fact that most of them probs got into the line of throwing yourself into danger at a young age too. But then there's Eddie. Who's angry that Miles is even here. He seems to be the most reasonable out of everyone. The voice of reason that no one listens to. That's how I view Eddie.

"Some people only know how to love by how much they suffer." Eddie: The Unwanted Therapist of the Group. This line stood out to me. I reread it about ten times. I stayed on it. I savored it. I let it sink into my skin. It rang far too true and too close to home for my liking. I could go to therapy for years to get this kind of clarity and then here's Liz and Eddie, slapping me in the face with some hard truths. I don't really know what else I want to say about that line but it now lives in my heart. I like it. That's all.

AND THEN Miles cries after their argument/conversation/hard truths because he's a young boy who just wants to please the people he looks up to. And cue the second time tears blurred my vision. I get way to invested into characterization and their motivations for everything and reasons behind every single little action and I get far too connected to them and pour my heart and soul into them and then I destroy myself as I live through them. Always have been a whore for good character development and always will be.

3: Peter and Honey. "When it was too quiet, she was left with nothing but the parroting mockery of her inner dialogue." I'm going to be hipster for a second so bear with me. Back in 2013 when Twenty One Pilots released their Vessel album, before they got super mainstream, the first time I ever heard the song Car Radio, it felt like someone was putting my mental illness into words I could fully relate to. Tyler's car radio is stolen and now he is forced to sit in silence as he drives with only his thoughts for company and his thoughts want to lead him to committing suicide. There is something so connecting to people who share mental health issues with each other. I could never meet a person but they could relate to me in a way that no one in my personal circle could. Sitting in silence when you're someone with trauma is the equivalent to someone screaming horrible profanities at you until you can't take it anymore. Honey is in that same boat. Therefore, I feel like I can see her, peering inside of her brain, to understand every single action that she has taken up to this point. i know I'm speaking about a fiction character but I think that's what good literature should make you do. I want to go back and trace every single step, every tiny action, every word said and every word unsaid to be able to form a complete picture of a character. That's my favorite thing to do. It's why I loved my english classes so much. Let me take an imaginary person and make them real inside my head. Let me bring them to life with through your writing. I don't just want to read a story, I want to experience it fully and completely. I want to live inside of it. I want my life to disappear as I read your beautifully crafted words.

I'm skipping around a little bit, this happens a bit later but ties in: Silence—always jabbering, when will you ever shut up?—it was deafening. Driving her insane.

I think this is the first time in a while that we, as the audience, have heard that side of Honey's shameful voice breaking through her thoughts. It used to happen all the time earlier on. Then it dulled down for a bit. But now it's back. The guilt is too strong. Her negative thoughts are winning. That demeaning voice in her head is back with vengeance. She's falling back into her old ways and I wanted to point that out because I'm going to bring it up later with Miguel but it also fit in nicely with the "silence is deafening" part I was just talking about.

“There wasn’t anywhere else I wanted to be.” 

The truth sounded strange coming from her lips, shamefully. As she met Peter’s eyes, he watched her sullenly as if he were thinking the same thing.

I really like the use of the word "sullenly" here. It's not a joyous reunion. Sure, he came back from the dead for her. She's happy he's alive. They're both silently agreeing that this is where they want to be. But it's not happy. There's still too much guilt. I'm sure when Peter looks at her right now, he's only seeing the flashback of her holding a gun to her head. He's realizing the extent of her trauma. He's realizing exactly what he missed and how badly he fucked up by missing the signs. He'll blame himself for that because, like Eddie said, the dude like to suffer for those he loves. They are there with each other, where they want to be, but there is a heavy air of morose still lingering between them. Things that need to be talked out but can't yet. A silent weight hanging over them.

Peter has a narcissistic side to him. Not in the typical way that he's obsessed with himself and thinks he's better than everyone but that he thinks everything is his fault. Idk if calling that narcissistic is the right word but it's the only one I could think of right now so I'm going with it. "Honey was running from me" "I'm the bad guy" "She's scared of me" "Me, me, me, me, me" He's too obsessed with making himself suffer that he failed to see past that. It once again ties into what therapist Eddie said. Woe is me. I need to suffer. I don't deserve love. Me, Me, Me, Me, everything is about me and how badly I hurt. Not once thinking that maybe Honey has actual, deeper, scarier problems than himself. So much so that he knew John was involved with her in some way and he still brought him into his home. (im waiting for you to reply to this, i dont remember if this is this is true or not but if its not then ignore this yelling).

“Makes sense—why you never trusted me.” The corners of his mouth twisted downward as his eyes went glossy. Heartbreak flayed his voice. “He’s what you see when you look at me.” 

This is what I mean but his narcissism. He's still not really fully thinking about Honey and the trauma she went through but instead throwing himself a pity party. It makes her have to grovel and beg that it's not true when she really shouldn't have to. I think it's a nice touch because this relationship has always had a toxic air to it (that's an understatement lol) but that's what makes it real to me. If you were writing about the perfect, ideal couple without any issues then it would be boring af. Real life couples have toxic traits and issues that need to be worked on. They have mental illness and baggage. They aren't perfect. They fuck up and make mistakes, big and small. It's all about deciding what is worth sticking around for and what is working changing. Peter's narcissism is not the same as John's (once again, still don't know if I'm even using that word correctly). Peter's can be corrected and changed over time. He can heal and grow and learn. John can not. That right there lies in one of the biggest differences between the two. One of them is worthy of change and willing to do so and the other couldn't even comprehend the idea change if he wanted to. They are not the same.

Love, ya dummy.

And he isn't. Peter isn't like anyone else. Good or bad. He's an enigma. And so is she, in a way. They both hide themselves close to their heart. They both put on faces for the world to see them a certain way. They both have cold darkness inside of them and burning light. They are two halves a whole.

4: Miguel's questioning. This is the part that really fucked me up the first time I read it but that was my own issues coming into play. I really lived through Honey too closely for this that I had to take a step back and get control over myself. Sometimes I attach a little too deep to characters I love and I struggle to separate them from myself. I feel when they do and replace my feelings with theirs. It's a weird dissociation thing I've been doing since I was a kid and I'm working on it in therapy okay. ANYWAY this hurt me too much.

To me, Honey is super fragile right now. She was literally just about to kill herself a couple hours ago. Her bad thoughts are bad (see back to the negative thinking during the silence points). Her guilt is too strong. In Miguel's eyes, he sees this as her fault. In Honey's eyes right now, she sees this as her fault. She is not blameless but she is a pawn in a bigger game. Her entire life she has been used by people "stronger" than her. It started with her mother, moved onto John, then ended with Peter (who also used her as a pawn at times). Manipulated, used, discarded, abused, beaten, torn down. That's what Honey has been used to her entire life.

She is a rat but a rat who has known nothing but abuse and violence Dogs who are bread from puppies to do nothing but fight are going to continuing fighting because that's the only way of survival they know. Sorry to compare you to a dog, Honey, ily. Her survival mode is all she knows. Now that any little shred of safety net has been snatched from her, she is spiraling deeper into the darker, guilty parts of her mind.

And Miguel only helps to push her there. I know he's thinking of the safety of the people in his group. I understand exactly his side and his point and where he is coming from. But it hurts my heart in a way that I can't properly describe.

Mercilessly, he drove right through whatever shield may have existed. “You stabbed us in the back!” he accused, pointing his finger at her. “You were offered multiple chances to come clean, but you refused, and people died. You could’ve done the right thing, but you didn’t. So I’m sorry if I’m not as sensitive to your predicament.”

Like "hey let's push the suicidal girl deeper into the darkness because I'm pissed off" and it makes me sad and if Peter was fully with it, I think Miguel would have been in trouble. "Not as sensitive to your predicament" aka "I don't give a shit that you were so physically and mentally abused and raped and broken by an evil, psychotic man because you tattled on us boohoo"

I wanna scream at him that you're all a bunch of mobsters. Everyone is gonna stab you in the back. You think those random ass guards you employ are gonna be loyal to ya?? (okay I have the foresight of the future but still) This shit is gonna happen! You're dirty, scheming mobsters. This is the life ya chose. Fucking get over it and stop whining lol She's just a random ass woman from a coffee shop. She is not your enemy.

I think why it upset me so much is because if I was Honey, that would have just pushed me back into my suicidal thoughts so hard and I get so protective over that.

And then there's Felicia with the voice of reason.

