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im-sleepdeprived · 10 months ago

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Crazier • Pt. 1

pairing: mcu!peter parker x reader

a/n: this is a series ! prob 3 parts im thinking (i think im back AH), editing took me 10000 years actually so if there's something wrong PLEASE don't tell me !!! :D

warnings: umm just me not knowing anything about star wars, girls support girls<3, mentions of breakup, honestly theres nothing wrong but i think i said 'shit' like twice if you give a shit lmfao

"There's no way you actually think 'Return Of The Jedi' is better than 'The Empire Strikes Back'. Like, come on dude, it's so obvious which is better," Ned exclaimed, obviously feeling very strongly about the little debate he had currently going on with Peter.

However, Peter couldn't have been more nonchalant. "Listen, man, I love debating with you but I know where I stand and this is where I draw the line," he shrugged.

Ned opened his mouth, no doubt to argue some more with his best friend, when his gaze shifted to you, "Hey man, maybe we should talk about something Y/N can enjoy too."

That made your head snap up from where you were just toying with the food on your tray. "Don't worry about me guys," you forced a smile, "Honestly, I love watching Ned beat you into a pulp about movies," you looked at Peter.

Peter put on his 'sad-puppy-dog-face', "Ouch babe. You're supposed to side with me here, I'm your boyfriend after all."

"Well, I would've sided with you if you hadn't bailed on me when we were supposed to watch the movies together the other night. If you'd been there then I would've been able to contribute to this conversation and agree with who I genuinely thought was right, which at this moment, I believe, is Ned."

Ned grinned at you from across the table and you two high-fived while Peter just pouted some more, "I'm sorry sweetheart, I really am but y'know I had the internship."

You rolled your eyes, "Of course, I know that. At this point the surprising thing is whenever you don't have that internship," you looked at Ned, "Dude, do you know how many dates and hangouts he's canceled on me? I feel like I should be able to sue at this point. Can you sue someone for wasting your time?"

Ned winced, "Pete, I love you man, but you need to start actually acting like her boyfriend otherwise you won't be her boyfriend for much longer."

Peter's eyes widened a bit but then his face quickly turned nonchalant, "It was just a few slip-ups, don't worry about it," he threw an arm around you and pulled you in, kissing the top of your head, "but you're right, we should talk about something we'd all enjoy."

Laughing, you said, "I told you guys, I enjoy hearing you debate because Ned is always-"

Peter threw a hand up, "Don't finish that sentence. I've had enough of you two fraternizing against me for the day."

You and Ned laughed some more, "Well honestly, you two can continue your...," you waved your hands, " 'old-couple-bickering' and I can scooch down a little and go hang out with M.J.."

Peter pulled you in closer at that, "No don't leave," he muttered in your hair.

"Yeah," Ned started, "let's talk about something else like," he trailed off, "OH, you're managing the school play next week, right? That's gotta be interesting, tell us about that."

"It's really nothing 'Manager' is really just a fun name they stuck on me. Mrs. Lightbody does most of the work."

"Oh come on," Peter said, "when you first got the part, it was all you wanted to talk about. What happened?"

you happened, you thought. It's true, you had been too excited that you'd been chosen to be in charge of everything and you couldn't wait to rant to your boyfriend about just that. That was until he basically ignored you and shook it off as nothing, running away for the stark internship. You hadn't really wanted to talk about it with anybody after that. Maybe it wasn't as cool as you'd thought it was.

You looked down and just shrugged, "Dunno, guess I just didn't think you guys would be interested in it. You've never really shown interest in theater before."

"Well, that was before my gorgeous girlfriend was in charge. Now, go on, tell us what it's like to get a bunch of theater kids on track."

You laughed, "God it's torture. I'm convinced it's some personalized hell made for someone's eternal punishment and I do not envy them."

Peter and Ned laughed along with you, Peter saying, "Yeah I bet. We all know how much you love your control."

You gasped, eyebrows furrowing, "Peter Parker are you saying I'm a control freak?"

He held up both of his hands in surrender, "No of course not babe," he traded a glance with Ned when you weren't looking.

"Anyway," he propped an elbow on the table, rested his head on his palm, and made a motion with his other hand, "continue."

You looked at Ned, "Are you sure I'm not boring you," you asked, shoving your hand in Peter's face when he went to argue.

"Of course not Y/N! Wild, out-of-control theater kids is a favorite subject of mine," he grinned and you huffed a laugh.

"Fine, it's not as easy as I thought'd it be I'll say that. There's always someone way out of line, either singing songs from musicals at the top of their lungs or fighting someone else with the props. One time a kid started climbing the curtain bags and it was disastrous."

You told them all the funny stories you had from the past rehearsals and how you couldn't wait for the upcoming ones.

"Hey these sound fun how come I haven't been to one yet," Peter asked, referring to the rehearsals.

You scoffed, "Please Parker, you can barely make it to a date. There's no way you're gonna make it to one of these."

Peter felt a wave of guilt rush over him. He'd been leaving you hanging a lot lately.

"I'm sorry Y/N/N, really I am. But I want to come to one of these. I want to see you doing your thing. In fact, when's the next one I'll be there," he sounded so sure of himself but you weren't.

"Um," you hesitated, not really sure if you should answer him, "They're every other day after school until opening night. But Peter, honestly, you don't have to come I know how busy your schedule is and you barely fit in things that you need to do, I seriously doubt you have the time to voluntarily do this," you told him, refusing to get your hopes up.

"Hey," he leaned closer to you, "I know I haven't been the best boyfriend lately but I promise I'm going to be there for you today."

"Peter," you said quietly not being able to meet his eyes and that alone made his heartbreak, "Don't make promises you can't keep. That never ends well."

"Hey if I said I'll be there, then I'll be there. come on, gotta have a little more faith in me than that sweetheart," he smiled a little, letting it grow into a grin when he saw your lips tugging up at the corners of your mouth.

"Promise," you asked.

"Promise," he confirmed, leaning in for a sweet kiss. Maybe he could really be there for you this time instead of-

Something hit the side of your face making you both turn your heads towards your other friend. You looked down to find a bunch of rolled-up napkins lying on the floor.

"Well as glad as I am that y'all got that settled, let us remember that this is a public space," Ned said making you both laugh.

"So it's settled, meet you in the auditorium after last period right," Peter asked you, trying to make sure he had the times correct.

"Oh," you replied, a little shocked that he was actually doing this, "Yeah, if you're showing up then I guess so."

peter laughed, "Y/N come on, what did we just have an entire conversation about? Of course, I'm showing up."

You nodded slowly then looked towards Ned, "I didn't hit my head anywhere just a minute ago, did I?"

Ned just shrugged, "I'm just as surprised as you are Y/N. Peter needs to step up his game and I'm sure the internship can wait an evening. After all," he gave Peter a hard look before an amused expression took over his face, "After all, what is an internship if not just running around making copies of random things and memorizing dozens of different coffee orders."

"Hey man come on, we've been over this." he nodded his head towards you and widened his eyes slightly, but you didn't notice, too busy taking a sip from your chocolate milk, "This isn't just any internship. I have to be available at every moment in case Mr. Stark decides he needs me on something."

"Mhm, whatever," Ned took a bite of his sandwich, "All I'm saying is that no matter how important it is, you need to learn to divide up your time evenly."

"Don't worry Ned, I'll be sure to sign him up for some time management classes," you said seriously, making Ned choke on his food from laughter.

Peter sighed, one arm still resting on the table, the palm of it holding his head. his other arm tucked away under the table, hand holding yours.

you were feeling amazing, your mood completely lifted now. Peter was finally making the first step to fix things after your many failed attempts. Things could start going back to how they were at the beginning of your relationship. sweet, caring, and mutual.

You were so sick of feeling like this whole thing was one-sided but now things finally looked like they were turning up.

Little did you know.

When the day finally ended you couldn't wait. Spending time with Peter while hanging out with your new friends (somewhat, you weren't really sure but you were optimistic) seemed like it be such a good time. Almost too good to be true.

You rushed towards your locker and gathered your stuff before shooting Peter a text that you'll just meet him in the auditorium.

You arrived there before anyone else, which was typical, everyone would be wandering the halls with their friends for a while before making their way here. The cast and crew might mess around a bit but in the end, they were extremely passionate about what they did and you knew that in the end, the show would be amazing. They were all incredibly talented.

little by little everyone started filing in in little groups. You searched them all for Peter but he was never a part of them. Oh well, he was probably caught up with Ned and MJ at the moment. He'll be here in a bit.

When the majority of people were present you, reluctantly, decided you had to get things started whether Peter was here yet or not. Everyone had to start getting to work and he should be here any minute now.

"Ok everyone, you've been wandering around long enough. Time to get started," you clapped your hands together, a clipboard held under your arm, "Noah, Jack, and Lacy we've got to start making progress on the set and I don't want paint everywhere we've had one paint fight too many," you narrowed your eyes at Noah and Jack who looked down sheepishly. It had been a mess. It'd looked as if a pride parade had thrown up all over the stage.

"This background is our last chance and if you mess it up again we'll probably have to cancel and if that happens, I will not hesitate to unleash Lexi on you," you gestured towards the girl who glared at them and you could've sworn you saw them pale which made smile a small smile.

You pulled out your clipboard to skim through and see what was on the agenda. "Where's our light-man," you asked and looked up. Everyone shrugged looking around until a girl, Martha, spoke, "Lenny had a teacher meeting, he's running a bit late but he'll be here."

You nodded, "Martha that reminds me, how's your mom doing with the costumes? does she have everything she needs?"

Martha nodded quickly, "Measurements and everything. All of them should be ready a few days before the big day and she'll be here that night for any mending that might be needed." She shot you two big thumbs up.

"Good, good, good," you muttered under your breath. You looked around at everyone and shrugged lightly, "OK so I guess everyone just rehearse your lines, get to work and we should be good for the next couple of hours."

Chatter quickly spread across the large room as everyone got together working and talking. You sat down on a seat and let out a long sigh. You tugged your phone out of your pocket and looked for a new message from Peter. There was nothing. You sent two more and added a call for good measure. He didn't pick up, it just rang all the way through. Maybe he got caught up with a teacher. Or maybe he got detention and didn't get a chance to tell you.

You had more important things to get to and Peter would get here whenever he got the chance. He'd promised after all. So you shouldn't worry about it too much.

You started making rounds around all the groups of working teenagers, stopping when you saw Lexi waving you over to her little group which mostly consisted of the main cast.

You walked over to them, "And how's everything going over here? Any trouble?" They all shook their heads.

"Actually, I think we're getting along rather well, it's a great cast you've rounded up here miss Y/L/N," Mrs. Lightbody said, making you feel extremely proud.

"I actually wanted to talk to you," Lexi said kindly.��

"Oh? What's up, Lex." She grabbed your hand and led you a little farther away from the group, turning and shooting them a quick reassuring smile.

Lexi was the star of the whole play, playing the main character, so you'd worked with her closely these past few weeks. She helped you with even the slightest things so you wouldn't get too stressed or anxious (she claimed you were the only sane person in the whole group and it needed to stay that way). She was undoubtedly the most excited person about the whole play and you couldn't blame her, you could already tell from just practice that she was going to do amazing. She was on the popular side where school cliques were involved, but she was always such a sweetheart. She quickly became a great friend of yours and you hoped it stayed that way even after the play and all these fun little get-togethers were over.

"Hey, Y/N I noticed you seemed a little off before. I'm sorry if I'm out of line saying this but I just wanted to check in on you and make sure everything was okay. Anything going on? I'm always here to listen if you need to talk," she smiled one of her heartwarming smiles.

You were a little shocked that she'd noticed, "Thanks Lex, really, but I'm fine I promise. but thank you so much for looking out for me."

she had a look on her face like she didn't believe you but she didn't push it, which you appreciated, "ok well if you decide you want to talk about I'm always around I promise," she grabbed you into a hug which you gladly accepted. she pulled away and squeezed your shoulder before heading back to the group.

You loved her but really there was nothing wrong. Because Peter was gonna show up. Even if he hadn't answered you yet. He's gonna show up, follow you like a lost puppy, and marvel at your every move in that way of his to the point where it got annoying, and you were gonna make him swear to never come to one of these again. To which he would pout and give you puppy-dog eyes and you'd both forget whatever it was you'd said.

He had to come. otherwise, you might seriously start considering Ned's words from earlier. or you won't be her boyfriend for much longer.

Peter had to show up because maybe your whole relationship was on the line.

An hour of a bunch of nonsense arguing passed until you finally heard the press of the large auditorium doors opening up.

Your heart flew when you saw the large mess of brunette curls turned to close the doors. however, your hope quickly deflated as soon as the figure turned around. it was just Lenny the light-man.

"Lenny, great. I need you to start working on the lights and getting them ready," you told him. He nodded and quickly made his way backstage.

You were totally bummed. peter hadn't even replied to you so you had no clue what was going on. you'd even gone so far as to text Ned who'd just sent you a shrugging emoji and an apology for not knowing where he was.

You felt a little broken, with each passing minute, your hope that your boyfriend might still show up dying down.

You were desperate so you walked down to the side of the stage where Lexi was chatting with her 'co-star' Brad Davis, who played her love interest.

You walked up to them, your hand lightly grabbing Lexi's shoulder which brought her attention to you, "Can I talk to you," you whispered. She nodded quickly. You looked towards Brad whose attention was already on you, "Is it alright if I just steal her for a moment," you sent him a fake smile. He smiled back, "No don't worry about it, she's all yours."

He looked like he was might say something else but you didn't give him the chance to before dragging your friend away from all the commotion, "I'm ready to talk now."

She looked at you knowingly before sitting down and patting the spot next to her. So you sat and you told her everything. You told her about all the missed dates, how sometimes he'd just ignore you completely making it impossible to reach him and come back and act like nothing happened, how it always seemed like he was hiding something, and how you were so tired.