Felicia fixed sorrowful eyes on her. “Hobie’s death wasn’t on you,” she softly explained. “Between Fisk and the Feds, there are some hefty prices on our heads. Money like that makes loyalty difficult. That night, it didn’t matter what info you had. It was one of our guys that helped pull the trigger. Most of the time, we’re pretty good at picking out the bad apples. Not always.”

Her and Eddie are the real heroes of this story. They are mobsters. Death and back stabbing is the life they chose. It's part of the game. It's not the fault of an abused woman who was dragged into this without her consent.

God, I would literally go to war for Honey jfc I gotta calm down.

5. The battle. Peter waking up from a half dead state to go into full protection mode mmm good shit. Reminds of Joel and Ellie in ep6 of The Last of the Us. "Hello, yes, I am on death's door and I can not move or form coherent thoughts.....wait....the one things I give a shit about is in danger?? Never mind I'm up and ready to murder the entire world!"

I like that Honey's dissociation comes into play multiple times throughout this story. It's so on point for people with trauma. Scary shit happening? Nope. Go to a different place and now everything is okay and nothing is scary and I feel nothing.

There's this wonderful moment where the chaos is going on and raging around them but Peter and Honey are locked in this embrace. A protective bubble formed around them. Reminds me of this picture a lil bit.

The second Peter leaves her, Eddie is right there to take over. Or to try to, at least. It's his voice that pulls her back away from Peter's disappearance. Their friendship is pure and good and you're going to destroy me but we aren't there yet so let's enjoy and appreciate alive Eddie while we still can.

Fucking Helen, jfc.

Honey's protectiveness over Miles. Once again, he's just a kid in the middle of a war. It's sad and heartbreaking.

On a different note, you are so good at writing action where there is nothing but pure chaos going on in every which direction. I don't think anything will ever beat the tunnel scene in heat of the moment but this is a close second.

Honey throwing her shoe to confuse/distract a man about to kill Johnny is the most hilariously beautiful moment. A perfect blend of comedic tension to break through the horrors.

“Now it’s them or him,” Jess declared firmly, jerking her forehead towards Johnny. “You choose.”

Okay, this, mixed with what we know about chapter 20...*chefs kiss* I don't know if this was intention or a happy accident but yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Good good. I like.

Ah, yes, here comes my favorite part. You scalp that asshole, baby, you're doing so good. Mama loves you. Such a good boy.

The monster turned human again with a single glance at the one he loves. The beauty and the beast. My favorite trope. Honey is the one who humanizes him. Honey is his heart and his soul. She is his guiding light, his north star, the one he looks too to keep him grounded. And she's not afraid. She loves him. All of him. Both the man and the monster. The Jekyll and the Hyde. He is hers to keep. Ya I'm crying again whatever

"Are you hurt?" "I lost my shoe." I know it's the pure shock talking but holy shit I love her.

Johnny "I saw it over there...I'm okay too...thanks for asking" Storm.

6. Eddie. I don't have much to say. There's not much to be said. His death saved the kid. He sacrificed himself for someone who was too young to be there. I hope Mile's doesn't let that sacrifice go to waste. I hope he can see exactly what it is he is in and what this life leads to. Eddie is the hero. He is the heart. The voice of reason. The one people overlook. He's a loyal friend. He's a good man and I hope he gets to finally rest in peace.

Look, I wrote you a novel and I'm not rereading it bc it's so long and I have a horrible tendency to forget words when I get too excited and type too fast so I apologize if some of this is completely unreadable but I think you're great and that's all.

sugar and vice, pt. 19 [mob!tasm!peter x fem!reader]

summary: your sins will find you, eventually.

words: 10.3 k

chapter warning: heavy chapter warnings for dire!whumpy situations, death, g0re, g!uns, vi0lence!

series warnings: mob-typical bang bang violence, wh-mp. hurt/comfort. s-xu-l situations. spousal ab-se. family trauma. dr-g use. coercion. manipulation. kidnapping. gore. blood. toxic/yandere!peter (maybe, sorta), negative self talk, shameless forced proximity trope. ‘only ten one bed oops’ trope, imprisonment. slowest burn. a dash of questionable and/or morally grey intentions. extremely toxic relationships.

This version of TASM Peter is not canon. The relationships and characters here are not healthy.

Don't date a mob boss.™️

18+ You’re responsible for your own media consumption, but if you don't remember anyone having to figure out who else was on the landline so you could use the phone, then have you really lived? maybe wait on this one.

Back to Part 18.

Part 19

“Peter, wake up.”

The voice he could hear wasn’t his own. It was soft. Feminine. Gentle, like being awoken from a dream. He was comfortable wherever he was. He didn’t want to wake up.

“Peter, wake up,” the voice implored.

The sound of it made his heart ache. How could such a comforting sound cause him so much pain? ‘Bittersweet’ wasn’t the right expression. ‘Blissful agony’ was more accurate.

“Peter,” he heard again, the tones of the gentle voice pulling him from a dreamless slumber. Then, just like a dream, the voice faded into the abyss with a whisper. 

“Hold on...”

Heaven, he thought. He was in Heaven.

The sound of her voice made him want to fall down and worship. Made him want to die. 

“Gwen...” he mumbled—perhaps only in his own mind. He couldn’t move his lips. Couldn’t feel anything anymore. 

What a blessed relief.

His heart throbbed as he felt himself flying. He wasn’t sure if he was sinking or soaring, but it was all so fast. All out of his control.

“You can let go now.”

“Grab ‘em!”

Gwen?

“Get ‘em up on the gurney!”

“It’s time, Peter. Time to go home.”

What do you mean by ‘home’? You’re my home. You’re my path.

“C’mon, Pete, don’t you fuckin’ do this—”

“Is he breathing?”

“I can’t find a pulse. I need the paddles.”

“Jesus Christ, Pete...”

“It’s okay, Peter. You can rest now.”

“Goddamnit—wake up, man.”

“CHARGING. STAND CLEAR.”

“Clear!”

A stab to his chest. A bite to the back of his neck.

“Hit ‘em again—clear!”

His whole body jolts. He’s sticking to the ceiling of a subway car.

“You have a choice, Peter. You don’t have to go back there.”

I want to stay with you, Gwen. I don’t wanna leave.

“Clear!” 

His skin is on fire. Electricity ravages every muscle in his body. It sears his flesh and scrambles his brain. And all he can see is a pair of sparkling eyes.

Her eyes.

“Stay with me, Peter.”

“Pete, stay with us!”

“We can be together, finally. Like we were meant to be. They can go on without you.”

Her eyes. Beautiful, glittering eyes, full of warmth and sunlight. Sweet. Eyes like Honey.

“Goddamn it!” —“Again!” —“C’mon, Spidey!”—“Clear!”

The web catches Gwen by the chest, but it’s too late. It was always too late.

“Peter, please. Please. You can’t do this. You can’t do this right now.”

There is rapid whispering—murmuring, like a desperate prayer. But it’s not Gwen’s voice that he hears. It’s a voice that makes his chest ache just as much.

“I’m so sorry. I’m sorry about everything.”

“You need to wake up, Peter.”

“Please, baby, please wake up. I’m so sorry. Just please stay with me.”

I can’t. I can’t go with you, Gwen.

“Peter, don’t do this.”

“Please just come back—”

“Why would you want to go back?”

“I need you... I need you to wake up.”

She needs me. Miles needs me. My family — my family needs me. I need to be with them. 

A pair of green eyes are staring at him, but not in anger. Instead, there’s understanding. There’s compassion. There’s a hint of pride within the emerald hues.

“Peter, please, I’m sorry. Please come back to me.”

I need them. I need to make this right.

From her cloud in Heaven, she smiles at him. It breaks his heart and makes him whole.

“Clear!”

The next jolt racks his brain and yanks his consciousness from the abyss. He’s reborn again, blood-covered, gasping, and sputtering on a gurney surrounded by worried faces. Every muscle in his body spasms. His heart groans as it flutters back to life. Air slices through his lungs like razor blades. He coughs and shudders, shrinking away from the harsh light of the living.

“Thank fuck!” he hears a hiss from next to him. It’s Eddie. How did Eddie get here?

He pried his eyes open, pupils adjusting to the light. 

Eddie was looking down at him, hazel-gray eyes full of joyful tears. “Don’t you ever do that again, you crazy bastard,” he chuckled. Two giant hands wrapped around Peter’s face as he embraced him lovingly.

Peter’s focus shifted as more faces came into view. 