And she listened, of course, never making you feel like you were being overdramatic, and making you feel something that Peter always failed to. Seen.

When you finally finished Lexi looked at you with total sympathy-eyes, you hated it but you sucked it up because you had chosen to talk to her.

"Permission to speak freely?" she asked hesitantly. You nodded quickly, "Yes of course, please do that's why I came to you in the first place."

"Dump his ass," she deadpanned. Your eyes widened in shock as you looked at her. "Really?" you asked. She nodded, "Y/N, I love you but it's obvious that this boy doesn't. Because if he did there's no way he'd test you like that, I mean, he's standing you up right now when he promised he'd be here. I say end it before it gets worse. But hey," she held up both hands, "If you think I'm out of line saying that I totally understand but I'm just telling you what I'd do if I was in your shoes."

"You think I should dump him," you mumbled looking down, not really believing it. You'd thought about it sure, what would happen if you two weren't together anymore but you'd never considered it an option, let alone a solution.

"Thanks, Lex, I'll think about it," you gave her a tight smile and she smiled back. "I just hope you do whatever feels best for you Y/N, you've been looking down lately and you don't deserve that." She gave your hand a squeeze and one last smile before she went back to practice.

You weren't seriously thinking about ending things with Peter, you were too scared to lose him. Your friendship was more important than any relationship ever could be. But the longer he went as a no-show the more it ran through your brain for the rest of rehearsal. Peter never texted or called. You were desperate for a simple "sorry" at this point, not wanting to have to settle for the worst option. But as time went on, the less it seemed like an option and more like a task. Something you had to do, that had to be done—something new to check off your clipboard.

Rehearsal ended and people left in groups as they had come. You lingered, smiling and saying you had just a few things to check up on before you left whenever someone took regard for your incessant hovering. Soon enough you were the only person in the big empty room.

You sat at the edge of the stage, legs dangling, and pulled out your phone from your pocket. You sent one last text, we need to talk.

After about ten minutes of waiting there, you decided it was getting late and you had to get home before it was too dark. maybe you could convince your parents to let you head over to Peter's after dinner and you could get over with it then. your mind was made up. you were gonna break up with him.

You gathered your things and made your way up to the big double doors. The hallways were quiet and you were hyperaware of every step of yours. It was weird to see the school so dead, a big contrast to the usual packed hallways. The more you thought about it the more it was like you could almost hear the running footsteps of students. No scratch that, student. Okay at this point it started sounding too real.

You turned around to catch your boyfriend speeding down the hallway, skidding to a stop when you saw you.

"Oh my god Y/N, I'm so sorry I totally lost track of time. I was just helping May out with a few things and next thing I know-"

You held up a hand to stop him, "Save it Peter I really don't care."

His face fell, "But, hey, let me make it up to you! Let's go get some ice cream or something. You can tell me what rehearsal was like today and I'll walk you home after. It's getting dark."

You crossed your arms. you almost wanted to agree but you knew better than that, this whole thing was getting way too much for you to handle.

"Peter I'm done," you told him simply. he looked at you a little confused, "done...done with what?"

"This," you almost screamed as you pointed at the two of you, "I'm done with this, this whole act because, let's face it, we both know you weren't helping May with shit." you were surprised you had gotten this far without crying and you wanted to keep it that way so you sucked in a breath and tried to steady your heartbeat.

The guilty look in his eyes told you enough. you were right. he moved the slightest step closer but you moved back, you really didn't feel like touching him at the moment. "come on sweetheart," he said weakly, "there's gotta be something I can do. I promise I'll show up on time more, you'll never have to wait for me again. I'll be around you so much you'll get sick of me. just please don't do this."

"That's the thing, Peter," you groaned, "I don't want to be sick of you but I'm sick of the way you keep treating me. you make me feel like shit Peter. you're my boyfriend and you make me feel terrible. and I keep trying to help you out, coming up with different excuses each time but I've finally run out. I want a stable relationship and you can't give me that so I'm done."

His eyes were red now and you had to push back the guilt you were feeling, he brought this upon himself. it's true, you wouldn't have done this unless it was absolutely necessary. you loved him but you just couldn't handle it anymore.

"I can," his voice broke slightly on that last word, "I can give you that y/n just give me another chance to show you."

You huffed, "Well Peter, part of a stable relationship is honesty. can you be honest and tell me where you were today? 'Cause it's been established that you weren't with May."

He froze a little and you continued, "In fact, why don't you tell me where you were when you missed all those dates, all those couple hangouts, and all those group hangouts? When you missed my parents' anniversary dinner that they invited you to, or my little brother's birthday party that he was really excited you'd be there for. Go ahead Pete," you flung out your arms, "tell me where you were and I'll believe you can give me a stable relationship."

He looked physically conflicted, as if he was genuinely having an inner battle with himself, "I- I can't y/n/n, but you have to believe me when I say it's for the best."

"And I can't Peter. I can't so just forget this," you cleared your throat, "Come back when you can actually handle a relationship Parker, or you know what, don't because either way, I'm through with this."

You turned to walk away. his hand reached out to grab your wrist but you dodged it and held your hand up, "I don't think we should talk anymore," you kept walking and he didn't follow. You didn't want him to. But in all honesty, it was hard to turn your back when the person you were leaving was always the one you ran to when your heart shattered as it did right then.

the cold air hit you hard and the tears finally came, slightly smudging the concealer under your eyes but you couldn't care less at the moment.

It was true what he'd said, it was dark already and windy so you tried to be alert on your way home, deciding you could process all your emotions when you're home safe.

You were walking for a bit, wiping your tears and trying to keep your vision clear when you heard a slight thud next to you and footsteps matching up to catch yours. "Hello Miss, it's pretty dark, can I walk you home?"

part 2 is here !!

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callsign-mayhem · 2 years ago

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to the moon and back

Pairing: Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw x Mitchell!Reader Word Count: 5.2k

You are the daughter of Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell and the lifelong best friend of Bradley Bradshaw. Nothing has ever been able to get in between the two of you, not even the feelings you’ve been harbouring for him for as long as you can remember. But when you both get called to Top Gun for what seems to be a suicide mission, you realise that life is too short to keep your love for him a secret.

Y/CS - your call sign

Use of Y/N but no description of reader

You couldn’t remember the last time you laid eyes on Bradley Bradshaw, and if you’d known you would be this affected by the mere sight of him then you would have better prepared yourself. He was in his rightful place behind the piano at The Hard Deck, performing ‘Great Balls of Fire’ with all his usual enthusiasm, and then some. His infectious personality had every person in the bar gravitating towards him, belting out the lyrics along with him as though their lives depended on it. You had to draw from every reserve of strength you had so as not to march right up to him and kiss him senseless. You’d missed him so much.

Being deployed had been difficult for you and had felt like exactly the wrong thing at the time, but eventually you realised that it was what you needed. If you’d stayed, it would have only been a matter of time until you spilt your guts to Bradley about the feelings you’d been harbouring for him since you were teenagers.

The song was almost over and so was your time for composing yourself. It was ridiculously warm in the packed bar, so taking a deep breath was no good. You resigned yourself to a few shots of something strong - liquid courage if you will - and headed to the bar to speak to Penny.

‘Y/N!’ she exclaimed, ‘what are you doing here?’ ‘I have no idea,’ you told her, ‘an assignment of some sort. I find out more tomorrow,’ you gestured to Bradley and a few of your other friends from the academy, ‘and apparently I’m not the only one they called. I don’t know whether I should be worried or relieved.’ ‘Your dad was just in here. He know you’re back?’ ‘Yeah, I haven’t seen him yet though,’ you gestured to the bottle of Jack behind her, ‘can I get one of those, please? Or three?’ Penny reached for the bottle and a shot glass. ‘Not wasting any time, huh?’ You glanced behind you to where Phoenix was patting Bradley on the back and getting everyone to cheer for him, ‘It’s been a while since I’ve seen these guys.’ ‘You mean it’s been a while since you saw Rooster,’ she smiled knowingly. You downed your shot and slammed the tiny glass back down. Penny refilled it immediately, ‘That too,’ you admitted with a wince. ‘You already know what I’m going to say.’ ‘Yes, and you already know why I can’t tell him.’

You downed your second shot and just as you were about to do your third, someone covered your eyes with their hand. You knew who it was without having to hear him speak or look at his face because you’d know him deaf and blind. Hell, you’d know him in death.

The familiar rumble of his voice in your ear set your entire nervous system alight: ‘Guess who.’ ‘Hmm,’ you pretended to think, ‘I don’t know. Hangman?’ Rooster scoffed, ‘I haven’t seen you in two years and the first thing you do is insult me? Glad to know some things never change, Y/CS.’

You spun around and looped your arms around his neck, pressing your face into the side of his. He lifted you off the floor and spun you around with all the grace of a bull in a china shop, laughing like a little kid. It felt like no time at all had passed.

‘And you’re still shooting whiskey like it’s water,’ he noted, setting you down gently, ‘so you definitely haven’t changed.’

You drank him in hungrily, trying to act like you weren’t totally out of control on the inside. In one of his dad’s old Hawaiian shirts with his aviators perched on the tip of his nose, he wasn’t exactly a brand new man. Something about him was different, though, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it. Even as the two of you had gotten older, you’d always seen him as the goofy kid in the cowboy hat that could make you laugh on the darkest days. Throughout high school and your time at the academy, he’d been the person you confided in about everything, and the only secret you’d ever kept from him was your ever-growing feelings for him. But now, after just over two years apart, he felt more like a stranger than ever before. Nothing had changed, but everything had changed, and you were struggling to figure out how that could be.

‘You want a beer?’ you asked. ‘Sure, but no more shots for you. We gotta be up early and I know if you carry on drinking like that you won’t get out of bed.’ ‘When you’re right, you��re right.’

You got Rooster a beer and a JD and coke for yourself before heading over to the rest of the group. There were a few people whose reputations preceded them but you’d never met in real life, and then there was Phoenix, one of your closest friends from the academy. When she saw you she practically jumped on you and Rooster had to take your drink from your hand so it didn’t spill everywhere.

‘Y/CS!’ ‘Hey,’ you giggled, ‘Phoenix, it’s great to see you too but I can’t breathe.’ ‘Sorry, sorry,’ she relented, ‘how’ve you been? I haven’t seen you since your deployment. When did you get back?’ ‘Couple of months ago,’ you told her, ‘I’ve been in South Carolina.’ ‘You’ve been back months?’ Rooster cut in, ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ ‘You know how it is, Roo,’ you said, ‘you get deployed, come home and your whole life is upside down for a while. By the time you’ve settled back in, weeks have gone by and you still haven’t had a chance to see anyone.’

He nodded, but his hurt was apparent. Hangman sidled up next to you and you’d never been more relieved by his incredibly annoying presence. He wrapped an arm around your shoulder, hugging you tight. He was a massive ass, but you’d somehow ended up friends while being stationed together a few years ago. A lot of his bravado was an act, and when he let his guard down he was actually a great person to talk to.

‘Y/N Mitchell,’ he said, ‘Long time no see.’ ‘Can’t say I’m mad about that.’ His usual shit-eating grin was plastered across his face, ‘You and I both know that’s a lie.’ ‘Whatever helps you sleep at night, Seresin.’

Everyone makes small talk for a while and those who have never met before are introduced. You pull a barstool over and sit next to Bob, Phoenix’s new back-seater. She’s the first one to point out the elephant in the room.

‘So anybody know what this ‘special detachment’s’ all about?’ ‘A mission’s a mission,’ Hangman replies, ‘They don’t confront me. What I wanna know is who’s team leader. And which’a ya’ll have what it takes to follow me?’ Hangman winks at Rooster, needling him, ‘Hangman, the only place you’ll ever lead anyone is an early grave.’ Hangman looks up from his next shot and walks over to Rooster until they’re standing face to face. ‘Anyone follows you is just gonna… run outta fuel. But then that’s you all over, ain’t it, Rooster? Snug on your perch, waitin’ for juuuuust the right moment. That never comes.’ Rooster tenses visibly and you grab his arm, ‘Hey, you wanna get another drink? Feel like we’ve got some catching up to do.’

You leave the rest of the group to their game and grab a couple more drinks before heading outside. The Bronco is parked out front looking prettier than ever, paintwork glinting in the late-evening sunlight. If you had a dollar for the amount of late-night drives you and Bradley had taken in that thing, you’d be a billionaire.

You intended to sit at one of the tables outside The Hard Deck, but Rooster had other ideas. You ignored the swarm of butterflies in your stomach when he took your hand and led you down towards the beach and reminded yourself that you had no reason to be nervous; he was your best friend, he didn’t know about your feelings and nothing had changed.

‘I still can’t believe you’ve been back months and you didn’t tell me.’ You cringed, ‘I’m sorry, Bradley. I should’ve called, I know.’ ‘Mav know you’re back?’ Yeah, he’s here too.’

Your father was a touchy conversation subject and you tried to avoid talking about him as much as possible. Once you’d eventually realised that there was no way of convincing Rooster that everything he’d done had come from a place of love and concern, you’d given up trying to keep the peace. It was difficult, letting him fester in his own anger, but it wasn’t your fight. However, you’d be lying if you said you weren’t still holding out hope that things would go back to the way they used to be someday.

‘How’ve you been, anyway?’ you asked, swiftly changing the subject, ‘What’s new in your life?’ ‘The usual. Getting called down here is the most exciting thing that’s happened to me in months.’ You laughed, ‘That can’t be true. What happened to the girl you were dating?’ ‘Molly? Jesus Christ, that was over as quickly as it started. I stopped seeing her not long after you left,’ he sipped his beer, ‘what about you? Meet your future husband while you were away?’ ‘Nope,’ you sighed, ‘starting to think I’m destined to be alone forever.’ ‘What about Hangman?’ Rooster asked, Jake’s callsign sounding like ashes in his mouth.