Helen Cho stood above him as she worked the pump of a blood pressure device cuffed around his bicep. She paused only briefly to wipe sweat from her brow. Miguel leaned back against a wall with eyes closed and face pale as if he was moments from throwing up. Felicia leaned over him, glaring at him with relief and fury. He couldn’t tell if the smirk that appeared was from the joy of his survival or glee from plotting his future demise. Each of them looked like they had run a marathon. 

Peter’s left hand suddenly felt warm. His eyes shifted in its direction, and he followed the small hand barely covering his own. 

There she is, he thought. The eyes that brought him back from the dead.

His Honey.

The kind eyes of the woman he fell in love with—against all odds, toppling all of his defenses—were fixed on him. They shimmered with tears as she struggled to keep a steady lip, gazing down at him like he was a miracle. She held his hand tightly as if afraid to let go. He was certain she was holding onto him with the intent of grounding him, but it looked the opposite. Instead, she looked overwhelmed with relief and on the verge of collapsing into a heap of sobbing gratitude.

Oddly enough, on the edge of life and death, he was the one who felt lucky. He felt contentment with the heat of her palm over his hand. He found peace in the loving look in her eyes. 

He found a hope worth holding on to.

They were almost too late, Honey thought. 

They found Peter exactly where Felicia thought he would be, more or less. Near Long Island City, not far from the Ravenswood Power Station. At a clock tower with a broken face.

Peter was at the bottom on a pile of rubble. It was a horrifying sight. His broken form was covered in dirt and dust, blood trailing from his ears and nose. 

He was dead. He looked dead. She knew he had to be dead.

Suddenly, she couldn’t stand straight anymore. The air escaped her lungs, like a vacuum into space, as she stared at his motionless body. The sound evaporated and fragments of worried statements drifted by—goddamn you crazy sonofabitch—sweartogod you better be dead or i’ll kill ya—as Felicia and Eddie descended upon his body.

Blinking back tears, the vision of Peter’s corpse swam in her eyes. 

Her mind was elsewhere.

It was night. She was at the mountain retreat, sitting up in Peter’s bed. She leaned over him, carding her fingers through his hair. Her heart ached with sympathy, forehead furrowed with concern. He sobbed into her lap like a child, curled into the fetal position. 

That night, they would fall asleep hand-in-hand.

Her fingers twitched at the memory.

Hours had passed. She was sitting, perched anxiously on the back of a plastic bench, with arms wrapped tightly around herself and her eyes hawkishly observing the rise and fall of Peter’s chest.

They were in what Peter had referred to as “The Bunker.” 

It was the abandoned, unfinished ‘Roosevelt Ave.’ subway station beneath Queens. Inside the decrepit station of chipping, art deco arches, and web-covered, stained glass skylights, was a row of abandoned subway cars left to rust on a track. Unlike the rest of the station, they were buzzing with energy.

They had been modified and outfitted to serve different purposes. One car held a weapons storage cache, a server room in the next, a sleeping and dining car lined with several cots and booths, a laboratory with a mishmash of equipment from the 1990s, and finally, a medical bay, which they were in.

Peter was unconscious. His body was bloodied and bruised, stretched out in a gurney, hooked up to IVs, wires, and electrodes. Monitors beeped around him, as fluid bags slowly drained into his system.

He looked like he’d been run over by a tank. 

Whatever Peter attempted to do at the clock tower, it appeared as if he’d broken himself trying to do it. 

A watercolor portrait of purples, reds, and blues covered the pale canvas of his torso. It looked as if the entity—Venom, as Eddie called it—had been ripped from his body, pulled out through his pores. In its wake, it laid waste to his flesh, leaving bruises that bubbled under his skin and stained his complexion in blackberry tones.

Peter had fallen unconscious just a few seconds after being revived. Dr. Cho informed the group that he still had a pulse, but she was uncertain how long it would take him to wake up again. 

Or if he would. She didn’t have to say the part they were all already thinking about.

At the moment, he was sleeping, and Honey felt obligated to watch over him. His eyes twitched behind his lids, and she wondered what he was dreaming about or if he was dreaming at all. And if he was dreaming, she hoped it was a good dream. 

Selfishly, she hoped she was in it. However, a familiar, bitter voice assured her that her presence would technically make it a nightmare.

Whatever anger she held, the boiling contempt fueled by her paranoia and fear, evaporated once she saw Peter’s broken body. It was a confusing whiplash of emotions—to want to shoot someone one moment and to weep over their corpse the next. She resented the conflict in her mind but understood the clarity of her heart. 

She loved Peter. Without a doubt. 

Whether that was a good or bad thing, she wasn’t sure. She’d been wrong about such things before. 

But now, she wasn’t focused on the dark thoughts rousing suspicion in her mind. Instead, she was focused solely on his eyes, the way they shifted beneath the eyelids as he slept. She pictured their golden hue, indistinguishable from sunlight. She envisioned charting the constellation of beauty marks on his body. Kissing the tiny wrinkles at the corners of his eyes that formed whenever he smiled. Worshipping the artistry with which the gods carved out his jaw and molded his features.

She only looked up from her dutiful watch when she recognized Miles’ voice. Her eyes darted over as the teen emerged through the sliding doors. He was winded like he’d been running. Ripping off his beanie, his mocha eyes were wide with terror as he gazed at Peter’s state.

“Miles,” Felicia breathed a sigh of relief, alerting the others to his presence. He locked his worried gaze on his mentor. Other anxious faces occupied the back of the car as Johnny followed behind Miles and joined Miguel and Eddie. 

“You shoulda called me,” he protested with indignation. The complaint was directed at everyone. “Why didn’t you let me know what was goin’ on? I coulda been there to help!”

“Honestly,” Felicia answered with an exasperated sigh, “I didn’t know what we’d find. Wasn’t ready to deal with that.”

“That’s bullshit,” Miles snidely argued. “One of y’all coulda died out there!” The tiniest crack formed in the tone of his voice. He clamped down on his jaw. “Pete coulda died out there! And, what, I was just supposed to sit around—?”

“And stay alive,” Eddie muttered under his breath. He sat with arms and ankles crossed across a subway bench. They turned to him, Miles fixing him with a scolding look, but Eddie didn’t shrink away. “That’s the whole point of this, kid.”

Miles’s eyes flashed lividly. “Call me ‘kid’ one more time—”

“That’s what you are!” Eddie snapped back, overcome with frustration. “Jesus Christ, you’re sixteen! Can you blame him for tryin’ to let you just be a kid for a little while longer?”

“Mira pendejo, I don’t need you to tell me—”

“No, Pete should tell you!” Eddie growled, cutting Miles off. The beefy man stood abruptly, striding towards the teen. “But since he might not ever wake up again, I’ll speak on his behalf! So shut up and listen!”

Miles snapped his mouth shut, though his eyes screamed lividly. The scowl on his youthful face made it look like he’d bitten off his own tongue. Eddie leered closer, making the teen puff up his chest, looking up only an inch to meet Eddie’s eyes.

“The world is shit,” the older man said, undeterred by Miles’ bravado. “I know it. You know it. Pete knows it better than anyone. Your uncle dragged you into this mess, but Peter tried to give you a way out. Away from all this crap. Away from Fisk. That’s why he took on the Symbiote! Not because he was chasing a high, not because he was on some power trip—he did it because he loves you, kid.”

“By almost gettin’ himself killed?” Miles snapped back. “That’s his love language? That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard!”

“Yeah, well,” Eddie grumbled with a frown. Even he understood that Miles was right about that. “Some people only know how to love by how much they suffer.” He paused momentarily, keeping a stern expression while trying to conceal how much the statement resonated with him. “You either die a hero or live to see yourself become the villain. Pete doesn’t want this life for you. Trust me. You don’t want it either.”

“How do you know that, huh?” Miles said through gritted teeth. His eyes shimmered in the greenish lights of the subway car. “How do you know what I want—how does he? He doesn’t get to make my choices for me. Maybe I wanna decide for myself! Just like he did!”

His hazel-gray eyes drooped as he quietly contemplated the boy’s statement. “You do have a choice, kid,” he said, sorrow etching his features. “Just like he did.” The flared tempers simmering beneath the surface had burned off, leaving only a painful discourse behind. “And he wanted you to do better.” 

Miles fell silent. His chest pumped slowly as he glared up at Eddie, jaw tensed. Cords tightened along the side of his neck, pulled taut by stubborn rage. Heat built up behind his eyelids, pushed along by tears threatening to break free. He sniffed, angrily wiping at his face, trying and failing to remain stern. 

For his part, Eddie took no satisfaction in Miles’ inability to argue further. The train station was silent. From her vantage point, Honey could see the boy’s lower lip begin to quiver before he angrily bit down on it. Felicia stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Miles, albeit awkwardly. 

As soon as her arms circled him, the teen’s resolve collapsed like a house of cards. His face crumpled, lines skewing his expression, and he buried his face into Felicia’s neck. Miles’ shoulders shook as sobs racked through his body. 

As she watched, Honey realized she was crying along with him. 

Hours passed.

More of the Spiders arrived. 

Noir made an appearance but kept himself scarce. One look at Peter’s proximity to death and he spared himself from the stages of grief that would inevitably follow. 

The woman Honey heard be referred to as “Redback” and “Jess Drew” arrived shortly after. She held an air of graceful authority and cautious collectedness. Although her composure was betrayed by the sight of her chewing her lower lip as Jess observed Peter. After that, she stayed away from the medical car, preoccupied with Miguel and Felicia as they discussed strategy.

The biggest surprise was the fleeting glimpse of a woman Honey had never seen. First, she saw quick movement behind the dirty subway windows. Then, a blurry silhouette zoomed across the rear exit between the cars. Finally, the doors slid open, and a pair of dark eyes blinked in her direction. A Victory roll of thick black hair pinned on the crown of her head poked out from behind the seat. As she leaned in, curtains of straight black hair cascaded off her shoulders in a pointedly-vintage 1950s style. The stranger spied on them, glancing worriedly at Peter and warily at Honey.

She was a twitchy, young-looking woman with an oval face and glittering eyes. For a gangster, her mostly-black outfit was more reminiscent of West Side Story than The Godfather. In true Rockabilly fashion, she wore a motorcycle jacket over a feminine red-and-white polka dot tank top, black skinny jeans, combat boots, and a bright cherry lip stain. 

“Um... hello?” Honey asked with a shaky voice, unsure how to respond to whatever she was doing.

“I know who you are,” the woman called back from the shadows, still not fully entering the car. 

Honey blinked. “Oh... kay...?”

“You never met me,” the woman affirmed, “if anyone ever asks you.”

“Um... I’m pretty sure I haven’t anyway.”

“Peni,” the voice called from the shadows. Only then did a face appear for longer than a few seconds. “I’ve watched you on camera. Hi.”

She almost did a double-take at the blunt information. Miles had mentioned the name ‘Peni’ before when referring to the team’s ‘tech nerd.’ But, whatever Honey was expecting, this wasn’t it.

As quickly as the introduction was made, it was over. Peni disappeared from view, the doors closing.

Once again alone with Peter, she stared at the empty doorway. “Hi.”

Honey was never good with silence. When it was too quiet, she was left with nothing but the parroting mockery of her inner dialogue. She recounted every word she said to Peter before the monster took over. She told him everything, and the fact that there was nothing to hide behind anymore terrified her. 

What would he think of her now?

What did she think of herself? What did she think of Peter? And what would be the first thing she would say to him if she ever got the chance? 

Just as her eyes began to blur for the dozenth time that hour, she spotted that the chance had arrived. 

She held her breath. “Peter?” 

The injured man stirred gently, lungs shakily taking in the stale air. The orbs of his eyes swam behind tightly-closed lids that were stained purple. A breathless groan crawled out of his throat. 

Awe-struck, a short chuckle escaped her suddenly, with tiny tears budding in the corners of her eyes. “Hey...” she sharply exhaled, tightening her lips to keep them from trembling. One hand tightened around his fingers while the other covered her heart. “Peter... I’m—” She swallowed hard, her tongue twisted around nothing, tears dripping past her widening grin. “Hi.”

The slightest movement of his head triggered a grimace. Gently, he pried his eyelids open, like awakening from a 1,000-year sleep. She fought the urge to erupt into gleeful laughter as he laid eyes on her. Joy washed over her, sweeping her along a river of relief.

She blinked away her tears as she lost herself in the soft hue of his eyes, mesmerized by the facets of cognac and smoky quartz that rested tiredly on hers. They were, without a doubt, the most beautiful eyes she’d ever seen.

A crease formed between his thick brows. “Are you here?” he murmured in a wary voice.

The smile slipped off her face at his question, eyes blinking rapidly. “I’m-I’m here.” His face didn’t soften. She suddenly thought of awful soap operas where a lead character wakes up from a coma and is stricken with amnesia. The thought stirred fear in her, followed by confusion. “I’m... right here.” Would things be better if he didn’t know who she was? 

Silence. He studied her. She observed the color of his eyes dim somberly. Sadness pulled at the corners of his mouth. It twisted her heart. 

He remembered her, alright.

“Why?” he croaked.

She took in a sharp breath as if a needle had stabbed her. She was shocked by the question, and in her confusion, it afforded her time to think about it.

Why was she here?

Only a dozen hours ago, she wanted to shoot him dead. Just an hour before that, she wanted to lay in the warmth of his arms forever. A handful of months before that, she was his prisoner.

Their relationship had changed so many times her mind couldn’t keep up with what her heart was feeling. Pure instinct drove her actions, for better or for worse.

But since all of her darkest secrets spilled forth from her mouth, and Venom spilled forth from Peter’s darkness, everyone had been focused solely on bringing Peter home safely. Herself included. Once Peter had been found, no one explicitly told her to follow them to the Bunker.

Instead of doing the thing she was most comfortable doing— running— she had remained at Peter’s side. 

What’s that about?

A million answers swirled — I was forced to be here, I was afraid to be left behind, I had nowhere else to go — but none of them seemed right. Finally, Honey found a response that made sense. Her instincts dictated her words.

“There wasn’t anywhere else I wanted to be.” 

The truth sounded strange coming from her lips, shamefully. As she met Peter’s eyes, he watched her sullenly as if he were thinking the same thing.

Silence returned. The ever-present foe was broken only by a shaky cough rattling Peter’s bones. The look on his face suggested that every breath was agony. 

Silence—always jabbering, when will you ever shut up?—it was deafening. Driving her insane.

“Dr. Cho wasn’t sure if—” She stopped short, anxiously rephrasing her sentence, “Um, wasn’t, uh—wasn’t sure when you’d wake up.” Her free hand rubbed her knee. The statement left her queasy. “I didn’t want you to be alone when you did.”

His lashes fluttered open, eyes full of melancholy as they rested on her. “Sweet girl.”

She gripped his hand and sat inches away, but it felt more like lightyears. It was as if Peter had died in the fall, and all that was left was a shell. The coldness of each moment pierced her heart further. Yet, despite this, she lifted her chin with resolve.

“I, um... I know it technically makes me a hypocrite,” she began softly, “but I’m trying not to be mad that you tried to get rid of the Symbiote alone.” She met his eyes with a sad gaze. “You coulda died.”

He watched her with an unreadable expression.

“I know it’s not fair for me to be angry,” Honey reasoned, swallowing down her emotion. “But when I thought you were gonna die, I was mad. And then I was sad. And scared. Maybe more scared than anything.”

His eyes drifted downcast towards his feet. “M’sorry.”

“Me too. What I did—it was... it was bad—”

“I didn’t know.”

She knitted her brows together. “Didn’t know I was sorry? Or didn’t know it was bad—?”

“Didn’t know...” he replied with a weak tone, “...what he did to you.” 

Her jaw clenched tightly as heat rushed to her cheeks. She had wanted to talk but was now regretting it. She wasn’t sure if she was ready for that discussion. 

Peter’s eyelids were heavy with exhaustion, forehead creased with sorrow. “Didn’t know what you were runnin’ from. Thought it was me. But it was him.” 

Tears brimmed as she gazed down at him. A frigid smile stretched his lips—the kind that doesn’t warm the eyes. Bitterness and sorrow weighed down his expression.

“Makes sense—why you never trusted me.” The corners of his mouth twisted downward as his eyes went glossy. Heartbreak flayed his voice. “He’s what you see when you look at me.” 

He mumbled it aloud, but he wasn’t speaking to her. Instead, he was lost in a prison with bars of guilt and locks of self-loathing. 

His misery cut through her like a knife to her heart. Irony mocked her. Earlier that day, she foolishly almost killed herself over the idea that Peter and John were the same. But, facing Peter in the present, she couldn’t think of anything further from the truth.

“No!” she stuttered in distress. “No-n—Peter, that’s not—I don’t, I swear I don’t.” 

Remorsefully, she shook her head, welling with tears. He met her eyes again, and all she could see was despair. It was like watching a ship sink into the ocean. Like watching someone she loved drown before her eyes.