To call your brief fling with Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin a mistake would have been putting it lightly. You’d been stationed together in Alabama for a little while and he was the only familiar person there so, naturally, you’d gravitated towards him and him to you. After getting to know each other better, one thing had led to another and you’d ended up sleeping together after one too many JD and cokes. That one night had led to another and another until you were pretty much dating, although neither of you had ever mentioned putting any kind of label on whatever it was the two of you had going on. Rooster had been up in arms when he found out, yelling at you down the phone that Jake was a complete and total asshole and that you deserved so much better, leading to the worst - and only - fight you’d ever had.

While getting involved with Jake was definitely a mistake and you didn’t plan on walking down that particular path ever again, you still stood by what you said in his defence: you have to get to know him in order to understand him.

‘You already know that’s over.’

Rooster looked at you and you had to remind yourself to breathe. You’d never wanted to kiss him more in your entire life.

‘I’ve got no idea why we’re here,’ he said, ‘but I’m glad you’re with me, Y/N.’ ‘Me too, Bradley. Me too.’

The special detachment, as it turned out, was a suicide mission. There was no other way of putting it. Your dad was immensely proud of you and your accomplishments and had never once doubted your abilities as a pilot, but he wasn’t happy that you were on this particular mission. He wasn’t happy that Rooster was on it either. After your first day of training, you went to dinner with your old man so you could catch up and talk about what you’d be in for over the course of the next couple of weeks. You hadn’t realised just how much you’d missed him until you were sitting in front of him, but part of you wished it was under different circumstances.

‘Surely me being part of the team you’re training goes against some kind of rule,’ you said around a mouthful of steak. ‘The stakes are so high, I think mostly every rule has already gone out the window.’ ‘I haven’t been this scared since I climbed in a cockpit for the first time,’ you admitted, ‘but I’ve also never wanted to be on a mission more.’ Your dad smiled, but there was fear in his eyes, ‘I don’t like that look, Y/N.’ ‘It’s the only one I got, Dad, and I got it from you.’ ‘Yeah, that’s what I’m worried about.’

White hot rage blinded you like a fire poker between your eyes. The minute Rooster walked through the doors you were racing up to him. Jake had to grab both of your arms and pull you off him to prevent you from swinging at him.

‘What the fuck was that Bradshaw?!’ you roared, ‘You got a fucking death wish?!’

He ran a hand through his hair, face flushed from the heat and the adrenaline coursing through his veins. You weren’t just angry at him for endangering his life, or your dad’s, for that matter, you were angry because you understood why he’d done it. And you knew that if you were in his shoes and you were up there with something to prove, you’d have done the exact same thing.

‘Can we not do this here?’

You shrugged Jake off and straightened out your flight suit, leading Bradley out of the room. He followed you outside into the blazing heat of the San Diego sun where you preceded to turn around and punch him so hard in the shoulder that he took a step back.

‘Jesus, Y/N,’ he huffed, ‘was that really necessary?’ ‘I don’t know, was nearly killing yourself and my dad really necessary?’ ‘I had it under control!’ You laughed humourlessly, ‘Yeah, it looked like it.’ ‘I’m not gonna have this fight with you,’ he said matter-of-factly, ‘I’m sorry for scaring you, but you have to understand-’ ‘I do understand!’ you screamed, ‘But just because I understand, doesn’t mean I can’t be pissed as hell!’

He pulled you flush against his chest and you softened immediately, unable to resist the comfort and security that came with one of Bradley’s bear hugs. If you had it your way, you’d stay in his arms like this for the rest of time.

‘You really need to have it out with Mav,’ you mumbled into his flight suit, ‘this is getting beyond ridiculous - it’s dangerous.’ He kissed the top of your head, ‘I know.’

You had to admit, dog fight football was a stroke of genius on your dad’s part. It was the perfect way to relieve any tensions between the team and also take everyone’s minds off the upcoming mission. Jake and Bradley - the two team captains - tossed a coin to decide who would pick first, and Jake ended up picking you. You suspected he did it just to get underneath Bradley’s skin, and judging by the set of his jaw as you marched over to Jake, his plan worked.

You also had Payback on your team, and between the two of you, you were carrying the whole game. You didn’t like to toot your own horn but… toot toot.

‘Come on Bradshaw!’ you yelled, smirking devilishly, ‘You really gonna let me kick your ass so spectacularly in front of everyone?!’ ‘You’ve got Payback! It ain’t fair!’ ‘Oh, so you don’t think we could win without him?!’

He was holding one of the balls and was preoccupied with insulting you, so when you ran at him at full force and snatched it right out of his hands, he was too stunned to try and stop you. Hangman and Payback both cheered, but as soon as Bradley refocused he was on your heels, and he had the advantage of extremely long legs.

Just before you could score, he came up behind you and wrapped both of his arms around your middle, lifting you off the ground and throwing you over his shoulder. You were so startled you dropped the ball and unluckily for you, Coyote was right there to pick it up and score another point for their team.

‘Put me down you cheat!’

Rooster was laughing so hard you could feel him shaking with it as he ran. He didn’t stop running until he reached the water and it was up to his waist, and then he dropped you in. It was freezing but actually quite a relief after running around in the sun all afternoon. You came up for air coughing and sputtering to find him doubled over with laughter, and you took the opportunity to drag him back down with you, pushing his head down further under the water. You knew you wouldn’t be able to overpower him long and before you could even comprehend what was happening he had a tight grip on both of your thighs, yanking you back under.

If not for the fact that it all happened so quickly, you would have spent more time revelling in the feeling of his big hands wrapped around the tops of your thighs. Your whole body broke out in goosebumps, and you knew it wasn’t from the chill of the water. When you both resurfaced you were smiling like fools and laughing like two lovesick teenagers, and you never wanted the moment to end.

‘Hey!’ Hangman called out, ‘Are you two still playing or what? I’ve got a game to win!’ With an eye roll, you yelled back: ‘Yeah we’re still playing, you couldn’t win without me anyway!’

Somehow, Rooster’s sunglasses had remained on his face throughout the entire fiasco, and you reached out and gently slid them off. He blinked against the sunlight and watched in awe as you put them on.

‘Did I say you could wear those?’ he asked. ‘Did I ask your permission?’

The two of you made your way back towards the rest of the squad, and it looked like your team was back in the lead. A sly remark about Rooster’s sabotage failing was on the tip of your tongue, but then he put his hand on your waist and pulled you into his side, ruffling the top of your head affectionately. The skin-on-skin contact was enough to drive you insane, and your words died on your lips.

‘Keep them,’ he murmured, ‘they look better on you anyway.’

When the mission got moved up, any calmness you felt dissipated like water on the hot asphalt of a runway. Your dad was now team leader and you had mixed feelings about it. You’d spent your whole life fearing for him, but knowing he was going on this mission really took the cake. And then there was the small issue of you being his kid, which would undoubtedly cloud his judgement when it came to selecting the rest of his team. For one, the chances of him even wanting you on the mission were slim to none, but then there was the worry that if he chose you, it would be seen as favouritism.

The final day of training was over and you’d been told to go and get some rest before tomorrow, and despite your exhaustion, you knew that if you were to lay down in your bunk now sleep wouldn’t come. It was one of those rare moments where the sky over Fightertown was empty and as a result, an eerie quiet had settled over the base. You were still in full flight gear - minus your helmet - sitting on the ground in the shade provided by the wing of your F/A-18. Before settling in for the night you still had to find time to shower, get something to eat and see your dad, but you were paralysed.

You dreaded to think how long you would’ve sat there if Rooster hadn’t suddenly materialised. He sat down opposite, stretching his long legs out so they were on either side of you.

‘What are you still doing out here?’ he asked gently, ‘You feeling okay?’

You were fiddling with your dog tags, a nervous tic you’d picked up in the academy, and Rooster never failed to notice. Looking into your eyes earnestly, he took both of your hands in his.

‘Talk to me, Y/CS.’ You sighed deeply, ‘I’ve never been this nervous about a mission before. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.’ ‘This is the highest-stakes mission either of us has ever gone on in our careers. I would be worrying if you weren’t nervous.’ ‘Yeah, but you know me, Roo. I don’t do nerves.’ ‘You think I’m not shitting my pants at the thought of having to fly tomorrow?’ You laughed despite the lump in the base of your throat, ‘You hide it better than me, then.’ ‘You can’t keep anything off your face, Y/N. I always know what you’re feeling.’ ‘You do?’

Your heart dropped at the thought of him being able to read you so well, but in hindsight, you should have known. You’d literally been destined to be best friends since before you were born, since your dads stayed up late one night talking about their futures, wondering if they’d have kids and how well they’d get along. As far as you knew, he’d never kept anything from you, and you’d only ever kept one thing from him. You lived your life at the same pace, shared the same moral compass and wanted all the same things. You finished each other’s sentences and could have secret conversations through facial expressions, without even having to speak. If he called, you answered. If he needed you, you ran to him, and vice versa.

You didn’t need him to confirm your worst fear: he knew you were in love with him. There was no doubt in your mind and you were a fool not to have seen it sooner.

As though he’d read your mind and sensed the worsening of your anxiety, he changed the subject.

‘What do you say we go and grab a bite to eat?’ ‘Like a last supper?’ Bradley laughed, ‘You can be really morbid sometimes, you know that?’

‘It’s been an honour flying with you,’ your dad said, ‘each one of you represents the best of the best. This is a very specific mission. My choice is a reflection of that, and nothing more.’ ‘Choose your two Foxtrot teams.’ Cyclone told him.

You fought the urge to vomit down your flight suit.

‘Phoenix and Bob. Y/CS and Payback.’

You didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

‘And your wingman.’

The tension in the air was palpable. A bead of sweat rolled down the back of your neck.

‘Rooster.’

You could feel Bradley’s eyes on you, but judging by the unpleasant feeling that had overcome you, turning around to face him wouldn’t be a smart idea. For one, he more than likely looked just as nauseous as you and seeing him like that would only cause your anxiety to skyrocket. Secondly, he was the one person you could be completely vulnerable in front of and since it was already taking every ounce of your strength not to cry, it was probably best not to engage.

For the next hour, the seconds passed you by like cars on a highway. You listened to Warlock explain the mission for the final time, but his words went in one ear and came out the other. You stayed at Payback’s side up until it was time to go, but just as you were heading out to the flight deck, your dad pulled you aside for the conversation you’d been anticipating since he said your name.

His expression was, as ever, unreadable and you decided that it was probably a good thing that you didn’t know exactly what he was feeling in that moment. If Maverick was nervous, then you really had something to worry about.

He pulled you close and squeezed you tight, and you let out a single, strangled sob.

‘I know you can do this.’ ‘Me too,’ you were clinging onto him for dear life, ‘but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified.’ ‘If I didn’t believe in you completely, I wouldn’t have chosen you.’ ‘I know, Dad.’ ‘I love you, Y/N.’ ‘I love you too. I’ll see you when we get back.’

He kissed the top of your head before letting you go and you headed out to the flight deck together. Payback was already waiting for you, but it seemed as though there was one more conversation to be had. Maverick patted Rooster on the back as he passed, throwing one final glance back at the two of you. All you could do was remind yourself over and over again that you’d be seeing him later and that you’d be going for steaks at your favourite diner back in San Diego before you knew it.

You could tell Rooster didn’t know what to say but it didn’t matter. You already knew, because you were thinking all the same things.

‘When we get home, I have some things I wanna talk to you about.’

He reached out to touch your cheek and you leaned into his hand, almost nuzzling his palm with the side of your face. Hugging him, you decided, would be too final. It would feel like a goodbye, and this wasn’t a goodbye, it was simply ‘see you later.’

‘There are some things I want to talk to you about as well,’ you smiled sheepishly, ‘but if you can read me as well as you say, you already know that.’ ‘Yeah, I know.’ ‘Fly safe, Roo.’ ‘Give ‘em hell, Y/CS.’

It wasn’t humanely possible to count how many times you’d flown. It was as natural as breathing oxygen, almost a second thought at this point. Getting into the cockpit of a fighter plane felt more like coming home than walking through the front door of the house you grew up in with your dad.

But nothing could have prepared you for that mission.

And nothing could have prepared you for the immense feeling of sheer panic and terror when your dad was hit. It was as though the bottom of your plane had dropped out and you were in freefall. If that wasn’t horrific enough, Rooster had gone after him. This paired with the chaos of the dogfight was traumatising enough that you’d forgotten how to breathe and what you were supposed to be doing. You had absolutely no idea how Payback managed to talk you down from going after both of them, but he did, as well as calming you down enough so you could fly back to the aircraft carrier.

You weren’t in the habit of being overly emotional in front of anyone who wasn’t Bradley or your father, but when you climbed out of the cockpit and Phoenix was already waiting for you, arms open, you collapsed onto her and broke down. You’d been completely inconsolable up until you got word of Rooster’s signal in an unidentified F-14.

Surprisingly, the relief came after cursing yourself for ever believing that your father could be bested by anyone. At this point, you were almost entirely sure that he was immortal. And as for Bradley, he was much stronger than everyone else realised. He gave Maverick a run for his money, and that was saying something. Phoenix was the only reason you hadn’t collapsed onto the ground when you realised they were okay and coming home, with the help of Hangman, of course. In the back of your mind, you were wondering how long it was going to take to hear the end of it from Jake.

And there you were on the flight deck with Phoenix’s arm around your shoulder and Payback’s around your waist, watching your dad and your best friend make the rockiest landing you’d ever seen. It felt as though all your internal organs were in your throat as you watched the net get thrown out, ready to catch the incoming aircraft and stop it from going overboard. The sound was near-deafening but you hardly noticed with the rushing blood in your ears. As soon as that plane stopped moving, you tore away from Phoenix and Payback and made a beeline towards the F-14, safety concerns be damned.