Loved.

“Peter,” she whimpered, jaw wobbling, “I... you don’t...I don’t....” Her inability to communicate infuriated her. Impatiently, she thrust the words out, “I-I love y—”

“Don’t say it,” he whispered, voice strained. He snapped his eyes shut, tearing her from his sight. “Please don’t.” It was the most desperate of pleas. 

“Don’t say anything.” His voice broke on the last word. A flood spilled past the gates of his lids, rolling over whatever strength he had left. “Whether it's true or not, I don’t think I know what’s real anymore.”

Her soul shattered at his admission, and she could only nod. The trust between them— what little bit there had ever been— was broken beyond repair. No fixing it this time.

“Holy shit—he’s awake!” 

She heard Johnny’s voice over her shoulder, reminding her of where they were. She looked over at Johnny, standing in the doorway of the sliding emergency exit, as he called out to the adjacent car. “Doc! He’s awake!” 

Within several seconds, the car was flooded with excitement. Honey sheepishly wiped her tears away, back straightening, as bodies crowded around her. Felicia and Miles were closest to Peter, followed by Eddie and Miguel. Johnny leaped over a bench seat to join the pandemonium from the other side. Helen pushed toward the front after Felicia ordered the group to make way. 

Reluctantly, Honey released his hand, standing up to give Helen her place at his side.

The doctor immediately went to work with a flashlight beaming in Peter’s eyes and her fingers on his pulse, asking him how he was feeling. 

“Living the dream,” he weakly replied, with no lack of sarcasm.

“You’re lucky to be living at all,” Helen remarked coldly. “Anyone else taking a fall like that would’ve been a splatter on the pavement.”

Honey faintly responded out of earshot, her voice mouselike and thick with grief. “He’s nothing like everyone else.”

In the early stages of dawn, Honey was in the dining car surrounded by the others. Peter had passed out soon after he awakened. He slept soundly in the medical car under Helen’s observation. The doctor explained that the best thing for him would be to let him rest. Moving him would be dangerous.

Miguel pointed out that they were compromised, so there was nowhere safe to move him.

With that grim frustration, he questioned Honey before the rest of the gang. It was difficult to talk about her trauma. It was even harder to admit her betrayal to those she knew best. It was torture to talk about both things in front of everyone—strangers, like Jess and Noir, or Johnny, now catching up on what he’d missed earlier. Or Miles—especially Miles.

Part of her wanted to be offended by the interrogation's coldness and Miguel’s gruff tone. Who was he to treat her like she was a criminal? 

But as soon as that defensiveness reared inside her, she cut it down. She was a rat, but did she have to be a hypocrite, too?

“Tell me again,” Miguel demanded firmly. “What else did you tell Walker?”

Honey slumped down in the bench seat with her arms folded. “Names,” she grumbled bitterly. “Times.” 

With each answer, she felt her skin burning from the rising heat of contempt. There was no more hiding from it. The most she could do was be as honest as possible. 

She resigned herself to scrutiny as an act of penance. “Who came and went. When they went. Where they were going. Locations.” 

Miguel’s eyes went wide with alarm. “Did you tell him about this place?”

“No,” she bit back. “I didn’t even know this place existed.”

Unsatisfied, he glowered, “When did you last talk to him?”

“I didn’t talk to him—”

“Then how did you communicate?”

“Give it a rest, Miguel,” Felicia scowled, unimpressed by his ‘bad cop’ persona. 

Honey didn’t feel like she was on Felicia’s good side either, but she did feel somewhat shielded by her presence. 

Mercilessly, he drove right through whatever shield may have existed. “You stabbed us in the back!” he accused, pointing his finger at her. “You were offered multiple chances to come clean, but you refused, and people died. You could’ve done the right thing, but you didn’t. So I’m sorry if I’m not as sensitive to your predicament.”

Shame filled her face as she cast her eyes downward. Nothing could shield her from the guilt. 

“That’s enough,” Felicia said, shooting impatient eyes at Miguel.

“Not until we know our people are safe!”

“I said ‘enough’!”

Miguel took a step back. Felicia didn’t raise her voice often, but it felt like the ground itself shook. Her eyes flashed red as she skewered him with her gaze. Quietly fuming, he glared at his superior and then stormed off.

Tiredly, Felicia sighed. “Where are we with backup?” she asked, pressing her lips into a firm line. “Who’s checked in?”

“Peni’s running comms,” Jessica replied. “Pinging everyone’s GPS now.”

Eddie mumbled through a tired yawn, “You got GPS trackers on everybody?”

“On the phones,” Miles explained. “She hacks the OS before we hand them out. Allows her to access them remotely.”

Idly, he scratched at the scruff on his face, replying, “What’s the point in that?” Then, a loud squelch from the overhead PA system erupted. Eddie nearly jumped out of his skin as if God herself were speaking.

“Means I can mine all your data and spy on you when you look up porn,” Peni’s voice echoed over the loudspeakers in the car, further startling Eddie.

“Jesus!” Eddie cursed. He hissed, eyes cast upwards at the speakers. “I don’t look up porn on the Spider phone!” 

Alarmed, Johnny whispered, “Can she really do that?”

“Can we please stay on task?!” Felicia glowered.

“Miguel’s right.”

The group refocused their attention on Honey. Her head was lowered, eyes glistening. “This is my fault,” she whispered sorrowfully, replaying the series of bad decisions that brought her to this point.

When she glanced back up, she was met with more silence. Painful, but not unkind.

“I, um... I don’t—I’m not good... with... trusting people,” she said sheepishly. “Not good with... letting anyone in.” She hesitated, her voice shaky as she breathed through the heartache. Patiently, the others were waiting for her to continue. 

“I... I know it’s not worth much, but I’m sorry.” She swallowed hard, her eyes rimmed with tears. “I’m sorry about Hobie,” she said with an expression like she had eaten glass. “I should’ve stopped this a long time ago.”

Felicia fixed sorrowful eyes on her. “Hobie’s death wasn’t on you,” she softly explained. “Between Fisk and the Feds, there are some hefty prices on our heads. Money like that makes loyalty difficult. That night, it didn’t matter what info you had. It was one of our guys that helped pull the trigger. Most of the time, we’re pretty good at picking out the bad apples. Not always.”

Honey stared up at her with furrowed brows, nodding graciously as she accepted the tiny reprieve from guilt.

“Plus, it helps to see everything everyone does with their phone when they’re in the bathroom.” The Voice of God chimed in again, but Peni was standing in the car's doorway this time. Eddie nearly clung to the ceiling with fright. 

“How are you doing that?!” he exclaimed.

Peni rolled her eyes incredulously. “By logging keystrokes, duh—”

“No, not that!” Eddie hissed.

“Not to mention, that’s a huge invasion of privacy,” said Johnny.

Eddie looked over at the tiny woman. “Do you have this place wired or something? Or bugged?”

“Wired?” their tech nerd scoffed. “Bugged? What do you think this is, Goodfellas?”

“Good movie,” Noir stated firmly. 

“That’s the one with Leo, right?” Miles asked.

Johnny blanched at the teen’s response. “Wait, what did you just say—???”

“For your information, Eddie, I don’t have to plant microphones to hear your conversation,” Peni arrogantly teased, nose in the air. “What do you even think phones are for, dummy?”

“Dude!” Johnny was still staring at Miles like he’d grown extra arms, the two of them squabbling. “Don’t tell me you’re confusing The Departed with Goodfellas—!” 

“Nah, man, that’s the one with the mumblin’ dude who's like ‘you come to me on the day of my daughter’s wedding—’”

Johnny’s voice soared to new heights. “That’s The Godfather!”

“He gave me a phone!” Blurting out with alarm, Honey shot up to her feet. 

Jess stared, brows furrowed with confusion. “I think we’re past that—”

“John gave me a phone!” she clarified, eyes darting to Felicia and Peni. “He told me to always have it on me... Jesus Christ! He was listening! The whole time— he could hear everything!” 

The rest stared in confusion while Honey grappled with the next horrifying thought. 

John heard everything. 

Every conversation. 

Every detail. 

Every secret.

He had everything.

“Oh God,” she breathed, face full of terror.

She paled at the memory of being in her bed, curled up in Peter’s arms as he divulged his deepest secrets. The phone that would damn them all was inches away, tucked securely in the box frame. 

He knows everything.

Her eyes went wide, filling with panic. “They’re coming—”

“Get down!” Peter's strained voice cracked through the silence.