Your dad climbed out first, somehow steady on his feet despite what he’d just been through. But that was Mav all over, wasn’t it? He didn’t so much as wobble until you threw yourself at him.

‘Dad!’ you shrieked, ‘Are you okay? Are you hurt?’

He held you with the strength of someone who had a newfound value for their own life. He cradled the back of your head with one hand and stroked your hair like he used to when you were small.

‘I’m okay, are you okay?’ ‘You’re seriously asking me that?’ He laughed breathlessly, ‘I’m okay now.’ You squeezed him tighter than ever before, ‘I love you, Dad. I love you so much.’ ‘I love you too,’ he replied, releasing you reluctantly, ‘and I want you to know how proud I am of you for pulling that off.’ ‘It’s in my blood.’ He put his hands on either side of your face and leaned in to kiss your forehead, ‘I think you should go and speak to Rooster,’ he whispered, ‘we’ll talk more afterwards, okay?’

At the mention of Rooster, all the wind was knocked out of you. All you could do was nod at your father before he headed over to the rest of the squad, leaving you alone in front of the battered F-14. Rooster had jumped out right after your dad, but he’d given the two of you some space. You locked eyes like they do in the movies, but this wasn’t a movie. The world didn’t tilt on its axis or stop turning altogether; it was more like the two of you were the only ones in it that actually mattered. Everyone around you might as well have been frozen in time.

He was taking long strides towards you, but he couldn’t get to you quick enough so you ran to meet him halfway, not stopping until your face was mere millimetres away from his. He was filthy, covered in blood, and sweat and God only knew what else, but you were blinded by the light behind his eyes. You’d always been totally mesmerised by him, but this was something else entirely. It was suddenly very apparent to you that you would do anything this man asked of you, follow him down to the eye of any storm, love him until you took your final breath.

‘Y/N-’ ‘Don’t say anything,’ you interjected, ‘I already know what you’re gonna say, and I don’t wanna waste any more time.’

And before he could utter another word, you pressed your lips to his. The kiss started out soft but then he ran his fingers through your hair and somehow managed to pull your face even closer, deepening the kiss. He ran his tongue along your lips and you parted them for him, finally tasting him the way you’d wanted to for as long as you could remember. Your veins were thrumming with so much electricity you thought your head might explode. When you eventually parted, the space between you was too much for you to bear (you never wanted there to be any space between you and Bradley ever again) so you looped your arms around his neck just like you always did when you hugged him. His face was full of so much adoration, anyone would think you’d hung the bloody moon in the sky.

‘Do you know how long I’ve wanted to do that?’ he asked. ‘If it’s anywhere near as long as me, we’re going to be kicking ourselves.’ He kissed the tip of your nose and you damn-near melted, ‘I don’t want to go another day without kissing you like that.’ ‘Neither do I.’

You’d forgotten that the rest of your squad was standing a few feet away, waiting to celebrate with you. When you turned around, they were all cheering for you and Rooster and you could just about make out Phoenix’s ‘finally’ over the sound of Payback’s hoots. You knew you had to go over there and that there would be plenty of time to be alone when you got back to San Diego, but you couldn’t wait until then to tell Bradley how you felt about him. If he hadn’t already guessed.

You had to stand on tip toes to reach his ear, where you whispered: ‘I love you, Bradley Bradshaw. To the moon and back again.’ You felt him shiver beneath your touch. ‘I love you too, Y/N.’

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darkficsyouneveraskedfor · 1 year ago

Text

Same as it ever was 6

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as neglect, bullying, manipulation, cheating, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: Between your home life and work, you just can’t catch a break. Especially after you draw the ire of your boss.

Characters: Lloyd Hansen ft. Pete Brenner

Note: have a happy friday.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!)

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

Sunday gives you an excuse to get away. Pete, like a dog with his tail between his legs, doesn't even try to come up with an excuse to 'work'. You take Simone with you to the grocery store, warning the slug that he can handle Malik for a couple hours alone. You notice the pout in his lips but don't acknowledge it.

You don't need much but you take your time. You agree to buy Simone an Archie comic, shrugging off the extra few dollars as you notice her growing restless. You made her leave her book at home. You're happy she loves to read but she can't ignore the world all the time.

"You wanna get lunch?" You ask as you push the cart through the lot.

"Mm, I dunno," she drags her feet, "I'm tired."

"Probably 'cause you need to eat," you judge her with your elbow, "come on, how often is it just the two of us."

She grumbles but you ignore her reluctance. You're in no hurry to get home and you can scrounge enough for a sit down in the diner. It might be the last nice thing you can afford.

You load up the bags on the trunk and drive down the block to the same place you would take Simon when you were still pregnant with Malik. Those days were nice and so far behind you. The memory makes your heart ache.

You open the door ahead of Simone and follow her into the mom and pop shop. You're seated by the window in a booth. You order coffee as your daughter gets an apple juice. You peruse the menu but you're not very hungry.

"Oh, they still have the grilled cheese," you say.

"Yeah…" she continues to read the menu, nonplussed by your suggestion.

You tap your toe and cup your chin as you look out the window. It's a nice day even if you're gloomy inside. You turn back to the table and flip over the menu.

The waitress returns with your drinks. You sip your coffee before you order a mac and cheese and Simone gets chicken fingers. You hand the menus over and smile at your daughter. She's old enough, she'll catch on soon.

"So, what's your latest adventure about?" You ask.

"Uh, well, I just read one about a knight. She's a girl and she goes off to fight an army of trolls…"

You immerse yourself in her retelling of the children's novel. You don't care, it's better than reality. You giggle and smile as she becomes more animated. She can be so monotone but her passion makes you proud.

A figure approaches, breaking your trance, and you look over expecting the waitress. To your chagrin, it's not.

You grip the edge of the table as Simone's voice peters out and she looks at the man with her cool deadpan. You clear your throat, fighting the urge to reach across and shield her. Mr. Hansen smirks down at you as he glances between you and your daughter.

"Funny running into you here," he snickers, "enjoying your weekend."

"Just having lunch," you say crisply, "hope you're having a good Sunday."

You turn straight on the bench and look at Simone as you gesture for her to face you. She frowns as you try to come up with an escape plan. You don't even know what to say and he's not going anywhere.

"Oh I'm having a wonderful weekend. Look at you, how cute, this must be the spawn."

"Spawn?" Simone murmurs, "hey, what's your deal, guy?"

"Sim," you wave her off, "that's good to hear Mr. Hansen. I hate to keep you so–"

"Room for one more?" He winks.

"Ew, no," Simone speaks before you can, "mom, tell him to go away."

"She's mouthy. Not hard to guess why," he scoffs.

You slide off the seat and stand, stepping between him and the table. You arch a brow, pleading with your hands out.

"Please, sir, we're just enjoying a meal out. I'll see you tomorrow. At work."

He watches you, his amusement playing on his face. He's enjoying seeing you squirm, just like before. He always knows the most sensitive spot to hit. Your kids would be top of the list.

"Tomorrow," he winks as he leans back on his heel, "we got a special meeting, don't we?"

"Sir," you hiss.

He chuckles and rolls his eyes, "alright, ladies, enjoy your lunch."

He backs up and struts away. You don't sit until he's out the door. What on earth is he even doing in a place like this? It's not exactly a Michelin star experience.

You settle back in and swallow, turning to watch out the window. He isn't in his usual suit but still dressed nicely. A peach polo peeking out under a teal bomber jacket and canary pants. Tacky if you say so yourself.

"Who was that weirdo?" Simone asks.

"My boss," you lean back, "just saying hi."

"He's strange. Like the villain in the book I was reading," she scowls out the window, "you need a new job."

You laugh despite yourself, "you have no idea. First things first, I'm starving."

🗄️

You get home, exhausted. You put away the groceries and tidy up. Of course Pete couldn't clean up after making a mess of the kitchen for a simple PB and J. You sigh as you finish and look in on the kids in the living room.

Malik colours as Simone creases her brow at her book. You hear Pete outside working on his Corvette. For a brand new car, it sure needs a lot of maintenance.

You tell the kids you'll be upstairs if they need anything. You go to the bedroom and open the closet. You're so anxious about tomorrow, you may as well get ready to face the music.

You pick out an outfit. Nothing special. You don't have anything fashionable. It's not like you need more than a striped blouse and worn black pants. You just don't want to come back up there to grab it all in the morning.

As you come downstairs, you hear Malik giggling. You peek in through the doorway with your armful of clothing. Pete sits on the floor at the coffee table beside the boy and scribbles with a crayon. He meets your eye as you pass and gives a sheepish smile. You shake your head and keep going.

You open the door to the basement and the cool air sweeps around your descent. You put the outfit on the folding table beside the camping cot. Your first few nights have been less than comfortable. As cozy as your own marriage.

You check the dryer and take out the towels, folding them on the top and stacking them there. You hear footsteps on the stairs. You keep your back to the airy space.

"Hey," Pete says. You're not surprised. He keeps trying to corner you. "So…"

"Busy," you grab a basket and set the towels in it.

"Hm," he stops only a few feet from you, "Simone said you ran into someone. Your boss."

"Yup. Nice guy," you utter dryly.

"I thought Mandy was your boss."

You roll your eyes as you lift the basket and turn, "one of many. She's up in York now."

"Ah…" he hangs his head, gripping one hip, "a lot's changed."

"I'm not in the mood to talk so let's not do this."

He huffs and steps into your path. He puts a hand on the basket. He looks you in the face.

"I will be home every day at six–"

"Too late."

"Please, can't I just try? Can't you?"

"Me? I tried, Pete," you snap, "come home at six anyway. The kids will be happy."

"What about you?"

You stare at him grimly. Your eyes tingle and you look away. Your chest rises and falls.

"I haven't been happy in a long time. Don't think I will be again," you shrug and pull the basket away, striding past him, "I didn't make you happy either, did I?"

He huffs and trails after you as you cross to the stairs. As you go to make your ascent and he grabs your arm and spins you back to him. Before you can react, he snatches the basket from your grip and places it on the stack of rubbermaid bins by the wall.

He puts his hands on your arms and pulls you against him. He leans in and you turn your head, his lips crashing into your cheek. You shove on his chest and growl.

"What are you doing?" You pinch by his ribs.

"Baby, please, let me make it up to you–"

"Don't touch me," you push on him, "get off."

"I love you. I mean it–"

"Stop!" You hit his chest again but he doesn't budge, instead wrapping his arms around you, squeezing the breath out of you. How is he still so strong when you only ever got weaker? "Pete…"

"You can't walk away–"

"You already did," you keep your voice down, mindful of the open door above.

"Let me try. I wanna make love to you–"

"Pfft, yeah right. Go get tested and I might even consider letting you hold my hand," you snarl, "get off of me now."

"Wha– I'm clean–"

"Get!" You bring your knee up and feel it collide with his crotch. He releases you and staggers back, cupping his most precious possession. "You're a dirty fucking weasel."

You turn and pick up the basket and stomp up the stairs as you hear him whimpering. Serves him right. You can't help but smile at the ounce of power you feel in that moment.

🗄️

Monday morning both too quickly but not fast enough. You get up with the kids and get them ready for school, filling a thermos of coffee for yourself. You drive them to school and send them off with dread in your chest.

For a moment, you idle outside the school. You miss the days when you only worried about spelling quizzes and dodgeball. You hope at least your kids never end up where you are.

You follow the crawl of traffic out of the school zone and reluctantly steer towards work. You yawn and drain half your thermos before you get to the office. As you shoulder your bag and look up at the corporate facade, you feel the world threaten to crumble around you. No, not the whole world, just yours.

You enter behind a few others and try to find your courage in the elevator. You peek over at your coworkers; you recognise two but the other you don't know. There's not much workplace camaraderie, more of an understanding to get your work down and clock out.

You follow them out and go to your desk. You sit and pop the lid off of your thermos. Just enough to get you through this. You don't unpack your lunch, certain you won't be eating it there.

You turn on your PC and sign in. You're in no hurry to get started on work. Your calendar pops up with the internal schedule reminder. There it is, a meeting in ten minutes. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

You get up and go to the bathroom. You can do this. You dealt with your scoundrel husband, you are still moving, you're not dead in the water.

But how do you survive this? Do you beg? You quit and take the loss? No you can't. You need this job and if you get fired, at least you'll have a hope at severance.

You avoid your reflection. That old woman isn't you. You go out and check your watch, pausing as the shine of your rings gleam in the fluorescent light. You slide them off and put them in your back pocket.

You check the schedule one last time and go to tbe meeting room. There's no one there as you find the door shut. It's clearly empty on the other side of the windowed walls. You lean against the plaster and tap your sole.

"Ah, there she is. How's it goin', toots? You need some chamomile? The chairs sure are comfy, aren't they?" Mr. Hansen struts down with his hands in his pockets.

"Sir," you greet flatly. He's mocking you. Jokes on him, you're always tired.

"Come on," he twists the handle and swings the door open so that it bounces on the hinges, "get moving."

You don't react to his crass tone. You merely step into the room as the light flicks on as the censor picks up your movement. You walk along one side of the table as Hansen shuts the door.

You hover behind a chair as he goes along the wall and tugs each cord to repel the blinds down, blocking out the hallway. Uneasiness bubbles in your stomach as you watch him. You expected him to make your humiliation public.

"Have a seat, honey buns," he faces you, approaching the other side of the table.

You sit and fold your hands on the table top. He has no paperwork, not even a computer. You wonder what exactly is going on.

"Is someone from HR–"

"Look, let's keep the sticklers outta this," he waves you off, kick one foot out as he shifts his weight to one hip, "unless you really want a disciplinary slip. Me, personally, I can't be fucked with that paperwork."

You frown and flatten your hands on the table, trying to keep your anxiety from showing. He looks at the gesture and tilts his head. His cheek dimples and he snorts.

He doesn't comment. Not at first. He paces up and down the table and bites his thumb.

"Alright, let's get to business," he stops at the end, close to the corner, "what are you willing to do to keep this job?"

"Sir?"

"Pretty daughter you got. Probably eats up that paycheck in no time. All those cute shirts and ugh, the growth spurts–"

"Mr. Hansen," you swallow, "please, I don't think my family has anything to do with this."

"They have everything to do with this," he insists, "let's not pretend."

"I'm not– I'm sorry I fell asleep. It won't happen again."

"I gave you an out. All you had to do was put your hands down my pants and you could've napped in the boardroom. No problem. I do it all the time," he snickers, "but no, you're a stubborn little bitch. Makes me wonder what the old man sees in ya. Really, cause a tight ass ain't fun unless you get inside–"

"Mr. Hansen," you exclaim, revolted by his lewd words.

"Whatever he's doing, he's not doing it right. You need to loosen up, toots," he runs his thumb across his mustache, "and that little girl won't be so proud of mommy if she ends up working at Burger King like some stoner teenager–"

You sputter, heat creeping up the nape of your neck and speckling down your body. You shake your head. Did he know or is it a lucky guess? Either way, you don't have the energy for this. You're done being a joke for men.

"Just spit it out. What do I have to do?" You sneer as your hands ball.

His lips slant and he smothers a noise in his throat. He slowly walks closet until he's right beside you. You turn the chair to face him as he leans down and puts his hand on yours. He unfolds your fingers and feels along the indents left by your rings.

"Looks like trouble in paradise," he winks, "well, I'm the good kinda trouble. Trust me."

You stare at him. You're not as naive as you once were. There's no denial here. This is real life, a bitter pill you need to swallow.

"That's it? A hand job and I keep my job?" You squint.

He laughs and cups your chin, "oh, you think that's it?"

You can't help but let your surprise bleed through. Your not some young hot thing. Is he just trying to rub salt in the wound or is he serious?

"I…"

"Hand, mouth, cunt, ass, tits," he pulls away as he lists of each word, "you look in tact for the most part. But most importantly…" he shoots you with a finger gun, "you're desperate. What more could I ask for?"

#lloyd hansen #dark lloyd hansen #dark!lloyd hansen #pete brenner #dark pete brenner #dark!pete brenner #lloyd hansen x reader #pete brenner x reader #fic #dark fic #dark!fic #series #au #same as it ever was #the gray man #pain hustlers

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reidslovely · 1 year ago

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If Your Love is in Trouble (Part Two)

"Now I'm constantly reminded of the time I was nineteen" Halsey, 100 Letters

Playlist Here

Part One Here

Pairing: Peter Parker x Fem! Reader x Harry Osborn

Content Warning: Safe chapter, no warnings that I can think of. Harry Osborn doing Harry Osborn activities.

Please reblog and throw in a comment if you'd like!

Peter stood stuck in place, hands curling into nervous fists in his pockets before loosening and fighting their way out. He rubbed his palms against his jeans, wiping the sweat from them as he stared at the tall figure in front of him. (Y/N) held onto him, the two swaying their embrace.

“Not excited to see me Petey?” Harry’s voice teased as he wrapped an arm around (Y/N) as she stepped out from their embrace.

“Just a bit in shock, last time I saw you- you were still having your man servants blow dry your hair in the morning.”

Harry chuckled, stepping out from their girl. Approaching him with shaking hands, Peter smiled and fell into the draw of Harry’s presence. He’s always had that effect on him.

“Yeah well, you and red over here were still getting your braces locked together last time I saw you. But now you have perfect teeth.” He teased, his hand clapping on his friend's shoulder. Eyes glancing over his face, both more mature now. Harry finally grew into his facial features, his jawline was sharp, dimples flashing as he smiled. Pete always thought Harry was the better looking one between the two of them. “Now there’s nothing distracting from your unibrow.”

“Shut up.” The brunette cackled, letting his hand linger thinking about his next move.

Peter wrapped his arms around Harry pulling him in for a hug. The two fall into a warm embrace like they used to. Harry’s head resting on his friend's shoulder, Peter’s chin tucked into Harry’s neck. For a moment Harry never left.

“I’m sorry about your dad, Har.”

Harry pulled back, his clutch on Peter’s jacket never loosened. “Hey, it’s alright. Long time coming and all y’know.”

Harry spoke dismissively, shaking his head. (Y/N) walked up to the two confused, looking at Harry. “I thought you said everything was fine? Is this why you came home?”

Peter reached his hand out grabbing her shoulder, his thumb rubbing slightly. It was just like Harry to keep his pain and business to himself. Harry shrugged hands in the pockets of his slacks.

“I didn’t want you to worry, besides, not like he and I were ever best friends. Feels more like losing a distant uncle than a…a dad.”

Peter nodded his other hand reaching out to grab Harry’s shoulder. “We’re here for you man. Really, you name it.”

Harry smiled, his hands grabbing Peter’s forearm as he laughed. “Well honestly I’m starving, maybe you guys…wanna go for lunch?” Harry offered up, Peter thought on it shrugging his shoulders. (Y/N) shook her head, pointing at the upstairs window mumbling about an assignment she had due soon. Peter’s eyes flashed towards Harry quickly thinking on what they should do next.

“Well we can do it the old fashion way.”

Harry smirked, turning back towards her door. Peter wrapped his arm around (Y/N) as they walked. “Where is that old…ah ha!” Harry felt around the doorframe grabbing a colorful spare key off the top.

“Aren’t you supposed to change the hiding spot every six weeks?”

“Tell my dad not me.” (Y/N) laughed as she pushed past the two of them dropping her bag on the chair by the door. Peter was the last one to step in looking around the house he hadn’t stepped foot into in what felt like eternity. Still feeling like home. Snapping out of his daze he felt Harry bump his shoulder grabbing his attention.

“So are you still two locking braces again? I didn’t like it the first time I had to pull you two apart and..”

“No no.” Peter laughed. “It’s complicated. It’s a long story..”

“Oh I know.” Harry kicked his feet up on the coffee table, turning the tv on. Peter tilted his head at Harry. He knew? What did he mean by that exactly? Peter’s eyes drifted from Harry to (Y/N) standing in the kitchen making them all a snack tray. Suddenly everything was falling into place, and the low vibration still hung in the back of Peter’s skull but there was no danger around. He thought maybe he was dehydrated, he rubbed the back of his head sighing.

“When did you two..? Start talking again?”

Harry sucked in a breath, biting down on his cheek as he stared at the brunette. There was a slight feeling of betrayal that pinged in Peter’s heart, but he couldn’t be mad; he's the one who’d left her with no one. Harry slumped his shoulders and let his eyes drift to the ground.

“She called me crying one night about a year ago. Told me that she just felt really lonely and..she hated reaching out to me but she didn’t know who else to call. I asked where you were cause, fuck, the way she was crying had me thinking you fucking died and I was panicked. Told me that you and her had this..issue come up and you weren’t friends anymore.” Harry sighed, laying his hands out in defeat.

“You couldn’t even say I love you? Come on Pete, you’re better than that.”

He really wasn’t. They both knew that. Both knew that Peter had been in love with (Y/N) since seventh grade, so why say it? Why couldn’t she just accept what it was? Accept that for the moment he chose Gwen because she was who he needed..needed? Peter shook off the thought, raising his shoulders with a laugh.

“I’ve had it rough the last couple years, I didn't wanna bother her with that. I’m no good for her.”

As Harry opened his mouth to talk, the subject of the matter walked in with a snack tray in hand. She looked between the two as she sat the platter out on the coffee table, feeling the tension. Peter cleared his throat and sat in the yellow loveseat opposite from the couch. It was always his favorite spot in her house. They always took naps in it together after school, (Y/N) nested into his side arms around her his head in her hair. He should have told her he loved her then. (Y/N) grabbed her bag and settled next to Harry on the couch pulling out her laptop as Harry flipped through the channels, their legs touching as they relaxed. Had he’d been replaced? Was that fair?

“So Harry you got a girl, you still fucking that supermodel?”

Did that sound too bitter? To blunt?

Harry shook his head, his leg nudging (Y/N)’s playfully. “No dude..that whole supermodel thing is exhausting.”

Harry grabbed onto (Y/N)’s leg pulling her legs into his lap letting her stretch out as she types away on her laptop, laughing with them. Peter took a shaky breath seeing the two entangled. Harry meant no harm, he was always handsy with her, they both were. It was different now, they were adults with different intentions. Jealousy washed in and out of Peter like an angry wave at high tide. Maybe he was too bitter, he needed to lighten up- Harry was home and that’s what mattered.

“Oh I know.” Peter rolled his eyes playfully as he laughed dramatically.

“No, no I’m not seeing anyone right now. Only girl I care about seeing is red over here.” Harry smiled. “Why do you ask? You wanna kiss me Pete?”

(Y/N) giggled, shaking her head. “Can you two make out somewhere else please?”

“Oh I’ll take him to the laundry room, don’t worry about it.” Peter joked, flashing (Y/N) a knowing look. Her eyes widened slightly before dropping back to the computer screen. Harry tilted his head smiling slightly, flashing them both a confused look.

“Do I even want to know? Scratch that, no I don’t.” Harry chuckled, his hand rubbing up and down (Y/N)’s leg eyes glued to the TV.

“Let’s just say after my eighteen birthday party Peter wasn’t allowed at my house unsupervised for a month.”

“God I missed so much..I missed you guys.” Harry laughed, head leaning back against the couch cushion. Peter nodded, kicking his foot out to hit his friend's knee.

“Don’t sulk, you're back now. That’s what matters.” Peter says, pointing a finger at him. “And you’re not going anywhere.” Peter jumped at his phone vibrating in his pocket, Gwen’s name and contact photo popping up, suddenly he was jumping up. The two on the couch looking at him confused and slightly panicked.

“I gotta go..I..I’ll text you guys later.” Peter clapped a hand on Harrys, nodding and out of muscle memory he kissed the top of (Y/N)’s head. He took a step back shaking his head staring at her. “Sorry, sorry. I gotta go..” Peter ran towards the door.

“Hey! Before you go I’m having a party tonight kind of a welcome home thing. You better come!” Harry yelled from his spot on the couch.

“Yeah, yeah! ‘Course, see you then!” Peter yelled back, shutting the door behind him.

“He does that a lot now huh?” Harry asked as the silence lingered. (Y/N) nodded her head, giving her shoulders a shrug looking over her computer screen at him. There was only ever one person besides her that Peter would drop everything for.

“Gwen called and of course he ran out.”

“Gwen..? Fucking Gwen Stacy?”

Harry sounded shocked, like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Yeah they started dating but not really at the start of senior year, took a break then got really serious around January after her dad died. It was a whole thing..” (Y/N) shrugged. “They broke up though, like right after graduation and then Pete became a hermit. Today is the first time I've seen him in months..I don’t know if the whole timeline is messy and fuzzy.” (Y/N) laughed, turning her attention back to the laptop.

“Sounds fuzzy..and you and him were still a thing when he was with Gwen?”

“It was complicated, they were hanging out. Peter and I were never a ‘thing’ , we were friends who kissed sometimes..okay, a lot of times. Doesn’t matter, and yes Gwen was fine with it but they became official after I..”

“Professed your dying love? Yikes.”

“Hey, it’s whatever.” (Y/N) sighs, kicking Harry in the thigh. “Peter just wanted to be my friend, and then he didn’t even want to be that. Who can blame him? I fucked that up so badly.”

“I’d want to be your friend after you professed your dying love for me, fuck I’d confess it back.”

(Y/N) stopped typing, her fingers hanging over the keyboard staring at Harry confused. Harry laughed and stared back. “If I was the one in love with you of course.” He says awkwardly. She only nodded in response, squinting her eyes at him slightly suddenly extremely aware of his hand on her thigh.

“Maybe you are and it’s just deeply repressed. That childhood admiration, love, or whatever.”

“Yeah..” There was a sweetness in Harry’s usual brooding voice as he spoke. He slowly closed her laptop. “Maybe. Who knows.” He says sliding the laptop onto the coffee table, inching slightly closer. (Y/N) swallowed hard, she hadn’t realized how blue his eyes were..were they always that blue? She smiled slightly at the pink tint on his cheek.

“Can I kiss you?”

It was a whisper that she almost didn’t catch, but she had and it hung in the air around them. Warming them both in the comfort they craved from those around them.

“Harry..” She whispered back, struggling to find an answer. Her eyes glancing at the door waiting for Peter to bust through the door and throw a fit like he had when he found her and Garret Leads kissing at Gwen's birthday party.

“Yeah..yes. I’d like that.”

She wasn’t sure what compelled her to say yes. Maybe it was the need to feel his comfort for the first time in years. Maybe she had some repressed feelings herself. She didn’t have time to come up with an answer because before she knew it his lips were on hers, his hand cupping her cheeks. His lips moving softly against hers, taking their time. He pulled back smiling slightly, his thumb stroking a small beauty mark on her cheek as he looked at her. She started to lean back in before the door opened back up, the two jumping apart from one another like startled teenagers.

“Little Osborn! Long time no see.” (Y/N)’s mom smiled as she walked into the living room. “How have you been?”

“Good! Good, great.” He laughed it off smiling at her mom. (Y/N) held back a laugh, her face feeling extremely warm. Her mother nodded at them before heading up stairs. “Have fun you two! Oh and tell Peter Harry is back!”

“He knows!” (Y/N) yells back up the stairs at her mom. Harry drops his head in his hands laughing, (Y/N) hiding her face in the cushions.