A moment later, a cacophony of gunfire, pelted metal, and shattering glass surrounded them. Bodies hit the subway car floor like dominos, wedging between walls and beneath seats. Honey landed hard on her side, knocking the wind out of her. 

Screams rang out all around as glass rained down on them. Pops of automatic gunfire rolled on uninterrupted, like spokes on a wheel. Honey could feel tiny pinprick stings from shavings of metal and splintered plastic, like a wasp's nest had consumed the car. The exposed parts of her skin were battered with debris. As she cowered, a heavy weight dropped on her back.

The second she recognized the cinnamon and cedar scent, she opened her eyes in astonishment. Peter was there—fully awake, with wires and IVs still attached. He protected her, blanketing her with his body while she clutched him tight. She buried her face in his warmth while hell rained down around them. 

“Agghhhh!” — “Stay down!” — “Cat! Get back here!” — “Kill the lights!” — “There’s too many of ‘em...”

Voices called out frantically, rolled over by the crashing waves of gunfire. 

At a certain point, she wondered how long the guns were firing. Was it five minutes? Five years? The constant barrage of blamblamblam pierced her eardrums and rattled her bones, driving her insane with terror. Her heart must have outpaced the bullets. She felt Peter’s arms tighten around her, securing her to his chest. 

She focused on his body heat, his breath on her neck, and the vise of his arms. It was deja vu, eerily identical to the night he carried her away from Fisk’s garage. 

Her mind transported her away from the train back to that day. She trembled in the steaming water of the bathtub, trying to read his warm eyes— the color of caramel and chocolate and bourbon—while he diligently dabbed at the adhesive covering her mouth. The only roughness in his touch came from the calluses on his fingertips. 

She has no reason to trust him. But she does anyway.

His long, gentle fingers. They laid out a spread of plated charcuterie and sandwiches cut into triangles onto a picnic blanket overlooking a gorgeous vista of the Catskills. That’s where she is now. Nervously, he frets about the forgotten wine, pushing his fingers through his thick hair. He looks boyish and shy. 

She has every right to be terrified. But she isn’t.

She held Peter so tight she was concerned about breaking his bones and damaging him further. But she was incapable of prying her hands from him. No one could. 

There was no escaping this. They were trapped. Any moment now, everything would go black. Seconds away from the darkness. Centimeters from death. 

And there wasn’t anywhere else she wanted to be.

The gunfire let up for a few moments. A pocket of air in which to breathe.

“Goddamn it, it’s S.H.I.E.L.D.!” Miguel’s voice hollered from outside the car, although hearing him over the ringing in their ears was difficult.

Honey wasn’t listening anyway. She was listening to Peter’s voice as he crooned a heartachingly pure rendition of ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,’ a song she felt might as well have been written about them. 

“Honey, look at me.” His alarm brought her back to the present. He stared down at her, his eyes anxiously searching her face, while he hoisted himself above her on his forearms. 

The moment she locked eyes with his, tears filled her gaze. Fear, joy, desperation—it overwhelmed her, hitting her like a tidal wave. He was still injured, she noted. The skin on his face and exposed upper body were still marked up with bruises and minor cuts. But his eyes—the tang of oranges, the golden tint of an Old Fashioned—reflected how alive he was, despite his earlier outward appearance. 

Adrenaline surged through his body as he caged her with his forearms. By contrast, his voice was as soft as a feather. “Honey—talk to me.” He whispered, breathless with fear he was struggling to contain. His eyes regarded her like she was something intricate, delicate, and precious. “You okay?” 

Her lungs were empty. Her vision was blurred with tears. But she nodded quickly, her chin wobbling.

A glimmer of relief crossed his features as he caressed her cheek. “Okay, s’okay... you’re okay, I gotcha—” It was unclear who he was reassuring. “You’re gonna be okay, ’m gonna get you out.” 

She had no reason to trust him. But she did. Her head continued to nod, and a little hum escaped from her throat in agreement.

“Stay down, okay?” he said placatingly while his thumb brushed the delicate skin beneath her eye. “Stay right here. I’m comin’ back.” 

“No, please! Please don’t leave.”

“I’ll be right back—”

“I-I can’t, please, I can’t—”

“Yes, you can—”

“I can’t lose you!”

His breath hitched. She felt his heart skip beneath his chest. Adoration pooled in his eyes. “I’m coming back. I promise.” He kissed her forehead softly, allowing his gaze to linger just long enough for a reassuring half-smile.

She had no reason to believe him. But she had to.

Before she could protest, he pushed himself up to a low crouch. Then, in the blink of an eye, she watched him leap from the ground and cling to the ceiling of the subway car. Stunned, she watched him crawl barefoot to the emergency exit at the top of the train car. Then, silently and swiftly, he disappeared through the port hole.

“Nancy! Stay down!”

Eddie’s voice... and his silly, endearing nickname. She was still on her back on the floor. She glanced up to see an upside-down viewpoint of Eddie as he reached for her. Next to him, Johnny and Jessica took cover beneath the table. “Stay right there! I’m comin’ to you—”

Another barrage of gunfire erupted, and he flattened to the ground. A scream ripped out at the rear of the subway car. Honey glanced down to see Miles crumpling into a ball as bullet holes sliced through the metal dangerously close to his cowering form. Beside him, Helen dragged herself along the ground sluggishly. She was covered in blood.

“Miles!” Honey shrieked. Her body moved of its own accord. Jarring drum hits rang out from both sides as she army-crawled toward the teen. The gunfire began to become more sporadic, with more frequent pauses. 

“Reloading, let’s go!”

“The lights! The lights!”

Every inch felt like a mile, but she pushed on with her belly to the ground. She reached Miles first, pulling him to the ground and hugging his body closer to hers just as another wave hit. Honey guided Miles along the floor toward Helen as soon as it passed over. 

The woman gasped and sputtered as she writhed in pain. Blood soaked through her right side, from her torso to her thigh. Eyes horrified at the damage, Honey searched Helen’s face desperately.

“To-to-tuorn-tourniquet...” the doctor said through chattering teeth.

“Gimme your belt!” Honey said to Miles. “Stay flat!”

The teen diligently reached for his nylon belt, shifting around to loosen and remove it while keeping his back to the floor. Honey took the belt from him and helped Helen wrap it around her thigh.

Just as she pulled it tight, the lights switched off. Frantically, Honey searched the cabin with terror, struggling to adjust to the darkness. More shouting, unfamiliar, followed by howls of fear and pain, surrounded her. From her vantage point, she could see shapes outside better now that the cabin lights were out.

Black-clad figures outfitted with S.W.A.T. gear and carrying more artillery than a small militia tip-toed around the car. She watched as one of the infiltrators passed by a window opposite from her. A pair of dark boots dropped onto the gunman, taking him to the ground. She gasped, ducking closer to the floor as the gunman was beaten and had his rifle taken. Then, she recognized Noir by his black trench coat, finally releasing her breath. 

The relief was short-lived. Noir turned and fired the weapon, which looked like a shotgun, at an incoming attacker. The bang was accentuated by a splatter on the windows, like a can of stewed tomatoes had exploded. Honey yelped at the sight before covering her eyes. She felt her stomach rolling in her belly.

A crash forced her eyes back open. She looked through the darkness to glimpse Felicia’s silver hair and the glint of a silver knife. She fought hand-to-hand with another armed combatant twice her size outside the train. The stout man was no match for the smaller-framed woman’s speed. She attacked him from all sides, burying her blade between his ribs like fangs on a viper.

Another goon rushed at her, knocking her flat on her back. Honey’s heart nearly stopped with panic as she watched the gunman aim his weapon at Felicia, prepared to fire. Suddenly, Miguel leaped out of nowhere with the talons of his gauntlet raised.

The razor-sharp blades attached to his forearm rang out as they cut through the air. Honey had no idea what type of metal they were made from, but it was sharper than anything she’d ever seen. With a woosh, the blades sliced through the rifle barrel like a blade of grass. In shock, the gunman dropped the rifle and drew a pistol instead. Miguel sliced through the man’s wrists with the same ease, separating his hands from his body. 

She looked away as another spray of crimson covered the walls and seat. She heard the gunman cry out before being silenced with a sickening squelch. 

Miguel was suddenly yanked backward by a brutish figure, pulling him off the train. 

“Miguel!” Felicia called out with alarm. Within seconds she uprighted herself and barrelled outside to back him up. Honey attempted to follow her with her gaze, but another burst of gunfire erupted, so close that she could smell the burning of her own hair.

“I’m comin’!” Miles hollered. Honey stayed down, too afraid to look up. 

“They’re coming through the rear!” she heard Jess’ voice from nearby. 

“Keep ‘em away from the train!” Johnny’s voice.

Where was Peter? 

She felt sick. She hadn’t seen or heard him since he vanished. The idea of him meeting a brutal end made her dizzy. It made her flesh clammy. Bile crawled up her throat, with a rising panic close to a scream. She clamped her mouth closed to keep it all inside. She couldn’t think about Peter being hurt right now. She could barely think at all.

A gunshot, followed by a male groan. 

“Storm!”

She squealed as Johnny collapsed through the train entrance and landed hard on the ground. From her hiding spot, she saw blood soaking his right shoulder.

Her eyes went wide. “Johnny—!”

Another footsoldier boarded the train behind him, wielding a bloody combat dagger. Dazed from blood loss himself, the soldier collapsed on top of Johnny, the knife raised up high. She watched the two men struggle, trembling beneath a seat. It reminded her of lions thrashing, burying blade-like claws into one another.

More gunfire erupted nearby, jolting her out of her reverie. Johnny’s attacker straddled him and bared his weight down on the hilt of the dagger. Arms shaking and hands slick with blood, Johnny clutched the blade, trying to keep it from piercing his chest. 

Her eyes narrowed on the attacker. The man wore face paint to obscure his features, like some deranged Navy Seal. His tactical clothes were solid black, save for a white, geometric eagle patch on his shoulder. This was ‘SHIELD,’ or whatever Miguel called it. 

Honey saw the strain on her friend’s face, noting the weakening of his muscles. If she did nothing, Johnny would be stabbed to death right in front of her.

She needed to intervene.

Do something.

She glanced around desperately for a weapon.

The men were snarling with lips curled back. The attacker raised his fist above the hilt, ready to bash the knife into Johnny’s chest. Suddenly, he was smacked in the face by a midweight object. Dazed, he blinked through the darkness to spot a blood-splattered ballet flat on the ground. He looked up, glimpsing its owner.

Wide-eyed, Honey stared back at the SHIELD agent as he set crosshairs on her. The man bounded forward, lunging at her. She screamed, crawling backward like a crab, as the man grabbed her by the ankle above her bare foot. He held the knife high, preparing to plunge it into her chest. A blam rang out, stopping him in his tracks, as a bullet tore through the man’s heart. 

As her attacker toppled backwards, Honey turned around to see Jessica holding a smoking pistol. Without a second thought, the woman rushed up to Johnny and lowered herself to his side. “Are you hurt?” she asked Honey, offhandedly as she examined his stab wound. 

Honey shook her head ‘no.’ 

He grunted in pain as Jessica put pressure on the wound beneath Johnny’s collarbone. “Get his gun,” she ordered as she worked. Honey blinked at the gunman’s corpse, hand still clinging to a bloody knife.

“Get the gun!” Jess repeated, eyes intense. “Works a lot better than a shoe.”

She blinked. “I... I can’t.” 

The Woman glanced up at her with a hard line between her brows. “It’s either them or you. Who’s it gonna be?”

Honey stared back, face blank. Jessica pressed her lips together. “I have to check on Cho. Put pressure right here.” Honey crawled towards them, replacing Jessica’s hands with hers. She gulped dazedly, watching the sticky, red warmth pool around her fingers. He hissed in pain, but diligently, she held the compress firm.

The Woman stood quickly and shuffled over to the dead man, retrieving his sidearm and knife. She returned with the pistol in hand, ejecting, examining, and replacing the magazine like flexing one of her muscles. She wrenched back the top of the gun, letting it slide back in place with a lock. 

Honey watched the whole thing, jaw agape like it was a magic trick.

Deftly, she flipped the weapon around, presenting the grip end to Honey and placing it in the woman’s hand.

“Now it’s them or him,” Jess declared firmly, jerking her forehead towards Johnny. “You choose.”

Bewildered, she warily took the weight of the gun as Jess disappeared toward the back of the train. “Don’t shoot anyone we know!” the Woman called out. 

Honey stared at the gun, then found Johnny’s sweating face. “It’s okay,” she whispered, putting weight back on his wound. “I’m gonna take care of you.” She swallowed the tremor in her voice, putting on a face of confidence, despite her terror. 

She could pretend to be brave? Right?

Another spray of shots pierced the cabin overhead, and she crouched down to cover Johnny. 

The barrage of shots eased again, pausing for a blessed few seconds. “Incoming!” she heard Miguel shout outside. “Ultraman’s here!”

Ultraman? What...?

The emergency lights in the tunnel dimmed as a whirring sound began to ring out. With eyes like saucers, she witnessed growing pandemonium outside. More shouting and panicked footsteps echoed in the darkened tunnel, followed by a slowly-building roar, like a jet engine coming to life.

“Get down!” she heard Miles’ voice behind her. He leaped over the bench seat and pressed his body over hers and Johnny’s. Suddenly, the train jerked sideways, knocked off the track like a toy. The bodies inside were tossed to the opposite wall as the car toppled over.

Head throbbing and eyes blurry, Honey gazed around attempting to get her bearings. A bright, red light erupted, a beam cutting through the floor of the car, just a few feet away from where they had been thrown. She watched in horror as the vehicle was sliced in half like a loaf of bread.

Shrieks from terrified men echoed outside. The car rocked, metal twisting as the train's rear tore away. With her jaw agape, she peered down the train car, now opened up like a tunnel. Finally, her eyes found the source of the commotion.

A ten-foot humanoid robot smashed through the bodies of the SHIELD team, knocking them down like bowling pins. She watched in stunned disbelief as the robot’s giant legs trampled fallen soldiers beneath its mechanical feet. The arms of the robot were as thick as steel beams but faster than a human’s. They thrust out in all directions, tossing adult bodies like rag dolls. The machine was a red-and-yellow blur, with shells bouncing harmlessly off its bulletproof skin.

“C’mon,” Miles grasped Honey’s shoulder, pulling her to attention. “We gotta go!”

“What is that thing?” she gasped.

“It’s Peni!” he shouted back. “Now, c’mon, let’s move!”

Shaking the astonishment away, she followed Miles’ lead. She grabbed Johnny’s legs as the teen hooked his forearms underneath the injured man’s shoulders. They grunted from the effort of hoisting him up.

“m’sorrym’sorrym’sorrysorry...” Miles rattled off as Johnny wailed in pain. “Don’t be mad at me!” 

The two carried him towards the tunnel opening, wobbling as they walked. Honey spotted movement from beside them— a gunman peering into an emergency port hole.

“Miles! Look out!” a voice boomed. She glanced over to see Eddie flying across the car, tackling Miles as the automatic weapon started firing. She screamed, dropping herself and Johnny to the ground, as bullet holes pierced the side of the car. 

When she looked up, she stared at the white-eagle emblem on the shoulder of the agent as he turned his gun from Miles to Honey. The man crawled through the port hole, just feet away from her. 

Horrified, she looked around until she saw the pistol Jess left her with lying in the rubble between her and the attacker. Eyes wide, she scurried on her hands and feet, crawling towards it. The gunman rushed her as soon as he saw what she was doing. 

For the second time in her life, Honey fired a gun. She jolted from the shocking recoil after the trigger had been pulled. The man howled and dropped to one knee. Stunned, she watched the man writhe, having taken the bullet in his shin. 

He looked up and glared at her with a murderous stare, fumes coming from his nose. Her jaw went slack as he lunged at her. She fired the weapon again, this time hitting him in the torso. It barely slowed him down, planting into the Kevlar of his vest. Before she could adjust, the attacker’s hand was wrapped around her throat, and he wrenched the pistol from her fingers.

“Fuckin’ bitch!” he spat at her, wheezing from the impact to his bulletproof vest. “Can’t wait ‘til he tears you a new—” 

The man’s grip dropped immediately as his head wrenched backward. 

Honey looked up in awe to see Peter, splattered blood beading down his chest, towering over them. Teeth gritted, he held the man by his hair, his massive hand expanding over the crown of his head. Then, with an enraged growl, Peter jerked his arm back. 

She watched the gunman jolt as his scalp was ripped off so forcefully that the top of his skull came with it. The man flailed, legs twitching sporadically like he’d swallowed a power line. Finally, Peter released his body. With blank eyes, he slumped to the side, brain matter spilling out.

She trembled at the horrific scene, watching the attacker go limp. Her wide eyes traveled up to her rescuer. 