“I..I can’t believe you still live with your parents. Pete, yeah. But you! Shocking”

(Y/N) playfully rolled her eyes. “Not everyone can inherit a gorgeous penthouse in this economy Ozzy.” The nickname slips back into her vocabulary like it was meant to be there.

“Right. Well, I have to go to my gorgeous penthouse and get ready for tonight.” Harry says. “And eat some real food, the snacks were nice though. Thank you.” He smiles, standing over her as she still lounges on the couch.

“Yeah, course anytime.” She says looking up at him. He smiled as he leaned down to her face. She smiles back, eyes looking between his lips and eyes. Harry sighed softly, breath fanning her face as he pursed his lips to her cheek, letting them rest there before pulling away.

“See you tonight.”

“Yeah, tonight.” She confirmed, her hand holding the spot on her cheek as Harry disappeared out of the threshold and towards the front door.

Oh god. She thought, grabbing her laptop and opening it back up. What has she done to herself?

Taglist: @someblessedmonster @juhdoche @nososhortbee @moonyslove78 @helloheyhihowdyheya @sincericida @tarzinnia @a-lumos-in-the-nox @adhdhufflepuff @messymissy @hollandweather @toomanyfictionalboyfriends @eevylynn @ateliefloredeprimavera

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arcane-vagabond · 1 year ago

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Dagger Gang Universe Masterlist

Here is the Masterlist for the Dagger Gang Universe! Here, you will find all three series as well as their respective drabbles! The DGU takes place sometime around the 1870s in the New Mexico territories of the west. Reblogs, comments, and likes are always encouraged, and if you enjoy my writing, please consider buying me a ko-fi! You can also find me on AO3 under sailor_aviator where I post all of my updates.

All posts related to this universe will be tagged as "DGU" and "Dagger Gang Universe"

*Denotes smut.

Masterlist

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Reader

Summary: Jake "Hangman" Seresin is a notorious leader within the Dagger Gang of the old western territories of the United States. You, a recently orphaned socialite from the eastern seaboard, find yourself swept off to live with your older brother who has set down roots in said western territory. Determined to to make the best of your situation, what will you do when said outlaw sets his sights on you?

Finished

Moodboards || Fan Art || Playlist 1 || Playlist 2

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five*

Chapter Six*

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine*

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve*

The first time Jake sees Scout...

Scout gets the laundry

Jake teaches Scout how to play baseball

Scout and Jake spend Christmas together

Scout finds Jake asleep

Scout and Jake wake up

Jake gets hired on as a ranch hand

You call Jake "baby boy" in bed*

Isaac's attack from Jake's POV

The morning after Chapter Six

See more on the masterlist!

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Reader

Summary: Taking place directly after the events of "Don't Hang'em Til Noon," this series follows more of Jake and Scout as they traverse life in the New Mexico territories. Isaac Cassidy's gang is still hanging about, stirring up trouble in the name of their fallen leader. Additionally, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell and your brother, Benjamin, have established rights to a gold mine that's now drawing in more and more unsavory characters. Will you have what it takes to survive the growing danger?

Moodboards || Fan Art || Playlist 1 || Playlist 2

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four (Coming Soon)

Blowjob in the barn...*

Scout calls Jake "baby boy" in bed...*

Pregnant sex with Jake...*

Jake with his newborn...

The kids help take care of Jake when he's sick...

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Reader

Summary: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw is a simple man. Well, as simple as one can be while living a life of crime. The notorious outlaw of the western territories has never been interested in settling down and having a family, but will that all change when he meets a shy, new teacher who just moved into town?

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five (Coming Soon, On hold)

Bradley offers to teach the piano...

Birdie and Bradley spend Christmas together...

Penny and Mav talk about Bradley and Birdie...

Why Bradley has a Kidnapping charge…

Pairing: Robert "Bob" Floyd x reader

Summary: Bob Floyd had always been a good kid. So how did he manage to let his childhood friends rope him into living a life of crime? A member of the famous outlaw group, the Dagger Gang, Bob longs for a future where he can settle down and earn a respectable living. When he meets the new barmaid at the local tavern, that future doesn't seem so farfetched, but will her past catch up to her?

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three (Coming Soon, On hold)

Bob and Bunny spend Christmas together...

Penny and Mav talk about Bob and Bunny...

Bob and Bunny Bake...

Pairing: Javy "Coyote" Machado x Reader

Summary: Growing up in the untamed wilds of the west afforded you many opportunities that most women weren't allowed, namely that of choice and self sufficiency. One day, your father announces his intention to marry you off, and you take your chance to escape, moving south to try your luck at striking gold. You arrive in the town of Maverick, setting up shop, but soon learn that life on your own is tougher than you previously thought. You catch the eye of a handsome man, but you're determined to rely on your own skills. Only, you may end up needing his help after all...

Prologue

Chapter One (Coming Soon)

Why Javy has a Kidnapping charge…

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fnvminorcharacterpoll · 1 year ago

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FNV Minor Character Poll - GRUDGE MATCH - Old Man Melee

Left: No-Bark Noonan, resident eccentric of Novac. —"Ghosts. Commie ghosts what don't know they're dead. Hoping to steal our rockets so they can fly up and paint the moon pink and draw a Lenin face on it. I seen one of them disappear and reappear before my very eyes. Although being a scientist, I have to admit I might've just blinked for longer than usual, what with the shock of seeing a commie ghost and so forth."

No-Bark Noonan was the 3rd seed in the tournament overall on the B-side bracket. He beat Oscar Velasco, Jessup & McMurphy, Doctor Usanagi, and Calamity before being defeated by Beatrix Russell, the ultimate winner of the tournament, in the semifinals.

Right: Easy Pete, retired prospector residing in Goodsprings. —"Yup."

Easy Pete was the top seed in the tournament overall on the A-side bracket. He beat Santiago, Red Lucy, Old Ben, and Harland before being defeated by Keely, the ultimate runner-up of the tournament, in the semifinals.

[Bracket | Info & FAQs]

#fallout #fallout new vegas #fnv #easy pete #no-bark noonan #grudge match #old man melee

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yujeong · 4 months ago

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Time was at a standstill. Vegas was holding his breath without noticing, and continued to hold it when he did - he was afraid of what would happen if he exhaled loudly enough to draw attention to himself. His gaze was shifting between Pete and the man who was standing before them in the doorway, blocking their entrance. Vegas had never seen him before, but even so, he recognized Pete in him enough to know who he was. A dangerous aura surrounded him. There was an edge to his presence that Vegas would only come across people of certain circles. He was a fighter. A muay khao. Pete's father. Shame coursed through Vegas' body, smearing his skin, settling in his lungs, rendering him speechless. I thought he was dead, he wanted to tell Pete if he could. He wanted to scream at him, I thought you killed him. Pete was the one who broke the stillness. As if awakened by something, he took a half-step back and made a motion with his arms, almost raising them to his chest, but not quite. In an instant, Pete reverted into the pet Vegas had been keeping at the safehouse, bound by handcuffs and afraid of his belt hitting flesh and drawing blood. A lump formed in Vegas' throat. "Have you stopped practicing? Your form is off." The uncanny similarities between Pete and his father appearance-wise didn't mean a thing when it came to their voices. Vegas shivered. Was this what Pete would sound like in a few decades? (Were these the condescending words he'd choose to spew? Was Pete going to embody his father? Was Vegas embodying his?) "What are you doing here?" Pete whispered. "They let me out for a few days, so I came here to collect some money. Imagine my surprise when I found out my offspring left the job someone found him worthy enough of doing to... do what exactly? Yaai didn't want to tell me." He crossed his arms, waiting for an answer. Vegas didn't know what he was allowed to say. If he was allowed to say anything at all. "It's none of your business." "I'd say it very much is my business, as well as yaai's business who was dependent on the money you were making being some rich asshole's human shield." A choked sound scratched Vegas' throat. He didn't like getting reminded of Pete being the main family's bodyguard, even though he stopped being one mere months ago. Especially like this. That was the first time Pete's father stopped looking at his son and turned his head to look at Vegas. For a moment, there seemed to be recognition in his eyes. Did he know who Vegas was? Did he care? A snort came out of his mouth. He leaned on the door. "Oh, I see how it is." He laughed, scratched his neck. "I never expected you to whore yourself out for money. Tell me, is it preferable to the path I carved out for you?" Vegas could sense the disgust in his voice. He could also see it on Pete's face. He was too astonished to share it, but not enough to be unable to speak. "Khun, there has been some misunderstanding-" "Don't bother. I can recognize a faggot when I see one." Pete's movements were too fast for Vegas to stop him. A direct jab to the nose; his father fell like a pack of cards, groaning like a wounded animal. Surprisingly, no blood - Pete held back. Vegas didn't know what to think about that. "That was a pathetic attack, even for you." "Get up." "We're not in the ring, son." Pete growled. Vegas could see his hands trembling as he was keeping them in the air, maintaining an offensive stance. "That never stopped you before." "You were too young to understand what I was doing back then. What I was preparing you for." Pete was silent. "The world isn't kind. It'll fuck you over one way or another." He got up, spat on the ground. "You still haven't learned a thing. You're too old to afford being naive." He turned around, and without sparing a look at Pete again, said: "Now get the fuck out of my house." (For @musictooth, whose posts about Pete's father have reignited my passion for this specific concept and for @wretchedamaranth, whose comments on my writing are always lovely and precious ❤️)

#tw slur #vegaspete #pete saengtham #snippet #yu is writing #I started writing this today while waiting for my bus to arrive and wrote most of it on public transport <33 #(hopefully it doesn't show lol)#there's a lot of context missing here but basically: VP visit yaai and a wild father appears #I didn't have space to include her unfortunately but just imagine her in the background with a sad look on her face #which is mostly fixed on Vegas :))#for no reason at all :))#due to a certain someone who I won't name (😤) I mayyy turn this into a fic? Maybe?#because 1. I did have a similar idea a year or so ago but never did anything with it and 2. this concept NEEDS to be explored more come on #because in my mind Vegas and Pete can't go to yaai's house until/unless Pete's father leaves #all their stuff is in her house #and they only have Vegas' car with which they traveled there #and Bangkok is too far away to go back now in the middle of the night (yes this happens at night time)#so basically what I'm saying is: VP will spend their night in the car :)#I'm sure the combination of an agitated Pete and a tired Vegas who's also equating Pete with his father due to their external similarities #will be a delightful experience for them both #I'm vibrating out of my skin just thinking about it #can I promise I'll write it and put it out there? Hell no #can I still get excited by the prospect of it happening? Hell yes #sorry I'm rambling a little too much over here #I just haven't felt this good writing in MONTHS #thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it <3333

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tenebraevesper · 9 months ago

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Knuckles - The Epilogue

''Ohh, oh, oh, oh, ohh! Who's the hunter, who's the game? I feel the beat, call your name! I hold you close in victory! I don't wanna tame your animal style! You won't be caged in the call of the wild! Shootin' at the walls of heartache! Bang, bang! I am the warrior! Well, I am the warrior, and heart to heart you'll win! If you survive the warrior! The warrior! Shootin' at the walls of heartache! Bang, bang! I am the warrior! Well, I am the warrior, and heart to heart you'll win! If you survive the warrior! The warrior!''

– The Warrior by Scandal (Knuckles)

xXxXxXx

Knuckles the Echidna held his head up high proudly as he was driving his newly acquired motorcycle on the road back to Green Hills. He briefly reached for the brown fedora with a black band and three gold stars in red with gold lining circles at the front of the band to flick it up, nodding his head along with the song that was playing on Wade Whipple's smartphone, The Warrior by Scandal. He had already decided that this song was his jam and was more than happy to let Wade play it on loop as they were driving back home.

Wade in turn, was keeping a tight grip on his new bowling trophy, cheering and singing to the song. Not only did he prove his worth by beating his father who had abandoned him at TJ Maxx, Pistol Pete Whipple, at the Bowling Tournament in Reno, Nevada, but also aiding Knuckles in defeating that old crazy man, The Buyer, or whoever he was, who had allied himself with the two rogue G.U.N. Agents to steal Knuckles' power. He truly became a warrior in his own right.

''Finally, we are back at home! I shall ask Maddie to prepare a feast in celebration of our victory and regale my tribe with the tales of our adventure,'' Knuckles said joyfully.

''I'm sure they'll be excited to hear what had happened!'' Wade shouted enthusiastically, having to admit that he was also quite excited to brag to Tom and Maddie about his accomplishment. Both of them were certain that they would be welcomed at Green Hills with open arms.

xXx

''I got it, I got it!'' Tails managed to catch the baseball Sonic had thrown, with the two playing catch in the backyard. He flew up, about to throw it back at Sonic, when both of them heard the sound of an engine and Tails saw who had just arrived. ''It's Knuckles! Knuckles is back!''

''What?'' Sonic was surprised, with Tails beckoning the blue hedgehog to follow him to the front driveway. Both of them were stunned to see the echidna riding on a motorcycle with Wade sitting behind him and holding a trophy. Sonic and Tails were happy to see the person who was basically their older brother at this point, with Sonic elbowing Tails, a wide smile on his expression. ''See? I told you he'd be fine! I guess Knuckles just needed… eh, a motorcycle and a hat?''

''I guess he was on some kind of road trip with Wade,'' Tails said, drawing conclusion from what he saw.

To be honest, neither of them had a clue where Knuckles had vanished to and they did search for him after realizing that he wasn't anymore at the attic, but Sonic was confident that Knuckles would be just fine. Tails was a bit worried about Knuckles, but he had to agree with Sonic that their older brother had been through worse and that he would be back eventually. They both concluded that he had probably gone on some kind of quest worthy of a warrior and they were curious what it was about.

''Knuckles, where were you?'' Sonic asked as Knuckles and Wade got off the motorcycle. ''Also, what's up with the hat and the motorcycle? Have you decided to join the Hells Angels?''