Peter Parker. Half monster. Half man. Chest heaving, animalistic eyes roving, his savagery on full display. Her jaw hung open as she regarded him with horrified awe, with several thoughts swimming through her head.

One. 

He looked feral. Blood trailed down his face and torso in tiny crimson rivers. The ghastly sight made him look both dead and alive. More beast than man. Even without the Symbiote attached, his eyes were blown black from adrenaline. She thought about how Eddie mentioned Venom ‘reacted differently’ to Peter. And now she could see why.

Violence was in his very nature. He wore it around his shoulders like a cape. Carnage was his crown. The blood staining his flesh only made him stand taller, like a conquering barbarian on top of a mountain of skulls. He never needed Venom to become something monstrous. The violence was visceral, and he could never be separated from it. Not completely.  

It was terrifying to witness. She should be terrified.

Two: she wasn’t. 

She realized this as he locked eyes with her, suddenly going still. She watched him. He watched her. Both of them thinking the same thought.

This is who he was. Peter Parker.

Not Venom.

Not Ben Reilly.

Not any other false name he used to conceal himself in the darkness. As much as it terrified him, he was the darkness.

His eyes softened as he looked down at her, like a switch had been thrown. He turned docile only under her gaze. 

This was also who he was. And she realized that she didn’t want him any other way.

“Are you hurt?” Peter quietly asked, crouching before her as he scanned over her figure. Eyes glistening, she nodded, her mind stricken with deja vu. He reached out delicately with bloody hands and tipped her chin upwards until their gazes met. 

She swayed as exhaustion collided with her, weakening her muscles. “I-I...” she mumbled, jaw agape and shoulders limp, staring up at him with a hypnotized expression. “I... lost my shoe.”

He blinked in confusion before glancing down to see one of her ballet flats was missing.

“I think I saw it over here,” Johnny muttered through gritted teeth, snapping them out of their bubble. They turned to see him sprawled out on the ground, holding his shoulder with a thin sheen of sweat on his face. “I’m okay too, by the way.” 

“Johnny!” Peter said, alarmed. They dropped back to the ground and flanked the bleeding man. “Can you move?” he asked, brows furrowed. 

The blonde grunted as he held onto his pectoral muscle, blood soaking half his shirt. “Sure. Flesh wound.” 

A cocky smile filled with pearly white teeth assured them he was still relatively ‘normal.’ They breathed a sigh of relief as Peter delicately helped him up into a sitting position.

The attack had ended.  Honey wasn’t entirely sure when. The whirring steps of the robot approaching caught her attention. She looked down to see the red-and-yellow mecha-spider  step up to the opening of the train car. “That’s the last of them,” Peni’s mechanized voice declared. The robot’s torso opened to reveal Peni sitting inside. The wizard behind the curtain with painted blood-red lips.

“They’ll be back,” Peter said grimly before turning to Honey.

Tears filled her eyes as she stared back at him. Guilt gutted her, breaking her heart and every bit of strength left in her body. “This is all my fault.”

Just as Peter was about to reply, the broken sound of Miles’ voice clipped him short. The teenager whimpered, dread filling his lungs, “Guys...”

Peter and Honey turned towards Miles, seeing the teen crouched over on his knees. A body lay before him. They scurried to their feet, rushing to his side. Honey froze mid-step, eyes wide with horror.

“Eddie...” she gasped.

The burly man was on his back with a gaping hole in his chest. Slowly, it pooled with blood as he wheezed in short spurts. Miles leaned over him desperately, trying to stop the bleeding with his soaked-through beanie. 

Eddie looked ashen, the life drained from his face. His eyes were wide as they stared up at the ceiling, filled with horror and awe. He sputtered and coughed, his lungs struggling to keep the liquid out. Blood tinged his lips. 

“Eddie!” Honey yelped, dropping to her knees to bring her hands over Miles’s. 

It was like trying to hold back a river. All eyes were now on Eddie’s dire situation—Noir, Felicia, and Peni approaching quickly. Jess and Miguel looked on from the back of the car, both of them pausing momentarily from trying to assist Helen.

Miles gazed down at his savior, lip wobbling and hands shaking. “He... he pushed me outta the way. He-he saved me—” 

“Christ!” They heard Felicia curse as the silver-haired woman rushed over and touched Eddie’s pulse. Honey glanced at her, watching fear capture the fearless.

“We need help over here!” Peter called out, voice strained with panic that Honey had never heard from him before. He was winded with terror as his palms enveloped Miles’s, frantically working to stop the bleeding.

“Cho’s hurt bad,” Jessica called back. Beside her, Miguel was hooking his arms beneath the doctor’s legs, hoisting her up off the ground.

“It’s okay, we-we got this,” Honey called back. Hysteria slowly choked her. “I-I can fix this! I can patch him up!”

“But Helen—”

“I can do this!” Honey hissed, desperate tears spilling down her face. “I just need a-a med kit or... Sutures! I can sew it up, all she’s gotta do is walk me through it.” 

“Sweetie,” Felicia uttered under her breath. Honey froze in her gaze, her blue eyes glazed with tears. “She’s not even conscious...” 

She wore a mournful expression, condolences pouring silently from her mouth.

Honey would have none of it. Defiantly, she shook her head, lips pursed into a straight line. “I’ll figure it out myself!” she choked back a sob. “Just—somebody, get me the med kit! Get me—” Honey blocked out the worried stares that surrounded her. 

Instead, she focused on Eddie. She thought about cupcake frosting smeared across the scruff of his chin. His benevolent nature as he pulled in drags of smoke, offering peace to the world in return with each outward breath. She pictured his hazel-gray eyes weighed down by heavy bags and a lifetime of failures. Despite that, his eyes persevered to retain their brightness. 

He was tranquil amidst the turmoil of his life. Grateful despite his misfortune. In the middle of their war, he was a pacifist. A peacemaker. 

He saw everything. He saw Peter as a brother. He saw Honey as a friend. He saw both of them as worth saving.

And now she saw the light fading from his eyes. “I can do this,” she whimpered weakly, tears spilling down her face. “It’s okay. I can fix this.”

“Honey—”

She paused, feeling the featherlike brush of Peter’s breath across her face. Hesitantly, she met his sorrowful gaze, her heart aching at the sight of tears trailing down his cheeks. He was silent, fixing her earnestly with a knowing look. He didn’t have to say anything. She could read the hopelessness written on his face.

There was no fixing this. 

Somberly, they gazed at one another, both of them mirroring each other’s grief.

“S..ssay,” Honey heard a tiny voice whisper beneath her. She looked down to see Eddie looking up at her, teeth chattering. His lips were curved into a faint smile. “Wh—why the-the-the l-long face, N-nancy?”

It was like her heart literally ripped in half. She struggled to keep her sobs muted, clamping her mouth closed.

“Y-you... sh-should e-eat a Peanut Butter co-cookie, or so-somethin.’” He grinned wide, his teeth stained red. Tears dripped from her chin as she hiccuped out a small smile through her anguish. 

His eyes traveled from her face to Peter’s. Though he appeared more composed than Honey, Eddie knew what Peter looked like when he was in agony. 

“T-tha-thank y-you-u,” Eddie shivered, staring up at Peter with love in his eyes, “for s-saving my life.” 

Red-eyed, Peter winced like he’d swallowed glass. He breathed through his nose, afraid that if he opened his mouth his soul would spill out.

Eddie gazed at him with a lopsided, lazy grin. “Don’t b-be too ha-hard on yourself.” Another cough shook him, staining his lips even further. Peter released his hold on the wound to wrap Eddie’s hand in his fist. He held on tightly as if to steady him against a heavy current.

“M’mm-’m afraid to-to die, Pete,” Eddie said with a shaky voice. He faltered for a single moment. Fear prodded at him as each expansion of his chest became heavier. Each breath came up shorter than the last. 

Then, as stubborn as ever, he smirked with a flicker of light filling his glossy gaze. A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he considered the irony. “Th-that’s-s gotta co-count for s-somethin’, right?”

Peter squeezed his eyes shut, nodding tearfully in a silent reply. When he opened them again, the current was stronger. The light was fading as it began to pull him under. Peter and Honey gripped tighter, as if their resolve could hold him.

“S-s-so...” Eddie said, locking eyes with Peter. “Thank... you.”

Into the darkness, he drifted away.

Continue to Part 20

{back to the masterlist}

A/N Sorry for the tearjerker cliffhanger! This story is coming to a close in just a few chapters (maybe 3 or 4). Thank you for sticking with me this long. I hope that the next chapter will have everything you've ever dreamed of.