''I don't know any of these Angels that live in Hell, and no, I didn't join them. Instead, I had decided to take up the task of training Wade Whipple into becoming a proper warrior and defeat his greatest enemy on the battleground of Reno, Nevada,'' Knuckles replied, turning to Wade.

''Well, I don't want to brag too much…'' Wade started, only to show Sonic and Tails the trophy he had, ''…but I completely destroyed my old man in the bowling tournament! Ha! My dad never saw it coming! You should've seen me!''

''You have earned your title as a warrior. Your journey is complete,'' Knuckles said. Wade gave him a sincere smile.

''I wouldn't have managed to get so far without you Knuckles. Thank you,'' he replied. Knuckles tipped his head and nodded in acknowledgement, then turned towards Sonic.

''I also owe a 'Thank you' to you, Hedgehog. Your speech may have been confusing and your methods have not suited my ways, but you were right. Green Hills… No, Earth is now my home,'' Knuckles told him, with Sonic chuckling, being quite happy to hear that. He placed a hand on Knuckles' shoulder, giving him a wide smile.

''I knew you'd come around eventually. Your place is here, with us, and all it took was a road trip to Nevada to realize that. As a matter of fact, I also had to go on a road trip to realize that I wanted to stay on Earth instead of going to Mushroom Planet,'' Sonic said. Knuckles hummed in thought.

''You never told me that. Perhaps, going on a road trip is necessary ritual to accept Earth as your home.'' Knuckles then turned to Tails. ''Then, you are the next one to experience a road trip, Fox.''

''N-No, thanks… I've already been on a road trip with Sonic in Siberia. I don't think I need another one,'' Tails replied.

The group was about to go inside the house, when they suddenly heard loud steps coming from inside and saw Maddie approaching them. Sonic and Tails' eyes widened, as they realized that they kind of forgot about the aftermath of Knuckles' sudden disappearance. To say that the matriarch of the Wachowski family was furious was an understatement. It all started when Maddie went upstairs to deliver Knuckles the plate with his dinner, only to find out that the echidna was completely gone. Then, all Hell broke loose.

''Sonic, Tails? Where is Knuckles? Have you seen him?'' Maddie asked, her expression the epitome of serenity, but her eyes blazing with motherly rage. Sonic and Tails looked at each other nervously, having been playing video games in the living room.

''Uh, no? We've been here the whole day,'' Sonic replied. Maddie narrowed her eyes, with Sonic offering an anxious smile.

''Are you sure? You haven't heard anything or seen anything…?'' she asked again, with Sonic knowing that look. He knew that, if Maddie ever caught them lying about Knuckles' whereabouts, they were doomed. She may have been their motherly figure, but Sonic felt that he'd rather go against a Dr. Eggman powered up with the Master Emerald again than deal with a furious Maddie.

''No, we didn't hear nor see anything. We would've seen Knuckles if he tried to get past us,'' Sonic replied.

''Maybe he escaped through the window?'' Tails suggested. Maddie sighed in frustration, grabbing her smartphone.

''I don't know, but he'll be in so much trouble when he gets home,'' she said, walking into the next room and calling Tom, followed by Wade, followed by every person she knew in Green Hills about Knuckles' whereabouts. Meanwhile, Tails turned back to Sonic with a worried look on his expression.

''Do you think that I should've used one of my holograms to pretend that Knuckles was still here?'' he asked.

''No, because if you did that, we'd be in huge trouble and trust me, you don't want to experience what happens when Maddie gets angry. We just have pretend that we didn't know that Knuckles went missing until now, and we'll be fine,'' Sonic assured him.

''Okay, but what about Knuckles? What if he's in danger? We should go search for him,'' Tails replied.

''You said it yourself, Knuckles is the greatest warrior in the galaxy, so I wouldn't worry about him getting into trouble. He probably had gone to do some soul-searching and will be back in no time,'' Sonic said in a confident tone. Tails went silent for a moment, then gave Sonic a look of concern, his eyes wide.

''Do you think that Knuckles may have decided that he doesn't want to stay here anymore, at Green Hills? With us?'' he asked. Sonic shook his head.

''Absolutely not! You know that Knuckles considers us his tribe and he wouldn't go back on his promise. We made a power bump and we're brothers at this point. He will return, I'm sure,'' Sonic said, with Tails nodding in acknowledgement. ''Besides, the Master Emerald is still hidden in our roon, and we both know he wouldn't go anywhere without it.''

Tails chuckled. ''Yeah, you're right about that.''

Back in the present moment, neither Tails nor Sonic felt like laughing when they saw a furious Maddie stomping over to Knuckles and Wade. Knuckles and Wade's proud grins immediately faded away when they realized that she wasn't as overjoyed to see them as they thought she would be. Maddie inhaled deeply, glaring daggers at both of them.

''Knuckles, where have you been? Do you know how worried I was?'' she asked.

''I was merely on a quest with Wade,'' Knuckles said, sensing the tension in the air. As for Wade, he realized that both he and Knuckles were in deep trouble, even though he technically didn't do anything to piss off Maddie. He was startled when she suddenly turned to him.

''Also, why haven't you called me and told me that Knuckles was with you the whole time?! I've been searching the whole town for him!'' she said furiously.

''Maddie, look… I think you should just calm down and let us explain…'' Wade said, slowly stepping back. Even if he was a warrior now, he knew how to pick his battles. Throwing bowling balls at a guy in a robot mecha while powered up with Knuckles' quills was nothing compared to an angry Maddie.

Maddie pinched the bridge of her nose and exhaled. ''Fine, but you-'' she pointed at Knuckles ''-are still grounded. How long you'll be grounded depends on your reasons for leaving.''

''I will accept my grounding with honor,'' Knuckles responded, also being well aware that there were some battles he simply couldn't fight, no matter how much he wanted to. He also figured that he wouldn't be punished for leaving once Maddie hears and understands his reasons. The group then walked into the house, with Sonic giving Knuckles an amused smile.

''I guess thinks can't get worse now, do they?'' he said.

''Don't worry, Hedgehog, I'm confident that I will be able to defend my case,'' Knuckles replied.

''Heh, we'll see about that,'' Tails said.

xXx

Unknown to Sonic, Tails and Knuckles, the situation actually got worse. Sort of. Of course, they believed that Dr. Eggman was gone and that G.U.N. wouldn't be bothering them again, and there were certainly no new adversaries attacking Green Hills, but the reason for that was because their new foe was miles away from Montana.

Nobody really payed any attention to the black and red hedgehog walking through a casino in Reno, figuring that he was just some kind of mascot or a guy in a costume. The hedgehog, in turn, was content with the lack of attention, solely focused on his own task. He paused for a moment, closing his eyes and focusing on the strange sensation that he felt, turning on his heel and walking towards the source of this sensation. He had already made the mistake to not follow his senses and instead focused on his memories, only to end up at a familiar bowling alley. Scoffing, he returned back to the other part of the building, being guided by this sensation.

He then stopped in front of a glass case, which displayed a bunch of trophies and photographs of previous winners of the bowling tournament, along with a green diamond-shaped gem inside it. He smirked, and his body became enveloped in orange sparking energy. The glass suddenly shattered as he punched through it, grabbing the green jewel.

''It all starts with this… A jewel containing the ultimate power…'' Shadow the Hedgehog stated, lifting the green Chaos Emerald up. His ears flicked when he heard people shouting, with the security guards arriving at the scene.

''What are you doing?! You can't just break the glass and steal-'' Before the security guard could even finish his sentence, Shadow furrowed a brow, shooting him a glare. He then held out the Chaos Emerald. ''There's no time for games… Farewell! Chaos Control!''

The security guard was left baffled when the hedgehog suddenly vanished into thin air. He then shook his head, deciding that he wasn't payed enough for this weirdness.

xXx

High above on a cliff overlooking Green Hills, there was a flash of light, revealing a small figure appearing seemingly out of nowhere. The figure narrowed his golden eyes, his body enveloped in cyan sparking energy.

''I hope that I'm in the right time. I can't let the future get destroyed!'' Silver the Hedgehog stated. ''I need to find that person, the wielder of the Flames of Destruction!''

He then flew up, his body covered in cyan energy, and flew towards where he believed his foe waited, determined to make sure that the future wouldn't turn into a desolate wasteland covered in flames and ashes.

Links:

#Current Chapter

#Sonic Cyber Revolution (Masterlist)

#Knuckles - The Epilogue #Sonic Cyber Revolution Analyzer #knuckles the echidna #sonic the hedgehog #miles tails prower #wade whipple #maddie wachowski #shadow the hedgehog #silver the hedgehog #knuckles show #knuckles series

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welcome-to-epilogue · 6 months ago

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Is the pete butcher shop thing canon? Youre the second person ive seen draw him with his dad having a shop

I don't know if others used the same context clues I used or not (probably), but I got it from Pete having access to pig intestines for Josh's zombie costume and the Epilogue when they talked about their old adventures and it briefly mentioned Pete's horror movie, "Zombie Salumeria," with real knives and blood. You can derive whatever information from that, but to me it made me think either he knew somebody who owned a shop, or his dad owned it, and that's where he worked when he "ended up working for his old man"

#ask

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rosielovesspence · 1 year ago

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I think your requests are open. Sorry if I missed something saying they were closed. But I just finished twdg season 2, and I'm in shambles. I love Luke and definitely looked to him as a big brother figure that I never had. I was hoping we could get a fic or headcanons about him sort of in Lee's place? Like he finds a young kid and takes them in for a while. Yeah, hopefully that makes sense.

Pookie my requests are never closed 🎀 I love him sm, he'd so be a girl dad tbh

🎀 Luke was genuinely terrified when he found you, I mean this random apocalypse starts and you're in the woods.

🎀 He's horrified by the thought of having to kill a kid, and luckily you prove you're not infected and he doesn't have to

🎀 Luke doesn't even have the time to worry about if he can care for you or not before he's got you piggyback carrying you back to the house

🎀 Everyone else is fond of you, but since Luke found you they make you fully his responsibility

🎀Everyone else will kindly offer you things but Luke is much more insistent, whereas Pete would ask "Are you hungry?" Luke is already handing you a sandwich saying, "Eat. You're hungry."

🎀He may seem strict at times but truly he's just panicked about making sure you're safe, he make have small panic streaks and yell if you go somewhere by yourself but he's trying

🎀 If you're on your best behavior though, so is he, carrying you piggyback around the house or letting you do normal kid stuff and paint his nails (the nail polish is probably expired but you have fun so he doesn't care)

🎀 Teaching you how to shoot and stab was another challenge, he didn't want you to have to fight anything but having to teach you things was crazy.

🎀 The hardest part of having you is finding you clothes while you're so small and young. Most of the time he has to find XL clothes and have Carlos use his needle work to crop and shrink them to be your size.

🎀Finding you young was quite an experience when he had to go on field missions and came back with crayons and paper instead of ammo

🎀 Once you became older it's much easier, you're much more mature and attentive but with Luke around you're definitely less mature than the average kid your age

🎀 Eventually when Luke finds Clem you confused her. Since she was raised to immediately meet the scary world, your innocence and joking manner scares her, it's only cause you've been raised getting a kiss on the cheek and hug before bed by Luke

🎀 Everyone can tell you're the most important thing to him, putting himself in danger constantly to protect you, showing you off to the others anytime you do anything good

"Woah! Pete, look, look! Y/n did these!" Luke would hold up a target paper, showing you hit the bullseye and then in the other hand a photo you drew of him and you. "Wow Luke, they've got a good shot, but you've shown me that drawing already, they drew it when they were six." Luke chuckled, "I know but it's just so cute."

🎀 I'm mentioned it before but piggyback rides are an everyday thing with this man.

"Whatcha doing?" Luke walked up behind you on the couch as you played on a small game console you found. "I found this old thing! It's got Zelda on it!" You told him excitedly before shrieking as he picked you up off the couch, sitting your legs on his shoulders and holding you up there. "Put me down!" You yell out while giggling. So he semi drops you so your arms are around his neck. "Much better." He walks you around the house, holding your legs up with his arms as you laughed.

#luketwdgfluff #luke twdg x reader #luke twdg #luketwdgplatonic

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cazzyf1 · 11 hours ago

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Quotes from the book: One Glorious Hour, the Mike Hawthorn Story - to convince you to read it

When Pete told him he was marrying Louise, Mike was highly peeved. "What do you have to go and do that for, you stupid clot?" he said. "Do you realise I'd have married you if you'd been a woman?" He then adopted Oliver Hardy's stoic look, with a slow deprecatory shake of the head, at which Pete became a mournful Stan Laurel. This prompted Mike to grab him by the throat and strangle him horribly, leaving Pete in a heap on the floor, gurgling and giggling

Stirling Moss, wearing a white helmet, grinned at Mike whose response was to give him a vulgar two-fingered gesture. Stirling grinned even more, gave him two fingers in return and pulled away.

Mike paused in the doorway as he caught sight of Stuart Lewis-Evans falling victim to a plastic jar of water perched over his bedroom door. It was followed by a huge belly laugh from Harry Schell, the perpetrator. And then Mike watched Stuart get his revenge on Harry with itching powder bought from Alf's Joke Shop back home in Luton. Mike felt he had to join in, despite the girl waiting in his room. It developed into the kind of alcohol fuelled rowdiness that always ends in something dramatic - and so it proved with Mike dumping a bucket of water over Stuart's head. It was only then that he went back to the bedroom to placate the girl. Stuart and Harry waited until Mike was in bed and then, suppressing their giggles, pulled a fire hose the length of the corridor, stopping outside Mike's bedroom. With a pass key 'borrowed' from hotel reception, they carefully unlocked the door and leapt in, aiming the hose and letting fly. The girl's screams and Mike's shout woke up Stirling in the next room, at which he sighed, turned over and tried to get back to sleep.

In the meantime Stuart had walked into the bar and joined Mike's gang. He did not know the verses, but could sing the refrain. When the song ended, Mike put an arm round his shoulder, then gripped him, drawing him in close. "Glad you could make it my little friend." From somewhere behind him he whipped out a hose pipe that was connected to the tap in the bar. "Regarding that bedwetting in Reims old mate, I'm returning the favour." With that he wound the hose pipe round Stuart's waist and stuck the nozzle down his trousers. Mike gave a signal to Duncan who had moved behind the bar near to the tap. Mike gave it a quick short burst. Stuart yelled out. Everybody laughed. The bar was in an uproar. "You've pissed yourself you dirty little man!" shouted Mike. "You bastards," said Stuart, clutching his groin. "That deserves a drink!" "Yeah, here's the second." Another quick burst, Stuart yelling. The gathering shaking with mirth. "Oh dear look at the state of you. Let me wash it off," Mike roared.

"You're being stupid Mike. We want to help. Duncan says..." "Pete" Mike suddenly became angry. "I know what I'm doing. And I'm not stupid!" He jabbed a finger towards Pete. "I want to win this thing! What's the point, there's only five races left! I've been through all this with the consultant and then I get Duncan, I get my mother and now there's you. Then there'll be Louise!" He threw up his arms. "For fuck's sake I'm just sick of it! I'm fine so just-why don't you all just leave me alone and do what you have to do instead of always..." He broke off because there was no point. Pete had gone.

"And what will that do Pete?" Louise looked at him in all innocence. "With any luck he'll blow up. His engine I mean." "But - why?" Pete stood up and gave her a hug. "Sweetie, if Stirling drops out...?" He ised her eyebrows at her leaving the rest implied. "Get it?" "Oh you mean that would give Mike a better chance?" "That's it. You are gorgeous. You know that?" He kissed her. She leaned back from the kiss. "But what if your engine blows up doing it?" "Tough." "Have you told Mike?" Pete hesitated and she knew he had. "Yes," he said. "He said he wanted to win In his own. Well, he would, wouldn't he?" "Did he say anything else?" "No He tried to strangle me." "That's good," Louise said with a smile. "That's the old Mike."

"So you see mate, I'm as pissed off as you are," said Pete. "What for?" "Because I beat you." "So what?" Mike was still Oliver Hardy, speaking slowly and pedantically, "Pete, I came second. I only lost one point from being the winner. I am now seven points clear of Stirling, so why should you be sorry? And you got eight points." "I know but..." "I moved up seven points, Stirling didn't win any points." "I know that but..." "Simple arithmetic. We both won! Now stop being a sentimental bugger Grrr!" Mike put both hands around Pete's throat and strangled him

Further adding to her pleasure was having seen Mike strangle the giggling Pete. He had not shown the slightest trace of jealousy or resentment towards him. Considering how much winning the world championship meant to him it spoke volumes about Mike's magnanimity. She recalled a remark that he had made to Pete, something that proved their friendship had real depth: "You're a bloody oaf. But if you'd been a woman I'd have married you."

Grimacing, he set off down the corridor and was met by Taffy on his way to bed. He stopped at the pain etched into Mike's face and expressed his concern. A descendant of a well-known aristocratic German family, he listened to Mike telling him that he had a gallstone problem. Taffy, understanding why Mike was anxious to keep it a secret, politely interrupted him to say that he would immediately telephone his cousin, a doctor who lived 20 miles from the circuit. The upshot was that Taffy drove a 40 mile return journey to return with a powerful brand of pain killing tablets and with the instruction that Mike took one that night but under no circumstances must he take any before the race. Mike was moved by Taffy's generosity. It was yet another debt with which he was landed. The patient had not liked 'Krauts' until now. Mike was one of the generation who had lived through the years of the Nazi domination of Europe and believed, as many did, that all Germans were responsible. He had now changed his mind and warmly embraced Taffy.

Louise was wide awake and dressed, sitting in front of the mirror and brushing her hair when he knocked at the door. "How's the Golden Boy?" she asked with a smile. "He's great mon ami "matess". How are you?" He gave her a kiss. "I'm terrific. Going to be a nice day. Sunshine all the way." He went to the bed and tapped the sleeping Pete on the shoulder. "Waker wakey matey!" "Bugger off," Pete murmured. Mike pulled back the sheet that covered his shoulders. "Out," he commanded. Another moan from Pete. Louise went to stand the other side of the bed from Mike. "One-two-three!" she ordered. Together they ripped back the bedclothes. "You rotters" Pete opened his eyes, crawled slowly out of bed and then wandered to collect his dressing gown from the back of a chair

Mike was there relaxing in an armchair when, just after 12.30pm, there came a shout from the staircase and soon afterwards Pete burst into the room holding the result of his labours, a completed wooden circle. Cackling, he held it up for all to see. There was a chorus of cheering from the assembled drivers. "Bloody genius," said Stirling, glancing up from an old copy of Reader's Digest. "Give the man a medal," said Harry. "Too right," said Pete. "Do you lot realise just how bloody difficult this is?" "A kid could do it," said Stuart, grinning. "What!" Pete looked offended. "I will give you my next one. I will bet you five pounds that you don't do it in two hours. Done?" "No," Stuart said. "I hate puzzles."

Amid the general laughter, Mike grinned, stood up and hugged him. "You're the winner," he said, then grabbed the puzzle and tossed it to Louise. "Eh! Don't you dare!" Pete levelled a threatening finger at Louise. She pretended to snap it open. "Don't-!" It helped pass the time.

He had tears in his eyes and his voice broke. "I miss him Louise, then suddenly, 'I'm sorry..." "No, don't be" Louise nodded, biting her lip. She came to him and raised her arms to embrace him. "What was it you said - "If you were a woman I'd have married you"?" "Yeah." "That would have been an interesting threesome?" Mike grinned. "Yeah, it would."

She ended with: "True love is true friendship. It can mean self sacrifice. Mike was the world motor racing champion but as a true, loving friend, one who would repay any debt, he was an even greater champion."

#a great book to read to learn about mike if you don't like non fiction #it really tugs at your heart #classic f1 #f1 #formula one #formula 1 #vintage f1 #mike hawthorn

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padfootscoldleathers · 4 months ago

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i'll leave (a light on) ch.2

ch.1, ch.2, ch.3, ch.4, ch.5

Minnie watches them all pack in and file out before picking Sirius from the pack. "There's someone waiting for you on the bus."

He scrunches his brows together, "Is it our lawyer again? I swear it wasn't me this time and if it was I plead the fifth." Minnie stops them with a hand on his shoulder.

"You are a citizen of the United Kingdom," she says, squinting.

"A citizen in the United States of America, so I will be using their laws and I plead the fifth and will now be taking a vow of silence," he replies smoothly and continues walking out the building. Peter stops walking and waits for her to catch up.

"Minnie," Pete whispers, "Want to make a bet?"

McGonagall checks him top to bottom, "Let me hear it."

"We'll take guesses of how long it'll take for him to crack. Whoever's closer, timewise, wins. I say 20 minutes." Pete explains while they trail after Sirius and they both start a stopwatch.

"Six. What exactly are we betting?"

"I want to see what's in the locked box you keep in the drawer under the couch in the tour bus." Peter says it like he knows something or the curiosity has been eating at him. He shrugs, "I'll also take one item if it interests me."

Minerva's heels echo mutely on the concrete as they exit the building. She hums in agreement, "And when I win?" He thinks for a moment but draws a blank, "Anything you like, Minnie."

"A blank check is a dangerous game, Mister Pettigrew."

"Yeah, but it's you, what's the worst that can happen? I like to live on the edge a little and you wouldn't do wrong by me, would you, Minnie?"

"Nothing's concrete. You have yourself a deal." They shake hands and make their way outside to see Kingsley driving in ahead of them with the bus. They load in and not a moment later do they hear Sirius' surprised gasp. Then he starts rambling like a madman, making absolutely no sense but tangibly excited. Peter hears the strangled mutter of "I missed you too" before he realises he's already lost. He slowly turns his head to see Minnie holding up her phone stopped at 5:32. "I suppose I overestimated slightly. You won't be getting inside that box but you do owe me. I know you're a man of your word and if not... I'll call your mamá." Peter eyed her slowly head to heels and back, "You would, wouldn't you?That's low, Minnie." She grins like a cheshire and walks past him, heels clicking, "It's deliciously clever."

"Mm, I'm sure. Deliciously deceiving," he utters under his breath once she's gone. He makes his way over to where Sirius is wrapped tightly and rocking in place with an old friend. Peter smiles slow and fervently and trudges over as Sirius reluctantly lets go. He wraps his arms around her and hooks his chin over her shoulder, "It's lovely to see you, Marianne." Mary hugs him fondly, "I know." He knocks his head into hers and she snickers, "Alright, alright, lovely seeing you, dushi."

He pulls back and narrows his eyes at her suspiciously, "You're here early." Peter steps back completely to inspect her, eyes her head to toe. Then he paces around her, lifting her hair, arms, kicking in the backs of her knees and ducks when she tries to flick him for it. "Ay yai yai, calm down, I'm just checking your mobility. Meds, supplements?" he asks while he holds her face in both hands and turns it both ways.

"Yes and yes, every morning." He tugs on her ears, checks her temperature with the back of his hand before nodding in approval.

"How's the stump?" Peter asks, smirking.

"You know I don't like calling him that," she utters unimpressed.

"Why didn't you choose Hephaestus, again?" Mary rolls her sparkling brown eyes at him.

"Because the accident was a Hiccup in my life. Also 'half Hephaestus' doesn't sound cool; too many syllables." Peter grins at her with a small kick to her bionic leg.

"Hey, you break it, you buy it." Sirius breaks out laughing behind her.

"You're laughing but he cost me several months rent." Marlene walks in freshly drunk behind them and giggles, "A limb more like." That gets Dorcas snickering. Mary slowly raises her right brow and says, "That joke was dropped off a cliff and died harder than Fili in the Hobbit." A mourning silence fills the room and Marls's voice cracks as she mutters, "Ouch. I respect it, message received but... Damn."

Mary throws her arms around Dorcas and Marlene and fully kisses both their cheeks. "Marls, you’ve got to understand I hear that joke all the time, it's annoying now. It's like when people call you an oreo 'cause you have vitiligo or tell you to go back in the blender."

"That's more in line with bullying though. Do you feel like we're bullying you?" Cas asks with an arm snaked around Marlene's waist.

"I don't, but it gets irritating."

"I bully her," Peter cuts in. "Every day." He shakes his head like it's nothing. "It's my job as her brother." He pinches her cheeks from behind and like his abuela does to them sometimes. "Isn't that right, sugarplum." Mary's eyes are unimpressed in contrast.

"¿Sabes qué, Chiquito?" She utters as she turns around and tries to grab at him, but Peter ducks and runs off to the bunks at the back of the bus in a fit of giggles. Although not before stealing a bottle of tequila from Marlene, who then chases after him, on the way. Dorcas then backs out of the lounge to 'save Minnie from a murder charge'.

Mary drops herself on the sofa and her eye twitches for a bit, then she sighs out as much of the air in her lungs as she can. She makes eye contact with Sirius and she can tell he knows. They've been friends for more than half their lives and he knows her on so many vulnerable levels. Sirius could always tell when Mary was loathing herself. Perhaps because it was so familiar to him, by guilt or by force. She thinks it's because when the quiet rolls in, she drifts away, that it's visible. Still, she hopes that if she drifts far enough, she won't even have to pretend her problems aren't happening. Dreams to be so far that their anxieties won't exist to her.

She sits there staring at him and gradually her eyes haze until she doesn’t really see anymore. Sirius pulls her in and Mary lays her forehead to the side of his neck as he rubs circles into her back. Sirius sings softly into her hair but Mary only gets the melody. It's soothing nonetheless. Something about being with her best friend is making all the shit she's going through finally sink in. It all crashes into her like pain after an adrenaline high and in all honesty – it just really has her feeling like a pile of shit.

Moments pass and the present feels like eternity and yet as if no time has passed at all. Time is measured between speed bumps and red lights while she wonders if this is what it feels like to be losing your mind. She doesn't get to think about it before she falls asleep. Lullabies will have that effect.

Sirius sits up and unrolls the sleeve down her prosthetic, gently removes the leg and puts it to charge. He scoops her up and walks her over to the bunks trying his best not to stumble as the bus turns a corner. He shifts her onto one of the beds but when he tries to pull the blanket over her finds Mary's hands clutching his sweater in a fist.

Peter and the girls drag out an 'awe' from the bunk across and he has to shush them. Sirius watches Mary’s face glisten with sweat for the single second it takes him to decide to climb in. He curls an arm around her head and strokes her hair as she tries to bury herself between his ribs. Mary gradually calms and Sirius wonders what the hell Lily Evans had done this time and what hair stylist she'd moved to.

thank you for reading but first mary macdonald. this is only here 'cause it's her birthday EVERYBODY SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY

@moonyswarmsweaters @sspadfoot @thingthatoncewastruee @probs-reading @cheekyboybeth

@starving-marauder-lover @yourlocalbadgerscales @taleofapart-timepoet @mirrs-ball @tea-blankets-andstars

@where-is-vivian @amberlink @wastingawayinmyroom @ashes-to-ashesxx @percabeth-trash

@equippedtolove @moon-girl88 @jamespotterbbg @drunktayloratthevmas @labyrinthhofmymind

@s0ggyguts @nyx-taylors-version @will-vs-the-homo-sapiens-adgenda @siriusly-insane

#dead gay wizards #marauders era #marauders fic #peter pettigrew #dorlene #sirius & mary #sirius black #i'll leave (a light on)#mary & peter #sirius & peter

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